"2.4L Excessive Oil Consumption XB1 Warranty Extension The customer may describe one or more of the following: ● Oil pressure low indicator lamp illumination between oil changes. ● Excessive oil consumption. This bulletin involves performing an oil consumption verification test and possibly replacing the long block."
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2016 Jeep Cherokee engine problems
moderate Owners of the 2016 Jeep Cherokee have filed 137 NHTSA complaints about the engine, typically surfacing around 41,000 miles at roughly $3,100 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See engine across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
137
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
| Model year | engine complaints |
|---|---|
| 2014 Cherokee | 168 |
| 2015 Cherokee | 130 |
| 2016 Cherokee (this page) | 137 |
| 2017 Cherokee | 104 |
| 2018 Cherokee | 73 |
| 2019 Cherokee | 183 |
| 2020 Cherokee | 19 |
1crash
1fire
When does it fail?
Of the 137 engine complaints filed for the 2016 Jeep Cherokee, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 25,000-50,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Owners have filed 137 engine complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Among the 8 model years of Jeep Cherokee in our records for engine problems, this one ranks #3 by owner-complaint volume.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering engine on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
"Start Stop Charging Warning Lamp Illuminated On, Intelligent Battery Sensor (IBS) State of Charge (SOC) Inaccurate, Battery Charging Message, Presence of IBS related Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), or Battery Warning Lamp On "
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Service 4wd Light On, AWD System Service Required Message Illuminated. Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) C14A7-97 PTU Motor Component Or System Operation Obstructed Or Blocked, Set.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Emissions Recall U90 - Catalyst Efficiency
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Water Quality When Mixed With Engine Coolant
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2.4L Tiger Shark engine in the 2016 Jeep Cherokee burns oil at rates of 1 quart per 1,000 miles or higher, causing oil levels to fall sharply between scheduled service intervals. When oil drops below a critical threshold, the engine shuts down automatically while the vehicle is in motion—without warning lights or advance notice—to prevent engine damage. Owners report losing all power (steering, brakes, acceleration) mid-turn or on roadways, creating serious collision risks. The automatic shutdown feature exists but is not communicated to buyers at point of sale.
Dealers confirm this is a "known issue" and respond by instructing owners to monitor oil manually every 1,000–1,500 miles. Software updates and oil consumption tests (1,000-mile monitoring intervals) are offered but do not fix the underlying problem. Jeep/FCA acknowledges approximately 70% of 2.4L engines are affected but has not issued a recall specifically for stalling or shutdown events.
Beyond oil consumption, owners report premature failure of internal components—lifters, rocker arms, camshaft, cylinder compression—at 33,000–88,000 miles, causing misfiring, rough idle, power loss, and ticking noises. Full engine replacement is sometimes required at costs of $4,200–$12,500. Head gasket failures, coolant loss, and plastic oil filter housing seal leaks are also documented. One vehicle caught fire while parked unoccupied at 127,000 miles; the cause was undetermined but fire originated in the engine bay.
Same Jeep Cherokee engine reports on nearby years: 2014 · 2015 · 2017 · 2018 · 2019
Failure modes owners describe
Excessive oil consumption and low-oil engine shutdown
The 2.4L Tiger Shark engine burns oil at abnormally high rates (typically 1 quart per 1,000 miles or worse), causing oil levels to drop below safe thresholds between scheduled maintenance intervals. When oil runs dangerously low, the engine automatically shuts off while the vehicle is in motion as a protective measure, with no advance warning to the driver.
When: Begins as early as 4,100–5,000 miles after purchase; recurring throughout ownership, typically 3,000–5,000 miles between refills or service intervals
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stalls without warning while driving at any speed; Loss of all power (steering, brakes, acceleration) when shutdown occurs; Dashboard message 'Shift to Park, then desired gear' or 'Charging System' warning appears after stall; No oil pressure warning light illuminates before shutdown; Dipstick shows little to no oil despite recent oil change or within manufacturer service interval; Vehicle restarts after 2–15 minutes or once oil is added
Codes mentioned: P0303 (Cylinder #3 Misfire), Low oil pressure shutdown trigger (no specific DTC; feature-based)
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers perform oil consumption tests (typically 1,000 mile intervals) but offer no permanent fix. Owners instructed to check oil every 1,000–1,500 miles and top off. Some dealers recommend PCM software updates (with mixed results). No engine internal repair or replacement offered under standard warranty unless consumption exceeds 1 quart per 1,000 miles during test period.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Jeep/FCA acknowledges high oil consumption as a 'known issue' affecting approximately 70% of 2.4L Tiger Shark engines across multiple models. Recall W90 (oil consumption/emission system repair) and recall U90 (exhaust manifold) mentioned but not confirmed to resolve stalling or shutdown events. Manufacturers state this is normal and acceptable behavior to protect the engine; no recall issued specifically for stalling or unintended shutdown. Extended warranty coverage not offered for affected owners.
Premature internal engine failure (lifters, rocker arms, camshaft, cylinders)
Engine internal components—lifters, rocker arms, camshaft, and cylinder compression—fail prematurely, often related to low-oil-driven wear or contaminated/overheated oil. These failures trigger misfires, rough idle, power loss, and in some cases require full engine replacement.
When: 33,000–88,000 miles; some cases reported under 35,000 miles on the odometer
Symptoms owners cite: Ticking or clicking noise from engine compartment; Misfiring (typically cylinder #3 or #5 identified by diagnostics); Engine shaking or vibration while accelerating or at idle; Rough or erratic idle; Loss of power or difficulty accelerating; Check engine light illuminates; Backfiring; abnormal burning odor; Bucking or surging during operation
Codes mentioned: P0303 (Cylinder #3 Misfire), P0305 (Cylinder #5 Misfire), Low compression detected in specific cylinders
Repairs/costs cited: Spark plug replacement attempted first; fuel injector cleaning performed in some cases. When lifter/rocker arm/camshaft failure confirmed, full engine replacement quoted at $4,200–$12,500, depending on whether dealership or independent shop performs work and whether labor-only or complete engine assembly. Oil filter housing seal replacement mentioned in one case ($cost unknown). Cylinder wall damage may be irreversible.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Jeep/FCA provides new engine under warranty only after oil consumption test proves excessive burning (>1 quart per 1,000 miles) or under extended goodwill programs. One owner reported FCA agreed to supply new engine if owner paid labor costs. Most cases report no manufacturer assistance or recall coverage.
Head gasket and manifold gasket failure
Head gasket and exhaust manifold gasket fail prematurely, causing external oil ring/visible leakage around engine block, coolant loss, and overheating. Plastic OEM thermostat cited as inadequate for the engine's elevated operating temperatures.
When: Onset timing not always specified; one case reports gasket damage started mid-life of the head gasket
Symptoms owners cite: Visible oil ring around engine block; Coolant loss without visible external leak; Engine overheating; Stuttering or poor start behavior after overheating; Abnormal burning odor
Repairs/costs cited: One narrative describes required repair: head gasket replacement, piston ring replacement, lifter replacement, and full engine teardown. Cost not cited. Oil change and basic service insufficient to address root cause.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall U90 (Emissions Recall—exhaust manifold) mentioned in one complaint but owner reports dismissal at dealership service. Recall W90 also referenced as potentially addressing coolant loss but adequacy questioned by owner. No definitive response from manufacturer regarding head gasket replacement coverage.
Limp mode / reduced power and transmission service warnings
Engine enters limp mode or reduced power state, often triggered by oil-related shutdown logic or sensor faults. Transmission 'Service' warning appears; vehicle loses acceleration and becomes difficult to drive at highway speeds. Recovery requires turning vehicle off and waiting extended periods.
When: Varies; reported at 30,000–111,000 miles; often triggered after short driving intervals or during highway operation
Symptoms owners cite: Engine light comes on; Transmission 'Service' warning on dashboard; Acceleration severely reduced (capped at ~30 MPH); Loss of power on hills or highways; Difficulty merging or maintaining speed; Vehicle limps home or requires extended coasting/recovery time; Hard steering wheel (power steering reduction)
Codes mentioned: Transmission service codes (specific codes not consistently reported)
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers unable to replicate problem or identify root cause in most cases. Software/PCM updates attempted with mixed or no success. One case mentioned power transfer unit replacement as solution, though unconfirmed by manufacturer.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturers claim inability to diagnose without replicating the failure. PCM software updates offered as provisional fix. One case reports manufacturer stated vehicle not covered under recall campaign 20V343000 (Power Train).
Misfire and engine knock / pinging (oil-related)
Engine misfires, knocks, and pings, attributed by owners to the 2.4L's oil-pressure-dependent lifter system running low on oil or the engine running too hot due to design/thermostat inadequacy. Occurs during normal operation or in cold weather after extended parking.
When: Throughout ownership; cold starts in freezing conditions (30°F or below) noted in one case
Symptoms owners cite: Knocking or pinging sound from engine; Rough acceleration; Misfiring cylinders; Engine shaking; Loss of horsepower; Backfiring
Codes mentioned: P0303, P0305 (Misfire codes as secondary symptom)
Repairs/costs cited: Oil level check and refill attempted first. If misfiring persists, spark plugs, ignition coils, and fuel injectors inspected/replaced without resolving issue in some cases.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None explicitly stated; dealer responses range from 'fill oil' to 'air in the system causing normal behavior after oil service.' No manufacturer guidance on thermostat replacement or engine redesign.
Plastic oil filter housing seal failure
Plastic oil filter housing seal fails, causing oil leakage and loss of oil pressure. Contributing to overall oil loss problem.
When: Approximately 58,000 miles (one confirmed case)
Symptoms owners cite: Oil stains on ground; Abnormal burning odor; Potential low oil pressure warning
Repairs/costs cited: Plastic seal replaced with new seal (material type not specified in narrative).
Coolant and transmission fluid mixing (internal gasket breach)
Internal failure of gaskets or seals allows transmission fluid to mix with coolant, indicating head gasket or internal seal breach. Renders vehicle unsafe to drive.
When: Approximately 138,000 miles (one case)
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stalls without warning; Check engine light illuminates; Mechanic warns vehicle is unsafe to drive
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle not repaired; owner feared to drive due to safety concerns.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer confirmed vehicle not under any active recall.
Auto stop/start malfunction and full engine shutdown at idle
Auto stop/start feature malfunctions, causing engine to shut off fully when vehicle comes to a stop (beyond normal auto stop operation). Vehicle loses all electrical power and requires physical shift to Park and push of starter button to restart.
When: Recurring; reported at various mileages
Symptoms owners cite: Engine shuts off completely at traffic light or stop sign; No power steering or electrical systems while shutdown; Dashboard warning 'AutoStop not available' appears; Vehicle requires manual restart via button; Shaking and misfiring noted in some cases during shutdown sequence
Repairs/costs cited: Owners manually disable auto stop feature to prevent recurrence. Dealer unable to replicate or diagnose issue.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented.
Engine fire
Vehicle catches fire while parked unoccupied. Origin believed to be front engine compartment area; cause undetermined.
When: Approximately 127,000 miles; fire occurred at 3 AM while vehicle parked and unoccupied
Symptoms owners cite: Loud popping sound from engine compartment; Flames visible in engine bay; Fire spread to adjacent parked vehicle; Total loss of vehicle and neighboring vehicle
Repairs/costs cited: Both vehicles towed and condemned as total loss. Fire department extinguished; police report status unknown.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer not made aware of the failure at time of complaint.
Synthesized from 137 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
Vehicle engages emergency break and service transmission while in motion'reducing the speed to 0. It forces a restart and once the restart is done vehicle will make abrupt sounds while shifting gears. Steering will become stiff and vehicle will do this on regular street road or highway making it dangerous. Once vehicle is restarted a few times sensors clear out. It's become unsafe to drive.
This is in regards to my 2016 Jeep cherokee latitude. In the last 4 days my car how just completely shut off 3 times on 12/23/18, 12/26/18 and 12/27/18, while I was driving, probably would have been 4 times but I didn't drive on christmas day. The first 2 times it happened I was leaving my work parking lot driving no more than 10-15 MPH. Today 12/27 my car shut off while I was stopped at a stop…
Had engine trouble with your 2016 Jeep Cherokee?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the engine problem on the 2016 Jeep Cherokee?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 137 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $3,100 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Across the 101 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most engine failures cluster between 28,000 and 58,215 miles, with the median around 41,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 28,000; a quarter make it past 58,215. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $3,100 for engine repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to engine?
No active recalls currently cover engine issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2016/Jeep/Cherokee.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.