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
Electrical system, Service brakes, Forward collision avoidance, Sep 20, 2023
the parking brake has engaged several times at low speeds in parking lots, comes on when turn the vehicle on, and when placed into park. not sure if it will do it during high speeds, at the shop now. it happened during the Power Transfer Unit failed and should be looked at as a part affected by that. We had no issues until the PTU failed, and the parking brake started coming on when we put the vehicle into park, then would do it, the last time, the parking brake must have been instructed by the ptu to engage while the vehicle was in motion or shorted from a electrical surge from the ptu. the dealer doesn't think they are related, but i disagree. the service transmission, service 4wd, system unavailable, check engine light, abs, traction control, brake light, all came on and the parking brake engaged while pulling out into traffic, i got it to the next drive while dragging the rear tires, i was going about 20-25 mph.
Electrical system, Service brakes, Forward collision avoidance, Sep 16, 2023
I purchased my car brand new in 2016. I did not drive the vehicle often since working in NYC and parking was impossible. Then we had the Pandemic in 2020-current and I have been working from home for the last 2 years and 8 months. The car had been in an indoor garage and occasionally I would take the car for a ride and then the car wash. I took very good care of the vehicle. On September 11, 2023, I had to meet a client in White Plains, NY and decided to drive. When I got to White Plains, NY I entered the garage and parked the car. Immediately, the brake light came on with two yellow lights. Then I was unable to reverse the car and/or go forward. Since I was already in a parking spot, I left the car in it's position and thought that I would take care of it when I return. When I returned the Emergency Brake Light was blinking and I was unable to move forward and/or backwards. The brakes were engaged so I kept pressing the Emergency Brake hoping that the brakes would disengage. After about 45 minutes turning the car on then off and pressing the Emergency Brake the brakes disengaged and I was able to move the car. The next day I mentioned the problem to my Dad (who is a mechanic and engineer) and he came to my house to inspect the car. When he opened the back compartment of the vehicle it was filled with water. My Dad tested the brakes and again the brakes were engaged and the vehicle would not go forward and/or in the reverse. The brakes would not disengage. My Dad had to tow the car to a Mechanic Shop to have them remove all the parts in the back. The Mechanics inspected the vehicle and found water leak on rear trunk of car which affected the E-brake module. Disassembly in the rear of the car was performed in order to dry the water which they say entered through sunroof of vehicle. This has been a mind blowing experience and the worse part is that the Manufacturer (FCA) states they cannot help me. This is really evil and wicked with Jeep Cherokee.
Electrical system, Service brakes, Aug 28, 2023
While driving my jeep the service park brake light came on and shortly after the park break automatically engaged and brought me to a stop, it has been in the shop 4 different times for this same issue and they can’t get it fixed, I get it back and it just continues to happen over and over, this is a huge safety issue and I would like there to be a fix for it
Power train, Service brakes, Jul 30, 2023
Vehicle had been running fine .Then coming home from work Friday came up to a yield sign went to press on gas heard a noise then car drifted to a stop wouldn't move in drive or reverse was able to drift to side of the road. Was a lot of traffic driving by wasn't able to inspect the car. Called for a tow truck they got my car on a flatbed and took vehicle to dealership were I bought vehicle. They looked at jeep next day said it needs a new transmission. I've read about a lot of people having issues with the zf 9 speed transmission. If this were to happen on a highway someone could be killed or seriously injured. Chrysler, jeep have been having problems since 2014-15 with the 9 speed transmission they were supposed to have fixed the problems in 2016 but sounds like there fix was unsuccessful. Thank you
Service brakes, Jul 20, 2023
Parking brake electronic module experienced water corrosion, automatically engaged right electronic parking brake & brake would not release. This issue has been reported on the same makes/models as my vehicle and a recall was issued- my VIN is not covered in the recall, though it’s apparent it should be. This is a dangerous issue as the water corrosion caused the parking brake to automatically engage with no solution for releasing due to the water damage.
Service brakes, Forward collision avoidance, Jul 9, 2023
I was sitting in park waiting to pump gas and when it was my time to pull forward, I shifted into drive and when I pushed the gas pedal my emergency break was on without me turning it on. About 30 minutes later this happened again. I turned off the vehicle and turned it back on and when I did, the emergency break came on. I am concerned that the emergency break will engage again when put into drive without me knowing.
Service brakes, Forward collision avoidance, Jul 5, 2023
Driving down the road the emergency brake engaged and the car stopped. If there had been a car behind me, this would have created an accident, especially if I had been on the highway. I have read that others have had this problem and there is class action suit.
Service brakes, Forward collision avoidance, Jun 24, 2023
My electronic parking brake malfunctioned AGAIN. The vehicle was parked and turned off without activating the parking brake. When I returned to the vehicle and restarted it the parking brake was engaged and would not turn off. In addition, the red ‘brake’ light, and yellow electronic park brake warning light on the dashboard appeared; the odometer was flashing. After several attempts putting the vehicle in D and then R, in effect “rocking it”, the parking brake did disengage. All of the lights remained on. Each time the car was placed back into ‘park’ the parking brake would re-engage, and I needed to go back through the same process to disengage the parking brake.” About the third time, the Parking Brake permanently engaged and could not be disengaged by any means. The car is at the dealer to have the Brake Module replaced for the 3rd time, ALL due to water intrusion. Water is getting in the electrical systems. There’s a recall for a minor water intrusion issue on the lift gate! This is the SAME issue. Please issue a recall before someone is seriously injured or killed. This brake could engage at any moment and easily cause a collision.
Service brakes, May 29, 2023
I had the Emergency Brake Module replaced in Nov 2020 at a cost of over $900, plus a rental car for 2 weeks. Yesterday, 05/28/23, my emergency brake started setting itself AGAIN, plus the dash shows same error codes as before. Being a holiday weekend, I took it to the only place that was open. They cannot fix it. It requires the dealer. It’s the same issue as before. The emergency parking brake sets every time the vehicle goes into park. I’ve been able to get it unstuck 2x, so I didn’t have to have the vehicle towed YET, but I’m not sure I will be able to get the brake unstuck again. It’s very scary driving it because the emergency can engage randomly at any speed. This is an issue the NHTSA must investigate further. Clearly with a second failure of the same system, there is a serious safety issue. Warranty doesn’t cover it because it’s out of warranty. Extended warranty doesn’t cover it because it’s “water intrusion”. Chrysler/Jeep has known about this issue. It’s a manufacturer defect and a serious safety issue. Chrysler/Jeep needs to be held accountable before someone is seriously injured or killed.
Service brakes, May 28, 2023
My emergency parking brake module failed. The module would then engage the emergency brake randomly causing it to stick and create a very dangerous situation. I was able to get the brake to disengage and drive to the dealer for repairs. The repair took awhile and was expensive. I’m extremely fortunate I wasn’t driving when it happened, and I went immediately to the dealer. This was an incredibly unsafe situation as the brake will engage even when driving. My Jeep was stuck in front of the dealer where I parked it with the brake fully engaged. They came to get me to show them how I got the brake to disengage and move the vehicle into the shop. The brake module is in an unfortunate place with no protection from water damage. A leak (probably from the rear sunroof drain coming unattached) caused my damage. Jeep has known about this defect for a long time. My damage was in fall 2020. I’m just now reporting it because I’m having emergency parking brake issues again only 2.5 years later. This is extremely unsafe and Jeep must be held accountable.
Service brakes, May 26, 2023
Recently my emergency brake locked up while driving and lost control and bumped my head pretty hard the car would not release it brought it to jeep dealer they said it’s corrosion due to water intrusion in the electronic emergency brake module after doing a little research on finding that a lot of people are having the same problems and have reported them to you. I also called jeep and had a customer service representative. That was very rude and did not care about the accident. I’ve just been in Is there anything you can do as my car is stuck in the shop at the moment, don’t want to put a new part in if it’s going to happen again because it’s a manufacture defect, and I also don’t want the brakes to lock up while me or my wife is driving. This is very dangerous and needs immediate attention now
Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Forward collision avoidance, May 16, 2023
Tire and brake , bear , park brake etc less 6 month issue
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Mar 21, 2023
Let's start with my vehicle was first in the shop back in February for a failed brake line. Some how it failed. Then my thermoset unit failed. Not sure why on that either. Then they noticed some other issues were fixed. I got my vehicle back. A few days later my vehicle was back in the shop because my transmission kept doing something causing me to keep getting kicked out of gear causing me to stop in the middle of the intersections which could have caused an accident. I lost my acceleration control and while driving I kept losing traction. Then supposedly fixed it. Then the same day I got it back I had to send it back to dealership due to the transmission kept getting kicked out of gear causing me to get stuck in the middle of an intersection. They finally towed it. Apparantly they need a part which is currently on back order for some unknown reason.
Service brakes, Forward collision avoidance, Jan 14, 2023
Jeep Cherokee 2016 has known Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 08-060-16 for electronic parking brake (EPB) malfunction. The EPB remains in the on position and automobile is not drivable nor safe to drive for risk of parking brake engaging without warning. Reason for the malfunction is due to water corrosion and damage to the connector module. (See attached pictures). According to our mechanic, the main issue is the part(s) needed to fix the issue are not available and not expected to be available until January 30, 2023. The time frame for this part continues to be pushed back. Originally was December 26, 2022.
Service brakes, Forward collision avoidance, Jan 9, 2023
When I was driving my 2016 Jeep Cherokee Limited through the grocery store parking lot today to pick up my groceries at the front of the store, my emergency parking brake suddenly came on and made my car skid to an abrupt stop. Fortunately, the pickup truck behind me did not run into the back of my car. A message on my dashboard said to depress the brake and then the emergency brake button to release the emergency brake. I did that, but as soon as I tried driving forward, the emergency brake kept automatically turning on and abruptly stopping my car. I was blocking traffic, so I had to turn the steering wheel to enter the closest available parking spot by repeatedly releasing the emergency brake and lurching forward a few feet before being abruptly stopped by the automatic emergency brake over and over again until the car was safely out of the way. I had to call the grocery store to have them hold my groceries and then call a friend to drive me home because it is Sunday and all the service garages are closed. Thank God I was not out on the highway. I recently complained to the Jeep dealership that it appears the previous recall repair to fix water leaking into the back of my car has failed, but they said there is no further recall for that. Now I see there are several owners with this same emergency brake problem that is most likely related to the leaking water. The previous recall said the car is unsafe and could catch on fire due to wires shorting. It is unbelievable that Jeep is not recalling these cars again to truly fix this very problem they previously admitted is very dangerous!!! The previous recall did not fix the problem of water leaking into the rear tailgate and now my car is malfunctioning and has standing water in the trunk. Dear God help me.
Service brakes, Forward collision avoidance, Dec 29, 2022
In multiple occasions the vehicle engaged automatic breaks while driving without any obstacles around. Some of those were accompanied by a break warning in the dashboard. In all cases, the break disengaged, and it was possible to continue driving the vehicle. It was lucky that there was no car close behind, as it would otherwise cause an accident. The vehicle was taken to an auto repair shop. They were able to replicate the behavior but were not able to pinpoint the cause.
Service brakes, Dec 15, 2022
My electric parking brake engaged when I parked my car, as it should have as I have Auto Park Brake engaged, but when I got in the car the next day the rear left parking brake would no release, and even after resetting the car by taking the battery off and checking fuses to make sure nothing had blown, the brake never released and my car produced an engine warning light and the parking brake light never turned off even though the rest of the brakes released. The light on the trigger on the center console flashes 24/7 now and none of my E brakes work now. I'm not sure why it does this but it has prevented me from using remote start since my engine light is on even though it has no other problems, and from using my E brakes to park, which has been quite rough on my transmission since I almost exclusively park on hills. I know this has been a problem for a few jeeps in these year models now and it seems too common to be used error.
Service brakes, Forward collision avoidance, Nov 25, 2022
In December of 2021, we had an issue where the car braking system locked up while driving at a slow pace. Brakes seized without as if parking brake was on and we were unable to drive the vehicle. It was locked in place. Could not put in neutral, or drive or release any brake. We towed it to the closest auto service who ran diagnostics and determined it to be a faulty brake system. They replaced the Antilock Braking System module and reprogrammed it, and also replaced the brake sensor and brake booster. All for $2400. The car seemed fine until July 2022 when the brakes seized again while my daughter was driving it. We had to again have it towed and naturally went back to the place where it was originally fixed. They said the brake booster and brake switch were defective. They replaced both. Now on Monday 11/21 my son was driving the car in Philadelphia and the brakes would NOT work while he was approaching an intersection. He was slamming on the brakes to avoid hitting car in front and luckily he stopped just short of hitting car. The brakes completely seized, unable to put the car in park or drive and had to be towed to a service center. We then had it towed from PA to MD to Ourisman Jeep Service Center. They are saying that we need to now replace the vacuum pressure sensor and pressure line and possibly the brake booster again but they won't know for sure until the pressure sensor and line is changed. This is getting to be ridiculous and very pricey but most importantly-SO SO SO DANGEROUS!!! This is 3 times the brake have failed (without warning) in less than a year while driving. Jeep needs to do something about this or there will be major lawsuits on their hands. I did a search and it seems that this has been a repeated problem with this make, year and model car. Why has this not been taken care of? This is a huge liability. I will upload receipts for 1st 2 repairs but for this 3rd instance the jeep is at the jeep service and hasnt been repaired yet
Electrical system, Service brakes, Forward collision avoidance, Nov 18, 2022
When I went to leave work yesterday on my dash a "P" with a circle around it was illuminated on my dash is orange. I also was unable to drive in reverse as my cars parking brake was on. I tried many things to get it to release with no luck. It took about 20 minutes of turning on and off the car, googling, depressing the break and many other items. I don't know how but i finally was able to find the right combination of knobs break petal and excel ration it dropped into reverse. Late that evening I attempted to leave my home again it would not allow me to back up. I was unable to use my car and was forced to Uber. I have since unhooked my batterie, did a combination of break petal, seat belt, brake release and gas to allow the care to reverse 5/10 times. This I hear is a continued issue with a Jeep and I should file this issue with NHTSA.
Electrical system, Service brakes, Forward collision avoidance, Nov 9, 2022
Electronic system failure purchase car in 2018 it is a 2016 jeep Cherokee electronic brake booster system failure in 2019 again in 2022 driving on the expressway at the second occurrence very dangerous brakes failed due to recurring issue brake booster basically has a three-year lifespan when hazards fatalities lives lost is when recall will be processed? What does it take?
Power train, Service brakes, Jul 21, 2022
PTU Power transition unit, many jeeps have same issue over 2,600. Jeep won’t stay in park. Can roll down drive way. I lost power when turning into intersection almost got into accident with children.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Apr 24, 2022
Car drives when it wants, stops when it wants, all lights on dash come on
Electrical system, Service brakes, Mar 1, 2022
Known service bulletin by Jeep. Service bulletin number 08-060-16. The parking brake module wiring harness connection can get terminal corrosion through faulty seals in the Jeep aka “water intrusion”. Water intrusion can get into the parking brake module wiring harness and cause a malfunction of the electronic parking brake. Brake will deploy randomly while vehicle is in motion or parked. No current recalls on this service bulletin. Apparently can also lead to fires in the rear cargo area. My parking brake deployed while driving. My parking brake deployed when shifting the car into park rendering it immobile. Well documented issue throughout the Jeep Cherokee community.
Service brakes, Jan 10, 2022
Brake line on front passenger brake area split open without signs of other damage or cause per mechanic - all brake fluid leaked out, brakes did not function. no accident occurred as a result, but near miss incident occurred. The mechanic repaired this and the other front brake line (driver's side), but advised that I file a report as manufacturer would not take any additional information or concern. No warning lights went off, and no other alarm components sounded or created a visual alert - incident was somewhat immediate - meaning that it occurred within 5 mins. The brakes were working, then without accident or any causes of jarring or harm to the underside of the vehicle, the brakes suddenly stopped working - brake pedal went all the way to the floor without stopping the vehicle. Mechanic inspected all areas of the brake system, and could not find any other signs of damage or reasons for the brake line splitting. He concluded that it was a manufacturer defect. No cause for police or insurance intervention thus far. Brake line that split is available for inspection - I retained the brake line from the mechanic as he suggested.
Electrical system, Service brakes, Dec 29, 2021
The Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) system is locked in engaged mode and I am unable to release the EPB causing the car to be immobilized.