2016 Jeep Cherokee
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Power train is the leading concern among 1,406 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 5th highest complaint count among 12 Cherokee model years with reports.
Of the 2016 reports, 37 involved a crash and 14 involved a fire. 27 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Electrical system, wiring, rear compartment/trunkPark outsideMay 11, 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.
A fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
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.
Campaign 23V338000 on NHTSA.gov
Power train, automatic transmissionApr 27, 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.
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.
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.
Campaign 23V302000 on NHTSA.gov
Power train, driveline, differential unitJun 11, 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.
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.
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.
Campaign 20V343000 on NHTSA.gov
Electrical system, wiringMay 17, 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.
If the vehicle maintains its speed or accelerates despite attempts to deactivate the cruise control, there would be an increased risk of a crash.
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.
Campaign 18V332000 on NHTSA.gov
EquipmentDec 21, 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
If the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury in the event of a fire.
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.
Campaign 17V824000 on NHTSA.gov
SeatsAug 10, 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.
Loose fasteners may allow the seats to move, increasing the risk of injury to the seat occupants in the event of a crash.
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.
Campaign 16V590000 on NHTSA.gov
Power train, axle assembly, axle shaftMay 11, 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.
A fractured halfshaft may disconnect from the drive axle, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
Campaign 16V287000 on NHTSA.gov
Power train, axle assembly, axle shaftMay 11, 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.
A fractured halfshaft may disconnect from the drive axle, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
Campaign 16V284000 on NHTSA.gov
Electrical system, wiring, rear compartment/trunkDec 9, 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.
A short circuit in the module increases the risk of a fire.
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.
Campaign 15V826000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: electrical system
297 reports, newest first. Show all
Electrical system, Jan 27, 2024
When the EcoBoost is active car will shut down upon attempted restart of EcoBoost.
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Jan 25, 2024
Car losses power while driving, it will turn off. Shift to P and select gear comes up. It also has 4 different recalls that doesn't allow me to register but when contacted dealership they informed me that they didn't had parts for it, they didn't know when the were going to get them because it's in back order, to keep checking at the end of each month to see if the get any. This is not acceptable, as it's not the owners fault. I don't have a drivable car, don't know when it's going to get fix but I still have to make my car payment.
Electrical system, Structure, Jan 2, 2024
The power liftgate stopped working. This is the exact issue described in the 23V-338 / 49A Recall. The year, make, and model of my car are the same as detailed in the recall, but this specific VIN is not included. The issue is due to an electrical short that poses a fire hazard. There is no manual way to open the liftgate, it completely relies on the functionality of the electric system. It is clear that the 23V-338 / 49A Recall should include a wider range of VINs including mine.
Electrical system, Service brakes, Forward collision avoidance, Dec 24, 2023
My parking brake suddenly turned on and my jeeps information center on the dash informed me to stop and shift to park. The light on the switch for the emergency brake flashes as well as the red light on the shifter and the vehicle would not shift anymore nor would the epb turn off . I had to disconnect my battery for about 30 minutes before it allowed me to disengage the parking brake and start to drive again. It happened again once or twice before it completely just stopped engaging even when I tried to engage it. Car states when attempting to engage the parking brake that the parking brake needs to be maintained the light on the switch flashes and a warning light stays on now. The odometer started flashing a day or so after the initial issue began. Now I am unable to use my parking break at all, the warning light and message to get parking brake serviced show constantly as well and the odometer continues to flash.
Electrical system, Service brakes, Engine, Dec 18, 2023
The vehicle constantly loses power no matter the repairs I’ve came to notice it starts this during winter season
Electrical system, Engine, Dec 16, 2023
I was driving my car and as I was driving my car shut off and would not turn back on. Right before it powered down it said a message that said service shifter and all the lights to the shifter were lit up (P,R,D,N) I was reading that the shifter should last as long as your car does and this is a big safety issue
Electrical system, Dec 4, 2023
My car continuously sends off the “Service shifter” warning across the screen. Many other cars the same year, make, and model have been recalled for the same exact thing, stating that the wiring harness for the shifter is faulty, but my specific car wasn’t on the recall list. I’ve taken it to my dealership many times and they can’t ever find anything immediately wrong with it. Once the warning pops up, you cannot clear it off of your screen until you shut your car off and turn it back on, hoping it doesn’t reappear. The dealership can’t ever give me a straight answer as to what’s wrong and can’t ever find anything wrong with it. They just take my word that the warning goes off. I’ve been dealing with this for over a year and it’s very frustrating.
Electrical system, Nov 26, 2023
The vehicle is losing power. Sometimes all dash lights will flash then die. Sometimes I stop at a stop sigh and it just loses power. Sometimes while driving it will just lose power in the middle of the road causing a huge safety concern.
Electrical system, Structure, Nov 2, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V338000 (Electrical System, Structure) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Electrical system, Wheels, Engine, Oct 11, 2023
Light engine on but off plus wires ? Also issue wires all of engine or other keep flasher off and on also issue tires I bought 4 tires and blade brake issue after bought dealership I have told but they rip off but issue not safety hard to explain English also feel hot in car without heat and gas fill but not show plus hot inside ..
Electrical system, Service brakes, Sep 25, 2023
After making a left turn and giving it gas to get up the road the car suddenly stalled and had to come to a complete stop. Almost as if the car had went into park but it was still in drive. Service transmission message came on board and check engine light. Had to have a rollback come to tow home. Car is still not operable. I’m about to contact Jeep. I did read online about the investigation for 2015-2022 jeep Cherokee . The electronic brake malfunction because of corrosion due to water leak
Electrical system, Service brakes, Forward collision avoidance, Sep 20, 2023
the parking brake has engaged several times at low speeds in parking lots, comes on when turn the vehicle on, and when placed into park. not sure if it will do it during high speeds, at the shop now. it happened during the Power Transfer Unit failed and should be looked at as a part affected by that. We had no issues until the PTU failed, and the parking brake started coming on when we put the vehicle into park, then would do it, the last time, the parking brake must have been instructed by the ptu to engage while the vehicle was in motion or shorted from a electrical surge from the ptu. the dealer doesn't think they are related, but i disagree. the service transmission, service 4wd, system unavailable, check engine light, abs, traction control, brake light, all came on and the parking brake engaged while pulling out into traffic, i got it to the next drive while dragging the rear tires, i was going about 20-25 mph.
Electrical system, Service brakes, Forward collision avoidance, Sep 16, 2023
I purchased my car brand new in 2016. I did not drive the vehicle often since working in NYC and parking was impossible. Then we had the Pandemic in 2020-current and I have been working from home for the last 2 years and 8 months. The car had been in an indoor garage and occasionally I would take the car for a ride and then the car wash. I took very good care of the vehicle. On September 11, 2023, I had to meet a client in White Plains, NY and decided to drive. When I got to White Plains, NY I entered the garage and parked the car. Immediately, the brake light came on with two yellow lights. Then I was unable to reverse the car and/or go forward. Since I was already in a parking spot, I left the car in it's position and thought that I would take care of it when I return. When I returned the Emergency Brake Light was blinking and I was unable to move forward and/or backwards. The brakes were engaged so I kept pressing the Emergency Brake hoping that the brakes would disengage. After about 45 minutes turning the car on then off and pressing the Emergency Brake the brakes disengaged and I was able to move the car. The next day I mentioned the problem to my Dad (who is a mechanic and engineer) and he came to my house to inspect the car. When he opened the back compartment of the vehicle it was filled with water. My Dad tested the brakes and again the brakes were engaged and the vehicle would not go forward and/or in the reverse. The brakes would not disengage. My Dad had to tow the car to a Mechanic Shop to have them remove all the parts in the back. The Mechanics inspected the vehicle and found water leak on rear trunk of car which affected the E-brake module. Disassembly in the rear of the car was performed in order to dry the water which they say entered through sunroof of vehicle. This has been a mind blowing experience and the worse part is that the Manufacturer (FCA) states they cannot help me. This is really evil and wicked with Jeep Cherokee.
Electrical system, Sep 14, 2023
Touchscreen delays for a few minutes sometimes and won't turn on immediately when vehicle starts. I'll drive down the road a ways before it comes on. And if it's not on I cannot control heat/ac or see backup cam
Electrical system, Structure, Sep 13, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V338000 (Electrical System, Structure) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted and determined that the parts were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and determined that the parts were not available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Electrical system, Service brakes, Aug 28, 2023
While driving my jeep the service park brake light came on and shortly after the park break automatically engaged and brought me to a stop, it has been in the shop 4 different times for this same issue and they can’t get it fixed, I get it back and it just continues to happen over and over, this is a huge safety issue and I would like there to be a fix for it
Electrical system, Aug 5, 2023
Our Vehicle is currently at the Dealership for a Power Liftgate electrical issue. There is a documented recall for 2016 Jeep models regarding the Power Liftgate. Our vehicle does not show any open recalls but this should be investigated as being associated with the active recall for Power Liftgate.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Aug 2, 2023
The vehicle just cuts off while in the middle of driving and everything shuts off. New battery installed 2 months ago, no loose cables, plenty of gas. Cutting off while driving poses a very bad hazard. The last time it happened the shop that had recently changed my oil two weeks prior said it was due to loose battery cables and it has now been a month since that occurrence took place. Now it's happening again.
Electrical system, Structure, Jul 7, 2023
The contact owns a vehicle 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V338000 (Electrical System, Structure) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Power train, Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Jun 30, 2023
I just bought my vehicle and I looked it’s been driving funny I took it to the shop they said I need my ptu fixed when I looked it up there is a recall but I don’t understand why my car not involved in the recall when it’s majority jeeps problem right now
Electrical system, Structure, Jun 21, 2023, fire
The contact owned a 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that she had parked the vehicle in the driveway near the garage of her friend's residence, and 10 minutes later, she was informed that the vehicle had caught on fire. The contact stated that the vehicle caught on fire from the front seats onward. The contact stated that the fire expanded to the garage, causing the whole residence to catch on fire. The contact stated that the five adults and two children, who were occupying the residence immediately exited the residence. The contact was able to extinguish the fire with the assistance of the fire department. A fire department report was filed. The contact did not recall whether a police report was filed. There was no injury sustained. The vehicle was totaled. There was no further information provided. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was opened. The manufacturer later informed the contact that the case had been closed as they were unable to investigate the remains of the vehicle. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V338000 (Electrical System, Structure), however, the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
Electrical system, Structure, Jun 20, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while her son was driving at an unknown speed, there was smoke coming from the liftgate. Fellow motorists alerted her son of the failure as he pulled over and allowed the liftgate to cool down. The contact stated that her son was able to drive the vehicle home without further incidence; however, the liftgate failed to open. The dealer and the manufacturer were notified of the failure; however, the vehicle was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V338000 (Electrical System, Structure). The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 78,000.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Forward collision avoidance, Jun 10, 2023
Blower module, a/c module and yes it’s available anytime. For starters my a/c doesn’t work completely and I have a newborn that cannot be in this vehicle due to that issue. Also with my first encounter with the issue, my car turned off and all the lights came on then turned off and warned that autostart/stop didn’t work, and my emergency brakes didn’t work along with my traction control. The a/c error has be confirmed by a dealer for me, but they said it was rare for a bunch of electronics to go out with it. The vehicle has not been looked yet by a manufacturer dealer due to money being tight. The car stopped working for about 5 minutes with my brother inside the vehicle. The lights flashed on then threw out all those warnings I had mentioned up top.
Electrical system, May 1, 2023
All of the warning lights on the dash light up at once. The car then suddenly goes into limp mode. The car has been to the dealer 4 times for this problem. The dealer thought is was a bad module, however the car is continuing to have problems after replacing it twice. I'm scared to drive the car. We already had a problem with the car with oil consumption where the car would turn off while driving, the dealer fixed that problem.
Electrical system, Engine, Apr 18, 2023
My Vehicle shuts down once a day, every morning after about a couple minutes of driving. The engine shuts off, the dash notifies me to "Shift vehicle into park then desired gear" but with my engine off, I have to restart my car as well. My car won't restart unless I try over and over and hold the key while turning the ignition. Occasionally I get a "Service Shifter" notification on my dash but no lights or notifications besides that. I've been to one Jeep dealership service department so far and they were not able to locate the cause.