2016 Jeep Cherokee Problems – Should You Buy This Vehicle?

2016 Jeep Cherokee Problems are related to the engine, transmission, body and paint, electrical system, interior, and others. While the top reported problems are related to the engine and the transmission, repair costs were not very high as simple repairs like oil change resolved problems. 

To get the best information about vehicle mechanical issues, it is recommended that you listen to what current and previous owners say about their vehicles. The internet has many resources where vehicle owners report mechanical problems during the lifetime of their vehicles. 

For example, the 2016 Jeep Cherokee received a total of 219 complaints to carcomplaints.com, a total of 545 reported complaints to vehiclehistory.com, and a total of 130 reported complaints to Edmunds.com.   

The goal of this article is to assist current owners in expecting what type of mechanical problems they will be facing during the lifetime of their vehicles. The article will also assist new shoppers in making an informed decision about whether to buy the 2016 Jeep Cherokee or not. 

In this article, we start with a quick overview of the main characteristics of the 2016 Jeep Cherokee. Then, we summarize the most reported complaints to all the mentioned websites above. In summary, we include information about the problem, the suggested repair options and repair costs, and the mileage at which the problem occurred.

2016 Jeep Cherokee Description

 

Before diving into the different reported problems about the 2016 Jeep Cherokee, we would like to provide a high-level description of the main characteristics of this vehicle. 

According to cars.usnews.com, the 2016 Jeep Cherokee was ranked as one of the best 2016 Affordable Compact SUVs. The vehicle was featured for the great off-road experience, the very elegant interior.

The 2016 Jeep Cherokee seats up to five passengers and gets from 19 to 22 miles per gallon on city roads, and 25 to 31 miles per gallon on the highways. The vehicle comes with either a front-wheel-drive or a four-wheel-drive and gets from 184 to 271 of horsepower.

The vehicle comes with either a 2.4 L four-cylinder or 3.2 V6 engine. This engine is associated with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The 2016 Jeep Cherokee curb weight ranges from 3,655 to 4,064 lbs, the fuel tank capacity is about 15.8 gallons, and the towing capacity is about 2,000 lbs.

According to Kelly Blue Book, the Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the 2016 Jeep Cherokee is $24,000, and the higher trims can get up to $28,000.

2016 Jeep Cherokee Problems 

In this section, we provide a summary of the most reported problems about the 2016 Jeep Cherokee Problems. Most reported problems were related to the engine, the transmission, the body and paint, the electrical system, the interior, and others. 

 

• 2016 Jeep Cherokee engine problems

 

 

Engine problems are the worst type of mechanical problems that any owner would like to deal with. This is because engine problems usually cost a lot of money and require a certain level of mechanical skills to get resolved.

Unfortunately, the most reported problem with the 2016 Jeep Cherokee has to do with the engine, including engine stalling, consuming a lot of oil, not starting, accelerating suddenly, and others.

 Engine stalling was reported by at least fifty owners of 27,000 miles vehicles. The stalling occurs without any warning signs or clear reasons. When taking the vehicles to the mechanic, the problem was resolved only by changing oil. The average repair cost for the engine stalling problem was about $70. 

Another group of people reported issues with engine consuming a lot of oil at vehicles around 23,000 miles. This problem was associated with sever scoring in the cylinder walls, which resulted in engine stalling and shut off. Excessive oil consumption caused continuous engine failure in some vehicles, which required engine replacement more than one time in a row.

A couple of owners reported issues with the engine not starting or turning over. The owners did not include information about repair options or repair costs. However, they indicated that engine starter issues occurred mostly at vehicles around 14,000 miles. 

The last problem we would like to highlight here caused some safety issues. At least two owners reported that their engine would accelerate suddenly without intention. While none of the owners was driving on a highway, they all hit a wall or a garage. Imagine if any was driving on a highway!

 

• 2016 Jeep Cherokee transmission problems

 

 

Similar to engine problems, transmission problems are also very significant and require relatively high repair costs. Unfortunately, the second most reported problem with the 2016 Jeep Cherokee has to do with the transmission. Most of these problems were either transmission, not working, service transmission, and transmission hesitating.

At least forty owners reported that their 20,000 miles vehicles had sudden transmission failure without any warning signs and despite the regular maintenance of the vehicle. The problem was resolved either by downloading the latest software patch, replacing the transmission, replacing the transmission module, or repairing the coolant lines. None of the complaints included information about repair costs.

Another twenty owners reported seeing the “service transmission” warning light frequently illuminating at vehicles around 20,000 miles too. To get the problem resolved, they had to update the software. Again, not repair cost information was provided.

Lastly, transmission hesitating was another common problem with the 2016 Jeep Cherokee, as reported by more than ten owners. These owners mentioned that the transmission would start jerking if they shift gears. Transmission hesitating occurred mostly at vehicles around 14,000 miles. 

 

• 2016 Jeep Cherokee body and paint problems

 

 

The third most reported problem about the 2016 Jeep Cherokee has to do with the body and paint. More specifically, water would start leaking into the cabin during carwash or when it rains. 

At least twenty owners reported water leak into the cabin of their 14,400 vehicles. To get the problem resolved, they had to repair the leak and replace the carpet. 

 

• 2016 Jeep Cherokee electrical problems

 

 

Electrical problems were also very common with the 2016 Jeep Cherokee vehicle, as reported by more than thirty owners. These problems were related to a dead battery; the vehicle shut down while driving, issues with the alternator, and problems with the door lock.

At least five owners reported a dead battery issue with their 21,000 miles 2016 Jeep Cherokee. While they did not provide information about repair options or repair costs, the owners indicated that dead battery issues caused engine overheating and resulted in complete engine failure in some cases. 

A couple of owners reported that their vehicle would shut down suddenly while driving in the middle of the traffic. While in some cases, the vehicle took five minutes and started back, in other cases, the vehicle wouldn’t start, and it had to be towed to the dealership. The vehicle shut down problems occurred mostly at vehicles around 37,000 miles. 

Some owners reported problems with the alternator failing. These owners indicated that every oil change they had to deal with a new electrical problem. To get the alternator problem resolved, the owners had to replace the coil and spark plug for about $300. Alternator problems occurred mostly at vehicles around 32,000 miles. 

The last problem we would like to highlight here has to do with the door lock. At least two owners reported that the key fob wouldn’t unlock the doors, and they had to unlock them manually. The problem was resolved by replacing the door lock for about $420. Door lock problems occurred mostly at vehicles around 38,000 miles. 

 

• 2016 Jeep Cherokee interior problems

 

 

Interior problems were reported about ten times by different owners of the 2016 Jeep Cherokee vehicles. The biggest problem was related to the radio, not working properly.

The radio problem affected other parts of the 35,000 vehicles. When the touch screen on the radio went out, the owners were not able to control the AC and heating system nor the backup camera. The problem was resolved by replacing the radio for about $590.

 

• 2016 Jeep Cherokee lights problems

 

 

More than ten owners reported complaints about poor headlight illumination of their 2,500 miles 2016 Jeep Cherokee vehicles. To get the problem resolved, they had to either upgrade the led or upgrade the bulbs. The average repair cost for lights problems was about $90.

 

• 2016 Jeep Cherokee AC and heating system problems

 

 

AC and heating system problems were not reported as frequent as the previously mentioned problems. The biggest concern was related to temperature control, not working properly. Two owners of relatively new vehicles reported that the passenger side heat always goes to the max, indicating issues with the temperature controls. The owners did not include information about repair options or repair costs. 

2016 Jeep Cherokee Reviews – What do 2016 Jeep Cherokee owners say about their car?

 

In this section, we included information about what current owners think of their2016 Jeep Cherokee. 

 

• 2016 Jeep Cherokee owner one

 

 

The first owner reported a complaint to vehiclehistory.com: “I like the look of the vehicle but since I’ve purchased it I’ve had nothing but grief starting with rear window wiper having to be replaced (50) to both head light bulbs burning out at the same time,(minor cost to replace at 800) and the dealer telling me they could not get the vehicle in until the following week ( I guess they figured I didn’t need to drive after 5). Next to go was the battery (400) and the brakes at over 1000 dollars. The brakes actually had to be replaced 4’xs within 6 months. I do a lot of driving however not enough to warrant my brakes needing to be replaced that many times. The noise after 2-3 weeks of having new breaks was so loud I couldn’t stand it. So now I’ve been told my alternated has ceased and needs to be replaced along with a belt at a minor cost of 1400. My vehicle is a 2016 and now has 171000 km on it. Would I buy another Jeep ABSOLUTELY NOT and would not recommend it to anyone.”

 

• 2016 Jeep Cherokee owner two

 

 

The second owner reported a problem to Edmunds.com: “I own the 2016 Trailhawk V6 3.2L engine with tow package. Mango Tango! It was love at first sight; a work of art with unsurpassed comfort! But it's been just one year (14K miles) and I no longer feel safe in it, nor can I count on it to get me to my destination. Today, I write this review from my back deck when I should be enjoying my camping vacation, however for the 4th time in a 6 week period, the car completely shut itself down. Twice in the last few weeks the car has just shut itself off, requiring me to pull over. Each time it restarted after a few minutes. Thank goodness it was always where I could pull over. Today however, packed for my vacation, camper in tow, traveling 65mph EVERYTHING shut down: the electronics and the transmission. Dead as a doornail. No power brakes, no power steering. Nothing. Roadside assistance sucks. It took two hours for them to get a wrecker to me, but refused to take it to my local dealership, a whopping 4 miles further than the “closest” Jeep dealership, and made me abandon my camper. Furthermore they told me they would not get me home from the dealership they were willing to tow to (placing me 85 miles from home). So I paid the wrecker guy the FOUR MILE difference to take the car to my local dealer and my son-in-law rescued the pop up. I can't say enough for the service guys at my local dealership who did a diagnostic on the car first thing the following morning (Monday) to try and get me back on the road, but they could not replicate the issue and returned my car to me. 🙁 I guess I'm stuck driving a $40K safety risk until this happens again, and again. Here are a few other things that annoy me about this car: the cruise control is a joke. Unless you are on flat land, it will take off on you going down hill as though it isn't engaged. I've had the car bolt from 55 to 68mph of its own volition. You can't turn off the radio; you have to mute the volume every time you get in the car if you don't want to listen. Bluetooth connects sporadically and often can't send messages or takes several minutes to respond. If your iPod/iPhone is connected to a USB port for charging, you can't get it to run through the speakers for music. I just paid $3K for the extended service plan; looks like I'll be needing it.  This vehicle has a history of issues. ITS TIME CHRYSLER DOES SOMETHING ABOUT IT; 3 MODEL YEARS IS ENOUGH! 

07/25/17 update: spoke with a Chrsyler REP who has authorized looking deeper into the stalling issue AND got me a rental so I can tow and experience a vacation this summer. Let's see how the repair goes. I'll update as information becomes available.”

 

• 2016 Jeep Cherokee owner three

 

 

The last owner reported a problem to carcomplaints.com: “The car would stall when coming to a stop or making a sharp turn and a message would show up tell me to restart the engine. It would take a couple of tries to restart the engine. A friend told me to change out the crankshaft sensor so I did but still having the same problem. Can't find anything online to solve this problem. I only have one car and it seems too dangerous for me to be driving a car that may die on me in the middle of busy traffic. I drive for uber and it's costing me my livelihood since it's a danger for me and my customer. If anyone has a solution it would be appreciated.”

2016 Jeep Cherokee Problems – Frequently Asked Questions 

 

In this section, we provide answers to the most frequently asked questions about the 2016 Jeep Cherokee vehicle. 

 

• Is the 2016 Jeep Cherokee reliable?

 

 

According to cars.usnews.com, the 2016 Jeep Cherokee has a very low-reliability rate, which indicates that the vehicle is expected to need high repair costs every year. The 2016 Jeep Cherokee received a score of two out of five, which is considered low. However, it is important to note that all SUVs receive low-reliability rates in general. On average, compact SUVs have a three reliability score out of five. 

 

• Are there any recalls on the 2016 Jeep Cherokee?

 

 

According to nhtsa.gov, the Chrysler Group, which is the manufacturer of Jeep Cherokee, recalled specific 2016 vehicles. More specifically, vehicles recalled were manufactured between 09/30/2015 and 10/02/2015. The reason for this recall is related to problems with the left half shaft installation. The installation issue caused the half shaft to fracture suddenly without any warning signs. 

 

• What problems do Jeep Cherokees have?

 

 

When it comes to Jeep Cherokee problems, every model year has its problems. For instance, the 2016 Jeep Cherokee most reported problems were related to the engine, transmission, body and paint, electrical system, interior, and others. 

 

• How long will a 2016 Jeep Cherokee last??

 

 

In general, most Cherokees last up to twenty years. However, this doesn’t indicate that you can safely drive a 2016 Jeep Cherokee up to twenty years, especially if the vehicle experienced significant engine or transmission problems. Thus, the age of the 2016 Jeep Cherokee doesn’t mean the quality and the good condition. 

Conclusion

 

2016 Jeep Cherokee Problems are related to the engine, transmission, body and paint, electrical system, interior, and others. 

The number of reported complaints doesn’t always mean a terrible vehicle, especially if repair costs were not super high. Although engine and transmission problems were reported frequently about the 2016 Jeep Cherokee, a good number of these problems were resolved by a simple oil change. 

It is not surprising that the 2016 Jeep Cherokee is not a very reliable vehicle because this is the fact about all compact SUVs.

With this information in mind, new shoppers have a good understanding of what type of problems they might face. Do you think the mechanical problems and repair costs are reasonable for you?!

Current owners also have a good understanding of what might face them when it comes to mechanical problems. If you got to a point where repair costs are close to the value of the vehicle, you might think of selling your vehicle. Luckily, Cash Car Buyer can assist you. 

At Cash Car Buyer, we buy all vehicles despite their type or condition. We guarantee to buy your unwanted 2016 Jeep Cherokee no matter what problems it has. We also provide free towing despite your living location.

All that you need to do is to give us a call, get our free offer, and have your vehicle removed within one to three days!!