NHTSA (USA)CriticalPark Outside
At a glance
What can fail
An electrical short in the power liftgate module can cause a vehicle fire whether the ignition is on or off.
This page covers 12 recalls, 1391 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2016 Jeep Cherokee.
23–25 mpg combined
9.4–10.2 L/100km
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 6 tested variants for this model year.
4/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
Powertrain complaints dominate the 2016 Jeep Cherokee's owner report history by a wide margin, making up well over a third of all filed complaints. Owners most commonly describe transmission hesitation, rough or delayed gear engagement, and shuddering during acceleration or at highway speeds. The 4WD system draws heavy criticism as well, owners frequently report "Service 4WD" warning lights, failure of the low-range gear to engage, and intermittent driveline faults that appear especially over rough pavement. The power transfer unit comes up repeatedly, with owners describing fault codes and loss of drive power. Engine complaints are the second-named system, where owners report unintended acceleration events, stalling, and spark plug failures. A smaller but consistent set of electrical complaints rounds out the picture, with battery drain and failure reported more than once, sometimes tied to owners noting the vehicle lacks a supplemental battery that they believe other trims include.
1,391
Total Complaints
35
Crash-Related
14
Fire-Related
17
With Injuries
By System
The 2016 Jeep Cherokee has 12 recalls, the most serious being multiple drivetrain issues where the front halfshafts can fracture or the power transfer unit can fail, causing sudden loss of drive power, potential rollaway when parked, or shaft pieces separating onto the road.
Several of these drivetrain recalls overlap in their effects: halfshafts on both the left and right sides can break without warning and disconnect from the axle, while the power transfer unit's front differential splines can wear and cause the same loss of drive and park-hold failure. On vehicles with the optional power liftgate, water can get into the liftgate control module and cause an electrical short that can start a fire whether the vehicle is running or parked. A software defect in the cruise control system can prevent the driver from canceling set speed, causing the vehicle to maintain or increase speed unintentionally. Seat fasteners on the first or second row may not have been tightened correctly, allowing the seats to shift in a crash. There is also a recall covering an included fire extinguisher that may not discharge properly if needed.
At a glance
What can fail
An electrical short in the power liftgate module can cause a vehicle fire whether the ignition is on or off.
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Driver Assistance
Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). Based on 2 tested variants; worst-case ratings shown.
Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
What the fix does
Dealers will relocate the power liftgate module, add a water shield, inspect for corrosion, and replace the module and electrical connectors if needed.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The input splines on the front differential may wear and fail, causing loss of power to the wheels and preventing the PARK position from holding the vehicle in place.
What the fix does
A software update to the power transfer unit will engage the rear wheels if the front splines fail and activate the parking brake to keep the vehicle secure in PARK.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The power transfer unit may fail and disconnect from the transmission and differential, causing you to lose driving power or the ability to keep the vehicle in park.
What the fix does
Dealers will install a software update at no cost to restore proper power transfer unit function.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The Power Transfer Unit may allow the transmission output shaft to move relative to the differential input splines, causing spline teeth to wear away. This can break the connection between the transmission and differential, cutting power to the front wheels and disabling the Park function.
What the fix does
A software update will switch the vehicle to rear-wheel drive if the front splines fail and automatically engage the electronic parking brake to prevent rolling when parked.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A wiring short circuit can prevent cruise control from disengaging. When engaged, you may not be able to turn it off by braking or using manual controls, causing the vehicle to maintain speed or accelerate unexpectedly.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the engine or powertrain control module software at no cost to fix the cruise control disengagement issue.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The fire extinguisher may clog and fail to spray, or require excessive force to use. In some models, the nozzle may separate from the valve assembly with enough force to cause injury and make the extinguisher unusable.
What the fix does
Chrysler will provide a replacement fire extinguisher at no cost. Contact Kidde or Chrysler to arrange the replacement.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Seat fasteners on front or second row seats may not be tightened to the correct specification, potentially allowing seats to move or shift.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the affected seats or seat sets at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The front right halfshaft may have a material hardening defect that causes it to break, resulting in loss of power to the wheels and possible damage to undercarriage components. The broken shaft could separate and become a road hazard.
What the fix does
The dealer will replace the front right halfshaft with a new one.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The front left halfshaft may have a material hardening defect that causes it to break, resulting in loss of power and potential underbody damage. The broken halfshaft could separate and become a hazard to other vehicles.
What the fix does
The dealer will replace the front left halfshaft.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The left halfshaft may have been made incorrectly and could fracture suddenly without warning.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the left halfshaft at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The right halfshaft may have been incorrectly manufactured and could fracture without warning.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the right halfshaft at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Water can leak into the power liftgate control module, causing a high resistance short circuit that may affect operation.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the module and connectors for corrosion, replace damaged parts, remove the mastic shield, and install a water shield.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
