2016 Jeep Cherokee Problems

The Power Transfer Unit (PTU) failed on my 2016 Jeep Cherokee at 126,000 miles, throwing code C14A7-97 and causing a sudden, dangerous loss of 4WD drivetrain engagement. A certified Jeep dealer confirmed the mechanical failure (Repair Order 8051781) but stated my VIN is excluded from Safety Recalls W47 / 45A and Warranty Extension XJ1. This VIN exclusion leaves a vehicle with an identical, dangerous drivetrain defect on the road without manufacturer remedy.

My jeep stalled while attempting to accelerate from a stopped position at a stop light at a busy intersection on or around June/July 2026. The car remained on, the gear shifts were moveable, but the vehicle would not move despite pressing on the gas. I scheduled a tow. After ten minutes, it randomly accelerated about a block before stalling again. This continued about two more times as I tried to get the vehicle out of the middle of the road. The car then overheated and I was able to park it a few blocks away at my mom's house. In August/September 2026, I had the car towed to Complete Automotive, and Corwin Jeep for inspections. Progressive Insurance also inspected the issue and ruled out any residual effects from a 1.25.25 parked car front end hit and run collision. Complete Auto found an empty coolant reservoir, oil and coolant leaks, drive belt issues, PTU code, and warning light indicators; Corwin found PTU code and recommended a transfer case. The exact cause remains unknown. The vehicle has had ongoing hose and overheating issues since the day of purchase in 2018; and has underwent hose and radiator replacements that have not seemed to properly fix the issues surrounding sloshing noises, shuddering, shaking, grinding, intermittent lightening, brake fluid, oil, and coolant leaks, and overheating and engine light. Immediately before the vehicle stalled, there were no warning lamps; those messages indicating overheating lit up while attempting to move myself and the car to safety. The unexpected loss of propulsion presents a serious collision risk, especially in traffic, in rush hour at a busy intersection. The recurring overheating and coolant loss also create risk of sudden failure while driving, which has happened on a busy highway requiring repairs. These problems and safety risks have continued despite substantial repairs and repeated dealership inspections. The vehicle remains inoperable awaiting repairs at the Corwin Jeep Dealership.

My jeep stalled while attempting to accelerate from a stopped position at a stop light at a busy intersection on or around June/July 2026. The car remained on, the gear shifts were moveable, but the vehicle would not move despite pressing on the gas. I scheduled a tow. After ten minutes, it randomly accelerated about a block before stalling again. This continued about two more times as I tried to get the vehicle out of the middle of the road. The car then overheated and I was able to park it a few blocks away at my mom's house. In August/September 2026, I had the car towed to Complete Automotive, and Corwin Jeep for inspections. Progressive Insurance also inspected the issue and ruled out any residual effects from a 1.25.25 parked car front end hit and run collision. Complete Auto found an empty coolant reservoir, oil and coolant leaks, drive belt issues, PTU code, and warning light indicators; Corwin found PTU code and recommended a transfer case. The exact cause remains unknown. The vehicle has had ongoing hose and overheating issues since the day of purchase in 2018; and has underwent hose and radiator replacements that have not seemed to properly fix the issues surrounding sloshing noises, shuddering, shaking, grinding, intermittent lightening, brake fluid, oil, and coolant leaks, and overheating and engine light. Immediately before the vehicle stalled, there were no warning lamps; those messages indicating overheating lit up while attempting to move myself and the car to safety. The unexpected loss of propulsion presents a serious collision risk, especially in traffic, in rush hour at a busy intersection. The recurring overheating and coolant loss also create risk of sudden failure while driving, which has happened on a busy highway requiring repairs. These problems and safety risks have continued despite substantial repairs and repeated dealership inspections. The vehicle remains inoperable awaiting repairs at the Corwin Jeep Dealership.

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…

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.

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…

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.

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.

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.

My jeep stalled while attempting to accelerate from a stopped position at a stop light at a busy intersection on or around June/July 2026. The car remained on, the gear shifts were moveable, but the vehicle would not move despite pressing on the gas. I scheduled a tow. After ten minutes, it randomly accelerated about a block before stalling again. This continued about two more times as I tried to get the vehicle out of the middle of the road. The car then overheated and I was able to park it a few blocks away at my mom's house. In August/September 2026, I had the car towed to Complete Automotive, and Corwin Jeep for inspections. Progressive Insurance also inspected the issue and ruled out any residual effects from a 1.25.25 parked car front end hit and run collision. Complete Auto found an empty coolant reservoir, oil and coolant leaks, drive belt issues, PTU code, and warning light indicators; Corwin found PTU code and recommended a transfer case. The exact cause remains unknown. The vehicle has had ongoing hose and overheating issues since the day of purchase in 2018; and has underwent hose and radiator replacements that have not seemed to properly fix the issues surrounding sloshing noises, shuddering, shaking, grinding, intermittent lightening, brake fluid, oil, and coolant leaks, and overheating and engine light. Immediately before the vehicle stalled, there were no warning lamps; those messages indicating overheating lit up while attempting to move myself and the car to safety. The unexpected loss of propulsion presents a serious collision risk, especially in traffic, in rush hour at a busy intersection. The recurring overheating and coolant loss also create risk of sudden failure while driving, which has happened on a busy highway requiring repairs. These problems and safety risks have continued despite substantial repairs and repeated dealership inspections. The vehicle remains inoperable awaiting repairs at the Corwin Jeep Dealership.

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 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.

I was involved in a significant front-end collision while driving my 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The vehicle sustained extensive front-end damage, including substantial damage to the hood, front bumper, and front structural/components area. Despite the severity of the collision, none of the airbags deployed. I sustained injuries to my neck, shoulders, and back as a result of the collision. I am concerned that the non-deployment of the airbags may have contributed to the severity of my injuries. Prior to the collision, I was not aware of any airbag warning lights, warning messages, or problems with the airbag/SRS system. I am concerned that the airbag system may not have functioned as intended during the collision. I am requesting that the non-deployment be investigated as a potential safety issue. The vehicle has been declared a total loss but remains intact at a tow facility and has not been dismantled or disposed of. It is currently available for inspection.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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