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, Engine, Jul 28, 2019
THE PROBLEM STARTED 7/23/2019. THE JEEP IS STOPPING RANDOMLY AT RED LIGHTS AND STOP SIGNS. IT STARTS BACK UP BUT THE AC IS ON DEFROST AND I HAVE TO PUT IT BACK ON COOL. THE FIRST TIME IT DID THIS I READ ABOUT SOME REVIEWS THAT STATED IT COULD BE BECAUSE AN OIL CHANGE IS NEEDED. SINCE IT WAS TIME FOR AN OIL CHANGE, I DID THAT. BUT THE NEXT DAY IT DID THE SAME THING, RANDOMLY STOPPING. ALSO CHANGED A DIRTY AIR FILTER. SCHEDULED A DIAGNOSTIC TEST FOR 7/29/19 AND WILL SEE IF JEEP CAN HELP WITH THIS PROBLEM.
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Electronic stability control (ESC), Jul 26, 2019
I PURCHASED A CERTIFIED PRE-OWNED JEEP LATITUDE. WITHIN TWO MONTHS THE SERVICE SHIFTER LIGHT CAME ON AND THE ENTIRE CONSOLE LIT UP RED. THIS ISSUE CONTINUED OFF AND ON UNTIL I TOOK IT FOR SERVICING. THIS ISSUE SHOWED UP WHILE IN PARK IN MY DRIVEWAY, WHEN PULLING OUT AND THEN WHEN I STOPPED AT A GAS STATION. IT WAS FIXED IN MINUTES ???? BUT IT APPEARS THIS HAS BEEN AN ONGOING ISSUE NEVER CORRECTED BY CHRYSLER/ JEEP
Electrical system, Service brakes, Engine, Jul 26, 2019
ON 2 SEPARATE OCCASIONS WHILE IN MOTION ON A CITY STREET ALL OF THE GEAR SHIFTS LIGHTS CAME ON AND WHERE YOU SEE YOUR MILEAGE THAT SCREEN READ SERVICE SHIFTER. THIS STAYED VISIBLE UNTIL THE CAR WAS TURNED OFF AND RESTARTED. THE CAR ALSO JERKS WHILE IN MOTION AND THE BRAKES WHERE SUPPOSED TO BE FIXED LAST WEEK FROM THE DEALERSHIP THAT I PURCHASED THE CAR FROM BUT ITS STILL FEELS LIKE THE BRAKES ARE GRINDING.
Other or unspecified, Jul 25, 2019
GEAR SHIFTER - THE "SERVICE SHIFTER" APPEARS AND ALL THE GEAR SHIFT LIGHTS COME ON. COMES ON OFTEN. WAS REPAIRED MONTHS AGO. NOW APPEARING FREQUENTLY.
Electronic stability control (ESC), Jul 19, 2019
WHEN DRIVING UNDER SLIPPERY CONDITIONS THE TRACTION CONTROL DOES NOT WORK. HAVE CONTACTED 2 DEALERS IN THE AREA AND BOTH HAVE REFUSED TO LOOK AT IT.
Other or unspecified, Jul 18, 2019
SERVICE SHIFTER LIGHT CAME ON WITH ALL LIGHTS ILLUMINATED ON THE GEAR SHIFTER. COULD NOT CHANGE GEARS. THIS HAPPENED UPON STARTING THE CAR IN THE DRIVEWAY AND PUTTING THE CAR IN REVERSE.
Other or unspecified, Electronic stability control (ESC), Jul 18, 2019
TRUCK KEEPS LOSING POWER LIKE IT WANTS TO STALL AND THE SERVICE SHIIFTER IS ON. I TOOK IT TO A SHOP AND THEY CAN FIND OUT WHY THE TRUCK IS LOSING POWER AND THIS IS THE 3RD TIME THE SERVICE SHIFTER HAS BEEN ON.
Electrical system, Jul 17, 2019
WHILE IN MOTION THE SHIFTER INDICATOR LIGHTS ALL LIGHT UP AND "SERVICE SHIFTER" APPEARS ON THE CONSOLE OVERRIDING THE DIGITAL SPEEDOMETER, THE ONLY WAY TO RESET THIS IS TO STOP THE CAR, TURN OFF THE ENGINE AND RESTART. THIS HAPPENS NEARLY EVERY TIME THE CAR IS DRIVEN AND UNPREDICTABLE HOW LONG IT WILL TAKE TO HAPPEN. (RESETTING IS ONLY TEMPORARY AS WELL)
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Jul 15, 2019
MY 2016 JEEP CHEROKEE LATITUDE HAS SUDDENLY TURNED OFF TWICE IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD WHILE DRIVING. A "SHIFT GEAR" LIGHT WARNING APPEARS ON THE DASHBOARD. BOTH TIMES IT OCCURED SHORTLY WHILE STARTING TO DRIVE HOME FROM WORK. THEREFORE, OCCURED WITHIN 10 MINUTES OF STARTING THE ENGINE. THE FIRST TIME IT OCCURED WITHIN SECONDS AFTER TURNING LEFT AT A LIGHT.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Jul 14, 2019
BOUGHT A 2016 JEEP CHEROKEE WITH 60MILES ON IT WITHIN 3 WEEKS CAR SHUT OFF 3 TIME WHILE DRIVING WITH SIGNAL SHIFT GEAR COMES ON. HAVE TO PUT CAR IN PARK AND TURN OFF CAR AND TURN ON A FEW TIMES AND IT WILL BE FINE TWO MONTHS LATER IT HAPPENS AGAIN THIS TIME HAPPENING A FEW TIME IN THE SAME DAY A FEW MINUTES APART. THIS DANGEROUS BECAUSE IT HAPPENS WHILE YOUR DRIVING ON THE ROAD WITH NO WARNING.
Air bags, Jul 13, 2019
ONE DAY MY AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON FOR NO REASON. I DIDNT HIT ANYTHING. NO ONE HIT ME AS FAR AS I KNOW.
Power train, Jul 12, 2019
AT 43000 A MESSAGE ON THE INSTRUMENT DISPLAY CAME ON TWICE OVER 2 DAYS. IT SAID "SERVICE SHIFTER". THE DEALER CONFIRMED THAT THE SHIFT BEZEL AND WIRING HARNESS HAD TO BE REPLACED BECAUSE THE ORIGINAL DESIGN WAS DEFECTIVE. THE REPAIR WAS NOT COVERED UNDER THE POWERTRAIN WARRANTY. FAULTY OPERATION OF THE GEAR SELECTOR COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE BEING INOPERABLE. THAT IS A SAFETY HAZARD. JEEP SHOULD FIX THIS..
Power train, Jul 10, 2019
REOCCURRING SVC 4WD WHILE DRIVING WITH 'JERKY' MOVEMENTS, EACH TIME DEALER REPORTS COMPUTER ERROR AND RESETS IT. FOURTH TIME IN 8 MONTHS.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 8, 2019
2016 JEEP CHEROKEE LIMITED FWD, MISFIRING AND SHAKING BEGAN WHILE STOPPED AT TRAFFIC LIGHT AND WHILE DRIVING AFTERWARDS FOR 1/2 MILE. AUTOMATIC START/STOP WAS ON. PULLED OFF ROAD AND TURNED ENGINE OFF AND LET SET FOR 1-HOUR. RESTARTED VEHICLE AND BEGAN SHAKING AND MISFIRING AGAIN. THIS TIME ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND START/STOP SYSTEM WARNING CAME ON. SHUT VEHICLE OFF AGAIN AND LET SIT FOR 30 MINUTES. STARTED VEHICLE AGAIN AND PUT IN REVERSE, DROVE FOR A FEW MINUTES AND VEHICLE BEGAN SHAKING AND MISFIRING AGAIN WHILE GOING THROUGH THE SHIFTING SEQUENCE. DROVE IT TO A DEALERSHIP AND IT DID THIS THE ENTIRE WAY, APPROXIMATELY 10 MILES. NO MATTER WHAT SPEED I WAS DRIVING IT WAS STILL HAPPENING. THE SHAKING/MISFIRING SEEMED TO SUBSIDE A LITTLE WHEN A/C WAS NOT IN USE. IN ADDITION TO OTHER WARNING LIGHTS COMING ON, SERVICE-SHIFTER LIGHT CAME ON WHILE MAKING A RIGHT-HAND TURN.
Power train, Jul 7, 2019
SERVICE SHIFTER DISPLAYS ON DASH WHEN TURNING ON THE CAR. THE GEAR SHIFT LIGHTS ALL TURNED RED, AND THERE WAS NO ABILITY TO SWITCH GEARS. THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY AT THE TIME, AND THE SHIFTER WAS RESET TURNING THE CAR ON AND OFF.
Engine, Jul 5, 2019
VEHICLE STALLS AND CUTS OFF WHILE DRIVING AND STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP WITHOUT WARNING. NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHTS ON AND NO EXPLANATION. AFTER SEVERAL TIMES IT WAS FOUND THAT THE ENGINE WAS COMPLETELY OUT OF OIL. OIL CONSUMPTION TEST RESULTED IN AN ENGINE REPLACMENT FROM SCRATCHING ON INSIDE CYLINDER WALLS. NEW ENGINE 11-2017. NEW ENGINE IS STARTING TO DO THE SAME THING AND IS BURNING OIL. CAR WILL SHUT OFF.
Other or unspecified, Jul 4, 2019
EVERY TIME I'M DRIVING MY CAR AND I APPROACH A STOP SIGN, A LITTLE OR NEED TO STOP THE VEHICLE TURNS OFF. THE CAR DOES NOT TURN ON AFTER 20 TO 30 MINS. I HAVE TAKEN IT TO VARIOUS MECHANICS AND NO ONE CAN TELL ME WHAT IT IS. OIL CHANGE AND EVEN RADIATOR WAS CHANGED. A MECHANIC TOLD ME THAT THE TRANSMISSION LANES NEEDED TO BE CHANGED. I AM HOPING THAT IS IT BEACUSE I AM TERRIFIED OF DRIVING MY VEHICLE. A VEHICLE I WAS EXCITED TO BUY. IT IS JUST A WASTE OF MONEY AND TIME. I SHOULD BE ENJOYING THIS VEHICLE.
Electrical system, Electronic stability control (ESC), Jul 2, 2019
MY 2016 JEEP CHEROKEE HAS BEEN SHOWING A SERVICE SHIFTER ON MY SCREEN AND ALL OF MY LIGHTS ARE SOLID ON MY SHIFTER WHEN THIS HAPPENS. I ALSO HAVE TO PULL OVER AND RESTART MY CAR AFTER THIS HAPPENS
Power train, Jul 2, 2019
WHILE DRIVING, THE "SERVICE SHIFTER" WARNING LIGHT COMES ON AND ALL GEAR LIGHTS ON SHIFTER ILLUMINATE. STOPPING AND RESTARTING THE ENGINE TEMPORARILY FIXES THE WARNING. THIS HAS ALREADY BEEN "FIXED" ONCE BY THE DEALERSHIP WHERE IT WAS PURCHASED AT CONSIDERABLE COST TO US. NOW IT IS HAPPENING AGAIN.
Power train, Jul 1, 2019
"SERIVE SHIFTER" APPEARS ON THE DASH SCREEN AND ALL OF THE LIGHTS P, R, N, D, +/- LIGHT UP ON THE SHIFTER WHILE MOVING, BUT I ALSO HAD IT HAPPEN ONCE WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IDLING. THE CAR STILL DRIVES, AND IF SHUT OFF AND RESTARTED THE MESSAGE AND LIGHTS GO AWAY. THIS HAPPENS PERIODICALLY. ALL OF THE GEARS STILL WORK, AND THE CAR RECOGNIZING WHICH GEAR IT IS IN.
Other or unspecified, Jun 29, 2019
SERVICE SHIFTER MESSAGE CAME UP ON DASH WHILE DRIVING AT 60 MILES AN HOUR, ALL LIGHTS LIT UP ON SHIFTER. CANNOT CLEAR MESSAGE WITHOUT PULLING OVER AND SHUTTING CAR OFF, THEREFORE SPEEDO.ETER AND OTHER CAR SAFETY INFORMATION IS UNAVAILABLE. THIS HAS BEEN HAPPENING ON AND OFF FOR MONTHS.
Other or unspecified, Jun 28, 2019
SERVICE SHIFTER LIGHT KEEPS COMING ON, NO CODES ASSOCIATED WITH IT.
Steering, Electrical system, Engine, Jun 27, 2019
WHILE IN MOTION: 2016 JEEP CHEROKEE WILL RANDOMLY LOSE ENGINE POWER DURING A RIGHT TURN (ON HIGHWAY AT HIGH SPEED AND AT LOW SPEED ON CITY STREET), STEERING LOCKS UP, DECELERATES AUTOMATICALLY, AND DASH SAYS TO PUT VEHICLE INTO MANUAL MODE AND SELECT THE DESIRED GEAR. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS AND HAS ALMOST CAUSED AN ACCIDENT TWO TIMES.
Other or unspecified, Jun 26, 2019
THE SHIFTER SERVICE LIGHT IS COMING ON. I CUT THE CAR BACK OFF, TOOK THE KEY OUT AND RESTARTED THE CAR, BUT THE LIGHT WILL COME BACK ON AFTER AWHILE. IT WAS STATIONARY WHEN IT FIRST HAPPENED. IT HAS DONE IT WHILE DRIVING THOUGH.
Power train, Jun 25, 2019
WHILE DRIVING AT 65MPH SERVICE TRANSMISSION MESSAGE APPEARED & EMI LIT. CAR LOST POWER & I COULDN'T ACCELERATE. SPEED DROPPED TO ABOUT 40MPH & HAD TO PULL OFF ROAD. FINALLY WAS ABLE TO GO AGAIN & MESSAGE WENT AWAY. HAD CAR DIAGNOSED & THEY SAY IT'S IN TRANSMISSION. THIS HAS HAPPENED ABOUT 30 MORE TIMES. I CAN'T AFFORD TO PAY $6500 FOR TRANSMISSION REPAIRS & IT IS A HAZARD TO DRIVE! I'M SCARED I'M GOING TO CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. I'VE READ THAT THERE'S ABOUT 37,000 RECALLS FOR THIS ISSUE WITH THIS MAKE OF JEEP, BUT NOT ON MY JEEP. THIS HAS HAPPENED AFTER DRIVING 10 MILES, BUT MAY NOT HAPPEN FOR 100 MILES. IT HAS HAPPENED ON BUSY HIGHWAYS WHERE IT'S VERY DIFFICULT TO GET OFF THE HIGHWAY.