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, Oct 16, 2022
My daughter had the 4 x 4 transmission would not engage warning light went on. We took the vehicle in for a check. The dealership said she needed a PTO unit/PTU assembly since it has failed. This repair was quoted just under $3,000. This is our first jeep. I had a hard time understanding why a transmission part like this would fail in a 2016 vehicle. I did my own research online and articles stated that this EXACT same part was recalled in jeeps from 2014 to 2017 which included over 68,000 jeeps. Also over 2,700 jeeps already had the part replaced and were being reimbursed for charges. This is a part that if fails could cause injury or death. When mentioning this recall to the dealership and jeep customer service they said that our jeep was not PART of the recall based on our vehicle number. I am so upset by this, as it is a 2016 Jeep and it is the exact same part. I also called the NHTSA and the request inquiry is 565252.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Oct 13, 2022
Shortly after I purchased my vehicle in 2020 I had a service shifter come on the dash with all the lights illuminated on bezel. I took it to the dealership and it was giving codes to suggest the the shifter bezel and wiring needed to be replaced this was done approximately 07/2021. Since then I have had no other issues with it until this morning it came back on. I have looked this up and a lot of Jeep owners experience this issue. It is apparent that there is a manufacture issues or issue that I feel Jeep is responsible for and needs to fix. With this involving the shifter/transmission there is an obvious safety concern. Thank you.
Power train, Oct 9, 2022
Since I purchased this vehicle it has had issues with the 9-speed transmission. The transmission at times, shifts so hard, it feels like you have been rear-ended. The transmission shifts very hard at times and feels as if it's confused. In addition, there is a dangerous delay from when you hit the gas pedal to when the transmission actually engages. There have been times when I hit the gas to get through an intersection and the car has lost power and the transmission was delayed at least 2-5 seconds engaging; almost resulting in multiple accidents.
Power train, Oct 7, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that he noticed the ESC 4-WD warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The mechanic stated that the powertrain transfer unit (PTU) assembly had failed with code: (C14A7-97) and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 157,715.
Power train, Oct 4, 2022
Service shifter warning comes on and locks so you can't see your display possible transmission emergency if car shifts while at high speeds
Power train, Sep 27, 2022
At highway speed, transmission disengaged and car was forced to be stopped on road with no shoulder in an attempt to restart and continue to nearest off-ramp. Had no warning lights prior to failure and suddenly said “transmission overheating” when unit failed. Has not been driveable since.
Power train, Forward collision avoidance, Sep 20, 2022
My trailhawk service 4 wheel drive light is on and the dealership says that it is going to cost me $3500 dollars. I first took my truck to a transmission shop and they ran a diagnostic test and it came back that it was a recall for a PTU. Power transfer unit. Recall #W47 and 2ov343. But when I took it to the dealership they said I don't have any recalls on my truck. Please help me, I can't afford to pay for the work that needs to be done. And they are saying that they don't have loner cars anymore just rental cars for $40 a day. I don't have any way to get to work.
Power train, Sep 20, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated the vehicle would not start or drive while in the 4WD mode. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle in 2WD mode, the four-wheel drive message was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic and local dealer who both confirmed that the transfer case was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 61,000.
Power train, Sep 16, 2022
PTU replace with only 63,000 miles? Noticed lite on dash Service 4WD Recently had rear differential asy Drivers rear cv shaft Why all these issues Is my car on recall list if not it certainly should br
Power train, Sep 14, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the message 4-WD Service Required was displayed. The contact diagnosed the vehicle and retrieved a trouble code regarding and obstructed power transfer unit (PTU). The contact associated the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V343000 (Power Train); however, the VIN was not included. The dealer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 61,000. The consumer stated there is a drive train warranty and the vehicle will be repaired by Cowboy Dodge in Cheyenne, Wyoming.
Power train, Sep 13, 2022
The transmission failed at highway speed, there was no acceleration. when traffic slowed it did not down shift allowing acceleration. Safety is at risk for obvious reasons when you cannot get up to speed on a free way or when you get off the free way and cannot accelerate at a light. The problem has reoccurred again yesterday while on the freeway. The car has not been inspected yet. There was a yellow light that came on and a message that stated Transmission Needs Serviced.
Power train, Sep 8, 2022
Power transfer unit (PTU) failed on our 2016 Jeep Cherokee at 59,000 miles. Vehicle has never been off-roading or abused. NHTSA has previously issued recalls for Cherokee PTUs but they were VIN specific (recalls 20V343 and 20E037 or W47 and W48). NHTSA states that "The power transfer unit (PTU), an important element of the optional all-wheel-drive system in affected vehicles 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 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." I argue that the PTU defect previously identified is much larger than the small number of VINs repaired, and probably extends to most of the Cherokee line. If you search the internet for the FCA failure diagnostic of "C14A7-97 PTU blocked or obstructed" you will find many, MANY, reports by Cherokee owners who do not have one of the handful of lucky VINs. This is clearly a larger issue than previously suspected and a $3500-$4000 repair for the owner. Driveline components should be expected to last longer than 60k miles without catastrophic failures.
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.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Aug 16, 2022
The SVC 4WD (service 4WD drive ) light came on in my 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The Jeep dealership performed diagnosis and the drivetrain control module (DTCM) stored C14A7-97-PUT motor and the component or system operation is obstructed or blocked. They attempted to update the software of the DTCM and it is up to date. The condition persists and their further testing indicates that the internal power transfer unit (PTU) has failed and the vehicle is stuck in 4WD. The vehicle has not been inspected by anyone other than the local jeep dealership, which was on 8/12/2022. The warning message began the week of August 1st and I scheduled the first available service appointment. After some initial research, Jeep had a recall of the PTU for my model year back in 2020. For 2014-2017 Jeep Cherokees where the PTU has not been previously replaced, the auto maker’s recall number is W47 and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)’s recall campaign number is 20V343. However, when I checked my VIN number, it stated that I had 0 outstanding recalls against it. It is my understanding that if the power transfer unit (PTU) fails to engage with the transmission, the Cherokee could lose all power while being driven which could result in a crash or injuries.
Power train, Aug 16, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while his daughter was starting the vehicle, the gear shifter was shifted to drive(D) however, the intended gear was not recognized and the vehicle was unable to drive forward. Additionally, the vehicle experienced an unintentional rollaway and the contact's daughter applied the parking brake to stop the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the power transfer unit (PTU) needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired and remained at the independent mechanic. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V343000 (Power Train) however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 63,000.
Power train, Aug 8, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the Service 4-Wheel Drive message displayed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with powertrain transfer unit (PTU) actuator failure. The dealer informed the contact that the PTU actuator needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 37,000.
Power train, Aug 6, 2022
Service 4wheel drive came on 7/11/2022, when routine driving on highway at 40 MPH during excellent conditions. Phoned dealer 7/15/2022 to schedule for recall U90 for the catalyst efficiency and to have the vehicle scanned for the service light. 7/26/22 dealer informed active code C14A7-97 PTU Motor component or system operation obstructed or blocked, they cleared the code, it came back on, they check fluid level in ptu, it was within specs, found star case S1721000016 referring to the splines on the ptu unit to fray and not function. Recommended to replace ptu unit before winter. Found recall #21-017-21 for PTU broken input spline. Recall states malfunction indicator light (our service 4wheel drive came on) grinding noise coming from under vehicle while driving (this is notated on the service invoice from dealer. ) Although, code is different from what is listed for #21-017-21, our vehicle was built during the time frame indicated on the recall (April 2016) and is a 75th anniversary edition Cherokee, also listed on the #21-017-21 recall. Vehicle only has 37,689 miles on it and has never been taken off road nor has any other mode, but Auto been used for driving. Cost of replacement out of our pocket was to be $3100.00, after speaking with dealer and indicating this was our 3rd new Chrysler vehicle bought from them, they assumed responsibility for half the cost, see attached receipt where out of pocket for us was $1500.00, plus the $120.00 cost to scan for the issue. We would like consideration for a refund of the $1620.00 out of pocket we spent on this vehicle that we feel this issue should have been part of a recall. Please see note from invoice that metal shavings were found in the splines of the ptu. Safety of this vehicle in a needed 4x4 situation would have been compromised had the unit not been replaced.
Power train, Aug 5, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving 70 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and decelerated to 40 MPH. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the B1S2 camshaft sensor was replaced however, the failure persisted. The contact stated the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V343000 (Power Train); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 97,254.
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
Steering, Suspension, Power train, Jul 22, 2022
The Power Control Unit of the full time four drive unit is defective and has caused warning lights that made the car unsafe to drive. There is current safety recall by NHTSA 20V343 that applies to 2014-2017 jeep Cherokee that applies to my car but does not shows up on the Jeep data base. Please advise. Thank you
Power train, Service brakes, Jul 21, 2022
PTU Power transition unit, many jeeps have same issue over 2,600. Jeep won’t stay in park. Can roll down drive way. I lost power when turning into intersection almost got into accident with children.
Power train, Jul 20, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated upon starting the vehicle, the message Service Shifter was displayed. The contact stated that upon taking the vehicle to the dealer for a routine oil change, she notified the dealer of the warning message. The dealer informed the contact that it was a known failure; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA. The failure mileage was approximately 55,000.
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, Jul 7, 2022
I've been told I have a PTU failure. (Code: C14A7-9T) My "SVC 4WD" light comes on, Apparently this is an extremely common issue... I'm out of warranty (approximately 97,000 miles) but it is potentially a very dangerous condition, requiring replacement of the entire PTU. (+$3800) I've had this confirmed by an independent shop and confirmed the code with a dealer.