2015 Jeep Cherokee electrical problems

Liftgate operates on its own, fails to open/close, or becomes inoperable. Multiple complaints describe water leaking into the liftgate compartment—particularly around hatch seals, body seams, and tail light areas—causing corrosion of the wiring harness and module. Owners report that the module either short-circuits, triggering unwanted operations in hot conditions, or fails completely.

When: Occurs at any mileage; recurring even after dealer repairs. Some complaints reference recall involvement at mileage above 100,000 miles.

Symptoms owners cite: Liftgate opens or closes without user input; Liftgate inoperable when attempting to use it; Warning message 'shift vehicle to park to operate liftgate' appears while driving; Liftgate activates repeatedly while parked with engine running; Water leaking into cargo/wheel well area near liftgate; Severe corrosion visible on wiring harness and module; Behavior worse in hot weather and high interior temperatures

Codes mentioned: Power liftgate module failure, Wiring harness corrosion

Repairs/costs cited: Dealers replace liftgate module and wiring harness; one owner paid ~$2,000 for new harness and related water-damage repairs. Recall 49A addresses module replacement but does not resolve underlying water intrusion design flaws. Parts frequently on backorder.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 49A (NHTSA Campaign 23V338000) issued May 2023 for electrical system/structure fire risk. Technical Service Bulletin 08-060-16 and 10191415 address module/connector inspection. Dealers report parts unavailable as of early 2024. Manufacturer instructed owners not to park vehicle indoors due to fire potential. Recall notifications state repair parts 'expected to be available in 2024.'

Liftgate attempts to open or operate without user input, triggered by door-handle sensors or electrical glitches. Owners report touching the sensor or simply being in the vehicle triggers operation. Behavior correlates with heat but cannot be reliably replicated by dealers.

When: First occurred as early as 1 year after purchase; intermittent; worse in hot weather

Symptoms owners cite: Liftgate tries to operate while driving; Liftgate opens on its own after touching door-handle sensor; Liftgate activates multiple times while parked with engine running; Behavior occurs primarily when interior vehicle temperature is hot; No warning or user input triggers operation

Repairs/costs cited: Dealers have replaced multiple parts (fuses, modules) without fixing the issue. One owner reports dealers 'throwing parts at it' without addressing root cause. Temporary fix mentioned online requires pulling and reinserting liftgate fuse.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership personnel claim 'not a known issue' despite owner videos showing similar problems. Two existing recalls involve liftgate modules, but owner's VIN initially excluded. Dealers refuse to inspect wiring or relay modules.

Electronic parking brake engages unexpectedly and locks, or fails to release. Water intrusion into the rear cargo area corrodes the EPB module (located near the spare tire) causing malfunction. Failures are linked to the same water leaks affecting the liftgate module.

When: Can occur at any mileage; one owner experienced second occurrence 16 months after first electrical repair at that location.

Symptoms owners cite: Parking brake engages suddenly on its own; Parking brake will not release once engaged; Vehicle lurches forward or stalls when brake engages at stop signs or in traffic; Brake engages mid-drive within seconds of starting to move; Intermittent engagement and release patterns; Water visible in rear cargo compartment near brake module; Corrosion on electrical connectors

Codes mentioned: EPB module not responding, Electronic parking brake module failure, Service Park Brake warning light

Repairs/costs cited: Repair requires replacement of EPB module and harness. Cost can exceed $1,000 when not covered by warranty. Parts frequently on backorder. One owner waited weeks for part availability.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Technical Service Bulletin 08-060-16 and 10191415 instruct dealers to replace EPB module and inspect connector for corrosion if customer describes non-release. Manufacturer initially issued Recall 49A for liftgate module but declined to cover EPB replacement under same recall despite shared water-intrusion cause. Chrysler declined expedited recall service requests.

Engine shuts off completely during driving without warning. All electrical systems (lights, gauges, infotainment) may black out or remain partially active. Vehicle becomes uncontrollable, losing power steering and braking assist. Occurs at highway and city speeds, at stops, and during turns. Owners report multiple stalls within a single trip; no consistent pattern; dealers unable to replicate.

When: First incidents within days to months of purchase; recurring. One owner experienced three stalls on first drive and continued stalling for at least 3 months. Another owner with 45,000 miles reported two incidents within one month.

Symptoms owners cite: Complete engine shutdown while driving; Loss of power steering; Loss of brake assist (requires full brake pedal pressure); All dash lights and gauges go to zero or illuminate with warning messages; Vehicle loses ability to accelerate or move forward; Restart required; sometimes requires multiple attempts; No warning light or message prior to stall; Occurs in hot weather, on highways, at traffic lights, during turns; Message 'Shift to Park' or 'Service Start/Stop System' may appear after stall

Codes mentioned: Start/Stop System Unavailable, Check Engine, Service Transmission, Check Transmission, Service Check Engine

Repairs/costs cited: Dealer diagnostics identified crankshaft sensor replacement as one attempted fix. One owner received brand-new transmission replacement after 3-day diagnostics. Another owner's vehicle had oil change at 17,000 miles after which Check Engine light came on and dealer cleared code without addressing root cause. Multiple repeat visits to dealers with no resolution in some cases.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer issued flash update/recall before delivery in at least one case but owner was not notified at purchase. Dealers report inability to duplicate issue on test drive; some service departments at loss for cause. One dealer performed transmission replacement as remedy.

Vehicle catches fire spontaneously, originating from the engine bay (passenger side front), rear electrical compartment near liftgate/tail light, or under the hood. Fires ignite with ignition on or off, while driving or parked, with no external cause (lightning, collision, etc.). Some fires begin minutes after startup; others while parked. Complete loss of vehicle in all cases reported.

When: Various mileage and use conditions: one at 147,565 miles; one at ~14 months of ownership; fires occur both while vehicle is parked and while driving.

Symptoms owners cite: Smoke billowing from engine hood or rear panel; Sparks and flames visible under hood or from rear panels; Fire spreads rapidly, consuming entire vehicle; Flames originating from driver-side tail light area or electrical wiring; Fire starts even with ignition off and vehicle parked; No warning lights on dashboard prior to fire; Trunk sensor warning light illuminated but trunk not actually open (in one case)

Repairs/costs cited: Vehicles destroyed; one required approximately 30 minutes to extinguish by fire department. Damage to surrounding structures (garage siding, home siding). Dealership investigation in one case referenced possible body-harness replacement but noted 'complete loss of controls and functions.'

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer in one case asked if vehicle was struck by lightning (no lightning present). Manufacturer sent third-party inspector to examine burned vehicle and concluded 'no manufacture defect found' despite fire. One dealer stated they were 'not aware of any water intrusions on this vehicle.' Recall 23V338000 issued May 2023, approximately 6 weeks after at least one fire; Manufacturer claims they were investigating the issue for 6+ months but did not disclose risk to owners during that time.

Battery drains rapidly or fails to charge; alternator may be functioning but battery dies unexpectedly. Vehicle experiences sudden loss of all electrical power while driving or parked. Electrical system malfunctions prevent vehicle from starting despite functional battery and charging components.

When: Occurs in hot weather; one incident after 15-mile drive and 20+ minute wait in 117°F heat.

Symptoms owners cite: Battery warning light illuminates on dashboard; Vehicle stops accelerating when battery warning appears; Car will not start despite recent jump; multiple restart attempts needed; All dashboard lights illuminate and beep; loss of power steering; Complete electrical shutdown mid-drive; Battery dies after sitting in heat for 20+ minutes; Starter rattles when attempting ignition; Hazard lights activate by themselves without user input

Codes mentioned: Battery warning, Shift to Park

Repairs/costs cited: Mechanic diagnostics found starter, battery, and alternator in good working condition despite symptoms. One dealership diagnostic suggested low oil causes vehicle to stall (claiming 'European safety feature'). Battery replaced twice in one vehicle over 2+ years.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership diagnosed low-oil stall condition; no recall action identified by owners.

Complete loss of electrical power; all systems go dark. Vehicle becomes completely inoperable with no power to any electrical function. Occurs at rest or after long hold. Doors lock and cannot be opened; owner had to pull battery to regain access. Engine and accessory power cut off entirely.

When: 6-month-old vehicle; child left inside locked vehicle in August heat. Occurred again after module replacement.

Symptoms owners cite: Complete loss of electrical power; All lights, radio, and accessory functions dead; Doors lock and will not open; No power to windows, locks, or any electrical system; Ignition system non-responsive

Repairs/costs cited: Computer module replaced under warranty; same failure pattern resumed after replacement. Owner out of warranty and unable to afford another module replacement.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Module identified as faulty and replaced at dealership under warranty.

Gear shifter fails to shift; transmission warning lights illuminate. Shift lever becomes unresponsive at highway speeds. Related electrical harness failures in shifter and brake-drive module (BRDM) reported in one case.

When: At 41,000 miles

Symptoms owners cite: Gear shifter fails to shift while driving; Service Shifter light and Transmission warning light illuminate; Vehicle gets stuck in gear or cannot move forward/backward

Codes mentioned: Service Shifter, Service Transmission

Repairs/costs cited: Diagnosis identified BRDM harness and shifter harness needing repair; vehicle was not repaired at time of complaint.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified; diagnosis completed but repair status unclear.

Keyless entry becomes intermittently unresponsive; electric door locks fail or operate only from certain doors; doors lock above 15 mph and cannot be unlocked. Power windows, hatch latch, and memory seats also malfunction. Body Control Module (BCM) diagnosed as damaged; believed caused by AC condensation or humidity entering the module enclosure.

When: Issues persisted for approximately one month while BCM was on backorder.

Symptoms owners cite: Keyless entry works only through passenger door, then stops working entirely; Electric locks inoperable from inside the vehicle; Doors automatically lock above 15 mph and cannot be unlocked; Hazard lights activate by themselves; Hatch will not lock or latch; Power windows, memory seats, and radio presets operate intermittently; Rear hatch power and latching intermittent

Codes mentioned: BCM Part No. 68236667AI not responding to tests

Repairs/costs cited: BCM replacement required; part was on backorder for approximately one month. Owner suspected AC condensation dripping onto module from interior vent location.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer diagnosis identified BCM failure and replacement requirement. No design change mentioned to prevent condensation intrusion.

Dashboard displays flicker on and off; radio screen stops displaying song/program information; system unresponsive to inputs. Infotainment system requires multiple software updates but continues to malfunction. In one case, vehicle 'rejects' newly installed parts.

When: Occurred after repair work at body shop in one case; related to computer software updates in another.

Symptoms owners cite: Dashboard lights flicker dramatically; Radio display stops showing song, program, podcast, or station information; Infotainment screen blinks and occasionally refuses to respond; Multiple software updates do not resolve issues; System appears to 'reject' new components; Interior lights dim and brighten independently

Codes mentioned: Service Engine

Repairs/costs cited: Multiple software/firmware updates attempted without resolution. Part installation rejected by vehicle computer in one case. Engine parts (purge solenoid, oil filter housing) replaced without resolving dashboard/radio issues.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers performed multiple software updates. In one case, dealer stated vehicle is 'rejecting' parts and had to contact Chrysler for guidance.

Transmission enters 'limp mode' without warning; vehicle loses ability to move forward or backward. Service Transmission light and sometimes Service Air Bag light illuminate. Shutting off and restarting vehicle temporarily resolves issue. Occurs at various speeds and driving conditions.

When: After driving for a few minutes

Symptoms owners cite: Transmission enters limp mode without warning; Vehicle unable to move forward or backward; Service Transmission light illuminates; Service Air Bag light may also illuminate; Dashboard lights flashing; Fan comes on; Vehicle runs smoothly until sudden onset; Temporary resolution by restarting vehicle

Codes mentioned: Service Transmission, Service Air Bag

Repairs/costs cited: Purge solenoid and oil filter housing replaced; issue not resolved.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None documented in complaint.

Four-wheel-drive disabled warning message appears despite vehicle not being in four-wheel-drive mode or the button not being activated. Message persists intermittently. Associated with computer software updates or module failures.

When: After dealership computer update in one case; recurring thereafter.

Symptoms owners cite: Four-wheel-drive disabled message appears unsolicited; Message continues appearing even when four-wheel-drive not engaged; Appears after dealership computer updates; Coincides with other electrical warnings (Check Engine, Traction Control, Air Bag Service)

Codes mentioned: Four-wheel-drive disabled, Check Engine, Traction Control, Service Air Bag

Repairs/costs cited: Dealership unable to duplicate issue and found multiple codes with scanner. Vehicle towed to second dealership; second dealer unable to replicate either.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None documented in complaint.

Vehicle accelerates unexpectedly without driver input; lurches forward when foot is released from brake. Occurs at stops, in traffic, and during normal driving. Associated with auto start/stop feature malfunction in some reports.

When: Recurring issue; has caused at least one rear-end collision.

Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle lunges forward when foot is released from brake; Unintended acceleration without pressing gas pedal; Vehicle does not move when accelerating (gas pedal depressed 5 seconds before response); Behavior associated with auto start/stop feature

Codes mentioned: Check Engine

Repairs/costs cited: No repairs documented; owner concerned about vehicle safety.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership provided multiple computer updates/flashes; issue persists.

Airbags fail to deploy during motor vehicle accidents at significant speeds and forces. Driver, passenger, and side-curtain airbags remain inactive despite head-on and rear-impact collisions. Occupants sustain injuries that would normally be mitigated by airbag deployment.

When: During motor vehicle accidents; multiple separate incidents reported.

Symptoms owners cite: No airbag deployment in head-on collision at highway speed (70 mph); No airbag deployment in rear-impact collision at ~50 mph; Driver, passenger, and side-curtain airbags remain inactive; Occupants suffer injuries (broken ribs, sternal fractures, wrist fractures) without airbag protection

Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle examination by manufacturer forensic team; black box retrieved.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer forensic team obtained black box and vehicle access. Manufacturer customer service directed complainant to forensic team but was otherwise unresponsive; complainant reports not receiving return calls and feeling 'brushed off.'

When vehicle stalls or loses electrical power, secondary malfunctions occur including unwanted windshield wiper activation. Wipers activate independently when vehicle is not in use.

When: During or after vehicle stall events; intermittently.

Symptoms owners cite: Windshield wipers turn on inadvertently; Wipers activate when vehicle stalled or experiencing electrical issues; Wipers activate when vehicle is parked and off

Repairs/costs cited: No specific repair documented.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None documented.

Brake pedal springs forward with slamming noise after releasing; vehicle requires extended brake-pedal pressure to stop. Brake calipers lock into position. Related to electronic parking brake module failures in some cases.

When: Various conditions

Symptoms owners cite: Brake pedal slams forward with loud noise when released; Brake pedal requires full pressure application; Brake calipers lock in position; Brake and brake-system service lights illuminated

Codes mentioned: Service Park Brake, Brake Light

Repairs/costs cited: Brake caliper condition assessed; corrosion suspected in some cases. Electronic parking brake module replacement required in related complaints.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Technical Service Bulletin 08-060-16 addresses electronic parking brake module replacement.

Plastic trim and interior components fall off or become loose inside the vehicle and on exterior. Roof liner becomes detached; wheel trim pops off.

When: Throughout vehicle ownership

Symptoms owners cite: Plastic parts falling off inside the dash; Trim falling off on exterior; Inside roof liner not attached; Left rear wheel trim popped off

Repairs/costs cited: No repairs documented.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None documented.

Forward Collision Warning system fails to engage or provide alerts despite being included in Safety Package. No audible or visual warning when vehicle approaches obstacles or other vehicles. System unresponsive after multiple recalibration attempts by dealer.

When: From purchase; issue identified immediately upon delivery.

Symptoms owners cite: No audible alerts when forward collision threat detected; No visual alerts when forward collision threat detected; System does not function as designed or advertised

Repairs/costs cited: Multiple recalibration attempts by dealership without resolution. Dealership service tech reported 'a lot of these vehicles' experiencing similar issue and was waiting for overhead support from Jeep.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Jeep overhead support contacted but no resolution documented.

Tire pressure gauge displays erratic readings; pressure indicated as 51 PSI then changes to 31 PSI seconds later. Related to software updates in one case.

When: After latest software update in one complaint

Symptoms owners cite: Tire pressure gauge shows 51 PSI followed by 31 PSI within seconds; Warning light illuminates for tire pressure issue; Erratic behavior occurs after software update

Repairs/costs cited: Issue occurred after dealership software update.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None documented; software update was applied without warning of side effects.