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, Sep 5, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving 30 MPH and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to respond as needed. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic to be diagnosed; however, the contact was informed that there was no recall on the VIN. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 41,000.
Power train, Aug 14, 2025
My power transfer unit busted into several different parts. There was no warning lights, it went to making a noise & when they took the skid cover off pieces came falling out. This happened last year & everywhere we look the part is on back order. So I'm paying a note on a vehicle that can't be used.
Power train, Aug 10, 2025
The Power Transfer Unit in my 2016 Jeep Cherokee failed when it only had 50,255 miles on it. The car was almost 10 years old. In the past month, when I tried to accelerate to 50 mph to merge on the highway, the Jeep did not accelerate normally when I pressed on the gas. Instead, it went slowly and made a revving noise, then when I hit the accelerator again, it made the revving noise louder and reluctantly started to accelerate. It would also lose drive power when going down a steep incline. There were a few instances of that and then the “SERVICE 4WD” light came on every day when I would put the car into reverse and stay on for the rest of the time I was driving the car. After that light came on, I noticed there was abnormal vibration underneath the middle of the car when I would drive it, too. The problem was confirmed on [XXX] in the service department of the Don White’s Jeep dealership in Cockeysville, Maryland, and the car is available for inspection there. My service advisor told me my Jeep needs a new PTU and the estimated cost of the repair is $3563 (not including tax). I ordered the new PTU on 7/29/25, but the parts manager at the dealership said the part is on backorder, and it will take at least 1 month, if not multiple months to get the part because there are “380 other Jeep owners” waiting for this same part. With the vibration, loss of motive power both on inclines and when attempting to accelerate and merge onto the highway, the safety of my family was put at risk; Our Jeep could lose drive power and the car could stop on the highway with cars speeding all around us. It could cause a crash. My PTU failed at 50,255 after not quite 10 years of very light driving. There’s no way that part should have failed under those normal conditions. My VIN number should be included in recall 20V343000 or FCA should reimburse me for this part. The repair would have been covered under my warranties if my VIN was included in the original recalls or X89 extension. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Power train, Aug 1, 2025
The PTU is defective. Service 4wheel drive dash light on. Did "software update" but did not fix problems. I need to have the ptu replaced!
Power train, Other or unspecified, Jul 7, 2025
On [XXX] my Jeep started making a grinding noise near the rear axle. Initially, thinking something had broken when I had hit a pot hole earlier that evening. We parked the car at a garage and the next day inspected it and said it sounded like the rear differential may be effected, advising it should be safe to drive in “sport” mode. I drove it to Blueridge Chrysler Jeep in Abingdon VA where I informed them I had discovered a Recall 45A on the Jeep, they kept the Jeep and called me in a few days saying it was only for an “software update” and it was fixed. Om [XXX], I drove my Jeep and upon getting less than a mile down the road it sounded like the backend was dragging. They called a tow truck & took it back to the garage & now with the MOPAR Extended warranty they would have to replace the PTU. It was part of the initial recall and it could affect the PTU and the RDM (rear differential). This part took months to be delivered and during that time I had to rent and borrow a car to get back and forth from work for over two months. In May, the service dept. called saying the Jeep was still making the dragging noise and may be the transmission or the Rear Differential, but they’re still looking into it. In June, after re-working the PTU, Blueridge has determined it is the Rear Differential that now needs replaced and when I asked about it all being a part of the MOPAR extended warranty and they told me I needed to call Chrysler Customer Care. I followed up and called and spoke to several people advising that the dealership would have to call MOPAR warranty. Today, 7/7/25, I spoke with Blueridge again and they are saying the Recall was only for an update. I referred to the details of the initial 45A recall that specifically says that if the update is not complete, it would lead to problems with the PTU & the rear differential. My stance is that MOPAR warranty should cover both the PTU and the Rear Differential under Both recalls the 45A and 20V343000. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Power train, Jun 30, 2025
Service four-wheel-drive light has illuminated and dealership recommends to replace PTU system
Power train, Jun 25, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission experienced a hard shift while shifting from first gear to second gear. The contact stated that the vehicle felt like it had been rear-ended while shifting into 2nd gear. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure recurred intermittently. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed, but the cause of the failure could not be determined. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V302000 (Power Train); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
Power train, Jun 12, 2025
After buying the car from a used dealer, within 1,000 miles the car began grinding in slow accelerated turns. It has been diagnosed as the PTU which has many recalls before and after this particular D4 part. With all of the recalls and extended warranty adjustments for this part, why would mine not be covered? This was to be safe reliable car for my teenagers to drive, now that is no longer the case. Very disappointing
Power train, Jun 9, 2025
Vehicle started making growling noise. Engine light and 4wd lights came on. Transfer case has been diagnosed with damage.
Power train, Jun 9, 2025
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? A.)Transmission has been 'stuck in 2WD' since I bought it (I was unaware of the DT issue during purchase from Boktor Motors in Las Vegas, NV). I have tried to contact dealership with no response and a blocked phone number. Car has been towed 120 miles to Wolfchase CDJ in Bartlett, TN and is being diagnosed. [In ref: NHTSA campaign number: 25V011) Power Transfer Unit(PTU)] How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? A.) I was on my way from Lakeland, TN to Chattanooga for summer vacation with my children and we were on a highway with a small shoulder and 2 lanes. We were able to pull to the side of the road and slowly make our way to the rest stop, Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? A.) It is currently at Wolfchase CDJ in Bartlett, TN for full diagnosis. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? A.) Not yet. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? A.) 'Service 4WD' was on at the dealership when I test drove it, but the owner, Mina Boktor, assured me that it was because they replaced the battery. He also wrote on the warranty page of my purchase paperwork that he would fix any repairs associated with the 4WD light if it was delivered to Tennessee with the same code. Boktor Motors associates refused to answer my calls and nobody ever returned my calls or emails. About 6 months later, my shifter started lighting up all red lights with the warning 'service shifter' in the notification screen.
Power train, May 21, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 MPH, the "Service 4x4" warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to a local dealer who informed the contact that the PTU software needed to be updated. The vehicle was repaired; however, the "Service 4x4" warning light illuminated again. The contact had taken the vehicle back to the same dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the differential, rear axle, and PTU needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact researched online and found that the failure had occurred twice, prior to the most recent failure of the same parts. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and informed the contact that there was no "Goodwill Assistance" available for the repair. The failure mileage was approximately 138,000.
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Engine, May 14, 2025
The car is not shifting properly and will "jump" or "lunge" forward while driving. I have noticed that the RPM's will jump and bounce around, seemingly down shifting, then shift again, and then down shift again, which causes jerking motion.
Power train, Electrical system, Fuel/propulsion system, May 8, 2025
Car goes into "limp mode" while driving. Will slow to a complete stop, not rev, and says "Shift to P then desired gear". All other components of car are on (battery barely a year old). Try to follow command prompt; after putting car in P, and shifting to D, it still won't rev. I was on an incline and began rolling backwards. Good thing no one was behind me at the time. Had to turn completely off. On startup, it's stuttering and takes a while to start. Turns on fine and will drive, but is physically jerking between gears. Then, the first time I have to stop for a significant time and idle, it will do it again. I follow process again and was able to record video, because I was on a back street and pulled over in time, luckily. Upon driving the next day and taking to dealer, it is still jerking. Dealer cannot replicate and shows no error codes, so they say to just keep driving and can only help if I bring in while it is happening? That is literally insane. Same thing happened a year ago, but after filling up and being on "Empty". I went to a independent mechanic then, which is why I was hopeful the dealer would have more insight into the problem. That mechanic also could not replicate. They said it could be a fuel line or pump issue and to never let gas get too low, or go through costly man hours to check the fuel line, but then it couldn't be that at all, so could still be back at square one. That time, it stopped me in a busy intersection TWICE and was far more terrifying. I decided to skip the potentially pointless and definitely expensive fuel line investigation. I decided to take it in again when it happened and followed the "don't let gas get too low" directive and had no further issues until 5/5/25.
Power train, May 7, 2025
Since having the vehicle in for recall 45A/NHTSA 23V-302, there is a loss of drive and a clunking sound when accelerating from approximately 25-30 mph. This does not occur all the time, however when it does and there is traffic behind me, the vehicle behind me will close up quickly almost hitting me.
Power train, May 2, 2025
PTU failure, confirmed by dealership
Power train, Apr 27, 2025
My Daughter was driving home from work at the very busy time of day. Her vehicle just shut down. It was still running, but it had no power. She was almost hit by many other vehicles because of this. She called in a panic. I told her to kill it and restart it. She killed it, but had trouble restarting it. But she did get it restarted and was able to get it off the road and pulled into a Church parking lot. My Son and I went to help her and I was able to drive it home. But it tried to shut down a couple of times on the way. We took it to a dealer shop and they said it needs a new Power Transfer Unit. Very expensive part and it’s on back order because it’s failing on so many vehicles. They can’t even order it for 45 days. After researching this part, it seems it’s failing on many of this same vehicle. When I searched for a recall, it shows no recalls. I think this should be investigated. There was a recall on the power train that we had fixed. But it was just a software update. Now she has no vehicle for an indefinite period of time, and has been very traumatized by the incident.
Power train, Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Apr 24, 2025
I was driving and was at a residential stop sign and out of no where my vehicle just shuts off on me. At first I thought it was the on and off gas conserver device but I realized that wasn’t the issue when it wouldn’t turn on anymore and all the vehicles behind me started honking and then proceeded to go around me. This lady walking her dog even shouted what the hell was wrong with me thinking I was purposely stopping traffic. Then this nice guy came out of nowhere to help me move my vehicle out the way from ongoing traffic. He was nice enough to try and give my car some battery from his vehicle thinking that might be the problem and nothing would make my car turn on not even the starter would want to start. So I had no choice but to call a tow truck to transport my vehicle to a mechanic.
Power train, Apr 9, 2025
Service 4 wheel drive alert warning. Dealership inspected and said Power transfer unit
Power train, Apr 8, 2025
My 2016 jeep cherokee is displaying the service 4x4 & has vibration while driving. I took it to a shop & was told the transfer case needed to be replaced so I had it done. The transfer case was replaced with new one & the module software keeps kicking it back & the mechanic replaced the software module twice & it keeps happening. On 2 separate occasions I have taken the jeep to the jeep dealer due to the power train software needing to be updated cause it was under recall. I have had the jeep since June 2024 & already had to replace 4 different parts. It would turn off while driving when I first got it & after 3 parts were replaced it stopped & the "service 4x4" message showed up.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Engine, Apr 1, 2025
The car shuts off while driving
Power train, Mar 11, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that the gear shifter was stuck in park(P). The contact stated that once the vehicle was parked, the gear shifter remained stuck in park(P). The contact manually depressed the button under the gear shifter to move the gear shifter. No warning lights were illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 56,000.
Power train, Mar 10, 2025
My vehicle losses all power to the wheels or does not not allow me to accelerate on occasion. Mechanic told me I have a faulty PTU. This has almost cause me to get into an accident several times. Unfortunately due to a very long back order I'm not able to get my vehicle repaired any time soon. I was told to report this due to a recall for this issue but my vehicle is 1 year older than the recall years.
Power train, Mar 10, 2025
I own a 2016 Jeep Cherokee Limited 4x4. The SERVICE 4WD light came on a few weeks ago. After research and several mechanic's input, I was told the problem was the PTU, and, since Jeep no longer makes the part, I was given the quote of $2700-$3200 to replace the PTU with a remanufactured part with only a one year warranty. According to the mechanics, when driving with a broken PTU it may cause damage to the drive shafts. transmission and axles, which, in turn can break while in use, leading to a very dangerous situation. I was told that I should put the Jeep in two wheel drive manually and drive it like that, but my shifter doesn't have that option. It shifts automatically. So, I have a bad PTU, but my VIN doesn't have a recall, and there are several people with the same problem, according to the NHTSA site. I am filing this complaint so the NHTSA will step in and require the manufacturer to further the recall to include ALL of the VINs with defective PTUs and make them safer to drive. Yes, the vehicle is available to inspect at your convenience.
Power train, Mar 7, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while operating the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who replaced the drivetrain control module but later the message "Service Four Wheel Drive" was displayed. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer who diagnosed that the PTU needed to be replaced; however, the part was on backorder. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V302000 (POWER TRAIN). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 110,000.
Power train, Engine, Mar 6, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle violently began jerking after releasing the accelerator pedal and depressing the brake pedal. There was an abnormal popping sound coming from the vehicle. The engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V302000 (Power Train). The contact called the local dealer, who discussed updating the software. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 84,000.