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
1,406 reports, newest first.
Engine and engine cooling, May 23, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken for routine service at the local dealer, and the technician advised her that the engine oil cooler needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the vehicle was also taken to several independent mechanics and the diagnostic result was confirmed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure; however, no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 44,000.
Engine, May 18, 2024
My car is subject to the U90 recall, but Jeep is not responding. When I contact any Jeep dealer, they tell me to wait and don't respond for months again and again. When I contact Jeep customer service, they don't respond at all. I think they are ignoring the recall because it will not benefit them and waiting for me to abandon the car. They should be required to take recalls seriously. I believe the NHTSA is supervising the recall by the company so I will share this issue with you and hopefully the problem will be resolved.
Power train, May 16, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power, but the RPM’s continued to increase. The contact pulled over to the shoulder of the roadway and turned off the vehicle. After restarting the vehicle, the vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the power transfer unit (PTU). The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer, who confirmed the diagnosis. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V302000 (Power Train) but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was 70,000.
Vehicle speed control, Forward collision avoidance, May 7, 2024, crash
Cruise control would not disengage. Instead it accelerated me to 85 mph is rush hour traffic. The car continued to accelerate will out responding to any commands to turn off cruise control. Second time this has happened. It was supposed to be fixed by doing an update to the car. This did not work. The second time I attempted to use cruise control after having had the long block engine replaced due to the oil consumption law suit, the car once again had the same problem with now slowing down. I tried putting the car into neutral and pressing the break. The car was accelerating so fast. The brakes had no effect without causing me to lose control. I was forced to put the car into a ditch at 75 mph. Rather than to rear end the dead stopped 3 lanes of traffic ahead of me and being pinned in by the traffic behind me. Car flipped I now have brain damage and failing kidneys due to blood transfusions
Engine, May 7, 2024
“Service Shifter” warning message comes on screen randomly and repeatedly. And my shifter lights all illuminate. I had the dealership replace the whole shifter and harness in Oct 2022 and the problem has started to recur now in May 2024.
Power train, May 2, 2024
SVC 4WD WARNING LIGHT IS ON AND NOW THERE'S A SHIMMY IN THE FRONT END AND LOSS OF POWER WHEN ACCELLERATING
Power train, Apr 29, 2024
The contacts mother owns 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while driving approximately 15 MPH and making a right turn, the vehicle stalled with an abnormal noise coming from the front. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with a power transfer unit and transmission failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The independent mechanic related the failure to NHTSA Campaign number: 23V302000 (Power Train). A dealer was contacted and informed that the vehicle was Canadian and refused to repair the vehicle. Several other dealers were contacted and informed the contact that the vehicle was Canadian and could not assist. The manufacturer FCA USA was contacted and informed the contact that they could not force the dealer to repair a Canadian vehicle. The contact also called FCA Canada who informed him they could not assist him as the vehicle was no longer registered in Canada. The failure mileage was approximately 91,000.
Power train, Apr 29, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the Service 4-WD warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed power transfer unit (PTU) and the contact was informed that the power transfer unit (PTU) needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed that the parts to repair the vehicle were on backorder. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 87,000.
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.
Power train, Apr 24, 2024
My car started showing a "Service 4wd" light on the dashboard. I took it to the mechanic and they stated that its an issue with the Power Train transfer case. This is the same issue that has been on the recall list for Jeep Cherokees except my VIN isn't on the list yet. This issue could have caused me to lose power in my car and could've caused me to crash. I am requesting that my car be added to this list as I have had to pay out of pocket for the very same defect in the make/model car that has been issued a recall. The total repair cost me 3,214.50 including parts and labor($2,148.50 for the transfer case part plus $164 for the diagnostic and $902 for the removal and installation. See images of receipts below. This issue also had me without a car for 2 weeks which was originally an estimated 3-4 weeks. Since this is a well known issue, I would like my car added to the recall list so that I can seek possible reimbursement.
Power train, Apr 23, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the 4WD warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with power transfer unit (PTU) failure. The contact was informed that the PTU needed to be replaced. The mechanic stated that the parts to repair the vehicle were on back order and would not be available for approximately 9 months. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was notified of the failure however, the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 92,816.
Power train, Suspension, Apr 22, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 70 MPH, there was a loud banging sound, the vehicle swerved into the left lane, and the vehicle was safely maneuvered to the side of the road. The contact observed that the driver’s side front axle blew out. The vehicle was towed to the independent mechanic where the vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that 79 miles later, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to a different independent mechanic where the driver’s and passenger’s side front axles were replaced. The contact stated that 40 miles later, the failure recurred. The vehicle was towed to a different independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was towed to a suspension specialist where the cause of the failure was not determined. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 57,576.
Power train, Apr 21, 2024
Jeep Cherokee 2016 Service 4Wheel Drive light came on the last 3-4 months but getting to be not safe to drive. Got it scanned at Advanced Auto. Code read PTU as the issue. There is a recall on this year Jeep but I have a single speed PTU and the recall was on a 2 speed PTU. It’s upsetting that it doesn’t cover the single speed. Don’t understand why not. Single or 2 speed with bad PTU is dangerous so it should be considered covered/recalled.
Service brakes, Apr 16, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the engine overheated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed as having an electrical failure. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that the next day while driving approximately 35 MPH, the brakes started to fail. The contact was able to regain control of the vehicle and the vehicle was taken to a dealer. The vehicle was not able to be diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 115,000.
Power train, Apr 13, 2024
My 2016 Jeep Cherokee was driving one day. Then I got a weird "Service 4WD" light on my dash. Took it to a Jeep dealership and they told me that I needed a new PTU and estimated that it would cost $4,000! I looked up to see if I had a recall but my VIN wasn't associated with the other recalls that the make and model of my Jeep had. I was confused then looked at this NTHSA website and saw I was not the only one with this problem. In fact, this was a recent problem a lot of people have been having and I was intrigued by that. Hoping Jeep does the right thing and investigates the PTU issue at hand but they probably won't.
Power train, Apr 11, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the engine had a misfire and revved up before shifting into gear. There were no warning lights illuminated. The service shifter, Service 4-WD, traction control, and parking brake messages were displayed. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer and was not repaired. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V343000 (Power Train) as a possible solution however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 77,000.
Service brakes, Apr 10, 2024
driver panel told me to repair park brake. at times when I put my car in park the park brake would activate and I was unable to move my vehicle. the parking brake activated automatically when I put my car in park. My mechanic said the parking brake module needed to be replace due to a leak in the rear door and getting to the parking brake module. I do have an invoice if needed. Just not able to upload to this form.
Electrical system, Apr 8, 2024
The back lift gate will not open with key fob or by pushing the button at the bottom of the back door. The only way to open or close the back hatch is to manually lift the door and in turn manually close it as well. Completely random and unpredictable but happens quite frequently. I'm physically disabled and this has been very painful for for me to deal with it happens. There's never been any messages or warnings when this happens. I've had my jeep in for oil changes and other maintenance items, it will never do it while I'm trying to demonstrate this to the service representative.
Power train, Engine, Apr 5, 2024
My 2016 Jeep Cherokee has an open recall on catalytic converter. Chrysler sent notice the vehicle can catch fire. I been waiting since before 10/23. Per dealshipMarty Cancila I’m number 170. Chrysler is send 2 parts per week to dealership. It going to be 85 months for repair. I fearful for my life and need assistance. This unacceptable. Chrysler has to be held accountable.
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.
Engine, Apr 1, 2024
While driving on highway when I try to pick up speed motor starts to shakes engine light flashes and runs sluggish like it wants to shut off but once the speed decreases engine light go out. I had taking it to the dealer prior and complained about engine noises and shaking and they could find the issue. I think this need repaired or replaced because of the danger while driving can cost me or someones life.
Power train, Mar 31, 2024
Message on dash was "service 4WD". Took to Jeep dealership in Colorado Springs. They diagnosed PTU failure. It will be months before parts are available. They said they moved me up in priority to 150-200 out of approximately 500. I assume I have no trade-in value at this point. Dealership says I should not drive the vehicle.
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Mar 29, 2024
4 wd service light comes on randomly, started the middle of February. It took a couple of weeks to get an appointment with the dealership. Twice in the past 2 weeks the car has slowed down, lost power in traffic to where I had to pull over and let the car go at a low speed until it would go at normal speed again. There is an active recall for the part needing to be replaced with the same year model however this VIN isn't listed in the recall.
Power train, Mar 27, 2024
2016 JEEP cherokee 93k miles PTU fault and dealer wont fix under recall. 3k to fixed same issue as all other 16 cherokees. Unsafe to drive does not shift correctly intermittently. Suppose to be software fix but dealer wont fix. PTU should go out 93k miles. If this stops all power to the wheel we will be in an accident!