2016 JEEP CHEROKEE Complaints

I own a 2016 Jeep Cherokee Limited 4x4. The SERVICE 4WD light came on a few weeks ago. After research and several mechanic's input, I was told the problem was the PTU, and, since Jeep no longer makes the part, I was given the quote of $2700-$3200 to replace the PTU with a remanufactured part with only a one year warranty. According to the mechanics, when driving with a broken PTU it may cause damage to the drive shafts. transmission and axles, which, in turn can break while in use, leading to a very dangerous situation. I was told that I should put the Jeep in two wheel drive manually and drive it like that, but my shifter doesn't have that option. It shifts automatically. So, I have a bad PTU, but my VIN doesn't have a recall, and there are several people with the same problem, according to the NHTSA site. I am filing this complaint so the NHTSA will step in and require the manufacturer to further the recall to include ALL of the VINs with defective PTUs and make them safer to drive. Yes, the vehicle is available to inspect at your convenience.

The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while operating the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who replaced the drivetrain control module but later the message "Service Four Wheel Drive" was displayed. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer who diagnosed that the PTU needed to be replaced; however, the part was on backorder. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V302000 (POWER TRAIN). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 110,000.

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.

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 hood near the windshield wipers. the flame then grew and grew!!!! until the car was completely engulfed in flames. I also had a full tank of gas!!! Once the fire department arrived and extinguished the fire. the whole thing was melted to the concrete. the engine laying on the ground. A TOTAL LOSS!!!!

The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that after parking the vehicle at a gas station, the check engine and brake warning lights illuminated after restarting the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to accelerate after several attempts. A handheld scanner was used to retrieve a code for a failure with the parking brake. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where the failure was confirmed. The contact was informed that the parking brake module, actuator, and wiring needed to be replaced and that the vehicle should be taken to the dealer for the repair. The local dealer was notified of the failure and the contact was advised to have the vehicle towed in for a diagnostic test. The vehicle remained with the independent mechanic unrepaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 127,000. The VIN was not available.

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 that the fire started from the front area. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 127,000.

I have had my jeep since 2020, in September 2024 my "Service Transmission" notification displayed on the jeep. I took it a Jiffy Lube for a transmission service in which aftermarket fluid was put in the transmission and the filters were not replaced. The "Service Transmission" notification came back on in November, was taken into a mechanic that confirmed the Transmission Temperature Sensor had gone bad. The open recalls were repaired by a Jeep Dealership following the issues due to the recalls potentially having fixes for the "Service Transmission errors". Following that mechanic, it was taken to a dealership that diagnosed the Temperature Sensor and replaced the sensor and serviced the transmission. During the test drive, they noticed the transmission was jumping. After looking into it, they discovered that the transmission wasn't firing correctly. My friends with similar jeep transmissions, if not the same, are experiencing the same exact issues with the temperature sensor and transmission failures. There were no accidents reported, just issues directly related to the transmission.

2016 Jeep Cherokee, owner since NOV22. Transfer Case (Service 4-wheel drive), warning light appeared after driving 1x time off-road in sand. From my knowledge, there was a previous recall/complaints however isn’t covered currently by manufacturer. Last year I previously went to a local Jeep dealer to fix the PTU software issue for the same component. The transfer case issue has been verified by a mechanic and is estimated to be +$3,200 for parts and labor. The vehicle is well maintained, transfer case’s fluid was not replaced upon inspection by mechanic. The vehicle has been used for daily commute on paved roads/highways. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request.

Vehicle making grinding noise when wheel is turned last week. Previously a "Service Shifter" light came in sporadically. No codes were ever found. Recently the 4wd service light came on and stayed on. PTU failure. I searched and realized this specific vehicle was not included in the recall and I don't understand why because it should be. It's been wonky for years, right after the warranty. I may end up without a vehicle for all this beauracracy. It should be included in the recall...

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.