2016 Jeep Cherokee: engine knocking or ticking

Filed Oct 29, 2025 · Transmission · 100,000 miles · TN

The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while attempting to shift the gear shifter, there was a loud knocking sound coming from the vehicle. The steering and transmission were slipping intermittently. The Service 4WD warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who determined that the battery cable was faulty and needed to be replaced. The battery cables were replaced. The failure persisted, and the vehicle was returned to the dealer, who diagnosed that the Power Transfer Unit (PTU) had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer stated that the repair was not covered under a recall or under warranty, despite having unlimited coverage. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and opened a case. The manufacturer confirmed that the repair was not covered under recall or warranty. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

Filed Nov 21, 2024 · Engine · NJ

I own a 2016 Jeep Cherokee, and I’ve experienced significant engine issues that seem to be a common problem among other owners. The vehicle initially developed a ticking noise, which I was told was due to an oil change issue (first too little oil, then too much). The problem escalated quickly—leading to misfiring, bucking, excessive fuel consumption, and eventually a complete loss of power. After consulting multiple auto shops, the root cause was identified as premature failure of the lifters, rocker arms, and camshaft. I’ve been informed that all 24 lifters and rocker arms need replacement. The cost for repairs is quoted at $4,200, which is financially burdensome. Through my research, I’ve learned this is a recurring issue for Jeep owners and have even found references to class action lawsuits for similar problems. This indicates that the issue may be widespread and systemic. I urge the federal safety agency to investigate these complaints to determine whether this failure meets the criteria for a recall. Many Jeep owners, including myself, would benefit from a recall or repair cost reimbursement due to the significant financial and safety impacts of this issue.

Filed Nov 4, 2024 · Transmission · NC

The power transfer unit (ptu), yes it is available to look at. It's making grinding and knocking noise, it could come out of park on its on. Yes it has been seen by car dealer shop and confirmed its the power transfer unit (ptu). Yes its been looked at and hooked up to a machine by dealership, and a garage that found it first. Yes, the service 4wd light came on that's why we to it to garage to be checked and that's when they told me about the power transfer unit (ptu) was out. I took it to dealership and they confirmed it and they're was recalls on on the power transfer unit (ptu) just not on mine

Filed Feb 26, 2024 · Engine · AA

The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, she heard an abnormal ticking sound emanating from the engine compartment. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that the vehicle needed an oil change. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred, after which the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed failures with the lifters and cam shaft, resulting in a misfire in cylinder #5. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was unknown.

Filed Jan 18, 2023 · Engine · IN

My 2016 jeep Cherokee Limited which has the 2.4 L Tiger Shark engine is failing miserably. There is a extremely obvious ring around the entirety of the engine block. The manifold gasket has failed. The head gasket has never been removed by myself or by a jeep dealership who had my authority to do so. The indicator lights on my vehicle still have not illuminated other than alerting in me I had a faulty water pump which had to be replaced at 75k miles. The OEM thermostat is plastic. Not metal as it should be considering the elevated temp produced by 2.4 L Tiger Shark engine. That engine has destroyed the gasket. The damage started at the right hand side”opposite of oil opening” about the middle of the gasket head. My vehicle was serviced by jeep multiple times at Napleton’s JDR in West Palm Beach and the Jeep dealership in Greenwood Indiana. No one brought to my attention that I should have them investigate that. Instead alerted me to my windshield wipers needing to be replaced, Mind you a had done that the month prior from the same dealership. I question now why the engine was so very deeply cleaned when I purchased it and they even cleaned it twice in the days between me seeing and picking up the vehicle. They are aware of this. They were doing the oil changes. I asked how the oil was they always just said a bit low and never mentioned it unless asked. My next statement will be the now knocking pinging pistons. Mind you this Tiger Shark engine lifters/pistions are put in motion by OIL PRESSURE. Strangely the same problem Tiger Shark 2.4L is known for. No wonder so many people complain of there cars becoming immobilized when oil is beyond low. This is a very expensive fix. They knew it. Jeep would bankrupt if they had to either fix every single 2,4 L Tiger Shark engine and likely the multi air flow ones also. When I’m truth they should be totally replaced a blow head gasket and full engine tear down to replace lifters, head gasket+seal piston rings, spark plugs…

Filed Aug 23, 2020 · Airbags, Engine · 155,000 miles · NM

Was turning left and vehicle shut off midturn was nearly rear ended took jeep in shop didn't fix was still under warranty also was driving when all jeep instrument warning lights came on and lost all power coasted to a stop restarted, shifting became sluggish motor started knocking took to shop to get fix spend over 2000 bucks to get fix now they want 7000 bucks for engine

Filed Nov 17, 2019 · Transmission · 62,903 miles · WV

While driving on a highway with a speed limit of 65 MPH and heavy traffic, all of the sudden my vehicle would not shift out of 3rd gear. Once I reached around 40mph and tried to accelerate I felt knock and shaking. The engine would continue to rev, however no acceleration or shifting would happen. It begins to sputter and feels as thought the vehicle is going to shut off.

Filed Oct 8, 2019 · Driver assistance, Engine · 35,000 miles · NY

While drive the power shifter messaged appeared, every time I turned the car off the light would go off then while driving would come back on effecting the way the vehicle drove. Took to the dealership replace a sensor now my engine is knocking and hard shifting. I kept up on oil changes and other maintenance the care is only at 44k for the miles.

Filed Aug 26, 2019 · Engine, Transmission · 50,000 miles · MA

Bought this car at 17k miles and now have 50k. 10k before the warranty runs out and dealer will only address this issue if the vehicle will show this issue at the time it is at the dealer. Issue is unpredictable. Car jerks hard from first to second gear, almost as if you have been rear ended. Car has trouble shifting to higher speed upon entering the highway. There is also a pronounced "ticking" noise when engine is running/idle

Filed May 30, 2019 · Transmission · 45,000 miles · CA · 1 injury

There is a loud metallic knock when shifting gears from reverse to drive and vis versa. This is followed by a delay in acceleration which jolts the car unexpectedly that almost caused an accident.

Filed Apr 16, 2018 · Transmission · 29,896 miles · UT

My 2016 jeep cherokee has less than 30000 miles on it. It shifts extremely rough from neutral to drive. The engine has a loud ticking at idle.

Filed Mar 28, 2017 · Transmission · 14,000 miles · TX · 1 injury

My wife and I bought a jeep cherokee just about a year ago. We have had it in the shop three times for rolling after the car is put in park. Just last saturday (25 march) my wife was getting out of the car at our daughters softball game and the car rolled backwards knocking her to the ground almost rolling over her. The vehicle engine was not running. She had to go to the doctor and receive treatment.