2016 Jeep Cherokee: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2016 Jeep Cherokee? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 500 complaints, with Transmission / Drivetrain as the top reported area.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2016 Jeep Cherokee has 500 owner complaints, 7 crash-related complaints, and 9 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Transmission / Drivetrain. NHTSA reliability signal: Notable Issues.
- Make
- Jeep
- Model
- Cherokee
- Model year
- 2016
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 500
- Crash-related complaints
- 7
- Safety recall campaigns
- 9
- Top reported component
- Transmission / Drivetrain
- Reliability signal
- Notable Issues
Most Common 2016 Jeep Cherokee Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Transmission / Drivetrain
Electrical Faults
Engine Problems
Complaint patterns center on Transmission / Drivetrain, Electrical Faults, Engine Problems. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2016 Jeep Cherokee?
The 2016 Jeep Cherokee shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
What to Check Before Buying a Used 2016 Jeep Cherokee
Inspection Focus
- Inspect transmission/drivetrain performance during test drive.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for transmission, electrical, and engine repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect transmission/drivetrain performance during test drive.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for transmission, electrical, and engine repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2016 Jeep Cherokee, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
What the Complaint Data Suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Complaints for the 2016 Jeep Cherokee are heavily concentrated in the transmission/drivetrain, with over half of all reports. Electrical faults and engine problems also appear frequently. Crash-related complaints are relatively few, but the overall confidence in this data is low.
- Transmission/Drivetrain accounts for 282 of 500 total complaints.
- Electrical faults are the second most reported component with 101 complaints.
- Engine problems total 86 complaints, and brake system issues total 50.
- Forward collision avoidance (AEB) and unintended acceleration have 27 and 19 complaints respectively.
- Transmission / Drivetrain issues are the most frequently reported problem.
- Electrical faults are a recurring theme in complaints.
- Engine problems appear in a notable number of reports.
All 2016 Jeep Cherokee Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2016 Jeep Cherokee. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 282 | 3 | 3 | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 101 | 1 | 2 | — | |
| Engine Problems | 86 | — | 2 | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 80 | — | — | — | |
| Brake System | 50 | — | — | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB | 27 | 2 | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 19 | 1 | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 15 | — | 1 | — | |
| Steering Defects | 12 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 12 | 2 | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 10 | — | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 8 | — | — | — | |
| Parking-Brake Issues | 8 | — | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 6 | 2 | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Firerelated | 2 | — | 2 | — | |
| Visibility | 2 | — | 1 | — | |
| Door Lock Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Gasoline | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Hydraulic | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Real Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2016 Jeep Cherokee. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
Intermittent 4wd servicing displaying with no error codes when diagnosed. Loss of acceleration when displayed. Additionally there is a small vapor leak that cannot be found and the
There is an open recall for 2014 -2016 Jeep Cherokees for a problem with the power liftgate module. My vehicle is a 2016 Cherokee but it is not included in the recall. The liftgate module in my vehicle is being replaced right now for the same issue in the recall , water intrusion…
4WD light displayed on dash. Dealer responded this was a known issue with PTU recalls, however, my VIN was not included. Was warned by dealer not to drive due to fire danger. This recall should be expanded to include all vehicles manufactured within this timeframe as a car with 1…
The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds, the message “4WD/Pull Over” was displayed, and the Low Oil warning light was intermittently illuminated. The contact became aware of the warning lights after receiving an oil chang…
From airbags all of them. yes its available for inspection. the airbags deployed while I was driving and I couldn't control the car and ended up in a ditch. yes we were put at risk as well as others on the road. Nobody has inspected vehicle at this time. no prior issues or warnin…
A “Service 4WD” warning light is currently illuminated on the dashboard. The front axles and shock/strut assemblies have already been replaced; however, the warning light remains on. The dealership has diagnosed the issue as a failed Power Transfer Unit (PTU). I was informed tha…
Service 4 WD warning light is on. Vehicle will not engage 4wd.
My 2016 Jeep Cherokee AWD began showing a “Service 4WD” warning on the dashboard. At the same time the vehicle developed noticeable drivetrain vibration at highway speeds above approximately 55 mph and gears began taking longer than normal to change. A dealership diagnosed the ve…
I have a 4x4 disengagement warning light and all reviews I have researched say you have to replace the rear transfer case. I bought this car October 2025 111000 miles on it 5 months in I have had to replace a shifter cable, the oil filter housing and now this rear ptu. The srv 4…
I was stopped at a traffic light and when it tire we green I was unable to drive as the emergency brake was holding the vehicle. I was unable to release it. Car would not go forward or backwards. Finally was able to drive after disconnecting battery for a few minutes. Drive direc…
The contact owned a 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that twenty minutes after her husband parked and turned off the vehicle in a parking lot, the vehicle caught fire while unoccupied. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that she noticed sparks coming…
We own a 2016 Jeep Cherokee and have been experiencing ongoing issues with the transmission and acceleration. The vehicle will sometimes hesitate or lag when pressing the gas pedal. There are situations where you try to accelerate and the vehicle does not respond right away. This…
Beginning in late October 2025, my 2016 Jeep Cherokee North Edition began experiencing a recurring electronic shifter and transmission malfunction. The vehicle displays a “Service Shifter” warning (with an A! with a circle arrow and the check engine light is on) and shakes violen…
My Vehicle VIN isn't listed under the massive recall of the PTU (Diagnostic code C14A7-67) Vehicle is the same manufacture year of the recalled vehicles. If the PTU fails it can cause sudden loss of drive power, inability to stay in Park (rollaway risk). The check 4WD light is …
WHILE STOPPED AT STOP SIGNS OR STOP LIGHTS THE EMERGENCY PARKING BREAK WILL ENGAGE AND UNABLE TO TURN OFF WITH OUT RESTARTING VEHICLE.
The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle sputtered, jerked, and hesitated while depressing the accelerator pedal. The message "Service 4WD" was displayed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it…
I was going home, speed limit 55 mph, so thats what I was doing. A suv entering a intersection ahead of me, ( i dont have a stop or yield sign, but they do) the suv never stops, rolling into the intersection, as im entering the intersection at 55 mph. I tried avoidance at last se…
The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle jerked abnormally with an abnormal burning odor coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and was diagnosed with a misfire in cylinder #5. The fuel…
The parking brake will sometimes activate while driving the vehicle, I happens twice driving loosing control of the vehicle.
The PTU was bad and was replaced by the dealership under Chrysler extended warranty. The dealership then said the transfer case module and motor needed to be replaced and while at the dealership replacing those components they informed me that the rear differential axle is bad re…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2016 Jeep Cherokee.
2016 Jeep Cherokee Recalls
9 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2016 Jeep Cherokee. 9 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
2016 Jeep Cherokee Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2016 Jeep Cherokee reliable?▾
Notable Issues. NHTSA currently shows 500 owner complaints, 7 crash-related complaints, and 9 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2016 Jeep Cherokee shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Jeep Cherokee?▾
#1: Transmission / Drivetrain (282 complaints). #2: Electrical Faults (101 complaints). #3: Engine Problems (86 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2016 Jeep Cherokee?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2016 Jeep Cherokee?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2016 Jeep Cherokee, NHTSA complaints include 7 crash-related reports and 8 fire reports out of 500 total complaints. 4 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2016 Jeep Cherokee have any recalls?▾
Yes. 9 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2016 Jeep Cherokee. A major recall area is ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING. 9 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2016 Jeep Cherokee?▾
The 2016 Jeep Cherokee shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Transmission / Drivetrain during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Jeep Cherokee reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2016 Jeep Cherokee based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Check the Exact Vehicle History Before You Buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.