Pre-purchase inspection checklist — 2016 Jeep Cherokee
The 2016 Jeep Cherokee has a significant number of complaints and multiple recalls, primarily focused on powertrain and electrical issues. While some problems are serious, be cautious and perform thorough checks, especially regarding the power transfer unit and electrical systems, during your inspection. The data suggests potential for significant issues, so buyers should inspect carefully and consider seller transparency.
NHTSA data on file today
The 2016 Jeep Cherokee has 9 NHTSA recall campaigns and 1,414 owner complaints on file as of . Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
NCAP overall rating: 4.0 out of 5 stars, averaged across 2 NHTSA-tested trims.
Recall campaigns on file
- NHTSA #23V338000 Electrical Short in Power Liftgate Module NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #23V302000 Loss of Drive Power from Damaged PTU NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #20V343000 Power Transfer Unit Input Splines May Break NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #18V332000 Cruise Control cannot be Cancelled NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #17V824000 Fire Extinguisher May Be Clogged or Inoperable NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #16V590000 Improper Torque on Seat Fasteners NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #16V287000 Left Front Halfshaft May Fracture NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #16V284000 Right Front Halfshaft May Fracture NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #15V826000 Liftgate Module Short due to Water Leak NHTSA notice
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Power Train 637 complaints
- Engine 315 complaints
- Unknown or Other 313 complaints
- Electrical System 298 complaints
- Service Brakes 92 complaints
- Vehicle Speed Control 76 complaints
Of the 1,414 complaints on file, 37 report a crash and 15 a fire; across all 1,414 complaints, owners report 27 injuries (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Known issues to inspect
Potential liftgate fire hazard
How to check: Inspect for electrical burning smells near the liftgate.
PTU may disengage unexpectedly
How to check: Test drive to check for sudden power loss.
Axle shaft fracture
How to check: Listen for clunking sounds during turns.
Test-drive walkthrough
- 01
Cold start
What to check: Listen for unusual noises or smoke from engine.
Red flag: Loud noises or smoke present.
- 02
First minute idling
What to check: Check for warning lights on dash.
Red flag: Transmission or electrical warnings.
- 03
City driving
What to check: Smooth shifting through gears.
Red flag: Jerking or clunking shifts.
- 04
Highway acceleration
What to check: Responsive power delivery and acceleration.
Red flag: Hesitation or power loss.
- 05
Braking
What to check: Smooth stopping without vibrations.
Red flag: Shaking or grinding sounds.
- 06
Turning in cul-de-sac
What to check: Listen for clunking noises during turns.
Red flag: Loud clunking sound.
Questions for the seller
Use this exact phrasing.
- Has the power liftgate been repaired?
- Any transmission issues in the past?
- Has the axle shaft recall been addressed?
- Have there been electrical problems?
- Is the vehicle's maintenance up to date?
Documents to request
Don't sign anything until you have these.
- Recall repair receipts
- Maintenance records
- Title and registration
- Accident history report
- Owner's manual
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 2016 Jeep Cherokee at the time. AI output can be wrong; confirm anything you find with a mechanic.
Next step
Looking at a specific 2016 Jeep Cherokee? Check the actual car
This checklist covers the model. From your free try.vin dashboard you can go further — paste the seller's listing for a deal score, or drop their photos for an AI condition report.