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, Oct 24, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while driving 45-55 MPH, the message "Service Four Wheel Drive" was displayed. Additionally, the contact stated that the failure recurred while attempting to engage the 4WD mode, and the vehicle failed to respond. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the power transfer unit (PTU) had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. 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 no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 127,000.
Service brakes, Forward collision avoidance, Oct 23, 2023
My emergency brake is automatically engaging randomly. I was at a red light and it engaged and my vehicle would not move while in Drive. I had to shift to park and back to drive in the middle of traffic.
Electrical system, Wheels, Engine, Oct 11, 2023
Light engine on but off plus wires ? Also issue wires all of engine or other keep flasher off and on also issue tires I bought 4 tires and blade brake issue after bought dealership I have told but they rip off but issue not safety hard to explain English also feel hot in car without heat and gas fill but not show plus hot inside ..
Power train, Oct 10, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, a message displayed on the instrument panel “4wheel drive unavailable service required”. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the PTU failed, and the contact was informed that the vehicle was included in the NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V302000 (Power Train). Additionally, the contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, she heard a clunking sound at an undisclosed location of the vehicle then the vehicle decelerated while the accelerator pedal was depressed. The dealer was notified of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was not included in a recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 95,000.
Engine, Oct 8, 2023
Heater line snapped at the neck of male fitting.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Oct 5, 2023
My Power Train Unit has failed to work properly and needs to be replaced. Several years prior to this occurring, my transmission kept skipping, jumping when I would accelerate from a stop, every time I took my vehicle to the dealership for this problem, it would not happen. They said, unless they personally witness this problem first hand, they could not repair my vehicle. My extended warranty has now expired. I believe the transmission skipping was the beginning of my PTU problem.
Service brakes, Oct 5, 2023
Was driving and my parking break engaged on its on for several seconds and then disengaged on its own.
Power train, Oct 4, 2023
I have a 2016 Jeep Cherokee with a bad driveshaft and bad PTU that’s been recalled on most Jeep except for mine. I don’t understand why it wouldn’t be every Jeep included in that recall since obviously my Jeep should of been included with the PTU going out on it. It’s definitely not safe to drive like that. My neighbor who is a certified mechanic looked at it to confirm the issue. The first warning I had that something was not right with it is the service 4 wheel drive light kept coming on and off then started making horrible noises.
Vehicle speed control, Oct 3, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH with the cruise control activated, the cruise control system failed to maintain the set speed. The contact stated that the speed fluctuated up and down erratically. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 40,500.
Service brakes, Oct 2, 2023
In the last 6 months my electronic parking brake engaged and it would not disengage. Towed it to the dealership twice. The second time it froze in a parking lot and I blocked a parked car for over an hour. Additionally, there were multiple times my Jeep lost total power while driving. Made a left into my neighborhood and was almost broadsided. Not good at all. As I type this has been towed to the dealership. DANGEROUS.
Electrical system, Service brakes, Sep 25, 2023
After making a left turn and giving it gas to get up the road the car suddenly stalled and had to come to a complete stop. Almost as if the car had went into park but it was still in drive. Service transmission message came on board and check engine light. Had to have a rollback come to tow home. Car is still not operable. I’m about to contact Jeep. I did read online about the investigation for 2015-2022 jeep Cherokee . The electronic brake malfunction because of corrosion due to water leak
Other or unspecified, Sep 24, 2023
When I am driving ( mainly around 40 mph ) my vehicles automatic transmission will out of the clear blue SLAM into gear. This does not happen all the time but many times. I have taken it to the dealership on numerous occasions but because they cannot get the vehicle to do it while they are driving it and it does not throw a code they are unable to find or fix the problem . I have called the Chrysler customer service number many times and have been told the supervisor will call me back but never does. This has been going on for the last 4 years.
Service brakes, Forward collision avoidance, Sep 23, 2023
Emergency brake will not disengage and is effecting braking and driving. It has been inspected but 2 different mechanics who have been unable to resolve issue. This has ruined my brakes and has made the vehicle difficult to drive.
Electrical system, Service brakes, Forward collision avoidance, Sep 20, 2023
the parking brake has engaged several times at low speeds in parking lots, comes on when turn the vehicle on, and when placed into park. not sure if it will do it during high speeds, at the shop now. it happened during the Power Transfer Unit failed and should be looked at as a part affected by that. We had no issues until the PTU failed, and the parking brake started coming on when we put the vehicle into park, then would do it, the last time, the parking brake must have been instructed by the ptu to engage while the vehicle was in motion or shorted from a electrical surge from the ptu. the dealer doesn't think they are related, but i disagree. the service transmission, service 4wd, system unavailable, check engine light, abs, traction control, brake light, all came on and the parking brake engaged while pulling out into traffic, i got it to the next drive while dragging the rear tires, i was going about 20-25 mph.
Electrical system, Service brakes, Forward collision avoidance, Sep 16, 2023
I purchased my car brand new in 2016. I did not drive the vehicle often since working in NYC and parking was impossible. Then we had the Pandemic in 2020-current and I have been working from home for the last 2 years and 8 months. The car had been in an indoor garage and occasionally I would take the car for a ride and then the car wash. I took very good care of the vehicle. On September 11, 2023, I had to meet a client in White Plains, NY and decided to drive. When I got to White Plains, NY I entered the garage and parked the car. Immediately, the brake light came on with two yellow lights. Then I was unable to reverse the car and/or go forward. Since I was already in a parking spot, I left the car in it's position and thought that I would take care of it when I return. When I returned the Emergency Brake Light was blinking and I was unable to move forward and/or backwards. The brakes were engaged so I kept pressing the Emergency Brake hoping that the brakes would disengage. After about 45 minutes turning the car on then off and pressing the Emergency Brake the brakes disengaged and I was able to move the car. The next day I mentioned the problem to my Dad (who is a mechanic and engineer) and he came to my house to inspect the car. When he opened the back compartment of the vehicle it was filled with water. My Dad tested the brakes and again the brakes were engaged and the vehicle would not go forward and/or in the reverse. The brakes would not disengage. My Dad had to tow the car to a Mechanic Shop to have them remove all the parts in the back. The Mechanics inspected the vehicle and found water leak on rear trunk of car which affected the E-brake module. Disassembly in the rear of the car was performed in order to dry the water which they say entered through sunroof of vehicle. This has been a mind blowing experience and the worse part is that the Manufacturer (FCA) states they cannot help me. This is really evil and wicked with Jeep Cherokee.
Power train, Sep 14, 2023
PTU has failed and there is not 4wd or rear wheel drive. Dealer flashed but didn’t replace the PTU.
Electrical system, Sep 14, 2023
Touchscreen delays for a few minutes sometimes and won't turn on immediately when vehicle starts. I'll drive down the road a ways before it comes on. And if it's not on I cannot control heat/ac or see backup cam
Parking brake, Sep 14, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the parking brake engaged and disengaged independently. The brake warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the failure was due water leaking into the electrical system. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 4,672.
Power train, Sep 13, 2023
-The transmission will, on occasion, shift hard and even slip to the point where it stops moving. -It is available for testing and inspection. -Our safety was jeopardized when, while making a left turn in a high traffic situation, the vehicle stopped moving when attempting to change gears. The rpm climbed significantly, but the vehicle slowed to a stop and finally the transmission re-engaged and I could complete the turn and fortunately the driver of the oncoming car was able to avoid colliding with our vehicle. I have experienced this problem of the transmission not engaging on several occasions since the first time which occurred on approximately August 1st 2023. -My repair shop test drove it but couldn’t get it to slip.No other inspections have been made. - I didn’t see any waning lamps.
Electrical system, Structure, Sep 13, 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 not yet available. The local dealer was contacted and determined that the parts were 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 and determined that the parts were not available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Power train, Wheels, Sep 12, 2023
Keep makes a loud grinding noise when I turn right or left. Sounds like it’s coming from the back & underneath. Took it to a mechanic & he checked every thing. It’s not the brakes. He couldn’t figure out the problem. I’m scared to drive it. Don’t want to have the bottom fall out; which is what it sounds like is going to happen. There are recalls that sound like what the problem is but of course they aren’t for my car.
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Other or unspecified, Sep 11, 2023
The car has been stalling when the fuel level reaches the half point for over a year now. Now it is stalling at any time regardless of the fuel line level. Recalls completed and up to date. Informed it was a software issue. Car still performing the same after recall.
Engine, Sep 10, 2023
Complete loss of power while driving.
Steering, Wheels, Sep 10, 2023
Driving my vehicle back home for a local store 1.5 mi from my house and the off road warning light came on and then the steering wheel turned left while I was driving on a straight away. Managed to get to my driveway but looks like the right front wheel has detached from the truck altogether and won't move. Could not get my truck no further than the edge of my driveway. It should not be coming apart like a puzzle.
Power train, Sep 8, 2023
The PTU has failed on my vehicle a 2016 Jeep Cherokee 75th anniversary with 61k miles . Yes the vehicle is available for inspection My vehicle no longer has 4wd or all wheel drive and is slipping and sliding all over the place now. I could get into an accident. DuPage Jeep & Merlin's have both diagnosed the jeep. From what I have read there are about 65 thousand or more Jeep Cherokees that have the same problem as me. They were under a recall. The service 4WD drive light came on and I lost all wheel drive and 4WD.