2016 Jeep Cherokee power train problems
629 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
“The vehicle suffered a complete internal failure of the Power Transfer Unit (PTU) drivetrain assembly. Authorized dealership Milford Auto Group diagnosed the vehicle on Invoice #45604 and confirmed in writing: "THE PTU HAS FAILED INTERNALLY AND NEEDS TO BE REPLACED".The manufacturer (FCA US LLC)…”
filed Aug 31, 2026
“My PTU/transfer case has failed and our Jeep is currently in the shop. They are stating that this exact issue is part of an ongoing recall and that our vehicle should also be added to the recall list due to this part being the exact reason for the recall. They told me that it is unsafe to drive due…”
filed Aug 12, 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
- Left halfshaft may have been incorrectly manufactured causing it to fracture without…Campaign 16V287000 · May 11, 2016
- Right halfshaft may have been incorrectly manufactured causing it to fracture without…Campaign 16V284000 · May 11, 2016
Related service bulletins
Service 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 | 27 | 54% |
| 2021 Cherokee | 93 | 57% |
| 2020 Cherokee | 170 | 57% |
| 2019 Cherokee | 801 | 49% |
| 2018 Cherokee | 292 | 43% |
| 2017 Cherokee | 646 | 48% |
| 2015 Cherokee | 1,002 | 56% |
| 2014 Cherokee | 1,468 | 56% |
| 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.