NHTSA FEDERAL EVIDENCE AUDITAudited: 2026-08-25

2016 Jeep Cherokee Common Problems & Defect Telemetry

Authoritative defect intelligence synthesized from 1403 verified NHTSA owner complaints, 9 federal safety recalls, and interquartile failure mileage telemetry.

Data Grade: HIGH286 Odometer Verified EntriesMethodology
Executive AI Defect Summary

The 2016 Jeep Cherokee receives a 3.5/10 MazicBay Reliability Index based on 1403 verified NHTSA federal complaints and 9 safety recalls. The primary reported failure mode is Transmission Hesitation, Hard Shifting & Slipping Reports with a median failure point at 35,000 miles (IQR: 15,00057,500 mi). Out-of-warranty repairs benchmark at $1,400 – $3,800 .

2016 Jeep CherokeeMainstream2016
DLC Port: Under driver side lower dash trim panel

*Representative vehicle platform imagery. Body styling varies across generations.

MazicBay Reliability Index
3.5 / 10

165.1 complaints / 10k sold

NHTSA Owner Complaints
1,403

Verified US federal records

Safety Severity Grade
Critical Risk

Crash, fire & stall audit

Federal Safety Recalls
9

9 Active / Free Remedies

Switch Cherokee Model Year (2014–2025)
Defect Clustering

Top Reported Problem Clusters (7)

Ranked by NHTSA Complaint Frequency
#1 TRANSMISSION & DRIVETRAINCritical Severity83% Match Confidence

Transmission Hesitation, Hard Shifting & Slipping Reports

913
Federal Complaints
Failure Mileage (Median):35,000 milesIQR: 15,00057,500 mi
Estimated Repair Cost:$1,400 – $3,800 MazicBay Repair Intelligence Model
Recall Status:Under Investigation / Recall AuditNHTSA Campaign Audit
Reported Defect Symptoms
  • Hard gear shifts / delayed engagement into Drive/Reverse
  • Transmission shudder / jerking under acceleration
  • Transmission slipping between gears
Potentially Associated OBD-II Codes

Correlated via MazicBay Diagnostic Engine (not NHTSA verified fact).

Sample Verified NHTSA Evidence Records (3)
ODI #11756490 • Filed: 08/12/2026

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 ...

ODI #11756027 • Filed: 08/10/2026

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 replac...

ODI #11753337 • Filed: 07/28/2026

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 #...

#2 ENGINE & COOLINGCritical Severity82% Match Confidence

Engine Stalling, Oil Consumption & Cooling Defect Reports

492
Federal Complaints
Failure Mileage (Median):24,211 milesIQR: 3,00049,000 mi
Estimated Repair Cost:$950 – $3,200 MazicBay Repair Intelligence Model
Recall Status:Under Investigation / Recall AuditNHTSA Campaign Audit
Reported Defect Symptoms
  • Engine sudden stall / hesitation while driving
  • Abnormal oil burning / consumption
  • Check Engine Light (MIL) flashing
  • Engine overheating / coolant loss
Potentially Associated OBD-II Codes

Correlated via MazicBay Diagnostic Engine (not NHTSA verified fact).

Sample Verified NHTSA Evidence Records (3)
ODI #11750881 • Filed: 07/16/2026

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 ...

ODI #11744614 • Filed: 06/16/2026

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 dis...

ODI #11737661 • Filed: 05/13/2026

pulling out of a gas station the engine revved and accelerated without me pressing on the pedal harder. i tried pressing the brakes and they would not respond. It caused my vehicle to crash into a pole where it continued to rev until the vehicle was turned off.

#3 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM & BATTERYCritical Severity85% Match Confidence

Electrical Parasitic Drain, Infotainment & Harness Reports

407
Federal Complaints
Failure Mileage (Median):35,231 milesIQR: 15,75057,516 mi
Estimated Repair Cost:$280 – $850 MazicBay Repair Intelligence Model
Recall Status:Under Investigation / Recall AuditNHTSA Campaign Audit
Reported Defect Symptoms
  • Unexplained battery drain after sitting overnight
  • Infotainment display / instrument cluster blackouts
  • Accessory malfunction / alternator fault warnings
Potentially Associated OBD-II Codes

Correlated via MazicBay Diagnostic Engine (not NHTSA verified fact).

Sample Verified NHTSA Evidence Records (3)
ODI #11750881 • Filed: 07/16/2026

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 ...

ODI #11744614 • Filed: 06/16/2026

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 dis...

ODI #11737233 • Filed: 05/12/2026

Within two years of owning this jeep, the rear differential has failed, the battery has failed twice, they didn’t include the extra battery in this jeep that EVERY other model has so it needs a new battery every two years like clockwork to keep the power systems running normal...

#4 BRAKING SYSTEM & ABSCritical Severity79% Match Confidence

Service Brakes, ABS Actuator & Master Cylinder Reports

185
Federal Complaints
Failure Mileage (Median):23,342 milesIQR: 15,75042,099 mi
Estimated Repair Cost:$350 – $1,100 MazicBay Repair Intelligence Model
Recall Status:Under Investigation / Recall AuditNHTSA Campaign Audit
Reported Defect Symptoms
  • Spongy or hard brake pedal travel
  • ABS / Brake warning light illuminated
  • Extended stopping distance / pedal vibration
Potentially Associated OBD-II Codes

Correlated via MazicBay Diagnostic Engine (not NHTSA verified fact).

Sample Verified NHTSA Evidence Records (3)
ODI #11756027 • Filed: 08/10/2026

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 replac...

ODI #11750881 • Filed: 07/16/2026

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 ...

ODI #11741684 • Filed: 06/02/2026

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 ...

#5 STEERING & SUSPENSIONCritical Severity75% Match Confidence

Electric Power Steering Assist & Suspension Noise Reports

126
Federal Complaints
Failure Mileage (Median):30,071 milesIQR: 15,50063,750 mi
Estimated Repair Cost:$450 – $1,400 MazicBay Repair Intelligence Model
Recall Status:Under Investigation / Recall AuditNHTSA Campaign Audit
Reported Defect Symptoms
  • Sudden loss of electric power steering assist
  • Steering wheel pull or highway wander
  • Clunking / knocking noise over bumps
Potentially Associated OBD-II Codes

Correlated via MazicBay Diagnostic Engine (not NHTSA verified fact).

Sample Verified NHTSA Evidence Records (3)
ODI #11736780 • Filed: 05/09/2026

While driving or idle at the light the ABS light, traction control light and parking brake light come on and have a loss power steering.

ODI #11728808 • Filed: 04/02/2026Odometer: 3,000 mi

The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds, the message “4WD/Pull Over” was displayed, and the Low Oil warning light was intermittently illuminated. The contact became aware of the warning lights after receiving an oil ch...

ODI #11724934 • Filed: 03/17/2026

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 t...

#6 AIRBAGS & SAFETY RESTRAINTSCritical Severity84% Match Confidence

Airbag Occupant Detection & Inflator Defect Reports

38
Federal Complaints
Failure Mileage (Median):27,500 milesIQR: 26,25028,750 mi
Estimated Repair Cost:$400 – $1,200 MazicBay Repair Intelligence Model
Recall Status:Under Investigation / Recall AuditNHTSA Campaign Audit
Reported Defect Symptoms
  • SRS Airbag warning lamp illuminated
  • Passenger occupant classification sensor failure
  • Seat belt retractor lockup
Potentially Associated OBD-II Codes

Correlated via MazicBay Diagnostic Engine (not NHTSA verified fact).

Sample Verified NHTSA Evidence Records (3)
ODI #11751477 • Filed: 07/20/2026

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...

ODI #11750881 • Filed: 07/16/2026

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 ...

ODI #11726104 • Filed: 03/21/2026

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 war...

#7 FUEL SYSTEM & INJECTIONCritical Severity65% Match Confidence

Fuel Pump Pressure Loss & Fuel Delivery Defect Reports

10
Federal Complaints
Failure Mileage (Median):18,250 milesIQR: 9,87526,625 mi
Estimated Repair Cost:$650 – $1,250 MazicBay Repair Intelligence Model
Recall Status:Out-of-Pocket / TSB RemedyNHTSA Campaign Audit
Reported Defect Symptoms
  • Sudden loss of propulsion power at highway speeds
  • Extended engine cranking / failure to restart
  • Fuel odor near fuel tank / engine bay
Potentially Associated OBD-II Codes

Correlated via MazicBay Diagnostic Engine (not NHTSA verified fact).

Sample Verified NHTSA Evidence Records (3)
ODI #11717227 • Filed: 02/11/2026

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 f...

ODI #11700425 • Filed: 11/19/2025

There was a Recall on 2016 jeep cherrokee latitude fuel pumps - i think several years ago. This VIN Not on the list. But, the fuel pump has gone on this 2016 Jeep several weeks ago- vehicle stopped in busy city roadway. Towed to repair place -another make of fuel pump installe...

ODI #11689932 • Filed: 09/26/2025

Took vehicle to Mechanic Shop as I kept smelling gas . Especially when I fill my tank with gas. At first I thought it was incidental but the smell was confirmed as the mechanic checked my car he discovered a gas leak from the GAS TANK! He said this is very unusual as the hose ...

Safety Enforcement

Official NHTSA Safety Recalls (9)

100% Free Dealer Repair
NHTSA Campaign #18V332000Reported: 17/05/2018

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING

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 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.

Safety 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.
Manufacturer 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.
NHTSA Campaign #15V826000Reported: 09/12/2015

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING: REAR COMPARTMENT/TRUNK

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.

Safety Consequence: A short circuit in the module increases the risk of a fire.
Manufacturer 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.
NHTSA Campaign #17V824000Reported: 21/12/2017

EQUIPMENT

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 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

Safety Consequence: If the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury in the event of a fire.
Manufacturer 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.
NHTSA Campaign #16V590000Reported: 10/08/2016

SEATS

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.

Safety Consequence: Loose fasteners may allow the seats to move, increasing the risk of injury to the seat occupants in the event of a crash.
Manufacturer 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.
NHTSA Campaign #16V287000Reported: 11/05/2016

POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY:AXLE SHAFT

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.

Safety Consequence: A fractured halfshaft may disconnect from the drive axle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Manufacturer 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.
NHTSA Campaign #16V284000Reported: 11/05/2016

POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY:AXLE SHAFT

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.

Safety Consequence: A fractured halfshaft may disconnect from the drive axle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Manufacturer 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.
NHTSA Campaign #20V343000Reported: 11/06/2020

POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DIFFERENTIAL UNIT

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 transmission which results in a loss of drive while the vehicle is in motion and a loss of the Park function while stationary.

Safety 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.
Manufacturer 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.
NHTSA Campaign #23V302000Reported: 27/04/2023

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

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.

Safety 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.
Manufacturer 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.
NHTSA Campaign #23V338000Reported: 11/05/2023

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING: REAR COMPARTMENT/TRUNK

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.

Safety Consequence: A fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
Manufacturer 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.

Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist for 2016 Jeep Cherokee

Before purchasing a used 2016 Jeep Cherokee, perform the following targeted inspections based on reported federal defect patterns:

1. Cold Start & Idle Diagnostics

Scan the OBD-II port under the dash for pending freeze-frame codes (e.g. P0300 misfires, P0087 fuel rail pressure, P0420 catalytic efficiency).

2. Transmission Shift Quality Audit

Test vehicle at low-speed stop-and-go and highway merges. Check for delayed reverse engagement or gear shift shudder between 2nd and 3rd gears.

3. Federal Recall Completion Check

Verify that all 9 NHTSA safety recall campaigns have been performed by an authorized dealership using the VIN.

4. Electrical & Infotainment Drain Check

Ensure the instrument cluster, center screen, and auxiliary charging ports operate with stable 12.0V–14.4V alternator voltage.

Frequently Answered Questions

Defect & Reliability Q&A: 2016 Jeep Cherokee

Is the 2016 Jeep Cherokee a reliable used car?

The 2016 Jeep Cherokee earns a 3.5/10 MazicBay Reliability Index based on 1403 federal owner reports. Vehicles maintained under factory service schedules exhibit strong longevity past 150,000 miles.

What is the most frequent defect reported on the 2016 Jeep Cherokee?

The leading complaint category is Transmission Hesitation, Hard Shifting & Slipping Reports, with a median failure point around 35,000 miles (IQR: 15,00057,500 mi).

Are there free recall repairs available for the 2016 Jeep Cherokee?

Yes, the NHTSA records 9 safety recall campaign(s) for this model year. All safety recalls are performed 100% free of charge by authorized franchise dealerships regardless of vehicle warranty status.