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2016 Jeep Cherokee: Problems, Recalls and MPG

What this means

NHTSA lists nine recall campaigns for the 2016 Jeep Cherokee: four for the powertrain (filed 2016–2023), three for electrical parts (filed 2015–2023), one for equipment (filed 2017) and one more for other parts. Owners have filed 1,406 complaints with NHTSA, most often about the power train and the engine. For comparison, owners filed 1,789 for the 2015 and 1,335 for the 2017 Cherokee. In NHTSA crash tests it earned 4 stars overall, with a 17.4% rollover risk.

Summary reviewed by Recalls & Safety Desk · Oct 6, 2026 How we write summaries Data: NHTSA, DOT, EPA · Refreshed Oct 6, 2026
Recalls 9campaigns 4 power train · 3 electrical · 1 equipment Source: NHTSA Complaints 1,406filed Owner reports, 2001–2021 shown Source: NHTSA ODI Crash tests 4★overall ★★★★☆ Frontal 4★ · Side 5★ · Rollover 4★ Source: NHTSA NCAP Fuel economy 25mpg combined $2,612/yr at this week's prices Source: EPA · EIA Specs 2.4 L 4-cyl· 9-speed automatic 10 engine and transmission configurations Source: NHTSA vPIC
Compare

Recalls (9)

NHTSA lists 9 recall campaigns for the 2016 Jeep Cherokee. Check whether yours was repaired with NHTSA's free VIN lookup ↗

Only NHTSA and your automaker know whether your specific car was repaired. PlainVIN shows every recall campaign listed for a model year, with the official text and how many cars have been fixed so far.

Check on NHTSA ↗
Listed for 2016 Jeep Cherokee. Not checked against your VIN.
Park outside: fire risk. NHTSA advises parking outside and away from buildings until the recall repair is done.
Recall 23V338000 Filed May 11, 2023

Electrical Short in Power Liftgate Module

Electrical system · wiring · rear compartment/trunk
Official NHTSA text
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.
Consequence
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.
44.5% repairedof 132,099 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 23V338000
Listed for 2016 Jeep Cherokee. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 23V302000 Filed Apr 27, 2023

Loss of Drive Power from Damaged PTU

Power train · automatic transmission
Official NHTSA text
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.
Consequence
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.
69.9% repairedof 25,980 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 23V302000
Listed for 2016 Jeep Cherokee. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 20V343000 Filed Jun 11, 2020

Power Transfer Unit Input Splines May Break

Power train · automatic transmission
Official NHTSA text
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.
Consequence
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.
86.9% repairedof 67,248 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 20V343000
Listed for 2016 Jeep Cherokee. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 18V332000 Filed May 17, 2018

Cruise Control cannot be Cancelled

Electrical system · software
Official NHTSA text
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.
Consequence
If the vehicle maintains its speed or accelerates despite attempts to deactivate the cruise control, there would be an increased risk of a crash.
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.
77% repairedof 4,815,661 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 18V332000
Listed for 2016 Jeep Cherokee. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 17V824000 Filed Dec 21, 2017

Fire Extinguisher May Be Clogged or Inoperable

Equipment
Official NHTSA text
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
Consequence
If the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury in the event of a fire.
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.
48.3% repairedof 61,791 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 17V824000
Listed for 2016 Jeep Cherokee. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 16V590000 Filed Aug 10, 2016

Improper Torque on Seat Fasteners

Seats
Official NHTSA text
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.
Consequence
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.
70.5% repairedof 1,827 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 16V590000
Listed for 2016 Jeep Cherokee. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 16V284000 Filed May 11, 2016

Right Front Halfshaft May Fracture

Power train · axle assembly · axle shaft
Official NHTSA text
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.
Consequence
A fractured halfshaft may disconnect from the drive axle, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
83.1% repairedof 1,029 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 16V284000
Listed for 2016 Jeep Cherokee. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 16V287000 Filed May 11, 2016

Left Front Halfshaft May Fracture

Power train · axle assembly · axle shaft
Official NHTSA text
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.
Consequence
A fractured halfshaft may disconnect from the drive axle, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
88.5% repairedof 52 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 16V287000
Listed for 2016 Jeep Cherokee. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 15V826000 Filed Dec 9, 2015

Liftgate Module Short due to Water Leak

Electrical system · wiring · rear compartment/trunk
Official NHTSA text
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.
Consequence
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.
Repair progress not yet reported32,784 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 15V826000

PlainVIN shows public government records for education. It isn't a vehicle inspection or legal advice. Check your own VIN with NHTSA or your dealer.

Which Cherokee years had the most recalls?Best & worst years →Every recall for the Jeep CherokeeAll model years →Where is the VIN on my car?VIN location guide →

Owner complaints (1,406)

1,406 complaints filed with NHTSA (owner reports, not verified findings). The power train is mentioned most often.

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

As reported by owners in their complaints. These are reports, not NHTSA findings.

Most-reported components

Complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2016 Jeep Cherokee, by component (top 10). One complaint can list several components, so these add up to more than 1,406.Source: NHTSA ODI owner complaints · Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 · Report a data error

How 2016 compares with other Cherokee years

Best and worst Cherokee years →
229 17 2,647 1,789 1,406 1,335 687 1,650 309 166
2001200620142015201620172018201920202021
This year (2016)Other yearsStill collecting reports

Counts are owner reports, not failure rates. Higher sales years tend to draw more reports. Owners are still filing reports for recent model years, so these counts will grow. Source: NHTSA ODI, retrieved Oct 6, 2026.

Crash tests: 4 stars overall

Overall★★★★☆
Frontal crashDriver 4★ · Passenger 4★★★★★☆
Side crashDriver 5★ · Passenger 5★★★★★★
Side pole★★★★★
RolloverRollover risk 17.4%★★★★☆
Front seat of a modern car with the seat belt buckled across the passenger seat
Compare fairly. Compare stars only between vehicles of similar size and weight. Ratings apply to the tested configuration.

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP), 2016 Jeep Cherokee suv 2wd, retrieved Oct 6, 2026.

Fuel economy: up to 25 mpg combined

25
mpg combined
21
city
30
highway
EPA annual fuel cost
$2,700
CO₂ tailpipe
361 g/mi
EPA class
Small Sport Utility Vehicle

What it costs you to run

$2,612per year
$218per month
600gallons a year

Miles ÷ 25 mpg × $4.354 (EIA US average regular, week of Oct 5, 2026, all taxes included). Source: EPA · EIA.

EPA label estimates from lab tests; your mileage will vary.

Specs by configuration

2016 Jeep Cherokee configurations with EPA data
Engine · transmissionDriveCity / Hwy / CombEPA $/yrCO₂ g/mi
2.4 L 4-cyl · 9-speed automaticFront-Wheel Drive21 / 30 / 25$2,700361
2.4 L 4-cyl · 9-speed automaticFront-Wheel Drive21 / 30 / 25$2,700361
3.2 L 6-cyl · 9-speed automaticFront-Wheel Drive21 / 29 / 24$2,800377
2.4 L 4-cyl · 9-speed automaticAll-Wheel Drive21 / 28 / 23$2,900378
2.4 L 4-cyl · 9-speed automaticAll-Wheel Drive21 / 28 / 23$2,900378
2.4 L 4-cyl · 9-speed automatic4-Wheel Drive21 / 27 / 23$2,900385
3.2 L 6-cyl · 9-speed automaticAll-Wheel Drive20 / 27 / 23$2,900388
2.4 L 4-cyl · 9-speed automatic4-Wheel Drive19 / 25 / 22$3,050411
3.2 L 6-cyl · 9-speed automatic4-Wheel Drive19 / 26 / 22$3,050414
3.2 L 6-cyl · 9-speed automatic4-Wheel Drive19 / 26 / 22$3,050408

Source: EPA fuel economy data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026. Configurations are listed when EPA and NHTSA records match.

Used blue SUV on a sunny dealer lot with its hood open and a clipboard on the fender

Looking at a 2016 Cherokee for sale?

Print a one-page buyer's checklist: each recall campaign with a box to tick when the seller shows proof of repair, the top complaint areas to inspect, crash stars, MPG, and a link back to this page.

All Cherokee years

Where to next

Which Cherokee years drew the fewest complaints?Best & worst years →2017 Jeep Cherokee report1,335 complaints · 6 campaigns →2015 Jeep Cherokee report1,789 complaints · 11 campaigns →Have a VIN? Decode itVIN decoder →

2016 Jeep Cherokee FAQ

How many recalls does the 2016 Jeep Cherokee have?

NHTSA lists 9 recall campaigns: 23V338000 (electrical), 23V302000 (power train), 20V343000 (power train), 18V332000 (electrical), 17V824000 (equipment), 16V590000 (seat), 16V284000 (power train), 16V287000 (power train), 15V826000 (electrical). Use NHTSA's VIN lookup to see whether a specific car was repaired.

What are the most common 2016 Jeep Cherokee problems?

Owners filed 1,406 complaints with NHTSA. Power train (629), Engine (314), Unknown or other (313) are mentioned most. These are owner reports, not verified findings.

What mpg does the 2016 Jeep Cherokee get?

EPA rates the 2.4 L 4-cyl · 9-speed automatic version at 21 city, 30 highway and 25 combined mpg. Other configurations are listed in the fuel economy section.

What safety rating did the 2016 Jeep Cherokee get?

NHTSA rated the 2016 Jeep Cherokee suv 2wd 4 stars overall, with 4 stars frontal, 5 stars side and 4 stars rollover (17.4% rollover risk).

How does the 2016 Cherokee compare with other years?

Among the 2001–2021 Jeep Cherokee model years at least five years old, the 2006 drew the fewest complaints (17) and the 2014 the most (2,647). The 2016 drew 1,406. Counts are owner reports, not failure rates.

How this page was madeSources, processing, limits, review and changes

Processing

  • Complaints are counted per component. One complaint can list several, so component totals add up to more than the total.
  • Fuel cost = miles per year ÷ EPA combined mpg × EIA weekly price for your region.

Limitations

  • Complaint counts are owner reports, not verified findings or failure rates. There is no sales denominator.
  • Recall campaigns are listed for the model year. Only NHTSA and the automaker know whether a specific car was repaired.
  • Recent model years are still collecting reports.

Review

Summary reviewed on Oct 6, 2026.

Changelog

  • 2026-10-06 Data refreshed from the official files.
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