2016 Jeep Cherokee Problems And Complaints

2016 Jeep Cherokee User Complaints and Problems

Mechanical Complaints

• Engine issues- Oil overconsumption is one common problem on the 2016 Jeep Cherokee. Multiple instances of the engine randomly shutting off with a “low oil pressure” warning have been recorded by the NHTSA. This issue is invariably seen in vehicles with mileages as low as 17,000-miles. Even though it is a pretty widespread issue, no efforts were made to resolve this issue by the automaker initially. Reports of owners receiving service notifications for piston ring replacement have surfaced recently.
• Transmission shifter issues- “Service Shifter” or “service transmission warnings are pretty common on the Jeep Cherokee. The shifter module and the wiring harness (at times) are said to malfunction prematurely, with owners often requiring a replacement of both units to resolve the issues. As reported, the components don’t come under warranty, and owners are forced to pay around $300 to $900 depending on what parts need to be replaced. The TCM is also subject to software issues and reports of replacement of TCM have been recorded at mileages as low as 48,000-miles by the NHTSA.
• Power transfer unit issue- The2016Jeep Cherokee is known for PTU issues. Backlash between moving parts in the rear differential with mileage causes excessive wear of the internal geared components resulting in a loss of drive and a “4WD unavailable/over-heating” warning. This also may cause the Park function to not work properly, causing the vehicle to roll off. The automaker was aware of these issues and did initiate a nationwide recall (ID-20V343000) on the model once the issue was brought to light.

 Electric System complaints

• Radio issues- The radio/ media head unit on the 2016 Jeep Cherokee occasionally shuts off, reboots or freezes. Issues range from software niggles to actual damage to the internals or wiring of the system, with the latter needing a complete replacement of the head unit in most cases.
• Electric parking issue- Another common failure point on the 2016 Jeep Cherokee is the electric parking brake module. Either the switch, wiring harness or even the master cylinder that controls the pressure could be culprits here. Replacement of the affected component is the only solution as reported by owners.

Structural complaints

• Steering issues- Loss of power assist or locking up of the steering while driving are some issues that raise concerns on the 2016 Jeep Cherokee. Engine issue that ends in a stall, would cause the vehicle to go into accessory mode, taking the power off from all assistance systems. A broken front half shaft is also a reason for the sudden loss of steering capability on the vehicle. Recalls 20V343000, 16V28400, and 16V287000 have been initiated by the automaker to resolve these issues. Inherent steering gearbox issues are also something to without.

Safety Complaints

• Airbags- Intermittent airbag warning lamp is something to look out for on the 2016 Jeep Cherokee. Even though the lights go off, chances are that the SRS system is facing some sort of error and needs a reflash or service. Multiple instances of the airbags failing to deploy in the event of a crash have been recorded by the NHTSA with several counts of injuries.

 2016 Jeep Cherokee Recalls

S. No	Date	NHTSA ID	Issues Noticed	Additional Remarks	Remedy
1	11th June 2020	20V343000	Power transfer unit input splines may break.	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, which can cause loss of power on unintended rolling in park mode, increasing the risk of injury or crash.	The 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.
2	17th May 2018	18V332000	Cruise control cannot be canceled.	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, which increases the risk of a crash.	The dealers will inspect the software, and perform a software flash on the engine or powertrain control module, free of charge. The recall began on June 4, 2018.
3	21st December 2018	17V824000	The fire extinguisher may be clogged or inoperable.	A vehicle equipped with a Kidde plastic handle or Pindicator-type fire 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, increasing the risk of injury in the event of a fire.	Chrysler will notify owners instructing them to contact Kidde for a replacement fire extinguisher, free of charge. The recall began on February 14, 2018.
4	10th August 2016	16V590000	Improper torque on seat fasteners.	The seat fasteners on the first or second row seats may not have been tightened to the proper torque specification, causing the seats to move forward and increase the risk of injury.	The dealers will replace the seats or seat sets, free of charge. The recall began in September 2016.
5	11th May 2016	16V287000	The left front half shaft may fracture.	The left half shaft may have been incorrectly manufactured causing it to fracture without warning which increases the risk of a crash.	Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the left half shaft, free of charge. The recall began on June 30, 2016.
6	11th May 2016	16V824000	The right front half shaft may fracture.	The right half shaft may have been incorrectly manufactured causing it to fracture without warning which increases the risk of a crash.	Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the left half shaft, free of charge. The recall began on June 30, 2016.
7	9th December 2015	15V826000	Lift gate module short due to water leak	Water may leak into the Power Liftgate Control Module and result in a high resistance short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.	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.

Should you buy a used 2016 Jeep Cherokee?

Even though we don’t plan on recommending the Jeep Cherokee to anyone, the 2016 model year of this SUV does come out as the most reliable to this day. With the least number of complaints and recalls so far, this model should come out better from an ownership perspective in theory. That said, it’s still not perfect, and getting close to 1,000 official complaints is something that everyone buying it should be worried about at times when its primary competitors have racked in significantly less of the same. Even then, people still go around buying them cause it’s a ”Jeep Thing” and because of the fact that it totally stands out from SUVs we have seen in this price range, something which we can’t disagree about. If you are one of those guys, we highly suggest that you do your research right.