Reliable Auto DB

2016 Jeep Cherokee reliability

Is it reliable?

The 2016 Jeep Cherokee has 1,406 complaints with NHTSA after 11 years, or 102 per year. That is about even with the other Cherokee years here. Their median is 103 complaints per year. NHTSA has 9 recalls on file, including Trunk, Automatic transmission, and Differential.

2014 Jeep Cherokee
Photo by Kevauto, resized from the original. Wikimedia Commons CC BY-SA 4.0
Complaints

1,406

Per year

102

Recalls

9

Years on the road

11

What owners report

The complaints owners file most often name Powertrain (629 of 1,406), then Engine (314) and Electrical system (297). Those filings include 37 that report a crash, 14 that report a fire, and 19 that report an injury.

Next to 2015 and 2017

The 2015 Cherokee has 1,787 complaints, 242 per year, and the 2017 has 1,334 complaints, 136 per year. The 2016 has fewer complaints per year than the 2015. The 2016 has fewer complaints per year than the 2017.

The complaint rate is complaints filed in this year’s first 3 years on the road, divided by however many of those years have passed. Recalls are a separate count. The numbers are for the US-market 2016 Jeep Cherokee. How we count. Data as of .

Recalls (9)

Recall electrical system, wiring, trunk 2023-05-11 · NHTSA campaign 23V338000
Summary 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. 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.
Recall powertrain, automatic transmission 2023-04-27 · NHTSA campaign 23V302000
Summary 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. FCA's number for this recall is 45A. This recall expands previous recall number 20V-343.
Recall powertrain, driveline, differential 2020-06-11 · NHTSA campaign 20V343000
Summary 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.
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.
Recall electrical system, wiring 2018-05-17 · NHTSA campaign 18V332000
Summary 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.
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. 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.
Recall Equipment 2017-12-21 · NHTSA campaign 17V824000
Summary 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
Remedy 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.
Recall Seats 2016-08-10 · NHTSA campaign 16V590000
Summary 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.
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.
Recall powertrain, axle assembly, axle shaft 2016-05-11 · NHTSA campaign 16V287000
Summary 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.
Recall powertrain, axle assembly, axle shaft 2016-05-11 · NHTSA campaign 16V284000
Summary 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.
Recall electrical system, wiring, trunk 2015-12-09 · NHTSA campaign 15V826000
Summary 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.
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.

Complaints by component (1406 total)

Powertrain
629
Engine
314
Electrical system
297
Service brakes
92
Speed control
76
Steering
53
Fuel and propulsion system
43
Structure
33
Air bags
31
Electronic stability control (ESC)
30
Forward collision avoidance
29
Suspension
21
Exterior lighting
20
Wheels
17
Visibility and wipers
11
Parking brake
10
Engine and engine cooling
6
Seats
5
Seat belts
3
Equipment
2
Fire-related
2
Hydraulic brakes
2
Tires
2
Visibility
2
Fuel system, gasoline
1
Lane departure
1
Latches, locks, and linkages
1
Trailer hitch
1
Show 20 more Show less
Crash-flagged

37

Fire-flagged

14

Injury reports

19

Death reports

0

Complaints filed per year

520156120169520171452018271201920220201062021942022149202312020241082025502026
Excerpts from recent NHTSA complaint filings
  • "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/h…(right side of display). Computer reading…"
    Electrical system, Unknown or other, Engine · filed 2026-09-03
  • "The vehicle suffered a complete internal failure of the Power Transfer Unit (PTU) drivetrain assembly. Authorized dealership Milford Auto Group diagnosed the vehicle on Invoice #45604 and confirmed in writing: "THE PTU…"
    Powertrain · filed 2026-08-31
  • "I was involved in a significant front-end collision while driving my 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The vehicle sustained extensive front-end damage, including substantial damage to the hood, front bumper, and front…"
    Air bags · filed 2026-08-30
  • "My PTU/transfer case has failed and our Jeep is currently in the shop. They are stating that this exact issue is part of an ongoing recall and that our vehicle should also be added to the recall list due to this part…"
    Powertrain · filed 2026-08-12
  • "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…"
    Powertrain · filed 2026-08-10

NHTSA crash ratings

Version Overall Front Side Rollover
2016 Jeep Cherokee SUV 2WD 4 stars 4 stars 5 stars 4 stars
2016 Jeep Cherokee SUV 4WD 4 stars 4 stars 5 stars 4 stars

Stars are how this vehicle did in NHTSA crash tests. They are a safety result, separate from the complaint record. Not rated means that test was not run for this version.

Fuel economy

Trim Engine Transmission Drive City Hwy Combined Annual fuel cost
Cherokee four-wheel drive 2.4L, 4-cyl Automatic 9-speed All-wheel drive 21 28 23 MPG $2800
Cherokee four-wheel drive 2.4L, 4-cyl Automatic 9-speed All-wheel drive 21 28 23 MPG $2800
Cherokee four-wheel drive 3.2L, 6-cyl Automatic 9-speed All-wheel drive 20 27 23 MPG $2800
Cherokee four-wheel drive Active Drive II 3.2L, 6-cyl Automatic 9-speed Four-wheel drive 19 26 22 MPG $2950
Cherokee four-wheel drive Active Drive II 2.4L, 4-cyl Automatic 9-speed Four-wheel drive 21 27 23 MPG $2800
Cherokee front-wheel drive 2.4L, 4-cyl Automatic 9-speed Front-wheel drive 21 30 25 MPG $2600
Cherokee front-wheel drive 2.4L, 4-cyl Automatic 9-speed Front-wheel drive 21 30 25 MPG $2600
Cherokee front-wheel drive 3.2L, 6-cyl Automatic 9-speed Front-wheel drive 21 29 24 MPG $2700
Cherokee Trailhawk four-wheel drive 2.4L, 4-cyl Automatic 9-speed Four-wheel drive 19 25 22 MPG $2950
Cherokee Trailhawk four-wheel drive 3.2L, 6-cyl Automatic 9-speed Four-wheel drive 19 26 22 MPG $2950

Specs and fitment

KL generation, 2014–2023
Body styles SUV
Oil 0W-20 (2.4L Tigershark); 5W-20 (3.2L V6) , 5 qt capacity
Tire size 225/60R17 to 245/45R20 (trim dependent)
Towing capacity 4,500 lbs

Known issues for this generation

Early KL years (especially 2014) draw heavy NHTSA powertrain filings. Recall 19V-447 covers certain 2014 Cherokees with the 3.2L V6: if a clutch sticks, transmission software may shift to neutral and cut drive; dealers update transmission software (FCA V69). Recall 16V-529 covers certain 2014-2015 Cherokees with the 9-speed: insufficient crimps in the transaxle range-sensor harness can default the gearbox to neutral; dealers reprogram and replace the harness as needed (FCA S55). Recall 20V-343 covers certain 2014-2017 Cherokees with a two-speed PTU: spline wear between the PTU and transmission can lose drive or Park; dealers apply software that keeps rear drive and sets the electronic park brake (FCA W47). Recall 26V-290 covers certain 2019-2023 Cherokees for PTU failure with possible loss of drive or rollaway; dealers update drivetrain/PTU/park-brake software and replace the PTU as needed.

Compare

Previous year 2015 Jeep Cherokee Next year 2017 Jeep Cherokee See every Jeep Cherokee model year →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2016 Jeep Cherokee reliable?

The 2016 Jeep Cherokee has 1,406 complaints with NHTSA after 11 years, or 102 per year. That is about even with the other Cherokee years here. Their median is 103 complaints per year. NHTSA has 9 recalls on file, including Trunk, Automatic transmission, and Differential.

What are common problems with a 2016 Jeep Cherokee?

The complaints owners file most often name Powertrain (629 of 1,406), then Engine (314) and Electrical system (297). Those filings include 37 that report a crash, 14 that report a fire, and 19 that report an injury.

Is the 2016 Jeep Cherokee more reliable than the years next to it?

The 2015 Cherokee has 1,787 complaints, 242 per year, and the 2017 has 1,334 complaints, 136 per year. The 2016 has fewer complaints per year than the 2015. The 2016 has fewer complaints per year than the 2017.

Has the 2016 Jeep Cherokee been recalled?

The 2016 Jeep Cherokee has 9 recalls on file with NHTSA. See the recalls table on this page for dates, components, and remedies.

How many complaints have owners filed about the 2016 Jeep Cherokee?

Owners have filed 1406 complaints about the 2016 Jeep Cherokee with NHTSA.

What mpg does a 2016 Jeep Cherokee get?

EPA-rated combined fuel economy for the 2016 Jeep Cherokee is 23.2 MPG. See the fuel economy table on this page for city and highway figures by engine and transmission.

What oil does a Cherokee take?

0W-20 (2.4L Tigershark); 5W-20 (3.2L V6)

What does NHTSA recall 19V-447 cover on the Jeep Cherokee?

Recall 19V-447 covers certain 2014 Cherokees with the 3.2L V6: if a clutch sticks, transmission software may shift to neutral and cut drive; dealers update transmission software (FCA V69).

What generation is the 2015 Jeep Cherokee?

KL generation (2014-2023).