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.
Power train, Jan 5, 2024
The service 4w drive indicator came on on the vehicle while I was driving in light snow of about 1 inch. I was unable to stop because the wheels spun and felt like they were not spinning in sync. I spun out and narrowly missed hitting 3 cars. My wheels spun wildly and the jeep picked up speed as I tried to stop. Luckily I did not hit anything. A few days later I was then driving and experienced a loss in power while the rpm surged very high and the whole vehicle shook and lurched forward. I have taken the vehicle to the jeep dealer and was told it will cost $2700 to repair the vehicle because my PTU is not covered under the recall that is on vehicles oof the same year for the PTU and manufactured during the time the PTU is being recalled for. The dealers explanation is that not enough of the vehicles with my power transfer unit have had it fail in order for them to cover it. There is also a 6-8 week wait to have the repair done. I am afraid to drive my own vehicle on snow or wet roads since I don’t want to lose control.
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.
Electrical system, Structure, Jan 2, 2024
The power liftgate stopped working. This is the exact issue described in the 23V-338 / 49A Recall. The year, make, and model of my car are the same as detailed in the recall, but this specific VIN is not included. The issue is due to an electrical short that poses a fire hazard. There is no manual way to open the liftgate, it completely relies on the functionality of the electric system. It is clear that the 23V-338 / 49A Recall should include a wider range of VINs including mine.
Electrical system, Service brakes, Forward collision avoidance, Dec 24, 2023
My parking brake suddenly turned on and my jeeps information center on the dash informed me to stop and shift to park. The light on the switch for the emergency brake flashes as well as the red light on the shifter and the vehicle would not shift anymore nor would the epb turn off . I had to disconnect my battery for about 30 minutes before it allowed me to disengage the parking brake and start to drive again. It happened again once or twice before it completely just stopped engaging even when I tried to engage it. Car states when attempting to engage the parking brake that the parking brake needs to be maintained the light on the switch flashes and a warning light stays on now. The odometer started flashing a day or so after the initial issue began. Now I am unable to use my parking break at all, the warning light and message to get parking brake serviced show constantly as well and the odometer continues to flash.
Power train, Dec 19, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the service 4WD drive warning light illuminated momentarily and then disappeared. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the power take-off unit (PTU) needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number 23V302000 (Power Train). The failure mileage was approximately 50,500. The VIN was not available.
Electrical system, Service brakes, Engine, Dec 18, 2023
The vehicle constantly loses power no matter the repairs I’ve came to notice it starts this during winter season
Electrical system, Engine, Dec 16, 2023
I was driving my car and as I was driving my car shut off and would not turn back on. Right before it powered down it said a message that said service shifter and all the lights to the shifter were lit up (P,R,D,N) I was reading that the shifter should last as long as your car does and this is a big safety issue
Power train, Dec 15, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the "Service 4WD" message was displayed. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the power transfer unit (PTU). The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V302000 (Power Train) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 60,000.
Power train, Dec 14, 2023
Service 4x4 light came on and took to Jeep dealership. Diagnostics came back with bad PTU and part is on backorder. The backorder dates continues to be pushed out with no actual ETA. I bought a Jeep with 4x4 capability because I live in the mountains were it snows. This vehicle is now unsafe for me to drive in such conditions, especially with my newborn daughter in the vehicle with me.
Power train, Dec 14, 2023
Unfortunately, the PTU (power transfer unit) needs to be replaced in my vehicle. Jeep previously issued a recall for this same part for 25,000 + similar vehicles with the same part due to it being defective. My vehicle was not included in the recall. I have been advised by both a Jeep dealership and an independent licensed technician to not drive the vehicle as if it completely fails the transmission will get stuck in neutral and not even be able to be parked safely. Due to numerous ongoing issues with this part, it is currently on national back-order with over 4500 units on back-order. There is no ETA on when there will be availability of the part. I did contact the Jeep 800 customer service number and was denied any assistance. I am now having to pay $250/week to rent a vehicle and cannot get the Jeep repaired.
Engine, Dec 13, 2023
The following happens approximately 2-3 times per month for the last 2 years: While accelerating, my vehicle jerks/stalls. Vehicle has not completely died but there is hesitation when resuming driving. I have taken it to Malless Automotive here in Indianapolis in June 2022 and December 2023. Technicians could not determine cause. Vehicle did not jerk/stall during test drives by technicians. No warning lights occur prior to incidents.
Tires, Dec 13, 2023
I got 4 changed but still issue tires bad air pressure
Power train, Engine, Dec 11, 2023
One the oil cooler unit failed leaking oil on to hot engine could possibly start a fire Two the rear differential cracked leaking fluid could possibly lock rear wheels at speed
Electrical system, Dec 4, 2023
My car continuously sends off the “Service shifter” warning across the screen. Many other cars the same year, make, and model have been recalled for the same exact thing, stating that the wiring harness for the shifter is faulty, but my specific car wasn’t on the recall list. I’ve taken it to my dealership many times and they can’t ever find anything immediately wrong with it. Once the warning pops up, you cannot clear it off of your screen until you shut your car off and turn it back on, hoping it doesn’t reappear. The dealership can’t ever give me a straight answer as to what’s wrong and can’t ever find anything wrong with it. They just take my word that the warning goes off. I’ve been dealing with this for over a year and it’s very frustrating.
Air bags, Dec 1, 2023
Start driving the vehicle multiple times during the operation you get a service airbag message with a code / dtc of b0020-13 which FCA put out a TSB for but when you do take the car in the code is not stored in memory, so they refused to repair it
Structure, Nov 29, 2023
See attached document for complaint
Power train, Nov 27, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while his daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the 4-WD warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the power transfer unit. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V343000 (Power Train) and 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 approximately 80,000.
Electrical system, Nov 26, 2023
The vehicle is losing power. Sometimes all dash lights will flash then die. Sometimes I stop at a stop sigh and it just loses power. Sometimes while driving it will just lose power in the middle of the road causing a huge safety concern.
Power train, Nov 9, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the 4X4 warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the power transfer unit. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related it to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V302000 (Power Train), but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 80,000.
Power train, Nov 7, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the 4WD intermittently failed, causing the rear tires to not engage. The 4WD warning light was illuminated. 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 but informed the contact that the vehicle was not covered under warranty. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.
Parking brake, Nov 6, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving out of a parking space, the electronic parking brake engaged inadvertently, and the vehicle stopped. The contact stated that the parking brake lever was independently lifted, and the parking brake indicator light was illuminated. The contact stated that the failure recurred several times while reversing. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the failure could not be duplicated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.
Service brakes, Nov 6, 2023
Park brake service warning is flashing on. This is also engaging the park brake and unable to disengage it.
Electrical system, Structure, Nov 2, 2023
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 unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Power train, Oct 27, 2023
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? I am currently experiencing a PTU error that is a common issue with most jeeps, such as mine. I did a recall check and there is a recall for the same error; however, my jeep VIN does not qualify for it. Nor does it qualify for the extended warranty that is out there for the powertrain unit. This common jeep issue with the ptu has been causing a decrease in acceleration for quite some time. I took it into Jeep and they said a flash update had already done; however, the next step was to install the PTU hard drive. This was quoted between $3-$4k. After doing some research, I discovered that there was a recall for the same part but my VIN does not qualify for it. At the same time I discovered that there is an extended warranty for the PTU; however, my VIN does not qualify for it. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? There has been a decrease in power when accelerating, especially when driving on the highway. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? I took it into my local jeep to get it diagnosed and they confirmed it is a PTU error. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? No, just Jeep. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? There is a "SVC 4WD" light that was turned on when this started happening.
Parking brake, Power train, Oct 27, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH and making a turn on a backroad, the vehicle stopped abruptly as the electric parking brake engaged independently. The contact stated that the vehicle went into LIMP Mode and became inoperable. The check engine warning light and the Service Transmission warning light illuminated. The contact was unable to pull to the side of the road. The contact shifted into park (P). The vehicle was towed to the residence. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the dealer for a diagnostic test. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Action Number: PE22009 (Parking Brake). The failure mileage was approximately 103,000.