We own a 2016 Jeep Cherokee and have been experiencing ongoing issues with the transmission and acceleration. The vehicle will sometimes hesitate or lag when pressing the gas pedal. There are situations where you try to accelerate and the vehicle does not respond right away. This has created safety concerns while driving. There have been multiple instances where the vehicle did not move as expected when attempting to pull into traffic or accelerate from lower speeds. When you press the accelerator, you expect the vehicle to go, but instead there is a delay or lack of power. This has nearly resulted in accidents due to oncoming traffic. The problem happens most often at normal city / street speeds, especially when accelerating from a stop or at low speeds. The vehicle feels like it struggles to shift or deliver power. We have also noticed hesitation at higher speeds, but the main issue is during everyday driving. No crash has occurred, but the hesitation and inconsistent response make the vehicle feel unsafe and unreliable.
2016 Jeep Cherokee: hesitation when accelerating
33 of the 1,415 complaints about the 2016 Jeep Cherokee describe hesitation when accelerating.
- owner complaints
- 33
- of this car's complaints
- 2%
- typical mileage
- 46,800
- recalls
- 4
Hesitation when accelerating by model year
What owners say
The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle sputtered, jerked, and hesitated while depressing the accelerator pedal. The message "Service 4WD" was displayed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with an inoperable PTU actuator. The dealer was contacted and provided an estimate for the repair. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 81,900.
The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle hesitated while depressing the accelerator pedal. The failure persisted and the "Service 4WD" message was displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to a dealer to be diagnosed, and the vehicle was diagnosed with a defective power transfer unit. Upon investigation, the contact discovered the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 23V302000 (Power Train); which the contact linked to the failure. The contact searched the VIN and discovered that the vehicle was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 101,000.
The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while cold starting the vehicle and shifting to drive (D) or into reverse (R), the vehicle hesitated and then jolted into gear while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact stated that the "Service 4WD" warning light was illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving on the highway at an undisclosed speed, while depressing the accelerator pedal to overtake another vehicle, the vehicle hesitated before responding as needed. The contact stated that when the transmission shifted, there was a jolt, and the "Service 4WD" warning light illuminated. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 124,000.
Started hesitating and did it at random times. I had a tune up done and it continued. I thought it was the transmission and took it to the transmission shop and they didn’t find anything wrong with the transmission. Started losing power and hesitation became worse while in traffic. Now it’s hesitating while stopped at the traffic light and not accelerating when taking off from a complete stop and not accelerating while merging. I brought it to the dealership in Lakeport, Ca. 95453. When I brought it to them the start stop warning lights were lit up on the dash. The start stop feature is creating the problem. I’m being told by the dealership that they can’t disengage the start stop feature. This is a safety hazard and I’m concerned it’s going to create engine problems. Apparently it’s a nationwide issue. The start stop feature needs to be recalled and fixed.
The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle hesitated while depressing the accelerator pedal. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the contact was informed that an undisclosed module needed to be reprogrammed. The vehicle was then taken to another independent mechanic where a diagnostic test was performed, and the contact was informed that the PTU (Power Transfer Unit) and the blower motor needed to be repaired. Upon investigation, the contact discovered the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 23V302000 (Power Train) which was linked to the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was notified of the failure and scheduled an appointment. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 125,000.
After getting catalytic recall done my car has had delay and hesitation. The car is extremely hot underneath it and is loud while accelerating and idling. Have taken it back to the original dealership for the issue and they continue to say nothing is wrong.
The following happens approximately 2-3 times per month for the last 2 years: While accelerating, my vehicle jerks/stalls. Vehicle has not completely died but there is hesitation when resuming driving. I have taken it to Malless Automotive here in Indianapolis in June 2022 and December 2023. Technicians could not determine cause. Vehicle did not jerk/stall during test drives by technicians. No warning lights occur prior to incidents.
Car hesitation to accelerate and jerks when driving from a start . Took it to the dealer and they couldn’t get a code from issues. The issue happens sporadically but will be taking car back again to see if they can figure it out after next incident.
Ever since I bought this vehicle new in 2016 every once in a while it was like the transmission was skipping a gear. Today I was stopped at a red light and then excelerated(not heavily) to go.. and it seemed to keep slipping and would not pick up speed.. i had vehicles behind me so slowly moved over to the shoulder, put vehicle out of gear and then back into gear.. hesitated a bit and then went fine.. This was the scariest incident for me. only has 95000 kms. Checked ViN.. lots of power train issues.. but like the others.. my VIN has not been recalled.. I think this issue needs to be looked into .. with so many of the same complaints.
Sometimes when I mash the gas pedal to pull out from a stop it hesitates and doesn't move, then is sluggish when it does. This has happened often. It's dangerous.
Vehicle hesitates, vibrates, looses momentum, shutters, almost stalls when ac to touched since the day I bought it at napelton jeep in palm beach fla. I was told it’s a jeep thing. The engine roars to like like it’s fighting to start. A fan sound will go on and off non stop effecting the power and rpm’s. A loss of power happens and then the car goes back to normal after a completely shaking the cab vibrating and shuttering
Service bulletins that may apply
- D-26-20
- ID-26-40
- Service 4wd Light On, AWD System Service Required Message Illuminated
- MIL/check engine lamp comes on after performing U90 recall PCM software update.
- FCA Caribbean Warranty Bulletin ID-23-11 (XJ1) Power Transfer Unit (PTU)
- Customer Satisfaction Notification W20 Reprogram Powertrain Control Module
- Powertrain Control Module.
- Customer Satisfaction Notification W84 Powertrain Software Update
Related recalls
Power train: automatic transmission
- What is wrong
- 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
- A loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash. A loss of park function can cause an unintended vehicle rollaway which can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
- 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.
Recall number 23V302000 · Recall details
Power train: driveline: differential unit
- What is wrong
- 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
- A loss of drive can cause a vehicle crash without prior warning. A loss of the Park function can cause unintended vehicle rollaway which can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
- 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.
Recall number 20V343000 · Recall details
Power train: axle assembly: axle shaft
- What is wrong
- 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
- A fractured halfshaft may disconnect from the drive axle, increasing the risk of a crash.
- 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.
Recall number 16V284000 · Recall details
Power train: axle assembly: axle shaft
- What is wrong
- 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
- A fractured halfshaft may disconnect from the drive axle, increasing the risk of a crash.
- 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.
Recall number 16V287000 · Recall details
Questions about the 2016 Jeep Cherokee hesitation
Is hesitation when accelerating a common problem on the 2016 Jeep Cherokee?
33 of 1,415 owner complaints about the 2016 Jeep Cherokee (2%) mention hesitation when accelerating. The model year with the most reports is 2015.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 2016 Jeep Cherokee?
There are 4 recalls and 79 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.
Other symptoms on the 2016 Jeep Cherokee
Stalling 148Check engine light 125Loss of power 90Warning lights 90Jerking 59Oil consumption 50Won't shift 42Grinding 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
See the problems and recalls for an exact car
Buying a used 2016 Jeep Cherokee?
Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.
Check its history