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: steering
53 reports, newest first. Show all
Steering, Suspension, Jul 30, 2016, crash
MY DAUGHTER [XXX] WAS DRIVING ON A STRAIGHT 2 LANE ROAD WHEN THE JEEP SUDDENLY RAN OFF THE ROAD ON THE RIGHT. SHE MANAGED TO GET IT BACK ON THE ROAD BUT THEN IT FLIPPED OVER ONTO THE DRIVER SIDE AND SLID DOWN THE ROAD APPROXIMATELY 100 FT BEFORE SLIDING OFF THE ROAD AGAIN AND THEN CAME TO REST. SHE DID NOT COLLIDE WITH ANYTHING AND THE ONLY DAMAGE TO THE JEEP WAS THE DRIVER SIDE FROM THE SLIDE AND THE RIGHT FRONT SUSPENSION. THE LOWER CONTROL ARM SNAPPED AT THE LOWER BALL JOINT MOUNTING HOLE AND THE STEERING KNUCKLE BROKE IN TWO. I DO NOT KNOW WHICH OCCURRED FIRST. THE TIRE AND WHEEL WERE NOT DAMAGED OTHER THAN GOUGES ON THE INSIDE OF THE WHEEL CAUSED BY IT ROTATING AROUND THE BROKEN STEERING KNUCKLE. CHRYSLER HAD THE JEEP INSPECTED BUT DECLINED TO ACCEPT ANY RESPONSIBILITY. THE VEHICLE WAS DECLARED A TOTAL LOSS. AS A RESULT, MY DAUGHTER AND SON-IN-LAW SUFFERED A SIGNIFICANT LOSS IN VALUE EVEN THOUGH THE JEEP WAS ONLY 2 MONTHS OLD AND HAD ONLY 1,035 MILES ON IT AT THE TIME OF THE ACCIDENT. MY DAUGHTER SUFFERED ONLY A CONCUSSION BUT IT COULD HAVE BEEN MUCH MORE SERIOUS IF SHE HAD BEEN TRAVELING ON A HIGHWAY AT 70 MPH. IF THERE IS A FAULT WITH THE STEERING KNUCKLE OR LOWER CONTROL ARM ON THESE JEEPS, THEN THERE WILL BE MORE ACCIDENTS AND POSSIBLY SERIOUS INJURIES OR DEATH. I HAVE BEEN A PROFESSIONAL AUTO MECHANIC FOR 40+ YEARS AND HAVE NEVER SEEN A STEERING KNUCKLE OR CONTROL ARM BREAK LIKE THESE DID. MY DAUGHTER HAD JUST LEFT MY HOME 30 MINUTES EARLIER, AFTER HAVING LUNCH WITH HER MOM AND I AND WAS ONLY 1/2 MILE FROM HER HOUSE WHEN THE ACCIDENT OCCURRED. SHE HAD NO ALCOHOL. MY DAUGHTER AND HER HUSBAND ARE BOTH PHYSICIANS AND I AM FILING THIS ON THEIR BEHALF SINCE THEY ARE NOT FAMILIAR WITH VEHICLE PARTS TERMINOLOGY AND HAVE VERY LIMITED TIME, WHEREAS I AM RETIRED. THE REGISTERED OWNER IS MY SON-IN-LAW [XXX]. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Steering, May 11, 2016
JEEP WOBBLE WHEN FLAT TOWING. I HAVE NOT PERSONALLY EXPERIENCED THIS PROBLEM, BUT FCA/JEEP IS AWARE AND ISSUED ADDENDUM CARD - CUSTOMER SATISFACTION NOTIFICATION S13 - AND ACCESSORY KIT -PART # 68321424AA -. AND I IHAVE BEEN TOLD BY JEEP DEALER THE KIT IS NOT IN PRODUCTION AND CUSTOMER CHARGE IS $201.00 FOR PART + INSTALLATION. FIRST BECAME AWARE OF PROBLEM 4-28-16
Steering, Mar 21, 2016
JEEP ACTIVELY MARKETS AND PROMOTES THE CHEROKEE AS TOWABLE FOUR-WHEELS-ON-THE-GROUND BEHIND MOTORHOMES. BEFORE I PURCHASED MY 2016 JEEP CHEROKEE TRAILHAWK IN NOVEMBER, 2015, I CONFIRMED BY REFERENCE TO THE OWNER'S MANUAL THAT THIS WAS TRUE. IN FEBRUARY, 2016, I BEGAN TO SEE DISCUSSIONS IN THE FAMILY MOTOR COACH ASSOCIATION (FMCA) MAGAZINE, AND IN THE FMCA WEBSITE FORUMS AS TO A TOWING ISSUE WHEN THE JEEP CHEROKEE IS TOWED FOUR-ON-THE-GROUND BEHIND A MOTORHOME; THE ISSUE BEING A SEVERE WOBBLE IN THE JEEP CHEROKEE'S FRONT END--SEVERE ENOUGH TO DESTABILIZE THE MOTORHOME. JEEP ISSUED SERVICE BULLETIN NUMBER 08-022-16 ON FEBRUARY 24, 2016, WHICH NOT ONLY RETROACTIVELY REQUIRES AN "ACCESSORY KIT TO ENHANCE FLAT TOW PERFORMANCE" (PART NO. 68321424AA), BUT REVISED THE JEEP CHEROKEE'S OWNER'S MANUAL PROHIBITING FLAT TOWING WITHOUT THIS ACCESSORY. THE PROBLEM IS THAT MY JEEP DEALER SAYS THIS ACCESSORY IS NOT AVAILABLE (AS OF MARCH 21, 2016), AND DOESN'T KNOW WHEN IT WILL BE. JEEP APPARENTLY IS LETTING THEIR CUSTOMERS BEAR THIS BURDEN ALONE, AS I HAVE NOT HAD ANY COMMUNICATION FROM JEEP, AND CANNOT FIND ANY EVIDENCE THAT ANY OTHER JEEP CHEROKEE OWNER HAS, EITHER. THE DILEMMA WE FACE IS THAT THE SEASON FOR EXTENDED MOTORHOME TRIPS IS UPON US, AND WE ARE FACED WITH TWO UNACCEPTABLE CHOICES: 1) CANCEL LONG-PLANNED, EXPENSIVE TRIPS, OR 2) TOW OUR JEEP CHEROKEES WITHOUT THE ACCESSORY "FIX" THAT JEEP HAS NOT MADE AVAILABLE.