NHTSA Owner Complaint Log
This page lists owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2016 Jeep Cherokee. Complaints are unverified consumer reports submitted to NHTSA and do not by themselves prove a defect or defect rate.
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 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.
My vehicle losses all power to the wheels or does not not allow me to accelerate on occasion. Mechanic told me I have a faulty PTU. This has almost cause me to get into an accident several times. Unfortunately due to a very long back order I'm not able to get my vehicle repaired any time soon. I was told to report this due to a recall for this issue but my vehicle is 1 year older than the recall years.
There was absolutely no warning driving at 55 mph heard a loud noise and smelt fluid pulled over small flame that extinguished by itself and fluid everywhere did a little research and many of these same jeeps had a PTU issue and were recalled
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
SWC 4WD notice Car starts shaking go beyond 60 mph
I was told that my PTU needs replaced however since it did not throw the proper code it is not covered under the extended warranty that Jeep had out.
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.
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.
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.
Transmission is slamming into gear aswell as loss of all power to the wheels
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
SVC 4WD - code that appeared, C14A7-97. Spoke with Stellantis and was told that this VIN was not covered under the recall. Not sure why not - it is experiencing the same issue. The diagnostic trouble code (DTC) C14A7-97 in a Jeep Cherokee indicates a problem with the power transfer unit (PTU) motor component or system. This issue can cause the transmission to disengage, resulting in a loss of drive power or park function. Symptoms The "Service 4WD" light is on The "AWD System Service Required" message is illuminated Possible causes The input shaft ring on the PTU may not be fully seated The PTU may have been built to allow relative movement between the differential input splines and the transmission output shaft Possible consequences a vehicle crash without prior warning and injury to others outside the vehicle. Recall Chronology: On March 7th, 2023, the FCA US LLC (“FCA US”) Technical Safety and Regulatory Compliance (“TSRC”) organization opened an investigation into 2016-2017 MY Jeep Cherokee vehicles for potential PTU failures that experience a loss of motive power (“LOMP”) and/or park function. During March 2023, FCA US TSRC conducted an analysis of LOMP and/or loss of park function patterns associated with two-speed PTU replacements. As of April 20th, 2023, FCA US is aware of two customer assistance records, 17 warranty claims, zero field reports, and six other service records potentially related to this issue for all markets with dates of receipt ranging from January 13th, 2017, through August 7th, 2022. As of April 20th, 2023, FCA US is not aware of any accidents or injuries potentially related to this issue for all markets. On April 20th, 2023, FCA US determined, through the Vehicle Regulations Committee, to conduct a voluntary safety recall of the affected vehicles.
4WD SYSTEM UNAVAILBE SERVICE REQUIRED HAD TO PAY TO HAVE IT FIXS
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?
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
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…
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
Vehicle is throwing code C14A7-97 Drive terrain Control Mobule Vehicle shifts weirdly while driving and losses a little power.
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.
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 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.
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.
Transmission doesn’t engage while driving. When I am braking, the vehicle jumps like it is skipping gears while trying to slow down.
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.
4WD unavailable light popped up. Took it to a local shop. They said the code is for the PTU. It controls the gear the vehicle is in. The car can go into neutral at anytime including while driving. Many other Jeep Cherokees have recalls for the same issue. It is a safety hazard and I am afraid to drive it due to my safety and the safety of others.
Instroment light come back on with all other lights ignition off. Runs battery down.
I was driving and was at a residential stop sign and out of no where my vehicle just shuts off on me. At first I thought it was the on and off gas conserver device but I realized that wasn’t the issue when it wouldn’t turn on anymore and all the vehicles behind me started honking and then proceeded to go around me. This lady walking her dog even shouted what the hell was wrong with me thinking I was purposely stopping traffic. Then this nice guy came out of nowhere to help me move my vehicle out the way from ongoing traffic. He was nice enough to try and give my car some battery from his vehicle thinking that might be the problem and nothing would make my car turn on not even the starter would want to start. So I had no choice but to call a tow truck to transport my vehicle to a mechanic.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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 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 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 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)
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.
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.
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.
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 two occasions within 5 days while driving the vehicle, (the vehicle was in motion) it suddenly stopped and the would not accelerate making a whining noise as if the car was in Neutral. The dashboard then said to put the car in Park. or Shift to Park. I tried to turn off the vehicle and it didn't immediately want to restart, it was full of gas but sounded like it was empty. I was able to finally turn it on.
There is a recall on the Power Transfer Unit in my vehicle, a 2016 Jeep Cherokee which can cause rollaway or loss of control causing crash or injury.
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
Data synced from NHTSA on May 4, 2026