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.
Other or unspecified, Mar 15, 2023
received message on dashboard service transmission after 22,700 miles and bringing car to delearship where car was purchased and has been serviced I was just informed transmission is out need new transmission. This is my second Jeep at the same dealership with transmission being a faulty one, also with less than 25,000 miles
Other or unspecified, Mar 15, 2023
My dash is bubbling up. The topsy the windshield needs replacing.
Power train, Mar 14, 2023
PTU unit failed.Took to dealer confirmed PTU failed.
Engine, Mar 14, 2023
Engine oil cooler failure, had to be replaced. Known issue per 3 techs. Leaks oil onto engine and exhaust. No warning, just the smoke and smell of burning oil. Occurred at 73,200 miles more or less.
Electrical system, Mar 11, 2023
Car has only once had a MIL light activate. It was at 76000 and required a thermostat replacement. Cost 250 mechanics labor and part cost. The car has needed to have1qt added every 2k miles. No oil light comes on. When I purchased the car at 72k I would smell gasoline and burning oil. Took it to Napleton jeep where I bought it and had the oil changed to be safe. The same week I purchased it. Mechanic informed me it was “just a little low” 3qts. The car holds 5,5 - that’s more than a Little low. He nor the manager informs me Of oil consumption problems. The car currently has oil sitting on top of the engine. I will add a picture of the cars engine the day after having the oil changed and the excess oil cleans off. The image will show the amount of oil that was back on it just from driving it home a 12 min drive not stop and go. Dealership finally noted it was 3 qts low. Contacted fca. They refused to do anything but said to start a oil consumption test. They suggested the emmison recall should fix the oil consumption. Fca was aware that I couldn’t put 1500 miles on the car before the long block engine replace for the class action lawsuit on Tigershark engines last day to file claim was in 7 days. They were aware all dealerships refused to give me my paper work for servicing and oil being low prior
Other or unspecified, Mar 11, 2023
NHSTA WEBSITE STATES Form Approved: OMB No. 2127-0008; Expires 08/31/2021 LOCATED TOP RIGHT HAND CORNER OF COMPLAINT PAGE. It is unknown if all reports being made are being validated. Attempts to make contact about this have been unsuccessful and no emails replied to. Informed my stated attorney general. No reply was received
Other or unspecified, Mar 11, 2023
This is directly copied from the nhsta.gov website in regulars to recall repairs. This is False information. The car has not had the emission recall completed. The item has been on back order since the notice was mailed to me. On first attempt Jeep dealership O Brian in Greenwood Indiana says the part is back ordered. There is a national shortage. They can not complete repair. Refuses to note my account that I contacted them for repair. 14 months when first. 2nd attempt the part is still back ordered and they are un aware of when the part will become available. They are booked 7 months out for repair as the item becomes available: 3rd attempt jeep dealership Washington st Indianapolis. Dealer says. 4-6 months for repair and asks me if I need the vehicle. I said yes it’s my car, my transportation. I’m am offered to leave the car on the lot and they will try to fit it in when they can. They will not offer a car to use while mine is waiting on the lot. 4th attempt still I am told at jeep Greenwood 3-4 months but I can leave the car and they will get to it eventually. I decline. I call FCA October 2022. Inform them that I have been making contact and no one is able to fix the car. I explain the vehicles decline over the past months. I tell them my emission warranty was ending within 200 mil.Abd asked what do I do. They told me to park the car and not use it. They won’t note my acct that I contacted them trying to avoid the end of warranty loss. They won’t pay for rental car while mine is parked to avoid miles as that was there only solution. They would not call the dealerships to force a service appt. Also refuse to tell me the TSB BULLETINS ASSOCIATED WITH MY VIN. I asked them to note all the cars issues I am experiencing. I was told to tell a dealership. I even mentioned the cruise control not disengaging and increasing instead. water leaking in the back on electrical. No reply nada Recall data refreshed on Mar 11,2023 0 Unrepaired Recalls associated with this VIN
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Feb 21, 2023
The component that needed replacement was the PTU (Power Transfer Unit). My Service 4WD drive light began going on so I brought it to my mechanic who told me there was a recall associated with this diagnostic code and to bring it to Jeep dealership. I then brought to dealership, was charged $160.00 and told that the recall was not for my particular VIN number and the cost of the repair was $3,000. When I googled this issue, there were all of the same warning lights, and all told that the PTU had failed. I fond it hard to believe that this same unit is faulty in the same year, make and model but only in specific cars? Isn't it the same part? I had to save up for the repair as it was costly. I was told that the car was drive-able. I was then driving with my daughter in the car and the car stopped accelerating and warning lights came on. I had to coast into a parking lot and the dashboard flashed to put the car in park. I put it in park and then car still would not accelerate. I called Jeep Customer Service to try and discuss this matter, as I could not afford the repair but need my vehicle for my job. They told me there was nothing they could do and there was no recall on my vehicle. The problem has been repaired by an independant service center on 2/8/23 for $1430.00 I have been a loyal Jeep customer for over 20 years and was very disheartened by this latest issue and how it was handled.
Power train, Feb 16, 2023
The contact's sister-in-law owns a 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that the service shifter warning message appeared on the instrument panel. The contact inspected the vehicle and discovered that both the bezel and the column inside the wiring harness needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The local dealer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 16, 2023
While driving, when attempting to accelerate, the vehicle dies. Have to pull over, shift into park and attempt to restart. Sometimes restarts quickly, sometimes you have to crank and crank. Also dies if you have to stop suddenly. Example, when someone pulls out in front of you or changes lane/swerves in front of you. Problem was intermittent, in cold weather, when vehicle was cold. Now, it is likely to happen at any time. This creates a dangerous situation, trying to get off of the road when it dies. Check engine light is on, and "lightning bolt" dash light comes on when vehicle stalls. Ran diagnostic - revealed no code.
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Feb 15, 2023
Car randomly looses all power. I was driving with out any indication of a problem then the car stalls out causing a life or death moment. When I was about to get the car to restart I was overwhelmed with codes noting loss of communication with almost all body controls. 84k mi
Vehicle speed control, Forward collision avoidance, Feb 15, 2023
Car refused to exit cruise control, again Instead it accelerated. I pressed again and again cruise control to stop it did not respond. Repeatedly And more frantic I pushed pushed the button as stopped cars grew closer. The car started to accelerate instead and refused to stop Even when pressing the brake. I was able to push the brake down enough to get to engage neutral after multiple attempts. I feared fir my life and for others due to not being in control of the vehicle that was not responding to commands. I was told that the vehicle had been serviced for this problem when it happens to me prior and the dealership refused a free update due to a tsb saying it has been corrected already and I would have to pay. The dealer didn’t even not my vehicle as I asked. I was told if I’m not paying I’m not a customer and they don’t note a account for non customers. Jeep dealer Greenwood Indiana. They also wanted to charge 400 to find out why I had water leaking in the back hatch on the drivers side and said they had no knowledge of a issue with that and would not note a non Customer acct for that either. Approximately march of 2022 definitely the year maybe later in the month of the year. It was not winter though
Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 15, 2023
Vehicle hesitates, vibrates, looses momentum, shutters, almost stalls when ac to touched since the day I bought it at napelton jeep in palm beach fla. I was told it’s a jeep thing. The engine roars to like like it’s fighting to start. A fan sound will go on and off non stop effecting the power and rpm’s. A loss of power happens and then the car goes back to normal after a completely shaking the cab vibrating and shuttering
Power train, Feb 13, 2023
Service 4wd light is coming on. Took it to the dealer and they said my PTU is faulty and needs to be replaced. This is not covered under recall because my VIN number is not included. Upon research, over 60,000 Jeep Cherokees made from 2014-2017 were recalled for this same problem. My Jeep Cherokee is a 2016. This should be a recall for all models/VINs since mine falls in that range but for some reason is not included in the recall, yet is having the same issues.
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 13, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal oil odor inside the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the oil filter housing was cracked and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was not under recall. The approximate failure mileage was 86,000.
Power train, Feb 7, 2023
My power transfer unit needs replaced at 39554 miles. Jeeps similar to mine have been recalled with the same problem. My service 4wd light came on which alerted me of the problem. I no longer have 4wd functionality on my car. I had the problem diagnosed today by the Medina Auto Mall Dealership. Driving with a failed power transfer unit is dangerous.
Power train, Feb 4, 2023
Service 4WD light came on due to bd power transfer unit
Power train, Jan 27, 2023
The contact owns 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at unknown speeds, the rear-end of the vehicle started to shake. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the power train axle shaft needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the VIN was not included in a recall. The failure mileage was approximately 157,000.
Engine, Jan 20, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that upon having the vehicle inspected, the contact was informed by the technician that there was a crack in the oil engine housing and needed to be replaced. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer and the manufacturer were notified of the failure and the contact was informed that both were aware of the failure, but no further assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 140,000. The VIN was not available.
Other or unspecified, Jan 19, 2023
My "SERVICE SHIFTER" light keeps coming on. I have had it looked at 2 different times before. I have owned the vehicle for almost 2 years, and has done it after the 2nd month of having it.
Power train, Jan 18, 2023
Power transfer unit (PTU) grinding at low gear. Went to dealer and said it’s shot. Car has 104,000 and these are fully contained cases so you can’t change the oil…
Engine, Jan 18, 2023
My 2016 jeep Cherokee Limited which has the 2.4 L Tiger Shark engine is failing miserably. There is a extremely obvious ring around the entirety of the engine block. The manifold gasket has failed. The head gasket has never been removed by myself or by a jeep dealership who had my authority to do so. The indicator lights on my vehicle still have not illuminated other than alerting in me I had a faulty water pump which had to be replaced at 75k miles. The OEM thermostat is plastic. Not metal as it should be considering the elevated temp produced by 2.4 L Tiger Shark engine. That engine has destroyed the gasket. The damage started at the right hand side”opposite of oil opening” about the middle of the gasket head. My vehicle was serviced by jeep multiple times at Napleton’s JDR in West Palm Beach and the Jeep dealership in Greenwood Indiana. No one brought to my attention that I should have them investigate that. Instead alerted me to my windshield wipers needing to be replaced, Mind you a had done that the month prior from the same dealership. I question now why the engine was so very deeply cleaned when I purchased it and they even cleaned it twice in the days between me seeing and picking up the vehicle. They are aware of this. They were doing the oil changes. I asked how the oil was they always just said a bit low and never mentioned it unless asked. My next statement will be the now knocking pinging pistons. Mind you this Tiger Shark engine lifters/pistions are put in motion by OIL PRESSURE. Strangely the same problem Tiger Shark 2.4L is known for. No wonder so many people complain of there cars becoming immobilized when oil is beyond low. This is a very expensive fix. They knew it. Jeep would bankrupt if they had to either fix every single 2,4 L Tiger Shark engine and likely the multi air flow ones also. When I’m truth they should be totally replaced a blow head gasket and full engine tear down to replace lifters, head gasket+seal piston rings, spark plugs…
Service brakes, Forward collision avoidance, Jan 14, 2023
Jeep Cherokee 2016 has known Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 08-060-16 for electronic parking brake (EPB) malfunction. The EPB remains in the on position and automobile is not drivable nor safe to drive for risk of parking brake engaging without warning. Reason for the malfunction is due to water corrosion and damage to the connector module. (See attached pictures). According to our mechanic, the main issue is the part(s) needed to fix the issue are not available and not expected to be available until January 30, 2023. The time frame for this part continues to be pushed back. Originally was December 26, 2022.
Power train, Jan 11, 2023
Seems to be slipping
Power train, Jan 11, 2023
Service 4 wheel drive is on my 2016 Jeep Cherokee. Took it in to the dealership and they said it’s my PTU. My car should have been included in the 2020 recall on PTU. The jeep can seize up and it can stop working. It also can not go into park and can roll away. Not safe at all.