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2016 Jeep Cherokee: common problems and reliability
One of the weaker Cherokee years.
1,409 owner complaints, most about power train. 9 recalls.
Should I buy a 2016 Cherokee?The 2016 Jeep Cherokee has 1409 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 9 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are power train and engine.
Safety record for the 2016 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2016 Jeep Cherokee vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other Cherokee years only. How we score it
Is 2016 a good year for the Cherokee?
Across the 16 Cherokee model years we track, complaint volume runs from 3 (2023) to 2,649 (2014). With 1,409 complaints, the 2016 Cherokee sits about the same as the model's median of 1,336.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
Where owners report problems
Recalls affecting the 2016 Cherokee
electrical system:wiring
Campaign 18V332000Chrysler (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.
electrical system:wiring: rear compartment/trunk
Campaign 15V826000Chrysler (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.
equipment
Campaign 17V824000Chrysler (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
seats
Campaign 16V590000Chrysler (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.
Show 5 more recalls
power train:axle assembly:axle shaft
Campaign 16V287000Chrysler 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.
power train:axle assembly:axle shaft
Campaign 16V284000Chrysler 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.
power train:driveline:differential unit
Campaign 20V343000Chrysler (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.
power train:automatic transmission
Campaign 23V302000Chrysler (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.
electrical system:wiring: rear compartment/trunk
Campaign 23V338000Chrysler (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.
What owners say across generations
Sentiment is sharply divided by generation. For the original XJ generation (produced until approximately 2001), sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, with owners praising legendary reliability, mechanical simplicity, and rugged capability.
Owner insights cover all generations of the Cherokee. See the full Cherokee owner picture and every model year.
Typical used price
Used Cherokee listings typically run $11,283–$18,052.
Other Cherokee model years
Compare every Cherokee year side by side to see how 2016 ranks against the rest.
Compare the Cherokee against its rivals
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