2016 Jeep Cherokee Problems

My PTU/transfer case has failed and our Jeep is currently in the shop. They are stating that this exact issue is part of an ongoing recall and that our vehicle should also be added to the recall list due to this part being the exact reason for the recall. They told me that it is unsafe to drive due to power transfer failure while driving, and potential vehicle rollaway. The problem initially was severe grinding noises noted while driving and it was confirmed by our mechanic at our local dealership. He then inspected the unit and noted the failure. I received no warning messages on my vehicle dash prior to this issue. The grinding has been ongoing for about 6 months to a year prior to this but was much less and I kept being told it was either the tires rubbing whilst turning or that my 4WD was "just having a hard time" by other mechanics which I now know was not the case). Please consider my vehicle to be added to this recall. This fix is entirely too expensive for a mom of two young kids, in the state of this economy, who needs their car back as soon as possible.

My 2016 Jeep Cherokee developed severe grinding/scraping noise and vibration associated with the PTU. In 2023, I brought it to Larry H. Miller Jeep 104th for PTU-related Safety Recall 45A and also reported abnormal noise. The noise was not documented and the PTU was not replaced, despite Warranty Extension XJ1 already being in effect. In 2026, after the noise worsened, I returned to an authorized Jeep dealer and specifically reported the PTU concern and XJ1. The dealer stated the PTU tested normally and attributed the noise to other issues. I obtained an independent ASE-certified inspection from Wesley Automotive. Wesley documented PTU noise/vibration, a magnetic plug coated in metal, excessive ferrous metal in the PTU fluid, and a faulty PTU requiring replacement. After unrelated wheel-bearing and brake repairs, Wesley documented that the PTU concern remained and provided a photograph showing metal debris on the plug and written diagnostic findings. A subsequent authorized Jeep representative stated XJ1 would not apply without fault code P1720-00 or P215C-00 even if metal were present in the PTU, while acknowledging that the metal condition presented a safety concern. Despite documented PTU failure and metal contamination, it remains unrepaired because Jeep has conditioned XJ1 replacement on specified fault codes rather than physical findings. This follows the 2023 PTU-related recall visit, a later authorized dealer reporting no applicable codes and stating the PTU tested normally, and AutoNation requiring me to authorize a $295 diagnostic fee for yet another evaluation. Stellantis continues to require additional dealer evaluation despite this history and independent physical evidence of PTU deterioration. I am concerned continued operation puts my family and me at risk of PTU failure, sudden power loss, or loss of drivability. The vehicle remains in service with a faulty PTU and metal contamination.

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.

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.

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 kill someone.

Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2016 Jeep Cherokee. It was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy after the purchase. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 86,778 and at the time of the vehicle's oil change, it was discovered that on the last oil change the mileage was 90,003.

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 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 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

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.

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.

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.

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.

There was a Recall on 2016 jeep cherrokee latitude fuel pumps - i think several years ago. This VIN Not on the list. But, the fuel pump has gone on this 2016 Jeep several weeks ago- vehicle stopped in busy city roadway. Towed to repair place -another make of fuel pump installed- then gas gauge not keeping track of gas . Called Jeep DEALERSHIP in Warren, Pa; and was told NO ONE HAS THESE MAIN JEEP FUEL Pumps. None in any 9 locations. They are on back order throughout the country. Sounds like there is a problem with the 2016 Jeep fuel pump. It needs to be recalled. This is a no brainer; and, not fair to Jeep customers that this issue wasn't made public and that the company didn't make a RECALL on THIS PUMP. There is a waiting lists for these pumps won't start distributing them till December. Please help with this matter.

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.

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.

Took a hard Impact to the rear driver side tire and rear driver door corner small dent(near rear tire), and was spun 180° causing being propelled into a light pole on the passenger front and side. No airbags deployed in the entire vehicle. Multiple people in the vehicle in the vehicle sustained concussions, one also hit their head off the side window which resulted in a large bump forming, and also sustained a fractured rib. No warning lights were on and vehicle had recently been inspected. Currently there is a case opened with JEEP regarding the lack of deployment of the airbag system related to this accident.

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 kill someone.

My jeep Cherokee isn’t catching gears when I drive it also has the svc 4wd light on

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.

Axle, driveshaft, and differential concern. The 4x4 warning light came on the dash and the four-wheel-drive system stopped functioning properly. Dealer diagnosed a failing PTU (Power Transfer Unit) and recommended installing an SOP PTU unit. Symptoms included grinding, vibration, and inconsistent 4x4 engagement, creating a safety concern during normal driving. Mileage at time of replacement (lights on dash 500 miles prior) : 49,536. Total repair cost: $2,416

Unknown was traveling twenty five miles an hour heard a lot of thumping.Noises took it to the dealership Ptu is bad

I was driving mid day today and I noticed my display on the dash had gone dim as if the headlights had turned on and the dash lights dimmed expecting it to be dark inside. I then got a ding about the auto shutoff when stopped feature not working (this has been dinging for a few years and hasn’t worked since shortly after I got the vehicle in 2018, however it’s been working the last few weeks). I was pulling into a grocery store looking for a spot when all of a sudden the car died. I lost brakes and power steering but luckily was going slow. I turned off the key, put it in park, and it turned right back on. I pulled into a spot and then noticed the engine light on. I’ve read countless forums about this exact issue. Other owners have experienced this since their Jeep was brand new. I’ve had this for 5 years without issues until lately. Prior to the is event, my car was experiencing the same issue with the display dimming. A week prior to the stall today, I was driving around 70 mph when the dash dimmed and I think went completely dark for a bit. I got a ding about the auto shutoff and another stating that 4wd was not available. I tried to turn my headlights on and off but there was nothing. I didn’t have any blinkers either. I pulled over, turned it off and back on and all was fine the rest of the hour-long drive home. I am extremely concerned about it stalling, especially if I’m turning in front of traffic at an intersection. This is not uncommon and other owners are concerned for their safety as well.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 JEEP CHEROKEE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING DURING NIGHT TIME, WHEN MAKING A LEFT OR RIGHT TURN, THE HEADLIGHTS INDEPENDENTLY TURNED OFF. THE CONTACT STATED NO WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE LOCAL DEALER MALL OF GEORGIA CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP (4345 BUFORD DR, BUFORD, GA 30518, (770)945-0839) WHERE THE MECHANIC WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT STATED SHE CONTINUED TO EXPERIENCE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER HAD BEEN INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 30.

The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the parking brake independently activated. In addition, the contact stated that the failure had occurred twice. The contact stated that during the second failure, the parking brake independently activated, and the parking brake seized. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with a parking brake module failure. The contact was informed of water intrusion and that the parking brake module was destroyed. The contact was informed that the parking brake module and the rear brakes needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. In addition, the contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact noticed that the rear seats and tailgate area were wet with water. The contact stated that the two reservoirs in the rear of the vehicle were almost filled with rainwater. The vehicle was taken to the independent mechanic. The contact had not been informed of the diagnostic result. In addition, the contact stated that the vehicle was previously taken to an independent mechanic because the sunroof assembly was fractured. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The contact was not sure of where the rainwater was entering the vehicle. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.

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.

The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the 4WD warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with power transfer unit (PTU) failure. The contact was informed that the PTU needed to be replaced. The mechanic stated that the parts to repair the vehicle were on back order and would not be available for approximately 9 months. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was notified of the failure however, the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 92,816.

I got 4 changed but still issue tires bad air pressure

The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the parking brake independently activated. In addition, the contact stated that the failure had occurred twice. The contact stated that during the second failure, the parking brake independently activated, and the parking brake seized. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with a parking brake module failure. The contact was informed of water intrusion and that the parking brake module was destroyed. The contact was informed that the parking brake module and the rear brakes needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. In addition, the contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact noticed that the rear seats and tailgate area were wet with water. The contact stated that the two reservoirs in the rear of the vehicle were almost filled with rainwater. The vehicle was taken to the independent mechanic. The contact had not been informed of the diagnostic result. In addition, the contact stated that the vehicle was previously taken to an independent mechanic because the sunroof assembly was fractured. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The contact was not sure of where the rainwater was entering the vehicle. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.

The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that the dashboard was separating from the body of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be inspected. The dealer informed the contact that the dashboard was either separating due to not having enough glue, or the glue that was used for the dashboard had not cured properly. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 22,000.

The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that he noticed the ESC 4-WD warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The mechanic stated that the powertrain transfer unit (PTU) assembly had failed with code: (C14A7-97) and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 157,715.

The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would stall upon depression of the accelerator pedal. The contact also stated that an unknown transmission warning light appeared on the instrument panel. The contact called the dealer where she purchased the vehicle but was placed on an extended hold. The manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was 38,000.

AIR BAG SERVICE LIGHT IS ON. ALSO, THE SEATBELT LIGHT IS ON STATING DRIVER DOES NOT HAVE SEATBELT EVEN WHEN PLUGGED IN. VEHICLE WAS ON THE HIGHWAY WHEN THIS OCCURRED.

I WAS IN A CAR WRECK ON NOV 21ST AND HIT MY FRONT END AT 65 MPH. MY SEAT BELT DID NOT TIGHTEN AND MY AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CAR I HIT HOWEVER HAD THEIR FRONT AIRBAG DEPLOY AND I HIT THEIR REAR END. *LN*JB VIN NUMBER XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX 'PARTS OF THIS DOCUMENT HAVE BEEN REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).' *JB