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, Nov 4, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 JEEP CHEROKEE. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONTACT CHANGED THE BATTERY AND NOTICED THAT THE OIL WAS LOW. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT CALLED VATLAND CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP RAM (855 SOUTH, US-1, VERO BEACH, FL 32962, (772) 567-6633) AND AN OIL CONSUMPTION TEST WAS COMPLETED. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 36,000.
Vehicle speed control, Nov 1, 2019
I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY WITH MY DAUGHTER AND MY DOG WITH ME AND HAD THE CRUISE CONTROL SET TO 75 MPH. THERE IS A PART OF THE HIGHWAY WHERE THE SPEED LIMIT DROPS TO 65 MPH SO I SLOWED THE VEHICLE DOWN TO 64 MPH WHEN IT SUDDENLY REVVED UP TO 5000 RPMS AND HIT 75 MPH AGAIN. THE CAR HAS BEEN SURGING LATELY BUT I THOUGHT IT WAS FROM THE WEATHER GETTING COLDER. THE CAR ACCELERATING ON ITS OWN GOING DOWN THE HIGHWAY, ESPECIALLY TO 5000 RPMS, I KNOW IS NOT JUST THE WEATHER. THERE IS SOMETHING WRONG AND I HAVE ONLY MADE 1 PAYMENT ON IT ABOUT TO PAY MY 2ND ONE. I JUST BOUGHT THIS CAR AUGUST 21, 2019 SO THIS SHOULD NOT BE HAPPENING ALREADY. ALSO THERE IS A RATTLING IN THE ENGINE.
Power train, Nov 1, 2019
WHEN DRIVING THE JEEP SHIFT EXTREMELY HARD INTO GEAR. TODAY WE STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT AND WENT TO TAKE OFF THE CAR WENT TO SHIFT BUT WOULD NOT SHIFT INTO GEAR CAUSING US TO STOP IN THE INTERSECTION ALMOST GETTING HIT. WE HAD TO PLACE IT INTO PARK AND RESTART THE CAR TO GET IT TO MOVE BACK INTO GEAR. THIS IS AN ONGOING ISSUE. THE DEALER CANNOT FIND THE ISSUE AND WILL NOT TAKE THE TIME TO DUPLICATE. THEY SHOW NO INTEREST ON TRYING TO SOLVE THE ISSUE, JUST PASSING THE BUCK.
Other or unspecified, Nov 1, 2019
SHATTERED SUNROOF WHILE GOING 70-75 MPH ON HIGHWAY
Other or unspecified, Oct 31, 2019
WHILE I WAS DRIVING THE 'SERVICE SHIFTER' LIGHT CAME ON AND GEAR SHIFT LIGHTS ARE ALL RED,P,R,N,D. THIS HAPPENED 2 TIMES IN LESS THAN 2 WEEKS. THE CAR APPEARED TO BE FUNCTIONING NORMALLY. AFTER STOPPING AND TURNING CAR OFF AND RESTARTING THE LIGHTS WENT OFF.
Power train, Oct 30, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 JEEP CHEROKEE. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING HOME FROM WORK AT 62 MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY DECELERATED TO BELOW 40 MPH. THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL TO THE FLOORBOARD, BUT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT SPEED UP. IN ADDITION, THE SERVICE TRANSMISSION INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT SLOWLY DROVE TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, BUT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. SPITZER MOTOR CITY INC (13001 BROOKPARK RD, BROOK PARK, OH 44142, (216) 267-2100) AND THE MANUFACTURER BATTLED WITH THE CONTACT FOR THE PAST TWO WEEKS TO SEE IF THE VEHICLE WOULD BE COVERED UNDER THE POWER TRAIN WARRANTY BECAUSE IT WAS 200 MILES OVER THE LIMIT. THE DEALER OFFERED TO PAY HALF OF THE REPAIR COSTS AS LONG AS THE CONTACT AGREED TO A TWO YEAR CONTRACT FOR OIL CHANGE SERVICE. THE CONTACT REFUSED AND THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,250.
Vehicle speed control, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Oct 29, 2019
THE CAR BEGAN JERKING AS IF IN THE PROCESS OF STALLING WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY. THEN, WHENEVER THE CAR WAS STOPPED AT A LIGHT OR ACCELERATING THE STALL LIKE JERKING WOULD OCCUR AGAIN.
Engine, Oct 24, 2019
MAKING A LEFT TURN, ENGINE SHUT OFF NO POWER, STATED I MUST BE IN PARK TO SHIFT WARNING LIGHTS FLASHING (ALL KINDS). WOULD NOT RESTART FOR ABOUT 15 MINUTES. RAN FINE PRIOR TO THIS. FINALLY RESTARTED AND DROVE DIRECTLY TO DEALERSHIP (ITS ONLY ABOUT A MILE AWAY). EXPLAINED WHAT HAPPENED THEY HAD NO CLUE WHY THIS WOULD HAPPEN BUT THEY CHECKED OIL WHICH WAS VERY LOW (WHICH LEADS ME TO BELIEVE THEY HAVE SEEN THIS ISSUE BEFORE). CHANGED OIL AND SO FAR SO GOOD. COMPLAINT - WHY WOULD ENGINE SHUT OFF BECAUSE OF THAT? WHY WOULD A BRAND NEW CAR WITH UNDER 30,000 MILES BURN THAT MUCH OIL? WHY DIDN'T THE INDICATOR TELL ME THERE WAS LOW OIL OR LOW OIL PRESSURE? IF THIS THING BURNS THAT MUCH OIL WITHIN THE ALLOTTED OIL CHANGE TIME - MAY NEED TO LOOK FOR ANOTHER VEHICLE - THIS IS DANGEROUS IF THE CAR SHUTS OFF ON A FREEWAY OR IN BUSY TRAFFIC.
Power train, Oct 24, 2019
MY 2016 JEEP CHEROKEE HAS RECENTLY PRESENTED A SAFETY ISSUE. TWICE, IN THE LAST TWO DAYS, THE TRANSMISSION HAS CUT OUT AS I MADE A LEFT TURN. A MESSAGE APPEARED, "PUT IN P TO CHANGE GEARS." LUCKILY, BOTH TIMES THIS HAPPENED, I WAS TURNING OFF THE ROADS AND INTO A PARKING LOT. IT SCARES ME TO DRIVE. WHAT COULD HAVE HAPPENED IF I WAS TURNING INTO TRAFFIC. I FEEL THIS IS A DIRE SAFETY ISSUE! BOTH TIMES THIS OCCURRED THE VEHICLE STARTED BACK UP. I WAS CLOSE TO HOME SO I IMMEDIATELY DROVE BACK HOME. I HAVE AN APPOINTMENT WITH THE JEEP SERVICE DEPT. TOMORROW. TIME WILL TELL WHAT THEY SAY.
Power train, Oct 23, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 JEEP CHEROKEE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, THE SERVICE SHIFTER INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND CALLED JIM SHORKEY FAMILY AUTO GROUP AT 724-204-2560 (LOCATED AT 13339 RTE 30, NORTH HUNTINGDON, PA 15642) TO INQUIRE ABOUT THE WARRANTY. THE CONTACT WAS NOT CALLED BACK AND THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 10,000. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Oct 23, 2019
SERVICE SHIFTER LIGHT CAME ON. HAVING TO REPLACE SHIFTER AND SHIFTING HARNESS. WHEN WARNING CAME ON ALL LIGHTS CAME ON AND WAS NOT ABLE TO USE SHIFTER.
Power train, Oct 23, 2019
I WAS SITTING AT A STOP LIGHT AND "SERVICE SHIFTER" POPPED UP ON MY DASH AND ALL THE SHIFT LIGHTS CAME ON, THE VEHICLE STILL MOVED AND I DROVE IT THE REST OF THE WAY TO WORK (APPROX 2 MILES)
Power train, Oct 22, 2019
I BOUGHT MY 2016 JEEP CHEROKEE NEW, AT 17,896 MILES, A MESSAGE DISPLAYED "SERVICE SHIFTER" AND ALL THE LIGHTS ON MY SHIFTER WERE LIT UP. A NEW SHIFTER WAS INSTALLED. THEN AT 67,631 MILES, SAME THING HAPPENED THIS TIME THEY REPLACED THE SHIFTER BEZEL AND WIRING. BOTH TIMES, THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY BUT RUNNING IN A PARKING LOT.
Electronic stability control (ESC), Oct 21, 2019
SERVICE SHIFTER LIGHT COME ON WITH ALL GEARS LIGHTS ON WHEN DRIVING
Other or unspecified, Oct 20, 2019
OVERHEATS TEMP GOES UP TO 240 DEGREES AND THE SHIFTER KEEPS ACTING UP. ALL THE LIGHTS ON THE SHIFTER LIGHT UP IN RED BOTH KEEP HAPPENING ALMOST WEEKLY.
Power train, Oct 20, 2019
SERVICE SHIFTER LIGHT HAS COME ON FOR THE THIRD TIME SINCE I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE IN 2016. IT'S BEEN SERVICED TWICE AND LAST TIME I SPOKE WITH THE DEALERSHIP, THEY SAID THIS IS A VERY COMMON ISSUE. THIS NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED AS MY VEHICLE IS NOW OUT OF WARRANTY AND I SHOULDN'T BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE FOR THE THIRD REPLACEMENT OF A FAULTY SHIFTER.
Other or unspecified, Oct 18, 2019
WATER COLLECTS IN THE SPARE TIRE COMPARTMENT WHEN DRIVING IN THE RAIN OR GOING THROUGH A CARWASH. ELECTRICAL FIRE POSSIBLE DUE TO THE COMPONENTS BEING UNDER WATER. WELDING ISSUE? REFER TO NHTSA RECALL R67. THIS AUTO IS DEMONSTRATING ALL SYMPTOMS BUT THE VIN IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL.
Other or unspecified, Oct 18, 2019
JEEP ONLY HAS ABOUT 50,000 MILES ON IT AND THE SERVICE SHIFTER LIGHT KEEPS COMING ON...IT ILLUMINATES MY ENTIRE GEAR SHIFT RED AND THE NOTIFICATION TAKES AWAY MY SPEDOMETER
Air bags, Oct 15, 2019
MY AIRBAG LIGHTS JUST RANDOMLY CAME ON AND I DIDN'T HIT ANYTHING OR NOTHING HIT ME AND I JUST BOUGHT THIS CAR TWO MONTHS AGO.
Power train, Oct 14, 2019
SERVICE SHIFTER WARNING CAME ON DASH MONITOR. ALL LIGHTS TURNED RED NEXT TO SHIFTER.
Engine, Oct 11, 2019
THE VEHICLE SHAKES WHILE DRIVING, AND HESITATES. LOOKS LIKE ENGINE IS SHAKEN. THE DEALER STATES THERE'S NOTHING WRONG WITH IT.
Other or unspecified, Oct 10, 2019
MY RADIO DOESN'T GET SIGNAL ANYWHERE. I GET ONE STATION AND EVEN IT HAS STATIC. IT'S NOT JUST IN MY HOMETOWN EITHER. WHEN I GO ON TRIPS IT IS NOTHING BUT STATIC AND THEN YOU FIND A STATION EVERY NOW AND THEN. I'M NOT SURE WHAT THE ISSUE IS, BUT IT HAS DONE IT THE ENTIRE TIME SINCE I BOUGHT IT.
Other or unspecified, Oct 10, 2019
ALL THE RED LIGHTS ON THE SHIFTER LIGHT UP THEN A "SERVICE SHIFTER" MESSAGE SHOWS UP ON THE SCREEN. WHEN ALL THE LIGHTS LIGHT UP YOU CANNOT MOVE THE SHIFTER AT ALL. WE HAD TO REPLACE THE BATTERY BECAUSE THE BATTERY WAS TOTALLY DEAD FROM SOMETHING DRAWING POWER AFTER THE CAR WAS TURNED OFF. THE LIGHTS ON THE SHIFTER LIGHT UP AT ANY RANDOM TIME. WHEN YOU ARE DRIVING, YOU HAVE TO PULL OFF THE ROAD TURN THE CAR OFF TAKE THE KEY OUT WAIT A FEW MINUTES AND THEN START THE CAR AGAIN. SOMETIMES IT TAKES MORE THAN ONCE TO DO THIS. THE SHIFTER CANNOT BE MOVED WHEN THE RED LIGHT ARE ALL ON. THIS HAS BEEN HAPPENING FOR SEVERAL MONTHS NOW BUT HAS BECOME ALMOST AN EVERYDAY OCCURRENCE
Electrical system, Oct 9, 2019
AT APPROXIMATELY 40,000 MILES MY SERVICE SHIFTER LIGHT CAME ON ALL THE LIGHTS ON THE SHIFTER ARE HIGHLIGHTED IN RED. AT APPROXIMATELY 40,000 MILES MY SERVICE SHIFTER LIGHT CAME ON ALL THE LIGHTS ON THE SHIFTER ARE HIGHLIGHTED IN RED I WENT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND ASK THEM ABOUT IT AND THEY SAID THAT I WOULD HAVE TO PAY MONEY AND THEY NEVER HEARD OF THAT PROBLEM. NOW AT 56,000 MILES THIS SERVICE SHIFTER CAME ON AGAIN AND I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO
Power train, Oct 8, 2019
THE SERVICE SHIFTER LIGHT CAME ON FOR NO OBVIOUS REASON, AS I WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE AND NO ONE TOUCHED THE SHIFTER. IT SCARED ME, SO I IMMEDIATELY PULLED OVER AND CHECKED IT BUT IT WAS IN GEAR. SO I TURNED OFF THE CAR AND RESTARTED IT AND THE MESSAGE NEVER CAME BACK ON THAT DAY. SINCE THEN, WHICH WAS ABOUT 3 MONTHS AGO, THE SERVICE SHIFTER LIGHT HAS COME ON 4 OTHER TIMES. THIS HAS HAPPENED ON BOTH THE HIGHWAY AND CITY STREETS. SPEEDS FROM 40MPH TO 70MPH. MY CHILD DRIVES THIS CAR. SO I AM ESPECIALLY CONCERNED FOR HER SAFETY REGARDING THIS ISSUE.