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, May 24, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V302000 (Power Train) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. 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. Parts distribution disconnect.
Engine, May 18, 2023
Engine and drive bad engine but just bought less 7 month ago
Power train, May 18, 2023, crash
The contact's son owns a 2016 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk. The contact stated that while his son was parking, the transmission was shifted into park (P), the contact's son lifted his foot off the brake when the vehicle sporadically accelerated, crashing into another parked vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. No injuries were sustained. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V302000 (Power Train). The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 121,000.
Steering, Suspension, May 17, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while making a turn, the vehicle experienced the death wobble. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic on two occasions to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the rear knuckles needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired twice; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was then taken back to the independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the rear knuckles and knuckle bushings needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 170,000.
Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Forward collision avoidance, May 16, 2023
Tire and brake , bear , park brake etc less 6 month issue
Power train, May 15, 2023
Ever since I bought this vehicle new in 2016 every once in a while it was like the transmission was skipping a gear. Today I was stopped at a red light and then excelerated(not heavily) to go.. and it seemed to keep slipping and would not pick up speed.. i had vehicles behind me so slowly moved over to the shoulder, put vehicle out of gear and then back into gear.. hesitated a bit and then went fine.. This was the scariest incident for me. only has 95000 kms. Checked ViN.. lots of power train issues.. but like the others.. my VIN has not been recalled.. I think this issue needs to be looked into .. with so many of the same complaints.
Engine, May 11, 2023
I’ve been doing my research and the same issue my car is having many keeps have also had. On highways our card will go limp and stall out. The engine light will come on and the four wheel drive will become not functional. This is a severe issue in winter. As well as the lack of control on highways. I was driving on the highway going 65 up a hill my car engine light went on i lost all acceleration had to coast to the shoulder. When this happened i turned my car off and back on I couldn’t accelerate up the hill and stayed rolling back it took 45 minutes being shut for me to get out of limp mode. It does it to me every single time I leave my house now. The scanner will not show what’s wrong I’ve put 100s of dollars into my jeep trying to fix the issue and it’s still the same. This is a sever issue for winter and highway driving. It also feels like the wheel gets hard to turn when this happens. It also sounds like the engine is shaking badly or thumping.
Power train, May 10, 2023
PTU failed at 81000 miles and needs to be replaced. This repair is estimated to cost me $3400 and happened after just completing regular maintenance on the vehicle. When the Service AWD light came on the vehicle swerved on its own into another lane and could have caused an accident.
Other or unspecified, May 8, 2023
PTU. Car jumps while in park
Other or unspecified, May 6, 2023
Sometimes when driving a message comes up that says check shifter. I cannot get the message off and have to pull over and restart the car, Sometimes a couple of times before the message goes away. This happens often.
Vehicle speed control, Other or unspecified, Engine, May 6, 2023
Sometimes when I mash the gas pedal to pull out from a stop it hesitates and doesn't move, then is sluggish when it does. This has happened often. It's dangerous.
Power train, May 5, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while the brake pedal was depressed at a stop, she then depressed the accelerator pedal; however, the vehicle delayed two to three seconds before responding. The vehicle then stalled. The contact was able to restart the vehicle after several seconds. The contact stated that while making a left or right turn, the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact stated that she had to wait several seconds to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact stated that the spark plugs were replaced, and a tune-up was performed but the failure recurred. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 91,000.
Power train, May 4, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while her daughter was driving approximately 35 MPH, the transmission was slipping. The contact's daughter pulled over and turned off the vehicle and was able to restart the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an unknown local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the power transfer unit (PTU) needed to be replaced; however, the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V343000 (Power Train). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 80,000.
Electrical system, May 1, 2023
All of the warning lights on the dash light up at once. The car then suddenly goes into limp mode. The car has been to the dealer 4 times for this problem. The dealer thought is was a bad module, however the car is continuing to have problems after replacing it twice. I'm scared to drive the car. We already had a problem with the car with oil consumption where the car would turn off while driving, the dealer fixed that problem.
Steering, Power train, Apr 28, 2023
I took my Jeep to get serviced on March 16, 2023 for a 'service shifter' light. This had already been replaced before and had a 2 year warranty so this was fixed however my issue now lies that last week around April 20, 2023, I got another light indicating "service 4wd". I took my car to the dealership today to be told the diagnosis was "internal PTO failure". I was quoted an insane amount to repair and was told that the part is not available as it is on BACK ORDER. After looking this information up online I see that Jeep had multiple recalls for this same issue for vehicles 2014-2017 however mine is not appearing on the recall. I called Jeep and was told there was nothing they can do and I'm extremely upset because the simple fact that the part is on back order let's me know that this is a common issue that others must be having as well yet Jeep has yet to take any action for their faulty equipment. This poses an immense danger for me because the repricautions are that if I drive my vehicle I am risking my life in that the car might come to a complete stop mid drive. Should I be in an accident I can only hope Jeep will take accountability for their ignorance and delayed responses. If Jeep is aware of PTU/PTO issues with their vehicles ALL jeeps within the 2014-2017 timeline should be eligible for this replacement under the recall and the part should be mass produced to ensure every customer gets from point A to point B safely. When driving my car home from the dealership I felt my car tug when making a sharp left turn and my car swiveled immediately thereafter. I also noticed that it is taking immense amount of effort for my car to accelerate when pressing the gas which terrifies me that it will simply come to a complete stop and jeopardize my life at any given moment. This needs to be addressed ASAP and a new recall needs to be issued to remediate this error.
Electrical system, Engine, Apr 18, 2023
My Vehicle shuts down once a day, every morning after about a couple minutes of driving. The engine shuts off, the dash notifies me to "Shift vehicle into park then desired gear" but with my engine off, I have to restart my car as well. My car won't restart unless I try over and over and hold the key while turning the ignition. Occasionally I get a "Service Shifter" notification on my dash but no lights or notifications besides that. I've been to one Jeep dealership service department so far and they were not able to locate the cause.
Engine, Forward collision avoidance, Apr 17, 2023
Start stop system is malfunctioning. It will go off that it is malfunctioning after I go down the hill or up the hill sometimes if it’s wet out it’ll just go off but it’s not working and the other problem I’m having is the engine oil coolant housing. cracked. I noticed A bad smell of oil, then when I parked and came out of the store a bunch of oil under my car and further inspecting with my brother who was a mechanic, but retired said it is the oil engine coolant housing. He doesn’t understand why they put plastic for that type of part. both of these problems started in January 2023
Power train, Apr 12, 2023
Power Train is failing; Service 4WD light blinks on and off affecting the driving of the vehicle. Dealer stated is a failing PTU; but my VIN is not in the recall from the 2014-2017 Jeep Cherokees Safety Recall W47 / NHTSA 20V-343. Dealer stated the part is on backorder and there is no expected timeframe for repair/replacement. Obviously, a larger problem for this specific vehicle Make/.Model It appears there is a need to extend this recall to all Jeeps; as the PTU's seem faulty for all Jeeps from 2014-2017. My Jeep is a 2016.
Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 7, 2023
For last yr i keep having car want stall did recall on it. Helped for bit, then it’s always wanting stick between 2/3 when trying change gears. On different recall it fixed for bit the temp on transmission bouncing back forth a lot in temps. I have recorded video to show it. Now my engine light is on for P0441 code with power train possible evap leak. It just keeps being one problem after another like it’s not wanting to get gas to it what seems like. It’s all happened over last year and engine light came on Sat
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Apr 6, 2023
This problem started 3 o 4 day after I got the car from the dealer, I was driven to my work in highway 70 lonoke Arkansas and suddenly my car started to shift back and started to lose velocity and others cars started to pass me, was very scary ,I took the car to the dealer and they told me, they don't know what happen with the car,they don't let the mechanic to fix it and I took the vehicle to O'Reilly, they scanned it and found that was the Coil and Sparkle,so I bought both and they recommended the next door mechanic TIRE AND LUBE. In lonoke, the car run good for 2 months because I fix it February 8th 2023 and April 4 again I was driven back from my work, the check engine come one a message of transmission service show up, the car started to backup or speed, lose velocity, took it to the mechanic, they scanned it again and show a code P0887 that mean,TCM need to be fix or the Software computer. All this happens in less of the 3 months that I got this car, I got the car in January 17th 2023.Is very important for my safety and the safety of others to know, if is any anomaly with those Cars, that can't be fix no matter what, because right now today April 6th I am sitting here waiting the dealer call me for take my car to be checked it and I m scare to drive, because I don't know how the car go to behave and also already, I have a lot of money invested in this car that even doesn't help me to get to work, I scare for me and others. I can't drive in the Freeway I 40 because with all this problem from the car I can get in a very very bad accident.
Power train, Apr 4, 2023
Bad PTU unit in Jeep part #68307403AG. Have not been able to drive jeep for half a year now due to bad ptu unit. Jeep will swerve and driver will lose control of steering. Warning stating 4wd is currently unavailable this will have approximately every 15-20 mins. PTU has been on back order for over 6 months now.
Power train, Engine, Mar 31, 2023
This car has had reoccurring issues related to the engine, ignition module and starter. It breaks down every few weeks. It has left me broken down and stranded on freeways, city roads and most recently on the side of a hill. When the key is inserted, it will not turn over completely and even after the key is removed the engine continues to make clicking sounds as if it is still trying to turn over and it smokes from underneath the hood. There were no warning indications. It has been taken to the dealer numerous times for the same issue but they do not find a problem and return it back to me just for it to occur again. Or the dealership will say they've fixed it but nothing has actually been done to the car. The dealership continues to be negligent. After the most recent occurence of the car leaving me stuck on the side of a hill and smoking, it was brought to the dealership August 2021 and still remains there as they continue to give me false hop in repairs. I have now not that vehicle in my possession for 6 months.
Wheels, Mar 29, 2023
On 1/30/2023, I had a flat tire and called AAA for assistance. The AAA technician was unable to remove the tire and said the vehicle would need to be taken to a full-service auto shop. I then called Firestone Complete Auto Care to see if my vehicle could be looked at there. The Firestone technician let me know the problem with getting the tire off was relating to the lug nuts. He explained Jeep started using a 2-piece lug nut, where water gets inside and causes swelling. The technician said he has seen this numerous times in Jeeps...and mentioned it should be a recall because it is a safety issue. I contacted Jeep 5 times about this. They said there is no recall, and they didn't really care to help me with this. I ended up paying to replace all the lug nuts on my vehicle because I didn't want to have the same thing happen or worse. The people at Jeep have been very dismissive about this, although I have seen many complaints and reviews relating to the same lug nut issue.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Mar 21, 2023
Let's start with my vehicle was first in the shop back in February for a failed brake line. Some how it failed. Then my thermoset unit failed. Not sure why on that either. Then they noticed some other issues were fixed. I got my vehicle back. A few days later my vehicle was back in the shop because my transmission kept doing something causing me to keep getting kicked out of gear causing me to stop in the middle of the intersections which could have caused an accident. I lost my acceleration control and while driving I kept losing traction. Then supposedly fixed it. Then the same day I got it back I had to send it back to dealership due to the transmission kept getting kicked out of gear causing me to get stuck in the middle of an intersection. They finally towed it. Apparantly they need a part which is currently on back order for some unknown reason.
Power train, Mar 19, 2023
Warning system telling me of a problem. Problem with the transfer case. 4 wheel drive issue. Only about 65k miles