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, Jul 5, 2024
Service 4 Wheel Drive indicator light on dash. Took to dealer and diagnosed as the TPU motor obstructed/blocked DTC C14A7 with cost to replace as 4415.30 called customer service and they stated the car was out of warranty and nothing they could do because my vin number was not on the recall list for this problem.
Steering, Power train, Electrical system, Jul 5, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the EPS warning light intermittently illuminated, and the odometer was flashing. The vehicle then lost motive power. The contact was able to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but the cause of the failure could not be determined, and no error codes were retrieved. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V302000 (Power Train); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.
Power train, Jul 2, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the contact heard an abnormal scraping sound underneath the vehicle. The contact pulled over to the shoulder of the roadway. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the power transfer unit. The contact was informed that the PTU had become detached. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V343000 (Power Train); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 106,000.
Power train, Jun 18, 2024
The car lost speed even though the engine was racing. A "transmission requires service" note appeared on the instrument cluster followed by a CEL. The car slowed to a stop and would not proceed normally after a stop sign. Traffic was backed up while the car was nursed along the road at half the speed limit.
Power train, Jun 17, 2024
Not long after purchasing my new (to me) 2016 Cherokee, the service 4wd light turned on. The warning light has been on for all but a few minutes of driving for 2 weeks. The dealership that I purchased the suv from diagnosed the problem as a bad PTU. Although thousands of the same models were recalled in that model year my Jeep was not included in the recall even though it now turns out to have the same problem as thousands of others.
Power train, Jun 16, 2024
RDM clutches are failing internally Rear Drive Module must be replaced at a total cost of around $4000 dollars. Part to repair this defect is not available with no anticipated supply date. Tried to find the part with any US auto parts supplier to no avail. The last parts supplier said that with no anticipated supply date from the manufacturer, they had 700 of the items required on back order. We already had to have the whole drive train replaced just before the warranty expired (that would have cost about $12,000 if I had to pay) The rear end makes a noise every time you make a turn with this vehicle. This is my wife's vehicle and I am very concerned about her safety. Please see attached mechanic's evaluation of the problem. The part number required is 68545101AB.
Power train, Jun 14, 2024
PTU failure. Car not driving correctly.
Power train, Jun 11, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while on a downhill slope, the vehicle experienced a rollaway. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights had been illuminated. The contact stated the anti-lock braking system and traction control had failed. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that the tire sensor had failed and the PCU needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the vehicle was diagnosed previously by an independent mechanic where the same results were discovered. The vehicle was repaired but the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 51,200.
Steering, Power train, Vehicle speed control, Jun 8, 2024
The vehicle cut off on me while the vehicle was in drive and I was driving on the highway going 70mph. It has done this several times now. The car cuts off. The vehicle looses power.
Power train, Jun 7, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and attempting to make a turn, the rear end of the vehicle started thudding. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with rear differential failure. The vehicle was repaired under warranty. The contact stated that the failure had reoccurred. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, and it was diagnosed with the same failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 34,203.
Power train, Jun 5, 2024
The contact owns 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the 4-WD warning light illuminated, and the 4-WD became inoperable. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring more increasingly. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the Power Transfer Unit (PTU) had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that there were metal shavings in the Power Transfer Unit (PTU) fluid, and the dealer determined that the PTU needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not 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 offered to partially cover the repair of the vehicle. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.
Power train, May 16, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power, but the RPM’s continued to increase. The contact pulled over to the shoulder of the roadway and turned off the vehicle. After restarting the vehicle, the vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the power transfer unit (PTU). The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer, who confirmed the diagnosis. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V302000 (Power Train) but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was 70,000.
Power train, May 2, 2024
SVC 4WD WARNING LIGHT IS ON AND NOW THERE'S A SHIMMY IN THE FRONT END AND LOSS OF POWER WHEN ACCELLERATING
Power train, Apr 29, 2024
The contacts mother owns 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while driving approximately 15 MPH and making a right turn, the vehicle stalled with an abnormal noise coming from the front. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with a power transfer unit and transmission failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The independent mechanic related the failure to NHTSA Campaign number: 23V302000 (Power Train). A dealer was contacted and informed that the vehicle was Canadian and refused to repair the vehicle. Several other dealers were contacted and informed the contact that the vehicle was Canadian and could not assist. The manufacturer FCA USA was contacted and informed the contact that they could not force the dealer to repair a Canadian vehicle. The contact also called FCA Canada who informed him they could not assist him as the vehicle was no longer registered in Canada. The failure mileage was approximately 91,000.
Power train, Apr 29, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the Service 4-WD warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed power transfer unit (PTU) and the contact was informed that the power transfer unit (PTU) needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed that the parts to repair the vehicle were on backorder. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 87,000.
Power train, Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Apr 28, 2024
i was sent an email saying my car was being recalled
Power train, Apr 24, 2024
My car started showing a "Service 4wd" light on the dashboard. I took it to the mechanic and they stated that its an issue with the Power Train transfer case. This is the same issue that has been on the recall list for Jeep Cherokees except my VIN isn't on the list yet. This issue could have caused me to lose power in my car and could've caused me to crash. I am requesting that my car be added to this list as I have had to pay out of pocket for the very same defect in the make/model car that has been issued a recall. The total repair cost me 3,214.50 including parts and labor($2,148.50 for the transfer case part plus $164 for the diagnostic and $902 for the removal and installation. See images of receipts below. This issue also had me without a car for 2 weeks which was originally an estimated 3-4 weeks. Since this is a well known issue, I would like my car added to the recall list so that I can seek possible reimbursement.
Power train, Apr 23, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the 4WD warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with power transfer unit (PTU) failure. The contact was informed that the PTU needed to be replaced. The mechanic stated that the parts to repair the vehicle were on back order and would not be available for approximately 9 months. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was notified of the failure however, the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 92,816.
Power train, Suspension, Apr 22, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 70 MPH, there was a loud banging sound, the vehicle swerved into the left lane, and the vehicle was safely maneuvered to the side of the road. The contact observed that the driver’s side front axle blew out. The vehicle was towed to the independent mechanic where the vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that 79 miles later, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to a different independent mechanic where the driver’s and passenger’s side front axles were replaced. The contact stated that 40 miles later, the failure recurred. The vehicle was towed to a different independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was towed to a suspension specialist where the cause of the failure was not determined. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 57,576.
Power train, Apr 21, 2024
Jeep Cherokee 2016 Service 4Wheel Drive light came on the last 3-4 months but getting to be not safe to drive. Got it scanned at Advanced Auto. Code read PTU as the issue. There is a recall on this year Jeep but I have a single speed PTU and the recall was on a 2 speed PTU. It’s upsetting that it doesn’t cover the single speed. Don’t understand why not. Single or 2 speed with bad PTU is dangerous so it should be considered covered/recalled.
Power train, Apr 13, 2024
My 2016 Jeep Cherokee was driving one day. Then I got a weird "Service 4WD" light on my dash. Took it to a Jeep dealership and they told me that I needed a new PTU and estimated that it would cost $4,000! I looked up to see if I had a recall but my VIN wasn't associated with the other recalls that the make and model of my Jeep had. I was confused then looked at this NTHSA website and saw I was not the only one with this problem. In fact, this was a recent problem a lot of people have been having and I was intrigued by that. Hoping Jeep does the right thing and investigates the PTU issue at hand but they probably won't.
Power train, Apr 11, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the engine had a misfire and revved up before shifting into gear. There were no warning lights illuminated. The service shifter, Service 4-WD, traction control, and parking brake messages were displayed. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer and was not repaired. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V343000 (Power Train) as a possible solution however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 77,000.
Power train, Engine, Apr 5, 2024
My 2016 Jeep Cherokee has an open recall on catalytic converter. Chrysler sent notice the vehicle can catch fire. I been waiting since before 10/23. Per dealshipMarty Cancila I’m number 170. Chrysler is send 2 parts per week to dealership. It going to be 85 months for repair. I fearful for my life and need assistance. This unacceptable. Chrysler has to be held accountable.
Power train, Mar 31, 2024
Message on dash was "service 4WD". Took to Jeep dealership in Colorado Springs. They diagnosed PTU failure. It will be months before parts are available. They said they moved me up in priority to 150-200 out of approximately 500. I assume I have no trade-in value at this point. Dealership says I should not drive the vehicle.
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Mar 29, 2024
4 wd service light comes on randomly, started the middle of February. It took a couple of weeks to get an appointment with the dealership. Twice in the past 2 weeks the car has slowed down, lost power in traffic to where I had to pull over and let the car go at a low speed until it would go at normal speed again. There is an active recall for the part needing to be replaced with the same year model however this VIN isn't listed in the recall.