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 Sep 19, 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
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.
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 and remedy
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.
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 and remedy
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.
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 and remedy
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.
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 and remedy
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.
NHTSA investigations into the transmission and drivetrain on the Cherokee
Sudden acceleration. Closed sep 10, 2002.
NHTSA summary
Driveshaft/univ.joint fail. Closed nov 25, 1994.
NHTSA summary
Driveshaft/univ.joint fail. Closed oct 29, 1993.
NHTSA summary
Fires caused by cltch lk. Closed jan 28, 1988.
NHTSA summary
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.
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.
Other problems on this car
- Engine stalls or loses power while driving 258 reports
- Multiple warning lights come on at once 107 reports
- Brakes grind, pulse or wear early 93 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