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, Feb 11, 2022
This has happened the past two weeks. I will go to accelerate my vehicle and an error message will pop up saying "in order to shift to desired gear you must be in park" or "shift to park then desired gear" and the check engine light, battery light, a lightening bolt red light and the electrical stability control light comes on. My car has shut off on me three times while driving it, once down the road from my home and had to be jumped off just to make it back home, then I was stranded in the middle of a busy intersection and had to have the local police push my vehicle to a near by parking lot and then I was leaving work and all the lights came on so I pulled into Mavis Tire and had a tech come check it out. As my car was in park and at 0mph my car was stuck in 1st gear which is shown in the pictures attached. I was told to take it to the dealership and the local one here in Newnan Georgia is absolutely the worst. No one would answer the phone and when I finally got someone on the phone they told me I would have to drop my car off and that it would be a week before they could get to it. I am scared to keep driving the vehicle knowing at any moment it could shut off on me while driving it.
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Feb 9, 2022
Car will slow down, steering wheel will lock, and message "Shift to P then Shift to desired gear" will pop up. Car will take a minute to start up again and problem reoccurs.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Feb 7, 2022
Driving down the highway the service shifter just pops up
Power train, Electrical system, Jan 21, 2022
Service shifter light continues to come on
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Jan 14, 2022
I was driving home doing 65/70 when my dash lights came on, all of the shifter lights came on, and a service light started beeping to service the shifter. Leaving me stranded without a car. $600 for the parts plus labor and fees, I was able to get a new shifter replaced, and I am hoping this never happens again!
Electrical system, Service brakes, Dec 29, 2021
The Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) system is locked in engaged mode and I am unable to release the EPB causing the car to be immobilized.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Dec 21, 2021
service shifter light went on and off for about a month. then one day went over a speed bump. and ever since then the message doesnt go away. ive cleared the codes had it flashed change fuses. and nothing. EVeryone has the same complaints about it and jeep dealerships dont take it serious. its a problem when i can see the speedometer or fuel range. or any other lights or warnings becuase that message wont go away.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Nov 12, 2021
This car has been stopping in the middle of the road basically since I got it. I bring it in and it breaks down over and over. Most recently in front of my house on a very busy street with 18 wheelers. I do not feel safe in this vehicle.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Nov 2, 2021
*SERVICE SHIFTER POP UP* I've had my 2016 Jeep Cherokee for about 4 years and every few months it pops up with SERVICE SHIFTER on my dash and the shifter lights up. I have talked to my local Jeep dealership, where I purchased this vehicle, and they brushed it off. After reading forums, this can be a HUGE safety hazard and could cause an accident or even worse, kill somebody!! Jeep should be held responsible and this should be considered a recall because alot of people have complained about this SERVICE SHIFTER popup. At times, I am scared to drive my vehicle after these episodes happen because I fear I am going to get into a car accident.
Power train, Electrical system, Oct 4, 2021
The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the Service Shifter message and the gear shift lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. Several fuses were replaced. The vehicle was not repaired and needed a wiring harness kit replacement. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 46,800.
Power train, Electrical system, Sep 15, 2021
My 2016 Jeep Cherokee was RANDOMLY coming up with "Service Shifter" warning light. The dealers tell me they "can't replicate the problem" even though it still happens and THOUSANDS online complain about the same issue. If this is a serious shifter issue, it could cause problems driving. I have figured out that if I cover the sunlight sensor on the dashboard when the lights are set to auto (effectively keeping the interior lights dimmer) I can drive without the warning coming up. Within SECONDS of uncovering it, the interior lights brighten and the "Service Shifter" warning comes on instantly. THAT is why I think it's electrical. The fact that Jeep is shrugging it's shoulders and doesn't acknowledge a problem is absolutely disgusting!
Electrical system, Aug 27, 2021
Warning to “Service Shifter”. Dealer said it needed new parts due to faulty wiring component. Internet/social media reports 100s of similar circumstances. Dealer said parts not covered by Jeep. Earlier years (2014-2015) and 2017 have recalls, but not 2016. Vehicle is only 5 years old and it’s extremely unclear why 2016 is not included in recalls.
Power train, Electrical system, Aug 9, 2021
Transmission will not shift out of low gear. Especially when on a steel hill. Also, turn signals will not turn off unless I manually do so. Dealer tells me I must let them do a $125 diagnostic test, (I pay for it), then must be reviewed before they can say it’s a warranty or not. These seem to be common problems that many Cherokee owners have but never recalled.
Electrical system, Aug 5, 2021
The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the gear shifter error message was permanently displayed on the instrument panel. Additionally, the information from the speedometer, fuel gauge and other features were not available due to the failure. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who replaced a gear shifter wire and bezel, but the failure persisted. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 50,000.
Power train, Electrical system, Jul 22, 2021
Service shifter message comes up on dashboard of vehicle. All the lights on the shifter turn red and the dashboard will not permit changing the screen message. This happened frequently in 2019 for the vehicle. Service at the dealership replaced the shifter wiring harness and bezel kit. Now the same issue is occurring with the same service message for the shifter. Dealership states the shifter bezel needs to be replaced with updated version. If this problem worsens, the vehicle could stop shifting and/or be unable to put the vehicle into park. This is a common problem for Jeep Cherokees as seen on online forums from owners.
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Jun 25, 2021
I was at the store came out started my jeep sat there for a minute put my jeep in drive pressed the gas pulled forward out of the parking spot when my jeep stopped my dash said put in park then select gear well i was in the middle of the lane and i couldn’t press the brake or turn my wheel there was a car coming down the lane and my jeep was just sitting there not able to turn back on. finally i was able to get my jeep to turn back on and i put it in reverse and left it in the parking lot if I were to drive home and that happened there could’ve been a major accident! I’m so grateful I was not on the interstate!
Power train, Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Jun 15, 2021
For the past couple of weeks I’ve been noticing the car does not react when I press the gas… like there’s a delay In catching speed.., like stalling, last night the “service shifter” light came on and all the PRN&D lights are on and I’m scared for my kids and my safety.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, May 29, 2021
The "service shifter" warning come on. And all of the lights go on on the shifter for example Park Neutral, Drive. I had this problem a couple of years ago and the dealer replaced the shifter assembly and harness. Now the same problem is happening. After shutting off the engine the message disperses but comes back on after a few minutes. Now I'm afraid that I'll have to pay for the repair because the car has 48,000 miles on it and out of warranty. Is there a recall on this problem?
Power train, Electrical system, May 12, 2021
TRANS SERVICE SHIFT LIGHT. I HAVE A 2016 JEEP CHEROKEE TRAIL HAWK. TODAY (5/12/2021) IS THE THIRD TIME I'VE BROUGHT MY JEEP IN FOR THIS PROBLEM. FIRST WAS ON 04/17/2019 @ 17,330 MILES. SECOND WAS ON 02/04/2020 @ 21,917 MILES. THE THIRD WAS TODAY 05/12/2021 @29,046 MILES. EVERY TIME THEY HAVE TO CHANGE THE BEZEL AND THE HARNESS FOR THE TRANSMISSION SHIFTER. I KNOW THIS IS AN ISSUE FROM RESEARCHING THIS PROBLEM WITH OTHER JEEP CHEROKEE OWNERS. JEEP NEEDS TO FIX THIS PROBLEM OR PAY ME EVERY TIME I HAVE TO TAKE OFF OF WORK TO BRING MY VEHICLE INTO THE SHOP.
Power train, Electrical system, Apr 7, 2021
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 JEEP CHEROKEE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 15 MPH, THE VEHICLE JERKED WITH THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL DEPRESSED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STOP/START SYSTEM WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO BLAKE FULENWIDER CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP OF CLYDE (110 N S ACCESS RD, CLYDE, TX 79510, (325) 893-1416) TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE BATTERY SENSOR, UNDER HOOD SWITCH, AND AN UNKNOWN ELECTRICAL PART NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED HOWEVER, THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 55,266.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Apr 7, 2021
I'VE READ MUCH ON THIS ISSUE AND IT SEEMS THAT THERE NEEDS TO BE SOME SORT OF RECALL TO FIX THIS ISSUE. MY 2016 JEEP WITH LESS THAN 20K MILES ON IT IS GETTING A "SERVICE SHIFTER" WARNING MESSAGE. WHEN THIS LIGHT TURNS ON, ALL THE SHIFTER LIGHTS COME ON AS WELL. WHEN I TURN OFF THE CAR AND TURN IT BACK ON IT CLEARS THE FAULT ONLY TO SEE THE ERROR MESSAGE POP UP AGAIN WITHIN 5 OR SO MINUTES OF DRIVING. THIS ALSO MAKES IT WHERE I CANNOT MANUALLY UP OR DOWN SHIFT. NO ISSUES TURNING OR STATIONARY, SEEMS TO BE NO DIFFERENCE IN THE CITY OR HIGHWAY.
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Apr 5, 2021
ONLY 60K ON MY JEEP CHEROKEE AND SHIFTER LIGHT COMES ON. THIS REMAINED ON THE 21 MILES TO MY JOB.
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 2, 2021
THE SHIFTER LIGHT CAME ON ON 04/01/2021. IT REMAINED ON THE ENTIRE TRIP HOME FROM MY SCHOOL OF EMPLOYMENT. I NOTED THIS IS A POPULAR PROBLEM WITH THIS MODEL. PREVIOUSLY, I HAD VERY SCARY PROBLEMS WITH ACCELERATION SEVERAL TIMES AND THIS IS DOCUMENTED IN AN ONGOING SUIT THAT HAS NOT BEEN RESOLVED.
Electrical system, Engine, Mar 21, 2021
2016 JEEP CHEROKEE SPORT WITH ONLY 11850 MILES BEGAN JERKING AND STALLING WHILE DRIVING SLOWLY... FINALLY IT STALLED COMPLETELY AND THE LOW OIL INDICATOR SHOWED. I THEN DISCOVERED THE 2.4L TIGERSHARK ENGINE WAS DOWN OVER 2 QTS. THERE WAS NO PRIOR LOW OIL INDICATION. I IMMEDIATELY CHANGED THE OIL AND FILTER FOR THE THIRD TIME SINCE 2016 WHEN NEW. THE VEHICLE STOPPED ON A COUNTY ROAD.
Electrical system, Engine, Mar 8, 2021
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 JEEP CHEROKEE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING FOR APPROXIMATELY 5 MILES BETWEEN 35-40 MPH, THE VEHICLE LOSS MOTIVE POWER AND STALLED. THE VEHICLE MADE AN AUDIBLE DINGING SOUND WITH A MESSAGE DISPLAYED TO TURN-OFF THE VEHICLE. THE BATTERY WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER APPROXIMATELY 20-30 MINUTES THE VEHICLE RESTARTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE MECHANIC WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.