2016 Jeep Cherokee

■ Significantly worse — known issue year

2016 Jeep Cherokee
BUILT 2026-09-02

This year had more than double the complaints of this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

2016: 1404 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
1980	1
1981	1
1982	0
1983	0
1984	7
1985	17
1986	21
1987	57
1988	98
1989	191
1990	275
1991	234
1992	114
1993	418
1994	522
1995	610
1996	447
1997	390
1998	399
1999	366
2000	369
2001	229
2006	17
2014	2642
2015	1784
2016	1404
2017	1328
2018	682
2019	1618
2020	282
2021	153
2022	48
2023	3
2026	3

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.

POWER TRAIN 45%

45% of complaints: power train — 630 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing transfer case (4-wheel drive) and automatic transmission.

CRASH FIRE INJURY

Show complaint excerpts

*While driving vehicle on highway heard a loud noise and grinding sound and PTU exploded and *was not able to maneuver vehicle properly. *Fluid that was leaking out . Caused fire .

NHTSA ODI report, 20250126

TL* THE CONTACT RENTED A 2016 JEEP CHEROKEE. WHILE IN REVERSE AND APPLYING THE BRAKES, THE RENTED VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY ACCELERATED FORWARD AND CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY.

NHTSA ODI report, 20160622

Also filed under VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

My 2016 Jeep Cherokee developed severe grinding/scraping noise and vibration associated with the PTU. In 2023, I brought it to Larry H. Miller Jeep 104th for PTU-related Safety Recall 45A and also reported abnormal noise.

NHTSA ODI report, 20260810

ENGINE 22%

22% of complaints: engine — 313 distinct reports on file.

CRASH FIRE

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 21%

21% of complaints: electrical system — 296 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing speedometer/odometer and 12v/24v/48v battery.

CRASH FIRE INJURY

Show complaint excerpts

The vehicle show code B0020-13. This is a fault in the wiring system for the airbags. Caused by Jeep engineering being bad. This has nothing to do with how is driven or used and is a massive safety issue and shuts the entire airbag system down.

NHTSA ODI report, 20260716

Also filed under AIR BAGS

SERVICE BRAKES 7%

7% of complaints: service brakes — 94 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic.

CRASH INJURY

Show complaint excerpts

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 JEEP CHEROKEE. WHILE STOPPED AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT, THE VEHICLE ROLLED FORWARD AND STRUCK ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE SEAT BELT FAILED TO LOCK UP AS DESIGNED. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY.

NHTSA ODI report, 20180518

Also filed under SEAT BELTS

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL 5%

5% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 76 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing cruise control.

CRASH INJURY

Show complaint excerpts

Cruise control would not disengage. Instead it accelerated me to 85 mph is rush hour traffic. The car continued to accelerate will out responding to any commands to turn off cruise control. Second time this has happened.

NHTSA ODI report, 20240507

Also filed under FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

SAFETY TIMELINE

▮ 2016 — complaint volume: 1404

R 20160201 — electrical system, structure

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.

Remedy: 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.

Campaign 15V826000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20160630 — power train

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.

Remedy: 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.

Campaign 16V284000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20160630 — power train

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.

Remedy: 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.

Campaign 16V287000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20161003 — seats

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2014-2016 Jeep Cherokee vehicles manufactured July 29, 2013, to February 5, 2016.

Remedy: 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.

Campaign 16V590000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20180214 — equipment

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling various Dodge, Chrysler, and RAM vehicles equipped with Kidde Plastic-Handle or Push Button 'Pindicator' Fire Extinguishers.

Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners instructing them to contact Kidde for a replacement fire extinguisher, free of charge. The recall began February 14, 2018.

Campaign 17V824000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20180604 — electrical system, vehicle speed control

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...

Remedy: 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.

Campaign 18V332000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20200714 — power train

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2017 Jeep Cherokee vehicles equipped with a two-speed Power Transfer Unit (PTU).

Remedy: 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.

Campaign 20V343000 — check if this car was fixed

I 20210917 — EA (open)

Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture

I 20220722 — PE (closed 20231029)

Electronic Parking Brake Water Ingress

R 20230511 — power train

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.

Remedy: 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.

Campaign 23V302000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20240301 — electrical system, structure

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.

Remedy: 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.

Campaign 23V338000 — check if this car was fixed

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

2016 Jeep Cherokee — pre-purchase inspection

Test/inspect for power train issues (630 reports on file for this year).
Test/inspect for engine issues (313 reports on file for this year).
Test/inspect for electrical system issues (296 reports on file for this year).
Verify recall 15V826000 (electrical system, structure) has been completed.
Verify recall 16V284000 (power train) has been completed.
Verify recall 16V287000 (power train) has been completed.
Verify recall 16V590000 (seats) has been completed.
Verify recall 17V824000 (equipment) has been completed.
Verify recall 18V332000 (electrical system, vehicle speed control) has been completed.
Verify recall 20V343000 (power train) has been completed.
Verify recall 23V302000 (power train) has been completed.
Verify recall 23V338000 (electrical system, structure) has been completed.

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 2022 ▲ 1987 ▲ 1988

WORST YEARS

■ 2014 ■ 2015 ■ 2019

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 2016 Jeep Cherokee reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2016 Jeep Cherokee is rated "significantly worse".

What are the most common problems with the 2016 Jeep Cherokee?

The most-reported component is power train, accounting for 45% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2016 Jeep Cherokee have?

9 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-09-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.