2016 Jeep Cherokee

Vehicle Specs & Maintenance Data

Engine Size
Engine
3.2L V6
Oil Type & Capacity
5W-20 Full Synthetic (5.9 qts)
Transmission
Automatic 9-spd
Wheel Torque
100
ft-lbs

The 2016 Jeep Cherokee maintenance specs on this page cover the key fluids, torque values, and wear items you need for routine service. Use these numbers as a quick reference when performing oil changes, tire rotations, brake jobs, and other scheduled maintenance on your Jeep Cherokee.

For oil changes, the 2016 Jeep Cherokee takes 5W-20 Full Synthetic motor oil with a capacity of 5.9 quarts. Brake fluid type is DOT 3, the recommended coolant is Mopar OAT (Purple/Violet), and transmission fluid is ATF+4. Always use the manufacturer-recommended fluids to maintain warranty coverage and engine longevity.

When mounting wheels on the Jeep Cherokee, torque the lug nuts to 100 ft-lbs using a calibrated torque wrench. Over- or under-torquing can lead to warped brake rotors or loose wheels. Re-torque after 50 to 100 miles on newly installed wheels.

Owners of the 2016 Jeep Cherokee have reported 5 common issues including "9-Speed Automatic Transmission Problems", "Power Transfer Unit (PTU) Failure" and "Uconnect Infotainment Crashes and Slow Response". Scroll down to the Diagnostics tab for detailed descriptions, solutions, and estimated repair costs.

There are 9 NHTSA safety recalls on file for the 2016 Jeep Cherokee. Check the Recalls tab below for full details.

Specifications on this page are compiled from multiple publicly available sources including manufacturer documentation, NHTSA data, and automotive databases. Always cross-reference with your owner's manual or official factory documentation before purchasing parts or performing any service.

The 2016 Jeep Cherokee uses 5W-20 Full Synthetic motor oil (5.9 qt capacity), requires lug nuts torqued to 100 ft-lbs, takes DOT 3 brake fluid.

2016 Jeep Cherokee Specifications
Motor Oil5W-20 Full Synthetic
Oil Capacity5.9 qt
Lug Nut Torque100 ft-lbs
Brake FluidDOT 3
CoolantMopar OAT (Purple/Violet)
Transmission FluidATF+4
Transmission Fluid
Fluid Type
ATF+4
Shop
Coolant
Fluid Type
Mopar OAT (Purple/Violet)
Shop
Brake Fluid
Fluid Type
DOT 3
Shop
Washer Fluid
Windshield
Shop

Manufacturer-recommended maintenance schedule for the 2016 Jeep Cherokee. Always verify intervals against your owner's manual.

Service Item
Interval
Engine Oil & Filter
8,000 mi / 12 mo
5W-20 full synthetic (2.4L) or 5W-20 (3.2L V6), 5.5 qt (2.4L)
Tire Rotation
8,000 mi / 6 mo
Rotate every oil change
Cabin Air Filter
20,000 mi / 24 mo
Replace more often in dusty conditions
Engine Air Filter
30,000 mi / 36 mo
Inspect every 15,000 mi
Brake Fluid
40,000 mi / 36 mo
DOT 4
Transmission Fluid
60,000 mi
ZF 9-speed automatic; ATF+4 or ZF-approved fluid
Transfer Case Fluid
60,000 mi
Active Drive Lock; Mopar PTU/RDU fluid
Coolant
100,000 mi
Mopar OAT coolant; then every 50,000 mi
Spark Plugs
100,000 mi
Mopar Champion iridium
Serpentine Belt
100,000 mi
Inspect at 60,000 mi
Battery
60 mo
Inspect annually
DTC Code Lookup

Enter a diagnostic trouble code to see causes, symptoms, and fixes for the 2016 Jeep Cherokee.

Common problems reported by 2016 Jeep Cherokee owners, with recommended fixes and estimated repair costs.

1

9-Speed Automatic Transmission Problems

The ZF 9HP 9-speed automatic transmission exhibits rough or jerky shifts, hesitation during acceleration, unexpected gear hunting, and delayed engagement from park. Some owners report the transmission refusing to upshift or downshifting harshly during deceleration, creating a lurching sensation.

Solution

Reflash the Transmission Control Module (TCM) with updated calibration software. TSB 21-011-22 addresses shift quality. In severe cases, valve body replacement or full transmission rebuild may be required.

Est. Cost: $0 - $4,000
2

Power Transfer Unit (PTU) Failure

The Power Transfer Unit on AWD models can fail prematurely, sometimes as early as 30,000-50,000 miles. Symptoms include grinding or whining noise from the front differential area, vibration at speed, and eventual loss of AWD capability. The failure is often caused by inadequate lubrication and overheating of the PTU.

Solution

Replace the PTU assembly. Fluid should be changed every 60,000 miles as preventive maintenance. TSB 21-004-22 addresses PTU noise diagnosis. Use only Mopar PTU fluid for replacement.

Est. Cost: $2,000 - $7,000
3

Uconnect Infotainment Crashes and Slow Response

The Uconnect infotainment system experiences intermittent crashes, slow touchscreen response, blank screen episodes, and random reboots. Bluetooth connectivity drops frequently, and the backup camera display may lag or fail to activate when shifting into reverse.

Solution

Update to the latest Uconnect software version. Perform a hard reset by disconnecting the battery for 10 minutes. TSB 08-044-22 covers software update procedures. Head unit replacement if the problem persists after updates.

Est. Cost: $0 - $1,200
4

Electrical System and Sensor Malfunctions

Various electrical issues plague the 2022 Cherokee, including false forward collision warnings, malfunctioning blind-spot sensors, brake warning lights illuminating without cause, and phantom chiming. The auto start-stop system may display exclamation marks and refuse to function. Tail lights can fill with condensation.

Solution

Reprogram the Forward Collision Module and sensor modules with updated software. TSB 18-025-22 addresses false collision warnings. Tail light housings may need replacement with improved sealed units.

Est. Cost: $100 - $600
5

HVAC Climate Control Inconsistency

The dual-zone HVAC system blows inconsistent temperatures between sides, fails to heat or cool adequately, or produces unusual odors from the vents. Owners report musty or mildew smells from the evaporator core, and the system may default to defrost mode unexpectedly.

Solution

Clean the evaporator core with an antimicrobial treatment and replace the cabin air filter. Recalibrate the HVAC blend door actuators. TSB 24-006-22 addresses temperature inconsistency in dual-zone systems.

Est. Cost: $100 - $500

9 NHTSA safety recalls for the 2016 Jeep Cherokee. Check your VIN at NHTSA.gov

1

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING: REAR COMPARTMENT/TRUNK

Park Outside
Campaign: 23V338000 Date: 11/05/2023

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Jeep Cherokee vehicles equipped with a power liftgate. An electrical short in the power liftgate module may lead to a vehicle fire with the ignition on or off.

Consequence

A fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.

Remedy

Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will relocate the power liftgate module and add a water shield. In addition, dealers will inspect for corrosion and replace the module and electrical connectors, if necessary. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner letters were mailed March 1, 2024. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 49A. This recall supersedes recalls 15V-393 and 15V-826. Vehicles repaired under the prior recalls will still need to have the new remedy performed.

2

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

Campaign: 23V302000 Date: 27/04/2023

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Jeep Cherokee vehicles. The power transfer unit (PTU) may become damaged and disengage the transmission and differential, resulting in a loss of drive power or loss of park function.

Consequence

A loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash. A loss of park function can cause an unintended vehicle rollaway which can increase the risk of a crash or injury.

Remedy

FCA US LLC will notify owners, and dealers will perform a software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 11, 2023. Owners may contact FCA USA LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is 45A. This recall expands previous recall number 20V-343.

3

POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DIFFERENTIAL UNIT

Campaign: 20V343000 Date: 11/06/2020

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2017 Jeep Cherokee vehicles equipped with a two-speed Power Transfer Unit (PTU). Relative movement in the Power Transfer Unit (PTU) between the differential input splines and the transmission output shaft may cause some input spline teeth to wear off, which may eventually cause a loss of engagement between the transmission and the differential inside the PTU. If this occurs, power cannot be transferred between the front wheels and the transmission which results in a loss of drive while the vehicle is in motion and a loss of the Park function while stationary.

Consequence

A loss of drive can cause a vehicle crash without prior warning. A loss of the Park function can cause unintended vehicle rollaway which can increase the risk of a crash or injury.

Remedy

FCA US LLC will notify owners, and dealers will perform a software update that will maintain vehicle propulsion by engaging rear wheel drive and prevent rolling in Park by activating the electronic parking brake if a failed input spline occurs. This recall began July 14, 2020. Owners may contact FCA USA LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is W47.

4

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING

Campaign: 18V332000 Date: 17/05/2018

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.

Consequence

If the vehicle maintains its speed or accelerates despite attempts to deactivate the cruise control, there would be an increased risk of a crash.

Remedy

Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the software, and perform a software flash on the engine or powertrain control module, free of charge. The recall began June 4, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Note: Owners are advised to stop using cruise control until the software update has been performed. In the event that cruise control cannot be disengaged while driving, owners should firmly and steadily apply the brakes and shift the transmission to neutral, placing the vehicle in park once it has stopped.

5

EQUIPMENT

Campaign: 17V824000 Date: 21/12/2017

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling various Dodge, Chrysler, and RAM vehicles equipped with Kidde Plastic-Handle or Push Button 'Pindicator' Fire Extinguishers. A list of the affected trailer models is available at: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17V824-0103.pdf. These extinguishers may become clogged, preventing the extinguisher from discharging as expected or requiring excessive force to activate the extinguisher. Additionally, in certain models, the nozzle may detach from the valve assembly with enough force that it could cause injury and also render the product inoperable. For a full list of the affected fire extinguisher models visit: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17E062-5427.pdf

Consequence

If the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury in the event of a fire.

Remedy

Chrysler will notify owners instructing them to contact Kidde for a replacement fire extinguisher, free of charge. The recall began February 14, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403 or Kidde customer service service toll-free at 1-855-262-3540, or online at www.kidde.com and click on "Product Safety Recall" for more information. Chrysler's number for this recall is T82.

6

SEATS

Campaign: 16V590000 Date: 10/08/2016

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2014-2016 Jeep Cherokee vehicles manufactured July 29, 2013, to February 5, 2016. The seat fasteners on the first or second row seats may not have been tightened to the proper torque specification.

Consequence

Loose fasteners may allow the seats to move, increasing the risk of injury to the seat occupants in the event of a crash.

Remedy

Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the seats or seat sets, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during September 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall S63.

7

POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY:AXLE SHAFT

Campaign: 16V287000 Date: 11/05/2016

Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2016 Jeep Cherokee vehicles manufactured September 30, 2015, to October 2, 2015. The left halfshaft may have been incorrectly manufactured causing it to fracture without warning.

Consequence

A fractured halfshaft may disconnect from the drive axle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the left halfshaft, free of charge. The recall began on June 30, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler's customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's recall number is S38.

8

POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY:AXLE SHAFT

Campaign: 16V284000 Date: 11/05/2016

Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2016 Jeep Cherokee vehicles manufactured October 3, 2015, to March 22, 2016. The right halfshaft may have been incorrectly manufactured causing it to fracture without warning.

Consequence

A fractured halfshaft may disconnect from the drive axle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the right halfshaft, free of charge. The recall began on June 30, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler's customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's recall number is S39.

9

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING: REAR COMPARTMENT/TRUNK

Campaign: 15V826000 Date: 09/12/2015

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.

Consequence

A short circuit in the module increases the risk of a fire.

Remedy

Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the module and connectors for corrosion, replacing the damaged components as necessary. The mastic shield will be removed and the module will be covered with a water shield. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on February 1, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R67. This recall is superseded by NHTSA recall 23V-338.

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Cherokee — Other Model Years
2026202320222021202020192018201720152014
See Also
2016 Jeep Cherokee Lug Nut TorqueBest Oil for 2016 Jeep CherokeeAll Vehicles Using 5W-20 Full Synthetic OilAll Vehicles Using DOT 3Oil Change Guide: 2016 Jeep CherokeeWiper Replacement: 2016 Jeep Cherokee