KL
2016 Jeep Cherokee
The most reported problem on the 2016 Jeep Cherokee is shift to park warning, with 269 complaints, usually around 47,000 miles.
- 1,406owner complaints
- 9recalls
- 37involved a crash
- 46,000median miles at failure
Newest report Sep 3, 2026 · checked Oct 2, 2026
What is your Cherokee doing?
Each one opens a sheet built from the owner reports of that problem on the 2016 model year.
- Shift to park warning269 reports
- Stalling258 reports
- Service 4WD light224 reports
- Warning lights107 reports
- Brake wear93 reports
- Transmission warning light90 reports
- Transmission shudder87 reports
- Infotainment81 reports
- Misfire62 reports
- Oil consumption51 reports
- Drivetrain problems48 reports
- Dead battery46 reports
- Airbag31 reports
- Traction control light30 reports
- Wheels25 reports
Is the 2016 Jeep Cherokee reliable?
The 2016 Jeep Cherokee has 1,406 owner complaints on file with NHTSA, 5.7 times the median of 248 for 2016 SUVs on this site. Of the 9 Cherokee model years since 2014, it has the 4th most complaints. Complaint counts rise with sales as well as faults, so read what owners report below before deciding.
At a glance
- Next to the 2017
- At 128 complaints for each year on the road, the 2016 runs close to the 2017 (133). That's the only adjacent model year with enough complaints to set beside it.
- Top problem
- Two problems run close. Shift to park warning has 269 complaints and stalling has 258, out of 1,406 in all. A quarter of the 209 owners who gave a mileage for shift to park warning saw it by about 36,000 miles, and half by about 47,000.
- Crash, fire and injury reports
- 56 of the 1,406 complaints (4%) report a crash, a fire or an injury, a little under the 6% typical of vehicles on this site. Counted separately (one report can carry more than one), 37 reports mention a crash, 14 mention a fire and 27 people were hurt. The most crash reports, 16 of 37, fall under airbag.
- Recalls behind the top problems
- Shift to park warning and warning lights each have a recall on the same system (16V-284, 16V-287 and 2 others; 15V-826, 18V-332 and 23V-338). Stalling has none. A recall on the same system doesn't always cover the failure owners describe, so compare its summary with the complaints.
- When owners filed
- Filings peaked in 2019 at 271 (full calendar years only). In 2025 there were 108. So far in 2026, 50 more have come in.
When each problem shows up
Each bar covers the middle half of the mileages owners reported for that problem. A quarter saw it earlier, a quarter later. The tick is the median. Most reported: "shift to park" or "service shifter" warning comes on, 269 complaints.
middle half of reports, median tick. The heavier grey bars have 75 or more reports.
Behind you
Around your mileage
Ahead of you
How this compares
1,406 complaints is 5.6 times the median 2016 model on this site and 5.7 times the median 2016 SUV. Among the 9 Cherokee model years here it ranks 4th for complaints. Counts follow sales volume as much as reliability, so a truck that sells 700,000 a year draws more reports than a sedan that sells 200,000.
Service bulletins for the 2016 Jeep Cherokee
Jeep filed 450 bulletins and other notices with NHTSA that list the 2016 Jeep Cherokee. 27 of them deal with a problem owners have reported on this car. Newest first.
Federal rules make a manufacturer send NHTSA a copy of any notice about a defect that goes to more than one dealer or owner. Most of these are service bulletins, the repair instructions manufacturers send to dealers. NHTSA generally leaves safety recall bulletins out of this file, and recalls are listed separately.
"Shift to Park" or "Service Shifter" warning comes on 1 bulletin · 269 complaints
Shifter - Automatic Transmission If a 2015 - 18MY KL ONLY is brought in with a ?Service Shifter? message on the cluster and/or the following DTCs are present indicating loss of communication with the shifter: U0103, U0103-87.
Service 4WD light or power transfer unit (PTU) failure 5 bulletins · 224 complaints
Service 4wd Light On, AWD System Service Required Message Illuminated. Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) C14A7-97 PTU Motor Component Or System Operation Obstructed Or Blocked.
Power Transfer Unit (PTU) Broken Input Spline XJ1 Warranty Extension Customers may experience a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illumination.
3 more on this problem
Power Transfer Unit (PTU) Broken Input Spline - X89 Warranty Extension This bulletin involves replacing the PTU assembly with an updated part. Customers may experience a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illumination.
Service 4wd Light On, Message AWD System Service Required
Flash: Power Transfer Unit (PTU) Motor Position Enhancements This bulletin involves updating the software in the Power Transfer Unit (PTU). A customer may experience All Wheel Drive (AWD) not operating correctly.
Transmission shudders, slips or shifts hard 1 bulletin · 87 complaints
Gear Ratio DTC?s, Transmission Shift Concerns, Does Not Shift At Times, Shudders
Infotainment, screen or backup camera fails 11 bulletins · 81 complaints
Unable To Clear C1494-07 And C14A9-00 After 45A Recall Technicians may experience the following: SYMPTOM: ● wiTECH displays a mismatch error after performing recall 45A.
RADIO [RES] New and/or Service Exchange For RES radio concerns. Use the wiTECH 2.0 and inspect the radio part number and serial number under the Radio/ECU Details tab. Please verify that the radio part number and/or serial number is not "FFFF".
9 more on this problem
RA3 and RA4 Radio Enhancements This bulletin involves inspecting and if required, updating the radio software. Customers may experience one or more of the following:?Navigation Failed? message is displayed. Navigation is inoperative or inaccurate.
Flash: Radio Frequency Hub Module (RFHM) Enhancement This bulletin involves updating the RFHM with the latest available software.
Flash: HVAC System Enhancement This bulletin involves reprogramming the HVAC control module with the latest available software.
SUBJECT: RA3 RA4 Radio Enhancements OVERVIEW: This bulletin involves inspecting and, if required, updating the radio software.
RA3 RA4 Radio Enhancements This bulletin involves inspecting and, if required, updating the radio software. A small number of customers may experience one or more of the following: · Navigation failed message is displayed.
Flash: Radio Frequency Hub Module (RFHM) Enhancement This bulletin involves updating the RFHM software. Customers may describe the instrument cluster is illuminating by itself after the ignition has been off for an extended period of time (ten minutes or ...
Instrument Cluster Software Enhancements This bulletin involves updating the Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) software. The customer may describe the following: · The current gear feature is inoperative.
Radio Software Enhancements This bulletin involves updating the radio's software. A customer may experience one or more of the following: · Radio display screen intermittently may go blank. · Radio display screen may lock up.
Radio Software Enhancements This bulletin involves updating the radio's software. CAUTION: Confirm the correct radio flash file to the applicable model and family vehicle before flashing.
Check engine light or misfire 3 bulletins · 62 complaints
wiTECH Small Leak Verification Test (SLVT) - P0456-EVAP SYSTEM SMALL LEAK
2.4L KL Cooling fan If replacing the cooling fan for a P0480 -Cooling Fan 1 Control Circuit fault code or inoperative fan, please call Sam Zarnegar at (248) 944-5703 prior to removing any parts.
1 more on this problem
Oil Pump Assembly If error code P06DD present on any Pentastar V6 application, please inspect oil pump for relief valve failure. See photo attached.
Burns oil or oil level rises 3 bulletins · 51 complaints
2.4L Excessive Oil Consumption XB1 Warranty Extension The customer may describe one or more of the following: ● Oil pressure low indicator lamp illumination between oil changes. ● Excessive oil consumption.
2.4L Engine Oil Consumption Test The customer may comment that the vehicles engine oil level is low or they need to add oil between oil change intervals and no visible signs of oil leaking from the engine.
1 more on this problem
2.4L Engine Oil Consumption Test This bulletin involves performing an oil consumption verification test. The customer may comment that the vehicles engine oil level is low or they need to add oil between oil change intervals and no visible signs of oil ...
Driveshaft, axle or transfer case problems 1 bulletin · 48 complaints
Drivetrain Control Module (DTCM) This bulletin involves replacing and reconfiguring the Drivetrain Control Module (DTCM) with the latest available software. Some vehicles may experience a constant high pitched whine coming from rear axle area.
Battery dies or the car will not start 2 bulletins · 46 complaints
Start Stop Charging Warning Lamp Illuminated On, Intelligent Battery Sensor (IBS) State of Charge (SOC) Inaccurate, Battery Charging Message, Presence of IBS related Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), or Battery Warning Lamp On
Keyfob 2016 Vehicle Keyfobs with Passive Entry Keyless Go Feature - Engineering is investigating a keyfob unable to program or no function or low keyfob coin battery condition.~ Prior to replacing keyfob on MY16 vehicles, please contact Raja Charabuddi on ...
Complaints filed by year
271 complaints came in 2019, 1.9 times the year before. Owners file in waves when a problem gets press or an investigation, so a spike measures attention as much as failures.
NHTSA investigations
Electronic parking brake water ingress. Closed oct 29, 2023.
NHTSA summary
Desiccated air bag inflator rupture. Open.
NHTSA summary
Recalls that include the 2016 Jeep Cherokee
Whether your car is included depends on its VIN. Check yours at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
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 and remedy
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.
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 and remedy
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.
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 and remedy
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.
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 and remedy
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.
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 and remedy
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.
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 and remedy
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.
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 and remedy
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.
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 and remedy
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.
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 and remedy
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.
All 9 recalls on the 2016 Jeep Cherokee, with the owner complaints on each recalled system
Guide NHTSA has an open investigation on this car. What the investigation stages mean
Questions
What is the most common problem on the 2016 Jeep Cherokee?
Shift to park warning, with 269 of the 1,406 complaints. Owners who gave a mileage for it put the median at about 47,000 miles.
At what mileage do 2016 Jeep Cherokee problems start?
Of the 899 complaints that give a mileage, a quarter came by about 26,000 miles and half by about 46,000.
Is the 2016 Jeep Cherokee better or worse than the 2017?
Counted per year on the road, the 2016 has about as many complaints as the 2017: 128 a year against 133.
How many 2016 Jeep Cherokee complaints involve a crash, fire or injury?
56 of them (4%). The typical vehicle on this site is at 6%.
Is there a recall for shift to park warning on the 2016 Jeep Cherokee?
Yes, NHTSA lists 4 recalls on the same system: 16V-284, 16V-287, 20V-343 and 23V-302. Its summary says which failure it covers, and that isn't always the one owners describe.