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 7, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that he noticed the ESC 4-WD warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The mechanic stated that the powertrain transfer unit (PTU) assembly had failed with code: (C14A7-97) and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 157,715.
Power train, Oct 4, 2022
Service shifter warning comes on and locks so you can't see your display possible transmission emergency if car shifts while at high speeds
Electrical system, Sep 30, 2022
Car would not start I bought a battery and 2 days later car was completely dead. No power would not charge. Took it to a shop it had no starter or alternator issues. The car will just turn off at anytime even will driving. There is no power and then just open hood and it will start back up sometimes.
Power train, Sep 27, 2022
At highway speed, transmission disengaged and car was forced to be stopped on road with no shoulder in an attempt to restart and continue to nearest off-ramp. Had no warning lights prior to failure and suddenly said “transmission overheating” when unit failed. Has not been driveable since.
Forward collision avoidance, Sep 27, 2022
Based on the findings of road side assistance, due to water intrusion from heavy rains my emergency parking brake is now malfunctioning. It will not turn off when it is pressed in conjunction with the brake pedal. The light simply blinks and stops the car from moving when in the drive position.
Structure, Sep 23, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that upon entering her vehicle, there was an abnormal mildew odor inside the vehicle. The contact stated that while cleaning her vehicle she noticed mold on the front and rear passenger’s side carpet. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where they confirmed that mold had formed inside the vehicle. The contact was provided an estimate for the repair. Upon investigation, the contact discovered several articles online related to the issue. The information stated that the firewall was not completed during the manufacturing process; therefore, the vehicle was susceptible to mold forming inside the vehicle. The contact informed the dealer of her findings and was informed that they would look into her findings. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure and informed her that the warranty had expired. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 49,000.
Power train, Forward collision avoidance, Sep 20, 2022
My trailhawk service 4 wheel drive light is on and the dealership says that it is going to cost me $3500 dollars. I first took my truck to a transmission shop and they ran a diagnostic test and it came back that it was a recall for a PTU. Power transfer unit. Recall #W47 and 2ov343. But when I took it to the dealership they said I don't have any recalls on my truck. Please help me, I can't afford to pay for the work that needs to be done. And they are saying that they don't have loner cars anymore just rental cars for $40 a day. I don't have any way to get to work.
Power train, Sep 20, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated the vehicle would not start or drive while in the 4WD mode. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle in 2WD mode, the four-wheel drive message was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic and local dealer who both confirmed that the transfer case was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 61,000.
Power train, Sep 16, 2022
PTU replace with only 63,000 miles? Noticed lite on dash Service 4WD Recently had rear differential asy Drivers rear cv shaft Why all these issues Is my car on recall list if not it certainly should br
Power train, Sep 14, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the message 4-WD Service Required was displayed. The contact diagnosed the vehicle and retrieved a trouble code regarding and obstructed power transfer unit (PTU). The contact associated the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V343000 (Power Train); however, the VIN was not included. The dealer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 61,000. The consumer stated there is a drive train warranty and the vehicle will be repaired by Cowboy Dodge in Cheyenne, Wyoming.
Power train, Sep 13, 2022
The transmission failed at highway speed, there was no acceleration. when traffic slowed it did not down shift allowing acceleration. Safety is at risk for obvious reasons when you cannot get up to speed on a free way or when you get off the free way and cannot accelerate at a light. The problem has reoccurred again yesterday while on the freeway. The car has not been inspected yet. There was a yellow light that came on and a message that stated Transmission Needs Serviced.
Parking brake, Sep 8, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the parking brake warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the parking brake module had sustained water damage and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 110,400.
Parking brake, Sep 8, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH, the electronic parking brake engaged and the contact pulled over. The parking brake warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that the tires had locked up and the electronic parking brake needed to be replaced. The parts were not available and the vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated the failure was related to NHTSA Action Number: PE22009 (Parking Brake). The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 49,000.
Power train, Sep 8, 2022
Power transfer unit (PTU) failed on our 2016 Jeep Cherokee at 59,000 miles. Vehicle has never been off-roading or abused. NHTSA has previously issued recalls for Cherokee PTUs but they were VIN specific (recalls 20V343 and 20E037 or W47 and W48). NHTSA states that "The power transfer unit (PTU), an important element of the optional all-wheel-drive system in affected vehicles may not be able to maintain a connection between the transmission and the front wheels. If the PTU fails to engage with the transmission, the Cherokee could lose all power while being driven. Also, a failure to engage could keep the vehicle from being put into park when stationary, allowing it to roll away. Either situation could result in a crash or injuries." I argue that the PTU defect previously identified is much larger than the small number of VINs repaired, and probably extends to most of the Cherokee line. If you search the internet for the FCA failure diagnostic of "C14A7-97 PTU blocked or obstructed" you will find many, MANY, reports by Cherokee owners who do not have one of the handful of lucky VINs. This is clearly a larger issue than previously suspected and a $3500-$4000 repair for the owner. Driveline components should be expected to last longer than 60k miles without catastrophic failures.
Power train, Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Aug 30, 2022
Car has been having issues shifting gears when going uphill/downhill for a few months, only 88k miles never wrecked, during drive a "Service shifter" alert came on and all drive/park/reverse lights lit up, screen could not be removed, car repeatedly had issues getting rpms while pressing gas. Took to a repair shop and they claimed it needed a transmission liquid flush or brake rotors but neither issues coorelate. This seems to be a frequent issue going on with other jeeps. Problem fixed itself after stopping and turning off car and turning back on but still has issues getting stuck in certain gears.
Forward collision avoidance, Aug 25, 2022
2 separate incidents today. While driving down a two lane highway traffic came to a stop . I hit the gas to resume driving but the engine revved and the car didn’t move. I realized the emergency brake light was on showing the brake was engaged. After coasting downhill. I bet the gas to maintain speed but the car jerked and engine revved. I looked at the Peking brake and saw that the emergency brake light was on on the dash and the brake had self engaged again.
Power train, Electrical system, Aug 25, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while driving at 30 MPH, the vehicle was stopped however, the odometer remained operational providing incorrect vehicle information. The contact stated that while accelerating the speedometer kept running and would not stop. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the mechanic stated that vehicle was experiencing the failure listed in NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V343000 (Power Train) however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was contacted and confirmed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was 75,000.
Other or unspecified, Aug 25, 2022
I have owned my 2016 Jeep Cherokee Limited for a little over two years. I have had it to a dealership twice now for the service shifter light coming on. The first time it was covered under warranty, the second time it was covered by the dealership because it was only a couple months later. It is now coming back on again and the dealership said that if it happened again I would have to pay for it the next time.
Electrical system, Engine, Aug 18, 2022
Drove car a few minutes and while accelerating the vehicle slowly stopped and all the electrical warning signals went off simultaneously. I was able to push down on the gas pedal, but my car would not accelerate, nor did it sound like engine was running. Car would not power off, but would not move in reverse or drive. Every possible vehicle warning light flashed on the dash, all 5 lights lit up on the gear shifter at the same time, and the windshield wipers turned on even though they were turned off. I have a video of this. Power locks would not lock or unlock car. Power windows would not roll up or down. My media screen flashed an error message. State patrol and our local police department had stop traffic to safely move my car off the roadway to a safe location. My car was towed and the battery had to be disconnected, so vehicle would power off.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Forward collision avoidance, Aug 18, 2022
I brought in my vehicle for the power train update recall and it triggered my shifter light to come on which now they are saying is the shifter bezel and harness and I have to pay out of pocket for. It was not on prior to the recall software update for the power train
Power train, Other or unspecified, Aug 16, 2022
The SVC 4WD (service 4WD drive ) light came on in my 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The Jeep dealership performed diagnosis and the drivetrain control module (DTCM) stored C14A7-97-PUT motor and the component or system operation is obstructed or blocked. They attempted to update the software of the DTCM and it is up to date. The condition persists and their further testing indicates that the internal power transfer unit (PTU) has failed and the vehicle is stuck in 4WD. The vehicle has not been inspected by anyone other than the local jeep dealership, which was on 8/12/2022. The warning message began the week of August 1st and I scheduled the first available service appointment. After some initial research, Jeep had a recall of the PTU for my model year back in 2020. For 2014-2017 Jeep Cherokees where the PTU has not been previously replaced, the auto maker’s recall number is W47 and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)’s recall campaign number is 20V343. However, when I checked my VIN number, it stated that I had 0 outstanding recalls against it. It is my understanding that if the power transfer unit (PTU) fails to engage with the transmission, the Cherokee could lose all power while being driven which could result in a crash or injuries.
Power train, Aug 16, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while his daughter was starting the vehicle, the gear shifter was shifted to drive(D) however, the intended gear was not recognized and the vehicle was unable to drive forward. Additionally, the vehicle experienced an unintentional rollaway and the contact's daughter applied the parking brake to stop the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the power transfer unit (PTU) needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired and remained at the independent mechanic. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V343000 (Power Train) however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 63,000.
Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 11, 2022, crash
January 4, 2022 I was in and accident. My vehicle was in the repair shop for 90 days. The car was repaired and was in good working order. The other person involved in this accident was a 17 year old female. She was not injured.’ On 4/12/22 I took a trip, stopped for gas, attempted to make a left turn in the station but the car malfunctioned ( like a standard transmission) and ran over the center divider. I filled the tank and no problems afterwards. May 31, 2022 as I approached A left turn the car malfunction, (bucked like a stick shift.) I was struck by another vehicle, my car was hit with such force it overturned, spun around the opposite direction and struck a pole. However, it was not a head on collision because my vehicle had no front damage. The airbags deplored and I had serious injuries and a concussion. According to bystanders, the other vehicle speed was approximately 50 miles per hour; the speed limit on this roadway is 35 MPH. It is a dangerous rode with many fatalities this year. The driver in this accident was an 18 year old male. He was not injured. There are no traffic signals for more than one mile. It is a heavily traveled rode and the on and off ramps to I95. I have complained many times to our 911 operator about people speeding, running the red light and stop signs.
Visibility/wiper, Aug 11, 2022
While I was at a stand still at a railroad crossing, the rear windshield shattered independently without impact. I did not see any warning lights prior to the incident. I had called the police department and filed a police report as I did not know what happened at the time. No one was injured nor needed medical attention. I was able to drive the 2 minutes home. I had hired an independent mechanic, Safelite, to come to my house and fix the windshield. As he was fixing it he made me aware that my rear defroster on the windshield had overheated and burned the cables which had caused the failure. My grandfather contacted the local dealership and made them aware of the failure. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Aug 9, 2022
1. UNKNOWN component/system failure. It is available for inspection on request. 2. My vehicle will randomly flash an error message while driving "Shift to park and then select desired gear." As this error message is displayed, the engine stops while driving. The car is seemingly forced into neutral. Sometimes it will start again immediately. Sometimes it takes several minutes. It happens completely randomly. It is incredibly dangerous, especially when driving on the highway. I have been lucky that no one has crashed into me yet. 3. I have not had my own vehicle checked for this issues as I am not confident that the solution will be found. I have found hundreds of other Jeep owners (various years/models) in online forums complaining about the same issue. The dealerships and service centers have not been able to find a fix, or even identify what the problem is. 4. No 5. Warning message reads something like: "Shift to park and then select desired gear." This has been appearing randomly while driving. This is an obvious issue with the Jeeps that I am certain Chrysler must be aware of. I have spent a lot of money on this car, and I am terrified to drive my young children to daycare. I am terrified to drive to work. I need this issue investigated, and I need a resolution. Hundreds, if not thousands, of Jeep owners need a resolution.