2015 Jeep Cherokee
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Power train is the leading concern among 1,787 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 3rd highest complaint count among 12 Cherokee model years with reports.
Of the 2015 reports, 45 involved a crash and 28 involved a fire. 32 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Electrical system, wiring, rear compartment/trunkPark outsideMay 11, 2023
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Jeep Cherokee vehicles equipped with a power liftgate. An electrical short in the power liftgate module may lead to a vehicle fire with the ignition on or off.
A fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will relocate the power liftgate module and add a water shield. In addition, dealers will inspect for corrosion and replace the module and electrical connectors, if necessary. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner letters were mailed March 1, 2024. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 49A. This recall supersedes recalls 15V-393 and 15V-826. Vehicles repaired under the prior recalls will still need to have the new remedy performed.
Campaign 23V338000 on NHTSA.gov
Power train, driveline, differential unitJun 11, 2020
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.
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.
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.
Campaign 20V343000 on NHTSA.gov
Electrical system, wiringMay 17, 2018
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Dodge Journey, Charger and Durango, RAM 2500, 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis (more than 10,000lb), 4500 Cab Chassis and 5500 Cab Chassis, Jeep Cherokee and Grand Cherokee and Chrysler 300, 2014-2019 RAM 1500, 2015-2018 Dodge Challenger, 2015-2017 Chrysler 200, 2016-2018 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis (less than 10,000 lb), 2017-2018 Chrysler Pacifica and 2018 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. These vehicles are being recalled to address a defect that could prevent the cruise control system from disengaging. If, when using cruise control, there is a short circuit within the vehicle's wiring, the driver may not be able to shut off the cruise control either by depressing the brake pedal or manually turning the system off once it has been engaged, resulting in either the vehicle maintaining its current speed or possibly accelerating.
If the vehicle maintains its speed or accelerates despite attempts to deactivate the cruise control, there would be an increased risk of a crash.
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the software, and perform a software flash on the engine or powertrain control module, free of charge. The recall began June 4, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Note: Owners are advised to stop using cruise control until the software update has been performed. In the event that cruise control cannot be disengaged while driving, owners should firmly and steadily apply the brakes and shift the transmission to neutral, placing the vehicle in park once it has stopped.
Campaign 18V332000 on NHTSA.gov
EquipmentDec 21, 2017
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling various Dodge, Chrysler, and RAM vehicles equipped with Kidde Plastic-Handle or Push Button 'Pindicator' Fire Extinguishers. A list of the affected trailer models is available at: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17V824-0103.pdf. These extinguishers may become clogged, preventing the extinguisher from discharging as expected or requiring excessive force to activate the extinguisher. Additionally, in certain models, the nozzle may detach from the valve assembly with enough force that it could cause injury and also render the product inoperable. For a full list of the affected fire extinguisher models visit: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17E062-5427.pdf
If the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury in the event of a fire.
Chrysler will notify owners instructing them to contact Kidde for a replacement fire extinguisher, free of charge. The recall began February 14, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403 or Kidde customer service service toll-free at 1-855-262-3540, or online at www.kidde.com and click on "Product Safety Recall" for more information. Chrysler's number for this recall is T82.
Campaign 17V824000 on NHTSA.gov
SeatsAug 10, 2016
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2014-2016 Jeep Cherokee vehicles manufactured July 29, 2013, to February 5, 2016. The seat fasteners on the first or second row seats may not have been tightened to the proper torque specification.
Loose fasteners may allow the seats to move, increasing the risk of injury to the seat occupants in the event of a crash.
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the seats or seat sets, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during September 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall S63.
Campaign 16V590000 on NHTSA.gov
Power train, automatic transmissionJul 12, 2016
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Jeep Cherokee and 2015 Chrysler 200, Jeep Renegade, RAM ProMaster, and 2016 Fiat 500X vehicles equipped with 9-speed automatic transmissions. The transmission sensor clusters may have insufficient crimps in the transmission wire harness, and as a result, the transmission may unexpectedly shift to neutral. On August 29, 2016 Chrysler added the 2016 Fiat 500X vehicles to this recall.
If the vehicle unexpectedly shifts to neutral, there is an increased risk of a crash.
Chrysler will notify owners, dealers will reprogram the Powertrain Control Module and the Transmission Control Module and if necessary replace the transaxle range sensor wire harness, free of charge. The recall began on November 7, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S55.
Campaign 16V529000 on NHTSA.gov
Electrical system, wiring, rear compartment/trunkDec 9, 2015
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Jeep Cherokee vehicles manufactured February 18, 2015, to September 10, 2015 and equipped with the power liftgate option. In the affected vehicles, water may leak into the Power Liftgate Control Module and result in a high resistance short circuit.
A short circuit in the module increases the risk of a fire.
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the module and connectors for corrosion, replacing the damaged components as necessary. The mastic shield will be removed and the module will be covered with a water shield. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on February 1, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R67. This recall is superseded by NHTSA recall 23V-338.
Campaign 15V826000 on NHTSA.gov
Engine and engine cooling, exhaust systemOct 19, 2015
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2015 Jeep Cherokee vehicles manufactured October 1, 2014, to June 18, 2015. The affected vehicles may have a misrouted air conditioning suction/discharge hose.
If the line is misrouted, it may contact the exhaust manifold, increasing the risk of a vehicle fire.
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the routing of the air conditioning hose. Any hose that is misrouted will be replaced and installed correctly. This work will be performed free of charge. The recall began on November 23, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R57.
Campaign 15V676000 on NHTSA.gov
Equipment, electrical, radio/tape deck/cd etc.Jul 23, 2015
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Ram 1500, 2500, 3500, 4500, and 5500, 2015 Chrysler 200, Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger, and Dodge Challenger, 2014-2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee, Cherokee, and Dodge Durango, and 2013-2015 Dodge Viper vehicles. The affected vehicles are equipped with radios that have software vulnerabilities that can allow third-party access to certain networked vehicle control systems.
Exploitation of the software vulnerability may result in unauthorized remote modification and control of certain vehicle systems, increasing the risk of a crash.
Chrysler will notify and mail affected owners a USB drive that includes a software update that eliminates the vulnerability, free of charge. Optionally, owners may download the update to their own USB drive from http://www.driveuconnect.com/software-update/ or take their vehicle to a Chrysler dealer for immediate installation. In an effort to mitigate the effects of this security vulnerability, Chrysler has had the wireless service provider close the open cellular connection to the vehicle that provided unauthorized access to the vehicle network. This measure may not have been implemented on all vehicles and does not address access by other means that will be remedied by the software update. The recall began on August 25, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R40.
Campaign 15V461000 on NHTSA.gov
Structure, body, hatchback/liftgateJun 22, 2015
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Jeep Cherokee vehicles manufactured January 4, 2013, to February 18, 2015 and equipped with a Power Liftgate option. In the affected vehicles, water may enter the Power Liftgate Control Module and cause a high resistance short circuit in the module.
A short circuit in the liftgate control module may result in a fire.
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the power liftgate control module and connectors for corrosion, substitute a bolt for the threaded grommet installed to seal an attachment point used in non-power liftgate vehicles and cover the power liftgate control module in a foam water shield, free of charge. The recall began on October 26, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R27. This recall is superseded by NHTSA recall 23V-338.
Campaign 15V393000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, side/windowJan 28, 2015
Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Jeep Cherokee vehicles manufactured January 1, 2013, to November 19, 2014. The affected vehicles may experience unintended side curtain and seat air bag deployment during vehicle operation.
If the air bags deploy unexpectedly during vehicle operation, it can increase the risk of personal injury and increase the risk of a crash.
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will re-flash the occupant restraint control module software, free of charge. The recall began on March 4, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R05.
Campaign 15V041000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: power train
1,002 reports, newest first. Show all
Power train, Feb 27, 2025
The transmission has had issues since we purchased the vehicle. The issues sometimes makes you feel unsafe when accelerating. Issues include hard shifting in lower gears, jerking, lurching, and sudden surges when accelerating. I have complained multiple times to the dealership during routine maintenance visits. They have performed several software updates but does not seem to help.
Power train, Feb 11, 2025
This issue occurred when I started the vehicle. Control panel showing Service 4WD and Four-Wheel Drive Unavailable. The dealership retrieved code C14A7-97 (PTU Motor - Component or System Operation Obstructed or Blocked) noting internal damage to PTU...PTU needs to be replaced. Quote to replace over $10K. There is another safety recall for the PTU but this code is not covered. I do not see how normal driving could cause "internal damage" to the PTU and cannot understand how this does not relate to any already known issues with the 2015 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk PTU system.
Power train, Feb 7, 2025
Since I bought the car Periodic here and there hesitation when going from complete stop to pressing gas to go . Traffic coming towards us and still hesitant to go (sometimes had to pull to the side and other times finally caught on and went) so took it in for tune up had spark plugs replaced and over time periodic hesitation happening again. . Didn’t think much of it then maybe it’s the car (it was so infrequent) until the SVC 4WD light came abt a week n half ago and now the car has been in the shop since waiting to have the PTU replaced. Why was my car not recalled? And others have been. It only has Just under 100,000 miles on it. Currently at Lynch Chrysler Jeep in Mukwonago being worked on! Also just 4 weeks prior to that it was in for the standard ignition engine oil cooler .. (receipt attached) cracked so bad leaking oil every where. Repair shop said they’ve seen of half dozen of these in the shop in the past few weeks. . Part is made cheap and is plastic. Common prob why isn’t that recalled ? But better yet after that was replaced within 24 hours check engine light came back on for a defaulty oil pressure sensor that was part of the standard ignition engine oil cooler - at least was part under warranty due to it was just replaced. Then the SVC 4WD which is mentioned above, this is still being repaired (so no receipt yet just estimate) I guess there was a hold on ordering parts but now has been lifted and they got the part and started working on my car! Not sure if my car qualifies for a lemon or not .. but if this is how a jeep is made I will never buy another .. I’ve been without a car for over a month due to sitting in shops!!
Power train, Feb 7, 2025
Car repeatedly says “Shift to Park” when in any gear.
Power train, Jan 24, 2025
PTU has been replaced out of pocket and will need to be again. Also when turning right it feels as if a fuel cut happens. Every other year has been addressed but mine has not been tho 2015 has been know to be one of the worst years
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Air bags, Jan 21, 2025
The contact owns a 2015 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while driving 20 MPH, the vehicle made an abnormal grinding sound coming from the engine. The contact stated that the Service 4WD message was displayed and remained displayed. The contact stated the vehicle jerked while driving at slow speeds. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with engine cooling, engine, and electrical system failures. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact researched online and related the failures to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V676000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING), 15V041000 (AIR BAGS), and 20V343000 (POWER TRAIN); however, the VIN was not included in the recalls. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that he would be receiving an email. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000.
Power train, Jan 12, 2025
4 wheel drive wont kick in
Power train, Jan 9, 2025
The contact owns a 2015 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle made an abnormal grinding sound. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was determined that the power transfer unit needed to be replaced, but the part was on backorder. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V343000 (Power Train); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that there was no recall associated with the VIN. The failure mileage was approximately 105,000.
Power train, Dec 30, 2024
On several occasions, I have been driving the vehicle when it suddenly shifted gears and lurched forward unexpectedly. This action is so powerful it feels like another car has hit me from behind. This was a transmission failure and is available for inspection. Both myself and my family members have suffered whiplash-like neck injuries from these repeated incidents. The automobile puts us at risk of colliding with another vehicle, shifting out of gear, and stopping in the middle of the road or highway while driving. The dealer checked the vehicle, and they could not reproduce the problem. The dealer has inspected the vehicle. There were no warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms of the problem prior to failure. The problem began in 2020 and has gotten worse over time. Best, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Power train, Electrical system, Service brakes, Dec 7, 2024
Driving through [XXX] in Belfair, WA my 2015 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk with the 2.4L started running rough and was jerking. As I entered the turn lane the Service Park Brake light flashed, my Jeep jerked to a stop and the emergency brake was turned on while I was still in Drive. I could not get the Emergency Brake to release even after putting my vehicle into park and pressing the brake pedal. I turned the Jeep off then back on but the Emergency Brake was still stuck on. I had to shut the Jeep off and get out of my vehicle on a very busy Highway to get my tools from the spare tire cargo. Upon retrieving my tools I noticed several inches of standing water in the spare tire area. I then popped my hood, disconnected the battery then reconnected the battery. This allowed the Emergency Brake to release so I could drive to the nearest parking lot. I was along an extremely busy State Highway for almost 10 minutes and nearly got hit by other vehicles including school busses and big rigs! My Jeep was towed to my home in Shelton, WA where further inspection showed water had been leaking from the lift gate. I removed all panels and found almost 4 inches of water where my spare sits, mold, water and moisture on and around the ECU and the Automatic Braking System and rust. The seals are good but when it rains the water finds its way in! These pictures are from after when I used my shop vac to get the water out. I found there is a recall for the exact same thing but only for Power Lift Gates. I do not have a Power Lift Gate but this is a major safety issue and should be recalled whether the 2015 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk has a power lift gate or manual lift gate! A quick internet search shows so many other Jeep Owners without the Power Lift Gate have the same issue and complaints! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Power train, Dec 3, 2024
I own a 2015 Jeep Cherokee Limited. A week ago I was in a parking lot and reversing out of a parking space when a warning light came on "shift in park to start engine." The engine was running, however as I shifted to drive numerous lights on the dash board were flashing on and off. I shifted the vehicle to park, however when I shifted back to drive the vehicle was not moving forward when I stepped on the gas pedal. I shut the vehicle off and on and was able to shift to drive and move forward although multiple warnings were flashing on the dash board. I was able to drive back to my home. I turned the vehicle off and on and again shifted to drive, however this time the vehicle did not move forward, the same when I shifted to reverse. I have not taken my vehicle to a dealer or mechanic yet, so not sure what the issue is here, but I did see that there were over 900 complaints for power train on the NHTSA website and the most recent 2 or 3 recalls were describing very similar incidents to what happened to my vehicle.
Power train, Nov 26, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that the shifter light and the 4WD lights remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the lights had illuminated due to the transfer case failure. The contact was informed that the transfer case needed to be replaced; however, the part was on backorder. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 91,000. The VIN was not available.
Steering, Power train, Nov 13, 2024
I had an incident in 2018 with the power transfer unit in this vehicle wherein I lost all control of the vehicle while driving. The dealer repaired it at that time. However, recently I was advised by the dealer that I am likely to have the same issue because the power transfer unit needs to be replaced and is a known issue yet for some reason my specific model is not included in the recall.
Power train, Electrical system, Forward collision avoidance, Oct 22, 2024
Hi, There are numbers of recalls and 3 of the recalls came back. I got engine light with the codes U0402 Implausible Data Received From TCM U0164 Lost Communication With HVAC Control Module TCM BCM and PCM needs to be reprogrammed or replaced. Also car is accelerating while cruise control is set. Fca satisfaction notice - R01 Fca recall - S55 Nhtsa recall - 16V - 529 Fca recall - U63 Nhtsa recall - 18V - 332 These 3 recalls need to be redone. Thanks
Power train, Oct 15, 2024
"Service Shifter" light comes on. When this happens, the 9 speed shifter stops working. Also, all of the vehicle information system shuts off.
Power train, Electrical system, Oct 2, 2024
Transmission issues since purchase. Chokes, shifts in and out of gear. Service shifter light. Dash Lights go on and off.
Power train, Sep 30, 2024
The Power Transfer Unit has been diagnosed by dealer as, "Internal failure within PTU obstructing shift". This unit automatically transfers power to a rear wheel or wheels whenever the front wheel or wheels loses traction/slips due to wet, slick surfaces. This action enables vehicle to regain traction and stabilize control of vehicle. Without it loss of traction cannot be corrected putting the vehicle at risk of a catastrophic accident. The dealer has not repaired this and it has been over two months that I continue to drive this vehicle. The reason dealer has not repaired as told to me is that the part is unavailable due to high demand indicating that this is not an isolated incident.
Power train, Sep 19, 2024
About six weeks ago the "check 4WD" light started coming on intermittently and would then go off. I had the car checked before a road trip (that we didn't take for safety reasons) and my shop found a 2020 recall (W48/NHTSA 20E-037) for "all Chrysler models." I brought the car to Jeep of Chicago on [XXX] and the diagnostic found metal particles in the PTU fluid. I then opened a case ([XXX]) with Chrysler, which I was told on [XXX] they cancelled without contacting me or Jeep of Chicago because my VIN wasn't associated with any recalls. I found that Chrysler recalled 2016/2017 Jeep Cherokees for this issue and I was told by service people at Jeep of Chicago and Fields Jeep they have had a number of Jeeps come in for this issue. I was quoted $2818.55 to fix this and want Chrysler to pay for this. I am hoping NHTSA can help with this as it is a known safety issue. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Power train, Sep 12, 2024
We bought the car brand new at Lithia Motors in Roseburg Oregon. After just a few months of driving, there was a noticeable clunk in the transmission at approximately 30-40 mph that occurred at random and included a shudder. The problem seemed to occur about every 3 or 4 days. We took the car to Lithia and they could not replicate the problem. Lithia did do some software updates. We were advised of a class action suit regarding the transmission. We made a claim and we were denied because they said we did not report the issues enough to Lithia. We appealed that because we told Lithia about the problem every time we took the car to their facility for oil changes. In December of 23 we had an issue with the car missing and took it to Lithia. The replaced injector one and advised there was minimal seepage from the oil filter. It was not explained that it was a transmission oil cooler. In [XXX] there was a code to service transmission. Minutes later the car was losing power and barely made it up the hill to our house. A return trip to Lithia and they said replacing the transmission cooler might resolve the problem but maybe not. A second opinion AAMCO said the same thing. The AAMCO mechanic showed me the transmission cooler and a puddle of oil that had settled below the leak in between the manifold. I told him I though that was the motor oil filter. On the way back home, the car again failed going up hill to our residence. The car is not safe to drive. There is potential for engine fire. I think a transmission oil cooler in the center of the engine near the manifold does not make a lot of sense. This car has 104,000 miles. I think there should be a safety recall on these cars to include full repair of the drive train. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Power train, Sep 2, 2024
Hard shifting and jump forward while in low speeds
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Aug 30, 2024
Electric Throttle Control. It will stop working randomly and when accelerating on the highway on the on ramp it will die down and go no more than 35 mph and will also do this when merging into traffic.. very dangerous
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Aug 30, 2024
PTU completely bad...just purchased the vehicle and it went bad less than a month after
Power train, Aug 13, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while driving approximately 55 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated and the Service 4-WD message was displayed on the dashboard. The contact researched online and became aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V343000 (Power Train); however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was driven to a dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The dealer stated that the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 205,000.
Power train, Engine, Aug 6, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The driver was able to pull to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle was able to restart; however, the message "Please Shift to Park," was displayed even though the gear selector was already in park(P). After restarting the vehicle, the vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the catalytic converter. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic, who was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 181,000.
Power train, Jul 27, 2024
PTU failed. This is a known engineering failure in these models and there is no recall for it.