What tends to fail on the 2016 Jeep Cherokee, and when
Across the NHTSA owner-complaint record for this vehicle, the earliest problems cluster
around 15,400 miles (lighting).
The first failure owners report as severe is
body, around
24,385 miles at roughly $1,500 to put right.
2016 Jeep Cherokee — reported failures in mileage order, from NHTSA owner complaints
System
Typically shows around
Typical repair
Owner reports
lighting
15,400 mi
~$250
14
bodysevere
24,385 mi
~$1,500
18
cruise controlsevere
33,506 mi
~$600
29
suspensionsevere
39,279 mi
~$900
14
wheels
43,375 mi
~$400
8
engine
46,805 mi
~$3,100
137
steeringsevere
47,410 mi
~$700
54
electrical
49,615 mi
~$850
205
brakessevere
49,810 mi
~$450
39
airbagssevere
52,891 mi
~$1,100
24
powertrain
54,494 mi
~$2,500
615
visibilitysevere
55,532 mi
~$350
8
Mileage figures are averages across owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not a
manufacturer schedule or a prediction for any individual vehicle. Complaints are
owner-submitted and unverified, and owners who have no trouble rarely file — so this
shows where and when problems cluster, not how likely they are. Repair costs are
estimates. Federal records as of October 2026.
The 2016 Jeep Cherokee has 1,412 NHTSA owner complaints and 9 recalls on file (U.S. federal records, as of October 2026). The most-reported system is powertrain at 615 complaints, typically surfacing around 54,494 miles (~$2,500 to repair). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.
Below average for the segment. Multiple systems have recurring complaints.
0
Critical
9
Severe
0
Moderate
Should you avoid this 2016 Cherokee?
High-risk ownership
Repair exposure runs above average — only with money set aside and eyes open.
Steering: 54 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 20,673–60,000 mi
Brakes: 39 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 23,690–79,000 mi
Reliability score 4.8/10 — below the segment average
9 recall campaigns on file
Our read of the federal NHTSA complaint and recall record for this exact year and model —
not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. How we score.
NHTSA crash-test safety ratings
4 / 5 overall
Overall★★★★★4/5
Frontal crash★★★★★4/5
Side crash★★★★★5/5
Rollover★★★★★4/5
Driver-assist features on the tested model:
Electronic stability control: Standard · Forward collision warning: Optional · Lane departure warning: Optional
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program — tested configuration: 2016 Jeep Cherokee SUV 2WD. Stars rate crash protection in NHTSA's tests, not overall reliability — see the owner-complaint data below for what actually goes wrong.
Buying a used 2016 Jeep Cherokee? Check these first
Here's what this model is known to do — so you can inspect for it, price it in, or
make the seller fix it before you sign.
What to inspect on this specific car
powertrain — 615 owner reports
· tends to show around 54,494 mi · ~$2,500 to fix
electrical — 205 owner reports
· tends to show around 49,615 mi · ~$850 to fix
engine — 137 owner reports
· tends to show around 46,805 mi · ~$3,100 to fix
steering — 54 owner reports
· tends to show around 47,410 mi · ~$700 to fix
⚠ The one to take seriously: steering is flagged
severe on this model
, showing up around 47,410 mi.
Inspect it closely on a test drive.
Recalls to confirm are done
Run the VIN from the listing — 9 active recalls on this model. Recall repairs are always free.
Verdict for buyers: 4.8/10 model. The priciest documented failure is
engine (~$3,100) — get the
seller's service records for it or inspect closely. Otherwise an average-risk used buy at a fair price.
We tell you what this model is known for and what to inspect — a vehicle-history report
tells you what this exact car has been through. Smart buyers get both.
A noise, a warning light, a repair quote, "should I buy this?" — get an answer grounded in
this vehicle's actual NHTSA record, not generic advice.
Dash light, leak, worn part — snap it and we'll read it against this car's record.
Photo attached — type a question or just hit Ask.
Answers use this vehicle's NHTSA complaint & recall record — owner-reported and unverified, not a diagnosis. Verify anything safety-critical with a mechanic.
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When owners report each system failing, in actual miles — so you can see what's likely behind you,
what's due around now, and what to budget for next. Enter your mileage to mark where you are.
"Typical" = median owner-reported failure mileage from the NHTSA complaint record for this exact
year and model. Not a maintenance schedule — a heads-up on where this model's failures cluster.
What owners are saying
recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim
2016 Cherokee· electrical
Started hesitating and did it at random times. I had a tune up done and it continued. I thought it was the transmission and took it to the transmission shop and they didn’t find anything wrong with the transmission. Started losing power and hesitation became worse while in…
When driving my 2016 Jeep cherokee the vehicle has died out completely on me in the middle of driving. While driving there is a ding noise followed by a message on my dash board that says put car in park then switch into gear, when I am already in drive and driving then the car…
Purchased vehicle on 12/14/2015. On 1/25/17, at 17,000 miles the vehicle stalled while driving through an intersection. It was raining heavily and causing a traffic issue. Law enforcement had to be called to re-direct traffic. Since the first stall, the vehicle has been to…
Service 4wd warning light illuminated. Google search for recall indicated that 2016 Jeep Cherokees had a recall for this problem. However, our specific VIN was not part of recall. When calling the manufacturer, I was advised that if the dealership could verify our vehicle was…
Had a problem with your 2016 Jeep Cherokee?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free and official — owner filings are what build the federal safety record behind this page.
Estimate your repair exposure
Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Jeep Cherokee vehicles equipped with a power liftgate
A fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
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.
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Jeep Cherokee vehicles
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.
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.
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2017 Jeep Cherokee vehicles equipped with a two-speed Power Transfer Unit (PTU)
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.
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.
It's got known weak points. With a reliability score of 4.8 out of 10 based on 1,412 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2016 Jeep Cherokee has a higher-than-average rate of reported issues. The areas to watch are listed above. Whether it's worth owning depends on price, condition, and how much repair exposure you can absorb.
Should you avoid the 2016 Jeep Cherokee?
The 2016 Jeep Cherokee is a higher-risk ownership prospect. Repair exposure runs above average — only with money set aside and eyes open. The record behind that call: Steering: 54 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 20,673–60,000 mi; Brakes: 39 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 23,690–79,000 mi; Reliability score 4.8/10 — below the segment average; 9 recall campaigns on file. This is our read of the federal complaint and recall data — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection.
What should I check before buying a used 2016 Jeep Cherokee?
Inspect the powertrain first — it's the most-reported issue on this model, with 615 owner complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 54,494 miles. Average repair cost runs about $2,500 at an independent shop. Also confirm any open recalls have been completed by running the VIN, and ask for service records covering the problem areas listed above.
Is the 2016 Jeep Cherokee a good used car to buy?
It scores 4.8 out of 10 on our NHTSA-based read of 1,412 owner complaints. The main thing to watch is powertrain. Typical failure occurs around 54,494 miles. Priced fairly and clean on inspection, it's a reasonable used buy. Our data covers what this model is known for — pair it with a vehicle-history report on the VIN to see what that specific car has been through.
What's the most common problem on the 2016 Jeep Cherokee?
Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is powertrain, with 615 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 54,494 miles. Average repair cost runs about $2,500 at an independent shop.
What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?
The powertrain is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $2,500 at an independent shop. Typical failure occurs around 54,494 miles. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.
How do I check if my Jeep Cherokee has open recalls?
Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.
Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2016 Jeep Cherokee?
Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 1,412 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $2,500, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans are not always better value.
Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database, last synced 1 day ago. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2016/Jeep/Cherokee.
Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics.
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