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
1,787 reports, newest first.
Parking brake, Jan 17, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while his wife was operating the vehicle, a flashing warning message displayed “Service Parking Brake”. After stopping the vehicle and activating the parking brake, the brake would not release rendering the vehicle undrivable. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer who diagnosed that the electronic parking brake had malfunctioned due to water contamination. The electronic parking brake was disabled by the dealer and the vehicle was later driven to the local mechanic who diagnosed that water had leaked from the C-Pillar and pressure vents onto the electronic parking brake. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 88,000.
Engine, Jan 13, 2023
Engine Oil Filter/Oil housing is malfunctioned or defected for my model car. Malfunction is causing leakage into the engine which can result explosion or worst damage to vehicle. Warning engine light appeared on vehicle to notify of oil leaking into engine. First appeared 3 months ago. Company has redesigned particular part because of the same popular issue nationwide
Service brakes, Jan 10, 2023
Parking brake was randomly engaging. Currently engaged will not release. Mechanic ID issue. WATER INTRUSION in parking break module. Claims it’s a known issue but no recalls have been issued. Parts may be delayed 2 months.
Power train, Jan 10, 2023
SVC 4WD service needed; rear powertrain unit needs replacing, preventing 4-wheel-drive from engaging putting safety of others at risk. Problem does not need reproduction; problem not inspected by manufacturer, police, insurance, representatives. This is a well known issue and the inability to use 4-wheel-drive is an extreme hazard. https://www.jeepcherokeeclub.com/threads/possibly-bad-ptu.246802/#post-2988620
Other or unspecified, Forward collision avoidance, Jan 9, 2023
Electronic park break. Was repaired but still won’t turn off.
Service brakes, Jan 3, 2023
I experienced an Emergency Parking Brake malfunction while car was moving. Car suddenly had the message "Service Parking Brake" while driving on the highway. Check engine, barking brake, and traction control lights all came on. Pulled off the highway to a shopping center and when putting the car in park, car was stuck in the middle of the road in park unable to change gears. Car was able to be disengaged only by overriding the gear in order to be moved to a safe location, but remained otherwise in Park with the same "Service Parking Brake" message. Dealer has mentioned that the brake module was corroded or shorted and the entire system needed to be replaced along with complete disassembly of shifting mechanism.
Parking brake, Dec 19, 2022
Water has leaked into the rear cargo area and caused the emergency brake module assemble to corrode causing the e brake to suddenly engage. The evidence shows leaking has been going on for possibly years
Air bags, Dec 15, 2022
Air bag service light came on. Took it to a reputable repair business. Diagnosed with codes B0020-13 Left side seat deployment Squib 1. Found tech service bulletin #10-002-18 for replacing air bag seat harness and seat bolts for this code. Chrysler recommends BOTH harnesses are replaced (left and right). Chrysler is charging $2,677.16 For the parts. They say it is a 'common' problem and in fact the parts are on back order until at least January 19th. This is a safety issue as the airbag will not deploy. The vehicle is less than 10 years old, which meets two out of three criteria for it to be considered a recall issue. I cannot afford this type of repair which is a problem I did nothing to create.
Power train, Dec 7, 2022
Vehicle started to make a random thud underneath at different speeds. Could not find any reason or view anything. SERVICE 4 WD LIGHT CAME ON. Could not find anyone to check the code for more than 2 weeks. Felt the vehicle was unsafe to drive even when light went off. The anxiety actually put me in the Hospital on Thanksgiving morning with elevated blood pressure. I parked the car until my service appointment Dec 6 2022 It needs the PTU now per Jeep Sansone Rahway NJ 732-587-1100 How does it not fit the recall requirements when the same vehicle of those years does?????
Power train, Dec 6, 2022
Transfer case failure. Notice failure as8 a click...clicking louder and louder no matter direction. Turning, forward, reverse. Unable to find/locate replacement 2 spd transfer case - new or remfg. Where can I get parts???
Power train, Nov 25, 2022
My 2015 Jeep Cherokee trail hawk has major shifting problems . It hard shifts at times and doesn’t engage at times which can cause an accident. I have researched online and there are thousands of people complaining about the very same issue.
Power train, Nov 17, 2022
On 10/30/22 driving the vehicle on a 2 lane road with no shoulder the car locked and stopped in on going traffic with cars avoiding to hit us. State police had to come to due to dangerous situation of accident and car was towed. Towed to jeep dealer and told the transmission needs replaced due to misaligned gear ratio. This is a 2015 kept in excellent condition with 55,000 miles. Told cost is 8,000 to repair. With all the transmission problems and lawsuits with jeep and known issue this should have been recalled or repairs made before incident. This vehicle is unsafe and we could have been killed. The consumer stated the vehicle has been traded in and needs a new transmission.
Power train, Nov 10, 2022
Error code popped up saying the 4wd system is unavailable. Found that there was a recall for my model year for bad PTUs, but my specific vehicle is not on the recall list. Never taken off road, just normal daily driving, about 60k on the odometer. Jeep needs to recall all of these units and fix this problem, as it is all too common.
Power train, Nov 9, 2022
Serv 4wd light came on. Never use 4wd option. Took in for service and was told we needed to update power transfer unit fro a recall which they did and also replace the power train unit. Why did they update the prgram if they knew the unit was bad.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Nov 8, 2022
UNKNOWN I had to jump my vehicle due to battery dying out. Once jumped, I received a warning that my electrical emergency park brake malfunctioned. I had trouble shifting gears if I could get them to shift at all. I could hear and feel grinding beneath the jeep. Looking deeper into this it was discovered that there is a vehicle investigation (pending potential recall) on water leaking inside the vehicle to be causing corrosion leading to the E Break module to fail in my specific model. I eventually got the vehicle towed to the dealership. Their service department claimed I may have spilled drinks into my module. I do not buy drinks or carry any in my vehicle cupholders (which are placed by design right behind the gear shift module). Nothing was spilled, the damage is consistent with the common issue pending investigation #PE22009. I am currently awaiting a complete transmission replacement due to the defect.
Power train, Nov 7, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while driving uphill at approximately 5 MPH, she heard an abnormal noise, and the vehicle began rolling backward. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact stated the vehicle rolled to a stop. The vehicle was not drivable. The contact stated she manually pushed the vehicle near her residence. The contact towed the vehicle to an independent mechanic and was referred to the local dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact towed the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the transmission to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the dealer not having the equipment to repair the vehicle. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V529000 (Power Train) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 72,000.
Power train, Nov 4, 2022
vehicle loses power sometimes when the gear shift is D position of the 9 speed automatic transmission. This has happened 3 times in one week. The saftey concern is that two of those times were while crossing a busy intersection. A certified dealer reprogrammed the PCM this week(I paid for the service) but I believe the manufacturer is aware of this problem but my Jeep Cherokee VIN is not on a recall list. The SERVICE TRANSMISSION warning appeared after the first malfunction. I have only driven it home from the dealership so am not sure the problem is solved. However, the warning light did not come on. I am sure many Jeep Cherokees were recalled for this problem but my VIN is not included yet.
Power train, Nov 4, 2022
Transmission shifter failure intermittent inability to place in park . Service shifter light on with no repair available. Entire shifter and bezel and wiring replaced, and problem came back within one years' time.
Service brakes, Forward collision avoidance, Nov 4, 2022
I have a 2015 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk. It has been in the shop many times due to poor manufacturing and recalls. Prior to me purchasing the vehicle in May 2020, it was involved with a recall for a water leak and powerlift gate short due to water damage. It has leaked water into the hatch/ trunk area since I purchased it. I have spoken with 2 dealerships about the issue. The most recent was November 1, 2022 when it was left with Rockwall Chrysler. My issue is that the Electronic Parking Brake Module was damaged to due heavy rain and the continued leak. On October 30, 2022, we were trying to leave in the cherokee and the Service Brake warning light was on as well as service shifter. The vehicle was stuck due to a malfunctioning parking brake. After multiple attempts, the brake disengaged and I continued to work. October 31, when I started the vehicle the following warning/ service lights were on and remains on: Service Brake Light (2 different lights) ACC/FCW not available / service Auto start/ stop unavailable/service Airbag warning light (went off 11/3/22) 4WD Unavailable/service On my drive home from work, the electronic parking brake engaged while I was turning across traffic and I almost was hit by a large delivery truck. Once I managed to get the vehicle to drive, it happened again on the highway service road and I was very close to being rear ended by an 18 wheeler that was driving behind me. The dealership did no repairs due to the $575.00 charge I cannot pay to diagnose and do a leak test. I explained this was involved with a recall and they basically told me it was fixed in with Canada or Ohio and I needed to return to that dealer (I live in TX). Which is not possible because the vehicle is sitting in my drive way and will not move due to the brake being stuck on. I picked the unrepaired vehicle up on 11/3/22 and was advised its best to get rid of as soon as possible. The problem is that I owe roughly $13,000 on the jeep. I cant afford this and a rental
Air bags, Service brakes, Forward collision avoidance, Oct 31, 2022
this vehicle shows all recalls have been completed. however, every time it rains, the hatch compartment fills with water. 10/30/2022, my electronic parking brake light came on and the vehicle was stuck in park. Once we got the car home, I opened the hatch and removed the spare tire; there was standing water in the area from rain. This morning I was leaving for work an d the following lights came on; 1) Service 4WD 2) Service electronic Parking Brake 3) Service Airbags 4) Service Front Collision system 5) Service auto start stop 6) Adaptive Cruise Control not available 7) cruise/ fcw unab=vailable- service required This vehicle has been a complete nightmare. I did record the event as we used a shop vac to remove the water. the Service 4 wd light comes on and goes off randomly daily; the PTU was "flashed" but the problem continued. I have contacted the dealership only to be told all recalls are complete and I must pay for the additional repairs. I have contacted Jeep and have had zero resolutions.
Parking brake, Oct 25, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the parking brake was erroneously engaged, and the warning message "electronic brake system failure" was displayed. During the failure, the vehicle could not be driven or moved due to the braking system being engaged. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer who diagnosed that the parking brake module and passenger’s side rear actuator needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but approximately one year later the failure reoccurred. The local dealer was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage 75,000. The contact paid for the necessary repairs and is seeking reimbursement.
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Oct 24, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while driving at an undetermined speed, the vehicle was bouncing. The contact stated while driving, the vehicle was shifting roughly. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. Additionally, on another occasion while driving, the vehicle independently accelerated. The manufacturer was contacted but no additional assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000.
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.
Tires, Oct 15, 2022
Three of the four tires on the vehicle are splitting on the sidewalk near the rim. The fourth tire is cracking in the same location. All tires are maintained at the correct tire pressure. There’s no reason this shouldn’t be covered but of course it isn’t. Guess someone has to die before Firestone replaces defective tires.
Electrical system, Service brakes, Oct 14, 2022
Upon placing vehicle into park, the parking brake independently engaged and would not release. Car was not able to move. Brake calipers were locked into position. Manufacturer TSB: 08-060-16 Based on repair invoices, it appears the electronic parking brake module is damaged by water leaking into the compartment. In case of inadvertent activation, the EPB causes a stalling condition, bringing the subject vehicles to a stop. TSB 10191415 followed in May 2016, instructing dealers on replacing the subject module and inspecting the electrical connector for corrosion. The technical service bulletin states “the electronic parking brake module is located in the back left side of the cargo area interior, near the spare tire.” The first model year of the KL-generation Cherokee has accumulated 2,187 complaints on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s website. 11 of those complaints are filed under parking brake issues