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
Other or unspecified, Engine, Mar 21, 2017
THE TRANSMISSION SHIFTS ROUGH IN THE LOWER 3 GEARS. THERE IS A BAD JUMPING/LURCHING/BANGING WHEN ACCELERATING FROM A STOP.
Other or unspecified, Mar 21, 2017
DRIVING 40MPH JUST ENTERING THE MASSPIKE RAMP IN ALLSTON/BRIGHTON AREA WITH MY SUNROOF OPENED, WHEN A LOAD EXPLOSION OCCURRED. I LOOKED ALL AROUND THE VEHICLE SAW SOME GLASS, LOOKED UP AND SUNROOF COMPLETELY SHATTERED. THERE WAS NO CAR IN FRONT OF ME. NOTHING WAS PROJECTED AT CAR. I BOUGHT THIS CAR IN OCT. '16 AND HAVE HAD NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS WITH THE ROOF. FIRST IT RATTLED THEY CHANGED THE FRAME, NOW GLASS SHATTERED AND THE DEALER IS CHARGING MY INSURANCE TO FIX.POORLY MADE CAR. ALSO HAD PROBLEMS WITH REAR SEATS RATTLING. IT WAS A 50 DEGREE DAY IN BOSTON.
Other or unspecified, Feb 20, 2017
ORDERED A WINDSHIELD BACK ON 12/20. IT STILL ISN'T IN!! I FEEL THIS IS A SAFETY FACTOR AND I HAVE 2 CASE NUMBERS WITH JEEP AND THEY STILL DON'T HAVE A WINDSHIELD. EVERY TIME THEY SAY IT'S DUE TO BE IN, THE DATE CHANGES. MY DAUGHTER DRIVES THIS CAR AND IT IS CRACKED ALL THE WAY ACROSS.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Feb 12, 2017
YESTERDAY I STARTED UP JEEP IN MY GARAGE, UPON WAITING FOR IT TO WARM UP I CAN HERE A CLICKING SOUND COMING FROM THE CENTER COUNSEL AREA, SO I BEND OR AND PUT MY EAR BY THE CARPET, IT SOUNDS LIKE IT IN THE TRANSMISSION, ITS STARTING TODAY TO SHIFT WEIRD,I NEED NUMBER TO TAKE IT TO A LOCAL DEALER TO CHECK, HEMET,CA MILEAGE-5978
Other or unspecified, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Dec 16, 2016
PROBLEM BEGAN WITH THE CAR BUCKING SIGNIFICANTLY AFTER CHANGING GEARS. THEN, WHEN THE CAR WAS IN DRIVE (BUT FOOT WAS ON THE BRAKE), CAR WOULD START TO BUCK AGAIN, TRANSMISSION SLOWED, CAR WOULD NOT ACCELERATE, KEPT BUCKING AND LIGHTS IN CAR DIMMER. HAD TO KEEP RESTARTING THE CAR TO GET IT TO KEEP GOING. BUT, ONCE I USED THE BRAKE AGAIN, THE BUCKING AND LOSS OF ACCELERATION WOULD START ALL OVER AGAIN. DEALER CONTINUES TO STATE THAT THE COMPUTER IN THE CAR IS NOT REGISTERING ANY PROBLEMS AT ALL. HAS BEEN IN THE DEALER 3 TIMES OVER THE LAST 3 WEEKS. THIS ALL HAPPENED WHEN THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION, ON ANY KIND OF STREET OR HIGHWAY, WHENEVER THE GEAR BEGINS TO CAUSE BUCKING AFTER CHANGING.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Dec 14, 2016, fire
MY 2016 JEEP CHEROKEE LATITUDE CAUGHT FIRE, BEHIND THE ENGINE, WHILE I WAS DRIVING IT. I WAS ABLE TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE WITH THE HELP OF TWO-THREE BYSTANDERS AND THE FIRE DEPARTMENT. THERE WAS A POLICE REPORT TAKEN. WHILE THERE IS A RECALL FOR A AUTO REAR-LIFT GATE, MY JEEP CHEROKEE DOES NOT HAVE THAT FEATURE AND THE FIRE STARTED AND WAS LOCATED BELOW THE VEHICLE AND RIGHT BEHIND THE ENGINE. *TR
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Dec 8, 2016
UCONNECT SYSTEM KEY FOB WITH REMOTE START CAPABILITY IS ABLE TO START THE VEHICLE ACCIDENTALLY IF THE FOB START BUTTON IS DEPRESSED IN A POCKET. IN THE INSTANCE IN QUESTION, VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN HOME GARAGE, FOB WAS IN POCKET OF OWNER INSIDE THE HOME. OWNER WALKED INTO GARAGE TO FIND VEHICLE WAS RUNNING. REMOTE START FEATURE OF FOB CANNOT BE DISABLED.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Nov 1, 2016
THE TRANSMISSION SHIFTS ROUGH IN THE LOWER 3 GEARS. THERE IS A BAD JUMPING/LURCHING/BANGING WHEN ACCELERATING FROM A STOP.
Other or unspecified, Oct 22, 2016, crash
ON OCT. 21, 2016, WHILE BACKING OUT OF A PARKING SPACE, ANOTHER VEHICLE THAT HAD BEEN PARKED BEHIND ME ALSO BACKED UP. OUR TWO VEHICLES COLLIDED - BUMPER-TO-BUMPER, AT A SLOW SPEED (PROBABLY 2-3 MPH). VERY MINOR DAMAGE RESULTED - THE REFLECTOR ON MY REAR BUMPER WAS BROKEN. I AM SURPRISED THAT MY SAFETY WARNING SYSTEM DID NOT ACTIVATE TO ALERT ME TO THE IMPENDING COLLISION. THIS SYSTEM VERY RELIABLY ACTIVATES IF I'M BACKING UP AND CROSS TRAFFIC IS NEAR, OR IF I'M APPROACHING ANOTHER VEHICLE WHILE PARALLEL PARKING. I'M WONDERING IF THIS SYSTEM HAS A "BLIND SPOT" THAT PREVENTED IT FROM WORKING IN THE CASE OF YESTERDAY'S COLLISION.
Other or unspecified, Sep 7, 2016
BUY A NEW JEPPCHEROKEE IN SILVER SPRING DARCARS MD. WHEN I WAS DRIVING DOWN A SMALL HILL, SUDDENLY A NOISE AND THE CAR STOPPED, CALL ASSISTANT ROAD AND SENT A TOW TRUCK TO TAKE THE CAR TO CRISWELL JEEP SERVICE, THE TECHNICAL S CRISWELL JEEP SERVICE THEY DIAGNOSED TRANSMISSION, INCLUDING THE REEMPLASARIAN FOR A NEW ONE. ALL THIS HAPEND ON JULY 31, 2016 AND TODAY SEPTEMBER 9 2016 THEY STILL HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO FIX THE CAR THE CHYSLER ALREADY HAVE MY CASE
Other or unspecified, Sep 7, 2016, fire
THIS CAR WAS PURCHASED ON JUNE 30, 2016. WE WENT ON VACATION JULY 18, 2016 IN OUR NEW VEHICLE. AT THE TIME OF THE FIRE THIS CAR WAS JUST 32 DAYS OLD. WE PULLED INTO A LOVE'S TRUCK STOP TO REFUEL THE CAR. THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF AND I HAD BEGUN REFUELING THE CAR. SMOKE WAS COMING OUT OF THE HOOD. UPON OPENING THE HOOD THERE WAS FIRE UNDERNEATH THE ENGINE COMING UP BOTH SIDES. USING WATER AND A FIRE EXTINGUISHER WE WERE ABLE TO PUT THE FIRE OUT. WE HAD THE CAR TOWED TO THE NEAREST JEEP DEALER. CHRYSLER IS TAKING NO RESPONSIBILITY EVEN THOUGH THERE ARE NUMEROUS CASES SITED WITH ENGINE FIRES ON JEEP VEHICLES. THEY HAVE REFUSED A DIRECTIVE FROM NHTSB TO ISSUE A RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM. WITH OTHER PEOPLE ALSO REFUELING CARS RIGHT NEXT TO US, THIS COULD HAVE BEEN A MAJOR CATASTROPHIC EVENT. CHRYSLER, JEEP, MY FAMILY AND ALL THOSE AT THE LOVE'S TRUCK STOP WERE VERY LUCKY THAT DAY, AUGUST 2ND, 2016.
Other or unspecified, Aug 16, 2016
CENTER CONSOLE IN THIS 2016 JEEP CHEROKEE LATITUDE AWD HAS DESIGN FLAWS AS EVERY TIME CAR HITS A BUMP THE CONSOLE OPENS CAUSING A DISTRACTION -- DEALERSHIP HAS REPLACED THE LATCH THAT DID NOT WORK AND THEN THEY REPLACED THE WHOLE CONSOLE AND AS TO DATE THE CONSOLE STILL OPENS.
Other or unspecified, Jun 1, 2016
I PURCHASED A 2016 JEEP CHEROKEE WITH AN ACTIVE DRIVE II TRANSFER CASE FOR THE SOLE PURPOSE OF FLAT TOWING IT BEHIND AN RV. ALL PRINTED AND ON-LINE BROCHURES CLEARLY STATED THAT THE VEHICLE COULD BE FLAT TOWED. I PAID A LOT OF MONEY FOR THE UPGRADED DRIVETRAIN AND WAITED 8 WEEKS FOR DELIVERY ONLY TO BE ADVISED A FEW MONTHS LATER BY FCA THAT THE VEHICLE IS NO LONGER TOWABLE AS PURCHASED. IF THE CUSTOMER DESIRES TO TOW THE VEHICLE THEN THE CUSTOMER CAN PURCHASE A NEWLY RELEASED WIRING KIT AND PAY A DEALER TO INSTALL IT. ADDITIONALLY, THE CUSTOMER SHOULD UPGRADE THEIR RV TOW PACKAGE TO INCLUDE A MEANS FOR CHARGING THE CHEROKEE'S BATTERY WHILE BEING TOWED. CHRYSLER SAYS THAT THEY DEEM THIS REQUIRED WIRING KIT AS A 'CUSTOMER SATISFACTION' ACTION AND THAT THEREFORE, THE CUSTOMER HAS TO PAY FOR IT. HOW IS IT POSSIBLE THAT CHRYSLER / FCA CAN GET AWAY WITH SELLING A VEHICLE AS 'TOWABLE' AND THEN SUBSEQUENTLY REQUIRE THE CUSTOMER TO PAY HUNDREDS OF DOLLARS TO FIX THEIR MISTAKE? IF THE CUSTOMER CHOOSES TO NOT ADD THIS FIX THEN IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT THEY DO NO FLAT TOW. THE CONSEQUENCE OF FLAT TOWING WITHOUT THIS FIX IS A POSSIBLE SEVERE WOBBLE WHICH CAN DAMAGE THE VEHICLE AND RV. IT COULD ALSO CAUSE AN ACCIDENT IF THE SITUATION GETS OUT OF CONTROL. THE RECALL CENTER SENT OUT A NOTIFICATION OF THE ISSUE TO CUSTOMERS, BUT THEY ARE NOT CONSIDERING THIS A RECALL ISSUE. INSTEAD, THEY ARE ADVISING CUSTOMERS THAT THERE IS AN ISSUE AND TO DEAL WITH IT ON THEIR OWN.