Free Preview
#BS-2016-JEECHE-17212016 Jeep CherokeeProblems, Recalls & Reliability
Based on reports from 2,060 owners and 9 recalls for this exact model.
Data updated ·NHTSA complaints through October 28, 2026
Preliminary Verdict
Red Flag
Based on 2,060 complaints, 55 crashes, 24 fires, and 9 recalls. Complaint rate is 4.9x the class average.
Top reported problems
engine stalls shuts off while driving
52 complaints • Severity 8.5/10
transmission not working properly
44 complaints • Severity 7.4/10
water leaking into cabin
20 complaints • Severity 8.2/10
service transmission message
17 complaints • Severity 7.9/10
excessive oil consumption
15 complaints • Severity 9.3/10
Preview: What's in your full report
Each card shows a real sample from your report — unlock all 10 sections from $2.00
Mechanic Inspection Checklist
624 owners reported drivetrain issues — failures commonly reported around 43K miles.
Failure Timeline by Mileage
Peak failure range: 30–60K miles (500 reports) • Median: 43K miles
30,000-Mile Cost Projection
Best Case
Most Likely
Worst Case
Top cost driver: Drivetrain (624 reports).
Also in your report
Owner Intelligence
AI-synthesized themes from real complaints
Buyer Lot Checklist
Questions, test drive checks, walk-away triggers
Negotiation Talking Points
Data-backed dollar deductions
Buy / Skip Verdict
Final recommendation with conditions
Where the complaints fall
2016 Jeep Cherokee: Known Issues & Problem Areas
Drivetrain Issues
Drivetrain complaints account for 30% of all reports filed for the 2016 Jeep Cherokee, with 624 owners filing complaints with NHTSA. The median mileage at time of complaint is 43,000 miles, suggesting issues tend to surface around the 43K-mile mark.
Engine Issues
Engine complaints account for 15% of all reports filed for the 2016 Jeep Cherokee, with 319 owners filing complaints with NHTSA. Owners should pay attention to engine-related symptoms during test drives and pre-purchase inspections.
Electrical Issues
Electrical complaints account for 14% of all reports filed for the 2016 Jeep Cherokee, with 292 owners filing complaints with NHTSA. Owners should pay attention to electrical-related symptoms during test drives and pre-purchase inspections.
Brakes Issues
Brakes complaints account for 5% of all reports filed for the 2016 Jeep Cherokee, with 104 owners filing complaints with NHTSA. Owners should pay attention to brakes-related symptoms during test drives and pre-purchase inspections.
Data sourced from NHTSA owner complaints and community reports. The full report analyzes severity, repair costs, and failure patterns for each category.
Complaint trend by year
Complaints filed with NHTSA by year for the 2016 Jeep Cherokee. Recent trend: decreasing.
Don't negotiate blind — know what this car costs to own
Repair costs • Negotiation scripts • Mechanic checklist • Buy/skip verdict
Recall History (9 recalls)
STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE
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.
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.
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.
SEATS:MID/REAR ASSEMBLY
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.
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
+ 4 more recalls in the full report
Recall severity analysis & seller scripts
The full report rates each recall's severity and gives you scripts for asking the seller about recall completion.
2016 Jeep Cherokee NHTSA Safety Ratings
Overall
★★★★★4 of 5 stars
Frontal crash
★★★★★4 of 5 stars
Side crash
★★★★★5 of 5 stars
Rollover
★★★★★4 of 5 stars
From NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings). Where NHTSA tested more than one version of this vehicle, the lowest rating is shown.
NHTSA Defect Investigations (2)
1 investigation still open: NHTSA is examining whether a defect warrants a recall.
Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Electronic Parking Brake Water Ingress
PARKING BRAKE:ELECTRICAL
The worst model year for the Jeep Cherokee is the 2019 — worth knowing if you're cross-shopping years. The biggest problem area is transmission.
2016 Jeep Cherokee vs. Class Average (Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD)
This vehicle
2,060
Class avg
421
4.9x the class average — significantly more complaints than typical small sport utility vehicle 2wd vehicles.
Complaint counts correlate with sales volume — popular vehicles naturally generate more reports. The full report normalizes for this.
About this data
NHTSA Complaints
Federal database of owner-filed safety complaints. 2,060 records for this vehicle.
NHTSA Recalls
Manufacturer-issued safety recalls. 9 recalls found for this vehicle.
Repair Cost Data
Real-world repair costs from owner reports and independent databases.
Last updated . NHTSA complaints received through October 28, 2026; safety ratings from NHTSA's 5-Star program.
Other Jeep Cherokee Model Years
2016 Jeep Cherokee: Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most common problem with the 2016 Jeep Cherokee?
Is the 2016 Jeep Cherokee reliable?
How safe is the 2016 Jeep Cherokee?
How much does it cost to fix 2016 Jeep Cherokee problems?
Does the 2016 Jeep Cherokee have any recalls?
What mileage do Jeep Cherokee problems start?
When was the 2016 Jeep Cherokee data last updated?
What’s in the full report?
How is this different from free NHTSA data?
How is this different from Carfax?
What if the report isn’t useful?
Get the Full 2016 Jeep Cherokee Report
10 sections of AI analysis based on 2,060 owner reports. Know before you buy.