2016 Jeep Cherokee problems, complaints & recalls
Most-reported problem areas: Power Train (524) · Engine (151) · Vehicle Speed Control (72)
🧭 Reliability snapshot
Compared against other Jeep Cherokee model years — complaint volume vs the model's median year, recalls and severity. How we score →
🛣️ Complaints by mileage
875 NHTSA complaints that reported an odometer reading.
Safety recalls (9)
Structure:body:hatchback/Liftgate 2023-05-11 · campaign 23V338000 · 132,099 vehicles ⚠ PARK OUTSIDE
Defect: 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.
Risk: A fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
Fix: 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 super
Power Train:automatic Transmission 2023-04-27 · campaign 23V302000 · 25,980 vehicles
Defect: 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.
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
Power Train:driveline:differential Unit 2020-06-11 · campaign 20V343000 · 67,248 vehicles
Defect: 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 transmissio
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
Electrical System:software 2018-05-17 · campaign 18V332000 · 4,815,661 vehicles
Defect: 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 c
Risk: If the vehicle maintains its speed or accelerates despite attempts to deactivate the cruise control, there would be an increased risk of a crash.
Fix: 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 transmissi
Equipment 2017-12-21 · campaign 17V824000 · 61,791 vehicles
Defect: 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 v
Risk: If the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury in the event of a fire.
Fix: 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.
Seats:mid/Rear Assembly 2016-08-10 · campaign 16V590000 · 1,827 vehicles
Defect: 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.
Risk: Loose fasteners may allow the seats to move, increasing the risk of injury to the seat occupants in the event of a crash.
Fix: 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.
Power Train:axle Assembly:axle Shaft 2016-05-11 · campaign 16V284000 · 1,029 vehicles
Defect: 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.
Risk: A fractured halfshaft may disconnect from the drive axle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
Power Train:axle Assembly:axle Shaft 2016-05-11 · campaign 16V287000 · 52 vehicles
Defect: 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.
Risk: A fractured halfshaft may disconnect from the drive axle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
Structure:body:hatchback/Liftgate 2015-12-09 · campaign 15V826000 · 32,784 vehicles
Defect: 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.
Risk: A short circuit in the module increases the risk of a fire.
Fix: 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.
Service bulletins (450)
Technical service bulletins are repair instructions manufacturers send dealers for known issues. Unlike recalls, the fix is not automatically free — but naming the bulletin at the service desk can save diagnosis time and support goodwill repairs.
Power Train 2026-07-23 · 08-292-26 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
unable to clear c1494-07 and c14a9-00 after 45a recall technicians may experience the following: symptom: ● witech displays a mismatch error after performing recall 45a.
Electrical System 2026-03-04 · S1408000384 REV.J · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
start stop charging warning lamp illuminated on, intelligent battery sensor (ibs) state of charge (soc) inaccurate, battery charging message, presence of ibs related diagnostic trouble codes (dtcs), or battery warning lamp on
Electrical System 2026-02-14 · S1408000384 REV.I · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
start stop charging warning lamp illuminated on, intelligent battery sensor (ibs) state of charge (soc) inaccurate, battery charging message, presence of ibs related diagnostic trouble codes (dtcs), or battery warning lamp on
Power Train 2025-12-19 · S1721000016 REV.B · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
service 4wd light on, awd system service required message illuminated. diagnostic trouble code (dtc) c14a7-97 ptu motor component or system operation obstructed or blocked.
Structure:body 2025-08-16 · 31-001-25 REV. B · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
aluminum body panel corrosion repair aluminum corrosion or bubbling along the leading edge of hood, hinges or other exterior surface areas of the hinges, doors, fenders, swing gates or liftgates.
Unknown Or Other 2025-08-15 · 9100653 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
verify reman part number availability. order the "r" part number for all orders: warranty, mopar, customer pay and service contract. order "68" part number for new unsold units only.
Showing the 6 most recent of 450 bulletins. Search all of them free at nhtsa.gov.
What owners report
2026-10-26 · Power Train · 142,000 mi“the contact owns a 2016 jeep cherokee. the contact stated that while the vehicle was parked on a slight incline, the vehicle started moving. the contact depressed the brake pedal and became aware that the 4wd warning light was illuminated. the contact stated that the vehicle failed to shift into 4wd. the contact associated the failure with nhtsa ca…”
2026-10-21 · Power Train:transfer Case (4-Wheel Drive)“unsafe to drive. ptu failure had it towed to the dealership and i can't afford the repair. they want me to drive it home anyway. …”
2026-10-20 · Steering“1. start/stop light always comes on since i purchased the vehicle in 2024 2. svc 4wd light is always on within the past several months 3. vehicle system report indicates 10 items needs attention including the dtcm 4. receiving error code c1494 for ptu symptoms: a. vibrating floor bed at left drivers side foot b. slipping and sliding in the r…”
2026-10-14 · Power Train · 81,000 mi“the contact owns a 2016 jeep cherokee. the contact stated that while driving at 25 mph, the 4wd warning light illuminated. the vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the power transfer unit (ptu) failed and required replacement. the manufacturer was notified of the failure and advised the contact to report the failure to the n…”
2026-10-05 · Power Train“i took my 2016 jeep cherokee trailhawk to big star chrysler jeep dodge ram in webster tx. for campaign 23v302 (fca recall 45a). the first time i took the vehicle they performed the recall update on the ptu and charge me a service fee of over $200. after picking up the driving it for about a week the vehicle started stalling and actually died in th…”
2026-10-05 · Power Train · 🔥 fire“warning message of 4 wheel drive overheating and disengaging. a few minutes later a loud pop occurred, and flames overtook the engine and drive train. i pulled off the road and the fire department came and put out the fire. it is a total loss. i believe that this is a safety recall but i was never notified of any repairs needed. …”
2026-10-02 · Power Train · 102,900 mi“the contact owns a 2016 jeep cherokee. the contact stated that while driving 55 mph, the vehicle was leaking fluid. the vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed, and it was determined the cause was the ptu and transmission, and there were metal flakes inside the transmission. the contact was informed that the ptu needed to be r…”
2026-09-03 · Unknown Or Other“i was driving home from work, the digital display (center)!showed my speed at 82m/h and revving the engine, the actual speedometer showed the actual speed i was doing of 32m/h…(right side of display). computer reading lights and license plate light not working, yet they are. took to repair shop and they could only reset, but it returned almost imm…”
2026-08-31 · Power Train“the vehicle suffered a complete internal failure of the power transfer unit (ptu) drivetrain assembly. authorized dealership milford auto group diagnosed the vehicle on invoice #45604 and confirmed in writing: "the ptu has failed internally and needs to be replaced".the manufacturer (fca us llc) issued a 15-year extended warranty campaign (xj1) spe…”
2026-08-30 · Air Bags · 💥 crash“i was involved in a significant front-end collision while driving my 2016 jeep cherokee. the vehicle sustained extensive front-end damage, including substantial damage to the hood, front bumper, and front structural/components area. despite the severity of the collision, none of the airbags deployed. i sustained injuries to my neck, shoulders, and…”
Excerpts of consumer complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly truncated. They are owner statements, not verified findings.