The 2016 Jeep Cherokee has a near-perfect overall safety rating. But it has some reported problems, too. Its problematic drivetrain has led to transmissions spontaneously failing, engines leaking oil, and several recalls addressing axel failure, potential fires, and faulty cruise control.
Key Points
- Seven recalls were issued for the 2016 Jeep Cherokee, covering problems with axel failure, fires caused by short circuits, and unintended acceleration.
- The nine-speed automatic transmission found in fifth-generation Cherokees is notorious for sudden failure and an inability to shift, and it was the target of a 2020 recall.
- The 2016 Cherokee’s 2.4L Tigershark engine reportedly burns a quart of oil every 1,000 miles. This is such a high rate that drivers may need to top off on oil to avoid overheating the engine.
- A 2017 NHTSA recall focused on Cherokees equipped with Kidde fire extinguishers that were prone to clogging and may not work.
- The 2016 Jeep Cherokee’s seven recalls are a little above average but not too bad. Overall, the Cherokee has a reputation as a well-built, tough SUV.
2016 Jeep Cherokee Has Seven Recalls, Including Two Over Halfshaft Fractures, and an Open Investigation into Faulty Airbags
The 2016 Jeep Cherokee is the third year of the fifth generation of Cherokees. Though it has fewer recalls than this gen’s first two years, the SUV still has racked up seven National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recalls.
Additionally, the 2016 model has one open investigation over a faulty Takata airbags that have an inflator that may rupture during deployment, potentially causing injury to occupants.
Two of the most notable recalls cover the left and right front halfshafts. They have been incorrectly manufactured and can suddenly fracture and disconnect from the drive axle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Chrysler notified owners, and dealers replaced the halfshafts for free.
Fire Risk and Unintended Acceleration are Two of the 2016 Jeep Cherokee’s Most Serious Problems
A 2017 NHTSA recall affected over 61,000 Cherokee units equipped with Kidde fire extinguishers that were prone to clogging and may not work.
Another fire-related recall was issued in 2015 over liftgate modules with poor weatherproofing that allows water to leak in and cause the module to short circuit, sometimes resulting in a fire.
Additionally, a Chrysler-wide recall affecting 4.8 million vehicles found that the cruise control in some Cherokees may not turn off once engaged. The solution was a simple software update.
Faulty ZF Transmissions Can Keep the 2016 Jeep Cherokee from Going Far at All
Nine-speed automatic transmissions found in the 2016 Cherokee were revolutionary when they were introduced in 2014. But since their inception, they have been plagued by problems.
These transmissions are a shot in the dark. Some may run great. Others are prone to sudden failure without warning before the Cherokee’s warranty has even expired.
ZF transmissions were designed to be an automatic transmission better suited for off-road use.
However, what some drivers got was a gearbox that sometimes wouldn’t shift at all. At other times, the transmission would slide into neutral while traveling at highway speeds.
Heavy Oil Consumption is Pervasive in 2016 Cherokees, but Chrysler Contends 2.4L Tigershark Engine’s Intake is ‘Normal’
Cherokee drivers have had to contend with heavy oil consumption issues for decades, and the fifth generation is no exception.
Tigershark engines consume a quart of oil for every 1,000 miles. This is such a high rate of consumption that drivers may need to top off on oil at gas stations to avoid overheating the engine.
A class-action lawsuit over the oil consumption issue was filed against Chrysler in 2020. The automaker contends that the oil consumption of the 2.4L Tigershark engine is “normal.”
Chrysler Cut Many Corners in the 2010s, and it Shows in the Finished Product
The 2016 Jeep Cherokee took on some problems that plagued prior years, and racked up seven recalls and one investigation.
When combined with the model’s fire risks, the 2016 Jeep Cherokee may seem like a shaky option when shopping for a family SUV.
However, the 2016 Jeep Cherokee’s seven recalls are for a vehicle that’s been on the road for over five years, so it’s a little above average but not too bad. Plus, the Cherokee has a reputation as a well-built, tough SUV.
Photos: Stellantis
