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.
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 29, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact initially called the dealer and was informed that the VIN was not under recall. The contact then took the vehicle to an independent mechanic where it was discovered that the thermostat sensor was defective. The contact was provided an estimate and the vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 20,053.
Power train, Engine, Mar 22, 2022
This Jeep has stalled while on the road several times, more than once almost causing an accident. I have finally figured out that the engine uses more oil than a normal engine should, it does not inform the driver of low oil, and shuts off once the oil is below a certain point. This vehicle is extremely dangerous to be on any road and likely already caused numerous accidents. Please do something!!!!!
Electrical system, Mar 21, 2022
Had an issue with my PTU that required to be replaced after finding "internal debris" which started with my 4WD Drive light came on. I feel this could fit under an active recall since my 1) Make (Jeep), 2) Model (Cherokee) 3) Year (2016) and 4) Part (PTU) including recall W47 (campaign 20V343) and W48 (campaign 20E037).
Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Mar 18, 2022
All of a sudden you are driving and the vehicle wants to shut off like it's getting gas got cut off and it will Buck back and forth like a transmission issue Then all of a Sudden it kicked back in and you continue to drive as Normal but if you're at a stop and you go to take off it could be very dangerous if it stalls out on you
Electrical system, Mar 15, 2022
My emergency parking brake was stuck on (I never turned it on) and I was unable to move my car. It was towed to Brown's Jeep and was determined their was a leak in the power liftgate that corroded the module. There were recalls for 2015 Jeep Cherokees for the same reason but Jeep claims this is not due to a recall. I asked how I can avoid this in the future and was told this won't happen again. Appears not to be a "normal wear and tear" issue.
Power train, Mar 11, 2022
Meticulously maintained vehicle, had PTU failure at 112,000 miles. No warning lights, started getting loud hum and immediately got in for service.
Power train, Mar 3, 2022
The transmission began making grinding noises and was losing power. Dealer informed me today it is the ptu that needs replaced at a cost of $4000
Electrical system, Service brakes, Mar 1, 2022
Known service bulletin by Jeep. Service bulletin number 08-060-16. The parking brake module wiring harness connection can get terminal corrosion through faulty seals in the Jeep aka “water intrusion”. Water intrusion can get into the parking brake module wiring harness and cause a malfunction of the electronic parking brake. Brake will deploy randomly while vehicle is in motion or parked. No current recalls on this service bulletin. Apparently can also lead to fires in the rear cargo area. My parking brake deployed while driving. My parking brake deployed when shifting the car into park rendering it immobile. Well documented issue throughout the Jeep Cherokee community.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Feb 22, 2022
The svc 4wd light would come on mostly in the cold weather then would go away. every time we had maintenance and mentioned it to the dealership we were told if it was not on while in the shop they could not do anything for it. I was driving and making a left hand turn when the svc 4wd and check engine light came on and the drive train lost power. I was luckily going down hill so I was able to coast and pull over.The engine and the electronics was still in but would not drive. After pulling over I turned the car off and back on and the car worked ok. We had an appointment for the dealer and we were informed the PTU needed to be replaced. Upon looking it up online this part has been recalled on the same make model and year as my vehicle but not my specific vin #.
Wheels, Feb 18, 2022
2016 JEEP CHEROKEE. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO BROKEN CONTROL ARM BOLT.
Power train, Feb 12, 2022
Took Jeep in for recalls in 2021 for Powertrain software update (TCM module and PCM module) & and safety recall in regards to PTU. Received a call from my mechanic today in regards to issues regarding codes for these things. I had noticed that since I had took my car in a year ago my Jeep just did not seem the same. Never thought anything of it until I needed my brakes changed now and wanted someone else who I actually could trust to take a look.
Electrical system, Feb 11, 2022
This has happened the past two weeks. I will go to accelerate my vehicle and an error message will pop up saying "in order to shift to desired gear you must be in park" or "shift to park then desired gear" and the check engine light, battery light, a lightening bolt red light and the electrical stability control light comes on. My car has shut off on me three times while driving it, once down the road from my home and had to be jumped off just to make it back home, then I was stranded in the middle of a busy intersection and had to have the local police push my vehicle to a near by parking lot and then I was leaving work and all the lights came on so I pulled into Mavis Tire and had a tech come check it out. As my car was in park and at 0mph my car was stuck in 1st gear which is shown in the pictures attached. I was told to take it to the dealership and the local one here in Newnan Georgia is absolutely the worst. No one would answer the phone and when I finally got someone on the phone they told me I would have to drop my car off and that it would be a week before they could get to it. I am scared to keep driving the vehicle knowing at any moment it could shut off on me while driving it.
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Feb 9, 2022
Car will slow down, steering wheel will lock, and message "Shift to P then Shift to desired gear" will pop up. Car will take a minute to start up again and problem reoccurs.
Power train, Feb 8, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at 35 MPH, the vehicle stalled inadvertently. The contact was able to veer to the side of the road but he could not park as the gear shifter would not move. The contact waited until the vehicle came to a complete stop. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact was able to continue to drive the vehicle, however the failure reoccurred twice while driving. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the service shifter had failed. The warning message "service shifter" had remained illuminated. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the failure was a known defect .The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that they could not assist because the VIN was not included in a recall related to the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 165,000
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Feb 7, 2022
Driving down the highway the service shifter just pops up
Power train, Feb 1, 2022
Bolts broke off of the ptu on my current 2016 jeep Cherokee trail hawk. Extremely unsafe to drive. Dealer I will to do the repairs because and I quote “ is not on the recall batch for the issues listed” please keep in mind I’ve done the necessary research and the extent of the repairs needed falls exactly with the recall placed in on 06/2020. Please your guidance would be greatly appreciated.
Power train, Electrical system, Jan 21, 2022
Service shifter light continues to come on
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Jan 14, 2022
I was driving home doing 65/70 when my dash lights came on, all of the shifter lights came on, and a service light started beeping to service the shifter. Leaving me stranded without a car. $600 for the parts plus labor and fees, I was able to get a new shifter replaced, and I am hoping this never happens again!
Power train, Jan 12, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The contact noticed that the service four-wheel drive warning light was illuminated continuously. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the power transfer unit needed to be replaced. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V343000 (Power Train). The approximate failure mileage was 63,000.
Service brakes, Jan 10, 2022
Brake line on front passenger brake area split open without signs of other damage or cause per mechanic - all brake fluid leaked out, brakes did not function. no accident occurred as a result, but near miss incident occurred. The mechanic repaired this and the other front brake line (driver's side), but advised that I file a report as manufacturer would not take any additional information or concern. No warning lights went off, and no other alarm components sounded or created a visual alert - incident was somewhat immediate - meaning that it occurred within 5 mins. The brakes were working, then without accident or any causes of jarring or harm to the underside of the vehicle, the brakes suddenly stopped working - brake pedal went all the way to the floor without stopping the vehicle. Mechanic inspected all areas of the brake system, and could not find any other signs of damage or reasons for the brake line splitting. He concluded that it was a manufacturer defect. No cause for police or insurance intervention thus far. Brake line that split is available for inspection - I retained the brake line from the mechanic as he suggested.
Structure, Jan 6, 2022
Driver side and back side metal panels under mat water leakage.danger.
Electrical system, Service brakes, Dec 29, 2021
The Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) system is locked in engaged mode and I am unable to release the EPB causing the car to be immobilized.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Dec 29, 2021
I purchased this jeep in 2018, the service shifter light came on the car shutdown in the middle of the road while my daughter was driving she was able to get into a parking lot. We had the bezel and wiring harness replaced in January 2019, right after this happened. I now have the jeep and the shifter service light will randomly come on along with the service transmission light. When this happens the transmission will not engage and I have to make my way to the side of the road and put it in park and then the transmission will engage again.
Other or unspecified, Dec 23, 2021
I purchased my 2016 Jeep Cherokee in 2018 and within 3 months my service shifter light came on. I had it fixed by the dealership. 6 months later it happened again and I was told it was most likely a faulty part used the first time. Since then I have had the shifter console and wiring inside replaced a total of 4 more times, luckily up until this point was covered under my extended warranty. However my warranty expires in January of 2022 and the service shift light just came on again for what will now be the 7th time. Once my warranty is over, I will not be able to cover the $500 each time twice a year to have it fixed. I have seem dozens and dozens of people report on this issue and nothing has been done. It has also caused my transmission to slip or multiple occasions as well as hesitate when accelerating.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Lane departure, Dec 21, 2021
i was driving my son to school one day about 2 months ago maybe longer and all of a sudden out of no where the car shuts off saying low oil pressure. i changed out the sensor. thinking that would fix the problem. well that sure isnt the case. i burn a quart of oil 3rd or 4rh day of the week evey week taken it in no can find the problem. now i see there a recall say needs a pcm up date. maybe it it fix the problem. probaly not. i think jeep really needs to go over the jeep engines with a pick and comb and find these problems its scary drivong i am so affraid iam am going to be an a realy bad accident one day. my car always shutting off while driving iys not fun. its even worse when i jqve my child in the back seat and is helpless because he straped up in a car seat. part 2 if i fill my jeep up.with a full tank of gas it stalls and shuts of in the middle of traffic driving. or sitting at a stop light this happens every time i full my car up si no i dont fill it up because it like to shut off. so it getting to the point i want to set it of fire and roll it down a hill!! (kidding i would never do that!!)