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, Other or unspecified, Engine, Aug 9, 2024
While driving the vehicle I encounter a loss of driving power, then the check engine light comes on and the service 4 wheel drive indicator comes on. The loss of power while I'm driving creates an unsafe condition because i am driving on the highway among other vehicles when this occurs. This happens to me at least once per day while i am driving and on one particular day it occurred six times. The problem has not been reproduced or inspected.
Suspension, Aug 8, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal popping and clicking sound coming from the front end of the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to Technical Service Bulletin: 02-004-15. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 49,000.
Power train, Aug 7, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH, the "Service 4WD" warning light illuminated. The contact was able to drive the vehicle to a local dealer. The vehicle was diagnosed, and the dealer determined that the transfer case had failed and that metal shavings were found in the transmission. The dealer informed the contact that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The contact researched and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V302000 (Power Train). The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.
Electrical system, Structure, Jul 24, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the liftgate was unlocked; however. the liftgate failed to open as intended. The contact noticed a burning odor. The contact drove the vehicle for a short distance, and the liftgate opened with the door alarm and warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer however, the vehicle was not diagnosed. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact was informed of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V338000 (Electrical System, Structure); however, the VIN was not associated with the recall. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 106,000.
Power train, Jul 23, 2024
While driving in a parking lot at under 10 mph my car stalled and there was an audible ding at that point I received an error stating "shift to park". This happened twice within an hour or so and both times I was in a parking lot and advancing slowly uphill. I am very nervous and curious if this is another software update issue. I had a transmission error a couple years ago where my car just ceased to move. It was fixed with the update.
Power train, Jul 23, 2024
Jeep skips gears on highway and loses power while accelerating to get up to speed. Took jeep to multiple dealers which all has said it's the torque converter. My jeep is a 2016 with only 77k miles on it. It jerks you at stop lights to almost hitting the car in front of you or losing all power in highway when trying to merge on. I have read that there has been recalls on 2016 jeep cherokee transmissions. Is there a recall on mine?
Power train, Jul 22, 2024
Since owning the vehicle the transmission has been an issue. From disengaging gears, to hard shifting, to Rear PTU fluid seeping from the driver's side rear axle due to a design flaw; this truck has been an absolute nightmare. The dealer has stated multiple times that the transmission is not faulty and performing as expected. 2014-2016 Jeep Cherokee's with the same rear PTU and transmissions have had recalls and PTU replaced, etc. but yet my VIN does not have any recall yet. I have video evidence of the transmission performing erratically and not as intended from just about 50,000 miles. Yet, Jeep would not do anything to remedy the situation. They have flashed the software, performed a rear differential service (which I had to pay for, wasn't free), and done everything to avoid taking accountability for their design flaw and product failures.
Power train, Jul 16, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while driving on several occasions at various speeds, the vehicle lost motive power, and failed to accelerate as intended. The contact stated that there was a warning chime with the Service Transmission message displayed. The vehicle was pulled over to the side of the road and restarted; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 199,000.
Other or unspecified, Jul 16, 2024
The “service 4WD” light came on in my vehicle, and upon taking the vehicle to Faricy Boys, I was informed I need to replace the PTU in my car. After looking into this, this appears to be an extremely common problem in Jeeps. Though my vehicle is not on the current recall list for this issue, I believe it should be.
Steering, Power train, Electrical system, Jul 6, 2024
The car is constantly overheating because a failure from the computer to start up the fan causing other issues with the coolant. Like bursting all the hoses and causing coolant leaks. Additionally a service shifter message came up on my screen and all the gears (p,r,n,d,l) light up with a red dot. This happens while I’m driving. I never know when the car is just going to stop or over heat in traffic because sometimes the fan starts and sometimes it doesn’t.
Power train, Jul 5, 2024
Service 4 Wheel Drive indicator light on dash. Took to dealer and diagnosed as the TPU motor obstructed/blocked DTC C14A7 with cost to replace as 4415.30 called customer service and they stated the car was out of warranty and nothing they could do because my vin number was not on the recall list for this problem.
Steering, Power train, Electrical system, Jul 5, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the EPS warning light intermittently illuminated, and the odometer was flashing. The vehicle then lost motive power. The contact was able to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but the cause of the failure could not be determined, and no error codes were retrieved. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V302000 (Power Train); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.
Power train, Jul 2, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the contact heard an abnormal scraping sound underneath the vehicle. The contact pulled over to the shoulder of the roadway. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the power transfer unit. The contact was informed that the PTU had become detached. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V343000 (Power Train); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 106,000.
Electrical system, Jun 22, 2024
Code P2504 and code P063A. Received these codes when I already have a new battery and car is only at 70k miles. Caused the vehicle to go in to lower saving mode in to a turn and almost hit other vehicles.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Jun 21, 2024
Jeep completely shut down while driving and cars behind me almost crashed all lights came on would not shift back into gear very scary had to call tow truck. This is the second time .
Other or unspecified, Jun 19, 2024
I was driving and the vehicle cut off , said service shifter and had to put in park , and restart . I was in the middle of traffic and was luckily able to pull over . It started after stuttering a few times . But I’m now scared to drive it .
Power train, Jun 18, 2024
The car lost speed even though the engine was racing. A "transmission requires service" note appeared on the instrument cluster followed by a CEL. The car slowed to a stop and would not proceed normally after a stop sign. Traffic was backed up while the car was nursed along the road at half the speed limit.
Power train, Jun 17, 2024
Not long after purchasing my new (to me) 2016 Cherokee, the service 4wd light turned on. The warning light has been on for all but a few minutes of driving for 2 weeks. The dealership that I purchased the suv from diagnosed the problem as a bad PTU. Although thousands of the same models were recalled in that model year my Jeep was not included in the recall even though it now turns out to have the same problem as thousands of others.
Power train, Jun 16, 2024
RDM clutches are failing internally Rear Drive Module must be replaced at a total cost of around $4000 dollars. Part to repair this defect is not available with no anticipated supply date. Tried to find the part with any US auto parts supplier to no avail. The last parts supplier said that with no anticipated supply date from the manufacturer, they had 700 of the items required on back order. We already had to have the whole drive train replaced just before the warranty expired (that would have cost about $12,000 if I had to pay) The rear end makes a noise every time you make a turn with this vehicle. This is my wife's vehicle and I am very concerned about her safety. Please see attached mechanic's evaluation of the problem. The part number required is 68545101AB.
Power train, Jun 14, 2024
PTU failure. Car not driving correctly.
Power train, Jun 11, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while on a downhill slope, the vehicle experienced a rollaway. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights had been illuminated. The contact stated the anti-lock braking system and traction control had failed. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that the tire sensor had failed and the PCU needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the vehicle was diagnosed previously by an independent mechanic where the same results were discovered. The vehicle was repaired but the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 51,200.
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 10, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. The check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the transmission fluid had mixed with the coolant. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was afraid to drive the vehicle because she was informed by the mechanic that the vehicle was not safe to drive. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that the vehicle was not under recall. The failure mileage was approximately 138,000.
Steering, Power train, Vehicle speed control, Jun 8, 2024
The vehicle cut off on me while the vehicle was in drive and I was driving on the highway going 70mph. It has done this several times now. The car cuts off. The vehicle looses power.
Power train, Jun 7, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and attempting to make a turn, the rear end of the vehicle started thudding. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with rear differential failure. The vehicle was repaired under warranty. The contact stated that the failure had reoccurred. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, and it was diagnosed with the same failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 34,203.
Power train, Jun 5, 2024
The contact owns 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the 4-WD warning light illuminated, and the 4-WD became inoperable. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring more increasingly. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the Power Transfer Unit (PTU) had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that there were metal shavings in the Power Transfer Unit (PTU) fluid, and the dealer determined that the PTU needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V302000 (Power Train); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and offered to partially cover the repair of the vehicle. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.