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, Aug 8, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the Service 4-Wheel Drive message displayed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with powertrain transfer unit (PTU) actuator failure. The dealer informed the contact that the PTU actuator needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 37,000.
Power train, Aug 6, 2022
Service 4wheel drive came on 7/11/2022, when routine driving on highway at 40 MPH during excellent conditions. Phoned dealer 7/15/2022 to schedule for recall U90 for the catalyst efficiency and to have the vehicle scanned for the service light. 7/26/22 dealer informed active code C14A7-97 PTU Motor component or system operation obstructed or blocked, they cleared the code, it came back on, they check fluid level in ptu, it was within specs, found star case S1721000016 referring to the splines on the ptu unit to fray and not function. Recommended to replace ptu unit before winter. Found recall #21-017-21 for PTU broken input spline. Recall states malfunction indicator light (our service 4wheel drive came on) grinding noise coming from under vehicle while driving (this is notated on the service invoice from dealer. ) Although, code is different from what is listed for #21-017-21, our vehicle was built during the time frame indicated on the recall (April 2016) and is a 75th anniversary edition Cherokee, also listed on the #21-017-21 recall. Vehicle only has 37,689 miles on it and has never been taken off road nor has any other mode, but Auto been used for driving. Cost of replacement out of our pocket was to be $3100.00, after speaking with dealer and indicating this was our 3rd new Chrysler vehicle bought from them, they assumed responsibility for half the cost, see attached receipt where out of pocket for us was $1500.00, plus the $120.00 cost to scan for the issue. We would like consideration for a refund of the $1620.00 out of pocket we spent on this vehicle that we feel this issue should have been part of a recall. Please see note from invoice that metal shavings were found in the splines of the ptu. Safety of this vehicle in a needed 4x4 situation would have been compromised had the unit not been replaced.
Power train, Aug 5, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving 70 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and decelerated to 40 MPH. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the B1S2 camshaft sensor was replaced however, the failure persisted. The contact stated the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V343000 (Power Train); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 97,254.
Other or unspecified, Jul 29, 2022
Vehicle stalled out while driving
Power train, Electrical system, Jul 23, 2022
2016 Jeep Cherokee TrailHawk 80k miles PTO failed in 10/22 had extended Warranty but not through Jeep @ cost $4k. Now with 89k it’s going out again. What can I do
Steering, Suspension, Power train, Jul 22, 2022
The Power Control Unit of the full time four drive unit is defective and has caused warning lights that made the car unsafe to drive. There is current safety recall by NHTSA 20V343 that applies to 2014-2017 jeep Cherokee that applies to my car but does not shows up on the Jeep data base. Please advise. Thank you
Power train, Service brakes, Jul 21, 2022
PTU Power transition unit, many jeeps have same issue over 2,600. Jeep won’t stay in park. Can roll down drive way. I lost power when turning into intersection almost got into accident with children.
Power train, Jul 20, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated upon starting the vehicle, the message Service Shifter was displayed. The contact stated that upon taking the vehicle to the dealer for a routine oil change, she notified the dealer of the warning message. The dealer informed the contact that it was a known failure; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA. The failure mileage was approximately 55,000.
Electrical system, Jul 20, 2022
Went out to the vehicle in the morning, inserted the key in the ignition, turned the key to start the vehicle and the battery exploded.
Power train, Electrical system, Jul 13, 2022, crash
At approx. 49,000 miles I brought my Jeep to an authorized dealership to inspect hard shifts/skips in the transmission shifting. Dealership was unable to reproduce issue. At approx. 59,000 my vehicle was fully repaired and guaranteed from an authorized collision center (passenger side impact) when the transmission light began to illuminate. The same dealership cleared these codes without diagnosis for the issue. At approx. 71,000 the 4WD light illuminated and the dealership replaced the PTU, indicating it was "unresponsive" yet not due to collision. Days after this repair the module that communicates connection between my vehicle and the starter/alternator has gone out "inexplicably" I believe my model has faulty electrical components similar to the recalled models and I would like to raise complaints everywhere and anywhere that my issue is relevant.
Power train, Jul 7, 2022
I've been told I have a PTU failure. (Code: C14A7-9T) My "SVC 4WD" light comes on, Apparently this is an extremely common issue... I'm out of warranty (approximately 97,000 miles) but it is potentially a very dangerous condition, requiring replacement of the entire PTU. (+$3800) I've had this confirmed by an independent shop and confirmed the code with a dealer.
Power train, Jun 27, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while accelerating from 0 to 35 MPH, there was a humming and clicking sound coming from the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The mechanic determined a failure with the front power transfer unit that caused damages to the rear drive shaft. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 52,100.
Other or unspecified, Jun 27, 2022
4WD service light on. Diagnostic and servicing reveals blocked PTU. There is a recall for it, but it’s VIN specific and my Jeep is not covered.
Parking brake, Jun 10, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while driving various speed, the parking brake engaged independently. The contact stated that the service parking brake warning light was illuminated. The contact stated she was able to release the parking brake and continued driving to her destination. The contact called the local dealer and made them aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.
Power train, May 27, 2022
2016 cherokee Limited 4WD - large warning flashing on and off “4WD unavailable service required” on the screen followed by small warning light “SVC 4W Drive “ that stays consistent while driving. Car started to have less pull when accelerating and tires were not gripping nor had same traction as normal. At first it didn’t seem anything was wrong, but at higher speeds, especially on turn or going ip hill more noticeable on dirt or rain, the tires are heard spinning as the car made an effort to accelerate at its normal power. Within a few days, i got a an appointment for a diagnostic with a certified jeep dealer and they confirm a problem with a faulty power transfer unit. They said it would cost $3600 to fix. Tne diagnostic was $190 The warning light turns on within 3 to 5 minutes of driving and at first it would go off but now stays on. I am not able to accelerate without slowing down significantly when i need to during highway speeds and can’t make turns without worrying it will skid or going a different direction, so I have to keep a strong grip on the steering wheel to have control. I have not repaired it due to the excessive cost. This jeep has been very well taken care of. I am the second owner and It only has a little over 60k miles in 6 yrs. A jeep Cherokee limited 4W Drive is built for rigor and better for this to happen on 60k miles. Currently my vehicle had no recalls and find no records of the PTU - or any part of the powertrain being replaced as of today. I love my Jeep and this is disappointing, but more shocked by this malfunction.
Power train, May 23, 2022
On 9/14/21 was driving on highway and car started having a loud noise and brought car to Five Star Jeep in Macon GA. The PTO Unit was broken and I had to have it repaired there - that took 1 month. A second time on 5/5/22, when driving the car on a main road it started making a loud noise again and I was unable to steer or drive the car. Pulled off onto the shoulder and waited for AAA to come and tow vehicle to Jeep dealership. Luckily I was at a light when this happened or I could have hit a person or other car or they could have hot me. Car was towed to Paulding County GA Jeep dealership who confirmed it was the PTU failure and rear diff feels like its binding up from PTU failure while driving. I am dealing with Joseph Drupiewski at Paulding Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram, 1245 Old Griffin Rd, Dallas, GA 30157, (770) 406-6926. His cell is 770-599-7541. This is the 2nd time this has happened. I have read online that there is a recall for this on Jeeps. NHTSA campaign numbers: The recall for the 2014-2017 Jeep Cherokee is 20V343. FCA’s own number for this recall is W47. The recall for the PTUs sold for use in Jeep Cherokees is 20E037, and FCA’s own number for this is W48. There were sporadic warning messages on the car which would say "4 Wheel drive overheated, temporarily unavailable". I never used 4 wheel drive. It was popping on and off over a few days,
Power train, Electrical system, Other or unspecified, May 19, 2022
No messages were displayed when any issues occured. The back hatch stops working randomly. Whether your trying to open or close the back hatch, it will not operate by any of the interior push buttons or by using the key fob. I have to manually pull the hatch open &/or closed. I had a technician see this happen as well. I've had numerous times where my Jeep will be shifting & it lags a little bit and then causes a loud bang & jolt when it shifts to the next gear. I only drive approximately 6,000 miles/year. Any resolution to these issues would be greatly appreciated, Amy
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, May 14, 2022
Our jeep started displaying and error stating "vehicle needs to be stopped to shift" and after this error would display the engine would cut off. We took it to the dealership and we were told that the shifter bezel needed to be replaced. It was replaced in March. We we driving our car again on 5/8/22 and error code said "service shifter now" so we went back to the dealership and they are saying the shifter needs replaced a second time.
Power train, Apr 30, 2022
PTU has failed. Dealer says 3k replacement cost. My contention is current recall is not broad enough if other Jeep products have same issue. It should be expanded to include all PTUs with same defect.
Power train, Apr 29, 2022
Some times when starting from full stop vechile losses power . believe drivetrain failure. Have no conyrol until it reingauges usually less than a minute.if I had to get out of the way of something that would be dange r ous .It happens about once or twice a month.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Apr 24, 2022
Car drives when it wants, stops when it wants, all lights on dash come on
Electrical system, Apr 21, 2022
See my attachment for full details - PTU was malfunctioning on my 2016 Jeep Cherokee and while my VIN did not have a recall, the part, year, make and model of vehicle all matched.
Engine, Apr 10, 2022
Excessive oil consumption causing hesitation and stalls in traffic. Consumption is approximately 1.5qt. per 1000 mies
Visibility, Apr 8, 2022, fire
The contact's granddaughter owns a 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while his granddaughter was at a stand still at a railroad crossing, the rear windshield shattered independently without impact. The contact stated he was not aware of any warning light was illuminated. The driver called the police department and filed a police report. The contact stated no one was injured nor seek medical attention. The driver was able to continue to drive to her residence. The contact spoke to the local dealer and made them aware of the failure. The contact stated an independent mechanic came to her residence and informed the rear defroster on the windshield overheated and burned the cables which caused the failure. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 69,000.
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Apr 5, 2022
The "Service Shifter" warning came on and the transmission started slipping. If the transmission goes out while myself or kids are on the highway it not only could endanger us, but others as well. I have had this looked at by an independent shop and all it says that there is a bulletin on it.