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: fuel/propulsion system
43 reports, newest first. Show all
Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 23, 2019
ENGINE SHUTS OFF WHILE TURNING SHARP TURN. HESITATES TO RESTART
Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 23, 2019
ENGINE SHUTS OFF ON SHARP TURNS. DISPLAY CENTER SAYS MESSAGE SAYING VECHICLE MUST BE STOPPED TO CHANGE GEARS AND SHUTS OFF ENGINE. THE SHIFTER WAS NOT TOUCHED WHEN MESSAGE CAME UP. THEN ENGINE DOESN'T WANT TO START QUICKLY. IT HESITATES. STUTTERS TO RESTART.
Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 1, 2019
PERIODIC STRONG GAS SMELL IN CABIN.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Mar 22, 2019
HAS BEEN BACK TO THE DEALER 4 TIMES IN ONE YEAR FOR REPLACEMENT OF SPARK PLUGS AND IGNITION COIL. CAR RUNS ROUGH AND SHAKES. 53000 MILES, HAVE HAD IT SINCE IT WAS BRAND NEW. FEEL UNSAFE DRIVING IN IT.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Nov 9, 2018
AT 61,000 MILES MY JEEP STARTED HAVING A STRONG FUEL SMELL IN THE CABIN AFTER COMING TO A STOP WITH THE AUTO-START DIS-ENGAGED. READING ONLINE, MANY PEOPLE ON THE FORUMS HAVE SIMILAR ISSUES WITH CHEROKEES SINCE THE EARLY 2000'S WITH NO KNOWN MALFUNCTION TO FIX. THE EXHAUST SMELL HAS CAUSED HEADACHES IN THE LAST WEEK.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Oct 5, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 JEEP CHEROKEE. WHILE DRIVING, THE OIL LEVEL BECAME LOW AND THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE FAILURE OCCURRED MULTIPLE TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO SIEMANS CHRYSLER DODGE RAM JEEP (8691 RED ARROW HWY, BRIDGMAN, MI 49106) AND THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED TO ADD OIL TO THE VEHICLE EVERY 1,000 MILES TO KEEP IT FROM RUNNING LOW. THE MANUFACTURER WAS ALSO CONTACTED AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 15,000. *TT UPDATED 12/13/18*JB
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 15, 2018
VECHILE STALLING WHILE DRIVING. THE VECHILE WILL STALL DRIVING AT LOW SPEED TURNS, UP HILLS AND COMING TO A STOP. SECOND TIME IT HAS BEEN TO DEALERSHIP FOR SAME PROBLEM. FIRST TIME WAS JUNE 30 2016. SECOND IS TODAY.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 11, 2018
SEVERAL TIMES IN THE PAST 3 MONTHS (6-8 TIMES), WITHOUT WARNING, THE CAR SHUTS OFF. THE ENGINE COMPLETELY STOPS REGARDLESS OF IN MOTION OR ACCELERATING FROM A STOP. IT HAS HAPPENED EACH WAY. IT SHUTS OFF, AND THE VEHICLE COMPUTER PROVIDES A MESSAGE THAT YOU MUST BE IN PARK TO START THE VEHICLE. I SHIFT TO PARK AND IT STARTS UP AGAIN. WHEN IT SHUTS OFF THE POWER STEERING GOES AND YOU CANNOT CONTROL THE DIRECTION OF THE VEHICLE. THERE ARE NO SYMPTOMS AND NO WARNING BUT I SEE ENOUGH OF THE SAME COMPLAINT THAT I AM REPORTING IT. IT HAS NOT HAPPENED AT HIGHWAY SPEED YET, AND I AM AFRAID IT MIGHT BASED ON THE OTHER JEEP OWNERS COMMENTS.
Vehicle speed control, Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 13, 2018
ON SEVERAL DIFFERENT OCCASIONS NOW, AFTER ACCELERATING FROM A COMPLETE STOP THE CAR WILL START TO ACCELERATE AND THEN IT'LL NO LONGER RESPOND TO PRESSING DOWN THE ACCELERATOR. THE ENGINE DOES NOT REV AND NO SPEED IS GAINED AS THE CAR CONTINUES TO COAST. I HAVE BEEN ABLE TO REMEDY IT BY SHIFTING INTO NEUTRAL AND BACK INTO DRIVE. NO WARNING LIGHTS OR INDICATORS APPEAR SIGNALING AN ISSUE. THIS TYPICALLY HAPPENS ON CITY STREETS AFTER EXITING THE HIGHWAY AND HAS OCCURRED WHEN GOING STRAIGHT FROM A STOP, OR WHILE MAKING A TURN AFTER A COMPLETE STOP. CAR CURRENTLY HAS LESS THAN 35,000 MILES. HAS NOT BEEN TAKEN TO ANY DEALERSHIP, SINCE THERE HAS BEEN NO INDICATION OF FAILURE.
Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, May 31, 2018
BOUGHT CAR AUGUST 2016, FIRST NOTICED SEVERE JOLT/KICK AUGUST 2017. IT APPEARED RANDOMLY. SO SEVERE THAT THE FIRST 10 OR SO TIMES I REALLY THOUGHT I WAS REAR ENDED. WHEN TRAVELING AROUND 40-45 MPH CAR JOLTS/KICKS/JUMPS/DROPS (PICK YOUR TERM) WHEN THE CAR SHIFTS GEARS. DOESN'T HAPPEN EVERY TIME, MOSTLY WHEN TRAFFIC IS CREEPING ALONG.AND NOTICED THAT THE CAR IDLED VERY ROUGHLY OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY JUST BEFORE THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON ALL THREE TIMES. DEALERSHIP RESETS COMPUTER THEN SAYS THEY CAN'T REPLICATE ISSUE, I'VE TAKEN IT IN 3 TIMES NOW FOR THESE ISSUES WITH NO REAL RESOLUTION. THEY ARE REPLACING VALVE BODY THIS TIME, MY CAR IS UNDER TWO YEARS OLD AND I DO NOT FEEL SAFE DRIVING IT ANYWHERE.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, May 14, 2018
THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS ON ONCE IN TWO WEEKS. MY LOCAL DEALER IN SAN DIEGO (RANCHO CHRYSLER JEEP DODGE) SAID THAT THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH ENGINE GAS VALVE. THEY SAID IT WAS LEAKING. EACH TIME THIS IS THE ISSUE. THIS IS MY 4TH TIME GOING TO THE DEALER. I STRONGLY BELIEVE THAT ITS VERY RISKY FOR PASSENGERS TO DRIVE SUCH CARS WITH LEAKS. I REQUEST NHTSA TEAM TO PLEASE REVIEW ALL JEEP CHEROKEE MODELS AS THEY NEED RE-CALLS AND ITS UNSAFE FOR PUBLIC TO DRIVE SUCH LEAKY VEHICLES. I WAS VERY AFRAID WHEN I WAS TURNING ON HIGHWAY AND MY CAR STARTED NOISE AS IF SOMETHING IS BURSTING, IT WAS VERY FRIGHTENING MOMENT.
Fuel/propulsion system, Mar 9, 2018
SHORTLY AFTER FUELING MY VEHICLE MY VEHICLE WILL LOSE ALL ACCELERATION. IT HAS BEEN A PROBLEM SINCE THE CAR WAS FIRST PURCHASED AND CONTINUES WITH 30,000 MILES. IT OCCURS ABOUT 70% OF THE TIME AFTER FUELING. THE MOST RECENT OCCOURANCES CAUSED ME TO STALL ON A MAJOR ROADWAY. I WAS NEARLY HIT BY A TRAILER. IN ORDER FOR ME TO GAIN POWER AGAIN I MUST SHIFT TURN THE CAR OFF SHIFT TO PARK AND THEN RESTART THE CAR..
Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 26, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 JEEP CHEROKEE. WHILE EXITING THE DRIVEWAY, THE CONTACT OBSERVED A FUEL SPILL UNDER THE VEHICLE NEAR THE FUEL TANK. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUEL PUMP FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE DEALER ALSO STATED THAT THE SAFETY LOCK VALVE ON THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSTALLED DURING PRODUCTION, WHICH CAUSED THE FAILURE TO OCCUR. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 8,200.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Dec 16, 2016
PROBLEM BEGAN WITH THE CAR BUCKING SIGNIFICANTLY AFTER CHANGING GEARS. THEN, WHEN THE CAR WAS IN DRIVE (BUT FOOT WAS ON THE BRAKE), CAR WOULD START TO BUCK AGAIN, TRANSMISSION SLOWED, CAR WOULD NOT ACCELERATE, KEPT BUCKING AND LIGHTS IN CAR DIMMER. HAD TO KEEP RESTARTING THE CAR TO GET IT TO KEEP GOING. BUT, ONCE I USED THE BRAKE AGAIN, THE BUCKING AND LOSS OF ACCELERATION WOULD START ALL OVER AGAIN. DEALER CONTINUES TO STATE THAT THE COMPUTER IN THE CAR IS NOT REGISTERING ANY PROBLEMS AT ALL. HAS BEEN IN THE DEALER 3 TIMES OVER THE LAST 3 WEEKS. THIS ALL HAPPENED WHEN THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION, ON ANY KIND OF STREET OR HIGHWAY, WHENEVER THE GEAR BEGINS TO CAUSE BUCKING AFTER CHANGING.
Electrical system, Wheels, Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 11, 2016
PURCHASED 2016 JEEP CHEROKEE BRAND NEW FROM SUSANVILLE AUTO CENTER AND THE CAR HAS NOW BEEN IN THE SHOP 6 TIMES AND TOWED IN THE LAST TIME. IT HAS NOW FRIED THE COIL AND THE SPARK PLUGS. IT HAS BEEN IN FOR 2 WHEEL SENSORS, THERMOSTATE REPLACEMENT AT 1500 MILE, COOLANT LEAK AT 2500 AND NOW THE COIL AND PLUG ISSUE WHILE DRIVING HOME FROM AUBURN CA OVER 200 MILES FROM HOME CAR STARTED JERKING DASH FLICKERING AND USE OVER 3/4 TANK OF GAS IN 50 MILE AND WOULD ONLY GO 45MPH AT 25K. I DRIVE FOR A LIVING AN CAN NOT AFFORD TO BE STRANDED IN THE MIDDLE OF NO WHERE AS A WOMAN. I'VE CONTACT JEEP CORP AND OF COURSE NO RESPONSE. DEALER WONT DO ANYTHING EITHER. NOW TO TRY CA LEMON LAW AND ATTORNEY GENERAL.
Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 26, 2016
MILEAGE MPG IS NOWHERE NEAR EPA STICKER DISPLAYED ON JEEP WHEN PURCHASED. PERHAPS THIS IS DUE TO MECHANICAL PROBLEMS? (SEE TRANNY SLIPPAGE REPORT) SAME TRIP, SAME/SIMILAR DRIVING CONDITIONS, NO STOP-AND-GO TRAFFIC, FLAT-ISH HIGHWAY, NO WIND, HOT WEATHER [I.E. LESS WINDAGE], SHOULD AVERAGE ABOUT ~28MPG, BUT AVERAGE IS ~20MPG. ALSO, AVERAGE MPG IS DROPPING (I.E. WAS ~26MPG ... THEN 24MPG ... THEN 20MPG.)
Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 20, 2016
I WAS PULLING INTO TRAFFIC AFTER STOPPING AT INTERSECTION CAR WENT DEAD NO POWER IT WOULD NOT TURN BACK ON UNTIL I REMOVED KEY AND REINSERTED IT THEN IT STARTED. I WAS STOPPED PARTAILY IN ROADWAY
Power train, Electronic stability control (ESC), Fuel/propulsion system, May 3, 2016
FIRST OF ALL, THIS IS A BRAND NEW VEHICLE. I BOUGHT IT 6 WEEKS AGO AND IT HAS LESS THAN 3000K MILES. THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION AND IT SHUT DOWN/ STALLED OUT. HOW CAN A NEW VEHICLE JUST LOOSE POWER? THE DASHBOARD TOLD ME SERVICE THE TRANSMISSION. THE EMERGENCY BRAKE LIGHT CAME ON AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. THE JEEP SAT IN THE MEDIAN OF A 4 LANE BUSY HIGHWAY JUST RUNNING. IT TOOK AN HOUR FOR ROADSIDE SERVICE TO HAVE A TOW TRUCK TO COME TO ME. MY BABY, PUPPY AND I WERE JUST STRANDED IN THE MIDDLE OF A BAD STORM. JEEP KNOWS OF THIS. THEY DON'T CARE ABOUT THEIR CONSUMERS. NOW MY LIFE IS IN DANGER WITH THIS PIECE OF CRAP. CRAP THAT COSTS ME $26K! THE TOW TRUCK DRIVER TOLD ME I WAS HIS 4TH CUSTOMER TODAY WITH THE SAME PROBLEM AS THE OTHERS WHO HAVE THIS EXACT MODEL. PLEASE DO NOT BUY! YOUR LIFE WILL BE IN JEOPARDY OR AT THE HANDS OF AN UNMERCIFUL COMPANY. THE DEALERSHIP TOLD ME THEY DIDN'T EVEN WANT IT BACK. I'M JUST STUCK!