2016 JEEP CHEROKEE Power Train Problems

On 9/14/21 was driving on highway and car started having a loud noise and brought car to Five Star Jeep in Macon GA. The PTO Unit was broken and I had to have it repaired there - that took 1 month. A second time on 5/5/22, when driving the car on a main road it started making a loud noise again and I was unable to steer or drive the car. Pulled off onto the shoulder and waited for AAA to come and tow vehicle to Jeep dealership. Luckily I was at a light when this happened or I could have hit a person or other car or they could have hot me. Car was towed to Paulding County GA Jeep dealership who confirmed it was the PTU failure and rear diff feels like its binding up from PTU failure while driving. I am dealing with Joseph Drupiewski at Paulding...

No messages were displayed when any issues occured. The back hatch stops working randomly. Whether your trying to open or close the back hatch, it will not operate by any of the interior push buttons or by using the key fob. I have to manually pull the hatch open &/or closed. I had a technician see this happen as well. I've had numerous times where my Jeep will be shifting & it lags a little bit and then causes a loud bang & jolt when it shifts to the next gear. I only drive approximately 6,000 miles/year. Any resolution to these issues would be greatly appreciated, Amy

PTU has failed. Dealer says 3k replacement cost. My contention is current recall is not broad enough if other Jeep products have same issue. It should be expanded to include all PTUs with same defect.

Some times when starting from full stop vechile losses power . believe drivetrain failure. Have no conyrol until it reingauges usually less than a minute.if I had to get out of the way of something that would be dange r ous .It happens about once or twice a month.

The "Service Shifter" warning came on and the transmission started slipping. If the transmission goes out while myself or kids are on the highway it not only could endanger us, but others as well. I have had this looked at by an independent shop and all it says that there is a bulletin on it.

This Jeep has stalled while on the road several times, more than once almost causing an accident. I have finally figured out that the engine uses more oil than a normal engine should, it does not inform the driver of low oil, and shuts off once the oil is below a certain point. This vehicle is extremely dangerous to be on any road and likely already caused numerous accidents. Please do something!!!!!

All of a sudden you are driving and the vehicle wants to shut off like it's getting gas got cut off and it will Buck back and forth like a transmission issue Then all of a Sudden it kicked back in and you continue to drive as Normal but if you're at a stop and you go to take off it could be very dangerous if it stalls out on you

Meticulously maintained vehicle, had PTU failure at 112,000 miles. No warning lights, started getting loud hum and immediately got in for service.

The transmission began making grinding noises and was losing power. Dealer informed me today it is the ptu that needs replaced at a cost of $4000

The svc 4wd light would come on mostly in the cold weather then would go away. every time we had maintenance and mentioned it to the dealership we were told if it was not on while in the shop they could not do anything for it. I was driving and making a left hand turn when the svc 4wd and check engine light came on and the drive train lost power. I was luckily going down hill so I was able to coast and pull over.The engine and the electronics was still in but would not drive. After pulling over I turned the car off and back on and the car worked ok. We had an appointment for the dealer and we were informed the PTU needed to be replaced. Upon looking it up online this part has been recalled on the same make model and year as my vehicle...

Took Jeep in for recalls in 2021 for Powertrain software update (TCM module and PCM module) & and safety recall in regards to PTU. Received a call from my mechanic today in regards to issues regarding codes for these things. I had noticed that since I had took my car in a year ago my Jeep just did not seem the same. Never thought anything of it until I needed my brakes changed now and wanted someone else who I actually could trust to take a look.

Car will slow down, steering wheel will lock, and message "Shift to P then Shift to desired gear" will pop up. Car will take a minute to start up again and problem reoccurs.

The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at 35 MPH, the vehicle stalled inadvertently. The contact was able to veer to the side of the road but he could not park as the gear shifter would not move. The contact waited until the vehicle came to a complete stop. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact was able to continue to drive the vehicle, however the failure reoccurred twice while driving. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the service shifter had failed. The warning message "service shifter" had remained illuminated. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the failure was a known defect .The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that they could not assist because the VIN was not included in a recall related to the...

Bolts broke off of the ptu on my current 2016 jeep Cherokee trail hawk. Extremely unsafe to drive. Dealer I will to do the repairs because and I quote “ is not on the recall batch for the issues listed” please keep in mind I’ve done the necessary research and the extent of the repairs needed falls exactly with the recall placed in on 06/2020. Please your guidance would be greatly appreciated.

Service shifter light continues to come on

I was driving home doing 65/70 when my dash lights came on, all of the shifter lights came on, and a service light started beeping to service the shifter. Leaving me stranded without a car. $600 for the parts plus labor and fees, I was able to get a new shifter replaced, and I am hoping this never happens again!

The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The contact noticed that the service four-wheel drive warning light was illuminated continuously. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the power transfer unit needed to be replaced. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V343000 (Power Train). The approximate failure mileage was 63,000.

The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at 50 MPH, the vehicle began to rigorously vibrate while the 4-wheel drive warning light flashed on the instrument panel. Due to the failure, the contact had the vehicle towed to an independent mechanic. The vehicle was initially diagnosed with a defective drive shaft unit which was repaired; however, upon a test drive, the failure persisted. The mechanic then discovered that the PTU (Power Transfer Unit) was the cause of the failure. The contact then discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V343000 (Power Train) which he linked to the failure. The manufacturer was then notified of the failure and informed him that his vehicle was not included in the recall. The contact filed a case with the manufacturer. The vehicle had yet to be repaired and remained in the possession of the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 42,300.

The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while driving approximately 55 MPH, the service 4-wheel drive warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed with needing the PTU (Power Transfer Unit) replaced however, the vehicle was not repaired. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V343000 (Power Train) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was not under recall. The failure mileage was 108,041.

Transmission problems that happen about twice a year. With no warning the transmission service will appear and the car will abruptly slow to a speed of 35 or less no matter how fast you are moving. On the turnpike one time it went from 70mph to 35 and luckily no one was behind me. Every time this happens I am told something different for what is wrong.

4wheel drive light came on. Said it was a power transfer unit problem. It has been recalled but doesn’t show for my car. It will cost me o ver $2000 and it has been recalled. I need help to have this repair covered.

The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while stopped at a traffic light, the vehicle lost motive power. A bystander checked underneath the vehicle while the gear shifter was in PARK, but the vehicle rolled backward. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and diagnosed with power transfer unit (PTU) failure. The dealer replaced the PTU. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in a recall. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V343000 (Power Train) however, the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was 88,245.

Around 35-45 MPH it shifts hard. After it shifts hard it acts like there is no power when hitting the accelerator. This incident only happens every so often not every time it hits 35-45 MPH. Has been taken to dealership to diagnose and they can’t re create the issue so we are always sent on our way. The vehicle has over 100,000 miles on it so I assume it’s not the adaptive learning for the transmission. The shifting problem also throws no codes. The fluid is fine and no metal in the fluid. I do not know what to do. I have read where thousands of people have this issue with the Cherokee and have gone to lengths of replacing the transmission or having it rebuilt and the issues still persist.

Transfer case is not working it says blockage I see alot of of recalls for this piece and I want want to report it for my car as faulty aswell. also now the timing change has to be replaced. This jeep has had multiple issues going on since I have had it for almost 3 years it will be three years in Feb 2022

Vehicle has slowly been loosing power since I purchased it in 2018, but over the past 2 months it's sluggish and when I press the accelerator, it hesitates then takes off and the tachometer gets stuck until I let off the gas then push the accelerator again. Also when I'm in stop and go traffic, when I accelerate, it starts jerking and feel like the engine is going to die, but if I give it a little more gas, it stops, until I have to come to a stop again. It's unsettling to hear the engine race the way it does. I feel it's a safety issue because the way it jerks when I'm trying to get the tachometer to stop racing. There's been no warning lights and nothing has been confirmed by the dealership, however, I recently received a recall notice and have contacted the dealer for an appointment....

The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the service 4X4 warning light was illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the power transfer unit (PTU) assembly to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired but was pending repairs. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V343000 (Power Train) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 41,841.

My service 4x4 light would come on then off, then on again. Was brought to the dealership, in which I was informed that my PTU is bad and needs to be replaced ($2800 plus to fix). There is a recall on the PTU for the year of my Jeep, but not my VIN. My vehicle has only 41,841 miles on it. I called the NHTSA hotline and was given an ODI#11439663 to open the investigation. Also had called the Jeep Hotline #800-992-1997, in which were no help on this issue.

There is a SVC 4WD light on the dash. Upon reviewing the user manual, the SVC 4WD light is not referenced in the manual at all. There is apparently no maintenance or service intervals required for the user (owner). I took the Jeep to the Chrysler Jeep Dealer in Somerset KY, and learned it has a DTC C14A7-97 PTU issue. It appears the manufacturer is aware of the issue as there were previous recalls specific to the 2014 - 2017 Jeeps with a faulty PTU assembly. However, only certain VIN numbers were included. The issue is according to previous posts regarding the SVC 4WD light, as a chronic Chrysler issue indicating the PTU fails to engage with the transmission (hence the light) and the Cherokee could lose all power while being driven. Also, failure to engage could keep the vehicle from being put into park when stationary allowing the vehicle...

PTU Failure. Took vehicle to Jeep dealer. I was told that although there was a recall on the PTU for 2014-2017 Jeep Cherokees, my VIN was not included.

The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the Service Shifter message and the gear shift lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. Several fuses were replaced. The vehicle was not repaired and needed a wiring harness kit replacement. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 46,800.

Warning light to fix 4x4..... Difficulty finding problem at dealer, required new PTU actuator and dealer had much difficulty getting part into place. Cost approximately $ 1500.

Transmission is failing to function properly. Between gears 1-2, 2-3. I have noticed this when the ESS for the vehicle is engaged, during slow moving traffic, uphill and in reverse. The vehicle is sluggish, won't go forward when given gas, then surges. This has caused issues for my family when crossing busy intersections or coming to slow moving traffic or having to get up to speed adequately. There has been hesitation in the transmission which creates hesitation on the road, resulting in many "almost accidents." I am booking an appointment to have the vehicle inspected by a Jeep dealer. I've contacted the original dealer I've purchased from and they said there was nothing they could do. I have not seen any warning lights, messages or flashes come through on the dash/vehicle. I will be hooking it up to a code reader to determine if there is an underlying code. I...

My 2016 Jeep Cherokee was RANDOMLY coming up with "Service Shifter" warning light. The dealers tell me they "can't replicate the problem" even though it still happens and THOUSANDS online complain about the same issue. If this is a serious shifter issue, it could cause problems driving. I have figured out that if I cover the sunlight sensor on the dashboard when the lights are set to auto (effectively keeping the interior lights dimmer) I can drive without the warning coming up. Within SECONDS of uncovering it, the interior lights brighten and the "Service Shifter" warning comes on instantly. THAT is why I think it's electrical. The fact that Jeep is shrugging it's shoulders and doesn't acknowledge a problem is absolutely disgusting!

My Jeep Power Transfer Unit (PTU) failed in less than 73000 miles. FCA recalled 67000 Jeep Cherokee for bad PTU. FCA said my vehicle was not under recall category. But FCA do have problem with thousands of PTU and my Jeep must have the same kind of bad PTU.

I purchased car new on May 30, 2016. Recently, the vehicle is jerking and I am concerned for safety of passengers and others driving near me. Also, noted once it did not park properly and appeared to move It has now come to my attention that the PTU on this vehicle is recalled for some reason for only some vehicles. The dealership noted last week it requires a new PTU at $3,400 but there are no available parts for some reason. I said thats obviously because there is a very large problem. Please look into this as I am an Uber driver and now cannot afford to work as I am concerned about the safety of my passengers

Transmission will not shift out of low gear. Especially when on a steel hill. Also, turn signals will not turn off unless I manually do so. Dealer tells me I must let them do a $125 diagnostic test, (I pay for it), then must be reviewed before they can say it’s a warranty or not. These seem to be common problems that many Cherokee owners have but never recalled.

shifter park.. car cuts off when car is idle.

I got into my wife's 2016 Jeep Cherokee Latitude to drive to the store and heading down the road the message 'Service Shifter' showed up on the instrument cluster and all the gear selectors became illuminated red with no check engine light. Upon coming out of the store I started the jeep and the message was gone until I started heading down the road and same thing happened but this time there was a noticeable decrease in engine power and engine seemed to be running ruff at stop light. When I made it home and put the shifter in park and started to exit the jeep it started to roll forward and I hit the brake. I started the jeep back up and no message or anything and I backed the jeep up some and put back into park and this time it went into gear however I activated the...

While turning in a busy intersection recently at night my sons Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk quit moving all at once. Nearly getting hit, my son was able to get out of the vehicle and all was avoided. It appears the transfer case part number 68282447AB was defective and broke. This part has been recalled in some Jeep vehicles. Apparently not this one and this is a very dangerous problem Jeep should make right. Now it is in the repair shop with replacement parts months backordered.

Service shifter message comes up on dashboard of vehicle. All the lights on the shifter turn red and the dashboard will not permit changing the screen message. This happened frequently in 2019 for the vehicle. Service at the dealership replaced the shifter wiring harness and bezel kit. Now the same issue is occurring with the same service message for the shifter. Dealership states the shifter bezel needs to be replaced with updated version. If this problem worsens, the vehicle could stop shifting and/or be unable to put the vehicle into park. This is a common problem for Jeep Cherokees as seen on online forums from owners.

My wife, while traveling on the interstate (I35), had a service transmission and engine light come on. The car immediately decreased in speed and performance and became undrivable at highway speeds, She had to limp to the next exit and call and wait for AAA. This was very dangerous due to highway traffic and speeds as well as her being stranded in the middle of nowhere in KS. When we got to the CDJR Dealership they said it was a common, known, issue (fault codes P0887 and C2226) and a software update was required which, by the way, is not free. So $100.45 later the car is "fixed" and we are on our way. This is a known defect (software issue), as identified by the manufacturer, which can be a safety risk to the driver and occupants and should be a no charge repair or recall in my opinion.

PTU. Jeep loses power some times when trying to accelerate and now the Service 4Wheel Drive light is on and according the the mechanic is because the PTU is failing and needs replace. I see there is a recall for Jeep Cherokees between 2014 and 2017 for PTU but I am being told that my VIN is not part of the recall however I am having the issues that are described as part of the recall.

I was at the store came out started my jeep sat there for a minute put my jeep in drive pressed the gas pulled forward out of the parking spot when my jeep stopped my dash said put in park then select gear well i was in the middle of the lane and i couldn’t press the brake or turn my wheel there was a car coming down the lane and my jeep was just sitting there not able to turn back on. finally i was able to get my jeep to turn back on and i put it in reverse and left it in the parking lot if I were to drive home and that happened there could’ve been a major accident! I’m so grateful I was not on the interstate!

The 4X4 system stop working. the driveline from the front PTU to the rear differential is rotating but the wheels are not! no indication of any failure in the dash board while driving regular road. Under load, when trying (unsuccessfully) to climb a small hill, the 4X4 system gets "heating warning and shuts down. I was advised to take off the 4X4 fuse in order to not increase the damage. Bottom line - my jeep trailhawk is now a regular 2X4 car :-(

For the past couple of weeks I’ve been noticing the car does not react when I press the gas… like there’s a delay In catching speed.., like stalling, last night the “service shifter” light came on and all the PRN&D lights are on and I’m scared for my kids and my safety.

The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while driving 65 mph, the message "service shifter" was displayed and the gear shifter lights were illuminated. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to schedule a recall repair appointment with the dealer for manufacturer customer satisfaction W84. The dealer informed the contact that she would be responsible for the cost of repair as the manufacturer's customer satisfaction W84 repair only covered the vehicle reprogramming and would not remedy the shifter failure. The manufacturer provided no further assistance and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA. The approximate failure mileage was 115,000

The vehicle started to stop and it was shaking, the car stopped and it wouldn't go into park.Transmission didn't work! The car wouldn't shift!

TRANS SERVICE SHIFT LIGHT. I HAVE A 2016 JEEP CHEROKEE TRAIL HAWK. TODAY (5/12/2021) IS THE THIRD TIME I'VE BROUGHT MY JEEP IN FOR THIS PROBLEM. FIRST WAS ON 04/17/2019 @ 17,330 MILES. SECOND WAS ON 02/04/2020 @ 21,917 MILES. THE THIRD WAS TODAY 05/12/2021 @29,046 MILES. EVERY TIME THEY HAVE TO CHANGE THE BEZEL AND THE HARNESS FOR THE TRANSMISSION SHIFTER. I KNOW THIS IS AN ISSUE FROM RESEARCHING THIS PROBLEM WITH OTHER JEEP CHEROKEE OWNERS. JEEP NEEDS TO FIX THIS PROBLEM OR PAY ME EVERY TIME I HAVE TO TAKE OFF OF WORK TO BRING MY VEHICLE INTO THE SHOP.

I STARTED HEARING A GRINDING/SCREECHING SOUND OCCASIONALLY THAT SOUNDED LIKE IT WAS COMING FROM THE FRONT DRIVERS SIDE WHEEL. IT WAS NOT CONSTANT AND WAS NOT NECESSARILY WHILE DOING ANY PARTICULAR THING EXCEPT DRIVING. SOMETIMES OCCURRED WHILE TURNING BUT SOMETIMES OCCURRED WHILE BEING ON ON STRAIGHT AWAY. TOOK IT INTO DEALERSHIP AND THEY LOOKED IT OVER AND LET ME KNOW THAT IT WAS THE PTU THAT WAS LEAKING FLUID AND SHARDS OF METAL. THEN I READ ONLINE ABOUT RECALL: FOR 2014-2017 JEEP CHEROKEES WHERE THE PTU HAS NOT BEEN PREVIOUSLY REPLACED, THE AUTO MAKER'S RECALL NUMBER IS W47 AND THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION (NHTSA)'S RECALL CAMPAIGN NUMBER IS 20V343. AND UNSURE WHY MY VIN # WOULD NOT BE INCLUDED IN THIS RECALL.

SERVICE SHIFTER LIGHT CAME ON AND ALL THE LIGHTS ON THE SHIFTER LIT UP RED