My jeep stalled while attempting to accelerate from a stopped position at a stop light at a busy intersection on or around June/July 2026. The car remained on, the gear shifts were moveable, but the vehicle would not move despite pressing on the gas. I scheduled a tow. After ten minutes, it randomly accelerated about a block before stalling again. This continued about two more times as I tried to get the vehicle out of the middle of the road. The car then overheated and I was able to park it a few blocks away at my mom's house. In August/September 2026, I had the car towed to Complete Automotive, and Corwin Jeep for inspections. Progressive Insurance also inspected the issue and ruled out any residual effects from a 1.25.25 parked car front end hit and run collision. Complete Auto found an empty coolant reservoir, oil and coolant leaks, drive belt issues, PTU code, and warning light indicators; Corwin found PTU code and recommended a transfer case. The exact cause remains unknown. The vehicle has had ongoing hose and overheating issues since the day of purchase in 2018; and has underwent hose and radiator replacements that have not seemed to properly fix the issues surrounding sloshing noises, shuddering, shaking, grinding, intermittent lightening, brake fluid, oil, and coolant leaks, and overheating and engine light. Immediately before the vehicle stalled, there were no warning lamps; those messages indicating overheating lit up while attempting to move myself and the car to safety. The unexpected loss of propulsion presents a serious collision risk, especially in traffic, in rush hour at a busy intersection. The recurring overheating and coolant loss also create risk of sudden failure while driving, which has happened on a busy highway requiring repairs. These problems and safety risks have continued despite substantial repairs and repeated dealership inspections. The vehicle remains inoperable awaiting repairs at the Corwin Jeep Dealership.
2016 Jeep Cherokee: check engine light
125 of the 1,415 complaints about the 2016 Jeep Cherokee describe check engine light.
- owner complaints
- 125
- of this car's complaints
- 9%
- typical repair cost reported
- $1,200
- typical mileage
- 46,000
- recalls
- 0
Check engine light by model year
What owners say
The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving 55 MPH, the vehicle was leaking fluid. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed, and it was determined the cause was the PTU and transmission, and there were metal flakes inside the transmission. The contact was informed that the PTU needed to be removed for the repair. The dealer advised the contact not to drive the vehicle. The dealer informed the contact that the check engine warning light was not illuminated, and the repair was not covered under warranty. The vehicle was towed to the residence. There was an abnormal burning odor before the failure. The customer service was contacted by phone. Upon research, the contact became aware of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 23V302000 (Power Train). The approximate failure mileage was 102,900.
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.
Transmission, yes it’s available for inspection I was on the highway driving approximately 70 MPH going up hill, and my car starts to downshift and lose power on a high traffic highway without warning no lights flickered or anything Yes it was seen by dodge dealership No it was not inspected by the manufacturer or others No, The check engine came on Approximately 15 minutes AFTER the failure. so no warning before it started to downshift so I could pull over!
Vehicle started making growling noise. Engine light and 4wd lights came on. Transfer case has been diagnosed with damage.
Parking brake module and connector got major water damage. My mechanic found over four gallons of water under my spare tire compartment. After inspecting it he found the module and wires fried. While driving my parking brake light came on and by time I parked my parking brake would not disengage. Check engine light, parking brake light, and traction control light. My vehicle is currently with my mechanic and currently being looked at. He is still trying to find parts and find the cause of the water leak. This was a very dangerous situation that could have caused a major accident.
March 12th pulled in my drive way and put jeep in park took foot off break and jeep cut off. Also still having the issues where the gears will say to put car in P then it will switch to N, I will put in P then back to D or R and it works fine. I reported this several months ago also and since then it has done it about 3 or 4 more times but no stored messages or check engine light comes on.
The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while operating the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who replaced the drivetrain control module but later the message "Service Four Wheel Drive" was displayed. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer who diagnosed that the PTU needed to be replaced; however, the part was on backorder. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 23V302000 (POWER TRAIN). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 110,000.
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 the federal safety agency 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.
The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that after parking the vehicle at a gas station, the check engine and brake warning lights illuminated after restarting the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to accelerate after several attempts. A handheld scanner was used to retrieve a code for a failure with the parking brake. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where the failure was confirmed. The contact was informed that the parking brake module, actuator, and wiring needed to be replaced and that the vehicle should be taken to the dealer for the repair. The local dealer was notified of the failure and the contact was advised to have the vehicle towed in for a diagnostic test. The vehicle remained with the independent mechanic unrepaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 127,000. The VIN was not available.
The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the steering wheel became firm, with the traction, check engine, and battery warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the messages to “Service Transmission” and “Service Shifter” were displayed. The contact was forced to park on the side of the road and restart the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the vehicle was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the gear shifter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 130,000.
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
Service bulletins that may apply
- 2.4L Excessive Oil Consumption XB1 Warranty Extension The
- Service 4wd Light On, AWD System Service Required Message Illuminated
- Emissions Recall U90
- Water Quality When Mixed With Engine Coolant
- Emission Recall U90 Catalyst Efficiency
- WiTECH Small Leak Verification Test (SLVT)
- 2.4L Excessive Oil Consumption XB1 Warranty Extension The
- Adapter
Related recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
Questions about the 2016 Jeep Cherokee check engine light
Is check engine light a common problem on the 2016 Jeep Cherokee?
125 of 1,415 owner complaints about the 2016 Jeep Cherokee (9%) mention check engine light. The model year with the most reports is 2014.
How much does it cost to fix check engine light on the 2016 Jeep Cherokee?
Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $1,200 (median of 10 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 2016 Jeep Cherokee?
There are 0 recalls and 63 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.
Other symptoms on the 2016 Jeep Cherokee
Stalling 148Loss of power 90Warning lights 90Jerking 59Oil consumption 50Won't shift 42Hesitation 33Grinding brakes 30Won't start 24Harsh shifting 23Adaptive cruise 20Engine failure 20Slipping 20Transmission failure 20Headlights 18Overheating 17No deployment 16Fire or smoke 16Misfire 15Water leak 15Steering lock-up 13Knocking 12Power steering loss 12Wipers 12Key fob 11Rollaway 8Brake failure 7Start-stop 7Fuel pump 6ABS 5Airbag light 5Screen failure 5Sudden acceleration 5
VIN decoder
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