2016 Jeep Cherokee Problems: 12 Known Issues
2016 model year · 17,000+ owner reports · Updated October 2026
According to Au7o's analysis of 17,000+ owner reports, the 2016 Jeep Cherokee has 12 documented known issues, with 7 rated critical. The most serious are Excessive Oil Consumption (2.4L Tigershark) ($0-$8,500 repair), ZF 9-Speed Transmission Shifting Problems ($0-$6,500 repair), Engine Stalling (Multiple Causes) ($0-$2,500 repair), TIPM Fuel Pump Relay Failure ($75-$2,000 repair), Jeep Cherokee Cruise Control May Not Disengage — Recall 18V332000 (2014-2018), Power Liftgate Fire Hazard and Power Transfer Unit (PTU) Failure. The most commonly reported issue is Excessive Oil Consumption (2.4L Tigershark) with 4,500 owner reports. Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $75 to $8,500. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
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All 12 Known Issues
NHTSA Recalls16 recalls
POWER TRAIN
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2023 Jeep Cherokee vehicles. The power transfer unit (PTU) may fail.
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2020 Jeep Gladiator and Jeep Cherokee, 2019-2020 Ram 1500 Pickup, Ram 2500 Pickup, Ram 3500 Pickup, Chrysler Pacifica, Dodge Durango, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Jeep Wrangler, and Jeep Renegade and 2019 Dodge Challenger vehicles equipped with 8.4" or 12" radio displays. A software error can cause the rearview camera image to remain displayed after the vehicle has been shifted out of reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rearview Mirrors."
STEERING:RACK AND PINION:RACK
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Jeep Cherokee vehicles. The steering rack gear may break, possibly causing a loss of steering control.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2022 Jeep Cherokee vehicles. The turn signal self-canceling feature may not function properly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Jeep Cherokee vehicles. An improperly secured connector for the right-side curtain air bag may prevent the air bag from deploying as intended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard numbers 214, "Side Impact Protection" and 226, "Ejection Mitigation."
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common Jeep Cherokee problems?
According to Au7o's analysis of 17,000+ owner reports, the 2016 Jeep Cherokee has 12 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Excessive Oil Consumption (2.4L Tigershark), ZF 9-Speed Transmission Shifting Problems, Engine Stalling (Multiple Causes). Of these, 7 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
Is the Jeep Cherokee reliable?
The 2016 Jeep Cherokee has 12 known issues documented across 17,000+ owner reports. 7 issues are rated critical: Excessive Oil Consumption (2.4L Tigershark) and ZF 9-Speed Transmission Shifting Problems and Engine Stalling (Multiple Causes) and TIPM Fuel Pump Relay Failure and Jeep Cherokee Cruise Control May Not Disengage — Recall 18V332000 (2014-2018) and Power Liftgate Fire Hazard and Power Transfer Unit (PTU) Failure. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
How much does it cost to fix common Jeep Cherokee problems?
Repair costs for known Jeep Cherokee issues range from $0 to $8,500, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, Excessive Oil Consumption (2.4L Tigershark), typically costs $0-$8,500 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
What is the 2014-2019 Jeep Cherokee Excessive Oil Consumption (2.4L Tigershark)?
The 2.4L Tigershark MultiAir engine suffers from defective piston rings allowing oil to burn in combustion chamber. Owners report consuming 1 quart per 1,000 miles. Engine can stall when oil falls below 3.5 quarts without warning light. Repairs typically run $0-$8,500. Severity: high.
What is the 2014-2019 Jeep Cherokee ZF 9-Speed Transmission Shifting Problems?
The ZF 948TE 9-speed automatic transmission exhibits harsh shifting, delayed engagement, and unexpected shifting into neutral. Early models (2014-2015) experienced the most severe issues. The transmission can unexpectedly shift into neutral while driving, creating a crash risk. Repairs typically run $0-$6,500. Severity: high.
What is the 2014-2023 Jeep Cherokee Engine Stalling (Multiple Causes)?
Multiple factors cause sudden engine stalling including low oil levels (2.4L), VVT issues, faulty sensors, fuel system problems, and transmission-related stalling (2019 9-speed). Stalling typically emerges after ~1,000 miles. Repairs typically run $0-$2,500. Severity: high.
What is the 2014-2023 Jeep Cherokee TIPM Fuel Pump Relay Failure?
The Totally Integrated Power Module fuel pump relay fails, causing no-start conditions or fuel pump running continuously. Unlike older models, the relay is integrated and cannot be replaced separately. Repairs typically run $75-$2,000. Severity: high.
What is the 2014-2018 Jeep Cherokee Jeep Cherokee Cruise Control May Not Disengage — Recall 18V332000 (2014-2018)?
Recall 18V332 includes selected 2014–2018 Jeep Cherokee vehicles built November 5, 2012–December 17, 2017 with affected controller software. Controller software can retain a torque request if a short interrupts CAN-C communication while cruise control requests acceleration. Cance… Severity: high.
What is the 2014-2016 Jeep Cherokee Power Liftgate Fire Hazard?
NHTSA campaign 23V338000 covers certain 2014-2016 Jeep Cherokee vehicles equipped with a power liftgate. An electrical short in the power liftgate module may cause a vehicle fire whether the ignition is on or off. Severity: high.
What is the 2014-2017 Jeep Cherokee Power Transfer Unit (PTU) Failure?
NHTSA campaign 20V343000 covers certain 2014-2017 Jeep Cherokee vehicles equipped with a two-speed Power Transfer Unit. Relative movement between the differential input splines and transmission output shaft may wear away input-spline teeth, causing loss of drive while moving and… Severity: high.
What is the 2014-2023 Jeep Cherokee Oil Filter Housing Leak (Pentastar V6)?
The plastic oil filter housing and cooler assembly on Pentastar V6 engines develops leaks due to thermal cycling. The plastic warps, becomes brittle, and cracks over time from constant engine heat exposure. Repairs typically run $700-$1,500. Severity: medium.
What is the 2014-2023 Jeep Cherokee CAN Bus Communication Failures?
Controller Area Network electrical system experiences communication failures between modules, triggering multiple warning lights and system failures simultaneously. Common codes U0001 and U0131 indicate wiring harness breaks or connector corrosion. Repairs typically run $150-$2,000. Severity: medium.
What is the 2014-2023 Jeep Cherokee Sunroof Drain Clogs and Water Leaks?
Sunroof drain tubes become clogged with debris, causing water to overflow into cabin. Drain hoses can become kinked or detached, allowing water into headliner. Leads to water damage, mold, electrical issues. Repairs typically run $0-$900. Severity: medium.
What is the 2014-2023 Jeep Cherokee Premature Brake Wear?
Front brake rotors warp prematurely (often around 25,000 miles) due to heat management issues. Soft rotors combined with harder pads and thermal cycling causes excessive wear. Corroded caliper slide pins worsen problem. Repairs typically run $250-$800. Severity: medium.
What is the 2014-2023 Jeep Cherokee Headlight Condensation?
Moisture accumulates inside headlight housings due to vent holes designed for manufacturing. While FCA considers minor condensation normal, excessive moisture or water droplets indicate seal failure. Repairs typically run $0-$1,200. Severity: low.
Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.