Jeep Cherokee 2016 recalls, problems, complaints and safety
NHTSA lists 9 safety recalls issued for the Jeep Cherokee 2016 and 1,410 complaints filed by owners. One of them carries a do-not-drive or park-outside warning until repaired. It has 100% more complaints than the average Jeep Cherokee from 2016–2023 (706 per year).
These are recalls issued for this model and year, not for your specific car. A car may already be repaired or may not be included. Confirm with your VIN on NHTSA.
Own or buying a Jeep Cherokee 2016? Enter its VIN to see its exact trim and engine, and confirm on NHTSA whether its recalls were repaired.
Recalls issued for the Jeep Cherokee 2016
Electrical system
NHTSA campaign 23V338000 · 2023-05-11 !
Owners are advised to park it outside and away from structures until repaired (fire risk).
What happens
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 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.
The repair is free at any dealer of the brand.
Powertrain and transmission
NHTSA campaign 23V302000 · 2023-04-27
What happens
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.
The repair is free at any dealer of the brand.
Powertrain and transmission
NHTSA campaign 20V343000 · 2020-06-11
What happens
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.
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.
The repair is free at any dealer of the brand.
Electrical system
NHTSA campaign 18V332000 · 2018-05-17
What happens
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.
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 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.
The repair is free at any dealer of the brand.
Equipment and labels
NHTSA campaign 17V824000 · 2017-12-21
What happens
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
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 is T82.
The repair is free at any dealer of the brand.
Seats
NHTSA campaign 16V590000 · 2016-08-10
What happens
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.
The repair is free at any dealer of the brand.
Powertrain and transmission
NHTSA campaign 16V287000 · 2016-05-11
What happens
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.
The repair is free at any dealer of the brand.
Powertrain and transmission
NHTSA campaign 16V284000 · 2016-05-11
What happens
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.
The repair is free at any dealer of the brand.
Electrical system
NHTSA campaign 15V826000 · 2015-12-09
What happens
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 for this recall is R67. This recall is superseded by NHTSA recall 23V-338.
The repair is free at any dealer of the brand.
Complaints from other owners
1,410 complaints filed with NHTSA by owners of this model.
37 with a crash · 15 with a fire · 27 injuries
Most reported problems on the Jeep Cherokee 2016
- Powertrain and transmission: 630 (45% of complaints)
- Engine: 314 (22% of complaints)
- Electrical system: 293 (21% of complaints)
- Brakes: 92 (7% of complaints)
- Throttle and cruise control: 76 (5% of complaints)
Complaints are written by owners and NHTSA doesn't verify each one. They're useful to spot trends.
What to check before buying a Jeep Cherokee 2016
- Confirm by VIN on NHTSA that the recalls on this list were repaired.
- On the test drive, check for smooth shifts with no jerks, slipping or noises; check the transmission fluid condition.
- Start it cold, listen for noises, look for oil or coolant leaks and exhaust smoke.
- Test lights, windows, locks, the screen and dashboard warning lights; have trouble codes scanned.
- Get an inspection from an independent mechanic before paying.
Safety rating (NCAP)
| Overall | Frontal | Side | Rollover | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 Jeep Cherokee SUV 2WD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| 2016 Jeep Cherokee SUV 4WD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
Jeep Cherokee recalls by year
- 2016 : 9 recalls · 1,410 complaints
- 2017 : 6 recalls · 1,337 complaints
- 2018 : 7 recalls · 687 complaints
- 2019 : 11 recalls · 1,660 complaints
- 2020 : 3 recalls · 325 complaints
- 2021 : 4 recalls · 176 complaints
- 2022 : 3 recalls · 51 complaints
- 2023 : 1 recall · 3 complaints
Guides for this check
Frequently asked questions
How many recalls does the Jeep Cherokee 2016 have?
NHTSA lists 9 safety recalls issued for the Jeep Cherokee 2016. That doesn't mean every car has them open: confirm with the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. The repair is free at the dealer.
What is the most common problem with the Jeep Cherokee 2016?
In complaints filed with NHTSA, the most mentioned component is: powertrain and transmission (630 of 1,410 complaints). Complaints aren't verified one by one, but they show trends.
Model-level information from official NHTSA sources. Confirm by VIN on NHTSA. Not a substitute for a mechanical inspection.
Last updated: October 18, 2026. Sources: NHTSA vPIC (decoding), NHTSA Recalls, NHTSA Complaints and NHTSA NCAP (5-Star Safety Ratings).