KnownCarProblems2016 Jeep Cherokee Problems and Recalls
Owners filed 1,410 complaints with NHTSA about the 2016 Jeep Cherokee, most often about the transmission (45% of complaints, typically around 48,000 miles). It is 4th of 14 Cherokee model years by number of complaints and has 9 recalls.
⚠ Safety advisory1 recall for this car came with a park-outside warning. See below and check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Most common 2016 Jeep Cherokee problems
Transmission
633 complaints · 45%Half of these problems showed up before 48,000 miles. Parts named most often: transfer case (4-wheel drive), automatic transmission, driveline, axle assembly.
The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Cherokee. While driving 75 MPH, the transmission stalled. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle, but it was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 38,000.
Vehicle started lunging forward and shifting issues while in motion. Definitely a transmission issue. Been in the shop for a week. Technician not sure what to do about it waiting on dodge to call them back. He said either reprogram it or replace transmission.
Engine
320 complaints · 23%Half of these problems showed up before 42,000 miles. Parts named most often: engine.
While driving the engine cut out. I drifted to the side of the road, put it in park and restarted it. There wasn't any message there was a problem. It was fine for a couple of days and then while driving to work the same thing happen again. I was able to get to the side without being hit. On checking the internet it…
I came to a complete stop at a red light. The brake and gas pedals were frozen in place and the elictrical equipment on the dash went haywire for a moment. The message center then showed the message "start stop system unavailable/ please return to park, then choose desired gear." I was able to turn on my flashers, but…
Other or unspecified
313 complaints · 22%Half of these problems showed up before 45,000 miles.
Service shifter light randomly comes on. Nothing else seems to be affected, sometimes when engine is turned off then back on the light disappears. Other times, it remains on. The drive ability of this vehicle is unaffected, how ever something is obviously wrong with this. This first occurred when backing from my…
After I start the car up in the morning or after it has sat for awhile, it will run for about 5 minutes and then the engine will completely die, the battery light comes on and the screen says "shift to p then desired gear". When it does this, I lose throttle power, breaks and steering. I have to put the car in park…
Electrical
297 complaints · 21%Half of these problems showed up before 43,000 miles. Parts named most often: instrument panel, instrument cluster/panel, 12v/24v/48v battery.
As of lately, the speedometer toogles up & down through a set of numbers even after attempts are made to reduce speed especially when on cruise control. During cruise control vehicle accelerates beyond set limit & requires extreme force to decelerate. It happens randomly as does many dangerous issues mainly after a…
I've owned this vehicle for three weeks. I parked my Cherokee outside my office at work, shut it off as normal, and came back out a few hours later to run some errands. I received a message that stated 'no fob detected'. I tried the auto start, which worked, the lock and unlock from the key fob worked, but when I…
Brakes
103 complaints · 7%Half of these problems showed up before 42,500 miles.
My 2016 Jeep Cherokee limited has a parking brake issue. My parking brake will not disengage, the car will not move forward or back, the light remains lit up on the dashboard. My Jeep is inoperable due to this issue. I was stopped at a light in traffic and my car refused to move at all. It finally moved out of park in…
I was driving my 2016 Jeep Cherokee sport and when I got to my friends gated entrance. I put the car in park so I could enter the gate code on to the key pad. When I went to put the car back into drive- the emergency brake went on by itself and would not release. The car would not go in to any gear so I couldn't put…
Speed control
76 complaints · 5%Half of these problems showed up before 34,500 miles. Parts named most often: cruise control.
While driving on the freeway an engine warning light appeared on the dash with the message "service transmission" and my speed immediately dropped and I was unable to accelerate to move out of the way of oncoming vehicles. I was barely able to pull the car over. Once stopped the message went away and acceleration was…
Purchased 2106 Jeep Cherokee in april 2019. Had car looked over and oil changed april 19, 2019 @30,141 miles. On 8/14/19 the vehicle stalled while leaving a stop sign. Total loss of control of the car. Dashboard lights flash and display instructs you to put the car in park. After 3 attempts the car starts. Thought it…
Steering
53 complaints · 4%Half of these problems showed up before 49,000 miles. Parts named most often: linkages.
When towing vehicle 4 wheels down behind my motorhome at times vehicle has a sever wobble. It is both when taking a corner or straight. Can not stop wobble unless I come to a complete stop. Very scary.
Service shifter light came on and gear shift lights are all red,p,r,n,d. They stay lite up. It happens when I shift gears. It doesn't matter if I shift into reverse or park it still lights up and doesn't turn off unless I restart my engine. I've researched and a lot of people are having the same problem with their…
Fuel system
44 complaints · 3%Half of these problems showed up before 35,000 miles. Parts named most often: storage.
In motion on a city street going 35 MPH the engine shuts off; steering and braking become disabled and car costs into traffic. No warning lights or dash board symbols turned ever on. Vehicle has to be towed to a shop to have the oil changed/replaced after only 200 miles since last oil change. Engine burns oil (not…
Vehicle was driving on the high way, 70mph, for 20 mins, exited the highway to 40 MPH and engine began making a rattling sound, shaking, backfiring, and acceleration became difficult, loss of horse power. Drove to nearest parking lot. Continues to misfire while in neutral and at idle. Turned off the engine for 5 mins.…
Complaints are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
2016 Jeep Cherokee recalls
Body and structure: hatchback/liftgate
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 supersedes recalls 15v-393 and 15v-826. Vehicles repaired under the prior recalls will still need to have the ne
Full defect summary
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.
Transmission: automatic transmission
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.
Full defect summary
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.
Transmission: differential unit
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.
Full defect summary
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.
Electrical: software
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 transmission to neutral, placing the vehicle in park once it has stopped.
Full defect summary
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.
Equipment
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.
Full defect summary
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
Seats: mid/rear assembly
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.
Full defect summary
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.
Transmission: axle shaft
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.
Full defect summary
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.
Transmission: axle shaft
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.
Full defect summary
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.
Body and structure: hatchback/liftgate
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.
Full defect summary
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.
Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which recalls are still open on your car.
NHTSA defect investigations
Electronic parking brake water ingress
Summary
The office of defects investigation (odi) opened investigation pe22-009 after having received 80 complaints on model years 2014-2020 jeep cherokees alleging the electronic parking brake (epb) inadvertently activated while the vehicle was in motion.during this investigation, the subject vehicles were updated to include only model years (my) 2014-2016, while my 2017-2020 were considered peers.based on related repair invoices, odi believed the epb module was damaged by water leaking into the vehicle. When the epb inadvertently activates, it can cause a stalling condition bringing the vehicle to a stop. Odi was aware of recall 15v-393 that addresses water ingress affecting the power liftgate mod
Desiccated air bag inflator rupture
Summary
From 2000 through 2017, takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("psan") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004l. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 blomquist report at www.NHTSA.gov/sites/NHTSA.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.consequently, all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substa
Questions about the 2016 Jeep Cherokee
- What are the most common problems with the 2016 Jeep Cherokee?
- By NHTSA owner complaints: transmission (633 complaints, typically around 48,000 miles); engine (320 complaints, typically around 42,000 miles); other or unspecified (313 complaints, typically around 45,000 miles).
- How many recalls does the 2016 Jeep Cherokee have?
- 9 recalls listed by NHTSA, the latest from May 11, 2023 (body and structure). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which ones are still open on your car.
- Is the 2016 a bad year for the Jeep Cherokee?
- It is 4th of 14 Cherokee model years by number of complaints, with 1,410 complaints. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular years collect more of them, and the newest years have had less time to.