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, Mar 27, 2024
2016 JEEP cherokee 93k miles PTU fault and dealer wont fix under recall. 3k to fixed same issue as all other 16 cherokees. Unsafe to drive does not shift correctly intermittently. Suppose to be software fix but dealer wont fix. PTU should go out 93k miles. If this stops all power to the wheel we will be in an accident!
Power train, Mar 14, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the 4WD warning light illuminated. Additionally, the vehicle experienced an unintended rollaway while parked. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the PTU needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V302000 (Power Train); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 118,000.
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Feb 24, 2024
While driving the vehicle engine shuts off or goes neutral and I am unable to keep driving. A message pops up on the dash that says “Shift to P and then shift to desired gear.” Car does not drive after doing this. I have to restart engine twice, both times the engine is delayed to start making a loud running noise. This has happened multiple times while driving all while my young children were in the car on busy roads. I have been lucky not to have been in a major accident yet. I have taken my car into the shop multiple times but they do not know how to fix this. I’ve reported it to the local dealer, they are no help either. New battery, all fluids full, full tank, no warning before the car shuts off while driving. I’ve seen hundreds of posts from drivers of the same make and model have the same issue. I’m appalled there is no recall. This can be very fatal if not addressed.
Power train, Service brakes, Engine, Feb 23, 2024
I had no warnings at all, had driven the vehicle just an hour prior, I go to get in vehicle and start it, I put the gear in drive and the dash board lights up saying service transmission, service brakes, "D" on dashboard blinking, engine light on, when I try and drive forward the vehicle does not move and says to put the car in "P" at "0" mph, when I did that the car starts to roll. The emergency break light is also lit up on dash board and unable to turn it on or off pressing button. I have to turn vehicle completely off to stop it from rolling. When pressing on brake the brake is completely locked up and unable to push it down. The 4WD light is also lit up on dashboard. It also made a loud bang jolt when put in Drive or Reverse. Then put in Park and begins to roll. My safety and others safety is put at risk because of no warning signs of having issues then unable to stop the vehicle from rolling could have caused my vehicle to roll into another car, home or even a person walking by. I am unable to leave my home or drive. I see online this has happened to thousand of other people even when there car was new and they were driving. This could've been so dangerous if I were on the road driving when it happened. Now I am stuck and cannot leave my home. I have had battery disconnected and reconnected and nothing helped. This appears to be an ongoing issue with this vehicle and needs to be recalled and fixed. I had no warning lamps, messages or other symptoms prior to this happening. A/C went out on this vehicle at only 20k miles, had the whole thing replaced. Then started intermittently working on and off. Summer 2023 Had last recall fixed end of 2022 when engine light came on, dealership said it was an engine thermostat that dealership fixed under extended warranty and said they also did a recall fix.
Power train, Feb 15, 2024
I had to replace the PTU transfer case 4/22. Now there is a recall for the PTU programing. The safety recall states This recall applies only to the above vehicles equipped with a Power Transfer Unit (PTU) (sales code DK4). This repair was $3,800. Can I be reimbursed.
Power train, Feb 8, 2024
Hi I have a JEEP Cherokee Trail Hawk edition 3.2L 6 Cylinder SUV. The Vehicle has 53,657 miles on it. I recently took it to me Mechanic as the rear Differential was making noise. He recommended I take it to the Dealer due to its low mileage and defective rear Differential. Based on this, I brought it to the Jeep dealer ship in Nashua, NH 03053. They diagnosed the problem of a bad Rear Differential and wanted to charge me $4000+ dollars but could not get the parts. Whereas, I searched and learned that this Rear Differential is backordered by over 700 units. At 53,658 Miles to have a bad rear Differential is insane. If I continue to drive this vehicle on the Highway, at Highway speeds then either I am going to have a severe accident and hurt myself or Kill someone else driving due to a Manufactures defect in their rear Differential. These rear Differentials should be recalled as they are a hazard to the public. Jeep does not care of their defective units, as they state "They are out of Warranty" . My daughter drives this vehicle and she cant get the parts to repair and Jeep doesn't offer anything other than "GIVE ME YOUR MONEY AND WE WILL GET IT WHEN ITS BUILT! These vehicles are unsafe in this condition. If the rear differential seizes up it will be a multi car fatality. Can you please look at this situation and ask Jeep to execute a recall?
Power train, Service brakes, Feb 6, 2024
In 2020, Fiat Chrysler America recalled 67,248 units of the 2014-2017 Jeep Cherokee in the United States over a transmission issue that could result in a loss of power or rollaway situation. I'm currently experiencing this problem now. So I have a message stating service transmission and service break system.
Power train, Feb 4, 2024
Check 4 wheel drive indicator light came on. Brought to dealership and they confirmed something is wrong with PTU MOTOR. Code C14A7-97. I see there has been recalls for this as it’s a safety issue(campaigned number 23V302000. Vehicle may lose power) but I don’t see any recall information when I input my vin number. If this is an issue with other vehicles why isn’t my vehicle coming up in the recall notice? Please let me know if this can be part of the recall.
Power train, Feb 3, 2024
No specific incident, but there has been a few times where when I am stopped at a stop sign and try going it goes and then stops in the middle of the intersection, luckily no oncoming traffic was coming either times. Also, my oil cooler I think it’s called has been leaking. I know there’s been a few recalls on the power train: automatic transmission that I was never informed on until now when I logged into my Credit Karma account. Nothing was ever mailed to my house to notify me.
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Jan 25, 2024
Car losses power while driving, it will turn off. Shift to P and select gear comes up. It also has 4 different recalls that doesn't allow me to register but when contacted dealership they informed me that they didn't had parts for it, they didn't know when the were going to get them because it's in back order, to keep checking at the end of each month to see if the get any. This is not acceptable, as it's not the owners fault. I don't have a drivable car, don't know when it's going to get fix but I still have to make my car payment.
Power train, Jan 19, 2024
Vehicle losing power, causing transmission to slip. Shifts out of park by itself occasionally. Took to dealership and they said that the PTU would need to be replaced
Power train, Jan 8, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that after his wife shifted the gear selector to park, the vehicle continued to roll forward. The parking brake was activated to stop the vehicle from rolling. After restarting the vehicle, the message "Service Four Wheel Drive" remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic who diagnosed that the Power Transfer Unit (PTU) was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in the NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V343000 (Power Train). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced te failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 135,000.
Power train, Jan 8, 2024
Service 4WD light came on. Car has driven with irregularities at times accelerating. Took to dealership and they said the PTU is bad with no way to get the parts till the end of February 2024.
Power train, Jan 5, 2024
The service 4w drive indicator came on on the vehicle while I was driving in light snow of about 1 inch. I was unable to stop because the wheels spun and felt like they were not spinning in sync. I spun out and narrowly missed hitting 3 cars. My wheels spun wildly and the jeep picked up speed as I tried to stop. Luckily I did not hit anything. A few days later I was then driving and experienced a loss in power while the rpm surged very high and the whole vehicle shook and lurched forward. I have taken the vehicle to the jeep dealer and was told it will cost $2700 to repair the vehicle because my PTU is not covered under the recall that is on vehicles oof the same year for the PTU and manufactured during the time the PTU is being recalled for. The dealers explanation is that not enough of the vehicles with my power transfer unit have had it fail in order for them to cover it. There is also a 6-8 week wait to have the repair done. I am afraid to drive my own vehicle on snow or wet roads since I don’t want to lose control.
Power train, Dec 19, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the service 4WD drive warning light illuminated momentarily and then disappeared. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the power take-off unit (PTU) needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number 23V302000 (Power Train). The failure mileage was approximately 50,500. The VIN was not available.
Power train, Dec 15, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the "Service 4WD" message was displayed. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the power transfer unit (PTU). The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, 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 but referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 60,000.
Power train, Dec 14, 2023
Service 4x4 light came on and took to Jeep dealership. Diagnostics came back with bad PTU and part is on backorder. The backorder dates continues to be pushed out with no actual ETA. I bought a Jeep with 4x4 capability because I live in the mountains were it snows. This vehicle is now unsafe for me to drive in such conditions, especially with my newborn daughter in the vehicle with me.
Power train, Dec 14, 2023
Unfortunately, the PTU (power transfer unit) needs to be replaced in my vehicle. Jeep previously issued a recall for this same part for 25,000 + similar vehicles with the same part due to it being defective. My vehicle was not included in the recall. I have been advised by both a Jeep dealership and an independent licensed technician to not drive the vehicle as if it completely fails the transmission will get stuck in neutral and not even be able to be parked safely. Due to numerous ongoing issues with this part, it is currently on national back-order with over 4500 units on back-order. There is no ETA on when there will be availability of the part. I did contact the Jeep 800 customer service number and was denied any assistance. I am now having to pay $250/week to rent a vehicle and cannot get the Jeep repaired.
Power train, Engine, Dec 11, 2023
One the oil cooler unit failed leaking oil on to hot engine could possibly start a fire Two the rear differential cracked leaking fluid could possibly lock rear wheels at speed
Power train, Nov 27, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while his daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the 4-WD warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the power transfer unit. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V343000 (Power Train) and 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 approximately 80,000.
Power train, Nov 9, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the 4X4 warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the power transfer unit. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related it to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V302000 (Power Train), but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 80,000.
Power train, Nov 7, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the 4WD intermittently failed, causing the rear tires to not engage. The 4WD warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the PTU needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but informed the contact that the vehicle was not covered under warranty. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.
Power train, Oct 27, 2023
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? I am currently experiencing a PTU error that is a common issue with most jeeps, such as mine. I did a recall check and there is a recall for the same error; however, my jeep VIN does not qualify for it. Nor does it qualify for the extended warranty that is out there for the powertrain unit. This common jeep issue with the ptu has been causing a decrease in acceleration for quite some time. I took it into Jeep and they said a flash update had already done; however, the next step was to install the PTU hard drive. This was quoted between $3-$4k. After doing some research, I discovered that there was a recall for the same part but my VIN does not qualify for it. At the same time I discovered that there is an extended warranty for the PTU; however, my VIN does not qualify for it. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? There has been a decrease in power when accelerating, especially when driving on the highway. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? I took it into my local jeep to get it diagnosed and they confirmed it is a PTU error. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? No, just Jeep. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? There is a "SVC 4WD" light that was turned on when this started happening.
Parking brake, Power train, Oct 27, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH and making a turn on a backroad, the vehicle stopped abruptly as the electric parking brake engaged independently. The contact stated that the vehicle went into LIMP Mode and became inoperable. The check engine warning light and the Service Transmission warning light illuminated. The contact was unable to pull to the side of the road. The contact shifted into park (P). The vehicle was towed to the residence. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the dealer for a diagnostic test. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Action Number: PE22009 (Parking Brake). The failure mileage was approximately 103,000.
Power train, Oct 24, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while driving 45-55 MPH, the message "Service Four Wheel Drive" was displayed. Additionally, the contact stated that the failure recurred while attempting to engage the 4WD mode, and the vehicle failed to respond. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the power transfer unit (PTU) had failed and 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, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 127,000.