2015 Jeep Cherokee steering problems

Electronic power steering (EPS) system fails suddenly while driving, rendering steering extremely difficult or impossible to turn. Owners report the steering wheel becoming hard, frozen, or unresponsive. The system appears to lose power intermittently and may recover after restart.

When: Various speeds; reported between 45–65 mph and low-speed maneuvers. One owner at 175 miles; another at 5,000 miles; one at 14,000 miles.

Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel becomes hard or frozen mid-turn; Power steering off warning light illuminates; Unable to turn wheel or extreme difficulty turning; Loss of power steering at highway speed; Steering recovers after vehicle restart

Codes mentioned: Power steering warning indicator, Service shifter messages, Check engine light

Repairs/costs cited: Steering rack replacement required; owners report parts on national back-order for months. One owner waited 5 months for rack availability. Labor and parts costs not consistently cited but noted as significant. One narrative suggests full steering rack replacement.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer initially stated vehicle was out of warranty; dealers unable to diagnose in several cases. FCA issued a wiring harness and switch (Mopar flat-tow kit) to restore EPS power during flat-towing, but this was made available after launch at owner expense.

Vehicle surges, lunges, or accelerates forward without driver input on the accelerator pedal, particularly after stops or during low-speed maneuvers. Transmission may fail to engage smoothly or hesitate before sudden acceleration.

When: Unpredictable; occurs after stopping at lights, during parking lot maneuvers, and at low speeds. One owner reported surging multiple times since purchase; another at less than first oil change (very low mileage).

Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle surges forward without pedal pressure; Hard jerking or lunging acceleration from stop; Transmission hesitates then suddenly engages; Vehicle launches unexpectedly in park or neutral scenarios; Brake pedal requires excessive pressure to prevent collision

Codes mentioned: Check transmission light, Service transmission warning

Repairs/costs cited: Transmission replaced in at least one case; issue persisted after replacement. Six service visits in another case yielded no duplication of concern. Dealers unable to diagnose or reproduce the problem.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Transmission recall issued for 9-speed models; however, some owners report the recall repair did not resolve surging. Software updates performed multiple times without resolving issue.

Nine-speed transmission shifts improperly, jerks, lurches, or refuses to shift smoothly. Vehicle may rock or shift chaotically between gears. Gear engagement is delayed or abrupt.

When: Throughout ownership; some cases occur within first 10,000 miles. Reported at 1,200 miles and 45 mph; occurs at various speeds.

Symptoms owners cite: Hard or jerky gear shifts; Transmission lurches or rocks when shifting forward to reverse; Difficulty engaging gears or delayed engagement; Vehicle rock side-to-side during shifts; RPMs increase rapidly without smooth gear transition; Service shifter warning light; Vehicle will not shift into park

Codes mentioned: Service transmission light, Service shifter error, Check transmission light, Check engine light

Repairs/costs cited: Transmission re-flash / software update is primary repair; issue often recurs after update. One owner reported entire transmission replacement. Transmission control module reprogramming attempted but failed to resolve issue permanently. One narrative mentions PTU (Power Transfer Unit) replacement.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Transmission recall issued (noted as affecting 9-speed transmissions); owners report multiple software update attempts. One narrative cites TSB 08-029-16 for flat-towing wiring. Another references XJ1 Warranty Extension for PTU failure but parts on extended backorder.

Engine shuts off completely while driving without warning, causing loss of power steering and power brakes. Vehicle becomes immobile and difficult to control. Engine may fail to restart immediately.

When: Reported at various speeds: 65 mph highway, 45 mph, 30–55 mph, during low-speed maneuvers, and at traffic lights. One case at 1 day after purchase.

Symptoms owners cite: Engine dies without warning; Complete loss of engine power; Steering wheel locks when engine dies; Power brakes become ineffective; Vehicle coasts to stop; Engine reluctant to restart or no restart for 15 minutes; Multiple stalling incidents during same trip

Codes mentioned: Check engine light (sometimes present, sometimes not), Service transmission warning, Parking brake warning

Repairs/costs cited: Thermostat replacement cited in one narrative as cause; part on national back-order. One dealer re-flashed software; another owner reported dealer unable to diagnose. No repair costs consistently cited.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall exists for stalling (noted in one narrative) but owner reported no notification. One narrative notes vehicle was no longer under warranty.

When vehicle is flat-towed behind a motorhome (4 wheels down), the front end develops a severe left-to-right wobble or shimmy that is violent enough to make the motorhome difficult or impossible to control. Wobble occurs when going over bumps or at highway speeds (55–65 mph). This is a documented defect in 2014–2015 Cherokee models due to electronic power steering requiring constant power during towing.

When: Occurs during flat-towing at 45–65 mph, particularly when encountering bumps or road imperfections. Reported as early as 3,500 miles; one vehicle experienced wobble again after wiring kit was installed.

Symptoms owners cite: Front end shakes violently left and right; Motorhome difficult or impossible to control; Vehicle does not track in line with towing vehicle; Wobble severe enough to require emergency stop; Bumper torn, subframe cracked, tow connector damaged from violence of wobble

Repairs/costs cited: FCA issued Mopar flat-tow wiring harness and switch kit; parts and labor cost approximately $400–$600 per owner. One owner reports the kit was installed but wobble recurred on subsequent towing trips. Parts delayed or back-ordered in some cases.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: FCA issued notification S-13 (Customer Satisfaction Notification) in April 2016 offering complimentary wiring harness and switch kit via Mopar. TSB 08-029-16 issued. Updated owner's manual provided with instructions superseding previous towing guidance. However, many owners report never receiving notification or kit. Some owners charged for the kit installation despite FCA's stated intent to provide it complimentary.

Multiple warning lights and service indicators illuminate simultaneously—including service parking brake, service transmission, ABS, check engine, 4WD unavailable, forward collision warning, and others—often accompanied by loss of steering control, reduced braking ability, or drivability issues. This pattern suggests an electrical or software glitch affecting multiple systems at once.

When: Can occur at startup, during highway driving, or unpredictably. Reported within first year of ownership. One case at 939 miles; another at 21,000 miles.

Symptoms owners cite: Multiple warning lights appear simultaneously; Steering becomes stiff or stuck; Transmission difficulty or loss of power; Loss of 4-wheel drive function; ABS and parking brake warnings; Check engine light; Loss of forward collision warning system; Vehicle sometimes regains normal function after restart or sitting hours

Codes mentioned: Service parking brake, Service transmission, Service antilock braking system, Service forward collision system, Check engine, Service 4WD, Service transmission (code: restart in park with vehicle at zero speed)

Repairs/costs cited: Software/firmware update is typical first response. PTU (Power Transfer Unit) replacement cited in one case; $1,000+ paid by owner for multiple repairs. Sensor replacement attempted. Dealers unable to identify root cause in some cases.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers perform software updates as standard remedy. One narrative mentions transmission recall repair (9-speed). Another cites XJ1 Warranty Extension for PTU coverage but parts on back-order, preventing repair.

Rear differential leaks fluid, makes grinding or knocking sounds, and may fail catastrophically. One owner reports the case shattered; another reports differential failure leading to loss of control (fish-tailing or spinning on wet roads).

When: One case at approximately 120,000 miles (warranty expired at 100,000); another reported earlier with rubbing noise during turns. Vibration reported year ago; power steering issue one and a half years ago.

Symptoms owners cite: Loud knocking or grinding sound from rear; Fluid leak from differential housing; 4WD unavailable warning light; Vehicle fish-tails on wet roads; Complete 360-degree spin on interstate when wet; Rubbing sound when turning sharply or slowly; Vibration lasting months

Codes mentioned: 4WD unavailable service required light

Repairs/costs cited: Rear differential replacement required. Parts availability is an issue; one narrative cites extended backorder. One owner states the differential exploded and shattered the case with fluid everywhere.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall mentioned for differential failure. One owner states this is a 'known issue' per their mechanic who has serviced multiple vehicles with the same problem. Warranty extension (XJ1) may cover PTU (related to drivetrain) but not confirmed for differential.

Radio fails intermittently (goes black, turns off and on, skips stations, volume uncontrollable). Navigation screen goes blank. Hands-free phone function intermittent. Cruise control malfunctions. Ignition warning appears when car is off. These suggest broader electrical or software instability.

When: Throughout ownership; reported within first months.

Symptoms owners cite: Radio screen goes black or blank; Radio turns on and off randomly; Station presets skip or change without input; Volume control erratic; Speakers cut in and out; Hands-free phone fails to function; Navigation screen blank while car running; Loud alarm from navigation screen; Cruise control won't activate or engages unexpectedly; Ignition warning after turning car off

Repairs/costs cited: Software updates performed; no specific repair parts cited for radio or infotainment. One brake switch replacement mentioned in the context of cruise control / acceleration issue.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Software updates are standard remedy; no other manufacturer action cited.

Brakes fail to function properly or lose effectiveness. One owner reports vehicle rolls forward after braking even with brakes applied. Another reports brakes don't grab consistently. One case mentions power steering computer software interfering with braking software.

When: Reported at various points during ownership.

Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle rolls forward after coming to a stop; Brakes don't engage immediately or consistently; Scraping noise as if brake pads missing; Insufficient braking ability even with extra pedal pressure; Power steering computer interfering with brake function

Codes mentioned: Service brake light, Parking brake warning

Repairs/costs cited: Brake pads checked and found fine; issue attributed to software interference. One brake switch replacement mentioned.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer replaced brake switch in one case; power steering software identified as interfering with brake function in another.

Front end shakes or vibrates violently during normal driving (not towing). Steering wheel wobbles or shakes side-to-side. Vibration persists for extended periods.

When: Reported at various speeds; one case at 21,000 miles.

Symptoms owners cite: Front end shakes violently; Steering wheel oscillates back and forth; Shake occurs at various speeds without warning; Vibration persistent over months

Repairs/costs cited: Dealer stated contact would be responsible for repairs; no diagnosis or repair performed in one case. Motor mounts suspected in another but not confirmed.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer stated no recall under VIN; contact would have to pay for repairs.

Steering rack cracks, warps, or tie rods fracture without warning. One owner reports tie rods fractured at 14,000 miles.

When: Early in ownership; one case at 14,000 miles.

Symptoms owners cite: Tie rods fracture without warning; Steering rack develops cracks

Repairs/costs cited: Steering rack replacement required and on national back-order for extended periods.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer was not notified in one case; manufacturer was not made aware.

Leather-wrapped steering wheel has raised, sharp stitching that is abrasive and uncomfortable. Stitching chafes skin during normal turning.

When: Condition exists at all times; most noticeable during wide-arc turns (parallel parking).

Symptoms owners cite: Raised stitching on leather wheel feels sharp; Stitching abrasive when gripping spokes; Skin chafing on thumb from stitching; Discomfort during wide-arc turning maneuvers