2016 JEEP CHEROKEE Complaints

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.

Power Transfer Unit (PTU) failure with "Service 4WD" message with "transmission service" message. Unfortunately, my car is not part of the recall but it is a similar issue.

Subject: Urgent Safety Concern – 2016 Jeep Cherokee Gear Shifting Issue Good Morning, I am writing to report a serious safety concern with my 2016 Jeep Cherokee. I have been experiencing persistent issues with the gear shifter and transmission that I believe may be related to a known defect or may warrant investigation under a recall. The gear shifter frequently locks up and does not change gears properly. It stays in the wrong gear for an extended period—both when going uphill and downhill—before finally shifting, often accompanied by a loud noise. In some cases, the gear becomes stuck entirely, forcing me to take my foot off the accelerator. This delay in shifting poses a significant risk, especially in traffic, as I temporarily lose control of the vehicle's speed. During these moments, pressing the accelerator has no effect, which could easily lead to a dangerous situation. While the vehicle is still drivable, it consistently displays warning indicators suggesting a serious issue that needs professional attention. These problems are ongoing and seem to be getting worse over time. Given the safety implications, I am requesting that Jeep investigate this matter urgently and confirm whether my vehicle is subject to any active recalls or technical service bulletins (TSBs). If not, I would still appreciate guidance on how to resolve this as soon as possible, as I am concerned for my safety and that of others on the road. Thank you for your attention to this matter. I look forward to your prompt response. Sincerely, [XXX] [XXX] Email [XXX] VIN# [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

My power transfer unit busted into several different parts. There was no warning lights, it went to making a noise & when they took the skid cover off pieces came falling out. This happened last year & everywhere we look the part is on back order. So I'm paying a note on a vehicle that can't be used.

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 [XXX] 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. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF IN

The PTU is defective. Service 4wheel drive dash light on. Did "software update" but did not fix problems. I need to have the ptu replaced!

The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the parking brake switch was released, however the parking brake failed to release as intended. The contact stated that after several attempts, the parking brake was released. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed park brake switch. The contact was informed that the parking brake switch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed that parts were on back order. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 48,000.

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.

THE SERVICE SHIFTER LIGHT KEEPS COMING ON, BUT IT GOES OFF SOMETIMES WHEN I RESTART. EVERY TIME I ASK SOMEONE TO CHECK IT OUT, THEY SAY THERE'S NOTHING TO SEE UNLESS IT IS ON. I DON'T WANT THIS TO CAUSE ANY PROBLEMS WITH THE CAR. HOW AM I SUPPOSED TO HAVE IT LOOKED AT WHEN IT IS NOT ON ALL THE TIME. I HAVE A PICTURE OF IT AND I AM STILL REFUSED SERVICE FOR IT.

I’ve went to get my car inspected and it shows 1 recall for “IN-USE NOX - CATALYST EFFICIENCY” . There was no warning signs on my dashboard. My car just acts differently and it sounds much louder. My dealership, CarMax can’t repair it for free and charging over $100 for a diagnostic alone.