Model year 2016 · Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD, Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD

2016 Jeep Cherokee: recalls, fuel economy and safety ratings

EPA rates the 2016 Jeep Cherokee at 22–25 mpg combined across 10 versions. NHTSA lists 9 safety recalls and 1,412 owner complaints for this model year. Its best NHTSA overall crash-test rating is 4 out of 5 stars.

Safety recalls

9

EPA combined mpg

22–25

NHTSA overall rating

4/5

Recall file dated Oct 28, 2026 · EPA file dated Sep 29, 2026 · updated Oct 28, 2026, 7:36 AM EDT

Check your own car: enter your 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls for that exact vehicle, and contact a Jeep dealer to schedule the repair — safety recall repairs are free. The list below covers the whole model year, so not every recall applies to every car.

2016 Jeep Cherokee recalls

NHTSA's recall file lists 9 safety recalls for the 2016 Jeep Cherokee, newest first.

Structure: Body: Hatchback/liftgate and 1 more component

NHTSA 23V338000 Reported May 11, 2023 Park outside
Filed by
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) (manufacturer recall no. 49A)
Components
Structure: Body: Hatchback/liftgate; Electrical system: Wiring: Rear compartment/trunk
Units affected
132,099 (estimate)
Problem
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.
Risk
A fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy
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.

Full recall record on nhtsa.gov

Power train: Automatic transmission

NHTSA 23V302000 Reported Apr 27, 2023
Filed by
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) (manufacturer recall no. 45A)
Units affected
25,980 (estimate)
Problem
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.
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.
Remedy
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.

Full recall record on nhtsa.gov

Power train: Driveline: Differential unit and 1 more component

NHTSA 20V343000 Reported Jun 11, 2020
Filed by
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) (manufacturer recall no. W47)
Components
Power train: Driveline: Differential unit; Power train: Automatic transmission
Units affected
67,248 (estimate)
Problem
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.
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.
Remedy
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.

Full recall record on nhtsa.gov

Electrical system: Software and 2 more components

NHTSA 18V332000 Reported May 17, 2018
Filed by
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) (manufacturer recall no. U49,U59-U65,U68,U73)
Components
Electrical system: Software; Vehicle speed control: Cruise control; Electrical system: Wiring
Units affected
4,815,661 (estimate)
Problem
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. 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.
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.
Remedy
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.

Full recall record on nhtsa.gov

Equipment

NHTSA 17V824000 Reported Dec 21, 2017
Filed by
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) (manufacturer recall no. T82)
Units affected
61,791 (estimate)
Problem
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
Risk
If the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury in the event of a fire.
Remedy
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.

Full recall record on nhtsa.gov

Seats: Mid/rear assembly and 1 more component

NHTSA 16V590000 Reported Aug 10, 2016
Filed by
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) (manufacturer recall no. S63)
Components
Seats: Mid/rear assembly; Seats
Units affected
1,827 (estimate)
Problem
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2014-2016 Jeep Cherokee vehicles manufactured July 29, 2013, to February 5, 2016. The seat fasteners on the first or second row seats may not have been tightened to the proper torque specification.
Risk
Loose fasteners may allow the seats to move, increasing the risk of injury to the seat occupants in the event of a crash.
Remedy
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.

Full recall record on nhtsa.gov

Power train: Axle assembly: Axle shaft

NHTSA 16V284000 Reported May 11, 2016
Filed by
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) (manufacturer recall no. S39)
Units affected
1,029 (estimate)
Problem
Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2016 Jeep Cherokee vehicles manufactured October 3, 2015, to March 22, 2016. The right halfshaft may have been incorrectly manufactured causing it to fracture without warning.
Risk
A fractured halfshaft may disconnect from the drive axle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
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.

Full recall record on nhtsa.gov

Power train: Axle assembly: Axle shaft

NHTSA 16V287000 Reported May 11, 2016
Filed by
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) (manufacturer recall no. S38)
Units affected
52 (estimate)
Problem
Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2016 Jeep Cherokee vehicles manufactured September 30, 2015, to October 2, 2015. The left halfshaft may have been incorrectly manufactured causing it to fracture without warning.
Risk
A fractured halfshaft may disconnect from the drive axle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
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.

Full recall record on nhtsa.gov

Structure: Body: Hatchback/liftgate and 1 more component

NHTSA 15V826000 Reported Dec 9, 2015
Filed by
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) (manufacturer recall no. R67)
Components
Structure: Body: Hatchback/liftgate; Electrical system: Wiring: Rear compartment/trunk
Units affected
32,784 (estimate)
Problem
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. In the affected vehicles, water may leak into the Power Liftgate Control Module and result in a high resistance short circuit.
Risk
A short circuit in the module increases the risk of a fire.
Remedy
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.

Full recall record on nhtsa.gov

Recall summaries are written by NHTSA from manufacturers' defect reports. Dates are when NHTSA received the report.

2016 Jeep Cherokee fuel economy by version

EPA city/highway/combined estimates for each engine, transmission and drive combination. Annual fuel cost is EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year (55% city, 45% highway) at EPA's current fuel-price assumptions; your cost will vary.

2016 Jeep Cherokee EPA fuel economy
VersionEngineTransmissionDriveFuelCity/Hwy/CombFuel cost/yrCO2 g/mi
Cherokee 4WD2.4L 4-cylAutomatic 9-spdAll-Wheel DriveRegular21/28/23 mpg$2,900378
Cherokee 4WD2.4L 4-cyl ffvAutomatic 9-spdAll-Wheel DriveGasoline or E85 / E8521/28/23 mpg$2,900378
Cherokee 4WD3.2L 6-cylAutomatic 9-spdAll-Wheel DriveRegular20/27/23 mpg$2,900388
Cherokee 4WD Active Drive II2.4L 4-cylAutomatic 9-spd4-Wheel DriveRegular21/27/23 mpg$2,900385
Cherokee 4WD Active Drive II3.2L 6-cylAutomatic 9-spd4-Wheel DriveRegular19/26/22 mpg$3,050414
Cherokee FWD2.4L 4-cylAutomatic 9-spdFront-Wheel DriveRegular21/30/25 mpg$2,700361
Cherokee FWD2.4L 4-cyl ffvAutomatic 9-spdFront-Wheel DriveGasoline or E85 / E8521/30/25 mpg$2,700361
Cherokee FWD3.2L 6-cylAutomatic 9-spdFront-Wheel DriveRegular21/29/24 mpg$2,800377
Cherokee Trailhawk 4WD2.4L 4-cylAutomatic 9-spd4-Wheel DriveRegular19/25/22 mpg$3,050411
Cherokee Trailhawk 4WD3.2L 6-cylAutomatic 9-spd4-Wheel DriveRegular19/26/22 mpg$3,050408

Source: FuelEconomy.gov (U.S. DOE and EPA), file dated Sep 29, 2026. Each version links to its FuelEconomy.gov record.

EPA estimates come from standardized lab tests so cars can be compared fairly; real-world mileage depends on speed, weather, load, tires and driving style.

2016 Jeep Cherokee crash-test ratings

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings for the tested versions. More stars mean a lower chance of serious injury in that type of crash. Rollover risk is NHTSA's estimated chance of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.

2016 Jeep Cherokee NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
Tested vehicleOverallFrontalSideRolloverRollover riskForward collision warning
2016 Jeep Cherokee SUV 2WD4 stars4 stars5 stars4 stars17.4%Optional
2016 Jeep Cherokee SUV 4WD4 stars4 stars5 stars4 stars16.9%Optional

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (New Car Assessment Program), checked Oct 26, 2026.

Star ratings compare vehicles of similar size and weight; a frontal rating for a large pickup is not directly comparable with one for a small car.

2016 Jeep Cherokee owner complaints

Owners have filed 1,412 complaints with NHTSA about the 2016 Jeep Cherokee, most recently on Oct 21, 2026. 37 mention a crash, 15 a fire, 27 injured people and 0 deaths. These are unverified reports; a complaint is not proof of a defect.

Most-cited components in 2016 Jeep Cherokee complaints
Component named in complaintsMentions
Power train623
Engine314
Unknown or other313
Electrical system292
Service brakes92
Vehicle speed control75
Steering53
Fuel/propulsion system43
Air bags31
Electronic stability control (ESC)30

Source: NHTSA consumer complaint files (complaints received since January 1, 2015). One complaint can name several components.

Had a safety problem with your vehicle? You can report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem.

Other Jeep Cherokee model years

Jeep Cherokee by model year
YearCombinedRecallsComplaintsOverall rating
2026 Cherokee37 mpg49—
2023 Cherokee22–24 mpg134/5
2022 Cherokee21–26 mpg3524/5
2021 Cherokee21–26 mpg41764/5
2020 Cherokee21–26 mpg33344/5
2019 Cherokee21–26 mpg111,6724/5
2018 Cherokee21–25 mpg76884/5
2017 Cherokee21–25 mpg61,3384/5
2015 Cherokee21–25 mpg111,7784/5

All Jeep Cherokee years compared · Decode a VIN

Other 2016 Jeep models

Sources

  • Recalls: NHTSA recall flat file (FLAT_RCL_POST_2010), dated Oct 28, 2026, plus a live check of api.nhtsa.gov in your browser.
  • Complaints: NHTSA consumer complaint flat files (COMPLAINTS_RECEIVED), counts only — we do not republish complaint text.
  • Crash tests: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings API.
  • Fuel economy: FuelEconomy.gov vehicles file (U.S. DOE and EPA), dated Sep 29, 2026.
  • NHTSA, EPA and DOE do not endorse OpenVIN. Vehicle names identify vehicles only; OpenVIN is not affiliated with Jeep.