Accelerator Pedal Before replacing accelerator pedal, be sure to follow fault code diagnostic procedures in service manual. Make sure to check wiring and connectors. P2122 and P2127 will set if accelerator pedal connector is disconnected during diagnosis. Make sure codes are active before replacing pedal. DTC P2299 is usually caused by a two footed driver and accelerator pedal should not be replaced for this fault.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2015 Jeep Cherokee cruise control problems
moderate Owners of the 2015 Jeep Cherokee have filed 42 NHTSA complaints about the cruise control, typically surfacing around 44,440 miles at roughly $600 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See cruise control across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
42
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$600
| Model year | cruise control complaints |
|---|---|
| 2014 Cherokee | 65 |
| 2015 Cherokee (this page) | 42 |
| 2016 Cherokee | 29 |
| 2017 Cherokee | 23 |
| 2018 Cherokee | 8 |
| 2019 Cherokee | 26 |
What stands out
Owners have filed 42 cruise control complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Among the 7 model years of Jeep Cherokee in our records for cruise control problems, this one ranks #2 by owner-complaint volume.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering cruise control on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
Accelerator Pedal Before replacing accelerator pedal, be sure to follow fault code diagnostic procedures in service manual. Make sure to check wiring and connectors. P2122 and P2127 will set if accelerator pedal connector is disconnected during diagnosis. Make sure codes are active before replacing pedal. DTC P2299 is usually caused by a two footed driver and accelerator pedal should not be replaced for this fault.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Adaptive Cruise Control Sensor 1) If you are replacing this part due to the cluster displaying Clean Radar Sensor in Front of Vehicle or DTC C1266 ACC Sensor Blinded, please verify that there is no blockage in front of the sensor. Blockage can occur from mud, ice, snow, front end damage, bracket damage, the sensor not attached to the bracket properly or an aftermarket fascia installed. This fault can occur intermittently in muddy or icy/snowy conditions and is considered normal operation. Under some circumstances, a misaligned sensor can also cause the C1266 DTC, please complete an alignment procedure. No replacement is required.~ 2) If you are replacing this part due to the cluster displayi
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Part Description: Accelerator Pedal Issue Description: Vehicle has accelerator pedal fault code. Before replacing accelerator pedal, be sure to follow fault code diagnostic procedures in service manual. Make sure to check wiring and connectors. DTC P2299 is usually caused by a two footed driver and accelerator pedal should not be replaced for this fault.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners describe a vehicle prone to sudden unintended acceleration and deceleration at various speeds, independent of driver input. The problem manifests as the engine accelerating 5-30 mph beyond commanded speed within seconds, or the vehicle slowing dramatically without brake input. This occurs with cruise control engaged or disengaged and creates collision risks on highways and in city traffic—owners report near-misses with vehicles ahead and behind.
The transmission shifts violently instead of smoothly, causing the vehicle to lurch or buck during gear changes. Hard jerking is particularly bad at 22-25 mph and between 30-45 mph. Starting from a complete stop, acceleration hesitates then suddenly lurches forward, risking loss of control. In multiple cases, the transmission fails entirely on highways, leaving the vehicle unable to accelerate even with the throttle floored; owners report having to shift to Park and back to Drive to restore function.
Cruise control fails to regulate speed, accelerating 10-14 mph above set speed on downhill stretches or hunting erratically on hills. Several owners say the cruise control would not disengage when they applied brakes repeatedly, creating near-crash scenarios.
Engine shutdown while driving has occurred at highway speeds, killing power steering and brakes. Service Shifter warnings illuminate repeatedly; the shifter locks in gear or becomes unresponsive. Reverse engagement is unreliable, requiring the driver to wait seconds or pump the shift lever. Computer updates have been applied in dealerships but failures recur. Owners consistently report dealers dismissing jerky shifting as normal and being unable to replicate failures during diagnostic testing.
Same Jeep Cherokee cruise control reports on nearby years: 2014 · 2016 · 2017
Failure modes owners describe
Unintended acceleration and deceleration without pedal input
Vehicle accelerates or decelerates on its own while driving at various speeds, independent of throttle position. Occurs with and without cruise control engaged.
When: Varies from early ownership (early miles) to 100k+ miles; some instances at startup, others during highway driving
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle accelerates suddenly without driver depressing accelerator; Vehicle decelerates without driver applying brakes; Occurs while cruise control is engaged or disengaged; Speed increases 5-30 mph above intended level; Happens downhill or on flat terrain; Creates near-miss and collision risks
Codes mentioned: P2172, Check Engine Light (unspecified codes), Service Transmission Light
Repairs/costs cited: Software updates/computer reprogramming performed at dealership in some cases; issue recurred in multiple complaints
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Software update; Chrysler case #29373159 documented; manufacturer claimed nothing wrong with vehicle in at least one case despite ongoing issues
Delayed or hesitant acceleration response
Engine hesitates or fails to respond immediately when accelerator pedal is depressed, creating sudden lurching or jerking when it finally engages.
When: From startup through higher mileage; particularly risky during merging or city traffic
Symptoms owners cite: Sluggish throttle response when depressing gas pedal; Delayed acceleration when attempting to merge onto highway; Sudden violent acceleration once vehicle finally responds; Risk of collision when merging into traffic; Transmission light illuminates in some cases
Codes mentioned: Fuel system failure (diagnostic codes unspecified), Service Transmission Light
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer reset/computer update recommended; fuel system repair under unknown recall in one case
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Unknown recall applied; service manager stated no warning or way to predict failure
Cruise control speed regulation failure
Cruise control fails to maintain set speed, accelerating 5-14+ mph above commanded speed or failing to disengage when brakes applied.
When: Intermittent; documented at various speeds and terrain; recall notice issued for some vehicles
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle accelerates beyond set cruise speed; Cruise control does not disengage when brake pedal pressed multiple times; Excessive speed gain on downhill sections; Speed variations and hunting on uphill sections; Cruise control persists despite braking attempts; No warning lights in some cases
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership unable to replicate in multiple cases; one owner installed aftermarket Pedal Commander device to improve throttle response
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall campaign issued (campaign number unknown in some reports); dealership service appointments delayed or cancelled
Hard shifting and transmission jerking
Transmission shifts violently or with excessive force, causing the vehicle to lurch or buck during gear changes.
When: From initial startup and throughout vehicle operation; worse during initial acceleration from stop
Symptoms owners cite: Hard, jerking shifts instead of smooth transitions; Vehicle bucks or lurches during gear changes; RPM spikes during downshifts; Tire spin and traction loss from violent shifts; Shifting feels sloppy and uncontrolled; Particularly bad at 22-25 mph and between 30-45 mph
Codes mentioned: Service Transmission Light, Check Engine Light
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership advised this is normal operation; no repairs completed in most cases
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers claimed jerky shifting is normal; no recalls or service bulletins applied
Transmission failure and no acceleration
Transmission fails to allow vehicle to accelerate, leaving vehicle unable to move or move only very slowly even with throttle fully depressed.
When: Intermittent; documented as early as 38k miles, also at 70k-103k miles
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle stops accelerating mid-highway; Transmission light illuminates; Car rolls forward only despite flooring accelerator; Vehicle slows dramatically or stops in traffic; Must shift to Park then back to Drive to restore function; Failure resolves temporarily after engine shutdown or shift to neutral
Codes mentioned: Service Transmission Light, Cylinder Head torque issue, Parking Brake Module error, CV Joint failure (secondary)
Repairs/costs cited: Computer reprogramming needed 7 updates in one case; shifting to Park and back to Drive temporarily restores function; engine replacement under warranty in one case
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Computer malfunction identified in service; case #29373159 with Chrysler; water damage to parking brake module in one case denied coverage
Engine shutdown while driving
Engine shuts off completely while vehicle is in motion, creating immediate loss of power steering and braking assistance.
When: At various speeds from 40 mph to 65 mph; one instance at highway speeds
Symptoms owners cite: Engine cuts off unexpectedly while driving; Loss of power steering and brake assist; Emergency lights illuminate automatically; Check Engine Light comes on; Long restart delay (up to 20 minutes); Vehicle must be restarted before moving again
Codes mentioned: P2172, Check Engine Light, Auto Start Caution Symbol on dashboard
Repairs/costs cited: Spark plugs and coil pack for cylinder 2 replaced in one case; issue persisted; 'Please wait for vehicle to warm up to start' message displayed
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None documented
Service Shifter alert and shifter malfunction
Service Shifter warning light illuminates repeatedly; shifter becomes unresponsive or fails to allow gear selection despite being physically moved.
When: Intermittent at first, escalating to every startup; 'Service Shifter' alert occurs in multiple complaints
Symptoms owners cite: Service Shifter alert light comes on at startup; Shifter locks in current gear or locks in Park; Shifter fails to respond to driver input; All shifter indicator lights illuminated simultaneously; Incorrect gear engagement (driver thinks in Park but in Reverse); Shifter occasionally works normally, creating false confidence
Codes mentioned: Service Shifter Alert, Parking Brake Module code C14A797 vs P14A797 (coding discrepancy noted)
Repairs/costs cited: Firmware updates attempted; alert persists; dealer diagnostic cost $120/hour for unspecified issue; no repair completed in cases where failure could not be replicated
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Code discrepancy between manufacturer systems; extended warranty offered for PTU (Power Transfer Unit) in one case but coverage denied due to code mismatch
Reverse gear malfunction and rollover tendency
Vehicle fails to engage reverse properly or rolls forward when Reverse is selected, requiring multiple attempts or prolonged hold before responding.
When: Early in ownership, recurring issue
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle will not reverse despite shifter in Reverse position; Car rolls forward momentarily before engaging Reverse; Requires 4-5 second delay before releasing brake for Reverse to engage; Reverse fails entirely in some instances; Problematic during three-point turns and parallel parking
Repairs/costs cited: Waiting 4-5 seconds sometimes helps; no permanent repair documented
Synthesized from 42 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 0 most recent
Had cruise control trouble with your 2015 Jeep Cherokee?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the cruise control problem on the 2015 Jeep Cherokee?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 42 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $600 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the cruise control typically fail?
Across the 26 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most cruise control failures cluster between 8,563 and 63,000 miles, with the median around 44,440. A quarter of owners report trouble before 8,563; a quarter make it past 63,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $600 for cruise control repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to cruise control?
No active recalls currently cover cruise control issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2015/Jeep/Cherokee.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.