general problems of the 2016 Jeep Cherokee - part 1

I have a 4x4 disengagement warning light and all reviews I have researched say you have to replace the rear transfer case. I bought this car October 2025 111000 miles on it 5 months in I have had to replace a shifter cable, the oil filter housing and now this rear ptu. The srv 4x4 light comes and goes. This could be electrical for poorly made un serviceable parts. I have read and researched miles of threads on this problem. I and many hard working men and women have been affected by these issues. I have never felt this angry about owning a vehicle that is in great shape and is utterly failing to to the lack of mechanically sound products that used in these Jeep brand vehicles.

A “service 4wd” warning light is currently illuminated on the dashboard. The front axles and shock/strut assemblies have already been replaced; however, the warning light remains on. The dealership has diagnosed the issue as a failed power transfer unit (ptu). I was informed that many vehicles of similar make, model, and year are covered under a recall for this issue, but my specific vehicle is not included. The estimated repair cost is approximately $4,000. This presents a significant safety concern, as the failure can result in a complete loss of power and loss of parking brake functionality.

We own a 2016 Jeep Cherokee and have been experiencing ongoing issues with the transmission and acceleration. The vehicle will sometimes hesitate or lag when pressing the gas pedal. There are situations where you try to accelerate and the vehicle does not respond right away. This has created safety concerns while driving. There have been multiple instances where the vehicle did not move as expected when attempting to pull into traffic or accelerate from lower speeds. When you press the accelerator, you expect the vehicle to go, but instead there is a delay or lack of power. This has nearly resulted in accidents due to oncoming traffic. The problem happens most often at normal city / street speeds, especially when accelerating from a stop or at low speeds. The vehicle feels like it struggles to shift or deliver power. We have also noticed hesitation at higher speeds, but the main issue is during everyday driving. No crash has occurred, but the hesitation and inconsistent response make the vehicle feel unsafe and unreliable.

The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle sputtered, jerked, and hesitated while depressing the accelerator pedal. The message "service 4wd" was displayed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with an inoperable ptu actuator. The dealer was contacted and provided an estimate for the repair. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 81,900.

The ptu was bad and was replaced by the dealership under Chrysler extended warranty. The dealership then said the transfer case module and motor needed to be replaced and while at the dealership replacing those components they informed me that the rear differential axle is bad resulting from the bad ptu.

Transmission, yes it’s available for inspection I was on the highway driving approximately 70 mph going up hill, and my car starts to downshift and lose power on a high traffic highway without warning no lights flickered or anything yes it was seen by Dodge dealership no it was not inspected by the manufacturer or others no, the check engine came on approximately 15 minutes after the failure. So no warning before it started to downshift so I could pull over!.

Power transfer unit needs to be replaced. I took vehicle to repair shop for noise in left front tire. They informed me that the unit needs to be replaced. They checked for recall will a Chrysler dealer. The recall does not apply to this vehicle. I purchased this vehicle new from a Chrysler dealer in CT. The repair shop informed me that the ptu unit in my car is a used one from a junkyard, the said it has writing on it that junkyards use to identify parts. I never had it replaced so it had to come from the dealer like that.

There is a whining noise when I am driving down the road for anywhere between 3-6 minutes usually then it stops. Then mainly when I start after a stop it start up again. Once in a while it will just start whining at any spped. I took it in to get serviced as my srv4whdrv light came on. Dealership where I bought the 2016 Cherokee latitude in sept. 2015 told me I need a ptu unit. Cost of about $3500. 00. Issue is they told me they have had one on order since April 2025 for another customer and part is still on back order. I looked on Jeep/mopar forums and this seems to be a very common issue. Are there no recalls on it. Noise started roughly in July of 2025, and while getting oil changed at dealership I spoke to service rep and he said there should be no issues driving it around 63000 miles. Now that the light came on--68000 miles--I wanted to get it looked at. Service person advised me to trade it in for another vehicle. I do not want to trade it in. Please advise on availabilty of getting relacement part or where to begin to find one. I like my Jeep it has been a dependable vehicle, but with the common occurance I saw on the forums questions are starting to rise on the dependability. Please adivse/respond on anything you can or if there will be a recall coming out for this issue. Thank you [xxx] email- [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

My Jeep has had 3 ptu replaced in its life, the third one has failed and I'm now left either putting in a 4th or junking it, either way I take a loss. The 2nd ptu failed over a long period of time, the 3rd ptu failed a week past my 1 year warranty coverage and it did so abruptly. I have written in before regarding this vehicle but I write again due to the danger of this failure. The ptu rattled, grinded before seizing all tires and motion. I was lucky by myself and my child wasn't present and that I wasn't on the interstate (had gotten off moments before it failed) and in a quiet neighborhood. I lost all momentum forward even giving it gas. Had I stopped abruptly on 380, going 60 mph. . . I would have rolled the vehicle or another would have rear ended me and I might not be here today. When my father and brother arrived on the scene we had to push it while I laid on the gas to unlock the wheels and then delicately maneuver it closer to the curb. The grinding occurs in both neutral and drive. There were no warning lights, no prior indication of failure. Insurance doesn't cover this because I wasn't in an accident either time, there are no warranties left, I still owe on my vehicle and repairs will cost more than the vehicle is worth. I was quoted $9,000 to have it replaced plus no eta on when they could get the part in. Not only can I not afford to replace at that cost vs vehicle value, I wouldn't have mode of transportation for who knows how long. I missed the original manufactures recall by months, yet my vehicle has had more ptu's than one should ever have. If I could get a message back regarding this situation, ASAP that would be great.

Known for having bad transmission issues. Having bad transmission issues.

Transmission now won’t go into gear and is making a rattling noise when the vehicle gets turned on.

The car had been showing a message to service the 4-wheel drive. We took it to a mechanic and they told me that there was a code: c14a7-97 pointing to the power transfer unit (ptu). Incident: while accelerating, the vehicle momentarily would loose power to abruptly regain it, providing a very unstable ride. Recently when it went into a "sleep mode" stopped at the red light at a busy intersection, when the light changed to green the engine was unresponsive when I accelerated and the car wasn't moving at all, and the engine wouldn't "wake up" either. I had to turn off the engine and turn it back on, before the car sluggishly started to move, and then again abruptly accelerated.

Service 4 wd warning light is on. Vehicle will not engage 4wd.

The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while driving 25 mph and attempting to make a left or right turn the rear driver’s and passenger’s side wheels locked up as if the brake pedal was depressed, with a grinding sound coming from the rear of the vehicle. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken a dealer where it diagnosed and determined that the ptu needed to be replaced. The ptu was replaced; however, the failure persisted. The failure had occurred on several occasions with the past two months. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but declined to cover the cost of the repair. The failure mileage was 80,000.

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

4wd disabled, service required light came on. After taking my Jeep in for inspection I was told I need a new transfer case.

Beginning in late October 2025, my 2016 Jeep Cherokee north edition began experiencing a recurring electronic shifter and transmission malfunction. The vehicle displays a “service shifter” warning (with an a! with a circle arrow and the check engine light is on) and shakes violently upon shifting; it's straight up psychologically unnerving. This issue creates a significant safety hazard because the vehicle may not shift accordingly, consequently increasing the risk of unintended vehicular movement and ultimate loss of control. I previously brought the vehicle to a certified Chrysler/Jeep dealership (big o’ Dodge Chrysler Jeep, laurens rd. , greenville, SC) approximately 13 months earlier for mechanical issues while under warranty. At that time, repairs were completed and I was told no additional mechanical concerns were present. The shifter malfunction began after my extended warranty expired (after 20,000 miles). Since the problem began, I have taken the vehicle to a mechanic multiple times. During each visit, a diagnostic scan tool indicated cylinder misfires: first visit: cylinder #1 misfire — I paid for repairs/replacement. Second visit: cylinder #2 misfire — I paid for additional repairs. Third visit: cylinder #3 misfire — I was advised further repairs would be costly and to consider replacing the vehicle. Despite having recently spent $1,500 on these repairs, the shifting malfunction and safety issues have persisted/have not been resolved. I have been unable to safely operate the vehicle for approximately four months due to the risk associated with the transmission/shifter malfunction. I have learned that similar (2014-2017) Jeep Cherokees have been recalled for similar electronic shifter defects. However, my VIN was not included in the recall. Because this defect poses a serious safety risk and appears consistent with known issues, I am requesting an investigation into this failure. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request.

Driving on freeway October of 2025 and ptu failed causing loss of power and electronic emergency brake engagement. There were no previous indications or warnings with vehicle prior to total loss of propulsion. Vehicle is at Jeep dealership in gaylord michigan not repaired. Fortunate there was shoulder on right I was able to swerve into and stopped without collision as vehicles sped by at high rates of speed. Towed to dealership where purchased, serra Ford gaylord michigan in August 2025, diagnostics revealed ptu failure. Serra Ford advised could not perform warranty repairs as not Jeep dealership. Towed to Jeep dealership, snethcamp Jeep gaylord michigan, who advised not warrantied in united states as canadian vehicle. Snethcamp Jeep diagnosed ptu failure. Fca canada denied claim 94684480 and advised vehicle not registered to canadian citizen. Chrysler customer service us denied claim 94727687 and advised this is a canadian vehicle. Recall was performed on ptu, recall number 45a, April 24, 2025. Ordered replacement oem parts through snethcamp Jeep and was advised 400 units on back order with no replacement parts in stock and wait would be approximately four months.

Vehicle is stalling out. While driving down the road any accelaration is fine but when stopped at a stop sign/light and you give the vehicle throttle from a dead stop or rolling stop it will either stall out and die or it will stall, surge, and come back. This is a serious issue as we drive this vehicle on busy road ways and could cause or will cause us to have an accident. I have had it the dealership and they checked the vehicle for any engines codes but none are present so they are not sure why the vehicle is stalling out. This is not a constant problem but a intermittent one where it comes and goes so you never know when it will happen. I am not sure when this first started happening as my wife usually drives the vehicle but I noticed it doing this about 2 months ago when leaving a gas station after getting fuel when I started leaving and I put the vehicle in drive and started to leave and it died on me with the message center telling me to put the vehicle in park to start.

Multiple incidents from different shops after oil changes, car continues to leak oil from around filter. Have had to replace the shifter sensor twice within the last 5 years. Regular driver back and forth to work. Drive less than 8k miles a year.

My 2016 Jeep Cherokee awd began showing a “service 4wd” warning on the dashboard. At the same time the vehicle developed noticeable drivetrain vibration at highway speeds above approximately 55 mph and gears began taking longer than normal to change. A dealership diagnosed the vehicle and found diagnostic code c14a7-97. The technician determined the power transfer unit (ptu) shift motor is binding due to internal wear and that the ptu must be replaced to restore proper four-wheel-drive function. The failure prevents the vehicle from engaging 4wd and causes vibration while driving at highway speeds. The dealer quoted approximately $3,176 to replace the ptu and stated the part is currently on national backorder. This appears similar to the ptu failure addressed in recall 20v343000 affecting other Jeep Cherokee vehicles, but my VIN is not included. Because the symptoms and failure appear identical to the recall condition, I am reporting this as a potential safety defect involving drivetrain failure and vibration during highway driving. My 2016 Jeep Cherokee awd began showing a “service 4wd” warning on the dashboard. At the same time the vehicle developed noticeable drivetrain vibration at highway speeds above approximately 55 mph and gears began taking longer than normal to change. A dealership diagnosed the vehicle and found diagnostic code c14a7-97. The technician determined the power transfer unit (ptu) shift motor is binding due to internal wear and that the ptu must be replaced to restore proper four-wheel-drive function. The failure prevents the vehicle from engaging 4wd and causes vibration while driving at highway speeds. The dealer quoted approximately $3,176 to replace the ptu and stated the part is currently on national backorder. This appears similar to the ptu failure addressed in recall 20v343000 affecting other Jeep Cherokee vehicles, but my VIN is not included. Because the symptoms and failure appear identical to the recall condition, I am reporting this.

The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the message “4wd not accessible” was displayed. While reversing out of the driveway, the light turned off and on. While driving at 25 mph, the 4wd warning light illuminated. The contact called the local dealer, who confirmed that the power transfer unit (ptu) might be damaged and had disengaged the transmission and differential, resulting in a loss of drive power or a loss of parking functionality. The dealer determined that parts were not available and were under back order until January 2026 or possibly later. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact had obtained a loaner vehicle. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.

The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while attempting to shift the gear shifter, there was a loud knocking sound coming from the vehicle. The steering and transmission were slipping intermittently. The service 4wd warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who determined that the battery cable was faulty and needed to be replaced. The battery cables were replaced. The failure persisted, and the vehicle was returned to the dealer, who diagnosed that the power transfer unit (ptu) had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer stated that the repair was not covered under a recall or under warranty, despite having unlimited coverage. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and opened a case. The manufacturer confirmed that the repair was not covered under recall or warranty. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

The contact owns a 2017 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving at various speeds, the “service 4-wd” warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the power transfer unit needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. In addition, the contact related the failure to NHTSA campaign number: 25v011000 (power train); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.

Vehicle has been turning off while driving after pressing on the brakes. The dashboard will flicker/glitch, then the battery will go from 13. 9v all the way up to 15. 2v then back down then turn off. No service light or battery light will come up, I have taken it to auto zone and they said everything is fine with the battery/alternator. When the car shuts off, I have to press the start button, then shift into park and then press start again for it to work, if I shift it into park immediately when it turns off the car will not turn back on and I cannot shift gears.

The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving 25 mph, the message “awd unavailable” was displayed. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed, and it was determined that the power transfer unit (ptu) needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure had occurred several times. The contact related the failure to NHTSA campaign number: 20v343000 (power train); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and opened a case. The failure mileage was 94,627.

The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start as needed, with the "service 4wd" warning light illuminated. The contact's son took the vehicle to an independent mechanic, where a scanner was used, and dtc: c14a7-97 was retrieved for an issue related to the power transfer unit. The contact called the dealer and was informed that there were no recalls on the vehicle. The contact was then provided with an estimate for a diagnostic test. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 53,000.

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.

Vibrating issue and missing fire originating from engine. Intake camshaft broken and left cylinder head is damaged and needs replacement. This should not be happening to this car. Cannot drive a faster rate either. There should be a claim out for all these issues.

So I was driving to work one morning and I pulled into the parking lot, put my car in park and a few mins after I get a message/ alert on my dash saying “service shifter”…. Indicating it’s the p1c86-1d, an electrical issue with the shifter display circuit. I took it to the dealership I bought it from (della Chevrolet) they did a diagnosis. They said I needed to replace the whole shifter and if I did I’d have to pay over $1000 for them to do it and it wouldn’t be covered if it went out again because the car isn’t a chevy… but long story short they told me that at any time my shifter can stop working. . An no got into park or drive etc… I’m not trying to be stuck there also another electrical is when I got my car and when I stopped at lights my car would shut off for the eco friendly mode. . Then one day it jsut stopped and I had one day where it tripped out… where it worked then didn’t. Also, when I’m driving, and I think it’s when I accelerate and when going a steady speed the car jerks randomly. Like jerks forwards.

The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving 30 mph and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to respond as needed. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic to be diagnosed; however, the contact was informed that there was no recall on the VIN. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 41,000.

My 2016 Jeep Cherokee latitude is 9years old with 89,800 miles of regular driving & being fully maintained. The service 4-wheel light came on & I brought it to my mechanic immediately the next day. I was advised after performing tests, it was the ptu in my car. I was advised there is a recall & to take it to the dealer. I did that immediately, while being terrified to drive it as I was advised it could be very dangerous. I or someone could have been badly injured or worse if this part gave way while driving. Something this dangerous should be mentioned immediately to all vehicle owners. The dealer confirmed it is the ptu & that it had to be replaced. I was advised my VIN was not under the very large recall & well know issue on this part. After a lot of research, stellantis is well aware of the issue & there is a recall for 2017- 2019 models. Also, they don't have plan in place or a way of correcting this part & distributing it quickly. I had a recall in 2020 for a software update on this and it was taken care of immediately. For some reason the failure of my ptu is not under this recall & I have to pay out of pocket. It has been 3 weeks & still no part due to the huge issue with this part and stellantis not working hard enough to rectify this known issue or have replacements available. Stellantis needs to extend the recall to all 2016 Cherokee's especially since this is a major issue on this make and model. This is so unacceptable. I am without a vehicle and cannot even use it until the part comes in since it is extremely unsafe to drive (told by my mechanic and the dealer). The consumer should not be penalized due to the incompetence of these auto makers. We are supposed to be safe in our vehicles especially when they are maintained as well as mine is. We spend our hard-earned money and should not have to pay for all these defects due to the poor quality the auto makers are rolling out. Not to mention the resale has dropped significantly!.

The power transfer unit in my 2016 Jeep Cherokee failed when it only had 50,255 miles on it. The car was almost 10 years old. In the past month, when I tried to accelerate to 50 mph to merge on the highway, the Jeep did not accelerate normally when I pressed on the gas. Instead, it went slowly and made a revving noise, then when I hit the accelerator again, it made the revving noise louder and reluctantly started to accelerate. It would also lose drive power when going down a steep incline. There were a few instances of that and then the “service 4wd” light came on every day when I would put the car into reverse and stay on for the rest of the time I was driving the car. After that light came on, I noticed there was abnormal vibration underneath the middle of the car when I would drive it, too. The problem was confirmed on 7/28/25 in the service department of the don white’s Jeep dealership in cockeysville, maryland, and the car is available for inspection there. My service advisor told me my Jeep needs a new ptu and the estimated cost of the repair is $3563 (not including tax). I ordered the new ptu on 7/29/25, but the parts manager at the dealership said the part is on backorder, and it will take at least 1 month, if not multiple months to get the part because there are “380 other Jeep owners” waiting for this same part. With the vibration, loss of motive power both on inclines and when attempting to accelerate and merge onto the highway, the safety of my family was put at risk; our Jeep could lose drive power and the car could stop on the highway with cars speeding all around us. It could cause a crash. My ptu failed at 50,255 after not quite 10 years of very light driving. There’s no way that part should have failed under those normal conditions. My VIN number should be included in recall 20v343000 or fca should reimburse me for this part. The repair would have been covered under my warranties if my VIN was included in the original recalls or x89 extension.

Vehicle in dealership service dept since July 16, 2025 for manufacturing recall; attempted repair rendered vehicle inoperable; 2nd part ordered arrived damaged; third part in open order until verbal date of February 2026; no recall remedy such as loaner vehicle; extended warranty purchased but cannot use; manufacturer warranty expired; need transportation.

After buying the car from a used dealer, within 1,000 miles the car began grinding in slow accelerated turns. It has been diagnosed as the ptu which has many recalls before and after this particular d4 part. With all of the recalls and extended warranty adjustments for this part, why would mine not be covered? this was to be safe reliable car for my teenagers to drive, now that is no longer the case. Very disappointing.