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 14, 2023
PTU motor failure.
Power train, Jul 12, 2023
Approx. 4 weeks ago (6/14/23), the service 4WD service light started to come on/off at random times in my 2016 Jeep Cherokee (upon starting car, putting car in reverse, making a turn and just during driving). On 6/22/23, I took my vehicle to an independent auto shop to see if they could pull a code as to the issue of the service 4W drive light and they could not pull a code to find out what the issue was. I then scheduled an appointment with a Chrysler/Jeep dealership on 7/6/23 to have them investigate the service 4WD light. I was advised that the PTU (Power Transfer Unit) needs to be replaced as metal was found inside. A new PTU has been ordered as of 7/11/23 but was advised that this part is on backorder with no ETA. Upon research, Jeep issued a recall in 2020 for 2016 and 2017 Jeep Cherokees over PTU's affecting 93K vehicles. I believe the internal recall # was 45A and the previous recall # was W47. My 2016 Jeep Cherokee (64K miles) was not a part of said recall. I believe Jeep has a larger problem with the PTU's being used in their vehicles but does not want to admit it. Upon reading the NHTSA Part 573 Safety Recall report - 23V-302 regarding the recall of the PTU's, the safety risk is a loss of motive power which can cause a vehicle to crash without prior warning. My Jeep may not have had the component parts numbers listed in said report but did the recall for the PTU's go deep enough than the part numbers listed? Has Jeep really corrected the issue with their PTU's? At this time, I do not know if I have a safe vehicle to drive. I do not know if I am putting myself and other's at risk for an unknown time period. I am concerned about the safety of driving my vehicle based on the Safety recall report.
Power train, Jul 6, 2023
The SRV 4WDR light is still coming on after getting the recall work done on the PTU at the Fox jeep dealership today. A spline was replaced I think. Recall 45A. I believe the whole PTU is bad.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Jul 1, 2023
My "service 4wd" light continues to come on and the shop said my PTU needs replaced but my VIN number isn't part of the recalls so it's going to cost me several thousand dollars.
Power train, Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Jun 30, 2023
I just bought my vehicle and I looked it’s been driving funny I took it to the shop they said I need my ptu fixed when I looked it up there is a recall but I don’t understand why my car not involved in the recall when it’s majority jeeps problem right now
Power train, Other or unspecified, Engine, Jun 23, 2023
For months now I keep having something wrong not sure whats wrong either it’s engine, powertrain. It keeps doing different stuff. First it’s acting like it want to dye like stall out for no reason. Sometimes it loses power like hitting the gas peddle but won’t go engine just fires up. The other day I had issues trying to put into reverse to back up hit the gas and it just accelerated really bad but didn’t move almost like it was stuck in gear. I’ll be driving down road and out of nowhere my car accelerated gears to 3/4 wouldn’t go down when i was going 40 on straight road. Took few minutes to unstick. Whatever is going on seriously needs looked into bc i am worried it’s gonna cause me get hit. This been going on for couple years and i am about ready to trade my Jeep in for different dealer
Power train, Jun 19, 2023
PTU failure, dealer cannot effectively perform recall 45A without a whole PTU replacement, at a cost of upwards of $4000. This is a known issue with the PTUs in these Jeeps, with numerous service bulletins and recalls regarding the part. Failure of the 4x4 system has put my, and others’ safety at risk because unreliability in inclement snowy weather conditions and forcing the vehicle into 2wd mode unexpectedly could cause loss of traction or control. The problem is well known, simply search “Jeep Cherokee PTU failure” and hundreds if not thousands of other owners have experienced the same issue. The component has been inspected by a Jeep dealership/service center and confirmed to be faulty. At highway speeds, seemingly randomly, the warning message “4WD System Temporarily Unavailable” would sometimes come on briefly, then go away. After failure of the part, “4WD System Unavailable, Service Required” would come on persistently and 4WD was not functional at all.
Power train, Jun 15, 2023
When I came to a stop, and turned right or left, I could hear a low "growl" in the rear.This started around April, I went for my oil change and regular maintenance on June 2 and mentioned to my mechanic about the noise. The warning light "service 4WD" was coming on. A computer check was done. It was suggested it was most likely a differential issue with the 4WD. The repairs were not done at the time. I reviewed the cost of repair/replace and also found reports of other people with the same vehicle and issue. I saw the campaign #23V-302, 20V343000, and FCA recall 45A.
Power train, Jun 10, 2023
While driving on the freeway transmission went out without any warning or signs. Was going 65 mph in the fast lane and engine rpm went up but speed dropped to 35 mph almost getting rear ended and barely made it to the emergency lane.
Power train, Jun 7, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the “Service 4-WD” warning light illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the power transfer unit and informed the contact that the unit needed to be replaced. After investigating the cause of the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V343000 (Power Train). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 60,000.
Power train, Jun 7, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while driving at approximately 50 MPH, the steering column was moved, and the 4-WD warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the light remained illuminated until the wheel was straightened. Additionally, the contact stated that when the steering wheel was turned, a grinding sound was coming from the front of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the powertrain control unit (PCU) had an internal malfunction and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 73,000.
Power train, Jun 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while driving 25 MPH or less, the vehicle was losing motive power and the vehicle decelerated and came to a stop. The contact waited several minutes before restarting the vehicle. The contact stated that there was a banging sound coming from the transmission. The speedometer was blinking and the Service 4WD warning message was displayed on the instrument panel. The failure occurred approximately 4 times. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed that the Power Transfer Units (PTU) had failed. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 23V302000 (Power Train) and 20V343000 (Power Train) however, the VIN was not included in the recalls. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 72,000.
Power train, Jun 1, 2023
The contact's daughter owns 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that the Service 4WD warning light was intermittently flashing on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken a dealer to be diagnosed. The mechanic discovered a failure with the Power Transfer Unit (PTU). The vehicle was not repaired. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V343000 (Power Train) which he linked to the failure. The manufacturer had not been notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 90,400.
Power train, May 28, 2023
I don’t as on vacation in the Smokey Mountains. I turned a corner, heard a noise and my Jeep wouldn’t go anymore. Luckily there was a pullout near me and I coasted in. I had to walk about a mile to get a cell signal to call Jeep. A tow truck came 4 hours later and it took over 3 weeks to get repairs. The Power Transfer (a known defect) was the issue. It was replaced by Jeep under warranty. I only had a little over 26k miles on the vehicle at the time. It was dangerous because had a I been higher up in the mountains or on an interstate, it could have cost me my life. Additionally, I was alone and the Knoxville TN dealership where the vehicle was towed was absolutely NO HELP whatsoever & rude to boot!
Power train, May 26, 2023
We were told at dealership that the vehicle needs a new PTU, however, we are not under recall as of now. This looks like a widespread issue with 2014-2016 jeeps and they need to be replaced.
Power train, May 24, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V302000 (Power Train) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Power train, May 18, 2023, crash
The contact's son owns a 2016 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk. The contact stated that while his son was parking, the transmission was shifted into park (P), the contact's son lifted his foot off the brake when the vehicle sporadically accelerated, crashing into another parked vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. No injuries were sustained. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V302000 (Power Train). The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 121,000.
Power train, May 15, 2023
Ever since I bought this vehicle new in 2016 every once in a while it was like the transmission was skipping a gear. Today I was stopped at a red light and then excelerated(not heavily) to go.. and it seemed to keep slipping and would not pick up speed.. i had vehicles behind me so slowly moved over to the shoulder, put vehicle out of gear and then back into gear.. hesitated a bit and then went fine.. This was the scariest incident for me. only has 95000 kms. Checked ViN.. lots of power train issues.. but like the others.. my VIN has not been recalled.. I think this issue needs to be looked into .. with so many of the same complaints.
Power train, May 10, 2023
PTU failed at 81000 miles and needs to be replaced. This repair is estimated to cost me $3400 and happened after just completing regular maintenance on the vehicle. When the Service AWD light came on the vehicle swerved on its own into another lane and could have caused an accident.
Power train, May 5, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while the brake pedal was depressed at a stop, she then depressed the accelerator pedal; however, the vehicle delayed two to three seconds before responding. The vehicle then stalled. The contact was able to restart the vehicle after several seconds. The contact stated that while making a left or right turn, the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact stated that she had to wait several seconds to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact stated that the spark plugs were replaced, and a tune-up was performed but the failure recurred. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 91,000.
Power train, May 4, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while her daughter was driving approximately 35 MPH, the transmission was slipping. The contact's daughter pulled over and turned off the vehicle and was able to restart the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an unknown local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the power transfer unit (PTU) needed to be replaced; however, the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V343000 (Power Train). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 80,000.
Steering, Power train, Apr 28, 2023
I took my Jeep to get serviced on March 16, 2023 for a 'service shifter' light. This had already been replaced before and had a 2 year warranty so this was fixed however my issue now lies that last week around April 20, 2023, I got another light indicating "service 4wd". I took my car to the dealership today to be told the diagnosis was "internal PTO failure". I was quoted an insane amount to repair and was told that the part is not available as it is on BACK ORDER. After looking this information up online I see that Jeep had multiple recalls for this same issue for vehicles 2014-2017 however mine is not appearing on the recall. I called Jeep and was told there was nothing they can do and I'm extremely upset because the simple fact that the part is on back order let's me know that this is a common issue that others must be having as well yet Jeep has yet to take any action for their faulty equipment. This poses an immense danger for me because the repricautions are that if I drive my vehicle I am risking my life in that the car might come to a complete stop mid drive. Should I be in an accident I can only hope Jeep will take accountability for their ignorance and delayed responses. If Jeep is aware of PTU/PTO issues with their vehicles ALL jeeps within the 2014-2017 timeline should be eligible for this replacement under the recall and the part should be mass produced to ensure every customer gets from point A to point B safely. When driving my car home from the dealership I felt my car tug when making a sharp left turn and my car swiveled immediately thereafter. I also noticed that it is taking immense amount of effort for my car to accelerate when pressing the gas which terrifies me that it will simply come to a complete stop and jeopardize my life at any given moment. This needs to be addressed ASAP and a new recall needs to be issued to remediate this error.
Power train, Apr 12, 2023
Power Train is failing; Service 4WD light blinks on and off affecting the driving of the vehicle. Dealer stated is a failing PTU; but my VIN is not in the recall from the 2014-2017 Jeep Cherokees Safety Recall W47 / NHTSA 20V-343. Dealer stated the part is on backorder and there is no expected timeframe for repair/replacement. Obviously, a larger problem for this specific vehicle Make/.Model It appears there is a need to extend this recall to all Jeeps; as the PTU's seem faulty for all Jeeps from 2014-2017. My Jeep is a 2016.
Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 7, 2023
For last yr i keep having car want stall did recall on it. Helped for bit, then it’s always wanting stick between 2/3 when trying change gears. On different recall it fixed for bit the temp on transmission bouncing back forth a lot in temps. I have recorded video to show it. Now my engine light is on for P0441 code with power train possible evap leak. It just keeps being one problem after another like it’s not wanting to get gas to it what seems like. It’s all happened over last year and engine light came on Sat
Power train, Apr 4, 2023
Bad PTU unit in Jeep part #68307403AG. Have not been able to drive jeep for half a year now due to bad ptu unit. Jeep will swerve and driver will lose control of steering. Warning stating 4wd is currently unavailable this will have approximately every 15-20 mins. PTU has been on back order for over 6 months now.