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2016 Jeep Cherokee

Gas
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
10 EPA-rated configurations
Data refreshed 2026-09-11
F
Safety Signal
35 / 100 from the NHTSA recall record
Recalls3 critical9
Complaintsowner reports to NHTSA1,406
Crash ratingNHTSA overall4★
Fuel economybest combined, EPA25 mpg
202620232022202120202019201820172016
Active NHTSA advisory: park outside and away from structures until repaired. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and see the recall details below.

The 2016 Jeep Cherokee is sold in the U.S. as a gas compact SUV with 10 EPA-rated configurations. The most efficient version, the Cherokee FWD, is EPA-rated at 25 mpg combined. NHTSA lists 9 recall campaigns for this model year, 3 rated critical, which gives it a Safety Signal grade of F. Owners have filed 1406 complaints, most often about the power train. NHTSA crash-tested it at 4 stars overall.

Specs & fuel economy

Source: EPA fueleconomy.gov
ConfigurationPowertrainDriveEngine / motorCityHwyCombAnnual fuel*
Cherokee FWDGasFWD2.4L 4-cyl213025$2,500
Cherokee FWDGasFWD2.4L 4-cyl213025$2,500
Cherokee FWDGasFWD3.2L 6-cyl212924$2,600
Cherokee 4WDGasAWD2.4L 4-cyl212823$2,700
Cherokee 4WDGasAWD2.4L 4-cyl212823$2,700
Cherokee 4WDGasAWD3.2L 6-cyl202723$2,700
Cherokee 4WD Active Drive IIGas4WD2.4L 4-cyl212723$2,700
Cherokee 4WD Active Drive IIGas4WD3.2L 6-cyl192622$2,850
Cherokee Trailhawk 4WDGas4WD2.4L 4-cyl192522$2,850
Cherokee Trailhawk 4WDGas4WD3.2L 6-cyl192622$2,850

*EPA estimate at 15,000 miles/year at EPA reference fuel and electricity prices. fueleconomy.gov record ids: 36373, 36374, 36603, 36377, 36433, 36607, 36549, 36608, 36550, 36609.

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Recalls (9)

Source: NHTSA recall database
!critical

Electrical System

49A
Park outside132,099 vehicles
ProblemChrysler (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.RiskA fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.FixOwners 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 super
NHTSA campaign 23V338000reported May 11, 2023Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)
▲high

Power Train

45A
25,980 vehicles
ProblemChrysler (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.RiskA 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.FixFCA 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 campaign 23V302000reported Apr 27, 2023Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)
▲high

Power Train

W47
67,248 vehicles
ProblemChrysler (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.RiskA 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.FixFCA 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.
NHTSA campaign 20V343000reported Jun 11, 2020Chrysler (FCA US LLC)
▲high

Electrical System

U49,U59-U65,U68,U73
4,815,661 vehicles
ProblemChrysler (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 depressRiskIf the vehicle maintains its speed or accelerates despite attempts to deactivate the cruise control, there would be an increased risk of a crash.FixChrysler 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 transmissi
NHTSA campaign 18V332000reported May 17, 2018Chrysler (FCA US LLC)
!critical

Equipment

T82
61,791 vehicles
ProblemChrysler (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/201RiskIf the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury in the event of a fire.FixChrysler 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.
NHTSA campaign 17V824000reported Dec 21, 2017Chrysler (FCA US LLC)
▲high

Seats

S63
1,827 vehicles
ProblemChrysler (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.RiskLoose fasteners may allow the seats to move, increasing the risk of injury to the seat occupants in the event of a crash.FixChrysler 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 campaign 16V590000reported Aug 10, 2016Chrysler (FCA US LLC)
▲high

Power Train

S38
52 vehicles
ProblemChrysler 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.RiskA fractured halfshaft may disconnect from the drive axle, increasing the risk of a crash.FixChrysler 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.
NHTSA campaign 16V287000reported May 11, 2016Chrysler (FCA US LLC)
▲high

Power Train

S39
1,029 vehicles
ProblemChrysler 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.RiskA fractured halfshaft may disconnect from the drive axle, increasing the risk of a crash.FixChrysler 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.
NHTSA campaign 16V284000reported May 11, 2016Chrysler (FCA US LLC)
!critical

Electrical System

R67
32,784 vehicles
ProblemChrysler (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.RiskA short circuit in the module increases the risk of a fire.FixChrysler 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.
NHTSA campaign 15V826000reported Dec 9, 2015Chrysler (FCA US LLC)

NHTSA defect investigations

Parking Brake:Electrical:Control Module — Electronic Parking Brake Water Ingress closed

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened investigation PE22-009 after having received 80 complaints on model years 2014-2020 Jeep Cherokees alleging the Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) inadvertently activated while the vehicle was in motion.During this investigation, the subject vehicles were updated to include only Model Years (MY) 2014-2016, while MY 2017-2020 were considered peers.Based on related repair invoices, ODI believed the EPB module was damaged by water leaking into the vehicle. When the EPB inadvertently activates, it can cause a stalling condition bringing the vehicle to a stop. ODI was aware of recall 15V-393 that addresses water ingress affecting the power liftgate mod

Opened Jul 22, 2022 · closed Oct 29, 2023 · action PE22009

Air Bags:Frontal:Passenger Side:Inflator Module — Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture open

From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.Consequently, all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substa

Opened Sep 17, 2021 · action EA21002

Owner complaints

Source: NHTSA complaint database
1406complaints filed

37 involved a crash · 14 a fire · 27 injuries · 0 deaths reported

Filed per year: 2015: 5 · 2016: 61 · 2017: 95 · 2018: 145 · 2019: 271 · 2020: 202 · 2021: 106 · 2022: 94 · 2023: 149 · 2024: 120 · 2025: 108 · 2026: 50

Most-cited components

Power Train631
Engine314
Unspecified313
Electrical System297
Service Brakes92
Vehicle Speed Control76

What owners describe

“I purchased car new on May 30, 2016. Recently, the vehicle is jerking and I am concerned for safety of passengers and others driving near me. Also, noted once it did not park properly and appeared to move It has now come to my attention that the PTU on this vehicle is recalled for some reason for only some vehicles. Th…”Aug 16, 2021 · Power Train · NHTSA owner report
“Transmission will not shift out of low gear. Especially when on a steel hill. Also, turn signals will not turn off unless I manually do so. Dealer tells me I must let them do a $125 diagnostic test, (I pay for it), then must be reviewed before they can say it’s a warranty or not. These seem to be common problems that…”Aug 9, 2021 · Electrical System · NHTSA owner report
“The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the gear shifter error message was permanently displayed on the instrument panel. Additionally, the information from the speedometer, fuel gauge and other features were not available due to the failure. The vehicle was taken to …”Aug 5, 2021 · Electrical System · NHTSA owner report

Complaint counts are raw owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects, and scale with how many were sold. Use them to spot patterns, not to rank.

Crash ratings

Source: NHTSA NCAP
ConfigurationOverallFrontalSideRolloverRollover risk
SUV 2WD★★★★☆★★★★☆★★★★★★★★★☆17%
SUV 4WD★★★★☆★★★★☆★★★★★★★★★☆17%

NHTSA New Car Assessment Program.

Other Cherokee model years

C

2026 Jeep Cherokee

4 recalls · 3 complaints

A

2023 Jeep Cherokee

1 recalls · 3 complaints

C

2022 Jeep Cherokee

3 recalls · 48 complaints

D

2021 Jeep Cherokee

4 recalls · 156 complaints

B

2020 Jeep Cherokee

3 recalls · 289 complaints

F

2019 Jeep Cherokee

11 recalls · 1,628 complaints

F

2018 Jeep Cherokee

7 recalls · 683 complaints

F

2017 Jeep Cherokee

6 recalls · 1,333 complaints

Sources & method

Safety Signal starts every model-year at 100 and subtracts points per open NHTSA recall campaign by severity: critical 15 (fire risk, park-outside or do-not-drive advisories), high 8 (brakes, steering, airbags, loss of drive power, structure, battery), moderate 6, minor 3 (software, labels, lighting fixed by an update). Floor 35. A ≥ 90, B ≥ 80, C ≥ 70, D ≥ 60, otherwise F. Complaint counts and NHTSA crash ratings are shown separately and are not blended into the grade.

EPA figures come from fueleconomy.gov vehicle records. Recalls, complaints, investigations and crash ratings come from NHTSA's public flat files, refreshed weekly.

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