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, Mar 18, 2024
While driving engine suddenly turns off. After getting vehicle to side of road and placing in park, car will start again. This has happened several times. Battery, oil levels checked and there is no engine code that shows up on OBD II reader. Very Dangerous!
Power train, Mar 14, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the 4WD warning light illuminated. Additionally, the vehicle experienced an unintended rollaway while parked. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the PTU needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V302000 (Power Train); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 118,000.
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?
Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 27, 2024
I received an FCA recall notice, GW270231, for my 2016 Jeep Cherokee Latitude related to the Catalyst Efficiency-U90 recall on 1/22/24. . I attempted to schedule a recall service appointment at two different local Jeep/Chrysler dealerships. The first one (Aritioli Jeep) Enfield, CT. stated they were unable to obtain the correct parts and that I should keep calling their parts department to know when the parts were obtained. I scheduled the recall service with Bertera Jeep/Chrysler in West Springfield, MA for 2/29/24. I was informed on 2/26/24 that my appointment was canceled because they did not know when they would have the required parts. The service representative stated it would take months and advised I should call them for a status update each month. I need assistance and support to ensure the required parts are sent to the dealership so I can resolve this Jeep recall issue promptly.
Engine, Feb 26, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, she heard an abnormal ticking sound emanating from the engine compartment. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that the vehicle needed an oil change. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred, after which the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed failures with the lifters and cam shaft, resulting in a misfire in cylinder #5. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was unknown.
Electrical system, Feb 25, 2024
Jeep gives a “service shifter” warning/notification and all the lights on the shifter are on. Can clear by turning the car off and back on but the notification will soon appear again after driving. Happens every 100-200 miles or if the car is turned on and off just a few times a day for daily use. Shifter was refusing to be put in park one of the times the notification came on, very scary if you are driving or attempting to park.
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Feb 24, 2024
While driving the vehicle engine shuts off or goes neutral and I am unable to keep driving. A message pops up on the dash that says “Shift to P and then shift to desired gear.” Car does not drive after doing this. I have to restart engine twice, both times the engine is delayed to start making a loud running noise. This has happened multiple times while driving all while my young children were in the car on busy roads. I have been lucky not to have been in a major accident yet. I have taken my car into the shop multiple times but they do not know how to fix this. I’ve reported it to the local dealer, they are no help either. New battery, all fluids full, full tank, no warning before the car shuts off while driving. I’ve seen hundreds of posts from drivers of the same make and model have the same issue. I’m appalled there is no recall. This can be very fatal if not addressed.
Power train, Service brakes, Engine, Feb 23, 2024
I had no warnings at all, had driven the vehicle just an hour prior, I go to get in vehicle and start it, I put the gear in drive and the dash board lights up saying service transmission, service brakes, "D" on dashboard blinking, engine light on, when I try and drive forward the vehicle does not move and says to put the car in "P" at "0" mph, when I did that the car starts to roll. The emergency break light is also lit up on dash board and unable to turn it on or off pressing button. I have to turn vehicle completely off to stop it from rolling. When pressing on brake the brake is completely locked up and unable to push it down. The 4WD light is also lit up on dashboard. It also made a loud bang jolt when put in Drive or Reverse. Then put in Park and begins to roll. My safety and others safety is put at risk because of no warning signs of having issues then unable to stop the vehicle from rolling could have caused my vehicle to roll into another car, home or even a person walking by. I am unable to leave my home or drive. I see online this has happened to thousand of other people even when there car was new and they were driving. This could've been so dangerous if I were on the road driving when it happened. Now I am stuck and cannot leave my home. I have had battery disconnected and reconnected and nothing helped. This appears to be an ongoing issue with this vehicle and needs to be recalled and fixed. I had no warning lamps, messages or other symptoms prior to this happening. A/C went out on this vehicle at only 20k miles, had the whole thing replaced. Then started intermittently working on and off. Summer 2023 Had last recall fixed end of 2022 when engine light came on, dealership said it was an engine thermostat that dealership fixed under extended warranty and said they also did a recall fix.
Electrical system, Structure, Feb 20, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V338000 (Electrical System, Structure) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Power train, Feb 15, 2024
I had to replace the PTU transfer case 4/22. Now there is a recall for the PTU programing. The safety recall states This recall applies only to the above vehicles equipped with a Power Transfer Unit (PTU) (sales code DK4). This repair was $3,800. Can I be reimbursed.
Power train, Feb 8, 2024
Hi I have a JEEP Cherokee Trail Hawk edition 3.2L 6 Cylinder SUV. The Vehicle has 53,657 miles on it. I recently took it to me Mechanic as the rear Differential was making noise. He recommended I take it to the Dealer due to its low mileage and defective rear Differential. Based on this, I brought it to the Jeep dealer ship in Nashua, NH 03053. They diagnosed the problem of a bad Rear Differential and wanted to charge me $4000+ dollars but could not get the parts. Whereas, I searched and learned that this Rear Differential is backordered by over 700 units. At 53,658 Miles to have a bad rear Differential is insane. If I continue to drive this vehicle on the Highway, at Highway speeds then either I am going to have a severe accident and hurt myself or Kill someone else driving due to a Manufactures defect in their rear Differential. These rear Differentials should be recalled as they are a hazard to the public. Jeep does not care of their defective units, as they state "They are out of Warranty" . My daughter drives this vehicle and she cant get the parts to repair and Jeep doesn't offer anything other than "GIVE ME YOUR MONEY AND WE WILL GET IT WHEN ITS BUILT! These vehicles are unsafe in this condition. If the rear differential seizes up it will be a multi car fatality. Can you please look at this situation and ask Jeep to execute a recall?
Power train, Service brakes, Feb 6, 2024
In 2020, Fiat Chrysler America recalled 67,248 units of the 2014-2017 Jeep Cherokee in the United States over a transmission issue that could result in a loss of power or rollaway situation. I'm currently experiencing this problem now. So I have a message stating service transmission and service break system.
Power train, Feb 4, 2024
Check 4 wheel drive indicator light came on. Brought to dealership and they confirmed something is wrong with PTU MOTOR. Code C14A7-97. I see there has been recalls for this as it’s a safety issue(campaigned number 23V302000. Vehicle may lose power) but I don’t see any recall information when I input my vin number. If this is an issue with other vehicles why isn’t my vehicle coming up in the recall notice? Please let me know if this can be part of the recall.
Power train, Feb 3, 2024
No specific incident, but there has been a few times where when I am stopped at a stop sign and try going it goes and then stops in the middle of the intersection, luckily no oncoming traffic was coming either times. Also, my oil cooler I think it’s called has been leaking. I know there’s been a few recalls on the power train: automatic transmission that I was never informed on until now when I logged into my Credit Karma account. Nothing was ever mailed to my house to notify me.
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
Electrical system, Jan 27, 2024
When the EcoBoost is active car will shut down upon attempted restart of EcoBoost.
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Jan 25, 2024
Car losses power while driving, it will turn off. Shift to P and select gear comes up. It also has 4 different recalls that doesn't allow me to register but when contacted dealership they informed me that they didn't had parts for it, they didn't know when the were going to get them because it's in back order, to keep checking at the end of each month to see if the get any. This is not acceptable, as it's not the owners fault. I don't have a drivable car, don't know when it's going to get fix but I still have to make my car payment.
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.
Power train, Jan 19, 2024
Vehicle losing power, causing transmission to slip. Shifts out of park by itself occasionally. Took to dealership and they said that the PTU would need to be replaced
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jan 15, 2024
Engine light came on oil light came on. Had it checked..oil is leaking from the housing directly onto the engine could cause fire.
Engine, Jan 9, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost motive power. Additionally, while the vehicle was turned off, the contact received notifications that the vehicle was losing power. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 88,193.
Power train, Jan 8, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that after his wife shifted the gear selector to park, the vehicle continued to roll forward. The parking brake was activated to stop the vehicle from rolling. After restarting the vehicle, the message "Service Four Wheel Drive" remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic who diagnosed that the Power Transfer Unit (PTU) was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in the NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V343000 (Power Train). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced te failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 135,000.
Power train, Jan 8, 2024
Service 4WD light came on. Car has driven with irregularities at times accelerating. Took to dealership and they said the PTU is bad with no way to get the parts till the end of February 2024.