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.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Dec 21, 2021
service shifter light went on and off for about a month. then one day went over a speed bump. and ever since then the message doesnt go away. ive cleared the codes had it flashed change fuses. and nothing. EVeryone has the same complaints about it and jeep dealerships dont take it serious. its a problem when i can see the speedometer or fuel range. or any other lights or warnings becuase that message wont go away.
Other or unspecified, Dec 14, 2021
Jeep has a system in the vehicle through Mopar that allows the owner to use an app to remote start the vehicle, track where the vehicle is located, track maintenance issues. This system also allows the driver to talk to text which is a safety feature of the vehicle. Cellular providers are no longer going to support the 3G chip in the vehicle and Jeep states they are unable to update a single chip in the vehicle hence disabling this safety feature. This is a HUGE concern.
Power train, Dec 6, 2021
The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at 50 MPH, the vehicle began to rigorously vibrate while the 4-wheel drive warning light flashed on the instrument panel. Due to the failure, the contact had the vehicle towed to an independent mechanic. The vehicle was initially diagnosed with a defective drive shaft unit which was repaired; however, upon a test drive, the failure persisted. The mechanic then discovered that the PTU (Power Transfer Unit) was the cause of the failure. The contact then discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V343000 (Power Train) which he linked to the failure. The manufacturer was then notified of the failure and informed him that his vehicle was not included in the recall. The contact filed a case with the manufacturer. The vehicle had yet to be repaired and remained in the possession of the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 42,300.
Power train, Nov 29, 2021
The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while driving approximately 55 MPH, the service 4-wheel drive warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed with needing the PTU (Power Transfer Unit) replaced however, the vehicle was not repaired. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V343000 (Power Train) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was not under recall. The failure mileage was 108,041.
Power train, Nov 28, 2021
Transmission problems that happen about twice a year. With no warning the transmission service will appear and the car will abruptly slow to a speed of 35 or less no matter how fast you are moving. On the turnpike one time it went from 70mph to 35 and luckily no one was behind me. Every time this happens I am told something different for what is wrong.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Engine, Nov 20, 2021
4wheel drive light came on. Said it was a power transfer unit problem. It has been recalled but doesn’t show for my car. It will cost me o ver $2000 and it has been recalled. I need help to have this repair covered.
Power train, Nov 16, 2021
The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while stopped at a traffic light, the vehicle lost motive power. A bystander checked underneath the vehicle while the gear shifter was in PARK, but the vehicle rolled backward. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and diagnosed with power transfer unit (PTU) failure. The dealer replaced the PTU. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in a recall. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V343000 (Power Train) however, the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was 88,245.
Power train, Nov 15, 2021
Around 35-45 MPH it shifts hard. After it shifts hard it acts like there is no power when hitting the accelerator. This incident only happens every so often not every time it hits 35-45 MPH. Has been taken to dealership to diagnose and they can’t re create the issue so we are always sent on our way. The vehicle has over 100,000 miles on it so I assume it’s not the adaptive learning for the transmission. The shifting problem also throws no codes. The fluid is fine and no metal in the fluid. I do not know what to do. I have read where thousands of people have this issue with the Cherokee and have gone to lengths of replacing the transmission or having it rebuilt and the issues still persist.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Nov 12, 2021
This car has been stopping in the middle of the road basically since I got it. I bring it in and it breaks down over and over. Most recently in front of my house on a very busy street with 18 wheelers. I do not feel safe in this vehicle.
Power train, Engine, Nov 10, 2021
Vehicle has slowly been loosing power since I purchased it in 2018, but over the past 2 months it's sluggish and when I press the accelerator, it hesitates then takes off and the tachometer gets stuck until I let off the gas then push the accelerator again. Also when I'm in stop and go traffic, when I accelerate, it starts jerking and feel like the engine is going to die, but if I give it a little more gas, it stops, until I have to come to a stop again. It's unsettling to hear the engine race the way it does. I feel it's a safety issue because the way it jerks when I'm trying to get the tachometer to stop racing. There's been no warning lights and nothing has been confirmed by the dealership, however, I recently received a recall notice and have contacted the dealer for an appointment. I'm waiting on a return call but don't know what the recall is related to.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Nov 10, 2021
Transfer case is not working it says blockage I see alot of of recalls for this piece and I want want to report it for my car as faulty aswell. also now the timing change has to be replaced. This jeep has had multiple issues going on since I have had it for almost 3 years it will be three years in Feb 2022
Other or unspecified, Nov 9, 2021
Service shifter light will come on when I ship from PRND and sometimes like when I am in a car wash in Nuetral I can't get it to shift
Power train, Nov 8, 2021
My service 4x4 light would come on then off, then on again. Was brought to the dealership, in which I was informed that my PTU is bad and needs to be replaced ($2800 plus to fix). There is a recall on the PTU for the year of my Jeep, but not my VIN. My vehicle has only 41,841 miles on it. I called the NHTSA hotline and was given an ODI#11439663 to open the investigation. Also had called the Jeep Hotline #800-992-1997, in which were no help on this issue.
Power train, Nov 8, 2021
The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the service 4X4 warning light was illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the power transfer unit (PTU) assembly to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired but was pending repairs. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V343000 (Power Train) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 41,841.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Nov 2, 2021
*SERVICE SHIFTER POP UP* I've had my 2016 Jeep Cherokee for about 4 years and every few months it pops up with SERVICE SHIFTER on my dash and the shifter lights up. I have talked to my local Jeep dealership, where I purchased this vehicle, and they brushed it off. After reading forums, this can be a HUGE safety hazard and could cause an accident or even worse, kill somebody!! Jeep should be held responsible and this should be considered a recall because alot of people have complained about this SERVICE SHIFTER popup. At times, I am scared to drive my vehicle after these episodes happen because I fear I am going to get into a car accident.
Engine, Oct 27, 2021
The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while driving 25 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently stalled. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact was unable to veer to the side of the road. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed that the power transfer unit had failed and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact that they could not assist because the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V343000 (Power Train). The manufacturer also referred the contact to NHTSA for assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 50,000.
Power train, Oct 25, 2021
There is a SVC 4WD light on the dash. Upon reviewing the user manual, the SVC 4WD light is not referenced in the manual at all. There is apparently no maintenance or service intervals required for the user (owner). I took the Jeep to the Chrysler Jeep Dealer in Somerset KY, and learned it has a DTC C14A7-97 PTU issue. It appears the manufacturer is aware of the issue as there were previous recalls specific to the 2014 - 2017 Jeeps with a faulty PTU assembly. However, only certain VIN numbers were included. The issue is according to previous posts regarding the SVC 4WD light, as a chronic Chrysler issue indicating the PTU fails to engage with the transmission (hence the light) and the Cherokee could lose all power while being driven. Also, failure to engage could keep the vehicle from being put into park when stationary allowing the vehicle to roll away. The problem was between 2014 and 2017 Jeeps. From my perspective, I am totally blown away my particular 2016 VIN was not included in the recall when 17 models were still having the same issue. None the less, Jeep Chrysler said they issued a Star Online Publication on June 11, 2020. The publication indicates for the technician to uninstall the PTU assemble including the actuator, determine if there is debris or damage found in the PTU. Resolution, if no debris or damage found, replace the actuator and reinstall the original PTU. This indicates to me, they are aware they have at least an issue with the actuator. If there is debris, replace both the actuator and the PTU. The dealer tells me depending on the problem, this can run up to 2000 dollars out of pocket to the owner, however the owner can submit receipts for reimbursement. If it is indeed a Jeep safety issue relating to the PTU, why is the customer out of pocket on it? Again there is no interval of maintenance required on the owner, so why isn't Jeep taking care of it? Ali, Customer Care Rep explained to me you control. Can you help? TY
Service brakes, Oct 25, 2021
My parking brake doesnt want to disingauge. Was parked for 3 days and rain season just started in california. Big safety issue. Never had a problem with my brake system till now. Im gonna have to miss work now,i do not have any transportation to get to work,i was reliaing on my jeep but i dont know whats gonna happen, maybe someone can look into this issue or give me a clue of what to due. STRONGLY SUGGEST ALL JEEP CHEROKEE OWNERS TO ALSO SPEAK UP AS THIS IS A BIG SAFETY CONCERN THAT CAN CAUSE A BIG ACCIDENT!!!
Power train, Oct 19, 2021
PTU Failure. Took vehicle to Jeep dealer. I was told that although there was a recall on the PTU for 2014-2017 Jeep Cherokees, my VIN was not included.
Structure, Oct 6, 2021
The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that the dashboard was separating from the body of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be inspected. The dealer informed the contact that the dashboard was either separating due to not having enough glue, or the glue that was used for the dashboard had not cured properly. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 22,000.
Power train, Electrical system, Oct 4, 2021
The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the Service Shifter message and the gear shift lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. Several fuses were replaced. The vehicle was not repaired and needed a wiring harness kit replacement. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 46,800.
Visibility/wiper, Sep 28, 2021
Unable to pump window fluid onto window, to remove road oil from window, do to the window washer fluid Reservoir, that has separated along the seam, at the bottom of the Reservoir. I STRONGLY believe this is a defect, since there was no accident, or anything else, to cause it to separated at the seam, at the bottom of the Reservoir. This is a MAJOR safety issue, when getting hit with very dirty/oily water and unable to immediately clean/clear the windshield, do to the window washer fluid Reservoir separating at the bottom, right at the seam. I STRONGLY believe this is a defect, for it's young age.
Power train, Sep 27, 2021
The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would stall upon depression of the accelerator pedal. The contact also stated that an unknown transmission warning light appeared on the instrument panel. The contact called the dealer where she purchased the vehicle but was placed on an extended hold. The manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was 38,000.
Power train, Sep 20, 2021
Transmission is failing to function properly. Between gears 1-2, 2-3. I have noticed this when the ESS for the vehicle is engaged, during slow moving traffic, uphill and in reverse. The vehicle is sluggish, won't go forward when given gas, then surges. This has caused issues for my family when crossing busy intersections or coming to slow moving traffic or having to get up to speed adequately. There has been hesitation in the transmission which creates hesitation on the road, resulting in many "almost accidents." I am booking an appointment to have the vehicle inspected by a Jeep dealer. I've contacted the original dealer I've purchased from and they said there was nothing they could do. I have not seen any warning lights, messages or flashes come through on the dash/vehicle. I will be hooking it up to a code reader to determine if there is an underlying code. I have only had this vehicle for two weeks.
Power train, Sep 20, 2021
Warning light to fix 4x4..... Difficulty finding problem at dealer, required new PTU actuator and dealer had much difficulty getting part into place. Cost approximately $ 1500.