Is the 2016 Jeep Cherokee reliable?

It can be a reliable compact SUV when serviced on time, but it has known weak spots—most notably 9-speed transmission behavior, occasional electrical/infotainment glitches, and potential oil consumption on some 2.4L models.

What are the most common 2016 Jeep Cherokee problems?

Common issues include rough or hesitant shifting from the 9-speed automatic, Uconnect freezing or rebooting, oil consumption on some 2.4L Tigershark engines, and occasional cooling-system or sensor-related check-engine lights.

Are maintenance costs high for a 2016 Jeep Cherokee?

Maintenance costs are usually moderate for the class, but repairs can become pricey if transmission concerns, oil neglect, or electrical module issues are present. Regular fluid service and early diagnostics help keep costs predictable.

What are the best years of Jeep Cherokee to buy?

Many shoppers prefer later KL years after early-production updates; comparing service records and recall/computer update history matters more than the badge year alone. A well-documented example can be a better buy than a newer one with poor maintenance.

What should I check before buying a used 2016 Jeep Cherokee?

Test-drive for cold and warm shifting behavior, scan for trouble codes, confirm all Uconnect functions work, check for oil level/consumption evidence and service records, and inspect for coolant leaks or overheating history. Get a complete owner’s guide for the 2016 Jeep Cherokee with full specs, trim breakdowns, and the maintenance schedules that help prevent the most common issues.

HomeVehicles

Vehicles Compare Blog Get Report

Reliability AnalysisBased on known issue patterns, repair cost data, and ownership trends · How we score

2016 Jeep Cherokee Reliability ReportCommon Problems, Repair Costs & Expert Verdict

65/ 100

MODERATE RISK

Grade: C

A capable compact SUV with unique charm, but its finicky transmission is a significant liability that demands careful consideration.

Full system breakdown + what I would do

Should You Buy the 2016 Jeep Cherokee?

The 2016 Jeep Cherokee is a mixed bag: it offers distinctive styling, surprising off-road capability (especially the Trailhawk), and a comfortable ride, but it's critically undermined by a notoriously problematic 9-speed automatic transmission. While the V6 engine generally proves robust, the transmission's propensity for erratic behavior and premature failure makes this an ownership gamble you'll need to approach with extreme caution.

Biggest Strengths

Rugged off-road capability (Trailhawk models)
Comfortable and compliant ride quality for its class
Available powerful and reliable 3.2L Pentastar V6 engine

Top Risk Areas

The systems that break first on the 2016 Jeep Cherokee. Mileage windows, repair costs, and fix-before-you-buy notes are in the full report.

Transmissioncritical

Electrical Systemmoderate

Engine (2.4L Tigershark)major

Typical mileage, cost ranges, and the exact what-to-check list are in the full report.

NHTSA Recalls

9 recalls on record from NHTSA. Check your VIN atnhtsa.gov to see if the repair was performed.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Dodge Journey, Charger and Durango, RAM 2500, 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis (more than 10,000lb), 4500 Cab Chassis and 5500 Cab Chassis, Jeep Cherokee and Grand Cherokee and Chrysler 300, 2014-2019 RAM 1500, 2015-2018 Dodge Challenger, 2015-2017 Chrysler 200, 2016-2018 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis (less than 10,000 lb), 2017-2018 Chrysler Pacifica and 2018 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. These vehicles are being recalled to address a defect that could prevent the cruise control system from disengaging. 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, resulting in either the vehicle maintaining its current speed or possibly accelerating.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING: REAR COMPARTMENT/TRUNK

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Jeep Cherokee vehicles manufactured February 18, 2015, to September 10, 2015 and equipped with the power liftgate option. In the affected vehicles, water may leak into the Power Liftgate Control Module and result in a high resistance short circuit.

What breaks on the 2016 Jeep Cherokee?

Full reliability breakdown — engine, transmission, rust, electrical. With repair costs and mileage danger zones.

OwnerKeep Passport · $499 · one-time

Just bought a 2016 Jeep Cherokee? Keep it that way.

Snap a receipt — AI logs it. Build an OwnerScore. Sell with a buyer-ready Passport dossier.

Jeep Cherokee by Year

Compare reliability scores across nearby years of the Jeep Cherokee. Click any year for its full report.

All Jeep Cherokee years ranked →Jeep Cherokee years to avoid →Jeep Cherokee common problems →

If You're Considering This, Also Look At

Similar class, similar year range — ranked by reliability score.

2015 JeepGrand Cherokee

Relevant Products for Your 2016 Jeep Cherokee

Parts and accessories matched to your 2016 Jeep Cherokee

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Frequently Asked Questions

Full Report