2016 Jeep Cherokee Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Caution The 2016 Jeep Cherokee has a complaint index of 70, ranking 4th worst of 11 model years, with a Caution verdict. Transmission & Powertrain complaints dominate at 45% of the 1,406 complaints, backed by 9 recalls including two 2016-specific halfshaft campaigns.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 70/100
- #4 of 11 Cherokee years
- Verdict
- Caution
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 1,406
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 9
- 1 Park Outside
- Crashes
- 37
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 14
- Injuries
- 27
- Top issue
- Transmission & Powertrain
- NHTSA overall rating
- 4 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 23
- 21 city / 27.5 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 27 / 0
Top 2016 Jeep Cherokee problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Transmission & Powertrain629 (45%)
- Engine372 (26%)
- Other317 (23%)
- Electrical System313 (22%)
- Brakes131 (9%)
- Steering53 (4%)
- Fuel System44 (3%)
- Structure & Body40 (3%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires38 (3%)
- Airbags31 (2%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Some vehicles unexpectedly lurched or rolled forward on their own while in reverse, park, or stopped, leading to low-speed crashes.
- Airbags reportedly failed to deploy in multiple front and side collisions, some involving significant vehicle damage.
- Owners described sudden unintended acceleration at low speeds, in one case jumping from about 20 mph to 30 mph without driver input.
- Engine compartment fires were reported shortly after routine maintenance, with smoke and flames appearing from under the hood.
- Electrical faults included a rear wiper that stopped working and a gear-shift indicator that flickered through all positions.
- Liftgate-related smoke and electrical shutdowns were reported, with dashboard systems losing power during the incident.
2016 Jeep Cherokee recalls
9 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 23V338000May 11, 2023Structure & Body132,099 vehiclesPark Outside
Structure:body:hatchback/liftgate
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.
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. 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.
- NHTSA 23V302000Apr 27, 2023Transmission & Powertrain25,980 vehicles
Power train:automatic transmission
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.
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. FCA's number for this recall is 45A. This recall expands previous recall number 20V-343.
- NHTSA 20V343000Jun 11, 2020Transmission & Powertrain67,248 vehicles
Power train:driveline:differential unit
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.
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. 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.
2016 Jeep Cherokee fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 21 MPG
- Highway
- 27.5 MPG
- Combined
- 23 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $2,800
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2016 compared with other Cherokee years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2016 Jeep Cherokee reliable?
- NHTSA data gives the 2016 Cherokee a complaint index of 70 and a Caution verdict, ranking 4th worst among 11 model years for this model. Transmission & Powertrain issues account for 45% of its 1,406 complaints.
- What problems does the 2016 Jeep Cherokee have?
- The top problem area is Transmission & Powertrain (629 complaints, 45% share), followed by Engine (372 complaints, 26%) and Electrical System (313 complaints, 22%). Median mileage at failure for transmission issues was 48,000 miles.
- Does the 2016 Jeep Cherokee have transmission recalls?
- Yes. NHTSA lists recalls for a power transfer unit that could disengage the transmission and differential (campaigns 23V302000 and 20V343000), plus two separate 2016 halfshaft recalls that could fracture.
- How many recalls does the 2016 Jeep Cherokee have?
- NHTSA lists 9 recall campaigns for the 2016 Jeep Cherokee, covering structure/body, transmission, and electrical systems, including a power liftgate fire risk recall.
- Is the 2016 Jeep Cherokee better or worse than other years?
- It ranks 4th worst of 11 model years with a complaint index of 70, better than 2014 (100), 2015 (80), and 2019 (90), but worse than 2017 (60), 2018 (50), and newer years like 2022 (20, rated Best).