2016 Jeep Cherokee Safety Report
2016 Jeep Cherokee: Strong Crash Ratings, High Powertrain Complaint Volume, Multiple Recalls for Fire and Drive Loss Risks
AI Safety Analysis for the 2016 Jeep Cherokee
Reliability Score
The 2016 Jeep Cherokee receives a reliability score of 45 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates average reliability — some notable concerns exist that prospective buyers should be aware of.
Known Issues for the 2016 Jeep Cherokee
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2016 Jeep Cherokee:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Power Transfer Unit (Ptu) Failure Numerous complaints and recalls (POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION, POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DIFFERENTIAL UNIT) indicate a high incidence of PTU failure, leading to loss of drive power, inability to engage 4WD, and potential rollaway risk. Owners report 'Service 4WD' warnings and drivetrain vibrations. |
High | Common | 50000-100000 miles |
| Transmission Hesitation/Failure Many complaints describe the transmission hesitating, lagging, hard shifting, or stalling while driving, sometimes leading to complete transmission replacement. This is a significant contributor to the 'POWER TRAIN' complaint category. |
High | Common | 20000-80000 miles |
| Electrical System Fires (Power Liftgate Module) Two recalls (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING: REAR COMPARTMENT/TRUNK) address an electrical short in the power liftgate module that can lead to vehicle fires, even when parked. Several owner complaints mention vehicle fires, some originating from the rear. |
High | Occasional | any miles |
| Emergency Parking Brake Unintended Engagement Several complaints detail the emergency parking brake engaging unexpectedly while driving or at a stop, immobilizing the vehicle and posing a significant safety hazard. This often requires restarting the vehicle to disengage. |
High | Occasional | any miles |
| Halfshaft Fracture/Disconnection Two recalls (POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY:AXLE SHAFT) address incorrectly manufactured left and right halfshafts that could fracture and disconnect, leading to a loss of drive and increased crash risk. These were for specific manufacturing dates. |
High | Rare | new-low miles |
Common Problems Reported by Owners
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2016 Jeep Cherokee:
The most prevalent issue, accounting for 424 complaints, involves the transmission and Power Transfer Unit (PTU), leading to loss of drive, hesitation, hard shifts, and 4WD system malfunctions. This includes recalls for PTU and halfshaft issues.
A significant number of complaints (163) fall into this category, often describing general vehicle malfunctions, warning lights, or issues not easily categorized, sometimes related to electrical glitches or intermittent problems.
Engine-related complaints (121) include issues like sputtering, jerking, hesitation, misfires, and burning odors, sometimes linked to fuel injectors or other engine components.
Electrical system issues (67 complaints) range from dashboard going black, loss of power while driving, to specific problems like the power liftgate module short circuit, which was subject to recalls due to fire risk.
While lower in volume (24 complaints), brake issues include unintended emergency parking brake engagement and wheels locking up while turning, posing immediate safety risks.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2016 Jeep Cherokee
Is the 2016 Jeep Cherokee safe?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2016 Jeep Cherokee received a 4-star overall safety rating, with excellent 5-star side crash protection. However, it has a high volume of 1379 owner complaints, including 34 crashes and 14 fires, primarily related to powertrain and electrical system failures, which could compromise safety despite good crash test performance.
What are common problems with the 2016 Jeep Cherokee?
The most reported issues for the 2016 Jeep Cherokee are related to the POWER TRAIN (424 complaints), specifically the Power Transfer Unit (PTU) and transmission, leading to loss of drive, hesitation, and 4WD malfunctions. Other common problems include 'UNKNOWN OR OTHER' issues (163 complaints), ENGINE problems (121 complaints), and ELECTRICAL SYSTEM failures (67 complaints), some of which have led to vehicle fires.
Are there any recalls for the 2016 Jeep Cherokee?
Yes, the 2016 Jeep Cherokee has 9 recalls. Notable recalls include those for the Power Transfer Unit (PTU) which can cause loss of drive or rollaway, electrical shorts in the power liftgate module leading to fire risk, and issues with seat fasteners and halfshafts. It's crucial to ensure all applicable recalls have been addressed.
Does the 2016 Jeep Cherokee have transmission problems?
Yes, transmission problems are a significant concern for the 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The 'POWER TRAIN' category is the highest for complaints (424), with many owners reporting issues like hesitation, lagging acceleration, hard shifts, stalling, and complete transmission failure, often linked to the Power Transfer Unit (PTU) which has multiple recalls.
What are the fire risks for the 2016 Jeep Cherokee?
The 2016 Jeep Cherokee has a documented fire risk, with 14 reported fires and two recalls specifically addressing an electrical short in the power liftgate module that can cause a vehicle fire, even when parked. Owners have reported fires originating from the rear of the vehicle.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: Given the high volume of powertrain and electrical complaints, including fire risks and loss of drive, a pre-purchase inspection by a trusted mechanic is essential, focusing on the PTU, transmission, and electrical system. Verify all 9 recalls have been completed before purchase.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2016 Jeep Cherokee
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The data includes 1379 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 9 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 34 reported crashes, 14 fire incidents, 23 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.
The NHTSA has assigned the 2016 Jeep Cherokee an overall safety rating of 4 out of 5 stars, with a frontal crash rating of 4 stars, a side crash rating of 5 stars, and a rollover rating of 4 stars. These ratings are determined through controlled crash testing conducted by the NHTSA.
All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.
Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.