VehicleVerdict

2016 Jeep Cherokee transmission problems

The 2016 Jeep Cherokee has 626 transmission complaints filed with NHTSA — 31% of the year's total, and down from the prior model year.

626

Transmission complaints

31%

Share of year

7

Crash-involved

4

Related recalls

Transmission complaints by year

Related recalls

23V302000TransmissionApril 27, 2023 · 25,980 units

Defect

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Jeep Cherokee vehicles. The power transfer unit (PTU) may become damaged and disengage the transmission and differential, resulting in a loss of drive power or loss of park function.

Consequence

A loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash. A loss of park function can cause an unintended vehicle rollaway which can increase the risk of a crash or injury.

Remedy

FCA US LLC will notify owners, and dealers will perform a software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 11, 2023. Owners may contact FCA USA LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is 45A. This recall expands previous recall number 20V-343.

20V343000TransmissionJune 11, 2020 · 67,248 units

Defect

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2017 Jeep Cherokee vehicles equipped with a two-speed Power Transfer Unit (PTU). Relative movement in the Power Transfer Unit (PTU) between the differential input splines and the transmission output shaft may cause some input spline teeth to wear off, which may eventually cause a loss of engagement between the transmission and the differential inside the PTU. If this occurs, power cannot be transferred between the front wheels and the transmission which results in a loss of drive while the vehicle is in motion and a loss of the Park function while stationary.

Consequence

A loss of drive can cause a vehicle crash without prior warning. A loss of the Park function can cause unintended vehicle rollaway which can increase the risk of a crash or injury.

Remedy

FCA US LLC will notify owners, and dealers will perform a software update that will maintain vehicle propulsion by engaging rear wheel drive and prevent rolling in Park by activating the electronic parking brake if a failed input spline occurs. This recall began July 14, 2020. Owners may contact FCA USA LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is W47.

16V284000TransmissionMay 11, 2016 · 1,029 units

Defect

Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2016 Jeep Cherokee vehicles manufactured October 3, 2015, to March 22, 2016. The right halfshaft may have been incorrectly manufactured causing it to fracture without warning.

Consequence

A fractured halfshaft may disconnect from the drive axle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the right halfshaft, free of charge. The recall began on June 30, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler's customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's recall number is S39.

16V287000TransmissionMay 11, 2016 · 52 units

Defect

Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2016 Jeep Cherokee vehicles manufactured September 30, 2015, to October 2, 2015. The left halfshaft may have been incorrectly manufactured causing it to fracture without warning.

Consequence

A fractured halfshaft may disconnect from the drive axle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the left halfshaft, free of charge. The recall began on June 30, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler's customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's recall number is S38.

What owners report

I was sitting at a red light when the light turned green I hit the gas and I heard clunk truck put it on park got out to check andy car rolled backwards into a man's car then wouldn't go forward or reverse and then after awhile mechanic got there and said the right front axle came undone from the…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · July 27, 2023 · crash

Common questions

How many transmission complaints does the 2016 Jeep Cherokee have?

NHTSA has 626 complaints about the 2016 Jeep Cherokee transmission — 31% of all complaints filed for that model year.

Are there recalls for the 2016 Jeep Cherokee transmission?

Yes — 4 NHTSA recall campaigns for this model year are tied to the transmission: 16V284000, 16V287000, 20V343000, 23V302000.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.