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, Vehicle speed control, Apr 6, 2023
This problem started 3 o 4 day after I got the car from the dealer, I was driven to my work in highway 70 lonoke Arkansas and suddenly my car started to shift back and started to lose velocity and others cars started to pass me, was very scary ,I took the car to the dealer and they told me, they don't know what happen with the car,they don't let the mechanic to fix it and I took the vehicle to O'Reilly, they scanned it and found that was the Coil and Sparkle,so I bought both and they recommended the next door mechanic TIRE AND LUBE. In lonoke, the car run good for 2 months because I fix it February 8th 2023 and April 4 again I was driven back from my work, the check engine come one a message of transmission service show up, the car started to backup or speed, lose velocity, took it to the mechanic, they scanned it again and show a code P0887 that mean,TCM need to be fix or the Software computer. All this happens in less of the 3 months that I got this car, I got the car in January 17th 2023.Is very important for my safety and the safety of others to know, if is any anomaly with those Cars, that can't be fix no matter what, because right now today April 6th I am sitting here waiting the dealer call me for take my car to be checked it and I m scare to drive, because I don't know how the car go to behave and also already, I have a lot of money invested in this car that even doesn't help me to get to work, I scare for me and others. I can't drive in the Freeway I 40 because with all this problem from the car I can get in a very very bad accident.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Mar 21, 2023
Let's start with my vehicle was first in the shop back in February for a failed brake line. Some how it failed. Then my thermoset unit failed. Not sure why on that either. Then they noticed some other issues were fixed. I got my vehicle back. A few days later my vehicle was back in the shop because my transmission kept doing something causing me to keep getting kicked out of gear causing me to stop in the middle of the intersections which could have caused an accident. I lost my acceleration control and while driving I kept losing traction. Then supposedly fixed it. Then the same day I got it back I had to send it back to dealership due to the transmission kept getting kicked out of gear causing me to get stuck in the middle of an intersection. They finally towed it. Apparantly they need a part which is currently on back order for some unknown reason.
Electrical system, Mar 11, 2023
Car has only once had a MIL light activate. It was at 76000 and required a thermostat replacement. Cost 250 mechanics labor and part cost. The car has needed to have1qt added every 2k miles. No oil light comes on. When I purchased the car at 72k I would smell gasoline and burning oil. Took it to Napleton jeep where I bought it and had the oil changed to be safe. The same week I purchased it. Mechanic informed me it was “just a little low” 3qts. The car holds 5,5 - that’s more than a Little low. He nor the manager informs me Of oil consumption problems. The car currently has oil sitting on top of the engine. I will add a picture of the cars engine the day after having the oil changed and the excess oil cleans off. The image will show the amount of oil that was back on it just from driving it home a 12 min drive not stop and go. Dealership finally noted it was 3 qts low. Contacted fca. They refused to do anything but said to start a oil consumption test. They suggested the emmison recall should fix the oil consumption. Fca was aware that I couldn’t put 1500 miles on the car before the long block engine replace for the class action lawsuit on Tigershark engines last day to file claim was in 7 days. They were aware all dealerships refused to give me my paper work for servicing and oil being low prior
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Feb 21, 2023
The component that needed replacement was the PTU (Power Transfer Unit). My Service 4WD drive light began going on so I brought it to my mechanic who told me there was a recall associated with this diagnostic code and to bring it to Jeep dealership. I then brought to dealership, was charged $160.00 and told that the recall was not for my particular VIN number and the cost of the repair was $3,000. When I googled this issue, there were all of the same warning lights, and all told that the PTU had failed. I fond it hard to believe that this same unit is faulty in the same year, make and model but only in specific cars? Isn't it the same part? I had to save up for the repair as it was costly. I was told that the car was drive-able. I was then driving with my daughter in the car and the car stopped accelerating and warning lights came on. I had to coast into a parking lot and the dashboard flashed to put the car in park. I put it in park and then car still would not accelerate. I called Jeep Customer Service to try and discuss this matter, as I could not afford the repair but need my vehicle for my job. They told me there was nothing they could do and there was no recall on my vehicle. The problem has been repaired by an independant service center on 2/8/23 for $1430.00 I have been a loyal Jeep customer for over 20 years and was very disheartened by this latest issue and how it was handled.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 16, 2023
While driving, when attempting to accelerate, the vehicle dies. Have to pull over, shift into park and attempt to restart. Sometimes restarts quickly, sometimes you have to crank and crank. Also dies if you have to stop suddenly. Example, when someone pulls out in front of you or changes lane/swerves in front of you. Problem was intermittent, in cold weather, when vehicle was cold. Now, it is likely to happen at any time. This creates a dangerous situation, trying to get off of the road when it dies. Check engine light is on, and "lightning bolt" dash light comes on when vehicle stalls. Ran diagnostic - revealed no code.
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Feb 15, 2023
Car randomly looses all power. I was driving with out any indication of a problem then the car stalls out causing a life or death moment. When I was about to get the car to restart I was overwhelmed with codes noting loss of communication with almost all body controls. 84k mi
Electrical system, Service brakes, Forward collision avoidance, Nov 18, 2022
When I went to leave work yesterday on my dash a "P" with a circle around it was illuminated on my dash is orange. I also was unable to drive in reverse as my cars parking brake was on. I tried many things to get it to release with no luck. It took about 20 minutes of turning on and off the car, googling, depressing the break and many other items. I don't know how but i finally was able to find the right combination of knobs break petal and excel ration it dropped into reverse. Late that evening I attempted to leave my home again it would not allow me to back up. I was unable to use my car and was forced to Uber. I have since unhooked my batterie, did a combination of break petal, seat belt, brake release and gas to allow the care to reverse 5/10 times. This I hear is a continued issue with a Jeep and I should file this issue with NHTSA.
Electrical system, Service brakes, Forward collision avoidance, Nov 9, 2022
Electronic system failure purchase car in 2018 it is a 2016 jeep Cherokee electronic brake booster system failure in 2019 again in 2022 driving on the expressway at the second occurrence very dangerous brakes failed due to recurring issue brake booster basically has a three-year lifespan when hazards fatalities lives lost is when recall will be processed? What does it take?
Power train, Electrical system, Nov 5, 2022
Vehicle frequently has issues with the touch screen for the radio as well as the mechanical controls for the radio stop responding causing me to be unable to control the volume, power, tuning, using touch screen to control whether I am using the am/fm radio, bluetooth or other media options. When this happens the screen turns completely black as if there is no power going to the radio appearing and acting as if I have not started the vehicle at all. The radio also frequently switches itself from both Bluetooth and FM options to the same AM channel by itself. I actually had to take my vehicle in to the dealership and pay out of my own pocket after I was driving on a busy freeway and my vehicle suddenly stopped responding to me pressing the accelerator and the dash began flashing . The vehicle then turned completely off forcing me to shift into neutral and restart the vehicle again while actively slowing down on the freeway without any warning. When I restarted my vehicle and I put it back into drive I could then only accelerate to 25mph . When I took the vehicle in I had to pay for them to reprogram my computer and after researching I discovered that this was already a problem that caused a recall but upon bringing this up to the dealership as well as calling Chrysler directly I was informed that even though the problem was the same as the recall they issued my vin number was not a part of the recall so they couldn’t and would not do anything for me. The date this occurred may be different from what I put below but with the maintenance records from the dealership I took the vehicle to an exact date can be determined.
Electrical system, Sep 30, 2022
Car would not start I bought a battery and 2 days later car was completely dead. No power would not charge. Took it to a shop it had no starter or alternator issues. The car will just turn off at anytime even will driving. There is no power and then just open hood and it will start back up sometimes.
Power train, Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Aug 30, 2022
Car has been having issues shifting gears when going uphill/downhill for a few months, only 88k miles never wrecked, during drive a "Service shifter" alert came on and all drive/park/reverse lights lit up, screen could not be removed, car repeatedly had issues getting rpms while pressing gas. Took to a repair shop and they claimed it needed a transmission liquid flush or brake rotors but neither issues coorelate. This seems to be a frequent issue going on with other jeeps. Problem fixed itself after stopping and turning off car and turning back on but still has issues getting stuck in certain gears.
Power train, Electrical system, Aug 25, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while driving at 30 MPH, the vehicle was stopped however, the odometer remained operational providing incorrect vehicle information. The contact stated that while accelerating the speedometer kept running and would not stop. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the mechanic stated that vehicle was experiencing the failure listed in NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V343000 (Power Train) however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was contacted and confirmed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was 75,000.
Electrical system, Engine, Aug 18, 2022
Drove car a few minutes and while accelerating the vehicle slowly stopped and all the electrical warning signals went off simultaneously. I was able to push down on the gas pedal, but my car would not accelerate, nor did it sound like engine was running. Car would not power off, but would not move in reverse or drive. Every possible vehicle warning light flashed on the dash, all 5 lights lit up on the gear shifter at the same time, and the windshield wipers turned on even though they were turned off. I have a video of this. Power locks would not lock or unlock car. Power windows would not roll up or down. My media screen flashed an error message. State patrol and our local police department had stop traffic to safely move my car off the roadway to a safe location. My car was towed and the battery had to be disconnected, so vehicle would power off.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Forward collision avoidance, Aug 18, 2022
I brought in my vehicle for the power train update recall and it triggered my shifter light to come on which now they are saying is the shifter bezel and harness and I have to pay out of pocket for. It was not on prior to the recall software update for the power train
Power train, Electrical system, Jul 23, 2022
2016 Jeep Cherokee TrailHawk 80k miles PTO failed in 10/22 had extended Warranty but not through Jeep @ cost $4k. Now with 89k it’s going out again. What can I do
Electrical system, Jul 20, 2022
Went out to the vehicle in the morning, inserted the key in the ignition, turned the key to start the vehicle and the battery exploded.
Power train, Electrical system, Jul 13, 2022, crash
At approx. 49,000 miles I brought my Jeep to an authorized dealership to inspect hard shifts/skips in the transmission shifting. Dealership was unable to reproduce issue. At approx. 59,000 my vehicle was fully repaired and guaranteed from an authorized collision center (passenger side impact) when the transmission light began to illuminate. The same dealership cleared these codes without diagnosis for the issue. At approx. 71,000 the 4WD light illuminated and the dealership replaced the PTU, indicating it was "unresponsive" yet not due to collision. Days after this repair the module that communicates connection between my vehicle and the starter/alternator has gone out "inexplicably" I believe my model has faulty electrical components similar to the recalled models and I would like to raise complaints everywhere and anywhere that my issue is relevant.
Power train, Electrical system, Other or unspecified, May 19, 2022
No messages were displayed when any issues occured. The back hatch stops working randomly. Whether your trying to open or close the back hatch, it will not operate by any of the interior push buttons or by using the key fob. I have to manually pull the hatch open &/or closed. I had a technician see this happen as well. I've had numerous times where my Jeep will be shifting & it lags a little bit and then causes a loud bang & jolt when it shifts to the next gear. I only drive approximately 6,000 miles/year. Any resolution to these issues would be greatly appreciated, Amy
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, May 14, 2022
Our jeep started displaying and error stating "vehicle needs to be stopped to shift" and after this error would display the engine would cut off. We took it to the dealership and we were told that the shifter bezel needed to be replaced. It was replaced in March. We we driving our car again on 5/8/22 and error code said "service shifter now" so we went back to the dealership and they are saying the shifter needs replaced a second time.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Apr 24, 2022
Car drives when it wants, stops when it wants, all lights on dash come on
Electrical system, Apr 21, 2022
See my attachment for full details - PTU was malfunctioning on my 2016 Jeep Cherokee and while my VIN did not have a recall, the part, year, make and model of vehicle all matched.
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Apr 5, 2022
The "Service Shifter" warning came on and the transmission started slipping. If the transmission goes out while myself or kids are on the highway it not only could endanger us, but others as well. I have had this looked at by an independent shop and all it says that there is a bulletin on it.
Electrical system, Mar 21, 2022
Had an issue with my PTU that required to be replaced after finding "internal debris" which started with my 4WD Drive light came on. I feel this could fit under an active recall since my 1) Make (Jeep), 2) Model (Cherokee) 3) Year (2016) and 4) Part (PTU) including recall W47 (campaign 20V343) and W48 (campaign 20E037).
Electrical system, Mar 15, 2022
My emergency parking brake was stuck on (I never turned it on) and I was unable to move my car. It was towed to Brown's Jeep and was determined their was a leak in the power liftgate that corroded the module. There were recalls for 2015 Jeep Cherokees for the same reason but Jeep claims this is not due to a recall. I asked how I can avoid this in the future and was told this won't happen again. Appears not to be a "normal wear and tear" issue.
Electrical system, Service brakes, Mar 1, 2022
Known service bulletin by Jeep. Service bulletin number 08-060-16. The parking brake module wiring harness connection can get terminal corrosion through faulty seals in the Jeep aka “water intrusion”. Water intrusion can get into the parking brake module wiring harness and cause a malfunction of the electronic parking brake. Brake will deploy randomly while vehicle is in motion or parked. No current recalls on this service bulletin. Apparently can also lead to fires in the rear cargo area. My parking brake deployed while driving. My parking brake deployed when shifting the car into park rendering it immobile. Well documented issue throughout the Jeep Cherokee community.