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
Power train, Other or unspecified, Engine, Aug 30, 2023
Car hesitation to accelerate and jerks when driving from a start . Took it to the dealer and they couldn’t get a code from issues. The issue happens sporadically but will be taking car back again to see if they can figure it out after next incident.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Aug 2, 2023
The vehicle just cuts off while in the middle of driving and everything shuts off. New battery installed 2 months ago, no loose cables, plenty of gas. Cutting off while driving poses a very bad hazard. The last time it happened the shop that had recently changed my oil two weeks prior said it was due to loose battery cables and it has now been a month since that occurrence took place. Now it's happening again.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Jul 1, 2023
My "service 4wd" light continues to come on and the shop said my PTU needs replaced but my VIN number isn't part of the recalls so it's going to cost me several thousand dollars.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Engine, Jun 23, 2023
For months now I keep having something wrong not sure whats wrong either it’s engine, powertrain. It keeps doing different stuff. First it’s acting like it want to dye like stall out for no reason. Sometimes it loses power like hitting the gas peddle but won’t go engine just fires up. The other day I had issues trying to put into reverse to back up hit the gas and it just accelerated really bad but didn’t move almost like it was stuck in gear. I’ll be driving down road and out of nowhere my car accelerated gears to 3/4 wouldn’t go down when i was going 40 on straight road. Took few minutes to unstick. Whatever is going on seriously needs looked into bc i am worried it’s gonna cause me get hit. This been going on for couple years and i am about ready to trade my Jeep in for different dealer
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Forward collision avoidance, Jun 10, 2023
Blower module, a/c module and yes it’s available anytime. For starters my a/c doesn’t work completely and I have a newborn that cannot be in this vehicle due to that issue. Also with my first encounter with the issue, my car turned off and all the lights came on then turned off and warned that autostart/stop didn’t work, and my emergency brakes didn’t work along with my traction control. The a/c error has be confirmed by a dealer for me, but they said it was rare for a bunch of electronics to go out with it. The vehicle has not been looked yet by a manufacturer dealer due to money being tight. The car stopped working for about 5 minutes with my brother inside the vehicle. The lights flashed on then threw out all those warnings I had mentioned up top.
Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Forward collision avoidance, May 16, 2023
Tire and brake , bear , park brake etc less 6 month issue
Other or unspecified, May 8, 2023
PTU. Car jumps while in park
Other or unspecified, May 6, 2023
Sometimes when driving a message comes up that says check shifter. I cannot get the message off and have to pull over and restart the car, Sometimes a couple of times before the message goes away. This happens often.
Vehicle speed control, Other or unspecified, Engine, May 6, 2023
Sometimes when I mash the gas pedal to pull out from a stop it hesitates and doesn't move, then is sluggish when it does. This has happened often. It's dangerous.
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.
Other or unspecified, Mar 15, 2023
received message on dashboard service transmission after 22,700 miles and bringing car to delearship where car was purchased and has been serviced I was just informed transmission is out need new transmission. This is my second Jeep at the same dealership with transmission being a faulty one, also with less than 25,000 miles
Other or unspecified, Mar 15, 2023
My dash is bubbling up. The topsy the windshield needs replacing.
Other or unspecified, Mar 11, 2023
NHSTA WEBSITE STATES Form Approved: OMB No. 2127-0008; Expires 08/31/2021 LOCATED TOP RIGHT HAND CORNER OF COMPLAINT PAGE. It is unknown if all reports being made are being validated. Attempts to make contact about this have been unsuccessful and no emails replied to. Informed my stated attorney general. No reply was received
Other or unspecified, Mar 11, 2023
This is directly copied from the nhsta.gov website in regulars to recall repairs. This is False information. The car has not had the emission recall completed. The item has been on back order since the notice was mailed to me. On first attempt Jeep dealership O Brian in Greenwood Indiana says the part is back ordered. There is a national shortage. They can not complete repair. Refuses to note my account that I contacted them for repair. 14 months when first. 2nd attempt the part is still back ordered and they are un aware of when the part will become available. They are booked 7 months out for repair as the item becomes available: 3rd attempt jeep dealership Washington st Indianapolis. Dealer says. 4-6 months for repair and asks me if I need the vehicle. I said yes it’s my car, my transportation. I’m am offered to leave the car on the lot and they will try to fit it in when they can. They will not offer a car to use while mine is waiting on the lot. 4th attempt still I am told at jeep Greenwood 3-4 months but I can leave the car and they will get to it eventually. I decline. I call FCA October 2022. Inform them that I have been making contact and no one is able to fix the car. I explain the vehicles decline over the past months. I tell them my emission warranty was ending within 200 mil.Abd asked what do I do. They told me to park the car and not use it. They won’t note my acct that I contacted them trying to avoid the end of warranty loss. They won’t pay for rental car while mine is parked to avoid miles as that was there only solution. They would not call the dealerships to force a service appt. Also refuse to tell me the TSB BULLETINS ASSOCIATED WITH MY VIN. I asked them to note all the cars issues I am experiencing. I was told to tell a dealership. I even mentioned the cruise control not disengaging and increasing instead. water leaking in the back on electrical. No reply nada Recall data refreshed on Mar 11,2023 0 Unrepaired Recalls associated with this VIN
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 16, 2023
While driving, when attempting to accelerate, the vehicle dies. Have to pull over, shift into park and attempt to restart. Sometimes restarts quickly, sometimes you have to crank and crank. Also dies if you have to stop suddenly. Example, when someone pulls out in front of you or changes lane/swerves in front of you. Problem was intermittent, in cold weather, when vehicle was cold. Now, it is likely to happen at any time. This creates a dangerous situation, trying to get off of the road when it dies. Check engine light is on, and "lightning bolt" dash light comes on when vehicle stalls. Ran diagnostic - revealed no code.
Other or unspecified, Jan 19, 2023
My "SERVICE SHIFTER" light keeps coming on. I have had it looked at 2 different times before. I have owned the vehicle for almost 2 years, and has done it after the 2nd month of having it.
Other or unspecified, Dec 13, 2022
i have a failed power transfer unit (PTU) 4WD light is on. This should be considered a recall i found that thousands of jeep owners have this same issue
Power train, Other or unspecified, Dec 12, 2022
The PTU failed in my 2016 Jeep Cherokee. This was diagnosed when the SVC 4WD light came on in September. The problem code is C14A7-97. From my online research I know this is a persistent problem with Jeeps with model year 2014-2017 resulting in multiple recalls because the problem has resulted in vehicles being disabled and multiple crashes. However, my VIN number was not included in those recalled by Chrysler. I ordered a replacement in early October and was told the part would be ready in 4-6 weeks. It is now two months later and the part is still not available. I’m told that at this point the part won’t be available until January. The vehicle transmission began making noises over the weekend related to the PTU. This is clearly a persistent and extensive safety issue that Chrysler is negligent in addressing. I have also been told by the service department at the dealer that there are 389 other Jeep drivers waiting for this part.
Suspension, Wheels, Other or unspecified, Nov 5, 2022
I’ve had this vehicle for a few years now and at the time of purchase the vehicle had 16,000-18,000 miles on it. It’s a 2016 and I believe I purchased the vehicle in 2019 so I’ve had it for about three years now. I didn’t really start to pay any attention to the shaking/shimmy/wobble that the vehicle has until about a year after I purchased it because at first it wasn’t nearly as noticeable as it is today and I had just upgraded from a cheap little Chevy cobalt that was a beater and the jeep was a huge upgrade and improvement from that vehicle causing me to gloss over the problem initially. The problem seems to get worse over time and regardless of me getting new tires, getting them balanced and alignments the same shaking/wobbling/shimmying persists. No issues can be determined that would cause the problem and I am told that the shaking is normal upon reaching higher speeds or that the complaint cannot be replicated. The shaking starts anytime I begin to reach speeds around 45 mph and higher and then seem to stop once reaching speeds around 65 mph . To test further I’ve reached speeds of around 80 mph and again the shaking starts once you get around 70 mph but does not stop shaking when letting off of the accelerator as it does at speeds of 65 mph and lower but instead continues to shake while both pressing the accelerator and letting off of the accelerator becoming worse if you apply the brakes. The shake seems to come from only the front wheels and is violent enough of a shake that it can be visibly witnessed and also felt by looking at the steering wheel and holding onto the steering wheel. Issue persist and has not been resolved. Tires also show uneven and irregular wear on the tread of both front wheels. Front tires need to be replaced more frequently than the rear tires. Rear tires always seem to look almost new while the front tires look as if they weren’t changed at the same time as the rear tires. Not consistent with what would be considered normal
Power train, Other or unspecified, Oct 13, 2022
Shortly after I purchased my vehicle in 2020 I had a service shifter come on the dash with all the lights illuminated on bezel. I took it to the dealership and it was giving codes to suggest the the shifter bezel and wiring needed to be replaced this was done approximately 07/2021. Since then I have had no other issues with it until this morning it came back on. I have looked this up and a lot of Jeep owners experience this issue. It is apparent that there is a manufacture issues or issue that I feel Jeep is responsible for and needs to fix. With this involving the shifter/transmission there is an obvious safety concern. Thank you.
Power train, Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Aug 30, 2022
Car has been having issues shifting gears when going uphill/downhill for a few months, only 88k miles never wrecked, during drive a "Service shifter" alert came on and all drive/park/reverse lights lit up, screen could not be removed, car repeatedly had issues getting rpms while pressing gas. Took to a repair shop and they claimed it needed a transmission liquid flush or brake rotors but neither issues coorelate. This seems to be a frequent issue going on with other jeeps. Problem fixed itself after stopping and turning off car and turning back on but still has issues getting stuck in certain gears.
Other or unspecified, Aug 25, 2022
I have owned my 2016 Jeep Cherokee Limited for a little over two years. I have had it to a dealership twice now for the service shifter light coming on. The first time it was covered under warranty, the second time it was covered by the dealership because it was only a couple months later. It is now coming back on again and the dealership said that if it happened again I would have to pay for it the next time.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Forward collision avoidance, Aug 18, 2022
I brought in my vehicle for the power train update recall and it triggered my shifter light to come on which now they are saying is the shifter bezel and harness and I have to pay out of pocket for. It was not on prior to the recall software update for the power train
Power train, Other or unspecified, Aug 16, 2022
The SVC 4WD (service 4WD drive ) light came on in my 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The Jeep dealership performed diagnosis and the drivetrain control module (DTCM) stored C14A7-97-PUT motor and the component or system operation is obstructed or blocked. They attempted to update the software of the DTCM and it is up to date. The condition persists and their further testing indicates that the internal power transfer unit (PTU) has failed and the vehicle is stuck in 4WD. The vehicle has not been inspected by anyone other than the local jeep dealership, which was on 8/12/2022. The warning message began the week of August 1st and I scheduled the first available service appointment. After some initial research, Jeep had a recall of the PTU for my model year back in 2020. For 2014-2017 Jeep Cherokees where the PTU has not been previously replaced, the auto maker’s recall number is W47 and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)’s recall campaign number is 20V343. However, when I checked my VIN number, it stated that I had 0 outstanding recalls against it. It is my understanding that if the power transfer unit (PTU) fails to engage with the transmission, the Cherokee could lose all power while being driven which could result in a crash or injuries.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Aug 9, 2022
1. UNKNOWN component/system failure. It is available for inspection on request. 2. My vehicle will randomly flash an error message while driving "Shift to park and then select desired gear." As this error message is displayed, the engine stops while driving. The car is seemingly forced into neutral. Sometimes it will start again immediately. Sometimes it takes several minutes. It happens completely randomly. It is incredibly dangerous, especially when driving on the highway. I have been lucky that no one has crashed into me yet. 3. I have not had my own vehicle checked for this issues as I am not confident that the solution will be found. I have found hundreds of other Jeep owners (various years/models) in online forums complaining about the same issue. The dealerships and service centers have not been able to find a fix, or even identify what the problem is. 4. No 5. Warning message reads something like: "Shift to park and then select desired gear." This has been appearing randomly while driving. This is an obvious issue with the Jeeps that I am certain Chrysler must be aware of. I have spent a lot of money on this car, and I am terrified to drive my young children to daycare. I am terrified to drive to work. I need this issue investigated, and I need a resolution. Hundreds, if not thousands, of Jeep owners need a resolution.