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, Oct 18, 2022
Recall service was performed to reprogram the power transfer unit (PTU) for "safety" concerns to prevent potential input shaft disruption of powertrain on Aug 17, 2022. Less than 2 months later (Oct 8, 2022) vehicle's "service 4wd" light came on and diagnosed as a failed PTU. Informed the PTU is on a national backorder with over a month estimated wait time. This seems to indicate an increased level of failure of a critical component in the power train system for Jeep Cherokees. Additionally, the safety recall appears to have the potential to create more damage to the PTU.
Power train, Oct 13, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, a 4x4 message indicating to shift into neutral (N) was displayed and the electronic parking brake engaged inadvertently. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle several times. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the Power Transfer Unit (PTU) board needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacture was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.
Power train, Oct 5, 2022
Ptu need repair. My Jeep cherokee 2015 have issue with the ptu motor operation. I cant drive my car now. Because I dont have the money for fixed that.
Power train, Oct 3, 2022
The Transmission blew on the vehicle. I was driving on the freeway with my wife and son in the vehicle, attempting to overtake another vehicle, and the vehicle lost power. I put on my hazzards, and pulled over. Luckily I was able to maintain control. Found out the transmission was blown.
Power train, Oct 1, 2022
The PTU IS DAMAGED AND NEEDS TO BE REPLACED THIS CAR WAS WELL TAKING CAR OF AND NOW IT NEEDS A NEEDS PTU I NEED HELP THIS SHOULD BE PART OF A RECALL ON THIS THEY WANT OVER 4000,00 TO FIX IT , HOW IS THIS VEHICLE NOT PART OF THE RECALL
Power train, Sep 27, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the contact heard a knocking noise coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that the transmission was shifting hard while changing gear. The vehicle was not diagnosed. The manufacturer was contacted and stated that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V529000 (Power Train) and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to file a complaint. The failure mileage was 116,000.
Power train, Sep 9, 2022
When slowing down to stop the transmission would thrust the vehicle forward. Upon inspection by the dealer it was determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle only had 86,000 miles at this time.
Power train, Aug 12, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while driving at 20 MPH, the transmission slipped to neutral (N). There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to veer to the side of the road. The contact shifted to park (P) and shifted back to drive (D). The contact was able to continue driving. However, the failure reoccurred several times. The contact stated that at times, he would need to turn off and restart the vehicle in order to resume driving. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the failure was associated with NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V529000 (Power Train). The contact became aware that the recall repair was previously completed on the vehicle. However, the transaxle range sensor wire harness was never replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 78,000.
Power train, Aug 12, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH, the message "4 Wheel Drive Requires Service" was displayed. The contact stated that she was able to drive the vehicle to her residence. However, the failure reoccurred intermittently while driving. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the Power Transfer Unit (PTU) had failed. The independent mechanic advised the contact to take the vehicle to the local dealer. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that the Power Transfer Unit (PTU) had failed and needed to be replaced. Upon investigating the failure online, the contact became aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V343000 (Power Train), which she associated with the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 67,403.
Power train, Jul 25, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that whenever they would start their vehicle the parking brake and 4-wheel drive service lights would illuminate. The vehicle no longer functioned as an all-wheel drive as intended to but instead as a front-wheel drive. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer who diagnosed that the PTU failed to communicate with the ECU and needed to be replaced. The failures related to NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 20V343000 (Power Train) and 20E037000 (Power Train) however their VIN was not included. The contact was unable to be repaired due to a lack of parts being available. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that due to being the third owner and that there was no warranty. The approximate failure mileage was 63,000 miles.
Power train, Jun 21, 2022
As I was pulling on to a main highway the vehicle locked down on me and would not go into reverse or drive. When I try to put it in reverse or drive it makes a bad noise.
Power train, May 24, 2022
There is a very hard shift in the transmission on take off. It also make a noise in the transmission when this happens. Very sluggish take off speed.
Power train, May 18, 2022
Vehicle randomly shifts to neutral while driving, typically at slower speeds. This has been happening for 6 years. It doesn’t feel safe when you’re sitting in an intersection and the vehicle is in neutral.
Power train, May 16, 2022
2015 Jeep - while turning left from a stop sign, the vehicle temporarily gave out on the road, making a loud clunking sound, then switched from auto to snow gear. Thankfully, there were no other cars nearby. The service light came and when taken to the shop - we were informed the PTU required replacement, costing us close to 4K. The vehicle was bought new and is less than 7 years old. For years, I noticed a problem with the vehicle and could not understand the power issues since the car was a new purchase. This is a huge safety concern and when purchasing a new car, you don't expect having to spend 4K close to 7 years later due to faulty design/manufacturing vs. normal wear and tear.
Power train, Apr 27, 2022
The part on my car that is at fault is recalled and has a service bulletin open for many of the vehicles made within the same few years. Mine missed the cut off by a month but has the exact same issue with the PTU being faulty. Has the svc 4wd light on. Had it inspected by mechanic and is the same issue as others that are covered.
Power train, Apr 26, 2022
6 weeks after completing safety recall w47 at our local jeep dealership, we noticed a large puddle of fluid in our garage. After inspection, the rear differential had completely broken open, exposing the gears inside. The differential had to be completely replaced. Fortunately, this happened in our town. We previously had no problems with the vehicle. There were no warning lights or anything similar. This happened at 76000 miles.
Power train, Apr 19, 2022
I experienced and continue to experience multiple repeated issues with hard/delayed/erratic upshifting in this vehicle. I have taken it to various Jeep dealers a minimum of 7 times to resolve the issue. I was often told there was noting wrong and the issue could net be replicated. Software upgrades were performed multiple times that supposedly resolved the issue. The issue remains unresolved. It is a safety issue and a known defect. This occurs frequently and can occur on a daily basis. The issue began shortly after I purchased the vehicle in May 2015 and continues to this day (April 2022). The last time I took it in (around October 2021), another software upgrade was performed with no resolution. This is not acceptable.
Power train, Apr 14, 2022
Driving down the road. Vehicle made loud noise and although it was in drive it actually shifted into neutral. I was not able to put into gear and I was stuck in middle of road. I got our and pushed it to the side of the road but definitely a safety concern as I just got off a crowded interstate and could have crashed. I was blessed. Called insurance and had them tow to shop. I was on military orders at the time so I had to rent a uhual trailer and tow my vehicle cross country because of this incident. I believe there is a recall for the PTU now that I have had it looked at. I had to take it to a shop because the dealership wouldn’t look at it for over a month! they are saying it’s not covered under the recall even though the faulty ptu made the output shaft west the teeth down and cause this problem.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Fuel/propulsion system, Mar 28, 2022
Vehicle has been struggling to accelerate Vehicle unable to maintain cruise control Vehicle vibrates
Power train, Mar 17, 2022
This is a complaint about the start stop system and the transmission on our 2015 Jeep Cherokee limited. The start/stop system never worked for more than a few days after having it is repaired. We finally just shut it off manually. The primary reason we are making this complaint is the transmission or at least I believe it is the transmission. There seems to be delayed shifts and jerking as we accelerate from a stop. Often there is a loud clunk and jerk as the transmission engages. Of course it only happens when you are routinely driving and not when you have it at the dealer. This problem started shortly after we purchased the vehicle and continues to this day. I am afraid it will happen when we are getting on the freeway or some critical time and causes an accident not to mention a huge service bill. Of course when ever it was taken to the dealer, they could not find anything wrong.
Power train, Electrical system, Mar 13, 2022
I want to put another data on what many others have said. There is an issue more with Jeep Cherokee's PTUs than what is currently listed on the recall. My Jeep Cherokee 2015, despite not being on the PTU recall, also had sudden power loss issues. I paid for the repair out of pocket in 2021. New battery too. Less than a year later (02/2022), I am getting service 4WD and 4WD not available intermittently. I'm afraid the new PTU might be faulty too. For reference, this is the other complaint I read that appears similar to what I am experiencing: """ For about a year after having my rear differential replaced my service 4WD intermittently would come on. I recently took my Jeep in to get it serviced thinking it was related to the rear differential work. The dealership found that there was a Power Transfer Unit failure. I know there is a recall on the PTU for some of the 2015 Jeep Cherokees. When I called the number in the article below. I was told there wasn't anything that could be done due to my Jeep's VIN not being on the recall. However, my Jeep's PTU failed and resembles what is in the below article. https://www.consumerreports.org/car-recalls-defects/jeep-cherokee-recall-roll-away-risk-lose-power/ Stellantis needs to be aware that vehicles not within the parameters of their recall are having Power Transfer Units fail and needs to be revaluated. I am concerned that there are more consumers out there with this issue and their safety is at risk.
Power train, Feb 11, 2022
For about a year after having my rear differential replaced my service 4WD intermittently would come on. I recently took my Jeep in to get it serviced thinking it was related to the rear differential work. The dealership found that there was a Power Transfer Unit failure. I know there is a recall on the PTU for some of the 2015 Jeep Cherokees. When I called the number in the article below. I was told there wasn't anything that could be done due to my Jeep's VIN not being on the recall. However, my Jeep's PTU failed and resembles what is in the below article. https://www.consumerreports.org/car-recalls-defects/jeep-cherokee-recall-roll-away-risk-lose-power/ Stellantis needs to be aware that vehicles not within the parameters of their recall are having Power Transfer Units fail and needs to be revaluated. I am concerned that there are more consumers out there with this issue and their safety is at risk.
Power train, Feb 3, 2022
July 2021. 28,000 miles! Service 4WD light went on. My 4WD stopped working. Jeep Service said we needed new PTU. Expensive! Cannot afford to fix this. I am afraid to drive in the snow without 4WD.
Power train, Electrical system, Service brakes, Jan 30, 2022
I’m following up from my previous complaint #11446148. They replaced body control module, radio frequency hub, ignition switch, key fob to ignition switch to resolve a no crank, no power issue. While at the dealership, we were told the Powertrain Control module needed a reprogram per recall W20. Now the dealership is saying the traction and ABS lights are on and the ABS module won’t recognize the VIN number. This is a 2015 jeep. There is an obvious manufacturers flaw in their design configuration for all of these computers modules to fail. The pcm reprogram recall seems to have created addition electronic errors that now are estimated at over 3000$ in repairs. Please investigate these issues. My car has been in the shop since October 19, 2021 which is almost 4 months. These repairs are extreme for a 6 year old vehicle.
Power train, Engine, Jan 26, 2022
I keep getting a "service shifter" alarm intermittently. When this happens it kills my speedometer, and disables the different drive modes available to me. Repairs have been unable to locate the fault, nor has the dealer any good reasoning why. Alarm will go away if I pull over, shut off the car, and open the door. Upon restarting the car it usually goes away for a day or more, but it always comes back. It seems to be worse when it gets colder, and the car has been running longer.