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.
Exterior lighting, Fuel/propulsion system, Oct 17, 2021
factory headlights are terrible. almost impossible to drive at night and really bad when its raining. talked with local dealer and they said there is no problem. start/stop does not work also.
Vehicle speed control, Other or unspecified, Engine, Oct 11, 2021
THE TRANSMISSION LIGHT POPPED ON ONLY AFTER HAVING IT FOR 2 MONTHS.
Power train, Sep 29, 2021
Incident occurred with no prior warning on a Thursday. Vehicle took several attempts to crank, then rough shift into reverse, once going forward power loss experienced and vehicle would not accelerate above around 20 mph in heavy highway traffic. Check engine light and service transmission light appeared on display at that time. Vehicle driven until home and safely parked. Dealership contacted for repair and stated they could not get vehicle in until Monday. Subsequent attempt to crank vehicle required multiple attempts before engine cranked, rough down shift from park to reverse and gear shift stuck in neutral position not allowing shift into drive, parking brake engaged automatically. Vehicle now undriveable, attempted to run OBD2 codes, code scanner unable to communicate with system, scanner checked on another vehicle and found to be functioning properly. Now unable to get vehicle to dealership without flatbed tow truck.
Engine, Sep 24, 2021
Rocker bearings failed in the rear of the head. This impacted the right side intake camshaft. They replaced the rear intake and rear camshaft, rear and front rockers and also valve cover gaskets and upper intake seals. The only indication of a problem was a tapping sound coming from the engine. No warning lights on the console. If this had gone UN repaired the engine could have seized at any time while traveling causing an accident. The repair technician indicated that the new parts would not fail the way the original equipment failed. Chrysler has refused to pay for the repair.
Power train, Sep 20, 2021
When driving on the highway the transmission lost power, the car went into neutral and lost all power steering. Restarted the car and it did it again while traveling on the highway. No warning or system warnings were given. When we went to the dealership they said the transmission/computer software needed updated and this usually happens after 100,000 miles. They said this happens routinely. Was very dangerous when traveling at 75 mph.
Power train, Sep 16, 2021
The automatic 9 sped transmission has not been hesitating after backing up and then putting it in drive to move forward. Also when driving up hill the transmission fails to shift into another gear and the RPMS increases. While stopped at a traffic light the transmission hesitates causing me to be concerned with being hit from behind. Then when accelerating the transmission does not shift and the again the RPMS stay at a high rate. I feel the with the erratic behavior of the transmission is puts and an other at a safety risk. The problem has not ben confirmed by the dealer and has not been inspected. There have been not warning lights or messages to indicate a problem.
Power train, Sep 15, 2021
The contact owns a 2015 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that at start-up, the "transmission, service required" warning message appeared on the instrument panel. The contact proceeded to drive the vehicle with the warning message displayed and while driving 25 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power. The contact was able to park the vehicle and had it towed to an independent mechanic. The mechanic could not diagnose the failure and had to tow the vehicle to another independent mechanic who was also unable to diagnose the cause of the failure. The manufacturer was then notified of the failure and acknowledged that the failure was a known issue; however, there were no recalls on the VIN. Upon investigation, the contact linked her failure to a defective PCM (Powertrain Control Module). The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 88,000.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Engine, Sep 8, 2021
Unknown
Power train, Service brakes, Sep 7, 2021
Vehicle shows parking brake on when I enter. It has never done this before. Drove down street to stop and put car in park, parking park comes on automatically? This started today Sept. 7, 2021. On interstate going 70 mph vehicle bucked when I accelerated. On same trip, not in cruise control vehicle RPM's went up and down by itself. Proceeded to slow lane to stop. Once stopped I put car in park (no parking brake showed up) pushed on gas pedal to watch RPM's and transmission took its time coming back down. Left side of road hitting gas got to 45mph and vehicle bucked. Made load noise and bucked. The "bucking started on my 1st trip out of town, all loaded up for a work event. Going 65 mph down to exit ramp, accelerate and it bucked. Kids looked at me and said, "Mom this better not have a transmission problem like the old car." (GMC Envoy 4x4 bought new trans & then engine needed to be replaced, but went car shopping) Took vehicle back to CarMax and they said the didn't notice a thing.They said you know the wheels make a lot of noise because they are big. Also, told me not to accelerate so fast! What? I bought this vehicle on Mother's Day 2019. Went to Maryland to purchase it. Found out later that Maryland doesn't do inspections every year. Too it to my local CarMax and they gave it new brakes. I have an appointment with a Jeep certified dealer mechanics department on Sept. 24, 2021. I will follow up with another note. I hope the transmission gets replaced because the problems I mentioned are on a forum that Jeep experts monitor and comment on as I see their icon/symbol. Thank you
Power train, Sep 5, 2021
Jeep Trailhawk RPM's dial up and down while driving with no advanced speed. Vehicle does not move from a stop position without "kicking" or "bumping" you forward. While on interstate, going posted speed without cruise control but maintaining speed, vehicle "bucks." While driving in neighborhoods car has difficulty going from 25mph to 35mph. From stop sign to accelerate, vehicle does't move, or goes slowly with foot pressed down on gas pedal, then "bucks/bumps." Coming off from the interstate to an exit whilst vehicle is slowing down around exit curve then accelerate back up, vehicle "booms', loud "pop." The RPM's can not stay still on vehicle. When slowly moving traffic it does this too. If inching forward, it does't want to. At some points it accelerates forward when I did not want to go.
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Sep 4, 2021
Car stalls multiple times over the last month. With zero warning it died in front of my wife in ongoing traffic. Multiple error messages are on dash. Restarts when shutting car off then back on.
Power train, Sep 3, 2021
When my service 4wheel drive light came on I took my 2015 Jeep Cherokee in for service. I was told that my PTU needs to be replaced. I read online that there was a recall on these. I am wondering why my Jeep is not covered by the recall. Clearly I have a faulty part with only 72,000 on my vehicle
Power train, Aug 30, 2021
2015 JEEP CHEROKEE TH with 75xxx miles. Currently covered under Mopar extended warranty for used vehicles. When driving this vehicle you experience a hard shift from a stop/ yield slow down, this so violent that it will spin the tired and push you back into your seat. There is also a large amount a lag that happens, resulting in almost a loss of power to the wheels. This has put me in unsafe situations where I needed the vehicle to move in order to avoid a other drivers and hazard. This is a known issue as there are a large about of others reporting here. I have had this Jeep in the shop under warranty work 4 times now, first they said a update of the ppm/tcm would fix the issue, then a new valve body was going to fix it. however none of these have helped. I can only assume they will attempt to put a new transmission in on my upcoming service appointment. However I am not confident this will be the final solution. As previously stated this a a wide spread known issue with many reports. However there are still so many dealing with this issue that Jeep and Mopar should step up and fix, for free. No one has been injured or killed due to this yet but I am sure one day that will change unless there is a definitive fix for the 2015 JEEP CHEROKEE transmission hard shift.
Power train, Aug 26, 2021
When you are stopped at a light waiting to go, the 2015 Cherokee Trailhawk delays going. Sometimes when it is in second gear it stays there too long before shifting.Sometimes the 2015 Cherokee Trailhawk jerks into gear as it feel like someone has run into the back of the truck. Today following start up, putting the 2015 Cherokee Trailhawk into reverse, no power at all. The dash lit up stating," 4 Wheel drive system temporarily unavailable, Service transmission , Service parking brake", the MIL light on the cluster panel is lit, the drive light is blinking on the dash and on the gearshift. I was in fear for my safety as I had to restart the 2015 Cherokee Trailhawk 3 times to travel 11 miles. I drove with my emergency flashers and had to pull off to the side of the road to restart the truck.The 2015 Cherokee Trailhawk is also jerking into gear when I put it in reverse. There was a recall for the Power Transfer Unit that involved a software update that was completed 1/2020. Following the software update, the truck rand smooth for approximately 8 months, then the transmission started to slip again. Although this problem was never resolved.I recently received a notice from Jeep that the Power Transfer Unit warranty has been extended to 8 years /150,000 miles. This 2015 Cherokee Trailhawk only has 48,000 miles on it. I have a pending service appointment for 8/30/2021. I am going to have the dealer replace that part hoping it will improve the safety of the vehicle.
Power train, Aug 19, 2021
While driving on the freeway, with cruise control set at approximately 69 MPH, my 2015 Jeep Cherokee warning system luminates the Service Transmission and Check Engine lights. Traveling approximately another 2 miles to the nearest exit off the freeway, I slow the Jeep down as I exit the freeway ramp. The Jeep has very little, if any, power to make it through the traffic light crossing into the intersection. With little power other vehicles narrowly miss me from being run into because I am not able to move out of lane(s). This is the second time this has happened. Most recently I received my Jeep back from being serviced for this event 3 days ago and 62 miles. They dealership service department was not able to identify or replica the issue. This service transmission failure is a hazard and it could cause serious injury or property damage because there is no warning and the vehicle losses power not allowing the vehicle to be driven out of the way from traffic.
Power train, Aug 18, 2021
When I accelerate from a stop or slow rate of speed my car does not accelerate immediately. It is as if the car temporarily goes into neutral. This has caused a few near misses as I have started out into traffic and not been able to fully get out of other cars way. Several times cars have had to break hard or swerve to avoid crashing into my car.
Power train, Aug 11, 2021
Service shifter warning message displayed and all indicator lights are lit at shifter. Transmission would not shift out of current gear. Problem reset after turning off vehicle. Has now happened 2 other times. All within the last 10 days.
Vehicle speed control, Service brakes, Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 9, 2021
When I go to put the the vehicle in park and reverse it wants to shift really hard, not really a shift but more of a jerk. It doesn’t happen every time but it does 50 percent of the time. There was this one time where i went to go put it in reverse and it wanted to rev more then usual. When it MAINLY shifts hard is when I first turn it on and start moving a couple feet it wants to fall on its face. We haven’t had any incidents in it yet but I wanted to see if I could get anything done before any. Me and my boyfriend travel a lot and when we are in traffic it has fallen on its face. There is a gas cap light that keeps coming on and I have replaced my gas cap 2 times.
Power train, Aug 5, 2021
When I purchased the vehicle in 2015 with 5000 miles the check engine light was on and the transmission was replaced and I have always had issues when accelerating and it shifting loudly and more recently check engine light turns off and on.
Power train, Engine, Aug 1, 2021
I have had my vehicle checked out several times over the malfunction of the stop and start system. Several times it has been worked on and looked at. Once they claimed they replaced a part under the hood in Richmond, kentucky. This issue has been going on for over two years. It had been cutting off and not starting back. Now its advanced into a jerking from a hesitation to switch between gears. The malfunction light keeps coming back on. And sometimes it has to be restarted several times just to reset it. It was on 7/30/2021 when someone besides me noticed this issue. But its been doing me this way for last three months.
Power train, Exterior lighting, Engine, Jul 31, 2021
Car transmission jumps when its starts moving at the beginning makes it feel like someone rear ended the car. This happens Every time. it does not feel safe.
Service brakes, Jul 22, 2021
Manual brakes light turn on, brake pedal gets hard, car wouldn’t stop.
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Jul 22, 2021
2015 Jeep Cherokee Limited. While driving the vehicle, lost power abruptly and without warning in traffic on 5 occasions between May 2021 and July. Car towed and taken to dealership each time with repair notations indicating short in PDC causing fuse for ignition coils to blow. That was replaced. An additional note when the car failed again indicated an internal short in PCM which was replaced. I've spent thousands of dollars, not to mention the safety issue of stalling in traffic. The last time, I was on a very busy freeway and didn't have enough power to fully move to the shoulder. I counted about 3 near misses with cars about to hit me. I don't have every *Invoice* as they didn't return them all to me but will upload what I do have. This is a serious issue and I'm not getting any resolution with the dealership.
Power train, Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Jul 9, 2021
Service Shifter lights up on the instrument panel as well as the check engine also stop/start not ready. 4x4 not available exhilarates and UN exhilarates all by its own. Shifts hard and jumps hard when I take off at a stop light don't wanna come out of park unless I take my finger and flip up a plastic thing down inside the shifting housing. And the key fobe won't come out of the key switch. No it hasn't been in a crash yet but it's one looking for a place to happen if jeep don't have a recall. Yes my jeep has been confirmed by the Dodge dealership in Lexington Kentucky. They say that it needs a new shifter put in it I'm taking it to the dealership this coming Thursday
Power train, Jul 5, 2021
My Jeep Year, Model, and Make have a recall out for the PTU system (within the last year). When I checked my VIN number on here it said My Jeep was not part of the recall. I believe the recall should be extended outside its current limits. Just last week I had to take my Jeep in because my PTU went bad and could have potentially been dangerous if I had not taken it in (loss of power to transmission etc.). On top of that, since according to NHTSA (really FCA), my jeep isn't affected by the recall but clearly it is. So I have to pay to get it replaced out of pocket for a defective unit!