2016 Jeep Cherokee recalls and problems

9 recalls and 1,412 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2016 Jeep Cherokee.

9
recalls
1,412
owner complaints
37
complaints mentioning a crash
15
mentioning a fire

Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.

2016 Jeep Cherokee recalls

Structure: body, hatchback/liftgate · Electrical system: wiring, rear compartment/trunk

NHTSA campaign 23V338000 · reported May 11, 2023 · Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) · 132,099 vehicles potentially affected

The 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.
The risk
A fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
The 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

NHTSA campaign 23V302000 · reported April 27, 2023 · Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) · 25,980 vehicles potentially affected

The 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.
The 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.
The 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 · Power train: automatic transmission

NHTSA campaign 20V343000 · reported June 11, 2020 · Chrysler (FCA US LLC) · 67,248 vehicles potentially affected

The 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.
The 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.
The 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 · Vehicle speed control: cruise control · Electrical system: wiring

NHTSA campaign 18V332000 · reported May 17, 2018 · Chrysler (FCA US LLC) · 4,815,661 vehicles potentially affected

The 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.
The 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.
The 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

NHTSA campaign 17V824000 · reported December 21, 2017 · Chrysler (FCA US LLC) · 61,791 vehicles potentially affected

The 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
The risk
If the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury in the event of a fire.
The 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 · Seats

NHTSA campaign 16V590000 · reported August 10, 2016 · Chrysler (FCA US LLC) · 1,827 vehicles potentially affected

The 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.
The risk
Loose fasteners may allow the seats to move, increasing the risk of injury to the seat occupants in the event of a crash.
The 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

NHTSA campaign 16V284000 · reported May 11, 2016 · Chrysler (FCA US LLC) · 1,029 vehicles potentially affected

The 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.
The risk
A fractured halfshaft may disconnect from the drive axle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The 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

NHTSA campaign 16V287000 · reported May 11, 2016 · Chrysler (FCA US LLC) · 52 vehicles potentially affected

The 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.
The risk
A fractured halfshaft may disconnect from the drive axle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The 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 · Electrical system: wiring, rear compartment/trunk

NHTSA campaign 15V826000 · reported December 9, 2015 · Chrysler (FCA US LLC) · 32,784 vehicles potentially affected

The 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.
The risk
A short circuit in the module increases the risk of a fire.
The 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.

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

Oct 21, 2026 · Power train

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.

Oct 20, 2026 · Electrical system

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…

Oct 14, 2026 · Power train · 81,000 miles

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…

Oct 5, 2026 · 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…

Oct 5, 2026 · Power train · fire reported

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…

Cherokee model years compared

YearRecallsComplaintsCrashesFires
2014 132,6505616
2015 111,7934529
2016 91,4123715
2017 61,338246
2018 7688115
2019 111,6714019

Across all years, the 2014 Cherokee has the most complaints (2,650). All Jeep Cherokee years →

Questions

Does the 2016 Jeep Cherokee have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 9 recalls for the 2016 Jeep Cherokee, the most recent reported on May 11, 2023 (Structure: body, hatchback/liftgate, Electrical system: wiring, rear compartment/trunk). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Jeep Cherokee?
Owners have filed 1,412 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is power train (635 complaints), followed by engine (314).
How many 2016 Jeep Cherokee complaints mention a crash or fire?
37 of 1,412 complaints report a crash and 15 a fire; 27 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received October 21, 2026.