2016 Jeep Cherokee · symptom sheet
Battery dies or the car will not start
- 46owner reports
- 42,520median miles
- 0involved a crash
Newest report May 12, 2026 · checked Sep 9, 2026
297 of the 1,406 complaints on this car are about the electrical system. 46 of those describe dead battery.
Tick what matches of 46 reports
What got replaced
Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the battery (43 reports) and the alternator (3 reports).
Recalls and investigations
3 recalls on the electrical system cover the 2016 model year. A recall on the same system isn't always the same failure, so read the defect text.
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 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 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.
NHTSA investigations into the electrical system on the Cherokee
Electronic parking brake water ingress. Closed oct 29, 2023.
NHTSA summary
Software security vulnerability. Closed jan 5, 2016, led to recall 15V-508.
NHTSA summary
Electronic ignition failure and gas fume. Closed nov 3, 1976.
NHTSA summary
When it happens
The middle half of failures fell between 30,000 and 59,942 miles, from the 25 reports that gave a mileage.
What owners wrote
“vehicle losing power even when on. Does not accelerate in drive or reverse. My issue is the dealer found corroded wires, but when did they not say that the last time it was in which was 3 months ago. They also all of sudden tell me my battery does not fit my Jeep so they needed to replace to new battery in order to be able s add mf diagnose. All this makes no sense.”
Filed May 29, 2025
“Instroment light come back on with all other lights ignition off. Runs battery down.”
Filed Nov 14, 2024
“Stop Start Failure (replaced-filter and battery) Failed again same battery reason showing battery tested was fine. Still not working to date”
Filed Sep 11, 2024
“Code P2504 and code P063A. Received these codes when I already have a new battery and car is only at 70k miles. Caused the vehicle to go in to lower saving mode in to a turn and almost hit other vehicles.”
Filed Jun 22, 2024 · 70,000 miles
Should you keep driving it?
This page can't tell you that. 0 of 46 reports involved a crash. Owners who file are the ones who had a bad experience, and nobody checks their reports. If the problem affects steering, braking, power or a fire risk, treat it as a safety fault and have it inspected before a long or high-speed drive.
File your own report with NHTSA. Complaint counts are how a problem gets an investigation.
Other problems on this car
- Engine stalls or loses power while driving 258 reports
- Multiple warning lights come on at once 107 reports
- Brakes grind, pulse or wear early 93 reports
- Transmission shudders, slips or shifts hard 87 reports
- Infotainment, screen or backup camera fails 81 reports
- Check engine light or misfire 62 reports
- Burns oil or oil level rises 51 reports
- Airbag warning light or recall 31 reports
- Wheel bearing, tires or wheels 25 reports