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: other or unspecified
313 reports, newest first. Show all
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Sep 3, 2026
I was driving home from work, the digital display (center)!showed my speed at 82m/h and revving the engine, the actual speedometer showed the actual speed I was doing of 32m/h…(right side of display). Computer reading lights and license plate light not working, yet they are. Took to repair shop and they could only reset, but it returned almost immediately. Gear shift malfunction. The lights on the gear shift and the alert in the display saying gear shift malfunction… all within 2 days… car has @97 000 miles…
Other or unspecified, Jun 2, 2026
I pressed button to open back hatch. It started raising and then all of a sudden it closed down and almost knocked me out. My head is very sore where it hit me. I had not pressed button to close it. It just closed on it's own without warning. This happened once before right after I bought the car. I just thought it was a fluke, so i did not report it at that time. I have not taken it anywhere to get checked out. I work so it is challenging to take it during business hours.
Other or unspecified, May 12, 2026
"Service 4WD" warning, intermittent driveline fault over bumps. Slight lag in drive as well. PTU Code C14A7-97. Very Concerned about loss of drive power.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Apr 22, 2026
Intermittent 4wd servicing displaying with no error codes when diagnosed. Loss of acceleration when displayed. Additionally there is a small vapor leak that cannot be found and the
Other or unspecified, Jan 9, 2026
I was told that my PTU needs replaced however since it did not throw the proper code it is not covered under the extended warranty that Jeep had out.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Dec 30, 2025
Transmission was replaced at 20k miles it has still continue to stall while driving causing hard shift and stalling in the middle of the road almost causing accidents.
Other or unspecified, Fuel/propulsion system, Nov 19, 2025
There was a Recall on 2016 jeep cherrokee latitude fuel pumps - i think several years ago. This VIN Not on the list. But, the fuel pump has gone on this 2016 Jeep several weeks ago- vehicle stopped in busy city roadway. Towed to repair place -another make of fuel pump installed- then gas gauge not keeping track of gas . Called Jeep DEALERSHIP in Warren, Pa; and was told NO ONE HAS THESE MAIN JEEP FUEL Pumps. None in any 9 locations. They are on back order throughout the country. Sounds like there is a problem with the 2016 Jeep fuel pump. It needs to be recalled. This is a no brainer; and, not fair to Jeep customers that this issue wasn't made public and that the company didn't make a RECALL on THIS PUMP. There is a waiting lists for these pumps won't start distributing them till December. Please help with this matter.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Sep 4, 2025
I have owned my jeep since 2019. Since having my jeep MULTIPLE times I have had the Service shifter light come on. Previously shutting the vehicle off and turning it back on seemed to solve the issue for a little bit until it would come on again. Later down the road my battery died. Upon replacing the battery I didn't seem to notice the issue ever. Now I have another new battery and the light has come on permantely and does not turn off even if I restart the car and as I stated it is a brand new battery. I know there was a recall for this exact issue previously for the year before mine and the year after mine. Something needs to be done about this because i see countless people have this exact same problem.
Other or unspecified, Sep 3, 2025
Power Transfer Unit (PTU) failure with "Service 4WD" message with "transmission service" message. Unfortunately, my car is not part of the recall but it is a similar issue.
Other or unspecified, Sep 3, 2025
Subject: Urgent Safety Concern – 2016 Jeep Cherokee Gear Shifting Issue Good Morning, I am writing to report a serious safety concern with my 2016 Jeep Cherokee. I have been experiencing persistent issues with the gear shifter and transmission that I believe may be related to a known defect or may warrant investigation under a recall. The gear shifter frequently locks up and does not change gears properly. It stays in the wrong gear for an extended period—both when going uphill and downhill—before finally shifting, often accompanied by a loud noise. In some cases, the gear becomes stuck entirely, forcing me to take my foot off the accelerator. This delay in shifting poses a significant risk, especially in traffic, as I temporarily lose control of the vehicle's speed. During these moments, pressing the accelerator has no effect, which could easily lead to a dangerous situation. While the vehicle is still drivable, it consistently displays warning indicators suggesting a serious issue that needs professional attention. These problems are ongoing and seem to be getting worse over time. Given the safety implications, I am requesting that Jeep investigate this matter urgently and confirm whether my vehicle is subject to any active recalls or technical service bulletins (TSBs). If not, I would still appreciate guidance on how to resolve this as soon as possible, as I am concerned for my safety and that of others on the road. Thank you for your attention to this matter. I look forward to your prompt response. Sincerely, [XXX] [XXX] Email [XXX] VIN# [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Jul 31, 2025
THE AUTOMATIC START STOP SYSTEM SHOWS FAILED.
Other or unspecified, Jul 17, 2025
THE SERVICE SHIFTER LIGHT KEEPS COMING ON, BUT IT GOES OFF SOMETIMES WHEN I RESTART. EVERY TIME I ASK SOMEONE TO CHECK IT OUT, THEY SAY THERE'S NOTHING TO SEE UNLESS IT IS ON. I DON'T WANT THIS TO CAUSE ANY PROBLEMS WITH THE CAR. HOW AM I SUPPOSED TO HAVE IT LOOKED AT WHEN IT IS NOT ON ALL THE TIME. I HAVE A PICTURE OF IT AND I AM STILL REFUSED SERVICE FOR IT.
Other or unspecified, Jul 14, 2025
I’ve went to get my car inspected and it shows 1 recall for “IN-USE NOX - CATALYST EFFICIENCY” . There was no warning signs on my dashboard. My car just acts differently and it sounds much louder. My dealership, CarMax can’t repair it for free and charging over $100 for a diagnostic alone.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Jul 7, 2025
On [XXX] my Jeep started making a grinding noise near the rear axle. Initially, thinking something had broken when I had hit a pot hole earlier that evening. We parked the car at a garage and the next day inspected it and said it sounded like the rear differential may be effected, advising it should be safe to drive in “sport” mode. I drove it to Blueridge Chrysler Jeep in Abingdon VA where I informed them I had discovered a Recall 45A on the Jeep, they kept the Jeep and called me in a few days saying it was only for an “software update” and it was fixed. Om [XXX], I drove my Jeep and upon getting less than a mile down the road it sounded like the backend was dragging. They called a tow truck & took it back to the garage & now with the MOPAR Extended warranty they would have to replace the PTU. It was part of the initial recall and it could affect the PTU and the RDM (rear differential). This part took months to be delivered and during that time I had to rent and borrow a car to get back and forth from work for over two months. In May, the service dept. called saying the Jeep was still making the dragging noise and may be the transmission or the Rear Differential, but they’re still looking into it. In June, after re-working the PTU, Blueridge has determined it is the Rear Differential that now needs replaced and when I asked about it all being a part of the MOPAR extended warranty and they told me I needed to call Chrysler Customer Care. I followed up and called and spoke to several people advising that the dealership would have to call MOPAR warranty. Today, 7/7/25, I spoke with Blueridge again and they are saying the Recall was only for an update. I referred to the details of the initial 45A recall that specifically says that if the update is not complete, it would lead to problems with the PTU & the rear differential. My stance is that MOPAR warranty should cover both the PTU and the Rear Differential under Both recalls the 45A and 20V343000. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Forward collision avoidance, May 29, 2025
vehicle losing power even when on. Does not accelerate in drive or reverse. My issue is the dealer found corroded wires, but when did they not say that the last time it was in which was 3 months ago. They also all of sudden tell me my battery does not fit my Jeep so they needed to replace to new battery in order to be able s add mf diagnose. All this makes no sense.
Power train, Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Apr 24, 2025
I was driving and was at a residential stop sign and out of no where my vehicle just shuts off on me. At first I thought it was the on and off gas conserver device but I realized that wasn’t the issue when it wouldn’t turn on anymore and all the vehicles behind me started honking and then proceeded to go around me. This lady walking her dog even shouted what the hell was wrong with me thinking I was purposely stopping traffic. Then this nice guy came out of nowhere to help me move my vehicle out the way from ongoing traffic. He was nice enough to try and give my car some battery from his vehicle thinking that might be the problem and nothing would make my car turn on not even the starter would want to start. So I had no choice but to call a tow truck to transport my vehicle to a mechanic.
Other or unspecified, Apr 2, 2025
My cars PTU is broken and multiple similar cars have PTU recall yet my vin number is not part of recall.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Engine, Apr 1, 2025
The car shuts off while driving
Other or unspecified, Mar 13, 2025
March 12th pulled in my drive way and put jeep in park took foot off break and jeep cut off. Also still having the issues where the gears will say to put car in P then it will switch to N, I will put in P then back to D or R and it works fine. I reported this several months ago also and since then it has done it about 3 or 4 more times but no stored messages or check engine light comes on.
Other or unspecified, Feb 21, 2025
I have had my jeep since 2020, in September 2024 my "Service Transmission" notification displayed on the jeep. I took it a Jiffy Lube for a transmission service in which aftermarket fluid was put in the transmission and the filters were not replaced. The "Service Transmission" notification came back on in November, was taken into a mechanic that confirmed the Transmission Temperature Sensor had gone bad. The open recalls were repaired by a Jeep Dealership following the issues due to the recalls potentially having fixes for the "Service Transmission errors". Following that mechanic, it was taken to a dealership that diagnosed the Temperature Sensor and replaced the sensor and serviced the transmission. During the test drive, they noticed the transmission was jumping. After looking into it, they discovered that the transmission wasn't firing correctly. My friends with similar jeep transmissions, if not the same, are experiencing the same exact issues with the temperature sensor and transmission failures. There were no accidents reported, just issues directly related to the transmission.
Other or unspecified, Feb 13, 2025
4WD unavailable light popped up. Took it to a local shop. They said the code is for the PTU. It controls the gear the vehicle is in. The car can go into neutral at anytime including while driving. Many other Jeep Cherokees have recalls for the same issue. It is a safety hazard and I am afraid to drive it due to my safety and the safety of others.
Other or unspecified, Feb 8, 2025
PTU failed. Other 2016 jeeps were recalled however this Jeep was not. Service 4WD light came on and the cars 4WD is not functioning
Other or unspecified, Feb 2, 2025
I just bought this used car and just drove around town. It has 101,724 miles and it smells like something burning when I start it up and when I drive it. I know it's coming from somewhere under the hood. I'm paying 9500.00 for this car and already have burnt smell.
Other or unspecified, Jan 23, 2025
Jeep lost power several times and at other times would say to shift to park. Same as the most recent recall but 2016 is not included currently.
Power train, Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Jan 23, 2025
This morning i heard about the recall of 63,000 jeeps from 2017-2019 for the power failure in the PTU. I have a 2016 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk and i have experienced the same EXACT issue! I currently have a 2016 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk. I'm the original owner. This Saturday, January 25th, I am turning it in for the PTU to be replaced. This will be my 2nd PTU replacement. . I was told that this 2nd PTU has a different Part Number than the OEM, or the last one. Thus making it slightly designed differently (i dont know the factual of this statement). *** In the last year, and mostly during warmer months, I have experienced MULTIPLE complete power failures of my Jeep. Anywhere from driving, and/or slow parking. it has even happended at times when taking an off ramp from the highway! I have had other people in the Jeep when this has happened. I was told that I have a loose battery terminal connection. So I went out and purchased the Battery Post Shims to increase the posts thickness on the battery. This did not resolve the problem. Since June 2024 I have been on MOPAR's waiting list for this replacment PTU and I finally received it a couple weeks ago. It is now winter and for some reason the power failure does not happen, but there is a consistent clicking in the front end. Not thinking it was the PTU because it has been replaced already, I thought it was the CV Joint so I bought that part. When i got to the dealership to have the work completed, they informed me that it is NOT the CV Joint, but definitely the PTU. So that is how I have been on the waiting list since June 2024. This morning i heard about the recall of 63,000 jeeps from 2017-2019 for the power failure in the PTU. I have a 2016 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk and i have experienced the same EXACT issue! This recall may need to be extended to include 2016's!!