2016 Jeep Cherokee power train problems
626 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the power train on the 2016 Jeep Cherokee — 45% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“Good afternoon, my 2016 Jeep Cherokee is currently at the Local Jeep Dealer in Savannah, Georgia. I have been informed by the dealership that my Power Transfer Unit has failed and has to be replaced. I went to your website and this is an ACTIVE CAMPAIGN for this issue, it is #23V302000. This is a…”
filed Jul 28, 2026
“The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle jerked abnormally with the message "Service 4WD" displayed. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer to be diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the PTU had failed and needed to…”
filed Jun 25, 2026
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Related recalls
- Power transfer unit (PTU) may become damaged and disengage the transmission and…Campaign 23V302000 · Apr 27, 2023
- Relative movement in the Power Transfer Unit (PTU) between the differential input splines…Campaign 20V343000 · Jun 11, 2020
- Right halfshaft may have been incorrectly manufactured causing it to fracture without…Campaign 16V284000 · May 11, 2016
- Left halfshaft may have been incorrectly manufactured causing it to fracture without…Campaign 16V287000 · May 11, 2016
Related service bulletins
Unable To Clear C1494-07 And C14A9-00 After 45A Recall Technicians may experience the following: SYMPTOM: ● wiTECH displays a mismatch error after performing recall 45A.
08-292-26 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jul 23, 2026Service 4wd Light On, AWD System Service Required Message Illuminated. Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) C14A7-97 PTU Motor Component Or System Operation Obstructed Or Blocked.
S1721000016 REV.B · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Dec 19, 2025
Power Train problems in other Cherokee years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 Cherokee | 24 | 51% |
| 2021 Cherokee | 79 | 54% |
| 2020 Cherokee | 152 | 56% |
| 2019 Cherokee | 770 | 48% |
| 2018 Cherokee | 290 | 43% |
| 2017 Cherokee | 641 | 48% |
| 2015 Cherokee | 998 | 56% |
| 2014 Cherokee | 1,463 | 55% |
| 2001 Cherokee | 24 | 10% |
| 2000 Cherokee | 29 | 8% |
| 1999 Cherokee | 53 | 14% |
| 1998 Cherokee | 65 | 16% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2016 Jeep Cherokee
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.