2016 Jeep Cherokee recalls and problems

The 2016 Jeep Cherokee has 9 safety recalls and 1,415 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Jeep dealer.

Urgent: recall 23V-338 carries a "park outside" warning. Contact a dealer before driving.
Recalls
9
Complaints
1,415
Crashes / fires
37 / 15
Injuries / deaths
27 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2016 Jeep Cherokee vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2016 Jeep Cherokee recalls

Recall 23V-338: Structure, Electrical System

Park outsideReported May 11, 2023 · 132,099 vehicles affected · Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)

Problem: 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 supersedes recalls 15V-393 and 15V-826. Vehicles repaired under the prior recalls will still need to have the new remedy performed.

Recall 23V-302: Power Train

Reported Apr 27, 2023 · 25,980 vehicles affected · Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)

Problem: 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.

Recall 20V-343: Power Train

Reported Jun 11, 2020 · 67,248 vehicles affected · Chrysler (FCA US LLC)

Problem: 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.

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.

Recall 18V-332: Electrical System, Vehicle Speed Control

Reported May 17, 2018 · 4,815,661 vehicles affected · Chrysler (FCA US LLC)

Problem: 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.

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.

Recall 17V-824: Equipment

Reported Dec 21, 2017 · 61,791 vehicles affected · Chrysler (FCA US LLC)

Problem: 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

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.

Recall 16V-590: Seats

Reported Aug 10, 2016 · 1,827 vehicles affected · Chrysler (FCA US LLC)

Problem: 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.

Recall 16V-287: Power Train

Reported May 11, 2016 · 52 vehicles affected · Chrysler (FCA US LLC)

Problem: 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.

Recall 16V-284: Power Train

Reported May 11, 2016 · 1,029 vehicles affected · Chrysler (FCA US LLC)

Problem: 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.

Recall 15V-826: Structure, Electrical System

Reported Dec 9, 2015 · 32,784 vehicles affected · Chrysler (FCA US LLC)

Problem: 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.

2016 Jeep Cherokee problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Power Train640
Engine315
Unknown or Other313
Electrical System298
Service Brakes92
Vehicle Speed Control76
Steering54
Fuel/Propulsion System44
Structure33
Air Bags31
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)30
Forward Collision Avoidance29

Most reported parts

  • Forward Collision Avoidance › Automatic Emergency Braking — 24
  • Structure › Body — 21
  • Power Train › Transfer Case (4-Wheel Drive) — 7
  • Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 4
  • Electrical System › Instrument Panel › Speedometer/Odometer — 4
  • Forward Collision Avoidance › Adaptive Cruise Control — 3
  • Tires › Pressure Monitoring and Regulating Systems — 2
  • Forward Collision Avoidance › Warnings — 2

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 44,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2016 Jeep Cherokee complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Power Train · reported Nov 5, 2026
The Power Transfer Unit (PTU) failed on my 2016 Jeep Cherokee at 126,000 miles, throwing code C14A7-97 and causing a sudden, dangerous loss of 4WD drivetrain engagement. A certified Jeep dealer confirmed the mechanical failure (Repair Order 8051781) but stated my VIN is excluded from Safety Recalls W47 / 45A and Warranty Extension XJ1. This VIN exclusion leaves a vehicle with an identical, dangerous drivetrain defect on the road without manufacturer remedy.
Fuel/Propulsion System · reported Oct 30, 2026
My jeep stalled while attempting to accelerate from a stopped position at a stop light at a busy intersection on or around June/July 2026. The car remained on, the gear shifts were moveable, but the vehicle would not move despite pressing on the gas. I scheduled a tow. After ten minutes, it randomly accelerated about a block before stalling again. This continued about two more times as I tried to get the vehicle out of the middle of the road. The car then overheated and I was able to park it a few blocks away at my mom's house. In August/September 2026, I had the car towed to Complete…
Power Train · at 142,000 miles · reported Oct 26, 2026
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 Campaign Number: 20V343000 (Power Train); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The dealer was contacted and determined that the vehicle had experienced a PTU failure. The dealer stated that the VIN was not included in the recall. The…
Power Train · reported Oct 21, 2026
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.
Electrical System · reported Oct 20, 2026
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 rear tires. The VIN has been excluded from all safety recalls, but I am experiencing a severe failure of the AWD/4WD. The dealership that I bought it from will not assist me in paying because my car was excluded. I have all the signs of a failed PTU.

Other Jeep Cherokee years

Compare all Jeep Cherokee years · All Jeep models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2016 Jeep Cherokee have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 9 recalls for the 2016 Jeep Cherokee: 23V-338 (structure, electrical system), 23V-302 (power train), 20V-343 (power train), 18V-332 (electrical system, vehicle speed control), 17V-824 (equipment) and more. Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2016 Jeep Cherokee?

Owners report power train problems most often (640 reports), followed by engine (315). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 44,000 miles.

Are Jeep recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Jeep dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.