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: engine
320 reports, newest first. Show all
Engine, Jan 20, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that upon having the vehicle inspected, the contact was informed by the technician that there was a crack in the oil engine housing and needed to be replaced. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer and the manufacturer were notified of the failure and the contact was informed that both were aware of the failure, but no further assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 140,000. The VIN was not available.
Engine, Jan 18, 2023
My 2016 jeep Cherokee Limited which has the 2.4 L Tiger Shark engine is failing miserably. There is a extremely obvious ring around the entirety of the engine block. The manifold gasket has failed. The head gasket has never been removed by myself or by a jeep dealership who had my authority to do so. The indicator lights on my vehicle still have not illuminated other than alerting in me I had a faulty water pump which had to be replaced at 75k miles. The OEM thermostat is plastic. Not metal as it should be considering the elevated temp produced by 2.4 L Tiger Shark engine. That engine has destroyed the gasket. The damage started at the right hand side”opposite of oil opening” about the middle of the gasket head. My vehicle was serviced by jeep multiple times at Napleton’s JDR in West Palm Beach and the Jeep dealership in Greenwood Indiana. No one brought to my attention that I should have them investigate that. Instead alerted me to my windshield wipers needing to be replaced, Mind you a had done that the month prior from the same dealership. I question now why the engine was so very deeply cleaned when I purchased it and they even cleaned it twice in the days between me seeing and picking up the vehicle. They are aware of this. They were doing the oil changes. I asked how the oil was they always just said a bit low and never mentioned it unless asked. My next statement will be the now knocking pinging pistons. Mind you this Tiger Shark engine lifters/pistions are put in motion by OIL PRESSURE. Strangely the same problem Tiger Shark 2.4L is known for. No wonder so many people complain of there cars becoming immobilized when oil is beyond low. This is a very expensive fix. They knew it. Jeep would bankrupt if they had to either fix every single 2,4 L Tiger Shark engine and likely the multi air flow ones also. When I’m truth they should be totally replaced a blow head gasket and full engine tear down to replace lifters, head gasket+seal piston rings, spark plugs…
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Oct 26, 2022
When Driving car if you began to go down hill the car will race motor and run away by its self It is very dangerous in curvy and hilly areas. This cay be caused on a daily bases
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.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Aug 9, 2022
1. UNKNOWN component/system failure. It is available for inspection on request. 2. My vehicle will randomly flash an error message while driving "Shift to park and then select desired gear." As this error message is displayed, the engine stops while driving. The car is seemingly forced into neutral. Sometimes it will start again immediately. Sometimes it takes several minutes. It happens completely randomly. It is incredibly dangerous, especially when driving on the highway. I have been lucky that no one has crashed into me yet. 3. I have not had my own vehicle checked for this issues as I am not confident that the solution will be found. I have found hundreds of other Jeep owners (various years/models) in online forums complaining about the same issue. The dealerships and service centers have not been able to find a fix, or even identify what the problem is. 4. No 5. Warning message reads something like: "Shift to park and then select desired gear." This has been appearing randomly while driving. This is an obvious issue with the Jeeps that I am certain Chrysler must be aware of. I have spent a lot of money on this car, and I am terrified to drive my young children to daycare. I am terrified to drive to work. I need this issue investigated, and I need a resolution. Hundreds, if not thousands, of Jeep owners need a resolution.
Engine, Apr 10, 2022
Excessive oil consumption causing hesitation and stalls in traffic. Consumption is approximately 1.5qt. per 1000 mies
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.
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 29, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact initially called the dealer and was informed that the VIN was not under recall. The contact then took the vehicle to an independent mechanic where it was discovered that the thermostat sensor was defective. The contact was provided an estimate and the vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 20,053.
Power train, Engine, Mar 22, 2022
This Jeep has stalled while on the road several times, more than once almost causing an accident. I have finally figured out that the engine uses more oil than a normal engine should, it does not inform the driver of low oil, and shuts off once the oil is below a certain point. This vehicle is extremely dangerous to be on any road and likely already caused numerous accidents. Please do something!!!!!
Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Mar 18, 2022
All of a sudden you are driving and the vehicle wants to shut off like it's getting gas got cut off and it will Buck back and forth like a transmission issue Then all of a Sudden it kicked back in and you continue to drive as Normal but if you're at a stop and you go to take off it could be very dangerous if it stalls out on you
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.
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!
Other or unspecified, Engine, Dec 29, 2021
I purchased this jeep in 2018, the service shifter light came on the car shutdown in the middle of the road while my daughter was driving she was able to get into a parking lot. We had the bezel and wiring harness replaced in January 2019, right after this happened. I now have the jeep and the shifter service light will randomly come on along with the service transmission light. When this happens the transmission will not engage and I have to make my way to the side of the road and put it in park and then the transmission will engage again.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Lane departure, Dec 21, 2021
i was driving my son to school one day about 2 months ago maybe longer and all of a sudden out of no where the car shuts off saying low oil pressure. i changed out the sensor. thinking that would fix the problem. well that sure isnt the case. i burn a quart of oil 3rd or 4rh day of the week evey week taken it in no can find the problem. now i see there a recall say needs a pcm up date. maybe it it fix the problem. probaly not. i think jeep really needs to go over the jeep engines with a pick and comb and find these problems its scary drivong i am so affraid iam am going to be an a realy bad accident one day. my car always shutting off while driving iys not fun. its even worse when i jqve my child in the back seat and is helpless because he straped up in a car seat. part 2 if i fill my jeep up.with a full tank of gas it stalls and shuts of in the middle of traffic driving. or sitting at a stop light this happens every time i full my car up si no i dont fill it up because it like to shut off. so it getting to the point i want to set it of fire and roll it down a hill!! (kidding i would never do that!!)
Power train, Other or unspecified, Engine, Nov 20, 2021
4wheel drive light came on. Said it was a power transfer unit problem. It has been recalled but doesn’t show for my car. It will cost me o ver $2000 and it has been recalled. I need help to have this repair covered.
Power train, Engine, Nov 10, 2021
Vehicle has slowly been loosing power since I purchased it in 2018, but over the past 2 months it's sluggish and when I press the accelerator, it hesitates then takes off and the tachometer gets stuck until I let off the gas then push the accelerator again. Also when I'm in stop and go traffic, when I accelerate, it starts jerking and feel like the engine is going to die, but if I give it a little more gas, it stops, until I have to come to a stop again. It's unsettling to hear the engine race the way it does. I feel it's a safety issue because the way it jerks when I'm trying to get the tachometer to stop racing. There's been no warning lights and nothing has been confirmed by the dealership, however, I recently received a recall notice and have contacted the dealer for an appointment. I'm waiting on a return call but don't know what the recall is related to.
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.
Engine, Oct 27, 2021
The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while driving 25 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently stalled. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact was unable to veer to the side of the road. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed that the power transfer unit had failed and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact that they could not assist because the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V343000 (Power Train). The manufacturer also referred the contact to NHTSA for assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 50,000.
Power train, Engine, Aug 31, 2021
The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that the vehicle would shut off while driving at various speeds without warning. The contact also stated that the vehicle would start up and shut off independently without warning. Additionally, while driving at 60 MPH, the vehicle began to shake uncontrollably without warning as the contact lost control of the vehicle. The contact was able to pull over and shut off the vehicle. After multiple attempts, the contact was able to restart the vehicle and resume normal driving. The contact had taken the vehicle to a dealer and an independent mechanic and both were unable to diagnose the failure since no warning lights had appeared on the instrument panel. The manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 55,000.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Engine, Aug 3, 2021
shifter park.. car cuts off when car is idle.
Engine, Jul 30, 2021
The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while driving 70 mph, the vehicle decelerated to 45 mph independently. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where the TCM software was reset. The vehicle was repaired however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 58,215.
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!
Engine, Jun 12, 2021
I was driving on the interstate, I just got past 55 miles per hour and my “service transmission soon” notification came on. I was able to get off the interstate. After that, the vehicle completely stalled out. I put it in park and then back in drive and I was able to get home. If the vehicle would have stalled on the interstate it would have been horrible.
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.