NHTSA lists 9 safety recalls and 1,413 owner complaints for the 2016 Jeep Cherokee. Most complaints involve power train (636) and engine (314). The EPA rates it 22–25 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 4 stars overall.
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.
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.
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.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Complaints for each Cherokee model year we’ve synced.
| Model year | NHTSA complaints |
|---|---|
| 1996 | 450 |
| 1997 | 1,380 |
| 1999 | 2,004 |
| 2000 | 1,829 |
| 2001 | 1,111 |
| 2014 | 2,651 |
| 2015 | 1,794 |
| 2016 | 1,413 |
| 2017 | 1,338 |
| 2018 | 688 |
| 2019 | 1,673 |
| 2020 | 334 |
| 2021 | 177 |
| 2022 | 52 |
| 2023 | 3 |
| 2026 | 0 |
“The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked on a slight incline, the vehicle started moving. The contact depressed the brake pedal and became aware that the 4WD warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to shift into 4WD. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V343000 (Power Train); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The dealer was contacted and determined that the vehicle had experienced a PTU failure. The dealer stated that the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 142,000.”
“I was driving home from work, the digital display (center)!showed my speed at 82m/h and revving the engine, the actual speedometer showed the actual speed I was doing of 32m/h…(right side of display). Computer reading lights and license plate light not working, yet they are. Took to repair shop and they could only reset, but it returned almost immediately. Gear shift malfunction. The lights on the gear shift and the alert in the display saying gear shift malfunction… all within 2 days… car has @97 000 miles…”
“1. Start/stop light always comes on since I purchased the vehicle in 2024 2. Svc 4wd light is always on within the past several months 3. Vehicle System Report indicates 10 items needs attention including the DTCM 4. Receiving error code C1494 for PTU Symptoms: A. Vibrating floor bed at left drivers side foot B. Slipping and sliding in the rear tires. The VIN has been excluded from all safety recalls, but I am experiencing a severe failure of the AWD/4WD. The dealership that I bought it from will not assist me in paying because my car was excluded. I have all the signs of a failed PTU.”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cherokee FWD Auto 9-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 21 | 30 | 25 | $2,550 | 361 |
| Cherokee FWD Auto 9-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L, FFV · Front-Wheel Drive | 21 | 30 | 25 | $2,550 | 361 |
| Cherokee FWD Auto 9-spd, 6 cyl, 3.2 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 21 | 29 | 24 | $2,700 | 377 |
| Cherokee 4WD Auto 9-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L · All-Wheel Drive | 21 | 28 | 23 | $2,800 | 378 |
| Cherokee 4WD Auto 9-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L, FFV · All-Wheel Drive | 21 | 28 | 23 | $2,800 | 378 |
| Cherokee 4WD Auto 9-spd, 6 cyl, 3.2 L · All-Wheel Drive | 20 | 27 | 23 | $2,800 | 388 |
| Cherokee 4WD Active Drive II Auto 9-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L · 4-Wheel Drive | 21 | 27 | 23 | $2,800 | 385 |
| Cherokee 4WD Active Drive II Auto 9-spd, 6 cyl, 3.2 L · 4-Wheel Drive | 19 | 26 | 22 | $2,900 | 414 |
| Cherokee Trailhawk 4WD Auto 9-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L · 4-Wheel Drive | 19 | 25 | 22 | $2,900 | 411 |
| Cherokee Trailhawk 4WD Auto 9-spd, 6 cyl, 3.2 L · 4-Wheel Drive | 19 | 26 | 22 | $2,900 | 408 |
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
9 safety recalls as of Nov 3, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
Owners filed 1,413 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are power train (636), engine (314), electrical system (298). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2016 Jeep Cherokee at 22–25 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (10 versions rated).
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2016 Jeep Cherokee 4 out of 5 stars overall.