2016 Jeep Cherokee · symptom sheet
Driveshaft, axle or transfer case problems
- 48owner reports
- 65,000median miles
- $2,700median quote
- 1involved a crash
Newest report Aug 12, 2026 · checked Oct 2, 2026
629 of the 1,406 complaints on this car are about the transmission and drivetrain. 48 of those describe drivetrain problems.
Tick what matches of 48 reports
Drivetrain problems on other Cherokee years
Report counts are for each model year on its own, so a newer car has had less time to collect them. Model years with too few reports of it for a sheet: 2018, 2020, 2021, 2022.
What this problem usually is
Drivetrain reports describe the parts between the transmission and the wheels. Owners hear a clunk or bang from underneath, feel a vibration that rises and falls with speed, find fluid leaking under the differential, or get a 4WD or AWD warning. Some say it only happens turning or at low speed. A smaller group describes a driveshaft or axle that let go.
What got replaced
Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the transfer case (22 reports), the differential (18 reports), the CV joint or axle (13 reports) and the driveshaft (6 reports).
Recalls and investigations
4 recalls on the transmission and drivetrain cover the 2016 model year. A recall on the same system isn't always the same failure, so read the defect text.
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.
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…
The left halfshaft may have been incorrectly manufactured causing it to fracture without warning.
The right halfshaft may have been incorrectly manufactured causing it to fracture without warning.
All 9 recalls on the 2016 Jeep Cherokee, with the owner complaints on each recalled system
NHTSA investigations into the transmission and drivetrain on the Cherokee
Sudden acceleration. Closed sep 10, 2002.
Driveshaft/univ.joint fail. Closed nov 25, 1994.
Driveshaft/univ.joint fail. Closed oct 29, 1993.
Fires caused by cltch lk. Closed jan 28, 1988.
None of these investigations covers the 2016 model year.
What owners paid
12 of the 48 reports quote a price. Each dot is one quote. The middle half runs $902 to $3,800.
When it happens
The middle half of failures fell between 50,000 and 110,000 miles, from the 24 reports that gave a mileage.
Is this a known problem?
The manufacturer has sent NHTSA 1 service bulletin or notice for the 2016 Jeep Cherokee that deal with this problem. Newest first.
Federal rules make a manufacturer send NHTSA a copy of any notice about a defect that goes to more than one dealer or owner. Most of these are service bulletins, the repair instructions manufacturers send to dealers. NHTSA generally leaves safety recall bulletins out of this file, and recalls are listed separately.
Drivetrain Control Module (DTCM) This bulletin involves replacing and reconfiguring the Drivetrain Control Module (DTCM) with the latest available software. Some vehicles may experience a constant high pitched whine coming from rear axle area.
What owners wrote
“Vehicle started making growling noise. Engine light and 4wd lights came on. Transfer case has been diagnosed with damage.”
Filed Jun 9, 2025
“Transfer case failed, model year 2016 at 102K miles. It appears this is a recall item on some Jeep models. The 2016 Jeep Cherokee should be added.”
Filed Oct 10, 2024 · 102,000 miles
“I had to replace the PTU transfer case 4/22. Now there is a recall for the PTU programing. The safety recall states This recall applies only to the above vehicles equipped with a Power Transfer Unit (PTU) (sales code DK4). This repair was $3,800. Can I be reimbursed.”
Filed Feb 15, 2024
“One the oil cooler unit failed leaking oil on to hot engine could possibly start a fire Two the rear differential cracked leaking fluid could possibly lock rear wheels at speed”
Filed Dec 11, 2023
Should you keep driving it?
This page can't tell you that. 1 of 48 reports involved a crash. Owners who file are the ones who had a bad experience, and nobody checks their reports. If the problem affects steering, braking, power or a fire risk, treat it as a safety fault and have it inspected before a long or high-speed drive.
File your own report with NHTSA. Complaint counts are how a problem gets an investigation. How reports land on this sheet.
Guide Paid for this repair before a recall covered it? How recall reimbursement works
Other problems on this car
- "Shift to Park" or "Service Shifter" warning comes on 269 reports
- Engine stalls or loses power while driving 258 reports
- Service 4WD light or power transfer unit (PTU) failure 224 reports
- Multiple warning lights come on at once 107 reports
- Brakes grind, pulse or wear early 93 reports
- "Service Transmission" message or wrench light comes on 90 reports
- Transmission shudders, slips or shifts hard 87 reports
- Infotainment, screen or backup camera fails 81 reports
- Check engine light or misfire 62 reports
- Burns oil or oil level rises 51 reports
- Battery dies or the car will not start 46 reports
- Airbag warning light or recall 31 reports
- Traction control or StabiliTrak light comes on 30 reports
- Wheel bearing, tires or wheels 25 reports