How many transmission complaints does the 2016 Jeep Cherokee have?

NHTSA lists 629 transmission and powertrain complaints for the 2016 Jeep Cherokee, which is 45% of the 1,406 total complaints filed for that model year.

Is there a transmission or powertrain recall for the 2016 Jeep Cherokee?

Yes, there are four related recalls: campaign 23V302000 and 20V343000 both address the power transfer unit (PTU), while 16V287000 and 16V284000 cover incorrectly manufactured left and right halfshafts.

At what mileage do 2016 Jeep Cherokee transmission problems usually appear?

The median mileage at failure for transmission and powertrain complaints on the 2016 Jeep Cherokee is 48,000 miles, though sample complaints range from under 1,500 miles to over 121,000 miles.

Are the 2016 Jeep Cherokee transmission problems dangerous?

NHTSA data tied to this area lists 7 crashes, 3 fires, and 3 injuries, including reports of PTU-related fluid leaks that ignited flames while driving.

Is the 2016 Jeep Cherokee's transmission complaint rate worse than other years?

The 45% share for 2016 is lower than 2014 and 2015, which each had a 56% share, but similar to 2017's 49% and higher than 2018's 43%.

2016 Jeep Cherokee Transmission & Powertrain Problems

Owners filed 629 transmission and powertrain complaints on the 2016 Jeep Cherokee, 45% of its 1,406 total complaints, with a median failure mileage of 48,000. Four related recalls cover the power transfer unit and both halfshafts.

Transmission & Powertrain complaints: 629; 45% of 1,406
Crashes reported: 7
Fires reported: 3
Injuries reported: 3
Median mileage: 48,000 mi
Related recalls: 4

Typical transmission symptoms owners report

Vehicles have unexpectedly rolled or lurched forward or backward while in reverse, park, or at a stop, sometimes causing a crash into another vehicle.
The power transfer unit (PTU) has reportedly failed or exploded, in some cases leaking fluid that ignited a small fire while driving at highway speed.
Front or rear halfshafts and axles have detached or come undone from the PTU while the vehicle was moving or being parked, causing loss of control or a dropped wheel.
Owners describe hesitation or a coughing feeling from the engine when pressing the accelerator, along with poor transmission response.
Some owners report hard or shaky shifts between gears, including a shimmy between 1st and 2nd gear, that a dealership software flash did not resolve.
The transmission has reportedly shut down suddenly during driving, with the RPM spiking and the vehicle losing the ability to accelerate.

When 2016 Jeep Cherokee transmission complaints were filed

First complaint Dec 14, 2015, latest Aug 31, 2026.

629 complaints filed with NHTSA from 2015 Q4 to 2026 Q3; peak 2019 Q3 (36).

Transmission & Powertrain recalls for the 2016 Jeep Cherokee

NHTSA 23V302000Apr 27, 2023Transmission & Powertrain25,980 vehicles
Power train:automatic transmission
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.
Risk: 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.
NHTSA 20V343000Jun 11, 2020Transmission & Powertrain67,248 vehicles
Power train:driveline:differential unit
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.
Risk: 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.
NHTSA 16V287000May 11, 2016Transmission & Powertrain52 vehicles
Power train:axle assembly:axle shaft
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.
Risk: 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.
NHTSA 16V284000May 11, 2016Transmission & Powertrain1,029 vehicles
Power train:axle assembly:axle shaft
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.
Risk: 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.

Transmission & Powertrain complaints by Cherokee model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

20062 (12%)
20141,469 (56%)
20151,002 (56%)
2016629 (45%)
2017647 (49%)
2018293 (43%)
2019803 (49%)
2020174 (57%)
202193 (57%)
202228 (55%)
20232 (67%)

Frequently asked questions

How many transmission complaints does the 2016 Jeep Cherokee have?: NHTSA lists 629 transmission and powertrain complaints for the 2016 Jeep Cherokee, which is 45% of the 1,406 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a transmission or powertrain recall for the 2016 Jeep Cherokee?: Yes, there are four related recalls: campaign 23V302000 and 20V343000 both address the power transfer unit (PTU), while 16V287000 and 16V284000 cover incorrectly manufactured left and right halfshafts.
At what mileage do 2016 Jeep Cherokee transmission problems usually appear?: The median mileage at failure for transmission and powertrain complaints on the 2016 Jeep Cherokee is 48,000 miles, though sample complaints range from under 1,500 miles to over 121,000 miles.
Are the 2016 Jeep Cherokee transmission problems dangerous?: NHTSA data tied to this area lists 7 crashes, 3 fires, and 3 injuries, including reports of PTU-related fluid leaks that ignited flames while driving.
Is the 2016 Jeep Cherokee's transmission complaint rate worse than other years?: The 45% share for 2016 is lower than 2014 and 2015, which each had a 56% share, but similar to 2017's 49% and higher than 2018's 43%.