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: power train
629 reports, newest first. Show all
Power train, Engine, Mar 31, 2023
This car has had reoccurring issues related to the engine, ignition module and starter. It breaks down every few weeks. It has left me broken down and stranded on freeways, city roads and most recently on the side of a hill. When the key is inserted, it will not turn over completely and even after the key is removed the engine continues to make clicking sounds as if it is still trying to turn over and it smokes from underneath the hood. There were no warning indications. It has been taken to the dealer numerous times for the same issue but they do not find a problem and return it back to me just for it to occur again. Or the dealership will say they've fixed it but nothing has actually been done to the car. The dealership continues to be negligent. After the most recent occurence of the car leaving me stuck on the side of a hill and smoking, it was brought to the dealership August 2021 and still remains there as they continue to give me false hop in repairs. I have now not that vehicle in my possession for 6 months.
Power train, Mar 19, 2023
Warning system telling me of a problem. Problem with the transfer case. 4 wheel drive issue. Only about 65k miles
Power train, Mar 14, 2023
PTU unit failed.Took to dealer confirmed PTU failed.
Power train, Feb 16, 2023
The contact's sister-in-law owns a 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that the service shifter warning message appeared on the instrument panel. The contact inspected the vehicle and discovered that both the bezel and the column inside the wiring harness needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The local dealer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.
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
Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 15, 2023
Vehicle hesitates, vibrates, looses momentum, shutters, almost stalls when ac to touched since the day I bought it at napelton jeep in palm beach fla. I was told it’s a jeep thing. The engine roars to like like it’s fighting to start. A fan sound will go on and off non stop effecting the power and rpm’s. A loss of power happens and then the car goes back to normal after a completely shaking the cab vibrating and shuttering
Power train, Feb 13, 2023
Service 4wd light is coming on. Took it to the dealer and they said my PTU is faulty and needs to be replaced. This is not covered under recall because my VIN number is not included. Upon research, over 60,000 Jeep Cherokees made from 2014-2017 were recalled for this same problem. My Jeep Cherokee is a 2016. This should be a recall for all models/VINs since mine falls in that range but for some reason is not included in the recall, yet is having the same issues.
Power train, Feb 7, 2023
My power transfer unit needs replaced at 39554 miles. Jeeps similar to mine have been recalled with the same problem. My service 4wd light came on which alerted me of the problem. I no longer have 4wd functionality on my car. I had the problem diagnosed today by the Medina Auto Mall Dealership. Driving with a failed power transfer unit is dangerous.
Power train, Feb 4, 2023
Service 4WD light came on due to bd power transfer unit
Power train, Jan 27, 2023
The contact owns 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at unknown speeds, the rear-end of the vehicle started to shake. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the power train axle shaft needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the VIN was not included in a recall. The failure mileage was approximately 157,000.
Power train, Jan 18, 2023
Power transfer unit (PTU) grinding at low gear. Went to dealer and said it’s shot. Car has 104,000 and these are fully contained cases so you can’t change the oil…
Power train, Jan 11, 2023
Seems to be slipping
Power train, Jan 11, 2023
Service 4 wheel drive is on my 2016 Jeep Cherokee. Took it in to the dealership and they said it’s my PTU. My car should have been included in the 2020 recall on PTU. The jeep can seize up and it can stop working. It also can not go into park and can roll away. Not safe at all.
Power train, Jan 4, 2023
In early November, started getting a warning that said 4WD System Unavailable and Service 4WD System. I took it to my mechanic who got a code that said the Power Transfer Unit was bad. He looked it up and said there was an active recall on this. I took it to a dealer ship , and they confirmed this. However, according to them and Jeep, there is no recall on my vehicle. With so many PTUs failing, how can there not be an extended warranty/recall on this part. I'm afraid to use the vehicle in the snow because if it switches to 4WD, I'm worried the unit will fail and I will be stranded.
Power train, Dec 15, 2022
Details: - Failed Component - PTU on 2016 Jeep Cherokee Overland - Failed PTU disables 4WD, can result in car loosing power while driving, and prevent vehicle to be put in park - Problem confirmed by both dealer AND independent service center - The only message that came is "4WD Service Required" error message which is a result of the problem Description: The power transfer unit (PTU) failed in my 2016 Jeep Cherokee, resulting in the car not engaging in 4WD. The PTU is an important element of the all-wheel-drive system. A failed PTU may not be able to maintain a connection between the transmission and the front wheels. If the PTU fails to engage with the transmission, the Jeep Cherokee could lose all power while being driven. Also, a failure to engage could keep the vehicle from being put into park when stationary, allowing it to roll away. Either situation could result in a crash or injuries. There are already two recalls involving the Jeep Cherokee, and they involve the same problem. However, the VIN of my car is not included in those recalls.
Power train, Dec 13, 2022
4wd Service light comes on and the AWD system disengages while being used in slippery conditions, the system sometime clears and the system will re-engage.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Dec 12, 2022
The PTU failed in my 2016 Jeep Cherokee. This was diagnosed when the SVC 4WD light came on in September. The problem code is C14A7-97. From my online research I know this is a persistent problem with Jeeps with model year 2014-2017 resulting in multiple recalls because the problem has resulted in vehicles being disabled and multiple crashes. However, my VIN number was not included in those recalled by Chrysler. I ordered a replacement in early October and was told the part would be ready in 4-6 weeks. It is now two months later and the part is still not available. I’m told that at this point the part won’t be available until January. The vehicle transmission began making noises over the weekend related to the PTU. This is clearly a persistent and extensive safety issue that Chrysler is negligent in addressing. I have also been told by the service department at the dealer that there are 389 other Jeep drivers waiting for this part.
Power train, Dec 9, 2022
Vehicle experienced a catastrophic failure of the 4X4 transfer case (PTU) while driving, this went from a faint sound to a complete failure of the drive system in less than 5 miles. Vehicle was rendered completely UN-drivable almost immediately. If I had been on the highway I think this could have been a very serious incident that may have locked up the drive wheels. Fortunately, I was on a side road going only 25 MPH at the time. Dealer has no repair parts available, manufacturer claims no responsibility, although I have read in forums on line about many similar type failures.
Power train, Nov 10, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that the transmission warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that the transfer case and power train unit needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V343000 (Power Train). The manufacturer was contacted but no additional assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 67,000.
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.
Power train, Nov 1, 2022
During driving the SVS 4WD light appeared on the display. About the same time the Larger display flashed 4 wheel drive not available along with an audible bell. The jeep was taken to one dealer and the repair estimate was $6900. Took to another dealer who charged $134. for diagnosis and said the PTU was defective and the cost would be $3600 but the units were on back order and it could be 2 to 6 months to get a PTU unit. I was told I could continue driving the vehicle but would have no 4 wheel drive. I am driving the vehicle and the Bell sounds at interval saying to service 4 wheel drive and that it is not available. FCA has not offered any assistance on parts or labor and has said out of warrantee. Dealer said that it is a common problem that FCA should have addressed.
Power train, Oct 28, 2022
I've seen several complaints on this site and others on the Internet about this exact same thing. A "Service Shifter" warning has appeared 3-4 times. It lights up every light on the shift lever / gear control assembly and an alert permanently appears in the driver information display - making it impossible to see how fast I am driving (the mph display is usually there). Every single time, once the car was turned off and restarted - the warning disappeared and did not return for a long period of time. That said - anytime this happens - I have to pull over, turn the car off, then turn it on again. There are never any apparent symptoms before nor during the appearance of the warning. I took it to a mechanic, who was unable to determine what the problem could be. Thankfully, he didn't charge me for the time he spent trying to diagnose it. It's bad enough the car generates a frightening warning that takes over the speedometer display and severely distracts - but especially when it's apparently an undiagnosable problem. It's clear from the volume of complaints this is a major problem with 2016 Jeep Cherokees that the manufacturer should address.
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
Power train, Oct 18, 2022
2016 Jeep Latitude. 3.2 v6 service 4wd light comes on at 63,000 miles. 3,000 past power train warranty. Dealer said PTU is bad. $4,000. For repair. These are defective. A mechanic on you tube shows that the oil in the component leaks into the electronics in the actuator. Gears are fine. It seems that oil in the electronics could start a fire.
Power train, Oct 17, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving approximately 68-70 MPH, the vehicle was shifting hard and the vehicle lost motive power. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the power transfer unit (PTU) needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 92,000.