2016 Jeep Cherokee · symptom sheet
Check engine light or misfire
- 62owner reports
- 46,000median miles
- $866median quote
- 0involved a crash
Newest report Feb 23, 2026 · checked Oct 2, 2026
564 of the 1,406 complaints on this car are about the engine. 62 of those describe misfire.
Tick what matches of 62 reports
Misfire on other Cherokee years
Report counts are for each model year on its own, so a newer car has had less time to collect them. Model years with too few reports of it for a sheet: 2018, 2020, 2021, 2022.
What this problem usually is
These reports start with the check engine light. Many describe the engine running rough or shaking at idle, a P0300-series code, or a catalytic converter code. A worrying number say the light was flashing. Owners often list ignition coils or spark plugs already replaced, and the light coming back afterward.
What got replaced
Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the ignition coils (4 reports) and the spark plugs (3 reports).
Recalls and investigations
3 recalls on the engine cover the 2016 model year. A recall on the same system isn't always the same failure, so read the defect text.
An electrical short in the power liftgate module may lead to a vehicle fire with the ignition on or off.
These vehicles are being recalled to address a defect that could prevent the cruise control system from disengaging.
In the affected vehicles, water may leak into the Power Liftgate Control Module and result in a high resistance short circuit.
All 9 recalls on the 2016 Jeep Cherokee, with the owner complaints on each recalled system
NHTSA investigations into the engine on the Cherokee
Electronic parking brake water ingress. Closed oct 29, 2023.
Software security vulnerability. Closed jan 5, 2016, led to recall 15V-508.
Engine compartment fire. Closed dec 9, 2015, led to recall 15V-676.
Crash related fuel tank fires. Closed nov 14, 2014, led to recall 13V-252.
Faulty gas gauge indicators. Closed nov 13, 1997, led to recall 97V-194.
Engine compartment fires. Closed jan 9, 1990, led to recall 88V-132.
Electronic ignition failure and gas fume. Closed nov 3, 1976.
What owners paid
7 of the 62 reports quote a price. Each dot is one quote. The middle half runs $400 to $1,500.
When it happens
The middle half of failures fell between 30,000 and 67,650 miles, from the 43 reports that gave a mileage.
Is this a known problem?
The manufacturer has sent NHTSA 4 service bulletins or notices for the 2016 Jeep Cherokee that deal with this problem. 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.
wiTECH Small Leak Verification Test (SLVT) - P0456-EVAP SYSTEM SMALL LEAK
2.4L Ignition Coil Boot Replacement This bulletin involves replacing all four ignition coil insulating boots. Customers may experience a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illumination.
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.
Oil Pump Assembly If error code P06DD present on any Pentastar V6 application, please inspect oil pump for relief valve failure. See photo attached.
What owners wrote
“Head gasket and cylinder head replacement. There are bubbles in my coolant and oil in cylinder #1. No external leaks. Iâve already called a dealer and cited W80 and they said not eligible for the recall to get it fixed”
Filed Oct 28, 2025
“Vibrating issue and missing fire originating from engine. Intake camshaft broken and left cylinder head is damaged and needs replacement. This should not be happening to this car. Cannot drive a faster rate either. There should be a claim out for all these issues.”
Filed Sep 15, 2025
“Vehicle lost power while in traffic was running weird jerking check engine light came on A! Light came on vehicle wouldn't stay running. Codes read Catalyst system efficiency. Recall u90 issues Recall u67 issues code p0430, p0300,p0175, p0174”
Filed Dec 3, 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 62 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. How reports land on this sheet.
Guide Which lights mean pull over now? Warning lights by color and urgency
Other problems on this car
- "Shift to Park" or "Service Shifter" warning comes on 269 reports
- Engine stalls or loses power while driving 258 reports
- Service 4WD light or power transfer unit (PTU) failure 224 reports
- Multiple warning lights come on at once 107 reports
- Brakes grind, pulse or wear early 93 reports
- "Service Transmission" message or wrench light comes on 90 reports
- Transmission shudders, slips or shifts hard 87 reports
- Infotainment, screen or backup camera fails 81 reports
- Burns oil or oil level rises 51 reports
- Driveshaft, axle or transfer case problems 48 reports
- Battery dies or the car will not start 46 reports
- Airbag warning light or recall 31 reports
- Traction control or StabiliTrak light comes on 30 reports
- Wheel bearing, tires or wheels 25 reports