321 of the 2,046 complaints about the 2016 Jeep Cherokee are about the engine — 16% of everything reported for this model year. Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before 42,000 miles.
321
Complaints
2
Crashes
6
Fires
0
Injuries
Filed with NHTSA, in their own words.
ENGINE
pulling out of a gas station the engine revved and accelerated without me pressing on the pedal harder. i tried pressing the brakes and they would not respond. It caused my vehicle to crash into a pole where it continued to rev until the vehicle was turned off.
NHTSA complaint #11737661 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds, the message “4WD/Pull Over” was displayed, and the Low Oil warning light was intermittently illuminated. The contact became aware of the warning lights after receiving an oil change. Additionally, the oil level needed to be topped off after driving approximately 3,000 miles. While driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost power steering functionality, and it decelerated and stalled. The contact pulled over, turned off the vehicle, waited for several minutes, then made several attempts to restart the vehicle until the power steering functionality returned and was able to drive as intended. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and it was confirmed that the engine was consuming an excessive amount of oil, and that the oil level sensor was inoperable. The dealer reprogrammed the ECM, but failures persisted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.
NHTSA complaint #11728808 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FIRERELATED
The contact owned a 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that twenty minutes after her husband parked and turned off the vehicle in a parking lot, the vehicle caught fire while unoccupied. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that she noticed sparks coming from beneath the rear driver's side taillight before the vehicle caught fire. The fire consumed half of the vehicle, causing extensive damage. The firefighters arrived and extinguished the fire. There were police and fire department reports filed. The fire department informed the contact that the fire was caused by an electrical failure. The vehicle was towed to a collision center, but was not yet deemed totaled by the insurance company. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 76,000.
NHTSA complaint #11722509 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE
Beginning in late October 2025, my 2016 Jeep Cherokee North Edition began experiencing a recurring electronic shifter and transmission malfunction. The vehicle displays a “Service Shifter” warning (with an A! with a circle arrow and the check engine light is on) and shakes violently upon shifting; it's straight up psychologically unnerving. This issue creates a significant safety hazard because the vehicle may not shift accordingly, consequently increasing the risk of unintended vehicular movement and ultimate loss of control. I previously brought the vehicle to a certified Chrysler/Jeep dealership (Big O’ Dodge Chrysler Jeep, Laurens Rd., Greenville, SC) approximately 13 months earlier for mechanical issues while under warranty. At that time, repairs were completed and I was told no additional mechanical concerns were present. The shifter malfunction began after my extended warranty expired (after 20,000 miles). Since the problem began, I have taken the vehicle to a mechanic multiple times. During each visit, a diagnostic scan tool indicated cylinder misfires: First visit: cylinder #1 misfire — I paid for repairs/replacement. Second visit: cylinder #2 misfire — I paid for additional repairs. Third visit: cylinder #3 misfire — I was advised further repairs would be costly and to consider replacing the vehicle. Despite having recently spent $1,500 on these repairs, the shifting malfunction and safety issues have persisted/have not been resolved. I have been unable to safely operate the vehicle for approximately four months due to the risk associated with the transmission/shifter malfunction. I have learned that similar (2014-2017) Jeep Cherokees have been recalled for similar electronic shifter defects. However, my VIN was not included in the recall. Because this defect poses a serious safety risk and appears consistent with known issues, I am requesting an investigation into this failure. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request.
NHTSA complaint #11719852 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle jerked abnormally with an abnormal burning odor coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and was diagnosed with a misfire in cylinder #5. The fuel injectors were cleaned, and the spark plugs and filters were replaced. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, the contact became aware that there were oil stains on the ground, and the abnormal odor was still coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the plastic oil filter housing seal had failed. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 58,000.
NHTSA complaint #11717227 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that the message "Shift to Park(P)” was displayed, and several other warning lights were illuminated on the instrument cluster. The failure had occurred while exiting a parking lot and turning left. The contact stated that after refueling the vehicle, the vehicle stalled and stalled while accelerating and changing lanes. There were no warning lights illuminated immediately, but then several unknown warning lights were illuminated. After the vehicle had stalled, several attempts were needed to restart the vehicle. During several failures, the headlights and the hazard lights were not functioning as needed. The failure was intermittent but became a recurring failure. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who performed a tune-up and cleaned the fuel lines. The vehicle was repaired; however, the vehicle stalled again. The vehicle was taken back to the same mechanic who determined that the fuel cylinder needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the vehicle stalled. The contact researched and became aware that the engine had been replaced in 2017. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 139,000.
NHTSA complaint #11710603 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE
UNKNOWN: Not had problems since I got it. 66000 miles on it and now it’s losing electrical power at random. I’ll be driving normally, but my dash will go black, all lights go out and the engine will go into neutral. When I let off the throttle and coast, it will come back to life and go back to normal.
NHTSA complaint #11710202 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE
Multiple incidents from different shops after oil changes, car continues to leak oil from around filter. Have had to replace the shifter sensor twice within the last 5 years. Regular driver back and forth to work. Drive less than 8k miles a year
NHTSA complaint #11710074 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE
Transmission was replaced at 20k miles it has still continue to stall while driving causing hard shift and stalling in the middle of the road almost causing accidents.
NHTSA complaint #11707883 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE
After purchasing the vehicle, I discovered it had an open FCA recall W90 (Tigershark MultiAir oil consumption/emission system repair). The dealer had not completed this recall prior to selling the vehicle. The vehicle was brought in for the W90 recall, and the repair was reportedly completed last week by a certified dealer. I found recall W90 because the car was overheating and stuttering on starts. The Safter Concern is that the coolant loss and erratic idle may indicate internal gasket or head integrity issues due to engine running hotter than it should, potentially leading to overheating or sudden engine failure while driving. This poses a serious safety risk if the engine fails at speed or stalls in traffic. I ask that the NHTSA review whether recall W90 adequately addresses known mechanical and emission defects with the 2.4 L Tigershark MultiAir engine, and ensure affected owners receive a verified repair or extended coverage for ongoing engine and coolant-loss failures.
NHTSA complaint #11697493 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE
PTU had to be replaced. Light on, check by a authorized dealer, replaced by my local dealer as the jeep dealer could not get the part in a timely manner. I am aware other Jeeps were recalled but not this jeep. Safety at risk. I need 4 Wheel drive as I am a home health nurse in Colorado and rely on 4WD to get me to my patients.
NHTSA complaint #11697047 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE
Head gasket and cylinder head replacement. There are bubbles in my coolant and oil in cylinder #1. No external leaks. I’ve already called a dealer and cited W80 and they said not eligible for the recall to get it fixed
NHTSA complaint #11696091 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE
Vehicle is stalling out. While driving down the road any accelaration is fine but when stopped at a stop sign/light and you give the vehicle throttle from a dead stop or rolling stop it will either stall out and die or it will stall, surge, and come back. This is a serious issue as we drive this vehicle on busy road ways and could cause or will cause us to have an accident. I have had it the dealership and they checked the vehicle for any engines codes but none are present so they are not sure why the vehicle is stalling out. This is not a constant problem but a intermittent one where it comes and goes so you never know when it will happen. I am not sure when this first started happening as my wife usually drives the vehicle but I noticed it doing this about 2 months ago when leaving a gas station after getting fuel when I started leaving and I put the vehicle in drive and started to leave and it died on me with the message center telling me to put the vehicle in park to start.
NHTSA complaint #11694195 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE
Vibrating issue and missing fire originating from engine. Intake camshaft broken and left cylinder head is damaged and needs replacement. This should not be happening to this car. Cannot drive a faster rate either. There should be a claim out for all these issues.
NHTSA complaint #11687366 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE
Subject: Possible Recall Repair Connection to Open Recall U90 Dear NHTSA, I am writing to bring to your attention a concerning issue regarding my 2016 Jeep Cherokee with the 2.4L engine. I have been experiencing chronic coolant loss for approximately two years. After conducting research, I discovered the open recall, Emissions Recall U90, related to the exhaust manifold, and I suspect that my coolant loss may be connected to this defect. On September 4, 2025, I visited a Jeep dealership in Delray, where I was told that a leaking hose was the cause of my coolant loss, and they recommended replacing it to re-evaluate the leak. However, the following day, September 5, 2025, I sought a second opinion from a dealership located at 3701 Northlake Blvd, Lake Park, FL 33403. Unfortunately, during that visit, I was dismissed by Raheem, the service representative, who referred to me as a "clown" and refused to assist me. In light of these experiences, I sought service at Midas later that same day to address my coolant leak issues. I believe this situation warrants your attention, as it may be indicative of a larger problem related to the open recall. Your guidance on how to proceed would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for your attention to this matter.
NHTSA complaint #11685362 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE
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.
NHTSA complaint #11684947 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE
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.
NHTSA complaint #11677471 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE
When coming to a stop the auto stop turned the engine totally off. The car had to be shifted into park to restart the engine using the car's starter button. Afterward a message was displayed that the autostop was not available and to get the autostop serviced. The car was brought to the dealer for service of the full engine shutoff when the car came to a stop issue and the service manager stated they could not duplicate the problem. Since then the car engine totally shutoff 5 times when at a full stop and where the car needed to be placed in park and the start button pushed to restart the car. I now manually shutoff the autostop feature before leaving my house to avoid having the car engine fully shut off. The autostop not available message now displays within 2 minutes of starting the car.
NHTSA complaint #11672275 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FIRERELATED
The contact owned a 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that around 5AM, when parked on the driveway the day before in the evening, the contact's wife heard abnormal noise from a window and discovered the vehicle had caught on fire. As a result of the fire, two other vehicles and the contact's residence were damaged. The vehicle was unoccupied during the fire. A fire inspector informed that the fire was an electrical one near the battery and fuse panel. The fire was extinguished by the fire department with water and foam. A fire department report was filed. A police report was not filed. The vehicle was destroyed. The local dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 133,000.
NHTSA complaint #11670370 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE
Component: Power Transfer Unit (PTU) [XXX] , but my VIN is not included. The power transfer unit has failed. This appears to be a manufacturing defect identical to those listed under the recall. I am requesting immediate inclusion and repair under the recall provisions.”2. Contact Jeep (Stellantis) INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11666298 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE
The car is not shifting properly and will "jump" or "lunge" forward while driving. I have noticed that the RPM's will jump and bounce around, seemingly down shifting, then shift again, and then down shift again, which causes jerking motion.
NHTSA complaint #11660971 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE
The car shuts off while driving
NHTSA complaint #11652051 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE
I bought this vehicle a month ago and the engine stoped while I was driving 3 or 4 times.
NHTSA complaint #11648491 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE
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.
NHTSA complaint #11646689 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE
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!!!!
NHTSA complaint #11646522 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE
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.
NHTSA complaint #11644579 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE
Started hesitating and did it at random times. I had a tune up done and it continued. I thought it was the transmission and took it to the transmission shop and they didn’t find anything wrong with the transmission. Started losing power and hesitation became worse while in traffic. Now it’s hesitating while stopped at the traffic light and not accelerating when taking off from a complete stop and not accelerating while merging. I brought it to the dealership in Lakeport, Ca. 95453. When I brought it to them the start stop warning lights were lit up on the dash. The start stop feature is creating the problem. I’m being told by the dealership that they can’t disengage the start stop feature. This is a safety hazard and I’m concerned it’s going to create engine problems. Apparently it’s a nationwide issue. The start stop feature needs to be recalled and fixed.
NHTSA complaint #11633418 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE
On my 2016 jeep Cherokee limited my 4WD needs service along with my shifter popping up every now and then ref needing service … all lights turn red and flash… Code: C14A7 - 97 Ptu motor Obstructed or blocked Google shows recall but when I look it up it shows not on my model.. Why ? Miles :114000 I’m very disappointed.. will not recommend a Jeep again…
NHTSA complaint #11629953 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE
Vehicle lost power while in traffic was running weird jerking check engine light came on A! Light came on vehicle wouldn't stay running. Codes read Catalyst system efficiency. Recall u90 issues Recall u67 issues code p0430, p0300,p0175, p0174
NHTSA complaint #11628552 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE
The thing died randomly and locked the steering wheel. Dealer can’t recreate the issue and said they cant fix it. I pay monthly on this thing that cant be fixed?
NHTSA complaint #11628672 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.