2016 Jeep Cherokee complaints

*While driving vehicle on highway heard a loud noise and grinding sound and PTU exploded and *was not able to maneuver vehicle properly. *Fluid that was leaking out . Caused fire . Once car turned off this stopped flames .This could have been a very dangerous situation if it had not gone out for us and others on the highway. * we brought the vehicle to our mechanic who diagnosed it and said there was a problem to bring it to the Jeep dealer who also diagnosed the same problem. * it is currently still at the Jeep dealer . Because there are no parts available, which makes us wonder if this has happened to many other people.. * there were no warning, lamps or messages that came on.

Ptu failure/ loss of motive power

My vehicle continues to sporadically lose power steering, power and braking. “4wd temporarily disabled” light keeps coming on but then goes off. I have taken to dealer and they say it doesn’t throw a code and there is nothing they can do. It’s a safety issue. Other Jeep Cherokee years and models keep getting recalled but not mine. Mine needs to be recalled. Very dangerous.has been happening increasingly more often in last two months.

This morning i heard about the recall of 63,000 jeeps from 2017-2019 for the power failure in the PTU. I have a 2016 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk and i have experienced the same EXACT issue! I currently have a 2016 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk. I'm the original owner. This Saturday, January 25th, I am turning it in for the PTU to be replaced. This will be my 2nd PTU replacement. . I was told that this 2nd PTU has a different Part Number than the OEM, or the last one. Thus making it slightly designed differently (i dont know the factual of this statement). *** In the last year, and mostly during warmer months, I have experienced MULTIPLE complete power failures of my Jeep. Anywhere from driving, and/or slow parking. it has even happended at times when taking an off ramp from the highway! I have had other people in the Jeep when this has happened. I was told that I have a loose battery terminal connection. So I went out and purchased the Battery Post Shims to increase the posts thickness on the battery. This did not resolve the problem. Since June 2024 I have been on MOPAR's waiting list for this replacment PTU and I finally received it a couple weeks ago. It is now winter and for some reason the power failure does not happen, but there is a consistent clicking in the front end. Not thinking it was the PTU because it has been replaced already, I thought it was the CV Joint so I bought that part. When i got to the dealership to have the work completed, they informed me that it is NOT the

The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while cold starting the vehicle and shifting to drive (D) or into reverse (R), the vehicle hesitated and then jolted into gear while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact stated that the "Service 4WD" warning light was illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving on the highway at an undisclosed speed, while depressing the accelerator pedal to overtake another vehicle, the vehicle hesitated before responding as needed. The contact stated that when the transmission shifted, there was a jolt, and the "Service 4WD" warning light illuminated. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 124,000.

Jeep lost power several times and at other times would say to shift to park. Same as the most recent recall but 2016 is not included currently.

SWC 4WD notice Car starts shaking go beyond 60 mph

The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the steering wheel became firm, with the traction, check engine, and battery warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the messages to “Service Transmission” and “Service Shifter” were displayed. The contact was forced to park on the side of the road and restart the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the vehicle was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the gear shifter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 130,000.

Four Wheel Drive quit working. There is no traction on the rear wheels and four wheel drive error and stuck in traffic during freezing temperatures and snow on the road. This almost caused a collision. Why is there a recall on 2016 Jeep Cherokees for four wheel drive issue but not on my 2016 Jeep Cherokee?

While driving doe the highway the Dashboard lights go out and headlights turn off. Headlights and bulbs go out frequently. Rear license plate lights go out even after bulb replacement. Kicks cruise off while driving and shift gear control warning.

The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the vehicle jerked while in first gear. The contact stated that after a short while the vehicle returned to normal functionality. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 168,000.

Intermittent 4WD SVC Light - Code c14a7-97 comes up. There is an outstanding LIFETIME warranty on my vehicle to replace the Power Transfer Unit, however Jeep/Chrysler refuses to fix this under the warranty because this code does not fall under the Extended Warranty, even though it is related to the same part (PTU). The part is 3-6 months backordered anyway. This is ignorance and a safety hazard from Jeep/Chrysler.

Transmission doesn’t engage while driving. When I am braking, the vehicle jumps like it is skipping gears while trying to slow down.

According to my mechanic the sway bar broke, also I get a 4WD system unavailable service required! Which is PTU module needs replaced! That is a rescalled issue, do to safety issues! Please look into it! Thanks

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.

Started hesitating and did it at random times. I had a tune up done and it continued. I thought it was the transmission and took it to the transmission shop and they didn’t find anything wrong with the transmission. Started losing power and hesitation became worse while in traffic. Now it’s hesitating while stopped at the traffic light and not accelerating when taking off from a complete stop and not accelerating while merging. I brought it to the dealership in Lakeport, Ca. 95453. When I brought it to them the start stop warning lights were lit up on the dash. The start stop feature is creating the problem. I’m being told by the dealership that they can’t disengage the start stop feature. This is a safety hazard and I’m concerned it’s going to create engine problems. Apparently it’s a nationwide issue. The start stop feature needs to be recalled and fixed.

Service 4wd warning light illuminated. Google search for recall indicated that 2016 Jeep Cherokees had a recall for this problem. However, our specific VIN was not part of recall. When calling the manufacturer, I was advised that if the dealership could verify our vehicle was having the same problem as the recall, we could receive assistance. The advice was followed and confirmed, but when calling the manufacturer back, I was told that that was not how things work when dealing with a recall and since our VIN was not part of the recall, they could not do anything. I filed a complaint with NHTSA in April 2024 to no avail. We have brought the vehicle back to the dealership to see if we could have the problem fixed, and although we can, the parts are on back order. I can only assume because of the recall. Almost a year later, we are still dealing with this issue and never did hear back regarding our complaint.

Cracked windshield. No visible impact mark. Parked car at home and when came back out there was small crack coming from bottom driver side going up. Later on when actually driving the vehicle the crack randomly started getting bigger and went further up and then split to the side until reached edge of windshield.

My car has 123,000 done everything by book. Been report issues for over yr. Car almost got my killed by not stopping, turning, jerking on Accelerating and decelerating when shifting. All my motor mounts, transmission mount busted , messed up suspension control arm, ball joints, struts , axle, brakes all once. Drained battery. Spent 4500. Then my service shifter just came on. So back at shop. This is insane my shifter should last life time of my car. Due to the damage of that it cause a downfall of front end issues. This is well known issues of Jeep 2016 but not mine for a recall. It has cost me thousands and should not be happening at 122,000 miles . Car is at dealership again now and i have rental so not sure what that will cost. This started 2/11 not codes just could tell already filed reports with you all. My brakes lasted years , rotors was changed 2/11 hoping it helped per papers already damaged due to all this other crap. I’m very upset my car shouldn’t be having all these issues at 122,000 we are 1 car family

The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving 25 MPH, the message “4WD Unavailable” was displayed. The contact stated that the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the power transfer unit (PTU) needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V302000 (POWER TRAIN). The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The contact was then referred to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was 96,000.

On my 2016 jeep Cherokee limited my 4WD needs service along with my shifter popping up every now and then ref needing service … all lights turn red and flash… Code: C14A7 - 97 Ptu motor Obstructed or blocked Google shows recall but when I look it up it shows not on my model.. Why ? Miles :114000 I’m very disappointed.. will not recommend a Jeep again…

Vehicle lost power while in traffic was running weird jerking check engine light came on A! Light came on vehicle wouldn't stay running. Codes read Catalyst system efficiency. Recall u90 issues Recall u67 issues code p0430, p0300,p0175, p0174

The thing died randomly and locked the steering wheel. Dealer can’t recreate the issue and said they cant fix it. I pay monthly on this thing that cant be fixed?

IN EARLY 2022 THE VEHICLE JUST SHUTOFF WHILE I WAS ACTIVELY DRIVING. I COULDNT GET THE CAR TO NEUTRAL ONCE IT SHUT OFF AND HAD TO BE TOWED. BOOSTING DID NOT IMMEDIATELY RESOLVE THE ISSUE. BUT A DAY LATER THE CAR WOULD START AND THEN DRIVE FOR A WHILE AND JUST RANDOMLY SHUTOFF. I HAD BATTERY CHANGED, INCIDENT OCCURED AGAIN AND I HAD TO BE TOWED A COUPLE OF THE TIMES AND JUST DECIDED TO READ UP ON LINE IF ANYONE WAS HAVING SIMILAR ISSUES AND I CAME ACCROSS THIS ARTICLE BUT WHEN I ENTERED MY VIN NUMBER IT WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL EVEN THOUGH THE ISSUE I AM HAVING IS SIMILAR.

2 WEEKS AGO, I WAS DRIVING MY JEEP AND STOPPED FOR A TRAIN. THE JEEP SUDDENLY CUT OFF. I PUT IT IN PARK AND IT STARTED RIGHT UP. AFTER THE TRAIN PASSED, I DROVE APPROXIMATELY 200 FEET TO THE NEXT STOP SIGN AND IT CUT OFF AGAIN. IT RESTARTED, BUT I HAVEN'T DRIVEN IT FOR ANY DISTANCE SINCE THEN BECAUSE I'M AFRAID IT WILL CUT OFF ON THE HIGHWAY WHILE I'M GOING TO WORK OR ELSEWHERE. ALL MAINTENANCE IS CURRENT AND FLUIDS ARE CORRECT.

I own a 2016 Jeep Cherokee, and I’ve experienced significant engine issues that seem to be a common problem among other owners. The vehicle initially developed a ticking noise, which I was told was due to an oil change issue (first too little oil, then too much). The problem escalated quickly—leading to misfiring, bucking, excessive fuel consumption, and eventually a complete loss of power. After consulting multiple auto shops, the root cause was identified as premature failure of the lifters, rocker arms, and camshaft. I’ve been informed that all 24 lifters and rocker arms need replacement. The cost for repairs is quoted at $4,200, which is financially burdensome. Through my research, I’ve learned this is a recurring issue for Jeep owners and have even found references to class action lawsuits for similar problems. This indicates that the issue may be widespread and systemic. I urge the NHTSA to investigate these complaints to determine whether this failure meets the criteria for a recall. Many Jeep owners, including myself, would benefit from a recall or repair cost reimbursement due to the significant financial and safety impacts of this issue.

The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle hesitated while depressing the accelerator pedal. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the contact was informed that an undisclosed module needed to be reprogrammed. The vehicle was then taken to another independent mechanic where a diagnostic test was performed, and the contact was informed that the PTU (Power Transfer Unit) and the blower motor needed to be repaired. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V302000 (Power Train) which was linked to the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was notified of the failure and scheduled an appointment. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 125,000.

Service 4WD light came on. Mechanic received C14A7-97 code indicating a problem with the PTU. Also I was told that the internals of the transfer case were jammed and cannot engage 4x4. A Google check confirmed that other Jeep Cherokees were recalled because of PTU issues but my VIN does not come up. This doesn’t make sense as it is the same vehicle and same flawed part. Also, I did have a brief loss of power while driving over a year ago. I do not want to pay $4100 for this repair when other similar issues exist and a recall was issued. I believe that this is similar enough to be covered for this flaw, especially when I only have 107,000 miles. Please advise. Regards, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the 4WD function failed to operate as intended. The check 4WD warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with power transfer unit case assembly failure. The contact was informed that the power transfer unit case assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 115,000.

Instroment light come back on with all other lights ignition off. Runs battery down.

WATER LEAK ON FRONT PASSENGER DOOR FLOOR COMING OUT OF CABIN FILTER AREA. CONCERNED THAT IT WILL CAUSE ROTTING OF FLOORBOARD BODY OF VEHICLE. DEALER CLEANED OUT PLUG BUT THAT DID NOT FIX THE PROBLEM. DEALER DOES NOT KNOW HOW TO FIX IT. READ ON SEVERAL FORUMS THAT THIS IS A PROBLEM WITH OTHER JEEP OWNERS.

The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving on the highway at approximately 55 MPH, the vehicle suddenly began to decelerate. The transmission service and check engine warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that as she was making her way to the side of the road, a vehicle from behind almost crashed into the rear. The contact was able to park the vehicle on the side of the road and have it restarted. Upon restarting the vehicle the contact was able to continue driving however the contact stated that the acceleration was reduced to approximately 30 MPH. The vehicle was not taken to a local dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage 111,000.

PTU problems. Grinding noise from rear when turning slow and accelerating. Remove fuse for ptu and noise goes away. Put fuse back in it is back. Vehicle moves a lot when put in park and sometimes when using remote start you can see the vehicle jump forward a couple feet. My vehicle has all symptoms from recalls NHTSA 20V-343, NHTSA 20E-037, NHTSA 23V-302. But my PTU part number of:68283349AA is not included in any recall. This needs to be looked at further and extend the recalls to all PTU’s on the Jeep Cherokees 2014-2017. Chrysler knows these are bad

Vehicle is throwing code C14A7-97 Drive terrain Control Mobule Vehicle shifts weirdly while driving and losses a little power.

Service 4WD warning received shortly after car was returned from dealership for recall fixes. Took car to independent repair shop where car was diagnosed with code C14A7-97, PTU failure

The service 4 Wheel Drive light comes up. The dealer wants to charge over $3,000 to fix the PTU. I have under 60,000 and hardly ever used the 4WD.

3-4 time this has happened and twice in the last 2 weeks my car just won’t turn over. I have to turn switch then put car in/out of park to get my car to start. For few months now I keep hearing vibrating, grinding noises when I go to slow down or stop. I thought it could be my left front axle so I changed it, pads and rotors. They didn’t even look bad when I changed them. The noises is coming from somewhere below driver side. With no lights coming on it’s hard to know and I can’t afford just pay 150 to look at it say who knows. My fear is it will die on my driving when it also goes up down with acceleration at times. I don’t understand why they don’t seem to do recalls on these 2016 Jeeps when clearly everybody’s having the same issues but they claim it’s not our models. My car is barely over 100,000 miles. This is literally my third complain in a year with the same issues.

The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while driving approximately 50 MPH, the message “4WD Unavailable – Service Required” was displayed. The contact stated that the message appeared intermittently for the day. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was power transfer unit (PTU) needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 136,368.

The power transfer unit (ptu), yes it is available to look at. It's making grinding and knocking noise, it could come out of park on its on. Yes it has been seen by car dealer shop and confirmed its the power transfer unit (ptu). Yes its been looked at and hooked up to a machine by dealership, and a garage that found it first. Yes, the service 4wd light came on that's why we to it to garage to be checked and that's when they told me about the power transfer unit (ptu) was out. I took it to dealership and they confirmed it and they're was recalls on on the power transfer unit (ptu) just not on mine

The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that the “Service 4WD” warning light was illuminated. While driving approximately 45 MPH and decelerating, the vehicle suddenly stalled from the transmission independently shifting into neutral(N) and failing to release. The vehicle was towed to the dealer who diagnosed and determined that the transfer case (PTU) had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and opened a case regarding the failure. The manufacturer confirmed there was no recall on the VIN the failure. The failure mileage was 49,000.

While driving the Vehicle the gear attempted to go into 4WD by itself. I pulled over and at that time I could not shift the car into drive or park. I believe the transmission or gear shift is having an issue. No warning lights go on the dashboard and it will stall while driving on the highway which caused an extreme safety hazard.

Check engine light came on. Service Shifter has been displaying on the screen. Started to shake when stopped and backing up. Shifter will light up all functions while driving and display service shifter.

Transfer case failed, model year 2016 at 102K miles. It appears this is a recall item on some Jeep models. The 2016 Jeep Cherokee should be added.

The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated upon starting the vehicle, the 4-WD warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to Cookeville Transmission, where it was diagnosed and determined that the PTU had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was then taken to another independent mechanic, where the same assessment was made. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V302000 (Power Train); however, the VIN was not included. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 158,000.

The PTU in our Jeep, was replaced once in 2021. In February of this year I go a notice from Chrysler extending my warranty on my 2016 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk 4WD to 15 years/unlimited miles. It also mentioned some of the failure indicators were sudden power decrease and a banging noise, which we were experiencing, and instructed contact your dealer for a get a diagnosis regarding the issue. We took the vehicle to the dealer and they said they couldn't find the problem. [XXX], my wife was driving when she heard a clunk and grinding noise, we immediately to the vehicle to the dealer where it was determined that the PTU failed and resulted in a Transmission failure. We were told the warranty didn't cover the mating flanges between the PTU and the Transmission, where the bolts broke. Chrysler Customer Care agreed with them and would not cover the cost of the repairs. It is my contention that either Chrysler is continuing to out a defective product, or the dealer failed to properly torque the flange bolts when the PTU was replaced in 2021. Not sure if it is possible for NHTSA to inspect my vehicle for possible defects and a cause as to why the flange bolts would break. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while operating the vehicle, the vehicle lost power steering functionality, causing the steering wheel to become very difficult to turn in either direction. During the failure the check engine warning light, PCM warning light, and traction control warning were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the power steering pump and rack and pinion assembly were faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was later taken to the local mechanic and repaired. The manufacturer was not yet contacted. The failure mileage was 96,000. The VIN was not available.

The Vehicle stops abrutly while moving and engages emergency parking break and powers down and activating needing to be shifted into park. Vehicle then will be shifted into park and shifted back into drive but will not move until vehicle is turned off and turned back on.

The Vehicle stops abruptly while moving and engages emergency parking break and powers down and activating needing to be shifted into park. Vehicle then will be shifted into park and shifted back into drive but will not move until vehicle is turned off and turned back on.

The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact heard a loud clunking sound while turning. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and was diagnosed with PTU failure. The contact was advised to take the vehicle to the dealer. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with PTU failure. The contact was informed that the PTU needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed that the parts were on back order. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V302000 (Power Train); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was 110,000.

Service Shifter light comes on while the gear functions turn red in color for park, reverse, neutral, and drive. I did a prior recall search and saw numerous complaints for my car make/model and year. Was this a recall? If not, why not? I found complaints that could be safety. After this, I wouldn’t recommend Jeep without more requirements to assess for safety.