2016 Jeep Cherokee Transmission Problems
From NHTSA owner complaints and recalls. Updated Oct 17, 2026.
How common are transmission problems on the 2016 Jeep Cherokee?
632 owners have reported transmission problems on the 2016 Jeep Cherokee, 45% of all complaints for this year and the most reported problem area. Most reported problems happened at about 26,000–70,000 miles. 4 recalls cover this area.
632 complaints 45% of all 2016 complaints 49,000 miles typical
Which parts fail
The specific part named in each complaint.
Mileage when it failed
Each dot is a complaint that gave a mileage (366 of 632). The amber line is the middle value.
When problems were reported
Transmission complaints by the year the problem happened.
Transmission complaints by Cherokee year
Related recalls
Automatic transmission
Can stallThe 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. 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.
Fix: FCA US LLC will notify owners, and dealers will perform a software update, free of charge. This recall expands previous recall number 20V-343.
Recall 23V302000 · Apr 2023Automatic transmission, Differential unit
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. 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.
Fix: 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.
Recall 20V343000 · Jun 2020Axle shaft
The left halfshaft may have been incorrectly manufactured causing it to fracture without warning. A fractured halfshaft may disconnect from the drive axle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the left halfshaft, free of charge. Chrysler's recall number is S38.
Recall 16V287000 · May 2016Axle shaft
The right halfshaft may have been incorrectly manufactured causing it to fracture without warning. A fractured halfshaft may disconnect from the drive axle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the right halfshaft, free of charge. Chrysler's recall number is S39.
Recall 16V284000 · May 2016Get an email when your 2016 Jeep Cherokee gets a new recall
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Other 2016 Jeep Cherokee problems
Common questions
What are common 2016 Jeep Cherokee transmission problems?
Complaints most often name the transfer case (4-WHEEL DRIVE), automatic transmission and axle shaft.
At what mileage do 2016 Jeep Cherokee transmission problems happen?
Most complaints that gave a mileage fell between about 26,000–70,000 miles. The middle value is about 49,000 miles.
Is there a recall for 2016 Jeep Cherokee transmission problems?
Yes: 23V302000, 20V343000, 16V287000, 16V284000. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if the work was done.
Which Cherokee year has the most transmission complaints?
The 2014 Cherokee, with 1,471 complaints.
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls databases. Complaints are unverified owner reports.