2016 JEEP CHEROKEE Engine Problems

311 NHTSA complaints on file

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Engine Issues in the 2016 JEEP CHEROKEE

311 engine complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2016 JEEP CHEROKEE. Of these, 1 involved a crash, 4 involved a fire, and 0 resulted in injury.

311
Complaints
1
Crashes
4
Fires
0
Injuries
0
Deaths

All Engine Complaints

#11710603 |
The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that the message "Shift to Park(P)” was displayed, and several other warning lights were illuminated on the instrument cluster. The failure had occurred while exiting a parking lot and turning left. The contact stated that after refueling the vehicle, the vehicle stalled and stalled while accelerating and changing lanes. There were no warning lights illuminated immediately, but then several unknown warning lights were illuminated. After the vehicle had stalled, several attempts were needed to restart the vehicle. During several failures, the headlights and the hazard lights were not functioning as needed. The failure was intermittent but became a recurring failure. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who performed a tune-up and cleaned the fuel lines. The vehicle was repaired; however, the vehicle stalled again. The vehicle...
#11710202 |
UNKNOWN: Not had problems since I got it. 66000 miles on it and now it’s losing electrical power at random. I’ll be driving normally, but my dash will go black, all lights go out and the engine will go into neutral. When I let off the throttle and coast, it will come back to life and go back to normal.
#11710074 |
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
#11707883 |
Transmission was replaced at 20k miles it has still continue to stall while driving causing hard shift and stalling in the middle of the road almost causing accidents.
#11697493 |
After purchasing the vehicle, I discovered it had an open FCA recall W90 (Tigershark MultiAir oil consumption/emission system repair). The dealer had not completed this recall prior to selling the vehicle. The vehicle was brought in for the W90 recall, and the repair was reportedly completed last week by a certified dealer. I found recall W90 because the car was overheating and stuttering on starts. The Safter Concern is that the coolant loss and erratic idle may indicate internal gasket or head integrity issues due to engine running hotter than it should, potentially leading to overheating or sudden engine failure while driving. This poses a serious safety risk if the engine fails at speed or stalls in traffic. I ask that the NHTSA review whether recall W90 adequately addresses known mechanical and emission defects with the 2.4 L Tigershark MultiAir engine, and ensure affected owners receive a verified repair or...
#11697047 |
PTU had to be replaced. Light on, check by a authorized dealer, replaced by my local dealer as the jeep dealer could not get the part in a timely manner. I am aware other Jeeps were recalled but not this jeep. Safety at risk. I need 4 Wheel drive as I am a home health nurse in Colorado and rely on 4WD to get me to my patients.
#11696091 |
Head gasket and cylinder head replacement. There are bubbles in my coolant and oil in cylinder #1. No external leaks. I’ve already called a dealer and cited W80 and they said not eligible for the recall to get it fixed
#11694195 |
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...
#11687366 |
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.
#11685362 |
Subject: Possible Recall Repair Connection to Open Recall U90 Dear NHTSA, I am writing to bring to your attention a concerning issue regarding my 2016 Jeep Cherokee with the 2.4L engine. I have been experiencing chronic coolant loss for approximately two years. After conducting research, I discovered the open recall, Emissions Recall U90, related to the exhaust manifold, and I suspect that my coolant loss may be connected to this defect. On September 4, 2025, I visited a Jeep dealership in Delray, where I was told that a leaking hose was the cause of my coolant loss, and they recommended replacing it to re-evaluate the leak. However, the following day, September 5, 2025, I sought a second opinion from a dealership located at 3701 Northlake Blvd, Lake Park, FL 33403. Unfortunately, during that visit, I was dismissed by Raheem, the service representative, who referred to me as a "clown" and...
#11684947 |
I have owned my jeep since 2019. Since having my jeep MULTIPLE times I have had the Service shifter light come on. Previously shutting the vehicle off and turning it back on seemed to solve the issue for a little bit until it would come on again. Later down the road my battery died. Upon replacing the battery I didn't seem to notice the issue ever. Now I have another new battery and the light has come on permantely and does not turn off even if I restart the car and as I stated it is a brand new battery. I know there was a recall for this exact issue previously for the year before mine and the year after mine. Something needs to be done about this because i see countless people have this exact same problem.
#11677471 |
WHEN AT IDLE AT A STOP SIGN OR STOP LIGHT THE PARKING BRAKE WILL ENGAGE. I HAVE TO PUT MY JEEP IN PARK AND THEN TURN THE JEEP OFF AND BACK ON A FEW TIMES TO DISENGAGE THE PARKING BRAKE. THIS HAS OCCURRED MULTIPLE TIMES.
#11672275 |
When coming to a stop the auto stop turned the engine totally off. The car had to be shifted into park to restart the engine using the car's starter button. Afterward a message was displayed that the autostop was not available and to get the autostop serviced. The car was brought to the dealer for service of the full engine shutoff when the car came to a stop issue and the service manager stated they could not duplicate the problem. Since then the car engine totally shutoff 5 times when at a full stop and where the car needed to be placed in park and the start button pushed to restart the car. I now manually shutoff the autostop feature before leaving my house to avoid having the car engine fully shut off. The autostop not available message now displays within 2 minutes of starting the car.
#11666298 |
Component: Power Transfer Unit (PTU) [XXX] , but my VIN is not included. The power transfer unit has failed. This appears to be a manufacturing defect identical to those listed under the recall. I am requesting immediate inclusion and repair under the recall provisions.”2. Contact Jeep (Stellantis) INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
#11660971 |
The car is not shifting properly and will "jump" or "lunge" forward while driving. I have noticed that the RPM's will jump and bounce around, seemingly down shifting, then shift again, and then down shift again, which causes jerking motion.
#11652051 |
The car shuts off while driving
#11648491 |
I bought this vehicle a month ago and the engine stoped while I was driving 3 or 4 times.
#11646689 |
The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle violently began jerking after releasing the accelerator pedal and depressing the brake pedal. There was an abnormal popping sound coming from the vehicle. The engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V302000 (Power Train). The contact called the local dealer, who discussed updating the software. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 84,000.
#11646522 | Fire
I parked my vehicle at 6pm on February 15th. at 2:45 pm I awoke to a loud explosion outside my bedroom window. There was a very large fire, and it was my car. I was in shock we could only watch from our window as the fire department arrived and put out the fire which was spreading to the carport and mailboxes near my parking spot. It also burned a truck parked next to mine. both cars a total loss. My insurance company sent someone to tow my vehicle, but the tow truck driver refused saying the vehicle was untowable, due to the massive damage. the next day a neighbor informed me that he got the whole incident on video start to finish. 'The video shows my engine igniting while off and had been parked for over 6 hours. In the video you see a small flame start under the...
#11644579 | Fire
The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked and unoccupied at 3 AM, the contact noticed a loud popping sound outside the contact's window. The contact inspected and noticed the vehicle caught on fire. The contact stated the flames were coming from the engine compartment. The contact stated that the fire spread and damaged the vehicle that was parked beside the contact's vehicle owned by the neighbor. The contact stated that the vehicle was parked in a residential apartment parking lot when the fire occurred. The fire department arrived and extinguished the fire. The Police arrived, however, no report has been filed as of yet. There were no injuries sustained. The contact stated that both vehicles were towed to a local tow yard. In addition, both vehicles were condemned to total loss. The origin of the fire was undetermined however video surveillance showed...
#11633418 |
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...
#11629953 |
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…
#11628552 |
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
#11628672 |
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?
#11628312 |
IN EARLY 2022 THE VEHICLE JUST SHUTOFF WHILE I WAS ACTIVELY DRIVING. I COULDNT GET THE CAR TO NEUTRAL ONCE IT SHUT OFF AND HAD TO BE TOWED. BOOSTING DID NOT IMMEDIATELY RESOLVE THE ISSUE. BUT A DAY LATER THE CAR WOULD START AND THEN DRIVE FOR A WHILE AND JUST RANDOMLY SHUTOFF. I HAD BATTERY CHANGED, INCIDENT OCCURED AGAIN AND I HAD TO BE TOWED A COUPLE OF THE TIMES AND JUST DECIDED TO READ UP ON LINE IF ANYONE WAS HAVING SIMILAR ISSUES AND I CAME ACCROSS THIS ARTICLE BUT WHEN I ENTERED MY VIN NUMBER IT WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL EVEN THOUGH THE ISSUE I AM HAVING IS SIMILAR.
#11626899 |
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.
#11626661 |
I own a 2016 Jeep Cherokee, and I’ve experienced significant engine issues that seem to be a common problem among other owners. The vehicle initially developed a ticking noise, which I was told was due to an oil change issue (first too little oil, then too much). The problem escalated quickly—leading to misfiring, bucking, excessive fuel consumption, and eventually a complete loss of power. After consulting multiple auto shops, the root cause was identified as premature failure of the lifters, rocker arms, and camshaft. I’ve been informed that all 24 lifters and rocker arms need replacement. The cost for repairs is quoted at $4,200, which is financially burdensome. Through my research, I’ve learned this is a recurring issue for Jeep owners and have even found references to class action lawsuits for similar problems. This indicates that the issue may be widespread and systemic. I urge the NHTSA to investigate these...
#11625061 |
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.
#11616676 |
The Vehicle stops abruptly 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.
#11607502 |
While driving the vehicle I encounter a loss of driving power, then the check engine light comes on and the service 4 wheel drive indicator comes on. The loss of power while I'm driving creates an unsafe condition because i am driving on the highway among other vehicles when this occurs. This happens to me at least once per day while i am driving and on one particular day it occurred six times. The problem has not been reproduced or inspected.
#11595755 |
Jeep completely shut down while driving and cars behind me almost crashed all lights came on would not shift back into gear very scary had to call tow truck. This is the second time .
#11589403 |
My car is subject to the U90 recall, but Jeep is not responding. When I contact any Jeep dealer, they tell me to wait and don't respond for months again and again. When I contact Jeep customer service, they don't respond at all. I think they are ignoring the recall because it will not benefit them and waiting for me to abandon the car. They should be required to take recalls seriously. I believe the NHTSA is supervising the recall by the company so I will share this issue with you and hopefully the problem will be resolved.
#11587490 |
“Service Shifter” warning message comes on screen randomly and repeatedly. And my shifter lights all illuminate. I had the dealership replace the whole shifter and harness in Oct 2022 and the problem has started to recur now in May 2024.
#11581404 |
My 2016 Jeep Cherokee has an open recall on catalytic converter. Chrysler sent notice the vehicle can catch fire. I been waiting since before 10/23. Per dealshipMarty Cancila I’m number 170. Chrysler is send 2 parts per week to dealership. It going to be 85 months for repair. I fearful for my life and need assistance. This unacceptable. Chrysler has to be held accountable.
#11580395 |
While driving on highway when I try to pick up speed motor starts to shakes engine light flashes and runs sluggish like it wants to shut off but once the speed decreases engine light go out. I had taking it to the dealer prior and complained about engine noises and shaking and they could find the issue. I think this need repaired or replaced because of the danger while driving can cost me or someones life.
#11578018 |
While driving engine suddenly turns off. After getting vehicle to side of road and placing in park, car will start again. This has happened several times. Battery, oil levels checked and there is no engine code that shows up on OBD II reader. Very Dangerous!
#11574060 |
The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, she heard an abnormal ticking sound emanating from the engine compartment. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that the vehicle needed an oil change. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred, after which the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed failures with the lifters and cam shaft, resulting in a misfire in cylinder #5. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was unknown.
#11573740 |
While driving the vehicle engine shuts off or goes neutral and I am unable to keep driving. A message pops up on the dash that says “Shift to P and then shift to desired gear.” Car does not drive after doing this. I have to restart engine twice, both times the engine is delayed to start making a loud running noise. This has happened multiple times while driving all while my young children were in the car on busy roads. I have been lucky not to have been in a major accident yet. I have taken my car into the shop multiple times but they do not know how to fix this. I’ve reported it to the local dealer, they are no help either. New battery, all fluids full, full tank, no warning before the car shuts off while driving. I’ve seen hundreds of posts from drivers of the same...
#11573563 |
I had no warnings at all, had driven the vehicle just an hour prior, I go to get in vehicle and start it, I put the gear in drive and the dash board lights up saying service transmission, service brakes, "D" on dashboard blinking, engine light on, when I try and drive forward the vehicle does not move and says to put the car in "P" at "0" mph, when I did that the car starts to roll. The emergency break light is also lit up on dash board and unable to turn it on or off pressing button. I have to turn vehicle completely off to stop it from rolling. When pressing on brake the brake is completely locked up and unable to push it down. The 4WD light is also lit up on dashboard. It also made a loud bang jolt when put in Drive or Reverse. Then...
#11568441 |
No accident but my Jeep Cherokee has a gushing leak - Oil Housing Filter is leaking oil straight into my engine - Auto shop informed me it is extremely dangerous and I cannot drive my car as it could cause my engine to catch fire, I am not without a car. I got quoted $847.70 - higher $800's to fix this. It is shown that there have been past recalls on other jeeps due to this. I have no way to pay for this. Jeep's engine light is on now and won't go over 40 MPH
#11567681 |
Car losses power while driving, it will turn off. Shift to P and select gear comes up. It also has 4 different recalls that doesn't allow me to register but when contacted dealership they informed me that they didn't had parts for it, they didn't know when the were going to get them because it's in back order, to keep checking at the end of each month to see if the get any. This is not acceptable, as it's not the owners fault. I don't have a drivable car, don't know when it's going to get fix but I still have to make my car payment.
#11565600 |
Engine light came on oil light came on. Had it checked..oil is leaking from the housing directly onto the engine could cause fire.
#11564446 |
The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost motive power. Additionally, while the vehicle was turned off, the contact received notifications that the vehicle was losing power. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 88,193.
#11563715 |
While I am driving my car feels like it shifts into neutral but I am still in park. no control of car and breaks. Then the dash says "Shift into P then select desired gear". The only was to get the car moving again is to shut it down and restart it. When I do this it makes a loud sound. This very dangerous as I do not have control of the car and it happens without warning. No errors, check engine light or anything. I have scheduled an appointment at the dealership but i cannot get an appointment for about a month.
#11560753 |
The vehicle constantly loses power no matter the repairs I’ve came to notice it starts this during winter season
#11560495 |
I was driving my car and as I was driving my car shut off and would not turn back on. Right before it powered down it said a message that said service shifter and all the lights to the shifter were lit up (P,R,D,N) I was reading that the shifter should last as long as your car does and this is a big safety issue
#11559955 |
The following happens approximately 2-3 times per month for the last 2 years: While accelerating, my vehicle jerks/stalls. Vehicle has not completely died but there is hesitation when resuming driving. I have taken it to Malless Automotive here in Indianapolis in June 2022 and December 2023. Technicians could not determine cause. Vehicle did not jerk/stall during test drives by technicians. No warning lights occur prior to incidents.
#11559568 |
One the oil cooler unit failed leaking oil on to hot engine could possibly start a fire Two the rear differential cracked leaking fluid could possibly lock rear wheels at speed
#11549314 |
Light engine on but off plus wires ? Also issue wires all of engine or other keep flasher off and on also issue tires I bought 4 tires and blade brake issue after bought dealership I have told but they rip off but issue not safety hard to explain English also feel hot in car without heat and gas fill but not show plus hot inside ..
#11548923 |
Heater line snapped at the neck of male fitting.

Other 2016 JEEP CHEROKEE Problem Areas

Power Train 598 complaints Unknown Or Other 309 complaints Electrical System 284 complaints Service Brakes 90 complaints Vehicle Speed Control 75 complaints Steering 50 complaints Fuelpropulsion System 43 complaints Electronic Stability Control Esc 30 complaints Air Bags 27 complaints Forward Collision Avoidance Automatic Emergency Braking 23 complaints Structurebody 21 complaints Suspension 20 complaints Exterior Lighting 19 complaints Wheels 15 complaints Visibilitywiper 11 complaints Parking Brake 10 complaints Structure 10 complaints Power Traintransfer Case 4 Wheel Drive 6 complaints Seats 5 complaints Engine And Engine Cooling 4 complaints Power Trainautomatic Transmission 4 complaints Electrical Systeminstrument Panelspeedometerodometer 3 complaints Forward Collision Avoidance Adaptive Cruise Control 3 complaints Seat Belts 3 complaints Forward Collision Avoidance Warnings 2 complaints Service Brakes Hydraulic 2 complaints Tirespressure Monitoring And Regulating Systems 2 complaints Electrical System Instrument Clusterpanel 1 complaint Electrical System12v24v48v Battery 1 complaint Engine And Engine Coolingengineoillubrication 1 complaint Equipment 1 complaint Equipmentotherownersserviceother Manual 1 complaint Exterior Lightingheadlights 1 complaint Firerelated 1 complaint Fuel System Gasolinestoragetank Assembly 1 complaint Lane Departure Blind Spot Detection 1 complaint Latcheslockslinkagestailgatelatch Plate 1 complaint Power Trainaxle Assemblyaxle Shaft 1 complaint Power Traindrivelinedifferential Unit 1 complaint Power Traindrivelinedriveshaft 1 complaint Steeringlinkagesknucklespindlearm 1 complaint Structurebodyhatchbackliftgate 1 complaint Structureinterior Panelsdashboard 1 complaint Suspensionmultiple Axle 1 complaint Tires 1 complaint Trailer Hitches 1 complaint Vehicle Speed Controlcruise Control 1 complaint Visibilitydefrosterdefoggerhvac System 1 complaint Visibilitysunmoon Roof Assembly 1 complaint Visibilitywindshield 1 complaint Wheelslugsnutsboltsstuds 1 complaint
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