NHTSA recalls, safety ratings, and consumer complaints for the 2016 Jeep Cherokee.
| Overall Rating | |
| Frontal Crash | |
| Side Crash | |
| Rollover |
| Overall Rating | |
| Frontal Crash |
Component: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
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.
Consequence: If the vehicle maintains its speed or accelerates despite attempts to deactivate the cruise control, there would be an increased risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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.
Component: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING: REAR COMPARTMENT/TRUNK
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.
The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds, the message “4WD/Pull Over” was displayed, and the Low Oil warning light was intermittently illuminated. The contact became aware of the warning lights after receiving an oil change. Additionally, the oil level needed to be topped off after driving approximately 3,000 miles. While driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost power steering functionality, and it decelerated and stalled. The contact pulled over, turned off the vehicle, waited for several minutes, then made several attempts to restart the vehicle until the power steering functionality returned and was able to drive as intended. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and it was confirmed that the engine was consuming an excessive amount of oil, and that the oil level sensor was inoperable. The dealer reprogrammed the ECM, but failures persisted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.
From airbags all of them. yes its available for inspection. the airbags deployed while I was driving and I couldn't control the car and ended up in a ditch. yes we were put at risk as well as others on the road. Nobody has inspected vehicle at this time. no prior issues or warnings. It deployed without any warnings. There was NO cause for this to happen, No impact when this ocured.
A “Service 4WD” warning light is currently illuminated on the dashboard. The front axles and shock/strut assemblies have already been replaced; however, the warning light remains on. The dealership has diagnosed the issue as a failed Power Transfer Unit (PTU). I was informed that many vehicles of similar make, model, and year are covered under a recall for this issue, but my specific vehicle is not included. The estimated repair cost is approximately 4,000. This presents a significant safety concern, as the failure can result in a complete loss of power and loss of parking brake functionality.
The 2016 Jeep Cherokee has 9 NHTSA recalls and 1380 consumer complaints on file. It received an overall safety rating of 4 out of 5 stars in NHTSA crash testing. The high number of complaints suggests potential reliability concerns — review the complaint details above before purchasing. For the most detailed information about a specific vehicle, decode its VIN using our free decoder above.
Enter a specific VIN to get the full report — specs, recalls, safety ratings, complaints, investigations, and technical service bulletins.
| Side Crash |
| Rollover |
Consequence: A short circuit in the module increases the risk of a fire.
Remedy: 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.
Component: EQUIPMENT
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
Consequence: If the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury in the event of a fire.
Remedy: 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.
Component: SEATS
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.
Consequence: Loose fasteners may allow the seats to move, increasing the risk of injury to the seat occupants in the event of a crash.
Remedy: 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.
Component: POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY:AXLE SHAFT
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.
Consequence: A fractured halfshaft may disconnect from the drive axle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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.
Component: POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY:AXLE SHAFT
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.
Consequence: A fractured halfshaft may disconnect from the drive axle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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.
Component: POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DIFFERENTIAL UNIT
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.
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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.
Component: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
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.
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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.
Component: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING: REAR COMPARTMENT/TRUNK
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.
Consequence: A fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: 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.
Service 4 WD warning light is on. Vehicle will not engage 4wd.
My 2016 Jeep Cherokee AWD began showing a “Service 4WD” warning on the dashboard. At the same time the vehicle developed noticeable drivetrain vibration at highway speeds above approximately 55 mph and gears began taking longer than normal to change. A dealership diagnosed the vehicle and found diagnostic code C14A7-97. The technician determined the Power Transfer Unit (PTU) shift motor is binding due to internal wear and that the PTU must be replaced to restore proper four-wheel-drive function. The failure prevents the vehicle from engaging 4WD and causes vibration while driving at highway speeds. The dealer quoted approximately 3,176 to replace the PTU and stated the part is currently on national backorder. This appears similar to the PTU failure addressed in recall 20V343000 affecting other Jeep Cherokee vehicles, but my VIN is not included. Because the symptoms and failure appear identical to the recall condition, I am reporting this as a potential safety defect involving drivetrain failure and vibration during highway driving.My 2016 Jeep Cherokee AWD began showing a “Service 4WD” warning on the dashboard. At the same time the vehicle developed noticeable drivetrain vibration at highway speeds above approximately 55 mph and gears began taking longer than normal to change. A dealership diagnosed the vehicle and found diagnostic code C14A7-97. The technician determined the Power Transfer Unit (PTU) shift motor is binding due to internal wear and that the PTU must be replaced to restore proper four-wheel-drive function. The failure prevents the vehicle from engaging 4WD and causes vibration while driving at highway speeds. The dealer quoted approximately 3,176 to replace the PTU and stated the part is currently on national backorder. This appears similar to the PTU failure addressed in recall 20V343000 affecting other Jeep Cherokee vehicles, but my VIN is not included. Because the symptoms and failure appear identical to the recall condition, I am reporting this
I have a 4x4 disengagement warning light and all reviews I have researched say you have to replace the rear transfer case. I bought this car October 2025 111000 miles on it 5 months in I have had to replace a shifter cable, the oil filter housing and now this rear ptu. The srv 4x4 light comes and goes. This could be electrical for poorly made un serviceable parts. I have read and researched miles of threads on this problem. I and many hard working men and women have been affected by these issues. I have never felt this angry about owning a vehicle that is in great shape and is utterly failing to to the lack of mechanically sound products that used in these jeep brand vehicles.
I was stopped at a traffic light and when it tire we green I was unable to drive as the emergency brake was holding the vehicle. I was unable to release it. Car would not go forward or backwards. Finally was able to drive after disconnecting battery for a few minutes. Drive directly to repair station. They changed the e brake switch, and the motor on one side of rear brake and the caliper also. Was working for less than one day and I am still experiencing the problem. The service brake light is still on dashboard.
The contact owned a 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that twenty minutes after her husband parked and turned off the vehicle in a parking lot, the vehicle caught fire while unoccupied. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that she noticed sparks coming from beneath the rear driver's side taillight before the vehicle caught fire. The fire consumed half of the vehicle, causing extensive damage. The firefighters arrived and extinguished the fire. There were police and fire department reports filed. The fire department informed the contact that the fire was caused by an electrical failure. The vehicle was towed to a collision center, but was not yet deemed totaled by the insurance company. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 76,000.
We own a 2016 Jeep Cherokee and have been experiencing ongoing issues with the transmission and acceleration. The vehicle will sometimes hesitate or lag when pressing the gas pedal. There are situations where you try to accelerate and the vehicle does not respond right away. This has created safety concerns while driving. There have been multiple instances where the vehicle did not move as expected when attempting to pull into traffic or accelerate from lower speeds. When you press the accelerator, you expect the vehicle to go, but instead there is a delay or lack of power. This has nearly resulted in accidents due to oncoming traffic. The problem happens most often at normal city / street speeds, especially when accelerating from a stop or at low speeds. The vehicle feels like it struggles to shift or deliver power. We have also noticed hesitation at higher speeds, but the main issue is during everyday driving. No crash has occurred, but the hesitation and inconsistent response make the vehicle feel unsafe and unreliable.
Beginning in late October 2025, my 2016 Jeep Cherokee North Edition began experiencing a recurring electronic shifter and transmission malfunction. The vehicle displays a “Service Shifter” warning (with an A! with a circle arrow and the check engine light is on) and shakes violently upon shifting; it's straight up psychologically unnerving. This issue creates a significant safety hazard because the vehicle may not shift accordingly, consequently increasing the risk of unintended vehicular movement and ultimate loss of control. I previously brought the vehicle to a certified Chrysler/Jeep dealership (Big O’ Dodge Chrysler Jeep, Laurens Rd., Greenville, SC) approximately 13 months earlier for mechanical issues while under warranty. At that time, repairs were completed and I was told no additional mechanical concerns were present. The shifter malfunction began after my extended warranty expired (after 20,000 miles). Since the problem began, I have taken the vehicle to a mechanic multiple times. During each visit, a diagnostic scan tool indicated cylinder misfires: First visit: cylinder #1 misfire — I paid for repairs/replacement. Second visit: cylinder #2 misfire — I paid for additional repairs. Third visit: cylinder #3 misfire — I was advised further repairs would be costly and to consider replacing the vehicle. Despite having recently spent $1,500 on these repairs, the shifting malfunction and safety issues have persisted/have not been resolved. I have been unable to safely operate the vehicle for approximately four months due to the risk associated with the transmission/shifter malfunction. I have learned that similar (2014-2017) Jeep Cherokees have been recalled for similar electronic shifter defects. However, my VIN was not included in the recall. Because this defect poses a serious safety risk and appears consistent with known issues, I am requesting an investigation into this failure. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request.
My Vehicle VIN isn't listed under the massive recall of the PTU (Diagnostic code C14A7-67) Vehicle is the same manufacture year of the recalled vehicles. If the PTU fails it can cause sudden loss of drive power, inability to stay in Park (rollaway risk). The check 4WD light is on and Diagnostic code C14A7-67 comes up. Jeep said my vehicle isn't included in the recall so there isn't anything they can do. I am wondering why this Vin isn't included in the recall and if it should be since it is having the identical issue as the massive recall of similar vehicles. My vehicle lost drive power on a highway and had to carefully glide over to the shoulder.
WHILE STOPPED AT STOP SIGNS OR STOP LIGHTS THE EMERGENCY PARKING BREAK WILL ENGAGE AND UNABLE TO TURN OFF WITH OUT RESTARTING VEHICLE.
The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle sputtered, jerked, and hesitated while depressing the accelerator pedal. The message "Service 4WD" was displayed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with an inoperable PTU actuator. The dealer was contacted and provided an estimate for the repair. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 81,900.
I was going home, speed limit 55 mph, so thats what I was doing. A suv entering a intersection ahead of me, ( i dont have a stop or yield sign, but they do) the suv never stops, rolling into the intersection, as im entering the intersection at 55 mph. I tried avoidance at last second to no avail. My front drivers corner smashed the middle, passenger side of the other suv. My Jeep continues to the right, uncontrollable, stops in someone's front yard, engine still running. The other car swerved to the left, still on the road, rolling on its side. My airbags never deployed, i didnt even get any lights on the dash, i had to shut the engine off. Not one airbag deployed, and nothing even recognized there was something wrong. This car is supposed to have all options for airbags, yet a collision at highway speed, with post wreck travel of less than 50 feet, and not one single air bag deployed. I very literally could have died right there. I honestly dont know how i didn't.
The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle jerked abnormally with an abnormal burning odor coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and was diagnosed with a misfire in cylinder #5. The fuel injectors were cleaned, and the spark plugs and filters were replaced. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, the contact became aware that there were oil stains on the ground, and the abnormal odor was still coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the plastic oil filter housing seal had failed. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 58,000.
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