Recalled components: electrical system, powertrain, equipment, and seats. Most-described problem: stalling or shutting off (210 complaints, 15%). Most-reported area: powertrain (638 complaints, 45%; median mileage when it happened: 48,600).
About a typical Cherokee year
The 2016 drew 306 owner complaints in its first three years, against 309 for a typical Cherokee year (306 for a typical year since 2016).
Years to avoid: 2014 and 2015; best year: 2021. Based on owner complaints, not adjusted for sales.
Data: NHTSA recall, complaint and investigation filesUpdated
Year to avoidBest year
Excludes the larger Grand Cherokee.
9 safety recalls for the 2016 Jeep Cherokee
Parts with a do-not-drive or park-outside recall come first, then the rest, largest first. Within a part, do-not-drive and park-outside recalls come first, then the newest. Summaries are NHTSA's own wording. Open a recall for what is wrong, the fix and the full notice.
Risk: A fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
An electrical short in the power liftgate module may lead to a vehicle fire with the ignition on or off.
Fix: 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.
132,099 vehicles.
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Jeep Cherokee vehicles equipped with a power liftgate.
Risk: If the vehicle maintains its speed or accelerates despite attempts to deactivate the cruise control, there would be an increased risk of a crash.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
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.
Fix: 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.
4,815,661 vehicles.
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.
Risk: A short circuit in the module increases the risk of a fire.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
In the affected vehicles, water may leak into the Power Liftgate Control Module and result in a high resistance short circuit.
Fix: 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.
32,784 vehicles.
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.
Risk: 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.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
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.
Fix: 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.
25,980 vehicles.
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Jeep Cherokee vehicles.
Risk: 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.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
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.
Fix: 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.
67,248 vehicles.
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2017 Jeep Cherokee vehicles equipped with a two-speed Power Transfer Unit (PTU).
Risk: A fractured halfshaft may disconnect from the drive axle, increasing the risk of a crash.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
The right halfshaft may have been incorrectly manufactured causing it to fracture without warning.
Fix: 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.
1,029 vehicles.
Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2016 Jeep Cherokee vehicles manufactured October 3, 2015, to March 22, 2016.
Risk: A fractured halfshaft may disconnect from the drive axle, increasing the risk of a crash.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
The left halfshaft may have been incorrectly manufactured causing it to fracture without warning.
Fix: 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.
52 vehicles.
Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2016 Jeep Cherokee vehicles manufactured September 30, 2015, to October 2, 2015.
Risk: If the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury in the event of a fire.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
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
Fix: 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.
Risk: Loose fasteners may allow the seats to move, increasing the risk of injury to the seat occupants in the event of a crash.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
The seat fasteners on the first or second row seats may not have been tightened to the proper torque specification.
Fix: 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.
1,827 vehicles.
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2014-2016 Jeep Cherokee vehicles manufactured July 29, 2013, to February 5, 2016.
Questions about any of these recalls: call NHTSA's Vehicle Safety Hotline at 888-327-4236 (TTY 888-275-9171) or check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
NHTSA investigations
NHTSA has opened 2 investigations that name the 2016 Jeep Cherokee; 1 is still open. An investigation means NHTSA is reviewing reports of a problem. It is not a finding that the vehicle has a defect.
Desiccated air bag inflator rupture
Engineering analysis EA21002Open since Sep 17, 2021
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.
NHTSA listing: CHEROKEE. Component: Air bags (frontal, driver side, inflator module, passenger side). This investigation names 352 models.
Electronic parking brake water ingress
Preliminary evaluation PE22009Closed Oct 29, 2023 (opened Jul 22, 2022)
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… NHTSA's full summary
NHTSA listing: CHEROKEE. Component: Parking brake (electrical, control module).
A preliminary evaluation is NHTSA's first step, to gather information and decide whether to look further. An engineering analysis is a deeper review, usually opened after a preliminary evaluation. NHTSA lists investigations by make, model and model year only, so one can apply to only some versions of a model, such as one engine; its summary says which.
What owners report
Owners have filed 1,415 complaints with NHTSA about the 2016 Cherokee. Below, they are sorted by the problems owners describe and by the areas NHTSA files them under. NHTSA does not verify complaints.
Problems owners describe
Stalling or shutting off210 · 15%
Median 41,000 miles at failure, from 166 reports with mileage
Loss of power or limp mode127 · 9%
Median 48,400 miles at failure, from 79 reports with mileage
Check engine light99 · 7%
Median 47,500 miles at failure, from 70 reports with mileage
Jerking, lurching or harsh shifting77 · 5%
Median 38,500 miles at failure, from 51 reports with mileage
Shifter errors or stuck in gear72 · 5%
Median 46,000 miles at failure, from 45 reports with mileage
Hesitation or slow acceleration67 · 5%
Median 46,800 miles at failure, from 43 reports with mileage
Shaking, shuddering or vibration53 · 4%
Median 31,000 miles at failure, from 30 reports with mileage
Excessive oil consumption46 · 3%
Median 35,700 miles at failure, from 37 reports with mileage
Most named: transfer case (4-wheel drive) (7); automatic transmission (4) · Median 48,600 miles at failure, from 372 reports with mileage
Engine315 · 22%
Median 41,000 miles at failure, from 215 reports with mileage
Electrical system298 · 21%
Most named: instrument panel, speedometer/odometer (4) · Median 43,000 miles at failure, from 177 reports with mileage
Brakes93 · 7%
Median 41,100 miles at failure, from 38 reports with mileage
Speed control76 · 5%
Median 34,600 miles at failure, from 54 reports with mileage
Steering54 · 4%
Median 49,000 miles at failure, from 43 reports with mileage
Fuel and propulsion system44 · 3%
Median 35,000 miles at failure, from 27 reports with mileage
Unknown or other313 · 22%
Median 45,000 miles at failure, from 185 reports with mileage
A complaint can name more than one area, so shares add up to more than 100%. Mileage is shown where at least 15 owners reported it.
Jeep Cherokee recalls and complaints by model year
The highlighted bars are the 2016 model year. Newer model years have had less time on the road, so their counts are lower. Counting complaints filed in each model year's first three years, the 2014 Cherokee drew the most (999) and the 2016 drew 306.
Owner complaints
2016: 1,415 complaintsTap or drag across the chart for other years.
Show as a table
Owner complaints by model year, Jeep Cherokee
Model year
Complaints
2014
2,652
2015
1,794
2016
1,415
2017
1,342
2018
692
2019
1,683
2020
337
2021
183
2022
52
2023
3
2026
9
Safety recalls
2016: 9 recallsTap or drag across the chart for other years.
Show as a table
Safety recalls by model year, Jeep Cherokee
Model year
Recalls
2014
13
2015
11
2016
9
2017
6
2018
7
2019
11
2020
3
2021
4
2022
3
2023
1
2026
4
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for each version it tested. Rollover risk is NHTSA's estimate of the chance of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
In the 1,415 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2016 Jeep Cherokee, the problems described most are stalling or shutting off (210), loss of power or limp mode (127), and the check engine light coming on (99). NHTSA does not verify complaints, and one complaint can describe several problems.
Is the 2016 Jeep Cherokee safe?
In NHTSA crash tests every tested version of the 2016 Jeep Cherokee earns 4 stars overall. The table above lists each tested version.
Is NHTSA investigating the 2016 Jeep Cherokee?
Yes. NHTSA has 1 open investigation that names the 2016 Jeep Cherokee: desiccated air bag inflator rupture (EA21002, opened Sep 17, 2021). It has closed 1 other. An investigation is not a finding that the vehicle has a defect.
How do I check if my Cherokee has an open recall?
Enter the 17-character VIN from your dashboard, door jamb or registration at nhtsa.gov/recalls. The lookup lists unrepaired recalls for that exact vehicle. Safety recall repairs are free at Jeep dealers.
Sources and method
NHTSA recalls file (NHTSA datasets), dated Nov 12, 2026; every campaign checked against NHTSA's recalls API.
NHTSA owner complaints file, dated Nov 11, 2026. Counted by complaint number, so a complaint naming three components counts once in the total.
NHTSA investigations file, dated Nov 12, 2026. Defect petitions, which ask NHTSA to open an investigation, are listed apart and only while open. Audit queries, which check whether a company met its recall and reporting duties rather than whether a vehicle has a problem, are not listed.
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP).
NHTSA model names covered: CHEROKEE.
Complaint counts are unverified owner reports. They rise with sales volume and time on the road, so compare model years with care. How we build these pages. Spotted an error? Tell us.