Problems · by component

2016 Jeep Cherokee power train problems

636 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2016 Jeep Cherokee cite power train, 45% of all 1,413 complaints for this model year. NHTSA also lists 4 recalls on this component.

Complaints
636
45% of all complaints
Crashes
7
Reported by owners
Fires
4
Reported by owners
Injuries
3
Reported by owners
01 —Owner reports

What owners say about the power train

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
“The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked on a slight incline, the vehicle started moving. The contact depressed the brake pedal and became aware that the 4WD warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to shift into 4WD. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V343000 (Power Train); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The dealer was contacted and determined that the vehicle had experienced a PTU failure. The dealer stated that the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 142,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 26, 2026Power trainODI 11773743
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 20, 2026Steering, Power train, Electrical systemODI 11772310
“The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at 25 MPH, the 4WD warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the Power Transfer Unit (PTU) failed and required replacement. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and advised the contact to report the failure to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 81,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 14, 2026Power trainODI 11771142
“i took my 2016 jeep cherokee trailhawk to big star chrysler jeep dodge ram in webster tx. for campaign 23v302 (fca recall 45a). The first time i took the vehicle they performed the recall update on the ptu and charge me a service fee of over $200. after picking up the driving it for about a week the vehicle started stalling and actually died in the middle of an intersection twice. Then the vehicle started displaying all sorts of dtcs about no communication, 4 wheel drive not available, speed sensor not reading and so on.. So i had the vehicle parked in my driveway for a few months until i was able to take it back to the same dealership and explained to them what was happening. So after about two weeks they said they replaced my PTU and speed sensor and my vehicle was ready to be picked up and the cost was going to be over $900 . When I got there and I disputed the cost and replied absolutely not. They botched the update on the ptu that should have been fixed the first time. so they said ok well will cover the speed senor cost and I would just pay for the inspection fee. Again I disputed this cost. Then agent left and came back and told me that i would owe…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 5, 2026Power trainODI 11768968
“Warning message of 4 Wheel drive overheating and disengaging. a few minutes later a loud pop occurred, and flames overtook the engine and drive train. I pulled off the road and the fire department came and put out the fire. It is a total loss. I believe that this is a safety recall but I was never notified of any repairs needed.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 5, 2026Power trainFire reportedODI 11769081
“The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving 55 MPH, the vehicle was leaking fluid. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed, and it was determined the cause was the PTU and transmission, and there were metal flakes inside the transmission. The contact was informed that the PTU needed to be removed for the repair. The dealer advised the contact not to drive the vehicle. The dealer informed the contact that the check engine warning light was not illuminated, and the repair was not covered under warranty. The vehicle was towed to the residence. There was an abnormal burning odor before the failure. The customer service was contacted by phone. Upon research, the contact became aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V302000 (Power Train). The approximate failure mileage was 102,900.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 2, 2026Power trainODI 11768488

Showing 6 of 636 reports. Read every report on NHTSA.gov.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 3, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Related recalls

4 recalls on this component

Power train: automatic transmission

Free remedy

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Jeep Cherokee vehicles. The power transfer unit (PTU) may become damaged and disengage the transmission and differential, resulting in a loss of drive power or loss of park function.

Power trainReported Apr 27, 2023NHTSA 23V302000

Power train: differential unit

Free remedy

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2017 Jeep Cherokee vehicles equipped with a two-speed Power Transfer Unit (PTU). Relative movement in the Power Transfer Unit (PTU) between the differential input splines and the transmission output shaft may cause some input spline teeth to wear off, which may eventually cause a loss of engagement between the transmission and the differential inside the PTU. If this occurs, power cannot be transferred between the front wheels and the transmission which results in a loss of drive while the vehicle is in motion and a loss of the Park function while stationary.

Power trainReported Jun 11, 2020NHTSA 20V343000

Power train: axle shaft

Free remedy

Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2016 Jeep Cherokee vehicles manufactured September 30, 2015, to October 2, 2015. The left halfshaft may have been incorrectly manufactured causing it to fracture without warning.

Power trainReported May 11, 2016NHTSA 16V287000

Power train: axle shaft

Free remedy

Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2016 Jeep Cherokee vehicles manufactured October 3, 2015, to March 22, 2016. The right halfshaft may have been incorrectly manufactured causing it to fracture without warning.

Power trainReported May 11, 2016NHTSA 16V284000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 3, 2026

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.