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, Nov 15, 2023
“Service shifter” light during driving but goes away. Impossible to figure out how to repair because it doesn’t stay on. This is extremely dangerous and we are worried it would stop working in traffic and cause accident. Not to mention dealer won’t look at or repair it since it has no trouble codes when scanned.
Power train, Oct 30, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle hesitated upon depression of the accelerator pedal with the check engine warning light illuminated. In addition, the vehicle would intermittently fail to start up after multiple attempts. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the contact was informed that the failure was likely related to the transmission. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
Power train, Oct 27, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, he became aware that the vehicle was not in park(P) but was instead in neutral(N). The contact had to shift the gear shifter back and forth to shift the transmission to park(P). The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the check transmission and transmission symbol warning lights would illuminate. The contact stated that due to the failure, the vehicle was unable to be shifted into park(P) while attempting to park the vehicle. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the transmission needed to be repaired. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The contact stated that the recall repair for NHTSA Campaign Number:16V529000 (Power Train) had recently completed on the vehicle and felt that the dealer did not complete the recall repair properly. The failure mileage was approximately 83,000.
Suspension, Power train, Electrical system, Oct 14, 2023
Service shifter light Service shifter light came on and gear shift lights are all red; Reverse, Park, Neutral, Drive. Then a warning message flashed to service the air bag system and the 4wd needs servicing. This has happened three times. The first time it happened was at a stoplight. The second time it happened I could not leave a parking lot. The third time it happened I barley got it toy destination to park it. I have researched that this tends to be a problem with jeeps.
Power train, Sep 26, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle started shaking abnormally. The vehicle hesitated while accelerating with an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle. The Service 4WD warning light was illuminated. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 99,490.
Power train, Sep 19, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving at 35 MPH, the transmission unintendedly shifted into neutral (N). Additionally, while stopped at a stop sign, the transmission was shifted into drive (D) when it unexpectedly shifted into neutral (N). No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V529000 (Power Train). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.
Power train, Sep 11, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the 4WD warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who stated that the vehicle was experiencing the failure listed in NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V343000 (Power Train) however, the VIN was not included NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V343000 (Power Train). The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 65,000.
Power train, Sep 8, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH and depressing the accelerator pedal, there was an abnormally loud clunking sound coming from the rear of the vehicle. The contact veered to the side of the roadway. The contact stated that he turned off the AWD mode and the traction control, and the sound went away while driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the Power Transfer Unit (PTU) had failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V343000 (Power Train); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 116,000.
Power train, Aug 26, 2023
While driving moderately at about 45 miles per hour I heard a clunk in the drivetrain and the vehicle would no longer propel itself and I was in the middle lane in traffic during rush hour. I nearly got hit three times attempting to get out of the middle lane. Once I got to the right lane I managed to coast up a driveway and coast backwards into a parking spot. My spouse is handicapped and the reason I keep a very good vehicle to transport her for Medical Appointments, especially. I contend that Jeep, Chrysler, Daimler, Fiat and all the others involved in the reason for this recall, knowingly and without regard for safety of their consumers assembled the transmission with the defectively machined transfer case for MONETARY reasons. I want my car repaired as a defective vehicle under the LEMON LAW act.
Power train, Aug 18, 2023
Rear Differential. It is available for inspection. Problem confirmed by 3 auto establishments. AAA, Jeep Auto Nation Dealership and John's Auto Care. Jeep dealer confirmed problem 7/10/23 and will order new parts. It was first discovered @ oil & filter change at AAA. I wanted the dealership to examine problem and confirm. Also, I had a third inspection to verify damage. Please see the attached verifications.
Power train, Aug 17, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle made an abnormal clunking sound and failed to respond. The contact veered to the side of the road and parked the vehicle; however, the vehicle rolled backwards. The contact engaged the electronic parking brake and the vehicle responded as needed. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The contact contacted an independent mechanic, who informed him that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V343000 (Power Train). The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the recall remedy was a software update, and a repair fee would be charged for additional repairs. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 88,400.
Power train, Aug 7, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH, the Service AWD and service engine warning lights were illuminated. The contact pulled over to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to a dealer and the contact was informed that the power transfer unit (PTU) needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 85,000.
Power train, Aug 7, 2023
PTU motor component issue. Jeep will not fix they state I’m out of warranty period. This was recalled for over 70k jeeps but not my vin and now jeep has over 700 on back order in Colorado alone. No one from jeep will assist me with fixing it or a car. They say it could be months! I need help and assistance as I can’t fix it or get the part to fix it. Can’t drive it and there is a safety issue with it on park even and lose power.
Power train, Aug 3, 2023
The Jeep Cherokee Latitude suddenly quit running on freeway with no warning. Car would not travel but coasted to a stop. She was lucky no one was close by or the car would have been plowed into from behind. This could have created a chain reaction pile up due to the busy freeway. Car is currently at a dealer and was evaluated for a faulty transmission and needs to be replaced. This was in a Jeep recall a few years ago but supposedly didn't cover my vin, S55. Now, Chrysler is leaving me to deal with their transmission problem. This is a major safety problem as mentioned in their recall.
Suspension, Power train, Wheels, Jul 24, 2023
-transmission sporadically slams into gear while changing gears. Feels like you got rear-ended. -Issues with front drivers side metal grinding noise.... Had it fixed @ the dealership.... 6 months later it's back.
Power train, Jul 7, 2023
Recently my service 4WD light came on in June 2023. My 4 WD system is completely unusable. It is deactivated according to system. It was on for a week before I could get into a shop. This has caused my Jeep to get stuck in gravel and spin out when trying to get grip as the system doesn't engage to help. My parking lot at work is gravel so this is a daily occurrence. This renders my Jeep and unusable in bad weather and or adverse conditions. We live in the mountains and not having this available makes it possible of getting stuck and being stuck. Which is a safety hazard for me. I could get hit by passing vehicles or if car ends up going into limp mode it could cause an accident. When I took in to shop/ independent service to have inspected and find out what was going on I was informed it is the PTU system and replacement parts are currently nearly impossible to get as there are backorders and parts are not able to be produced quick enough to meet demand of so many Jeep owners with the same issues. It could be up to a year to get fixed and is incredibly costly. If so many Jeeps are experiencing this same thing then it is a manufactuer issue. Why have they not recalled. I did call Jeep Monroe in Monroe WA and spoke with service and they verified there is a backorder with very long waitlist and no timeline for how long it would take for parts. And that this is a COMMON issue with Jeep right now.
Power train, Jul 2, 2023
Yesterday, I began experiencing transmission-related issues: rough, delayed or sudden shifting; grinding noise during shifting; harsh engagement of gears; and reduced power when shifting. The ‘Service Shifter’ indicator came on while driving. This is an ongoing transmission issue I have experienced with my 2015 Jeep Cherokee and I believe that this persistent problem is compromising the safety of myself and my passengers.
Power train, Jul 2, 2023
POWER TRANSFER UNIT WENT OUT. SERVICE 4WD LIGHT CAME ON. TOOK IT IN TO A JEEP DEALER TO HAVE THEM FIGURE OUT WHAT WAS GOING OUT
Power train, Jun 20, 2023
The contact's daughter owns a 2015 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving at an unknown speed, the “4WD System Unavailable - Service Required" message was displayed. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed with a defective power transfer unit. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V343000(Power Train) which she linked to the failure. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure and the contact was informed that there were no recalls associated with the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.
Power train, Jun 13, 2023
Transmission has been a problem since purchase. Numerous repairs done without success and finally they replaced the entire transmission. Still had problems. Car has only 93,000 miles on it and now the Power transfer Unit is failing. I understand that it was replaced when they put in the new transmission. Noticed a large number of complaints about PTU on line. Why hasn’t this been recalled? It was in Canada.
Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, May 31, 2023
A couple of issues are occurring and this is all over the internet as well and I have decided to file a complaint as this vehicle should be recalled. Most recently the car shuts off while driving and need to coast into the breakdown lane. The transmission shifts very rough as well as this model in addition the engine seems to eat the oil as well. I purchased the vehicle brand new and have consistently gotten oil changes, but a year ago when I brought this vehicle in the dealer advised I had no oil, but I got oil changes every 4-5K miles. I should not need to be pouring oil into the car. This is well known issue all over the internet with this engine. What happens is the car will shut off randomly when driving as a fail sale. In addition most recently the will shut off and there is oil in the engine, but it starts jerking the engine as if it is trying to change gears and then the car loses the ability to accelerate and actually deaccelerate. I have to pull over and the car will not drive. I have to turn the car off and let it sit for a minute or two and then turn it back on. This is highly dangerous as someone can smash into the back of the car while i am driving since the car loses power. I have brought the car in numerous times to the shop over the years due to the transmission/engine failures. This engine/transmission needs to be recalled as these cars should not be on the road. Most recently I brought it back to the dealer and they advised they could not replicate the problem. It is back in the shop today as well 5/31/23 as the incident occurred again 3 days after. I have some video I can email as well.
Power train, May 16, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that the while driving at approximately 60 MPH, she heard a loud explosion sound and the vehicle slightly lifted off the ground. The contact then stated that she was able to veer the vehicle off the exit while decelerating to approximately 40 MPH. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the transfer case had exploded and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the transfer case failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was provided a case number, but no further assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 90,140.
Power train, May 16, 2023
When driving the Jeep and within a speed between 35 and 45 mph at a steady rate, if you accelerate or decelerate, the transmission slams really hard into the next gear or downshifts hard into the next gear which leads to the snapping of your neck as if it was a whiplash affect. We have brought this vehicle in many time for several years and without a code that gets generated and recorded on the Jeeps computer of the issue. We do not know where to turn next as the dealers that had evaluate the jeep viewed and the technicians experienced the symptom that we explained, but they were not able to provide a resolution Under the warranty process without an error code. Having people in the Jeep and when it downshift or upshift the transmission slams into gear have been getting startled as if someone hit us from behind and we have had neck pains from this result. We are very concerned that if the downshifting or up shifting that slams into gear may result in a transmission failure while we are on the road and will have no control of our vehicle and could lead to a major accident as we could be stuck in the middle of a road with heavy traffic.
Power train, May 2, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle was towed to the residence and then to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the PCM needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 92,000.
Power train, Electrical system, Apr 13, 2023
Jeep transmission jerks, doesn't shift when its supposed to, and when I give it regular pressure gas, and I drive slow, it will not shift and then suddenly shift causing a jerk. I never can depend on the vehicle and even don't make left hand turns unless there is a traffic light because I'm afraid the Jeep won't pull out in time and I'll get hit by another car.