2016 Jeep Cherokee Problems, Complaints & Recalls
- Compared with other Cherokee years
- Far more complaints than other years 4th of 19 for complaints
- Safety recalls
- 9 recalls: check your VIN
- NHTSA crash rating
- 4 out of 5 stars
Owners have filed 1,410 complaints with NHTSA about the 2016 Jeep Cherokee. That ranks 4th out of 19 Cherokee model years for complaints. The most reported problem area is power train (633 complaints, 45%), typically at around 48,157 miles. Complaints mention 37 crashes, 15 fires, 27 injuries. There are 9 safety recalls covering this model year. NHTSA has opened 2 defect investigations involving it.
- 1,410owner complaints
- 9safety recalls
- 2NHTSA investigations
- 37complaints mentioning a crash
Complaints are unverified owner reports and are not adjusted for sales volume.
Most common 2016 Jeep Cherokee problems
Complaints grouped by the part of the car owners reported, with the median mileage when the problem happened.
| Problem area | Complaints | Share | Median miles | Owners mention most | Typical repair cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Power Train problems | 633 | 45% | 48,157 | “service shifter” (19%) | $3,650 |
| Engine problems | 314 | 22% | 41,000 | “put park” (9%) | — |
| Unknown or Other | 313 | 22% | 45,000 | — | — |
| Electrical System problems | 297 | 21% | 43,000 | “service shifter” (31%) | — |
| Service Brakes problems | 92 | 7% | 41,000 | “parking brake” (28%) | — |
| Vehicle Speed Control problems | 76 | 5% | 34,621 | “cruise control” (20%) | — |
| Steering problems | 53 | 4% | 49,000 | “put park” (11%) | — |
| Fuel/propulsion System | 43 | 3% | 35,000 | — | — |
| Structure | 33 | 2% | 40,000 | — | — |
| Air Bags | 31 | 2% | 42,000 | — | — |
| Electronic Stability Control (esc) | 30 | 2% | 32,000 | — | — |
| Forward Collision Avoidance | 29 | 2% | 43,492 | — | — |
| Suspension | 21 | 1% | 39,000 | — | — |
| Exterior Lighting | 20 | 1% | 1,000 | — | — |
| Wheels | 17 | 1% | 37,800 | — | — |
| Visibility/wiper | 11 | 1% | 36,000 | — | — |
| Parking Brake | 10 | 1% | 57,000 | — | — |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 6 | 0% | 61,500 | — | — |
| Seats | 5 | 0% | 20,000 | — | — |
| Seat Belts | 3 | 0% | 44,000 | — | — |
| Equipment | 2 | 0% | 7,000 | — | — |
| Firerelated | 2 | 0% | 104,500 | — | — |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 2 | 0% | 76,704 | — | — |
| Tires | 2 | 0% | 24,000 | — | — |
| Visibility | 2 | 0% | 59,500 | — | — |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 1 | 0% | — | — | — |
| Lane Departure | 1 | 0% | — | — | — |
| Latches/locks/linkages | 1 | 0% | 50,000 | — | — |
| Trailer Hitches | 1 | 0% | 30,000 | — | — |
One complaint can list several problem areas, so shares can add up to more than 100%.
Complaints by year received
2016 Jeep Cherokee recalls (9)
Tap a recall to see the problem, the risk and the fix.
Structure:body:hatchback/liftgate; electrical system:wiring: rear compartment/trunkPark outside
Problem: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Jeep Cherokee vehicles equipped with a power liftgate. An electrical short in the power liftgate module may lead to a vehicle fire with the ignition on or off.
Risk: A fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
Fix: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will relocate the power liftgate module and add a water shield. In addition, dealers will inspect for corrosion and replace the module and electrical connectors, if necessary. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner letters were mailed March 1, 2024. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 49A. This recall supersedes recalls 15V-393 and 15V-826. Vehicles repaired under the prior recalls will still need to have the new remedy performed.
Power train:automatic transmission
Problem: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Jeep Cherokee vehicles. The power transfer unit (PTU) may become damaged and disengage the transmission and differential, resulting in a loss of drive power or loss of park function.
Risk: A loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash. A loss of park function can cause an unintended vehicle rollaway which can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
Fix: FCA US LLC will notify owners, and dealers will perform a software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 11, 2023. Owners may contact FCA USA LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is 45A. This recall expands previous recall number 20V-343.
Power train:driveline:differential unit; power train:automatic transmission
Problem: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2017 Jeep Cherokee vehicles equipped with a two-speed Power Transfer Unit (PTU). Relative movement in the Power Transfer Unit (PTU) between the differential input splines and the transmission output shaft may cause some input spline teeth to wear off, which may eventually cause a loss of engagement between the transmission and the differential inside the PTU. If this occurs, power cannot be transferred between the front wheels and the transmission which results in a loss of drive while the vehicle is in motion and a loss of the Park function while stationary.
Risk: A loss of drive can cause a vehicle crash without prior warning. A loss of the Park function can cause unintended vehicle rollaway which can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
Fix: FCA US LLC will notify owners, and dealers will perform a software update that will maintain vehicle propulsion by engaging rear wheel drive and prevent rolling in Park by activating the electronic parking brake if a failed input spline occurs. This recall began July 14, 2020. Owners may contact FCA USA LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is W47.
Electrical system:software; vehicle speed control:cruise control; electrical system:wiring
Problem: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Dodge Journey, Charger and Durango, RAM 2500, 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis (more than 10,000lb), 4500 Cab Chassis and 5500 Cab Chassis, Jeep Cherokee and Grand Cherokee and Chrysler 300, 2014-2019 RAM 1500, 2015-2018 Dodge Challenger, 2015-2017 Chrysler 200, 2016-2018 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis (less than 10,000 lb), 2017-2018 Chrysler Pacifica and 2018 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. These vehicles are being recalled to address a defect that could prevent the cruise control system from disengaging. If, when using cruise control, there is a short circuit within the vehicle's wiring, the driver may not be able to shut off the cruise control either by depressing the brake pedal or manually turning the system off once it has been engaged, resulting in either the vehicle maintaining its current speed or possibly accelerating.
Risk: If the vehicle maintains its speed or accelerates despite attempts to deactivate the cruise control, there would be an increased risk of a crash.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the software, and perform a software flash on the engine or powertrain control module, free of charge. The recall began June 4, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Note: Owners are advised to stop using cruise control until the software update has been performed. In the event that cruise control cannot be disengaged while driving, owners should firmly and steadily apply the brakes and shift the transmission to neutral, placing the vehicle in park once it has stopped.
Equipment
Problem: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling various Dodge, Chrysler, and RAM vehicles equipped with Kidde Plastic-Handle or Push Button 'Pindicator' Fire Extinguishers. A list of the affected trailer models is available at: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17V824-0103.pdf. These extinguishers may become clogged, preventing the extinguisher from discharging as expected or requiring excessive force to activate the extinguisher. Additionally, in certain models, the nozzle may detach from the valve assembly with enough force that it could cause injury and also render the product inoperable. For a full list of the affected fire extinguisher models visit: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17E062-5427.pdf
Risk: If the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury in the event of a fire.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners instructing them to contact Kidde for a replacement fire extinguisher, free of charge. The recall began February 14, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403 or Kidde customer service service toll-free at 1-855-262-3540, or online at www.kidde.com and click on "Product Safety Recall" for more information. Chrysler's number for this recall is T82.
Seats:mid/rear assembly
Problem: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2014-2016 Jeep Cherokee vehicles manufactured July 29, 2013, to February 5, 2016. The seat fasteners on the first or second row seats may not have been tightened to the proper torque specification.
Risk: Loose fasteners may allow the seats to move, increasing the risk of injury to the seat occupants in the event of a crash.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the seats or seat sets, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during September 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall S63.
Power train:axle assembly:axle shaft
Problem: Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2016 Jeep Cherokee vehicles manufactured October 3, 2015, to March 22, 2016. The right halfshaft may have been incorrectly manufactured causing it to fracture without warning.
Risk: A fractured halfshaft may disconnect from the drive axle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the right halfshaft, free of charge. The recall began on June 30, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler's customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's recall number is S39.
Power train:axle assembly:axle shaft
Problem: Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2016 Jeep Cherokee vehicles manufactured September 30, 2015, to October 2, 2015. The left halfshaft may have been incorrectly manufactured causing it to fracture without warning.
Risk: A fractured halfshaft may disconnect from the drive axle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the left halfshaft, free of charge. The recall began on June 30, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler's customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's recall number is S38.
Structure:body:hatchback/liftgate; electrical system:wiring: rear compartment/trunk
Problem: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Jeep Cherokee vehicles manufactured February 18, 2015, to September 10, 2015 and equipped with the power liftgate option. In the affected vehicles, water may leak into the Power Liftgate Control Module and result in a high resistance short circuit.
Risk: A short circuit in the module increases the risk of a fire.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the module and connectors for corrosion, replacing the damaged components as necessary. The mastic shield will be removed and the module will be covered with a water shield. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on February 1, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R67. This recall is superseded by NHTSA recall 23V-338.
To see whether a specific car still has an open recall, enter its VIN on NHTSA's official recall lookup. You can also decode a VIN here.
NHTSA defect investigations
- Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture (EA21002) — opened Sep 17, 2021, still open.
- Electronic Parking Brake Water Ingress (PE22009) — opened Jul 22, 2022, closed Oct 29, 2023.
Recent owner reports
Short excerpts of the latest complaints filed with NHTSA, with personal details removed. Full reports can be searched on NHTSA.gov.
The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at 25 MPH, the 4WD warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the Power Transfer Unit (PTU) failed and required replacement. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and…
i took my 2016 jeep cherokee trailhawk to big star chrysler jeep dodge ram in webster tx. for campaign 23v302 (fca recall 45a). The first time i took the vehicle they performed the recall update on the ptu and charge me a service fee of over $200. after picking up the driving it for about a week…
Warning message of 4 Wheel drive overheating and disengaging. a few minutes later a loud pop occurred, and flames overtook the engine and drive train. I pulled off the road and the fire department came and put out the fire. It is a total loss. I believe that this is a safety recall but I was never…
The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving 55 MPH, the vehicle was leaking fluid. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed, and it was determined the cause was the PTU and transmission, and there were metal flakes inside the transmission…
I was driving home from work, the digital display (center)!showed my speed at 82m/h and revving the engine, the actual speedometer showed the actual speed I was doing of 32m/hâ¦(right side of display). Computer reading lights and license plate light not working, yet they are. Took to repair shop…
Other Jeep Cherokee years
← 2015 Cherokee · 2017 Cherokee →
| Year | Complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 Cherokee | 8 | 4 |
| 2023 Cherokee | 3 | 1 |
| 2022 Cherokee | 51 | 3 |
| 2021 Cherokee | 176 | 4 |
| 2020 Cherokee | 325 | 3 |
| 2019 Cherokee | 1,661 | 11 |
| 2018 Cherokee | 687 | 7 |
| 2017 Cherokee | 1,337 | 6 |
| 2016 | 1,410 | 9 |
| 2015 Cherokee | 1,789 | 11 |
| 2014 Cherokee | 2,650 | 13 |
| 2006 Cherokee | 17 | 0 |
| 2001 Cherokee | 229 | 2 |
| 2000 Cherokee | 369 | 1 |
| 1999 Cherokee | 366 | 2 |
| 1998 Cherokee | 399 | 5 |
| 1997 Cherokee | 390 | 4 |
| 1996 Cherokee | 447 | 6 |
| 1995 Cherokee | 608 | 6 |
See all Jeep Cherokee problems by year, every Jeep model, or the Jeep VIN decoder.
Similar Jeep models
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Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Jeep Cherokee?
Owners most often report power train, engine, unknown or other problems. The top one, power train, accounts for 633 complaints.
Was there a recall on the 2016 Jeep Cherokee?
Yes, 9 safety recalls. Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check whether the repairs were done on your car.
Was the 2016 Jeep Cherokee a good year?
Complaint data can't fully answer that, because counts aren't adjusted for sales. Compared with other Cherokee model years, the 2016 has far more complaints than most years, and NHTSA rates it 4 out of 5 stars overall in crash tests. Always get a pre-purchase inspection and check the VIN for open recalls.