2016 Jeep Cherokee: loss of power steering

Filed Apr 2, 2026 · Engine, Steering · 65,000 miles · PA

The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds, the message “4WD/Pull Over” was displayed, and the Low Oil warning light was intermittently illuminated. The contact became aware of the warning lights after receiving an oil change. Additionally, the oil level needed to be topped off after driving approximately 3,000 miles. While driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost power steering functionality, and it decelerated and stalled. The contact pulled over, turned off the vehicle, waited for several minutes, then made several attempts to restart the vehicle until the power steering functionality returned and was able to drive as intended. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and it was confirmed that the engine was consuming an excessive amount of oil, and that the oil level sensor was inoperable. The dealer reprogrammed the ECM, but failures persisted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.

Filed Jan 23, 2025 · Brakes, Electrical · MD

My vehicle continues to sporadically lose power steering, power and braking. “4wd temporarily disabled” light keeps coming on but then goes off. I have taken to dealer and they say it doesn’t throw a code and there is nothing they can do. It’s a safety issue. Other Jeep Cherokee years and models keep getting recalled but not mine. Mine needs to be recalled. Very dangerous.has been happening increasingly more often in last two months.

Filed Oct 3, 2024 · Steering · 96,000 miles · NY

The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while operating the vehicle, the vehicle lost power steering functionality, causing the steering wheel to become very difficult to turn in either direction. During the failure the check engine warning light, PCM warning light, and traction control warning were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the power steering pump and rack and pinion assembly were faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was later taken to the local mechanic and repaired. The manufacturer was not yet contacted. The failure mileage was 96,000. The VIN was not available.

Filed Jan 14, 2021 · Engine, Steering · 57,000 miles · HI

Engine cuts out with no warning when vehicle in motion. Immediate loss of steering, breaking, and power. Vehicle was travelling at 10-15 MPH following road to the right on a rise. Immediate risk of collision from following cars.

Filed Dec 22, 2020 · 76,000 miles · CO

Vehicle dies and you lose power steering and braking. Vehicle was being driven very slowly in a residential area when it would not accelerate and died. Power steering loss and brake loss makes it very hard to pull over. Dealership can't find anything wrong with it or duplicate the problem. This car is death trap and I would like the engine replaced. Or be able to get rid of it without paying a fortune. Also 2 days before this it stopped accelerating while going 50 pmh.

Filed Aug 18, 2020 · Engine · 49,275 miles · IN

When turning, left or right my 2016 jeep cherokee stalled. It emitted a ding sound and flashed the message 'shift gear to park first'. The battery light and check engine light illuminated and the engine shut itself off. I lost power steering and acceleration. It has happened 7 times since december 2019, sometimes multiple times a day. I suspect the oil level being low is the cause. But I have no indication that the oil level gets low.

Filed Jul 1, 2020 · Steering · 59,000 miles · MN

I was driving home in a residential neighborhood. My power steering unexpectedly cut out and the check engine, power steering and traction control light came on simultaneously. Because I could not control the car with the unexpected loss of power steering I drove off the road until I could brake. The vehicle was in motion as this occurred and going forward at a low rate of speed. The error appears to be around the electronic steering assist system. Brought to garage next morning via tow truck. Car was behaving normally. All warning lights off and steering functional. Shop checked grounds, power and a wiring harness and could not find the cause for the steering to cut out like it did as they could not replicate the issue. There were multiple error codes in the system regarding loss of communication with the electronic steering assist module. Due to the random nature of this incident and the inconclusive diagnostics I am very concerned that this can and will happen again and could cause a much more severe accident if I'm going highway speeds when the steering cuts out or driving in winter weather.

Filed Dec 27, 2019 · Acceleration, Brakes · 58,500 miles · FL · crash

Driving at night in the rain on the highway 60 MPH. Lost power steering, brakes, forward warning collision and other controls. Lost control of the vehicle crash into the embankment. Almost rolled the vehicle. Dealer stated steering modular failed and replaced steering rack and pinon system. Dealer stated 12 active computer codes shut down all of above functions. Dealer stated computer steering computer module failed causing steering and other functions to fail.

Filed Dec 7, 2019 · Acceleration, Brakes · 43,000 miles · MA

Engine shut off while vehicle in motion with foot on accelerator (traveling ~10mph). . Lost power steering and brakes. Notice appeared on dashboard about shifter. Tried to power engine back on to no avail. Waited a couple of minutes and vehicle was able to start again.

Filed Sep 6, 2019 · Engine · 35,200 miles · CT

While driving home on a city street at approx. 35mph, my 2016 jeep cherokee latitude lost power and shut off, stating "shift to p and then desired gear" and the battery light illuminated. There were no warnings before this occurred. The vehicle lost power steering and brakes, and was then hesitant to restart. After starting, the vehicle jumped forward a bit but would not properly drive, and was towed home and then ultimately to a dealer. The vehicle has been having transmissions issue and was also found to have a defective battery 3 weeks ago, so the safety concerns of this vehicle continue to grow. After researching, I learned this is an extremely common issue, often caused by low oil, or no cause found. There are high risks to life and property for a vehicle that will just shut down at will without any warning.

Filed Aug 1, 2018 · Transmission · 40,550 miles · NY

This evening I was driving my 2016 jeep cherokee when it suddenly lost power and I couldn't accelerate or adequately turn. I was beginning to accelerate after having been stopped at a traffic light and made a right hand turn. I was traveling between approximately 20 and 30 MPH when my vehicle lost power. My music continued to play, my digital screen housing the speed remained illuminated and I noticed the battery light was on. I did not notice a message on this screen but there could have been one. I was more focused on getting my vehicle off of the road since it was no longer moving. Luckily there was a parking lot approximately 20 feet ahead. I was able to coast my car into the parking lot. Steering was difficult but manageable. Once in the parking lot I placed the vehicle in park and turned the engine off. I waited a moment and attempted to turn it back on. The vehicle began to buck/shake and made a noise as if it was trying to start but not able to. The digital monitor flickered on and finally the engine turned over and the vehicle was running. I left it running for several minutes and then turned the engine off. The vehicle restarted with no problems and was able to make it back to my home approximately 20 miles from where this occurred. This was terrifying. What would I have done if I was on an interstate or highway and traffic was heavy? After this incident and prior to filing this complaint, I researched this problem and have found several videos on youtube showing exactly what I experienced. I have also read complaints on various forums (one titled jeep forum) describing the situation I experienced. I do not feel this vehicle is safe or can be trusted with my life or others. This needs to be investigated.

Filed Jan 24, 2018 · Brakes, Electrical · 20,673 miles · VT

"takata recall" I have had my car looked at a couple times for the same issues and no luck getting it fixed. While driving on both highway and regular roads I will get a warning chime and all of a sudden my service parking brake, ABS, traction control, and four wheel drive- overheated lights come on. I then lose power steering, the steering wheel becomes very stiff and the brakes stop working. It is very scary especially in the winter time, to not be able to control your vehicle. I am pregnant and have a 2 year old child and do not want this jeep anymore unless fixed. I have done research and it seems that people with the same jeep even different years have had the same issue. Please help! This always happens when the vehicle is in motion. I have many of the same images just all different days this has happened to me. I will attach and image below. As stated this has happened multiple times not just one day. Thank you.