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2016 Jeep Cherokee problems, recalls and owner complaints
What the 2016 Jeep Cherokee has been recalled for, how often it fails the UK MOT and what owners report, from official government data. Updated October 25, 2026.
- 9safety recalls
- 1,412owner complaints
- 37crash reports
- 15fire reports
- 21%fail the UK MOT
1,412 complaints, against an average of 870 for the other 10 Jeep Cherokee model years.
Every Jeep Cherokee model year with its number of owner complaints. Pick a year to compare.
What goes wrong with the 2016 Jeep Cherokee?
The components named most often in the 1,412 owner complaints. One complaint can name several, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.
What symptoms do 2016 Jeep Cherokee owners describe?
Found by reading the text of all 1,412 owner complaints. Tap a symptom for the answer, a real owner quote and any related recall.
- Why does my 2016 Jeep Cherokee stall, lose power or shut off while driving?218 owners · 15.4% · Recall 23V302000
- Why is the check engine light on in my 2016 Jeep Cherokee?82 owners · 5.8%
- Why is my 2016 Jeep Cherokee burning or losing oil?49 owners · 3.5%
- Why does my 2016 Jeep Cherokee idle rough, misfire or hesitate?48 owners · 3.4%
Has the 2016 Jeep Cherokee been recalled?
9 U.S. safety recalls. Repairs are free at a franchised dealer; some are done over the air.
Electrical System: Wiring: Rear Compartment/TrunkPark outside 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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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
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 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 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 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.
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.
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.
Is the 2016 Jeep Cherokee recalled in the UK or Europe?
Recalls issued by the UK's DVSA and through the EU's Safety Gate system that cover this model and build period. European models can differ from U.S. ones, and "years estimated" means the recall gave no build dates, so confirm your own car with your registration or VIN.
UK DVSAJeep Cherokee 2014-2014 Power liftgate module
Risk: On affected vehicles the power liftgate control module may experience a short circuit. An electrical short in the power liftgate module may lead to a vehicle fire with the ignition on or off.
Fix: Relocate the power liftgate module to the D Pillar and install water barrier/curtain
UK DVSAReverse lamp height
Risk: On certain vehicles built with a specific suspension package the reverse lamps may be above the UN ECE 48.04 height requirement.
Fix: Install the reverse lamp in accordance with the UN ECE 48.04 height requirement.
UK DVSAThe Power Transfer Unit (PTU) may allow relative movement between the input splines and the transmission output shaft
Risk: On affected vehicles relative movement between the differential input splines and the transmission output shaft in the area of the power transfer unit wear of the input splines cannot be ruled out.
Fix: Reprogram of the Drive Train Control Module and Electric Park Brake.
UK DVSAA possible loss of motive power or park function due to wear in the power transfer unit
Risk: A possible loss of motive power or PARK function due to wear in the Power Transfer Unit.
Fix: Reprogram the Drive Train Control Module and Electric Park Brake.
UK DVSAVehicle short causing can-c bus to stop communicating
Risk: A short in the vehicle causing the CAN-C bus to stop communicating while the cruise control is active and the vehicle speed is below the set speed such that the cruise control system is requesting positive torque at the exact moment of the short it is possible for a positive torque request to be locked on the PCM. This may result in either the vehicle maintaining its current speed or possibly accelerating.
Fix: Inspect the software level of the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) and if necessary reprogram the PCM
UK DVSASeat may not perform correctly in a collision
Risk: Front and/or rear seats may have been fitted with incorrectly tightened fasteners. This may increase risk of injury to occupants during a collision.
Fix: Replace affected seat assemblies.
UK DVSAHeadlight directional control may fail
Risk: The Body Control Module (BCM) may have incorrect headlamp levelling parameters. This can result in headlamp levelling switch operation being the opposite of the headlamp directional movement desired. This could cause a crash without warning.
Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and the headlamp levelling parameters will be reprogrammed within the BCM.
UK DVSACentre rear seat belt retractor may not comply with requirements
Risk: The centre rear belt retractor may not comply with regulations.
Fix: On affected vehicles replace centre rear belt retractor.
UK DVSAFire may occur
Risk: Water intrusion into the power liftgate module electrical connectors can lead to corrosion and higher resistance. This condition can cause the module to become inoperative and/or cause a fire.
Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected. The vehicles will be inspected for evidence of water intrusion and electrical connector corrosion. The vehicle will be repaired to eliminate the possibility of further water intrusion. On vehicles found with corrosion in the power liftgate module electrical connectors the module and electrical connectors will be replaced. All the vehicles will receive a power liftgate module water shield.
UK DVSAVehicle electronic systems may malfunction
Risk: On vehicles with Uconnect 8.4 screen radio the computer-controlled electronic systems may be at risk of unauthorized and/or unlawful access which may affect vehicle behaviour.
Fix: Update software on affected vehicles
EU Safety GateAn incorrectly fitted retaining ring in the Power Transfer Unit may cause an unexpected loss of traction and/or failure of the parking…An incorrectly fitted retaining ring in the Power Transfer Unit may cause an unexpected loss of traction and/or failure of the parking function, increasing the risk of an accident and injury.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Importer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: 01/07/2026
EU Safety GateThe connection between the transmission and the differential could become disrupted, which can lead to a sudden loss of driving force…The connection between the transmission and the differential could become disrupted, which can lead to a sudden loss of driving force while in motion or to the failure of the parking function when stationary, creating a risk of an accident.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe differential could be damaged.This may result in a loss of drive power and/or the parking function, increasing the risk of an accident.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe seat fasteners were not tightened to the required torque.In the event of an accident, there could be a greater risk of injury for the occupants.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe front drive shaft may break, which may cause further damage to the underbody and lead to an accident.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe control module may have the wrong parameters for headlamp levelling.This can mean that the switch for the headlamp levelling has to be operated in the wrong direction in order to achieve the desired levelling of the headlamps. This can cause an accident.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateWater may penetrate the cable connectors of the electric control for the rear door, which may cause a fire, even after the engine has been…Water may penetrate the cable connectors of the electric control for the rear door, which may cause a fire, even after the engine has been switched off.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe radio in the vehicle may have certain software security gaps that allow unauthorised access by third parties to a number of…The radio in the vehicle may have certain software security gaps that allow unauthorised access by third parties to a number of interconnected control systems in the vehicle. If these software security gaps were exploited by a third party for malicious purposes, a road accident could occur.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
How often does the 2016 Jeep Cherokee fail its MOT?
Why they failed: the share of failed tests with at least one fault in each area (a test can fail on several). Cars first registered in 2016, tested in Great Britain in 2023; first registration is usually, but not always, the model year. Source: DVSA anonymised MOT tests and results, Open Government Licence v3.0.
What do 2016 Jeep Cherokee owners report?
12 of the 1,412 complaints, the most recent for the most-reported components, as the owners wrote them. NHTSA removes names and VINs; long reports are trimmed. CarHooq has not verified individual claims.
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.
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.
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 NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 81,000.
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 immediately. Gear shift malfunction. The lights on the gear shift and the alert in the display saying gear shift malfunction… all within 2 days… car has @97 000 miles…
The vehicle show code B0020-13. This is a fault in the wiring system for the airbags. Caused by Jeep engineering being bad. This has nothing to do with how is driven or used and is a massive safety issue and shuts the entire airbag system down. It requires fix 10-001-20. This issue is so common they have issued a bulletin. The fix is $1100. The fact that this isn't covered by Chrysler is an abomination to safety and is absolutely ridiculous. Then being allowed to not fix air bag issue they know they have caused should be illegal. I'm embarrassed to even have to write this. This is going to…
The parking brake has engaged on it's own 4 times. Twice while I was driving and twice while I was parked in my driveway with car started and attempting to leave. When parked it will not let me roll. When driving the vehicle shimmies and acts like it has serious problems like the wheel is about to fall off. One time there was a yellow exclamation point as a warning light as it was having the issue. The other time there were no warning lights. I never use my parking brake. It came on when I was about a mile down the road. I believe the first 2 times were in March. The last 2 were in May 2026
pulling out of a gas station the engine revved and accelerated without me pressing on the pedal harder. i tried pressing the brakes and they would not respond. It caused my vehicle to crash into a pole where it continued to rev until the vehicle was turned off.
While driving or idle at the light the ABS light, traction control light and parking brake light come on and have a loss power steering.
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.
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…
The PTU was bad and was replaced by the dealership under Chrysler extended warranty. The dealership then said the transfer case module and motor needed to be replaced and while at the dealership replacing those components they informed me that the rear differential axle is bad resulting from the bad PTU
The outside body of the vehicle is leaking, which is causing the Park break module to short circuit. This is causing my vehicle to suddenly stop and lock up.This has happened three times so far.
2016 Jeep Cherokee: questions owners ask
Is the 2016 Jeep Cherokee reliable?
NHTSA data alone cannot rate reliability, but it shows what owners reported. Owners filed 1,412 complaints with NHTSA about the 2016 Jeep Cherokee; the most common categories were power train (635, 45%), engine (314, 22.2%), electrical system (298, 21.1%). There are 9 safety recalls. 37 complaints mention a crash, 15 mention a fire, 27 injuries were reported.
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Jeep Cherokee?
Across 1,412 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the categories mentioned most often are power train (45% of complaints), engine (22.2% of complaints), electrical system (21.1% of complaints), service brakes (6.6% of complaints), vehicle speed control (5.4% of complaints). One complaint can name several components.
Does the 2016 Jeep Cherokee have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 9 recalls for the 2016 Jeep Cherokee; the most recent (campaign 23V338000, 2023-05-11) concerns Electrical System: Wiring: Rear Compartment/Trunk. 1 recall carries a "do not drive" or "park outside" warning from the manufacturer. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Why does my 2016 Jeep Cherokee stall, lose power or shut off while driving?
218 of the 1,412 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2016 Jeep Cherokee (15.4%) describe the engine stalling, losing power or shutting off while driving. A related recall exists: campaign 23V302000 (power train: automatic transmission). The fix: FCA US LLC will notify owners, and dealers will perform a software update, free of charge. One owner wrote: "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." (NHTSA complaint 11724934, March 2026). Recall repairs are free at a dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Why is the check engine light on in my 2016 Jeep Cherokee?
82 of the 1,412 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2016 Jeep Cherokee (5.8%) describe the check engine light coming on. One owner wrote: "Parking brake module and connector got major water damage. My mechanic found over four gallons of water under my spare tire compartment. After inspecting it he found the module and wires fried." (NHTSA complaint 11653777, April 2025). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why is my 2016 Jeep Cherokee burning or losing oil?
49 of the 1,412 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2016 Jeep Cherokee (3.5%) describe excessive oil consumption or oil leaks. One owner wrote: "All of the warning lights on the dash light up at once. The car then suddenly goes into limp mode. The car has been to the dealer 4 times for this problem." (NHTSA complaint 11519725, May 2023). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why does my 2016 Jeep Cherokee idle rough, misfire or hesitate?
48 of the 1,412 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2016 Jeep Cherokee (3.4%) describe rough idling, misfires or hesitation when accelerating. One owner wrote: "After getting catalytic recall done my car has had delay and hesitation. The car is extremely hot underneath it and is loud while accelerating and idling. Have taken it back to the original dealership for the issue and they continue to say nothing is wrong." (NHTSA complaint 11567113, January 2024). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Check your own Cherokee
Counts are a starting point, not a verdict: popular models collect more complaints because more of them are on the road, and NHTSA does not verify individual reports. To see whether a recall is still open on your car, enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls (U.S.) or your registration at check-vehicle-recalls.service.gov.uk (UK). Had a safety problem? Report it to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations and recalls.
Data: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation recall and complaint databases (public domain), DVSA anonymised MOT results (Open Government Licence v3.0), DVSA vehicle recalls (Open Government Licence v3.0), EU Safety Gate alerts (© European Union), retrieved October 25, 2026. Model year 2016 only.