My vehicle has been studdering while in drive at various speeds. It's heavily stalls before taking off after a stop. I want sure if I moved to manual transmission until it continued to do it for a 45 min drive from 0-65 in speed. It's had the hesitation since I got it and thought it was because of the smaller v6 when I was coming from an Infiniti m37. I checked fluids and no alert or light on…
2015 Jeep Cherokee powertrain problems
moderate 956 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500 · see powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
956
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
13crashes
1fire
6injuries
When does it fail?
Of the 956 powertrain complaints filed for the 2015 Jeep Cherokee, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Powertrain accounts for 54% of every owner complaint on file for this vehicle — the dominant problem area across 12 categories tracked.
Owners have filed 956 powertrain 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.
The failure pattern owners describe
Buyer takeaway: The 2015 Jeep Cherokee powertrain has serious, recurring defects that owners report from the very first miles of ownership. Hard transmission shifts, sudden power loss, and delayed acceleration responses create genuine safety hazards—especially at highway speeds and in traffic. Multiple dealers and Jeep's own case management have repeatedly failed to fix these issues permanently despite numerous software updates and even full transmission replacements.
The 2015 Cherokee's 9-speed transmission and drivetrain are riddled with defects that start early and persist. Owners consistently report violent gear shifts that jolt occupants, along with hesitation delays of 2–5 seconds when accelerating from stops—creating dangerous situations where the vehicle won't respond, then suddenly lurches forward unpredictably. The transmission frequently cuts power entirely while driving at highway speeds, forcing owners to coast to the shoulder with no steering or brake assist. Vehicle stalling at traffic lights, on grades, and during merging is common, with some owners reporting multiple stalls within weeks of purchase.
The electronic shifter malfunctions frequently, locking in neutral or refusing to shift into drive or reverse without restarting the engine multiple times. 4-wheel drive transfer units (PTU) fail with no replacement parts available—dealerships report parts on indefinite national backorder, some saying they can only order one unit per month. Owners also report loss of communication between computer modules, resulting in cascading electrical failures that disable transmission, brakes, and steering simultaneously.
Dealers consistently tell owners the problems are "software-related" or that the transmission needs time to "learn driving habits," then apply the same software updates repeatedly—without fixing the underlying issues. Warranty coverage for some PTU failures exists but offers no repair solution when parts are unavailable. Owners report spending $600–$800 on towing and hotels while vehicles remain at dealerships for weeks, with some vehicles sitting in the shop for over 60 days without resolution.
Same Jeep Cherokee powertrain reports on nearby years: 2014 · 2016 · 2017 · 2018
Failure modes owners describe
Transmission Hard Shifting and Jerking
9-speed automatic transmission exhibits violent, abrupt gear shifts that jolt occupants forward or backward, particularly during acceleration from stops, downshifting, and gear engagement. Owners report the vehicle sometimes lurches or hesitates for seconds before suddenly engaging gear with excessive force.
When: Throughout ownership, often within first 1,000–5,000 miles; some reports as early as 300–800 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Hard, violent shifts between gears; Hesitation or delay before gear engagement (2–5 seconds); Lurching forward or backward during shifts; Jerking during acceleration from complete stops; Clunking or banging noises during shifts; Shuddering when downshifting or coming to a stop; Vehicle launches forward unintentionally after brake application
Codes mentioned: P1720, U0418, U0420, U0415, U1412, P061B, U1504, P07D9, P10A1, P1DAF
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission replaced (multiple owners required replacement at 1,000–8,000 miles); PCM/TCM/BCM reflashed or reprogrammed multiple times; software updates applied repeatedly with minimal or no improvement
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall S55 issued for some models; multiple TSBs and software updates released; dealers advised updates require 100–300 miles for transmission to 'learn driving habits'; warranty coverage under extended PTU warranty (8 years/150,000 miles) for some failures
Loss of Power and Transmission Shutdown
Vehicle suddenly loses all driving power or transmission cuts to neutral while in motion, leaving occupants unable to accelerate or control the vehicle. Engine may remain running but drivetrain becomes unresponsive. Occurs at highway speeds, during acceleration, and at low speeds.
When: Throughout ownership; some incidents as early as 800 miles; recurring incidents in same vehicle
Symptoms owners cite: Complete loss of power while driving at highway speeds (35–65 mph); Transmission cuts to neutral unexpectedly; Engine revs but vehicle will not accelerate or move; Vehicle coasts to shoulder or stops in traffic; Service transmission warning light illuminates; Check engine light flashes; Loss of power steering and brake assist during episodes
Codes mentioned: Transmission service required light, Check engine light (flashing), U0140 (Loss of communication with body control module)
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission replaced (cost $3,835 reported for PTU alone; some owners report parts on national backorder with no availability date); transmission fluid overheat detected in some cases; software recalibration attempted with limited success
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: PTU warranty extension letter covering failures for 8 years/150,000 miles; no safety recall issued for this issue despite manufacturer awareness; Jeep Case Management has not offered repair solutions or timelines; dealers advised owners parts may not be available indefinitely
Delayed or No Acceleration Response
Transmission hesitates for several seconds after accelerator pedal is depressed, then suddenly engages violently. Occurs when pulling away from stops, making turns, merging, or passing vehicles. Creates dangerous situations where driver loses control over vehicle timing and speed.
When: Throughout ownership; frequent and intermittent; some reports from 3,000+ miles onward
Symptoms owners cite: Hesitation when stepping on accelerator (2–5 second delay); Engine revs high (3,000–6,000 RPM) but vehicle does not move; Sudden violent acceleration after hesitation; No power response in low gears; Vehicle behaves as if in neutral when driver applies throttle; Unpredictable acceleration response in heavy traffic; Risk of near-collision due to unexpected delay or surge
Codes mentioned: P1720, U0140
Repairs/costs cited: Software updates and PCM/TCM reprogramming attempted multiple times with no lasting improvement; transmission replacement performed but issue persisted with replacement unit
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers attribute to transmission 'learning driving habits' and advise owners to wait 100–300 miles; software updates released repeatedly; FCA has not provided mechanical remedy
Unintended Acceleration and Surging
Vehicle accelerates without driver input when braking, coasting, or at traffic lights. Engine revs spike during deceleration, causing vehicle to speed up unexpectedly. Owners report loss of vehicle control in critical driving situations.
When: Throughout ownership; some reports as early as 3,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle accelerates when brakes are applied; Engine revs spike (500–1,000 RPM increases) during downshift or coasting; Surging forward at traffic lights; Vehicle speeds up unintentionally when slowing for stops or turns; RPMs jump when descending hills; Acceleration continues after foot is off gas pedal; Near-collision or loss-of-control incidents
Codes mentioned: Check engine light, P1720
Repairs/costs cited: Software reflashing and PCM updates applied; transmission replacement attempted; some owners report dealer told them surging is 'inherent' to vehicle
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Acknowledged as software issue by FCA; multiple software patches released without resolving issue
Erratic Downshifting and RPM Spikes
Transmission fails to downshift properly, causing engine to remain in high gear at low speeds. RPMs spike abnormally during deceleration. Vehicle becomes sluggish and difficult to accelerate uphill or from rolling stops.
When: Throughout ownership; develops over time
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle remains stuck in 3rd or 4th gear at low speeds; Engine revs high without downshifting; RPMs reach 4,500–6,000 when downshifting should occur; Vehicle struggles uphill or during gentle acceleration; Sluggish performance in moderate-speed range (30–55 mph); Long delay before downshift engages
Codes mentioned: P1720, U0140
Repairs/costs cited: TCM/PCM updates applied; transmission valve body replaced; software updates performed multiple times
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: FCA regional manager informed owner transmission is 'shifting as designed'; no remedy offered despite safety concerns
Shifter Malfunction and Lock-Up
Electronic shifter becomes unresponsive, locked in neutral, or displays erratic behavior. Vehicle cannot be shifted into drive, reverse, or park reliably. Shifter may become physically locked, requiring restart or extended wait time to release.
When: Throughout ownership; intermittent and unpredictable
Symptoms owners cite: Shifter won't move or is physically locked in position; Service shifter warning message appears on dash; 'SERVICE SHIFTER' and other warning lights illuminate simultaneously; All gear position lights on shifter illuminate at once; Vehicle cannot be shifted from park to drive or reverse; Shifter locks and requires restart to disengage; Becomes operable only after turning engine off and back on (sometimes 2–3 times)
Codes mentioned: Service shifter warning, Check engine light, U0140 (Loss of communication)
Repairs/costs cited: Shifter assembly replaced; wiring harness replaced (some vehicles required replacement twice); software reflashed; greasing of shifter performed; internal wiring replaced
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Multiple TSBs issued; FCA acknowledged widespread issue in some communications; dealers performed repeated replacements and software updates without permanent fix
Transmission Overheating and Engine Shutdown
Transmission overheats during normal or moderate driving, triggering warning and causing engine to shut down. Vehicle loses all power and becomes immobile, leaving occupants stranded with no steering or brakes. Overheating recurs repeatedly even after repair.
When: Throughout ownership; reported as early as 1,200 miles; recurring in same vehicle
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission temperature warning appears on dashboard; Engine shuts down without warning while driving; Loss of all power, steering, and brakes; Vehicle coasts or stalls in traffic or on roadways; Check engine light and transmission service light illuminate; Overheating recurs within miles of restart; Vehicle becomes immobile on highway or grade
Codes mentioned: Transmission overtemp warning, Check engine light, Service transmission light
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission replaced as 'defectively manufactured' (cost $600+ hotel/tow); transmission recalibration attempted; transmission mount replacement performed; multiple replacements required in some vehicles
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers diagnosed defective transmission manufacture; replaced under warranty; however, overheating recurred after replacement in multiple cases
Power Transfer Unit (PTU) Failure
4-wheel drive transfer unit fails or degrades, causing loss of 4WD functionality and potential loss of partial or complete drivetrain power. Service 4WD warning appears. Dealers report replacement parts are on indefinite national backorder with no availability dates.
When: Intermittent appearance of service 4WD light, sometimes 3+ years after purchase; failure mileage ~100,000 miles reported; some owners report continuous service lights requiring extended backorder repairs
Symptoms owners cite: Service 4WD warning light appears on dashboard; 4-wheel drive mode becomes inoperable or unreliable; Loss of 4WD functionality when needed; Potential complete drivetrain power loss if failure occurs while driving; Service shifter warning also appears (combined PTU/transmission electrical fault); Grinding or abnormal noises from drivetrain
Codes mentioned: Service 4WD, P1720, C14A7-97 (reported as not recognized under some warranty codes)
Repairs/costs cited: PTU replacement required; $3,835 estimate reported; replacement parts on national backorder with no foreseeable availability; dealerships can only order one part per month when available; redesigned axles also replaced in related failures
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: PTU warranty extension letter (8 years/150,000 miles) issued; FCA acknowledges problem but has not issued recall; no repair solution or timeline offered; case management refused to keep cases open without vehicle left at dealership indefinitely
Electrical System Loss of Communication
Vehicle computer modules lose communication with one another, causing cascading failures across multiple systems (transmission, shifter, brakes, steering, electrical). Dashboard lights illuminate erratically or remain on. Vehicle becomes unreliable or unsafe to operate.
When: Throughout ownership; appears after software updates in some cases; recurring in same vehicle
Symptoms owners cite: Loss of communication between PCM, TCM, and BCM; Multiple warning lights illuminate simultaneously (check engine, ABS, traction control, parking brake, transmission); Dashboard displays and EVIC (electronic vehicle information center) crash; Warning lights remain on even after restart; Vehicle no longer logs diagnostic codes properly; Service department unable to identify problems without codes; Lights toggle on and off unpredictably
Codes mentioned: U0140 (Loss of communication with body control module), U0418, U0420, U0415, U1412, U1504, P061B
Repairs/costs cited: PCM/TCM/BCM reflashed or reprogrammed multiple times; sensors replaced; wiring harnesses replaced; battery disconnected and reconnected for resets; software updates applied
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers attribute to battery disconnection during other repair work; software updates released; loss of communication acknowledged but permanent resolution not found
Engine Stalling and Starting Issues
Engine stalls suddenly while driving or at stops. Vehicle becomes difficult to restart or requires multiple attempts. Check engine light and battery warning illuminate. Occurs with low oil conditions in some cases.
When: Throughout ownership; reported as early as 304 miles and up to 17,000+ miles
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stalls without warning while driving; Vehicle difficult to restart or requires multiple attempts; Engine only restarts if foot on accelerator applied; Check engine light illuminates; Battery warning light appears; Vehicle shudders and shakes; Engine stalls at stops or traffic lights
Codes mentioned: Check engine light, Battery warning, Service engine light
Repairs/costs cited: O-ring replacement performed; spark plugs replaced; oil consumption test conducted (1 quart per 667 miles, exceeding manufacturer spec of 1 quart per 2,000 miles); blue smoke from exhaust on startup noted
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers initially misdiagnosed as blown engine head; later identified as O-ring and spark plug issues; oil consumption acknowledged as excessive but warranty coverage limited
Parking Brake Malfunction
Electronic parking brake engages unintentionally or fails to disengage properly. Vehicle may be unable to be shifted out of park or brake remains engaged while driving. Brake lines to booster also fail, causing complete loss of braking.
When: Throughout ownership; intermittent and unpredictable
Symptoms owners cite: Parking brake engages while vehicle is still in drive; Service parking brake warning illuminates; Brake pedal loses effectiveness or goes to floor; Vehicle cannot be shifted out of park due to engaged brake; Parking brake will not disengage even after pressing release button; Loud whirring noise from under dash when brake button pressed; Vehicle becomes immobile due to engaged brake
Codes mentioned: Service parking brake, Brake system warning
Repairs/costs cited: Power brake booster replaced (multiple replacements in some vehicles); electronic parking brake module reset; battery disconnected to force release
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Defective brake booster diagnosed by dealers; replacement parts ordered with weeks-long wait times; no emergency brake system available in these vehicles
Wobble and Vibration During Acceleration
Vehicle exhibits noticeable front-end wobble or vibration when accelerating, particularly between 0–20 mph and during low-speed gear shifts. Continues or worsens even after parts replacement.
When: Early in ownership (within 700 miles); persists despite repairs
Symptoms owners cite: Front-end wobble when accelerating, especially 0–20 mph; Wobble occurs during 1st to 2nd gear shift; Vibration when accelerating from stops; Wobble worsens over time and with continued driving; Wobble felt in vehicle body and steering
Repairs/costs cited: Front axles replaced with redesigned units; wheel balance and alignment checked; multiple visits required
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers initially told owner 'that's how the new 9-speed trans behaves'; later acknowledged as known issue and advised TSB coming out in August; stated safe to drive despite ongoing problem
Water Intrusion and ECU Corrosion
Water leaks into spare tire area and electronic control unit (ECU) compartment, causing rust, mold, and potential electrical system failure. Occurs despite good seal integrity, particularly after rain. Recall issued only for power liftgates, but manual liftgates also affected.
When: Develops over time; mold and corrosion discovered during inspection
Symptoms owners cite: Standing water in spare tire cargo area; Water in ECU and automatic braking system compartments; Mold growth around water-damaged areas; Rust on electronic components; Moisture on and around ECU; Service park brake light flashed; parking brake engaged while still in drive; Vehicle jerked to stop on busy highway
Codes mentioned: Service park brake
Repairs/costs cited: Water removed with shop vacuum; panels removed for inspection; affected components dried; weather stripping and seals checked and found intact
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall issued only for power liftgates; manual liftgate water intrusion not formally recalled despite widespread complaints
Synthesized from 956 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 12 most recent
While driving, the Jeep will turn off automatically due to the engine buring too much oil. It causes a safety concern when the car automatically stops and causes other cars to swirve or to hit the car. I have almost been hit multiple times because of this. There is no warning to it and no oil light to tell me the engine is low of oil. It also has several other warnings that come on for no…
On several occasions, I have been driving the vehicle when it suddenly shifted gears and lurched forward unexpectedly. This action is so powerful it feels like another car has hit me from behind. This was a transmission failure and is available for inspection. Both myself and my family members have suffered whiplash-like neck injuries from these repeated incidents. The automobile puts us at risk…
Shifting and jerking problems since we bought it new, dealer always said software upgrade and has done several. Finally the Jeep made loud bang going across intersection of road and car almost hitting us. Jeep is back in garage and dealership says power take off unit needs to be replace. Never own or buy Jeep product.
The gears are locked and the vehicle or the shifter will not move. We started the car to go somewhere and backed it out of the garage, stopped and put the car in park to put the other car in the garage, when we got back in the Jeep the gears, shifter, would not move, nor would the car. We finally got the Jeep in neutral, the car still would not move, it felt like we were pushing a house, but we…
Gears are unreasonably difficult to shift when parked on a hill. Transmission slips out of gear. While on the free way at approximately 60 MPH the car loses the ability to deliver power.
Transmission shifts hard. Vehicle will lurch forward when shifting gears. Happens when stopped at a light and press the accelerator or when going slow (coming to speed bumps) and accelerating - vehicle will lurch. Purchased the vehicle (brand new) in october of 2015 and 3 days after purchase, the vehicle shut down at a stop light and transmission light came on. I restarted vehicle and had to…
While braking at 24 miles per hour the car abruptly downshifts and causes the vehicle to accelerate. I have noticed the longer I drive the vehicle, it will happen while I am slowing down at higher speeds at well. I have taken the Jeep to the dealership and they have flashed and updated my transmission but they said it was fixed but it was not. It is acting up more than it was before. It…
Transmission is faulty. Numerous difficult shifting issues, particularly after stopping and restarting. The vehicle has been taken back at least three times for reprogramming but the condition still exists.
Since new, we have had problems with the transmission hesitating and lurching. From a stop, or from a slow speed such as when coming out of turning a corner, the transmission will hesitate to "hook up", as though it is slipping, then suddenly throw you forward as it "hooks up / catches". It is very dangerous at an intersection when you may be trying to get through the intersection as…
Had powertrain 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 powertrain problem on the 2015 Jeep Cherokee?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 956 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $2,500 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Across the 651 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 7,500 and 60,000 miles, with the median around 28,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 7,500; a quarter make it past 60,000. 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 $2,500 for powertrain 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 powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain 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.