2016 Jeep Cherokee: Problems & Reliability
CAUTION2016 Jeep Cherokee: CAUTION — 1,415 owner complaints (7.03 per 1,000 sold), 4.2× the Cherokee median year; top issue: powertrain / transmission (638 complaints).
CarWhere's verdict score for the 2016 is 1.50, where 1.00 is a typical Cherokee year once complaints are weighted for severity and spread over time on the road; caution starts at 1.25 and avoid at 1.60. Severity drives it: 72% of those complaints report a crash, fire or injury or involve a safety-critical system (engine, powertrain, steering, brakes or fuel).
Sources: NHTSA owner complaints (ODI), recall campaigns and manufacturer service bulletins, published U.S. sales, CarWhere verified buyer prices · Model years 2016–2027 compared · Updated 2026-11-07 · By CarWhere Research · Methodology
1,415
NHTSA complaints
7.03
Complaints per 1,000 sold
449
Service bulletins
9
Recall campaigns
Most-reported 2016 Jeep Cherokee problems
Powertrain / transmission is the clear leader, named in 45% of complaints.
| Component | Complaints | Share of 2016 complaints |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain / transmission | 638 | 45% |
| Engine | 315 | 22% |
| Unknown or other | 313 | 22% |
| Electrical system | 298 | 21% |
| Service brakes | 94 | 7% |
A complaint can name more than one component, so shares can add up to more than 100%.
2016 Jeep Cherokee recalls
9 recall campaigns on federal record for the 2016, reported between Dec 9, 2015 and May 11, 2023.
| NHTSA campaign | Reported | Component |
|---|---|---|
| 23V338000 | May 11, 2023 | Electrical system › Wiring › Rear compartment/trunk |
| 23V302000 | Apr 27, 2023 | Powertrain / transmission › Automatic transmission |
| 20V343000 | Jun 11, 2020 | Powertrain / transmission › Driveline › Differential unit |
| 18V332000 | May 17, 2018 | Electrical system › Wiring |
| 17V824000 | Dec 21, 2017 | Equipment |
| 16V590000 | Aug 10, 2016 | Seats |
| 16V287000 | May 11, 2016 | Powertrain / transmission › Axle assembly › Axle shaft |
| 16V284000 | May 11, 2016 | Powertrain / transmission › Axle assembly › Axle shaft |
| 15V826000 | Dec 9, 2015 | Electrical system › Wiring › Rear compartment/trunk |
2016 Jeep Cherokee service bulletins
The manufacturer has filed 449 technical service bulletins with NHTSA for the 2016 — more than the 188 of the median Cherokee year from 2016 to 2027. Coded bulletins most often cover electrical system (177), powertrain / transmission (117), engine & cooling (66). Bulletins are repair instructions for dealer technicians, not recalls.
The 2016 vs. the year before and after
The 2017 that followed held roughly level (1,415 → 1,323).
| Model year | Verdict | Complaints | Bulletins | Recalls | Avg. buyer-paid |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 (this page) | CAUTION | 1,415 | 449 | 9 | — |
| 2017 Cherokee | CAUTION | 1,323 | 254 | 6 | — |
Prices are averages of CarWhere verified buyer transactions (shown when 3+ deals exist for the year). Full year-by-year table: Jeep Cherokee years to avoid.
What to check on a used 2016 Jeep Cherokee
Powertrain / transmission (638 complaints on the 2016): test-drive from cold through every gear and feel for slipping, harsh or delayed shifts and shudder; ask whether the transmission fluid has been serviced.
Engine (315 complaints on the 2016): cold-start it yourself and listen for ticking or knocking; check for oil leaks, low coolant and a lit check-engine light, and ask for oil-change records.
Electrical system (298 complaints on the 2016): test every light, window, lock, the infotainment screen and the charging system, and have the car scanned for stored fault codes.
Service brakes (94 complaints on the 2016): check pedal feel, pulling and grinding, look at rotor and pad wear, and ask when the brake fluid was last changed.
Speed control / throttle (76 complaints on the 2016): check for surging, hesitation or a reduced-power warning, and test cruise control.
Recalls: confirm all 9 campaigns above were completed on this VIN.
Nearby Cherokee years with a better rating: 2018.
Know what to pay for the right 2016 Jeep Cherokee — then negotiate it
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FAQ
Is the 2016 Jeep Cherokee reliable?
2016 Jeep Cherokee: CAUTION — 1,415 owner complaints (7.03 per 1,000 sold), 4.2× the Cherokee median year; top issue: powertrain / transmission (638 complaints). CarWhere's verdict score for the 2016 is 1.50, where 1.00 is a typical Cherokee year once complaints are weighted for severity and spread over time on the road; caution starts at 1.25 and avoid at 1.60.
What are the most common 2016 Jeep Cherokee problems?
By NHTSA owner complaints, the most-reported areas on the 2016 Jeep Cherokee are powertrain / transmission (638, 45%), engine (315, 22%), unknown or other (313, 22%). The manufacturer has 449 service bulletins on file for this model year.
How many recalls does the 2016 Jeep Cherokee have?
9 recall campaigns on federal record for the 2016 Jeep Cherokee, most recently 23V338000 (May 11, 2023, electrical system); 23V302000 (Apr 27, 2023, powertrain / transmission); 20V343000 (Jun 11, 2020, powertrain / transmission). Recall completion is VIN-specific, so check the exact car.
How do I check a specific 2016 Jeep Cherokee before buying?
Decode the VIN free at carwhere.com/tools/vin-decoder to confirm the build, then run the $9.99 CarWhere Full VIN Report for the exact VIN — recall, complaint, and service-bulletin record for this model year, the original window sticker where the manufacturer publishes one, and a market price check from verified buyers. One-time purchase, no subscription.
Sources & method
Complaint, recall and service-bulletin counts for the 2016 Jeep Cherokee come from NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation; the per-1,000 rate divides complaints by published U.S. 2016 calendar-year sales; the verdict is CarWhere’s severity-weighted, time-on-road-adjusted score compared with the model’s own median year. Complaints are owner allegations, not verified defects. Full methodology.