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, Dec 31, 2024
Started hesitating and did it at random times. I had a tune up done and it continued. I thought it was the transmission and took it to the transmission shop and they didn’t find anything wrong with the transmission. Started losing power and hesitation became worse while in traffic. Now it’s hesitating while stopped at the traffic light and not accelerating when taking off from a complete stop and not accelerating while merging. I brought it to the dealership in Lakeport, Ca. 95453. When I brought it to them the start stop warning lights were lit up on the dash. The start stop feature is creating the problem. I’m being told by the dealership that they can’t disengage the start stop feature. This is a safety hazard and I’m concerned it’s going to create engine problems. Apparently it’s a nationwide issue. The start stop feature needs to be recalled and fixed.
Other or unspecified, Visibility/wiper, Dec 29, 2024
Cracked windshield. No visible impact mark. Parked car at home and when came back out there was small crack coming from bottom driver side going up. Later on when actually driving the vehicle the crack randomly started getting bigger and went further up and then split to the side until reached edge of windshield.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Nov 22, 2024
2 WEEKS AGO, I WAS DRIVING MY JEEP AND STOPPED FOR A TRAIN. THE JEEP SUDDENLY CUT OFF. I PUT IT IN PARK AND IT STARTED RIGHT UP. AFTER THE TRAIN PASSED, I DROVE APPROXIMATELY 200 FEET TO THE NEXT STOP SIGN AND IT CUT OFF AGAIN. IT RESTARTED, BUT I HAVEN'T DRIVEN IT FOR ANY DISTANCE SINCE THEN BECAUSE I'M AFRAID IT WILL CUT OFF ON THE HIGHWAY WHILE I'M GOING TO WORK OR ELSEWHERE. ALL MAINTENANCE IS CURRENT AND FLUIDS ARE CORRECT.
Power train, Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Oct 22, 2024
While driving the Vehicle the gear attempted to go into 4WD by itself. I pulled over and at that time I could not shift the car into drive or park. I believe the transmission or gear shift is having an issue. No warning lights go on the dashboard and it will stall while driving on the highway which caused an extreme safety hazard.
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.
Other or unspecified, Sep 4, 2024
The jeep has stalled out few times just stops running no reason then starts up after a few minutes very unsafe my son was driving jeep and just died on him middle of the road. Luckily a police crusier helped him off the road. Been in the shop for this nobody can find anything
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 3, 2024
On two occasions within 5 days while driving the vehicle, (the vehicle was in motion) it suddenly stopped and the would not accelerate making a whining noise as if the car was in Neutral. The dashboard then said to put the car in Park. or Shift to Park. I tried to turn off the vehicle and it didn't immediately want to restart, it was full of gas but sounded like it was empty. I was able to finally turn it on.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Engine, Aug 9, 2024
While driving the vehicle I encounter a loss of driving power, then the check engine light comes on and the service 4 wheel drive indicator comes on. The loss of power while I'm driving creates an unsafe condition because i am driving on the highway among other vehicles when this occurs. This happens to me at least once per day while i am driving and on one particular day it occurred six times. The problem has not been reproduced or inspected.
Other or unspecified, Jul 16, 2024
The “service 4WD” light came on in my vehicle, and upon taking the vehicle to Faricy Boys, I was informed I need to replace the PTU in my car. After looking into this, this appears to be an extremely common problem in Jeeps. Though my vehicle is not on the current recall list for this issue, I believe it should be.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Jun 21, 2024
Jeep completely shut down while driving and cars behind me almost crashed all lights came on would not shift back into gear very scary had to call tow truck. This is the second time .
Other or unspecified, Jun 19, 2024
I was driving and the vehicle cut off , said service shifter and had to put in park , and restart . I was in the middle of traffic and was luckily able to pull over . It started after stuttering a few times . But I’m now scared to drive it .
Power train, Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Apr 28, 2024
i was sent an email saying my car was being recalled
Other or unspecified, Apr 28, 2024
While driving the vehicle will loose power unexpectedly. Then it will gain power again. It has happened several times and I have taken it to the dealer several times and they have not been able to recreate it. They say there is no error codes that they can find. This problem has occurred while going through intersections and on highways. We have had several miss-incidents because of this problem. Have heard from others this issue is a common problem with the Jeep.
Other or unspecified, Apr 3, 2024
I am not sure what component, system failed or malfunctioned but my vehicle is available to be inspected. My SUV has cut off on me several times while the vehicle is in drive gear and I was driving on the highway. It also cut off on me while I was in motion and turning the vehicle to the right. The vehicle cutting off caused me to run into a curb and I was thankful that there weren't any pedestrians on the sidewalk. My safety is at risk because I never know when the vehicle will cut off while I'm driving. I have taken the vehicle to try to figure out whats wrong with it and why it keeps cutting off without warning. There are no lights on the dash. However when the vehicle cuts off, "Service Shifter" comes on. Once I restart the vehicle the warning light goes off.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Feb 28, 2024
The shifter causes an error whenever I shift into drive. An alert comes up on the dashboard making the dashboard inaccessible and the PRNDL lights up red. The alert says "service shifter."
Other or unspecified, Feb 28, 2024
Service Shifter Warning. Took to the dealership and was told there was a notice, no recall on the shifter bezel system. They said the shifter bezel harness system is bad and I had to replace it for over $400. If this is a known Jeep wide safety issue why is there no recall?
Other or unspecified, Feb 2, 2024
I have been trying to get into my dealer for months concerning this recall they continue ton give me the run around and have been no help
Other or unspecified, Engine, Jan 29, 2024
No accident but my Jeep Cherokee has a gushing leak - Oil Housing Filter is leaking oil straight into my engine - Auto shop informed me it is extremely dangerous and I cannot drive my car as it could cause my engine to catch fire, I am not without a car. I got quoted $847.70 - higher $800's to fix this. It is shown that there have been past recalls on other jeeps due to this. I have no way to pay for this. Jeep's engine light is on now and won't go over 40 MPH
Other or unspecified, Jan 22, 2024
After getting catalytic recall done my car has had delay and hesitation. The car is extremely hot underneath it and is loud while accelerating and idling. Have taken it back to the original dealership for the issue and they continue to say nothing is wrong.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Jan 5, 2024
While I am driving my car feels like it shifts into neutral but I am still in park. no control of car and breaks. Then the dash says "Shift into P then select desired gear". The only was to get the car moving again is to shut it down and restart it. When I do this it makes a loud sound. This very dangerous as I do not have control of the car and it happens without warning. No errors, check engine light or anything. I have scheduled an appointment at the dealership but i cannot get an appointment for about a month.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Oct 5, 2023
My Power Train Unit has failed to work properly and needs to be replaced. Several years prior to this occurring, my transmission kept skipping, jumping when I would accelerate from a stop, every time I took my vehicle to the dealership for this problem, it would not happen. They said, unless they personally witness this problem first hand, they could not repair my vehicle. My extended warranty has now expired. I believe the transmission skipping was the beginning of my PTU problem.
Other or unspecified, Sep 24, 2023
When I am driving ( mainly around 40 mph ) my vehicles automatic transmission will out of the clear blue SLAM into gear. This does not happen all the time but many times. I have taken it to the dealership on numerous occasions but because they cannot get the vehicle to do it while they are driving it and it does not throw a code they are unable to find or fix the problem . I have called the Chrysler customer service number many times and have been told the supervisor will call me back but never does. This has been going on for the last 4 years.
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Other or unspecified, Sep 11, 2023
The car has been stalling when the fuel level reaches the half point for over a year now. Now it is stalling at any time regardless of the fuel line level. Recalls completed and up to date. Informed it was a software issue. Car still performing the same after recall.
Other or unspecified, Aug 31, 2023
I own a 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk (VIN [XXX] ) that just had a Service Shifter message and required a shifter replacement due to a faulty shifter. My Jeep was in-service as of October 2015 and it is my opinion that it should have been a part of the S28 recall on the Grand Cherokees. I have requested reimbursement from Jeep and was told it would be denied because it was not under the covered VIN. I requested that the dealership keep the part in order to confirm it was the same defect, but they said it was already destroyed. I feel like Jeep did not do a wide enough recall to cover all vehicles with that defect and would ask for you to look into it and assist me with getting reimbursement for the costs incurred. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)