2016 Jeep Cherokee: misfire or rough idle

Filed Feb 23, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · SC

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.

Filed Feb 11, 2026 · Engine · 58,000 miles · PA

The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle jerked abnormally with an abnormal burning odor coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and was diagnosed with a misfire in cylinder #5. The fuel injectors were cleaned, and the spark plugs and filters were replaced. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, the contact became aware that there were oil stains on the ground, and the abnormal odor was still coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the plastic oil filter housing seal had failed. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 58,000.

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 Apr 11, 2024 · Transmission · 77,000 miles · NJ

The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the engine had a misfire and revved up before shifting into gear. There were no warning lights illuminated. The service shifter, Service 4-WD, traction control, and parking brake messages were displayed. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer and was not repaired. The contact referenced the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 20V343000 (Power Train) as a possible solution however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 77,000.

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 Feb 18, 2021 · Engine, Fuel system · 35,500 miles · AE

Vehicle was driving on the high way, 70mph, for 20 mins, exited the highway to 40 MPH and engine began making a rattling sound, shaking, backfiring, and acceleration became difficult, loss of horse power. Drove to nearest parking lot. Continues to misfire while in neutral and at idle. Turned off the engine for 5 mins. Restarted the car and the engine light came on. Car continued to make noises, back fire and idle poorly. Towed to a shop. Codes were identified in cylinder #3 spark plugs were checked to be fine, coils were checked to be fine, and cylinder #3 continued to so error codes. Car was left to have fuel pump injector checked. The fuel injector was not affected. Cylinder #3 was found to have no pressure and not operating. The vehicle has been "burning" oil, and needed to have oil checked on a weekly basis, oil changed on a by monthly schedule and if it was ever close to measuring low on the dipstick the automatic engine shutdown would disable the vehicle while it was in motion. The car is undriveable and now the fear is that the "burning" of the oil has damaged the engine cylinder beyond repair. We've been advised to replace the engine for a cost of $12,500 at only 35,000 miles.

Filed Dec 8, 2020 · Engine · 36,399 miles · PA

The jeep has 36.4k miles. When I drive the car is overheating and shoots all the way hot into the red and then cools down, then goes up again. It happened 4 times in 15 min. We filled it with antifreeze. There is no leak. The dealer couldn't find a problem but my mechanic says it's an engine defect that chrysler needs to fix. It also has a cylinder misfire that I have had to have fixed by chrysler twice in september and december because it chugs when I start the car and at stop lights. The check engine light comes on. They say it's bad spark plugs. I only drive about 14 miles a day.

Filed Aug 4, 2020 · Engine · 68,000 miles · MA

Tl* the contact owns a 2016 jeep cherokee. The contact stated that the vehicle experienced rough idling. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to quirk chrysler dodge jeep ram (830 plain st, marshfield, ma 02050) to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that cylinder number 3 failed and that the engine needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously taken to an independent mechanic and was diagnosed that low compression on cylinder number 3 showed internal failure with dtc number: p0303 (cylinder #3 misfire). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 68,000.

Filed Mar 5, 2020 · Electrical, Engine · 52,324 miles · AL

The service shifter light keeps coming on. With that..the lights next to the park, drive, neutral and drive letters all turn red. I'm taking it to a dealership this saturday and I know that it will cost me. I had my two kids in the car 1 and 3 years old when it happened. My car was parked overnight in my garage because it's been raining all week and I didn't want to get out into the rain to let my two kids inside. I drove it about a mile down the road when this problem started. I read that this is a reoccurring problem with this vehicle that a lot of people are having. Some say the problem gets worse like the vehicle shuts down while driving and others say they have to keep paying to have it 'fixed' but the problem with keep happening. Also my vehicle had a misfire on the 2nd cylinder and my vehicle kept jerking two weeks prior to this incident but we also paid to get that 'fixed'. I got this vehicle because I needed something reliable to drive my family around in and it's causing me more headache and now I have to worry if my kids are safe to ride with me in it.

Filed Feb 5, 2020 · Electrical, Transmission · 23,000 miles · TX

We have taken our jeep in countless times since obtaining it brand new in 2016 for a service shift issue. They replaced our thermostat the first time then wiring harness to the transmission/bcm the second time since then the dealership has stated with out a check engine light not to worry about this issue. Every time it happens our jeep heats up past 220 degrees and starts to run rough.

Filed Nov 13, 2019 · Engine · 88,000 miles · MD

Tl* the contact owns a 2016 jeep cherokee. While the vehicle was stationary, it stalled and an abnormal clicking noise was heard. The contact mentioned that the check engine indicator illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the contact was informed that the engine was misfiring. The vehicle was taken to another independent mechanic where the contact was informed that he could not repair the vehicle because the failure was a manufacturer issue. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer for diagnostic testing or repairs. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and recommended the vehicle be taken to a dealer. The failure mileage was 88,000.

Filed Jul 8, 2019 · Engine, Fuel system · 60,000 miles · FL

2016 jeep cherokee limited fwd, misfiring and shaking began while stopped at traffic light and while driving afterwards for 1/2 mile. Automatic start/stop was on. Pulled off road and turned engine off and let set for 1-hour. Restarted vehicle and began shaking and misfiring again. This time engine light came on and start/stop system warning came on. Shut vehicle off again and let sit for 30 minutes. Started vehicle again and put in reverse, drove for a few minutes and vehicle began shaking and misfiring again while going through the shifting sequence. Drove it to a dealership and it did this the entire way, approximately 10 miles. No matter what speed I was driving it was still happening. The shaking/misfiring seemed to subside a little when A/C was not in use. In addition to other warning lights coming on, service-shifter light came on while making a right-hand turn.