Flash: Powertrain Control Module (PCM) Updates This bulletin involves reprogramming the PCM with the latest available software. Customers may experience a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illumination. Upon further investigation the technician may find one or more of the following DTCs:P2610 - PCM Internal Engine Off Timer Performance. U1504 - Implausible Message Data Length Received From Steering Angle Sensor. U1424 - Implausible Engine Torque Signal Received DTC False Failure. P2097 - Downstream Fuel Trim System 1 Rich DTC Calibration Robustness Improvement. P2099 - Downstream Fuel Trim System 2 Rich DTC Calibration Robustness Improvement. U0402 - Implausible Data Received. B10EA - Blower
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2016 Jeep Cherokee steering problems
severe Owners of the 2016 Jeep Cherokee have filed 53 NHTSA complaints about the steering, typically surfacing around 50,000 miles at roughly $700 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See steering across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
53
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$700
| Model year | steering complaints |
|---|---|
| 2014 Cherokee | 118 |
| 2015 Cherokee | 59 |
| 2016 Cherokee (this page) | 53 |
| 2017 Cherokee | 45 |
| 2018 Cherokee | 30 |
| 2019 Cherokee | 120 |
| 2020 Cherokee | 21 |
3crashes
1injury
When does it fail?
Of the 53 steering 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 53 steering 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.
No new NHTSA steering complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 6 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering steering 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.
Hands On Steering Wheel Message In EVIC
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Transmission Wiring Harness Repair Or Replacement For No Start Or Stiff Steering This bulletin involves inspecting the transmission wire harness and installing mastic patch. If rub through is visible replace wire harness. A small number of customers may experience a no start condition, stiff steering or a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illumination. Upon further investigation the technician may find the following Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs): · U0131 - Lost Communication With Power Steering Control Module. · U0100-00 - Lost Communication With ECM/PCM. · P0512-00 - Starter Request Circuit.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Flash: Heated Steering Wheel Temperature Enhancement Depending on vehicle architecture: This bulletin involves updating the Comfort Seat and Wheel Module (CSWM) software for the KL/UF vehicles or the Heated Seat Module (HSM) software for the W3/WK/WD/LD/LA & LX vehicles. A customer may describe that the heated steering wheel shuts off to soon, usually after 30 seconds and does not achieve satisfactory temperature. This is an intermittent condition and more noticeable at temps below 19.5°C (67.1°F).
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Flash: Heated Steering Wheel Temperature Enhancement Depending on vehicle architecture: This bulletin involves updating the Comfort Seat and Wheel Module (CSWM) software for the KL/UF vehicles or the Heated Seat Module (HSM) software for the **W3**/WK/WD/LD/LA & LX vehicles. A customer may describe that the heated steering wheel shuts off to soon, usually after 30 seconds and does not achieve satisfactory temperature. This is an intermittent condition and more noticeable at temps below 19.5°C (67.1°F).
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners report a cluster of critical failures in 2016 Cherokees that all boil down to loss of vehicle control. Most common: the engine dies mid-drive while turning, steering locks solid, and brakes go dead. Dashboard displays "Put Car in Park" or goes completely black. Restart takes multiple attempts and takes a few minutes. No check-engine codes show up, and dealers say they can't replicate it—yet owners report it happening repeatedly, sometimes on highways. One former mechanic with 40+ years experience saw his daughter's brand-new Cherokee (1,035 miles, 2 months old) have the lower control arm snap and steering knuckle break in half for no clear reason.
Power steering randomly quits during normal driving—wheel becomes immovable and the whole electrical system goes haywire. Separate complaint thread: if you tow one flat behind an RV, the front end wobbles violently unless you install a special wiring kit Jeep won't cover under warranty. The 4WD Power Transfer Unit fails with no fix available because parts are on permanent back order, yet Jeep won't expand the recall to cover all affected 2016s.
The engine burns oil like it's going out of business and the oil-level sensor doesn't trigger a warning until the pan's nearly empty—when it does, Jeep's software shuts everything down to "protect the engine," leaving you dead-stick in traffic. Shifter lights come on and gears lock solid. Parking brake activates by itself. One owner's dash caught fire after a loss-of-power event. Dealers consistently report "unable to replicate" and "no codes found," making these failures feel random and unfixable.
Same Jeep Cherokee steering reports on nearby years: 2014 · 2015 · 2017 · 2018 · 2019
Failure modes owners describe
Loss of engine power and steering lock while driving
Engine and electrical systems cut out mid-drive, steering locks up, and brakes lose power. Typically triggered by right turns or specific driving conditions. Dash displays 'Put Car in Park' message. Multiple restart attempts required to regain function. Owners report this occurs without diagnostic codes and dealerships cannot replicate or fix the issue.
When: Typically occurs within first 2-5 years; mileage varies from under 30k to over 70k miles
Symptoms owners cite: Complete loss of engine power while driving; Steering wheel locks up; Loss of brake power; Dashboard goes black or displays 'Put Car in Park' message; All warning lights illuminate then disappear; Vehicle stalls, particularly on right turns; Multiple restart attempts needed
Codes mentioned: Multiple error codes related to communication loss with electronic steering assist module, No codes present in many cases despite failure occurring
Repairs/costs cited: Dealerships unable to diagnose; owners report no permanent fixes. Some cases suggest excessive oil consumption contributing to shut-down logic designed to protect engine.
Power steering loss and loss of vehicle control
Power steering unexpectedly cuts out, steering wheel becomes very stiff and difficult to turn. Often accompanied by loss of braking ability and multiple warning lights (Check Engine, Power Steering, Traction Control, ABS, Service Parking Brake). Occurs during normal driving or turns. Electronic steering assist module communication failures documented.
When: Various mileage; reported as early as 1,000 miles and as late as 96k+ miles
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden loss of power steering; Steering wheel becomes extremely stiff; Loss of braking functionality; Check Engine, Power Steering, Traction Control, ABS lights illuminate simultaneously; Service Parking Brake light comes on; Vehicle becomes difficult or impossible to control; 4WD warning lights
Codes mentioned: Multiple error codes regarding loss of communication with electronic steering assist module, No codes detected in many cases
Repairs/costs cited: Power steering pump and rack-and-pinion assemblies replaced in some cases. Most cases remain unresolved. Shops unable to replicate issue or identify root cause.
Front-end wobble or death wobble during towing
Severe front-end wobble, shimmy, or oscillation occurs when vehicle is flat-towed behind a motorhome, typically triggered by turns or specific road conditions. Can occur at both highway and low speeds. Issue caused by power drain to steering system during towing without proper wiring kit. Jeep issued Service Bulletins and recall addendums but did not include wiring kit in warranty coverage.
When: Occurs during flat-towing operations; customers purchased before February 2016 service bulletin issued; wobble onset within 300+ miles of towing
Symptoms owners cite: Violent shaking of front end during turns while towing; Vehicle oscillates side to side; Steering wobble destabilizes towing vehicle (motorhome); Occurs at low speeds (20-25 mph) and highway speeds; Occurs after extended towing distances
Repairs/costs cited: Requires installation of MOPAR flat-tow wiring kit (Part No. 68321424AB or 68321424AA). Cost approximately $200-330 for parts and labor. Jeep issued Service Bulletin No. 08-022-16 and Service Procedure Notice S13.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Jeep issued Service Bulletin No. 08-022-16 (Feb 24, 2016) and Service Procedure Notice S13 requiring MOPAR flat-tow wiring kit (Part No. 68321424AB). Updated owner's manual to prohibit flat towing without this kit. However, Jeep refused to cover installation costs under warranty despite issuing the bulletin. Kit availability was extremely limited at time of issue.
Excessive engine oil consumption
Engine consumes abnormally high amounts of oil. Owners report oil dipstick does not reach bottom of pan or only extends halfway (measuring only 3 of 6 quarts). Low-oil condition triggers engine shut-down logic designed to protect engine, causing complete loss of power and vehicle control. Problem often manifests after oil change.
When: Reported from 5k to 65k+ miles; becomes apparent within months of ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Oil level drops rapidly (4 quarts consumed in 5,100 miles reported in one case); Low Oil warning light illuminates intermittently; Dipstick sensor inoperable or reads false; '4WD/Pull Over' warning displayed; Engine protective shut-down triggered during driving; Loss of power and vehicle control when oil level drops below dipstick sensor range
Codes mentioned: Low oil warning codes
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers have reprogrammed engine control module (ECM) without resolving issue. No permanent repair documented. Oil level sensor replacement and ECM recalibration attempted.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: 2019 Jeep Cherokee recalled for this problem. 2016 model not included in recall despite identical issue. Dealership awareness of problem confirmed but no official action taken for 2016 model year.
Service Shifter light and transmission shift lock
Service Shifter warning light illuminates with all gear indicators (P, R, N, D) lighting up in red. In some cases, vehicle shifts itself into Park while driving, causing sudden loss of power and control. Light may cycle on and off repeatedly. Vehicle locks into neutral or park and will not respond to shift commands.
When: Early in ownership; reported at low mileage (under 3k miles in one case); recurring issue
Symptoms owners cite: Service Shifter light comes on; All gear position lights (P, R, N, D, L) illuminate in red; Vehicle automatically shifts into Park while driving; Loss of vehicle control and power; Light remains on despite restarts; Vehicle must be turned off and restarted to reset
Repairs/costs cited: Reported defect in shifter mechanism. Repair covered under warranty in early cases. Plastic component identified as failure point in some instances.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Jeep acknowledged defect and repaired under warranty in at least one documented case. However, defect recurred after repair in same vehicle.
Power Control Unit (PTU) / Power Transfer Unit (PTO) failure in 4WD system
PTU/PTO on 4WD or Active Drive II equipped vehicles fails, displaying yellow '4WD Service' or 'Service 4WD' warning light that cycles on and off. If PTU completely fails, vehicle loses power to wheels creating imminent accident hazard. Replacement cost exceeds $3,000. Parts on back order due to widespread issue. Jeep issued recalls for 2014-2017 Cherokee but individual vehicles not always included in recall database.
When: Reported at 75k miles and other high-mileage vehicles; warning lights appear intermittently before complete failure
Symptoms owners cite: Yellow '4WD Service' or 'Service 4WD' warning light; Warning light cycles on and off; Internal PTO/PTU failure diagnosed; Potential for complete loss of wheel power if unit fully fails
Repairs/costs cited: Requires complete PTU/PTO replacement at cost over $3,000. Parts chronically on back order.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Recall 20V343 issued for 2014-2017 Jeep Cherokee PTU failure, but not all 2016 Cherokees are included in database despite being within affected model years and production dates. Jeep refuses to extend recall coverage.
Steering knuckle and lower control arm failure
Structural failure of front suspension components with vehicle very new and low mileage. Lower control arm snaps at ball joint mounting hole; steering knuckle breaks in two. Failure causes sudden loss of steering control and vehicle veers off road. One documented case involved 2-month-old vehicle with only 1,035 miles. Manufacturer declined responsibility despite inspection.
When: Extremely early in vehicle life; reported at 1,035 miles on 2-month-old vehicle
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle suddenly veers off road; Loss of steering control; Vehicle flips or slides; Structural fracture of lower control arm at ball joint; Steering knuckle breaks completely
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle declared total loss. Repair cost covered loss of vehicle value.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Chrysler inspected vehicle but declined to accept any responsibility despite documented structural failure at extremely low mileage.
Rear knuckle failure and death wobble
Rear suspension knuckles fail causing 'death wobble'—violent shaking in front end during driving. Rear knuckle bushings also deteriorate. Issue persists even after repair and replacement. Occurs at high mileage (170k+) but represents structural suspension failure.
When: Reported at 170,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Death wobble—violent front-end shaking; No warning lights; Steering instability
Repairs/costs cited: Rear knuckles and knuckle bushings replaced on first repair; failure recurred. Second repair attempt diagnosed need for additional rear knuckle and bushing replacement but repair not completed.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified but no action taken.
Front-end wobble or shimmy at acceleration or certain speeds
Vehicle exhibits front-end wobble, shimmy, or shake when accelerating from a stop or reaching speeds above 55 mph. On loose or slick pavement, wobble replicates wheel slip and causes driver to overcorrect steering and acceleration, creating accident risk. Likely related to suspension or steering geometry issues. Multiple tire replacements and wheel balancing do not resolve problem.
When: Occurs during acceleration and at speeds 55+ mph; ongoing throughout ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Front-end wobble or shimmy during acceleration; Shake intensifies at 55+ mph, ceases at 65+ mph; More pronounced on loose or slick pavement; Appears to mimic wheel slip; Causes driver to overcorrect steering and acceleration
Repairs/costs cited: Wheel alignment checked, tires replaced, tire balance verified—none resolved issue. Commonly referred to as 'Jeep shake' or 'death wobble' by owners. Repair cost $900-1,500 depending on shop.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall issued despite widespread occurrence across multiple Jeep model years.
Loose or defective steering wheel leather and blind spot monitor malfunction
Leather grip on steering wheel loose near center spokes, with leather wrapping pulled away from wheel. Loose leather catches fingers during normal steering operation, creating control hazard. Separately, passenger-side blind spot monitor mirror delivered non-functional from factory; driver-side has normal mirror.
When: Present from delivery
Symptoms owners cite: Loose leather wrapping on steering wheel at center spokes; Leather snagging on fingers causing dangerous control issues; Non-functioning blind spot mirror on passenger side
Repairs/costs cited: Factory defect requiring steering wheel replacement or leather repair.
Automatic parking brake engagement
Parking brake (emergency brake) engages or activates by itself while vehicle is being driven, parked, or towed. In some cases, brake will not release, trapping vehicle in gear. Vehicle may be towed with brake activated.
When: Occurs while towing, while parked, and while driving; low mileage reported (5,000 miles in one case)
Symptoms owners cite: Parking brake engages without driver input; Brake will not release; Vehicle locked in park gear; Unable to shift into other gears; Occurs 3+ times during normal parking brake use; Occurs while vehicle is being towed
Repairs/costs cited: Diagnosed as wiring harness issue requiring replacement; power steering module reprogramming also recommended.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified but repair not completed in documented case.
Electrical system failure and complete power loss
Complete electrical shutdown while driving. All lights, dashboard, engine control, steering, and braking systems lose power simultaneously. Vehicle becomes inoperable while in motion. Typically occurs during turns or specific maneuvers. Requires extended wait time (3-5 minutes) before vehicle can be restarted. Multiple complete shutdowns reported in same vehicle.
When: Varies from 30k to 66k+ miles
Symptoms owners cite: Complete electrical blackout; All dashboard lights go out; Engine shuts down mid-drive; Steering locks; Brakes fail; Vehicle cannot be restarted immediately; 3-5 minute wait required before restart; Multiple failures in same vehicle
Codes mentioned: No codes present in most cases, Battery light may illuminate before complete shutdown
Repairs/costs cited: No permanent repair identified. Dealerships unable to diagnose or replicate issue.
Instrument cluster failure and dashboard malfunction
Odometer intermittently flashes or goes dark. Dashboard lights flicker or illuminate erratically. EPS warning light comes on intermittently without clear cause.
When: Reported at 120k miles in one documented case
Symptoms owners cite: Odometer flashing; EPS warning light intermittent; Dashboard lights flashing
Codes mentioned: No error codes retrieved despite warning lights
Repairs/costs cited: Cause could not be determined by dealership.
Engine coolant system failure and overheating
Engine coolant fan fails to start automatically, causing vehicle to overheat. Overheating causes coolant hoses to burst and leak. Additionally, Service Shifter messages appear while driving with all gear lights illuminated.
When: Ongoing issue throughout ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Engine overheating; Coolant fan fails to engage; Coolant hoses burst; Coolant leaks; Service Shifter message displays while driving; All gear position lights (P, R, N, D, L) illuminate with red dots; Unpredictable stalling
Repairs/costs cited: No repair documented. Owners report fan starts sporadically without fix.
Synthesized from 53 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
When driving my 2016 Jeep cherokee the vehicle has died out completely on me in the middle of driving. While driving there is a ding noise followed by a message on my dash board that says put car in park then switch into gear, when I am already in drive and driving then the car stops and the brakes and steering locks up completely the battery light flashes then the whole dash goes black. Then I…
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…
Had steering 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 steering problem on the 2016 Jeep Cherokee?
It's a meaningful issue. 53 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $700.
At what mileage does the steering typically fail?
Across the 42 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most steering failures cluster between 20,673 and 60,000 miles, with the median around 50,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 20,673; a quarter make it past 60,000. 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 $700 for steering 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 steering?
No active recalls currently cover steering 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.