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, Nov 11, 2024
Service 4WD warning received shortly after car was returned from dealership for recall fixes. Took car to independent repair shop where car was diagnosed with code C14A7-97, PTU failure
Power train, Nov 11, 2024
Vehicle is throwing code C14A7-97 Drive terrain Control Mobule Vehicle shifts weirdly while driving and losses a little power.
Power train, Nov 10, 2024
The service 4 Wheel Drive light comes up. The dealer wants to charge over $3,000 to fix the PTU. I have under 60,000 and hardly ever used the 4WD.
Power train, Electrical system, Nov 9, 2024
3-4 time this has happened and twice in the last 2 weeks my car just won’t turn over. I have to turn switch then put car in/out of park to get my car to start. For few months now I keep hearing vibrating, grinding noises when I go to slow down or stop. I thought it could be my left front axle so I changed it, pads and rotors. They didn’t even look bad when I changed them. The noises is coming from somewhere below driver side. With no lights coming on it’s hard to know and I can’t afford just pay 150 to look at it say who knows. My fear is it will die on my driving when it also goes up down with acceleration at times. I don’t understand why they don’t seem to do recalls on these 2016 Jeeps when clearly everybody’s having the same issues but they claim it’s not our models. My car is barely over 100,000 miles. This is literally my third complain in a year with the same issues.
Power train, Nov 4, 2024
The power transfer unit (ptu), yes it is available to look at. It's making grinding and knocking noise, it could come out of park on its on. Yes it has been seen by car dealer shop and confirmed its the power transfer unit (ptu). Yes its been looked at and hooked up to a machine by dealership, and a garage that found it first. Yes, the service 4wd light came on that's why we to it to garage to be checked and that's when they told me about the power transfer unit (ptu) was out. I took it to dealership and they confirmed it and they're was recalls on on the power transfer unit (ptu) just not on mine
Power train, Nov 4, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while driving approximately 50 MPH, the message “4WD Unavailable – Service Required” was displayed. The contact stated that the message appeared intermittently for the day. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was power transfer unit (PTU) needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 136,368.
Power train, Oct 24, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that the “Service 4WD” warning light was illuminated. While driving approximately 45 MPH and decelerating, the vehicle suddenly stalled from the transmission independently shifting into neutral(N) and failing to release. The vehicle was towed to the dealer who diagnosed and determined that the transfer case (PTU) had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and opened a case regarding the failure. The manufacturer confirmed there was no recall on the VIN the failure. The failure mileage was 49,000.
Power train, Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Oct 22, 2024
While driving the Vehicle the gear attempted to go into 4WD by itself. I pulled over and at that time I could not shift the car into drive or park. I believe the transmission or gear shift is having an issue. No warning lights go on the dashboard and it will stall while driving on the highway which caused an extreme safety hazard.
Power train, Oct 12, 2024
Check engine light came on. Service Shifter has been displaying on the screen. Started to shake when stopped and backing up. Shifter will light up all functions while driving and display service shifter.
Power train, Oct 10, 2024
Transfer case failed, model year 2016 at 102K miles. It appears this is a recall item on some Jeep models. The 2016 Jeep Cherokee should be added.
Power train, Oct 8, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated upon starting the vehicle, the 4-WD warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to Cookeville Transmission, where it was diagnosed and determined that the PTU had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was then taken to another independent mechanic, where the same assessment was made. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V302000 (Power Train); however, the VIN was not included. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 158,000.
Power train, Oct 4, 2024
The PTU in our Jeep, was replaced once in 2021. In February of this year I go a notice from Chrysler extending my warranty on my 2016 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk 4WD to 15 years/unlimited miles. It also mentioned some of the failure indicators were sudden power decrease and a banging noise, which we were experiencing, and instructed contact your dealer for a get a diagnosis regarding the issue. We took the vehicle to the dealer and they said they couldn't find the problem. [XXX], my wife was driving when she heard a clunk and grinding noise, we immediately to the vehicle to the dealer where it was determined that the PTU failed and resulted in a Transmission failure. We were told the warranty didn't cover the mating flanges between the PTU and the Transmission, where the bolts broke. Chrysler Customer Care agreed with them and would not cover the cost of the repairs. It is my contention that either Chrysler is continuing to out a defective product, or the dealer failed to properly torque the flange bolts when the PTU was replaced in 2021. Not sure if it is possible for NHTSA to inspect my vehicle for possible defects and a cause as to why the flange bolts would break. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Power train, Sep 19, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact heard a loud clunking sound while turning. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and was diagnosed with PTU failure. The contact was advised to take the vehicle to the dealer. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with PTU failure. The contact was informed that the PTU needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed that the parts were on back order. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V302000 (Power Train); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was 110,000.
Power train, Sep 16, 2024
Service Shifter light comes on while the gear functions turn red in color for park, reverse, neutral, and drive. I did a prior recall search and saw numerous complaints for my car make/model and year. Was this a recall? If not, why not? I found complaints that could be safety. After this, I wouldn’t recommend Jeep without more requirements to assess for safety.
Power train, Sep 6, 2024
There is a recall on the Power Transfer Unit in my vehicle, a 2016 Jeep Cherokee which can cause rollaway or loss of control causing crash or injury.
Power train, Structure, Aug 26, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while it rained or after the vehicle had gone through a car wash, there was water entering the vehicle. The contact stated that there would be water on the front passenger’s side floor. The contact stated that there was mold inside the vehicle and the floorboard was full of water. While having the vehicle detailed, he was informed about the mold and water on the floorboard. The service shifter message was also displayed. The contact stated that the failure was related to TSB: 23-015-16 and TSB: 23-021-20. The local dealer was contacted, and the contact was informed about diagnostic testing and that there was no warranty coverage for the repair of the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.
Power train, Aug 21, 2024
PTU seems to be faulting resulting in lost of power to the rear drive train
Power train, Aug 20, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that the 4WD light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the Power Transfer Unit had failed and needed to be replaced. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V343000 (Power Train); however, the dealer confirmed that the VIN was not included. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 92,000.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Engine, Aug 9, 2024
While driving the vehicle I encounter a loss of driving power, then the check engine light comes on and the service 4 wheel drive indicator comes on. The loss of power while I'm driving creates an unsafe condition because i am driving on the highway among other vehicles when this occurs. This happens to me at least once per day while i am driving and on one particular day it occurred six times. The problem has not been reproduced or inspected.
Power train, Aug 7, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH, the "Service 4WD" warning light illuminated. The contact was able to drive the vehicle to a local dealer. The vehicle was diagnosed, and the dealer determined that the transfer case had failed and that metal shavings were found in the transmission. The dealer informed the contact that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The contact researched and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V302000 (Power Train). The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.
Power train, Jul 23, 2024
While driving in a parking lot at under 10 mph my car stalled and there was an audible ding at that point I received an error stating "shift to park". This happened twice within an hour or so and both times I was in a parking lot and advancing slowly uphill. I am very nervous and curious if this is another software update issue. I had a transmission error a couple years ago where my car just ceased to move. It was fixed with the update.
Power train, Jul 23, 2024
Jeep skips gears on highway and loses power while accelerating to get up to speed. Took jeep to multiple dealers which all has said it's the torque converter. My jeep is a 2016 with only 77k miles on it. It jerks you at stop lights to almost hitting the car in front of you or losing all power in highway when trying to merge on. I have read that there has been recalls on 2016 jeep cherokee transmissions. Is there a recall on mine?
Power train, Jul 22, 2024
Since owning the vehicle the transmission has been an issue. From disengaging gears, to hard shifting, to Rear PTU fluid seeping from the driver's side rear axle due to a design flaw; this truck has been an absolute nightmare. The dealer has stated multiple times that the transmission is not faulty and performing as expected. 2014-2016 Jeep Cherokee's with the same rear PTU and transmissions have had recalls and PTU replaced, etc. but yet my VIN does not have any recall yet. I have video evidence of the transmission performing erratically and not as intended from just about 50,000 miles. Yet, Jeep would not do anything to remedy the situation. They have flashed the software, performed a rear differential service (which I had to pay for, wasn't free), and done everything to avoid taking accountability for their design flaw and product failures.
Power train, Jul 16, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while driving on several occasions at various speeds, the vehicle lost motive power, and failed to accelerate as intended. The contact stated that there was a warning chime with the Service Transmission message displayed. The vehicle was pulled over to the side of the road and restarted; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 199,000.
Steering, Power train, Electrical system, Jul 6, 2024
The car is constantly overheating because a failure from the computer to start up the fan causing other issues with the coolant. Like bursting all the hoses and causing coolant leaks. Additionally a service shifter message came up on my screen and all the gears (p,r,n,d,l) light up with a red dot. This happens while I’m driving. I never know when the car is just going to stop or over heat in traffic because sometimes the fan starts and sometimes it doesn’t.