Vehicle report

2016 Jeep Cherokee

Free recalls, owner complaints, and NHTSA safety ratings for the 2016 Jeep Cherokee, plus how to check this specific vehicle before you buy.

The 2016 Jeep Cherokee has 9 NHTSA recalls on record and 15 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Its overall NHTSA crash-test rating is 4 out of 5. Below is the full breakdown, plus how to check this specific vehicle by VIN before you buy in Alberta.

9

Open recalls

15

Complaints

4

Overall safety

Get the full vehicle history report

SPONSORED

Accident & damage records, liens, title brands, ownership history, and odometer verification.

Get full report →

Provided by our vehicle-history partner. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

2016 Jeep Cherokee recalls (9)

  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING

    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.

    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.

  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING: REAR COMPARTMENT/TRUNK

    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.

    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.

  • EQUIPMENT

    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

    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.

  • SEATS

    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.

    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.

  • POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY:AXLE SHAFT

    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.

    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.

  • POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY:AXLE SHAFT

    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.

    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.

  • POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DIFFERENTIAL UNIT

    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.

    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.

  • POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

    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.

    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.

  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING: REAR COMPARTMENT/TRUNK

    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.

    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.

2016 Jeep Cherokee safety ratings

4

Overall

4

Front

5

Side

4

Rollover

Source: NHTSA NCAP ratings.

2016 Jeep Cherokee owner complaints (15)

  • POWER TRAIN

    The vehicle suffered a complete internal failure of the Power Transfer Unit (PTU) drivetrain assembly. Authorized dealership Milford Auto Group diagnosed the vehicle on Invoice #45604 and confirmed in writing: "THE PTU HAS FAILED INTERNALLY AND NEEDS TO BE REPLACED".The manufacturer (FCA US LLC) issued a 15-year extended warranty campaign (XJ1) specifically to address safety hazards related to internal PTU mechanical failures causing loss of power. However, FCA US LLC and the dealership are refusing to remedy this documented defect under the warranty extension due to fault code C14A7-97, demanding $4,600+ tax out-of-pocket. Chrysler’s own internal publication, STAR Case S1721000016 Rev. A (MC-10247452-9999), explicitly confirms that fault code C14A7-97 is triggered by damage and debris on the internal PTU mode/range shaft splines and collars, requiring complete PTU replacement. Operating the vehicle with a compromised, internally disintegrated PTU creates an immediate safety hazard of sudden drivetrain lockup, loss of vehicle propulsion while driving, or rollaway risk. The manufacturer's refusal to honor their written warranty extension based on code technicalities forces the vehicle to remain in an unsafe, hazardous condition.

  • AIR BAGS

    I was involved in a significant front-end collision while driving my 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The vehicle sustained extensive front-end damage, including substantial damage to the hood, front bumper, and front structural/components area. Despite the severity of the collision, none of the airbags deployed. I sustained injuries to my neck, shoulders, and back as a result of the collision. I am concerned that the non-deployment of the airbags may have contributed to the severity of my injuries. Prior to the collision, I was not aware of any airbag warning lights, warning messages, or problems with the airbag/SRS system. I am concerned that the airbag system may not have functioned as intended during the collision. I am requesting that the non-deployment be investigated as a potential safety issue. The vehicle has been declared a total loss but remains intact at a tow facility and has not been dismantled or disposed of. It is currently available for inspection.

  • POWER TRAIN

    My PTU/transfer case has failed and our Jeep is currently in the shop. They are stating that this exact issue is part of an ongoing recall and that our vehicle should also be added to the recall list due to this part being the exact reason for the recall. They told me that it is unsafe to drive due to power transfer failure while driving, and potential vehicle rollaway. The problem initially was severe grinding noises noted while driving and it was confirmed by our mechanic at our local dealership. He then inspected the unit and noted the failure. I received no warning messages on my vehicle dash prior to this issue. The grinding has been ongoing for about 6 months to a year prior to this but was much less and I kept being told it was either the tires rubbing whilst turning or that my 4WD was "just having a hard time" by other mechanics which I now know was not the case). Please consider my vehicle to be added to this recall. This fix is entirely too expensive for a mom of two young kids, in the state of this economy, who needs their car back as soon as possible.

  • POWER TRAIN

    My 2016 Jeep Cherokee developed severe grinding/scraping noise and vibration associated with the PTU. In 2023, I brought it to Larry H. Miller Jeep 104th for PTU-related Safety Recall 45A and also reported abnormal noise. The noise was not documented and the PTU was not replaced, despite Warranty Extension XJ1 already being in effect. In 2026, after the noise worsened, I returned to an authorized Jeep dealer and specifically reported the PTU concern and XJ1. The dealer stated the PTU tested normally and attributed the noise to other issues. I obtained an independent ASE-certified inspection from Wesley Automotive. Wesley documented PTU noise/vibration, a magnetic plug coated in metal, excessive ferrous metal in the PTU fluid, and a faulty PTU requiring replacement. After unrelated wheel-bearing and brake repairs, Wesley documented that the PTU concern remained and provided a photograph showing metal debris on the plug and written diagnostic findings. A subsequent authorized Jeep representative stated XJ1 would not apply without fault code P1720-00 or P215C-00 even if metal were present in the PTU, while acknowledging that the metal condition presented a safety concern. Despite documented PTU failure and metal contamination, it remains unrepaired because Jeep has conditioned XJ1 replacement on specified fault codes rather than physical findings. This follows the 2023 PTU-related recall visit, a later authorized dealer reporting no applicable codes and stating the PTU tested normally, and AutoNation requiring me to authorize a $295 diagnostic fee for yet another evaluation. Stellantis continues to require additional dealer evaluation despite this history and independent physical evidence of PTU deterioration. I am concerned continued operation puts my family and me at risk of PTU failure, sudden power loss, or loss of drivability. The vehicle remains in service with a faulty PTU and metal contamination.

  • POWER TRAIN

    Good afternoon, my 2016 Jeep Cherokee is currently at the Local Jeep Dealer in Savannah, Georgia. I have been informed by the dealership that my Power Transfer Unit has failed and has to be replaced. I went to your website and this is an ACTIVE CAMPAIGN for this issue, it is #23V302000. This is a known recall issue and thus the RECALL was issued. Problem, my vehicle's VIN is not listed on your or Mopar's website. I get it, if the VIN is included it is an automatic issue and it will be repaired. My Jeep has the exact mechanical issue covered by the recall, but its not on the list. My question, can my Jeep / VIN be added to the recall? My VIN is [XXX]. I'm a US Veteran with [XXX] of service, I'm on Social Security, and I'm [XXX] old. This repair will be very expensive and I have limited resources. Anything you can do, would be greatly appreciated. I thank you in advance for your time and consideration in this matter. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

  • AIR BAGS

    Took a hard Impact to the rear driver side tire and rear driver door corner small dent(near rear tire), and was spun 180° causing being propelled into a light pole on the passenger front and side. No airbags deployed in the entire vehicle. Multiple people in the vehicle in the vehicle sustained concussions, one also hit their head off the side window which resulted in a large bump forming, and also sustained a fractured rib. No warning lights were on and vehicle had recently been inspected. Currently there is a case opened with JEEP regarding the lack of deployment of the airbag system related to this accident.

  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS

    The vehicle show code B0020-13. This is a fault in the wiring system for the airbags. Caused by Jeep engineering being bad. This has nothing to do with how is driven or used and is a massive safety issue and shuts the entire airbag system down. It requires fix 10-001-20. This issue is so common they have issued a bulletin. The fix is $1100. The fact that this isn't covered by Chrysler is an abomination to safety and is absolutely ridiculous. Then being allowed to not fix air bag issue they know they have caused should be illegal. I'm embarrassed to even have to write this. This is going to kill someone.

  • POWER TRAIN

    Gear shift locks up and car must be turned off and restarted.

  • POWER TRAIN

    The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle jerked abnormally with the message "Service 4WD" displayed. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer to be diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the PTU had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V302000 (POWER TRAIN). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The contact was informed that the parts to repair the vehicle were currently on backorder. The failure mileage was 86,000.

  • POWER TRAIN

    Bad PTU/Transfer case.

  • POWER TRAIN

    The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving 25 MPH, the vehicle went into LIMP Mode. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. A dealer was contacted. The contact pulled over into a parking lot, turned off and restarted the vehicle, and the vehicle operated as intended. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the power transfer unit needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 23V302000 (POWER TRAIN) and 20V343000 (POWER TRAIN); however, the VIN was not included in the recalls. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 69,177.

  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

    Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2016 Jeep Cherokee. It was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy after the purchase. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 86,778 and at the time of the vehicle's oil change, it was discovered that on the last oil change the mileage was 90,003.

  • UNKNOWN OR OTHER

    I pressed button to open back hatch. It started raising and then all of a sudden it closed down and almost knocked me out. My head is very sore where it hit me. I had not pressed button to close it. It just closed on it's own without warning. This happened once before right after I bought the car. I just thought it was a fluke, so i did not report it at that time. I have not taken it anywhere to get checked out. I work so it is challenging to take it during business hours.

  • SERVICE BRAKES

    The parking brake has engaged on it's own 4 times. Twice while I was driving and twice while I was parked in my driveway with car started and attempting to leave. When parked it will not let me roll. When driving the vehicle shimmies and acts like it has serious problems like the wheel is about to fall off. One time there was a yellow exclamation point as a warning light as it was having the issue. The other time there were no warning lights. I never use my parking brake. It came on when I was about a mile down the road. I believe the first 2 times were in March. The last 2 were in May 2026

  • WHEELS

    My jeep Cherokee isn’t catching gears when I drive it also has the svc 4wd light on

Checking a used Jeep Cherokee before you buy

The recall, complaint, and safety data above describes the 2016 Cherokee in general. To know the condition and history of the specific vehicle you're looking at, check it by VIN. A VIN check shows whether this particular Cherokee's recalls are still outstanding, and a full history report adds accident, title, and ownership records the data above can't show.

Before you buy a 2016 Jeep Cherokee in Alberta:

See other model years of the Jeep Cherokee, or browse more Jeep models.

2016 Jeep Cherokee — questions and answers

Does the 2016 Jeep Cherokee have any recalls?+

Our check found 9 NHTSA recalls associated with the 2016 Jeep Cherokee. Check the specific vehicle by VIN to see which remain outstanding, since some may already have been repaired. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer.

How many complaints does the 2016 Jeep Cherokee have?+

NHTSA lists 15 owner complaints for the 2016 Jeep Cherokee in our results. Complaints are problems reported by owners and don't always lead to a recall, but a pattern of similar complaints is worth weighing before you buy.

Is the 2016 Jeep Cherokee safe?+

The 2016 Jeep Cherokee has an overall NHTSA crash-test rating of 4. Review the front-crash, side-crash, and rollover ratings above, and pair safety ratings with a mechanical inspection of the specific vehicle.

How do I check a 2016 Jeep Cherokee VIN?+

Enter the vehicle's 17-character VIN into our free VIN check to see recalls, complaints, and safety ratings for that exact vehicle, then run an Alberta Personal Property Registry (PPR) lien search before you pay.

Are recall repairs on a Jeep free?+

Yes. Safety recall repairs are performed at no cost by a franchised Jeep dealer, even for a used vehicle and even if you're not the original owner. Confirm the required parts are in stock before relying on the fix.

Get the full vehicle history report

SPONSORED

Accident & damage records, liens, title brands, ownership history, and odometer verification.

Get full report →

Provided by our vehicle-history partner. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.