2016 Jeep Cherokee Structure & Body Problems
NHTSA lists 40 Structure & Body complaints for the 2016 Jeep Cherokee, 3% of its 1,406 total complaints, with 3 fires and 2 crashes reported. Three related recalls cover the power liftgate module, seat fasteners, and liftgate water intrusion. Median mileage at failure is 40,000.
- Structure & Body complaints
- 40
- 3% of 1,406
- Crashes reported
- 2
- Fires reported
- 3
- Injuries reported
- 5
- Median mileage
- 40,000 mi
- Related recalls
- 3
Typical body and structure symptoms owners report
- Power liftgate module short-circuits and produces smoke or fire, sometimes while the vehicle is parked and the ignition is off.
- Water leaks through unsealed factory seams near the front wheel well and passenger floor, leaving standing water and a musty smell after rain.
- Power liftgate closes automatically and fails to reverse when it contacts an obstruction, causing injury.
- Door windows drop or fail to move on the track, with the window regulator breaking loose from its mount.
- Panoramic sunroof shatters spontaneously while driving at moderate speed with no prior damage or impact.
- Vehicle sways or shakes excessively while towing at highway speed, with no clear cause found at inspection.
When 2016 Jeep Cherokee body and structure complaints were filed
First complaint May 27, 2016, latest Nov 21, 2025.
Structure & Body recalls for the 2016 Jeep Cherokee
- 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 16V590000Aug 10, 2016Structure & Body1,827 vehicles
Seats:mid/rear assembly
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.
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. Chrysler's number for this recall S63.
- NHTSA 15V826000Dec 9, 2015Structure & Body32,784 vehicles
Structure:body:hatchback/liftgate
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.
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. 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.
Structure & Body complaints by Cherokee model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- Is there a recall for the 2016 Jeep Cherokee liftgate fire risk?
- Yes. Recall 23V338000 covers 2014-2016 Jeep Cherokee vehicles with a power liftgate where an electrical short in the liftgate module can cause a fire; owners are told to park outside and away from structures until repaired.
- How many Structure & Body complaints does NHTSA list for the 2016 Jeep Cherokee?
- NHTSA lists 40 Structure & Body complaints for the 2016 Cherokee, which is 3% of its 1,406 total complaints for the year.
- Are there other recalls affecting the 2016 Cherokee's body or seats?
- Yes, recall 16V590000 addresses seat fasteners on first- or second-row seats that may not have been tightened properly, and recall 15V826000 addresses water intrusion into the power liftgate module on 2015-2016 models.
- At what mileage do Structure & Body problems typically show up on the 2016 Cherokee?
- NHTSA's data shows a median mileage of 40,000 miles at the time these complaints were filed.
- How does the 2016 Cherokee compare to other years for this problem area?
- The 2016 model's 40 complaints and 3% share are lower than 2014 (120 complaints, 5%) and 2015 (95 complaints, 5%), but higher than several later years like 2018 and 2021.