2016 Jeep Cherokee Safety Report
2016 Jeep Cherokee Safety Report
Safety Decision Cockpit for the 2016 Jeep Cherokee
This page is the hub for deciding what to inspect next on the 2016 Jeep Cherokee. It connects recall campaigns, owner complaint patterns, service bulletins, sibling model years, component issue hubs, and the model buying guide so a shopper or owner can move from a single report into the wider safety graph.
| Signal | Value | What to inspect next |
|---|---|---|
| Recall burden | High (9) | Review campaign numbers, affected components, and dealer remedies below. |
| Owner complaints | High (1379) | Scan complaint narratives for recurring symptoms, mileage, crashes, fires, injuries, and dates. |
| Crash and fire reports | 48 | Treat any crash, fire, injury, or fatality-linked pattern as a priority pre-purchase inspection item. |
| Primary component hub | Power Train | Compare power train issues across vehicles. |
| Cleaner nearby model year | 2021 | Compare against the 2021 Jeep Cherokee with 118 complaints and 3 recalls. |
| Riskier nearby model year | 2015 | Check the 2015 Jeep Cherokee before buying across this generation. |
Jeep Cherokee Year-by-Year Comparison
The safest purchase decision usually comes from comparing neighboring model years, not reading a single page in isolation. The table below uses only validated Jeep Cherokee years already present in the cleaned NHTSA dataset, so each comparison links to a real vehicle safety report rather than a generated combination.
| Model Year | Complaints | Recalls | Use case |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 Jeep Cherokee | 1299 | 6 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2015 Jeep Cherokee | 1763 | 11 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2018 Jeep Cherokee | 658 | 7 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2019 Jeep Cherokee | 1500 | 10 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2020 Jeep Cherokee | 226 | 2 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2021 Jeep Cherokee | 118 | 3 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
2016 Jeep Cherokee Complaint Theme Map
Complaint counts become more useful when they are grouped into inspection themes. For the 2016 Jeep Cherokee, these are the component areas with the clearest NHTSA complaint signals. Use each link to jump from this single vehicle into broader component hubs and make-specific issue pages.
Power Train
424 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Power Train issues Jeep onlyUnknown Or Other
163 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Unknown Or Other issues Jeep onlyEngine
121 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Engine issues Jeep onlyElectrical System
67 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Electrical System issues Jeep onlyPower Train,Electrical System
34 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Power Train,Electrical System issues Jeep onlyElectrical System,Unknown Or Other
29 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Electrical System,Unknown Or Other issues Jeep onlyAI Safety Analysis for the 2016 Jeep Cherokee
Reliability Score
The 2016 Jeep Cherokee receives a reliability score of 55 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.
NHTSA Safety Ratings for the 2016 Jeep Cherokee
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) evaluates vehicles through controlled crash tests and assigns star ratings from 1 to 5, with 5 being the safest.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical System Recalled for wiring issues in the rear compartment, affecting vehicle control. |
Medium | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Power Train Recalled for automatic transmission and driveline differential unit problems, impacting vehicle performance. |
Medium | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Service Brakes Recalled for service brake malfunctions, posing a safety risk. |
Low | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Engine Recalled for engine issues, including problems with the power transfer unit. |
Medium | Common | 30k-60k 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:
Frequent issues with wiring in the rear compartment.
Common problems with the automatic transmission and driveline.
Service brake malfunctions are a common issue.
Engine issues, including power transfer unit problems, are less common.
Recall Details for the 2016 Jeep Cherokee
The following 9 recalls have been issued for the 2016 Jeep Cherokee by NHTSA:
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 ...
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.
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 transmissio...
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.
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 c...
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 d...
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 v...
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 i...
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.
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.
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.
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...
NHTSA Complaint Summaries for the 2016 Jeep Cherokee
Below are complaint narratives filed by owners of the 2016 Jeep Cherokee with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 1 complaint involved crashes. 1 involved fires. 1 reported injuries or fatalities.
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 warnings. It deployed without any warnings. There was NO cause for this to happen, No impact when this ocured.
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 that many vehicles of similar make, model, and year are covered under a recall for this issue, but my specific vehicle is n...
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 vehicle and found diagnostic code C14A7-97. The technician determined the Power Transfer Unit (PTU) shift motor is binding...
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 4x4 light comes and goes. This could be electrical for poorly made un serviceable parts. I have read and researched miles...
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 from beneath the rear driver's side taillight before the vehicle caught fire. The fire consumed half of the vehicle, ca...
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 directly to repair station. They changed the e brake switch, and the motor on one side of rear brake and the caliper also. Wa...
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 has created safety concerns while driving. There have been multiple instances where the vehicle did not move as expecte...
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 violently upon shifting; it's straight up psychologically unnerving. This issue creates a significant safety hazard because ...
WHILE STOPPED AT STOP SIGNS OR STOP LIGHTS THE EMERGENCY PARKING BREAK WILL ENGAGE AND UNABLE TO TURN OFF WITH OUT RESTARTING VEHICLE.
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 on and Diagnostic code C14A7-67 comes up. Jeep said my vehicle isn't included in the recall so there isn't anything the...
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 was diagnosed with an inoperable PTU actuator. The dealer was contacted and provided an estimate for the repair. The ve...
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 second to no avail. My front drivers corner smashed the middle, passenger side of the other suv. My Jeep continues to the ...
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 injectors were cleaned, and the spark plugs and filters were replaced. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, ...
The parking brake will sometimes activate while driving the vehicle, I happens twice driving loosing control of the vehicle.
The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while driving 25 MPH and attempting to make a left or right turn the rear driver’s and passenger’s side wheels locked up as if the brake pedal was depressed, with a grinding sound coming from the rear of the vehicle. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken a dealer where it diagnosed and determined that the PTU needed to be replaced....
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 resulting from the bad PTU
The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, there was a grinding sound coming from the rear of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who diagnosed that the PTU was faulty and needed to be replaced. The PTU was replaced, and the vehicle was repaired. The vehicle later experienced transmission failures and failed to properly accel...
The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that the message "Shift to Park(P)” was displayed, and several other warning lights were illuminated on the instrument cluster. The failure had occurred while exiting a parking lot and turning left. The contact stated that after refueling the vehicle, the vehicle ...
UNKNOWN: Not had problems since I got it. 66000 miles on it and now it’s losing electrical power at random. I’ll be driving normally, but my dash will go black, all lights go out and the engine will go into neutral. When I let off the throttle and coast, it will come back to life and go back to normal.
Showing 20 of 1379 complaints. Additional complaints are available via the NHTSA database.
NHTSA Defect Investigations for the 2016 Jeep Cherokee
NHTSA defect investigations are higher-signal than ordinary complaints because they indicate the agency opened a formal review of a potential safety defect. Some investigations later connect to recall campaigns; others close without a recall after review.
Component: Parking Brake:Electrical
Opened 2022-07-22 · Closed 2023-10-29
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened investigation PE22-009 after having received 80 complaints on model years 2014-2020 Jeep Cherokees alleging the Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) inadvertently activated while the vehicle was in motion.During this investigation, the subject vehicles were updated to include only Model Years (MY) 2014-2016, while MY 2017-2020 were considered peers.Based on related repair invoices, ODI believed the EPB module was damaged by water leaking into the vehicl...
Component: Air Bags:Frontal:Driver Side:Inflator Module
Opened 2021-09-17
From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 20...
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2016 Jeep Cherokee
Has the 2016 JEEP CHEROKEE been recalled?
Yes, the 2016 JEEP CHEROKEE has 9 recalls on record with NHTSA. Each recall addresses a specific safety defect identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA.
How many complaints does the 2016 JEEP CHEROKEE have?
The 2016 JEEP CHEROKEE has 1,379 complaints filed with NHTSA. Of these, 34 involved crashes. 23 injuries and 0 deaths have been reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2016 JEEP CHEROKEE?
The 2016 JEEP CHEROKEE received an overall NHTSA safety rating of good (4/5). Frontal crash: 4/5. Side crash: 5/5. Rollover: 4/5.
What are the most common problems with the 2016 JEEP CHEROKEE?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2016 JEEP CHEROKEE involve power train (424 complaints), unknown or other (163 complaints), engine (121 complaints). Other affected components include electrical system, power train,electrical system, electrical system,unknown or other.
How many crash reports does the 2016 JEEP CHEROKEE have?
There are 34 crash reports associated with the 2016 JEEP CHEROKEE out of 1,379 total complaints (2.5% of complaints involved crashes).
How many fire reports does the 2016 JEEP CHEROKEE have?
There are 14 fire reports for the 2016 JEEP CHEROKEE out of 1,379 total complaints. Fire reports are among the most serious safety concerns tracked by NHTSA.
Are there any deaths reported for the 2016 JEEP CHEROKEE?
No deaths have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2016 JEEP CHEROKEE.
How many injuries are reported for the 2016 JEEP CHEROKEE?
23 injuries have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2016 JEEP CHEROKEE. These are self-reported by vehicle owners as part of their safety complaints.
Should I buy a 2016 JEEP CHEROKEE?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2016 JEEP CHEROKEE is extreme caution advised. It has 1,379 complaints, 9 recalls, and a good (4/5) safety rating. Always have a pre-purchase inspection done by a qualified mechanic.
What components fail most on the 2016 JEEP CHEROKEE?
The components with the most failures on the 2016 JEEP CHEROKEE are: 1. POWER TRAIN (424 complaints), 2. UNKNOWN OR OTHER (163 complaints), 3. ENGINE (121 complaints), 4. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (67 complaints), 5. POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (34 complaints). POWER TRAIN is the single most-reported problem area with 424 complaints.
What should I know before buying a 2016 JEEP CHEROKEE?
Be cautious of electrical system and power train issues. Check for recalls and address any service brake malfunctions promptly. The 2016 JEEP CHEROKEE has 1,379 NHTSA complaints and 9 recalls on record. NHTSA rates it good (4/5).
How reliable is the 2016 JEEP CHEROKEE?
The 2016 JEEP CHEROKEE receives a reliability score of 55/100, indicating average reliability. This is based on 1,379 owner complaints, 9 recalls, and 48 crash/fire reports in the NHTSA database. Key known issues include Electrical System and Power Train.
What are the known issues with the 2016 JEEP CHEROKEE?
Known issues with the 2016 JEEP CHEROKEE include: Electrical System, Power Train, Service Brakes, Engine. These are based on patterns found across 1,379 NHTSA complaints. 9 of these patterns resulted in formal recalls.
Are there any recalls for the 2016 Jeep Cherokee?
Yes, there are recalls for electrical system and power train issues.
What are the most common safety issues with the 2016 Jeep Cherokee?
Common issues include electrical system problems, power train malfunctions, and service brake malfunctions.
Can the parking brake engage while driving?
Yes, there have been reports of the parking brake activating while driving, causing loss of control.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: Be cautious of electrical system and power train issues. Check for recalls and address any service brake malfunctions promptly.
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.
Disclaimer: This analysis is AI-generated from NHTSA public data and does not constitute professional automotive or safety advice. Always verify recall status at NHTSA.gov and consult a qualified mechanic.
Analysis last updated: 2026-05-16