2016 Jeep Cherokee Recalls, Problems & Safety Rating

9 safety recalls on file

The 2016 Jeep Cherokee has 9 safety recalls on file with NHTSA.

Owners have filed 1,413 complaints with NHTSA, including 37 crashes, 15 fires, 27 injuries.

The most-reported problem area is Power Train (638 reports).

9Recalls
1,413Owner complaints
37Crashes reported
n/aNHTSA safety rating
Is the repair still open on your Cherokee?

A recall covers specific vehicles. Your VIN shows whether yours still needs the free repair.

2016 Jeep Cherokee recalls

Electrical short can cause fire in power liftgate

Recall 23V338May 11, 2023132,099 vehicles affected

A short circuit in the power liftgate module can cause a vehicle fire, and the fire can start whether the ignition is on or off.

Transmission Can Lose Drive Power or Park, Risking Crashes

Recall 23V302Apr 27, 202325,980 vehicles affected

Certain 2016-2017 Jeep Cherokee vehicles may have a power transfer unit (PTU) that can become damaged.

Transmission Can Lose Drive or Park, Risking Crash or Rollaway

Recall 20V343Jun 11, 202067,248 vehicles affected

Certain 2014-2017 Jeep Cherokee vehicles with a two-speed Power Transfer Unit (PTU) may develop wear on the input spline teeth.

Cruise Control May Not Shut Off, Raising Crash Risk

Recall 18V332May 17, 20184,815,661 vehicles affected

A short circuit in the wiring can stop the cruise control from disengaging, whether by pressing the brake pedal or switching the system off manually.

Fire Extinguisher May Clog or Fail to Discharge

Recall 17V824Dec 21, 201761,791 vehicles affected

Some in-vehicle Kidde fire extinguishers, sold with certain Chrysler, Dodge, and RAM vehicles, may become clogged.

Loose Seat Fasteners Could Let Seats Shift in a Crash

Recall 16V590Aug 10, 20161,827 vehicles affected

Some seat fasteners on the first or second row seats may not have been tightened to the proper torque specification.

Right axle shaft can break without warning, risking crash

Recall 16V284May 11, 20161,029 vehicles affected

Certain 2016 Jeep Cherokee vehicles built between October 3, 2015 and March 22, 2016 may have a right halfshaft that was incorrectly manufactured.

Left Axle Shaft May Break Without Warning

Recall 16V287May 11, 201652 vehicles affected

Certain 2016 Jeep Cherokee vehicles built between September 30 and October 2, 2015, may have a left halfshaft that was manufactured incorrectly.

Water Leak Can Cause Liftgate Module Short and Fire Risk

Recall 15V826Dec 9, 201532,784 vehicles affected

Certain 2015-2016 Jeep Cherokee vehicles built between February 18, 2015 and September 10, 2015 with the power liftgate option may let water leak into the Power Liftgate Control Module.

Most common 2016 Jeep Cherokee problems

Problem areas named in the 1,413 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.

Problem areaReports
Power Train638
Engine314
Unknown Or Other313
Electrical System298
Service Brakes92
Vehicle Speed Control76
Steering54
Fuel/Propulsion System43
Structure33
Air Bags31

What owners report

2026-10-26, Power Train
The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked on a slight incline, the vehicle started moving. The contact depressed the brake pedal and became aware that the 4WD warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to shift into 4WD. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V343000 (Power Train); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The dealer was contacted and determined that the vehicle had experienced a PTU failure. The dealer stated that the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 142,000.
2026-10-21, Power Train
Unsafe to drive. PTU failure had it towed to the dealership and I can't afford the repair. They want me to drive it home anyway.
2026-10-20, Electrical System
1. Start/stop light always comes on since I purchased the vehicle in 2024 2. Svc 4wd light is always on within the past several months 3. Vehicle System Report indicates 10 items needs attention including the DTCM 4. Receiving error code C1494 for PTU Symptoms: A. Vibrating floor bed at left drivers side foot B. Slipping and sliding in the rear tires. The VIN has been excluded from all safety recalls, but I am experiencing a severe failure of the AWD/4WD. The dealership that I bought it from will not assist me in paying because my car was excluded. I have all the signs of a failed PTU.
2026-10-14, Power Train
The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at 25 MPH, the 4WD warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the Power Transfer Unit (PTU) failed and required replacement. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and advised the contact to report the failure to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 81,000.
2026-10-05, Power Train
Warning message of 4 Wheel drive overheating and disengaging. a few minutes later a loud pop occurred, and flames overtook the engine and drive train. I pulled off the road and the fire department came and put out the fire. It is a total loss. I believe that this is a safety recall but I was never notified of any repairs needed.

2016 Jeep Cherokee questions

Does the 2016 Jeep Cherokee have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 9 safety recalls for the 2016 Jeep Cherokee: Electrical short can cause fire in power liftgate; Transmission Can Lose Drive Power or Park, Risking Crashes; Transmission Can Lose Drive or Park, Risking Crash or Rollaway; Cruise Control May Not Shut Off, Raising Crash Risk; Fire Extinguisher May Clog or Fail to Discharge. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.

What are the most common problems with the 2016 Jeep Cherokee?

Based on 1,413 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Power Train (638), Engine (314), Unknown Or Other (313).

How do I check if a recall on my 2016 Jeep Cherokee has been fixed?

Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.

Other Jeep Cherokee years

Other 2016 Jeep models