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: service brakes
93 reports, newest first. Show all
Service brakes, Jun 2, 2026
The parking brake has engaged on it's own 4 times. Twice while I was driving and twice while I was parked in my driveway with car started and attempting to leave. When parked it will not let me roll. When driving the vehicle shimmies and acts like it has serious problems like the wheel is about to fall off. One time there was a yellow exclamation point as a warning light as it was having the issue. The other time there were no warning lights. I never use my parking brake. It came on when I was about a mile down the road. I believe the first 2 times were in March. The last 2 were in May 2026
Service brakes, Forward collision avoidance, Mar 6, 2026
I was stopped at a traffic light and when it tire we green I was unable to drive as the emergency brake was holding the vehicle. I was unable to release it. Car would not go forward or backwards. Finally was able to drive after disconnecting battery for a few minutes. Drive directly to repair station. They changed the e brake switch, and the motor on one side of rear brake and the caliper also. Was working for less than one day and I am still experiencing the problem. The service brake light is still on dashboard.
Service brakes, Feb 7, 2026
The parking brake will sometimes activate while driving the vehicle, I happens twice driving loosing control of the vehicle.
Power train, Service brakes, Nov 20, 2025
Driving on freeway October of 2025 and PTU failed causing loss of power and electronic emergency brake engagement. There were no previous indications or warnings with vehicle prior to total loss of propulsion. Vehicle is at jeep dealership in Gaylord Michigan not repaired. Fortunate there was shoulder on right I was able to swerve into and stopped without collision as vehicles sped by at high rates of speed. Towed to dealership where purchased, Serra Ford Gaylord Michigan in August 2025, diagnostics revealed PTU failure. Serra Ford advised could not perform warranty repairs as not jeep dealership. Towed to jeep dealership, Snethcamp Jeep Gaylord Michigan, who advised not warrantied in United States as Canadian vehicle. Snethcamp Jeep diagnosed PTU failure. FCA Canada denied claim 94684480 and advised vehicle not registered to Canadian citizen. Chrysler Customer Service US denied claim 94727687 and advised this is a Canadian vehicle. Recall was performed on PTU, recall number 45A, April 24, 2025. Ordered replacement OEM parts through Snethcamp Jeep and was advised 400 units on back order with no replacement parts in stock and wait would be approximately four months.
Electrical system, Service brakes, Engine, Jul 31, 2025
WHEN AT IDLE AT A STOP SIGN OR STOP LIGHT THE PARKING BRAKE WILL ENGAGE. I HAVE TO PUT MY JEEP IN PARK AND THEN TURN THE JEEP OFF AND BACK ON A FEW TIMES TO DISENGAGE THE PARKING BRAKE. THIS HAS OCCURRED MULTIPLE TIMES.
Electrical system, Service brakes, Jul 4, 2025
Went to go to the grocery store and the Electronic Park Brake was engaged. Had it reset, went to the grocery store and it was re-engaged. Had it towed to dealer, upon diagnosis, corrosion was found at EPB module and connector pin. Declined repair and had it towed back home due to dealership quoting almost three thousand dollars for parts and repair. Upon later research, found that there is a known issue with water intrusion in this area that caused this and that there is a class action lawsuit due to almost 1.3 million vehicles affected by this and has been known about for almost 5 years. Dealership claims sunroof does leak but there has never been evidence of a leak from that area.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Service brakes, May 15, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to stop as intended. The contact stated that the brake pedal had to be depressed while standing almost up. In addition, the electronic brake failure warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with brake booster failure. The contact was informed that the brake booster needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. In addition, the contact stated the failure had occurred three times, and the brake booster was replaced after each failure. In addition, the contact stated that on two occasions, the vehicle had to be towed to the dealer. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V572000 (Service Brakes, Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was 74,407.
Service brakes, May 8, 2025
On or about [XXX] on Tuesday [XXX] my parking brake automatically engaged itself. With the help of a friend, pulled fuse and emergency brake was disengaged and I got to drive home. Two days later, same issue, now this time tried same remedy and it did NOT work. So now I’m stranded 30 miles from home with my dog. Call tow truck, tow vehicle to dealer, dealer said water had something to do with module activated emergency brake. I’m without vehicle for days while they locate module and have a guy who comes in once a week to find out where water is coming from. I’ve read at least 80 complaints on the issue today. Isn’t Chrysler gonna do anything about this problem? Sad, broke and car less! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Electrical system, Service brakes, Apr 9, 2025
Parking brake module and connector got major water damage. My mechanic found over four gallons of water under my spare tire compartment. After inspecting it he found the module and wires fried. While driving my parking brake light came on and by time I parked my parking brake would not disengage. Check engine light, parking brake light, and traction control light. My vehicle is currently with my mechanic and currently being looked at. He is still trying to find parts and find the cause of the water leak. This was a very dangerous situation that could have caused a major accident.
Steering, Electrical system, Service brakes, Jan 23, 2025
My vehicle continues to sporadically lose power steering, power and braking. “4wd temporarily disabled” light keeps coming on but then goes off. I have taken to dealer and they say it doesn’t throw a code and there is nothing they can do. It’s a safety issue. Other Jeep Cherokee years and models keep getting recalled but not mine. Mine needs to be recalled. Very dangerous.has been happening increasingly more often in last two months.
Electrical system, Service brakes, Engine, Dec 3, 2024
The thing died randomly and locked the steering wheel. Dealer can’t recreate the issue and said they cant fix it. I pay monthly on this thing that cant be fixed?
Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Engine, Sep 26, 2024
The Vehicle stops abruptly while moving and engages emergency parking break and powers down and activating needing to be shifted into park. Vehicle then will be shifted into park and shifted back into drive but will not move until vehicle is turned off and turned back on.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Sep 26, 2024
The Vehicle stops abrutly while moving and engages emergency parking break and powers down and activating needing to be shifted into park. Vehicle then will be shifted into park and shifted back into drive but will not move until vehicle is turned off and turned back on.
Service brakes, Apr 16, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the engine overheated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed as having an electrical failure. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that the next day while driving approximately 35 MPH, the brakes started to fail. The contact was able to regain control of the vehicle and the vehicle was taken to a dealer. The vehicle was not able to be diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 115,000.
Service brakes, Apr 10, 2024
driver panel told me to repair park brake. at times when I put my car in park the park brake would activate and I was unable to move my vehicle. the parking brake activated automatically when I put my car in park. My mechanic said the parking brake module needed to be replace due to a leak in the rear door and getting to the parking brake module. I do have an invoice if needed. Just not able to upload to this form.
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, 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.
Electrical system, Service brakes, Forward collision avoidance, Dec 24, 2023
My parking brake suddenly turned on and my jeeps information center on the dash informed me to stop and shift to park. The light on the switch for the emergency brake flashes as well as the red light on the shifter and the vehicle would not shift anymore nor would the epb turn off . I had to disconnect my battery for about 30 minutes before it allowed me to disengage the parking brake and start to drive again. It happened again once or twice before it completely just stopped engaging even when I tried to engage it. Car states when attempting to engage the parking brake that the parking brake needs to be maintained the light on the switch flashes and a warning light stays on now. The odometer started flashing a day or so after the initial issue began. Now I am unable to use my parking break at all, the warning light and message to get parking brake serviced show constantly as well and the odometer continues to flash.
Electrical system, Service brakes, Engine, Dec 18, 2023
The vehicle constantly loses power no matter the repairs I’ve came to notice it starts this during winter season
Service brakes, Nov 6, 2023
Park brake service warning is flashing on. This is also engaging the park brake and unable to disengage it.
Service brakes, Forward collision avoidance, Oct 23, 2023
My emergency brake is automatically engaging randomly. I was at a red light and it engaged and my vehicle would not move while in Drive. I had to shift to park and back to drive in the middle of traffic.
Service brakes, Oct 5, 2023
Was driving and my parking break engaged on its on for several seconds and then disengaged on its own.
Service brakes, Oct 2, 2023
In the last 6 months my electronic parking brake engaged and it would not disengage. Towed it to the dealership twice. The second time it froze in a parking lot and I blocked a parked car for over an hour. Additionally, there were multiple times my Jeep lost total power while driving. Made a left into my neighborhood and was almost broadsided. Not good at all. As I type this has been towed to the dealership. DANGEROUS.
Electrical system, Service brakes, Sep 25, 2023
After making a left turn and giving it gas to get up the road the car suddenly stalled and had to come to a complete stop. Almost as if the car had went into park but it was still in drive. Service transmission message came on board and check engine light. Had to have a rollback come to tow home. Car is still not operable. I’m about to contact Jeep. I did read online about the investigation for 2015-2022 jeep Cherokee . The electronic brake malfunction because of corrosion due to water leak
Service brakes, Forward collision avoidance, Sep 23, 2023
Emergency brake will not disengage and is effecting braking and driving. It has been inspected but 2 different mechanics who have been unable to resolve issue. This has ruined my brakes and has made the vehicle difficult to drive.