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.
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.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Oct 10, 2022
I am not completely certain which of the above selected items is the cause of my vehicle malady, though I have been instructed by a mechanic that it could be the drive train maybe (I could be misremembering). At any rate, the vehicle stalls at random intervals, without advance notification of a problem. No warning light or sound is produced until the moment it stalls at which time a warning sound without accompanying light is produced. The vehicle will stall regardless of whether or not it has been pre-heated, despite the season/weather, and has stalled while I was in the midst of turning left against oncoming traffic with my SON in the car! The vehicle replicated this behavior during a mechanic’s test drive following a break line repair. He indicated it may be the above mentioned issue. All information can be provided upon request. I have researched this issue and have found it to be fairly prevalent among owners of this specific vehicle. If stalling while making a left turn against oncoming traffic (when an opportunity presents itself) does not present a significant safety hazard and/or concern then perhaps I’m more confused than I had previously thought. What happens when someone stalls on a train track or on the interstate? In addition to the afore mentioned concerns, something with electrical component is defective. It wasn’t long after the earlier mentioned complications began that my interior lights began dimming and brightening independently and my redio screen stopped listing song, program, podcast, radio station, information etc. Thank you for your consideration.
Engine, Oct 8, 2022
While driving, vehicle shuts off or engine dies without a warning. I have to wait about 30 seconds until it starts again. Very dangerous.
Structure, Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Oct 7, 2022
Was driving home for lunch and stopped at traffic light. Parking brake self-engaged and would not release. I could not move the car in either direction. Repeated attempted to get parking brake to release by pushing/pulling on switch. Finally turned off car (sitting in moving traffic) and when I restarted the brake released. Was able to get car home and parked. Called my regular mechanic and got it in yesterday, but again brake wouldn't release (it had not been set) without turning car off and on. When my repair shop took the components apart, it revealed that water had leaked down into the computer system that controls the parking brakes (had various flashing lights on dash -- odometer/stop/start signal, etc.) and damaged the circuitry. The repair shop called to explain this problem and noted that NHTSA had begun and investigation into this problem in July and had about 80 cases under investigation at that time -- apparently a body-weld issue causing leak into that component. Prior to this locking up, a service parking brake light had come on intermittently for a couple of days. My wife and I were both at risk and just fortunate this didn't lock up while on the interstate which we drive regularly. Have called local Jeep dealer where we bought it and they claim they have heard nothing about this and the earliest we can get in is 10/18. Our mechanic has temporarily disabled the parking brake (both electronically and mechanically) so that the vehicle is drivable, but said he wouldn't advise driving on it very long this way, due to the other warning components that are now compromised.
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.
Engine, Oct 4, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that an independent mechanic had previously replaced the rocker arm, camshaft, and coil packs; however, the failure recurred while driving at an undisclosed speed. Additionally, and the vehicle was making abnormal ticking sounds. Additionally, the headlights were inoperable. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with two bent valves in the engine. The vehicle was then taken to Stan McNabb HWY 55 Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM FIAT (1200 E Carroll St, Tullahoma, TN 37388) where the computer was replaced; however, the dealer determined that the engine also needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 102,000.
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.
Engine, Sep 20, 2022
I was about half a mile from my job when I lost most of my engine power (my daily commute is about 9 min each way - 3 miles and a speed limit of 40). I was accelerating uphill from a red light and I reached about 15 miles an hour before I realized I did not have the power to get more speed. I pulled in and noticed white smoke billowing from my car but did not ever see a check engine light. I had a few coworkers come outside to take a look . There was still heavy white smoke. I got it towed to the garage we take our fleet trucks. My piston rings were compromised (is the theory) and it lead to a multitude of problems even though I stopped driving it within half a mile of noticing anything irregular about my car.
Electrical system, Wheels, Service brakes, Sep 18, 2022, crash
wheels locked up, unable to stop car. wheels were not turning during accelerator and car would not come to a stop when braking as tires were just sliding and skidding on road. could not change gears
Electrical system, Sep 14, 2022
My trunk flooded with water, resulting in the failure of the parking brake permanently in an engaged position. This happened fortunately after my car was parked, but could have happened while I was driving.
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.
Parking brake, Sep 6, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that after the vehicle was parked during a rainstorm, the vehicle was started and shifted into reverse(R) and the contact became aware that the parking brake warning light was illuminated. The contact continued to drive the vehicle and noticed that the parking brake warning light was illuminated again while the vehicle was idling. The vehicle was then shifted into the park(P) and the parking brake engaged independently. The contact was unable to disengage the parking brake. The parking brake warning light was illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to the dealer who diagnosed that the electronic parking brake module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Investigation Number: PE22009 (Parking Brake). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and opened a case. The approximate failure mileage was 157,000.
Electrical system, Service brakes, Aug 25, 2022
The parking brake module failed. It caused the vehicle to violently be slammed into a stop by the electronic parking brakes engaging on their own. This primarily happened anytime the vehicle was put into park, or came to a complete stop. The parking brake is then unable to be released. When revving the engine in drive or reverse the parking brake stays engaged. Randomly did it only work properly and disengage, leading to the car being inoperable due to the possibility of being stuck in traffic or on a major roadway should the car get stuck with the parking brake engaged. This could also lead to a stall of the engine as well as that dangerous situation. The safety of myself and others are at risk with this issue. The problem has been confirmed by the dealer to be a failure to the parking brake module. The part is on backorder with a lead time or several weeks, and over 150 plus parts on backorder when I attempted to find and order this part. This is a common issue for the Jeep Cherokee. There were no warning lights prior to the failure, only a message for "parking brake service" with warning lights after the parking brake was unable to be disengaged.
Service brakes, Aug 20, 2022
One day, out of the blue, a ton of warning lights came on after making a simple right turn onto another road. The "Service Transmission", "Service Park Brake" and "Service Antilock Brake System" message comes on and the ABS warning light, the ((P))! parking warning light, the engine light, the traction control warning light, - There was also a lag of sorts just before the lights came on. The steering wheel felt very tight. I managed to pull over and wait a while and slowwwwly drove home. After taking it to my mechanic who explained their read just wont be accurate - it needs to go to Jeep, said their result had something to do with the coil? Something behind the steering wheel? I had recently (3 months ago) had new brake pads on all four tires and rotors cut or whatever. A shop I've gone to a million times with no issues. There are hundreds of thousands of customers in the comment sections and Jeep forums complaining of the same issue and Jeep dealership mechanics telling them they've never seen the issue before. Jeep needs to be FULLY investigated. For a lot. This OBVIOUSLY could cause a serious accident/death/cost me a [XXX] ton of money for which there's seemingly no fix according to other Jeep owners. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Engine, Aug 20, 2022
Crack block in Engine mileage 63k.
Service brakes, Aug 16, 2022
About an hour into the morning commute, the vehicle was at a stop light when a warning bell chimed. The message on the dash read the emergency/park brake had automatically engaged and the light on the park brake indicated the brake was on. I turned it off. Prior to this incident, the braking system including the emergency/park brake functioned as expected. The vehicle has not been taken to the dealership yet.
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.
Forward collision avoidance, Aug 10, 2022
Electric Emergency brake system will not disengage. Started my vehicle and it stated check parking brake and the red light was also on. I thought someone hit the brake button so I hit it and the light went off. I was able to drive my jeep a few feet to unlock the gate to our property. I put the jeep in park got out to open the gate and when I got back in the orange light came back on to check the park brake. I tried clicking it off and it would not go off. I then could not move my jeep forward or backwards. Because of this we had to have the jeep towed to local dealership to review. It is there as we speak. They told us looks to be the brake module. I will have documentation once the repair is complete.
Vehicle speed control, Jul 29, 2022
The contact owned a 2015 Jeep Cherokee. The contact that while driving at various speeds, the accelerator pedal was depressed but the vehicle hesitated to respond. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the failure was associated with the fuel system. The vehicle was repaired under an unknown recall. However, the failure reoccurred while driving. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle failed to start. The message "Repair Parking Brake" was displayed. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the parking brake module, the front driver's side axle, the CV joint, and other unknown repairs needed to be completed. The vehicle was repaired. However, the failures reoccurred and the engine was emitting abnormal rumbling sounds while driving. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where it was diagnosed that water had leaked through the liftgate, which damaged the parking brake module. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact sold the vehicle. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 103,000.
Service brakes, Jul 27, 2022
Parking brake activated while driving. I stalled. Was able to restart the vehicle and everything seems normal but my check engine light is on.
Service brakes, Jul 26, 2022
Electronic parking break activated while driving. When attempting to turn left on a two way street electronic parking break activated by itself and locked the rear wheels. Car currently parked as I am unable to move it. EPS system will not release. Parking break still engaged.
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.