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, Sep 17, 2021
The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that the 4-Wheel drive warning light had illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact had taken the vehicle to the dealer and diagnosed with a defective power transfer unit. The dealer also informed the contact that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V343000 (Power Train). The manufacturer was also notified of the failure and informed that contact that recalls were VIN specific and that the vehicle was not included in a recall. The vehicle remained in the possession of the dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.
Power train, Electrical system, Sep 15, 2021
My 2016 Jeep Cherokee was RANDOMLY coming up with "Service Shifter" warning light. The dealers tell me they "can't replicate the problem" even though it still happens and THOUSANDS online complain about the same issue. If this is a serious shifter issue, it could cause problems driving. I have figured out that if I cover the sunlight sensor on the dashboard when the lights are set to auto (effectively keeping the interior lights dimmer) I can drive without the warning coming up. Within SECONDS of uncovering it, the interior lights brighten and the "Service Shifter" warning comes on instantly. THAT is why I think it's electrical. The fact that Jeep is shrugging it's shoulders and doesn't acknowledge a problem is absolutely disgusting!
Power train, Sep 7, 2021
My Jeep Power Transfer Unit (PTU) failed in less than 73000 miles. FCA recalled 67000 Jeep Cherokee for bad PTU. FCA said my vehicle was not under recall category. But FCA do have problem with thousands of PTU and my Jeep must have the same kind of bad PTU.
Power train, Engine, Aug 31, 2021
The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that the vehicle would shut off while driving at various speeds without warning. The contact also stated that the vehicle would start up and shut off independently without warning. Additionally, while driving at 60 MPH, the vehicle began to shake uncontrollably without warning as the contact lost control of the vehicle. The contact was able to pull over and shut off the vehicle. After multiple attempts, the contact was able to restart the vehicle and resume normal driving. The contact had taken the vehicle to a dealer and an independent mechanic and both were unable to diagnose the failure since no warning lights had appeared on the instrument panel. The manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 55,000.
Service brakes, Forward collision avoidance, Aug 30, 2021
My 2016 Jeep Cherokee with 42100 miles on it locked up much like a brake locking up. The auto park brake feature is always applied when parked and has always worked fine until now. My wife was pulling out of the garage had just started to back up and the Jeep would not move. I was in the house she came inside and told me her issue with the Jeep. I went out and tried it, and had the same issue. I put it in reverse and tried to give it some more gas.. Jeep lurched some like the brakes were locked. Had no brake light though. I turned the engine off and restarted, made sure the brake light was out.. same thing.. I gave it more gas this time and something gave. I took it for a 30 mile drive.. it was on a Sunday, no shops open to talk to about it. On the 30 mile drive I had no issues even after stopping and restarting several times. Monday I called the service department where we purchased the Jeep. They said a two month wait to get it in. I called another dealer he said he could look at it but if it has no issues for me and he had no issues nothing he could do. So now my wife who is suppose to drive 350 miles to watch some of our Grandkids for a month while our Daughter is recovering from surgery is afraid to drive her Jeep. If I drive it and it has issues while she is out of town leaving me stranded on the side of the road.. It will be a big hassle. I do have the MOPAR extended lifetime warranty.. but if they cannot duplicate the issue at a service department they can't fix it.. what to do?
Electrical system, Aug 27, 2021
Warning to “Service Shifter”. Dealer said it needed new parts due to faulty wiring component. Internet/social media reports 100s of similar circumstances. Dealer said parts not covered by Jeep. Earlier years (2014-2015) and 2017 have recalls, but not 2016. Vehicle is only 5 years old and it’s extremely unclear why 2016 is not included in recalls.
Power train, Aug 16, 2021
I purchased car new on May 30, 2016. Recently, the vehicle is jerking and I am concerned for safety of passengers and others driving near me. Also, noted once it did not park properly and appeared to move It has now come to my attention that the PTU on this vehicle is recalled for some reason for only some vehicles. The dealership noted last week it requires a new PTU at $3,400 but there are no available parts for some reason. I said thats obviously because there is a very large problem. Please look into this as I am an Uber driver and now cannot afford to work as I am concerned about the safety of my passengers
Power train, Electrical system, Aug 9, 2021
Transmission will not shift out of low gear. Especially when on a steel hill. Also, turn signals will not turn off unless I manually do so. Dealer tells me I must let them do a $125 diagnostic test, (I pay for it), then must be reviewed before they can say it’s a warranty or not. These seem to be common problems that many Cherokee owners have but never recalled.
Other or unspecified, Aug 9, 2021, fire
I had my car parked in a public parking garage for a few hours, and it suddenly caught on fire on the backside of the car. There were no warning lights or anything like that before hand. The whole back of the car is burned and the cars on either side of me were damaged as well. The fire department had to come put the fire out. I don't know for sure, but it sure seems like it might have been the same Power Liftgate short circuit issue that the 2014-2015 Jeep Cherokees got recalled for (https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2015/RCRIT-15V393-6798.pdf)
Electrical system, Aug 5, 2021
The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the gear shifter error message was permanently displayed on the instrument panel. Additionally, the information from the speedometer, fuel gauge and other features were not available due to the failure. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who replaced a gear shifter wire and bezel, but the failure persisted. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 50,000.
Service brakes, Aug 4, 2021
Basically the parking brake would not release and the car was un drivable. Towed to dealership . Told the ABS module failed and now requires a complete brake job- recalibrate, replace rotors and pads. At a cost of $2000+ This seems to be the same exact problem that occurred 9 months ago. At that time we replaced the tires due to the wear they incurred. That was @ about 25,000 miles. The Jeep now has about 30,000 miles. 08
Power train, Other or unspecified, Engine, Aug 3, 2021
shifter park.. car cuts off when car is idle.
Other or unspecified, Aug 2, 2021
Shifter service light came on, made an appointment with the dealer, they did a diagnostic test, said battery was bad and said he really didn't think the shifter needed replacing. The battery was replaced and about 6 weeks later, the light came on again, and after reading some forums, it looks like this is a rather common probably with jeeps, so why is this not a recall? It also seems like the problem doesn't even go away after having the shifter kit replaced.
Power train, Aug 2, 2021
I got into my wife's 2016 Jeep Cherokee Latitude to drive to the store and heading down the road the message 'Service Shifter' showed up on the instrument cluster and all the gear selectors became illuminated red with no check engine light. Upon coming out of the store I started the jeep and the message was gone until I started heading down the road and same thing happened but this time there was a noticeable decrease in engine power and engine seemed to be running ruff at stop light. When I made it home and put the shifter in park and started to exit the jeep it started to roll forward and I hit the brake. I started the jeep back up and no message or anything and I backed the jeep up some and put back into park and this time it went into gear however I activated the parking brake to safe and instructed my wife to do so as well. This is a serious issue as we have teenage kids that drive our vehicles and poses a serious safety issue not to mention it rolling into our house. I called a dealership and was told they have not heard of this issue and would be hard to diagnose since there is no check engine light but sounds like the whole shifter assembly needs to be replaced and is not covered by the extended warranty that we purchased. After reading online about this issue there appear to be ALOT of people having the same issue and have had the shifter assembly replaced, Shifter bezel and wiring harness replaced, updates performed, and batteries changed(car and key fob) and is still having this issue. This issue poses a great risk to owners and anyone else around these Jeeps especially as it seems that there is not a fix only guesses on what the problem is since it keeps happening. This should be a recall and Jeep should be made to find the real problem and fix it before anything serious happens. We have had shift problems before and had update performed. I wasn't able to get pics or video as I was driving and the rolling forward happened out nowhere.
Engine, Jul 30, 2021
The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while driving 70 mph, the vehicle decelerated to 45 mph independently. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where the TCM software was reset. The vehicle was repaired however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 58,215.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jul 29, 2021
The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while his daughter was approaching a stoplight, the brake pedal was depressed but failed to respond causing 3 feet stopping distance delay. The message "Service Electronic Brake System" appeared on the instrument panel and the brake warning light illuminated. The contact stated that his daughter put the vehicle in neutral and stopped the vehicle. The contact stated that as the traffic cleared, his daughter pulled into a nearby gas station and parked the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer but was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 79,000.
Power train, Jul 28, 2021
While turning in a busy intersection recently at night my sons Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk quit moving all at once. Nearly getting hit, my son was able to get out of the vehicle and all was avoided. It appears the transfer case part number 68282447AB was defective and broke. This part has been recalled in some Jeep vehicles. Apparently not this one and this is a very dangerous problem Jeep should make right. Now it is in the repair shop with replacement parts months backordered.
Power train, Electrical system, Jul 22, 2021
Service shifter message comes up on dashboard of vehicle. All the lights on the shifter turn red and the dashboard will not permit changing the screen message. This happened frequently in 2019 for the vehicle. Service at the dealership replaced the shifter wiring harness and bezel kit. Now the same issue is occurring with the same service message for the shifter. Dealership states the shifter bezel needs to be replaced with updated version. If this problem worsens, the vehicle could stop shifting and/or be unable to put the vehicle into park. This is a common problem for Jeep Cherokees as seen on online forums from owners.
Power train, Jul 10, 2021
My wife, while traveling on the interstate (I35), had a service transmission and engine light come on. The car immediately decreased in speed and performance and became undrivable at highway speeds, She had to limp to the next exit and call and wait for AAA. This was very dangerous due to highway traffic and speeds as well as her being stranded in the middle of nowhere in KS. When we got to the CDJR Dealership they said it was a common, known, issue (fault codes P0887 and C2226) and a software update was required which, by the way, is not free. So $100.45 later the car is "fixed" and we are on our way. This is a known defect (software issue), as identified by the manufacturer, which can be a safety risk to the driver and occupants and should be a no charge repair or recall in my opinion.
Power train, Jun 28, 2021
PTU. Jeep loses power some times when trying to accelerate and now the Service 4Wheel Drive light is on and according the the mechanic is because the PTU is failing and needs replace. I see there is a recall for Jeep Cherokees between 2014 and 2017 for PTU but I am being told that my VIN is not part of the recall however I am having the issues that are described as part of the recall.
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Jun 25, 2021
I was at the store came out started my jeep sat there for a minute put my jeep in drive pressed the gas pulled forward out of the parking spot when my jeep stopped my dash said put in park then select gear well i was in the middle of the lane and i couldn’t press the brake or turn my wheel there was a car coming down the lane and my jeep was just sitting there not able to turn back on. finally i was able to get my jeep to turn back on and i put it in reverse and left it in the parking lot if I were to drive home and that happened there could’ve been a major accident! I’m so grateful I was not on the interstate!
Other or unspecified, Jun 22, 2021
I keep getting a "shifter service" when I start my vehicle and even when I stop my vehicle. I have to turn the car on and then back on sometimes twice before it will stop. This started about 3 years after I bought the car and has been getting worse every since. I feel this is a safety issue because you cannot see the odometer when driving and have know idead how fast your might be going. You do not always have a place to pull over to turn your car off and back on. THIS NEEDS TO BE A RECALL! I have read hundreds of blogs where this is happening on this jeep type from years 2014 through 2019.
Power train, Jun 16, 2021
The 4X4 system stop working. the driveline from the front PTU to the rear differential is rotating but the wheels are not! no indication of any failure in the dash board while driving regular road. Under load, when trying (unsuccessfully) to climb a small hill, the 4X4 system gets "heating warning and shuts down. I was advised to take off the 4X4 fuse in order to not increase the damage. Bottom line - my jeep trailhawk is now a regular 2X4 car :-(
Power train, Jun 15, 2021
The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while driving 65 mph, the message "service shifter" was displayed and the gear shifter lights were illuminated. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to schedule a recall repair appointment with the dealer for manufacturer customer satisfaction W84. The dealer informed the contact that she would be responsible for the cost of repair as the manufacturer's customer satisfaction W84 repair only covered the vehicle reprogramming and would not remedy the shifter failure. The manufacturer provided no further assistance and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA. The approximate failure mileage was 115,000
Power train, Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Jun 15, 2021
For the past couple of weeks I’ve been noticing the car does not react when I press the gas… like there’s a delay In catching speed.., like stalling, last night the “service shifter” light came on and all the PRN&D lights are on and I’m scared for my kids and my safety.