2015 Jeep Cherokee
The Verdict
The 2015 Jeep Cherokee has 1,778 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. The most reported issues are transmission (853 complaints) and engine (389 complaints). With a Klunk Score of 5/100, it earns a "Total Klunk" rating. If you're shopping for a Jeep Cherokee, consider the 2023 model year which has 99% fewer complaints.
Safe Bet
The 2023 has 99% fewer complaints
View the 2023 Jeep Cherokee dashboard →
Klunk Score: Total Klunk
Among the most complained-about vehicle years on record. Strongly consider alternatives.
How is this calculated?
The Klunk Score ranks this vehicle year against all others in our database based on total owner complaints filed with NHTSA. 100 = fewest complaints (top tier), 0 = most complained-about. Scores above 60 are better than average; below 40 means more problems than most.
Recalls 2
Active safety recalls from NHTSA for this vehicle year.
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 suctio...
Risk
If the line is misrouted, it may contact the exhaust manifold, increasing the risk of a vehicle fire.
Remedy
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 fr...
Reported Apr 10, 2026
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 aff...
Risk
A short circuit in the module increases the risk of a fire.
Remedy
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 ...
Reported Sep 12, 2015
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Under the Hood
Each number is a complaint. Darker = bigger problem.
By Category
By Severity
Worst Problems
Complaints
The contact owns a 2015 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that there was an abnormal burning odor coming from the A/C unit while in operation. The contact also stated that after starting the vehicle, the vehicle hesitated upon depression of the accelerator pedal. Additionally, the vehicle shifted into neutral(N) without warning and rolled backward. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V529000 (Power Train) and referred the contact to the manufacturer. The manufacturer initially informed the contact that the vehicle was included in the recall; however, the contact was later informed that the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 144,233.
I have a complaint concerning the 3.2L V6 Pentastar engine. A repair was necessary for a manufacturer KNOWN fault concerning factory installation using improperly hardened steel for the Rocker arms/lifters needle bearings, AKA, “The Pentastar Tick”. Rocker arms collapse and cause gouging/scoring damage to the intake camshafts. I had to pay for repairs totaling $5091.05 for this manufacturer’s known and acknowledged, factory mistake. -Copy of final invoice attached.. I have tried to get help from Jeep/Stellantis and assistance to make these expensive repairs. I was told no assistance was possible even though the factory recognized the steel used for the needle bearings that held the rocker arm did not meet strength requirements. Chrysler/Stellantis upgraded needle bearings using properly hardened steel to resolve their factory installation error. I believe Chrysler/Stellantis owes me compensation for costs associated with this repair.
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request?The Power Transfer Unit (PTU) / all-wheel-drive transfer case assembly failed internally. Yes, the vehicle and the defective component are physically located at an authorized dealership facility and are available for federal or manufacturer inspection upon request.How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk?The sudden internal mechanical failure of the PTU stripped the drive splines while operating the vehicle. This caused an immediate loss of power and four-wheel-drive engagement, creating a severe road hazard and an unexpected safety risk to myself and surrounding traffic.Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center?Yes. The failure was formally diagnosed, reproduced, and confirmed by certified technicians at the authorized factory dealership, Lithia Chrysler Jeep of Reno.Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others?Yes. The vehicle and failed component have been inspected and verified by the authorized manufacturer dealership representing Jeep/Stellantis.Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear?Yes. The "Service 4WD" warning lamp and dashboard messages illuminated immediately when the failure occurred. Symptoms included total loss of rear-wheel torque engagement and mechanical grinding noises originating from the front drivetrain.
While driving my 2015 Jeep Cherokee on an interstate trip, we began noticing a strong unusual odor inside the vehicle. At first, we thought we were simply driving past a paper mill or another external source of the smell. A short time later, we noticed other vehicles beginning to merge out of our lane and realized something might be wrong with our vehicle. We exited the highway and pulled over as soon as we could safely do so. We did not see any smoke or steam while the vehicle was moving. After we had pulled over and stopped, we noticed steam coming from under the hood. When we opened the hood, smoke came out and there was a strong burning smell. Because we were concerned that the vehicle was unsafe to continue driving, we did not continue the trip and the vehicle had to be towed by AAA. An independent mechanic subsequently inspected the vehicle and diagnosed a leaking Power Transfer Unit (PTU) that requires replacement. There were no warning lights, warning messages, or other dashboard alerts before the incident, during the incident, or afterward. The unusual odor was the first symptom we noticed. I later contacted Jeep/Stellantis and was informed that the required OEM replacement PTU is currently unavailable, and they could not provide an estimated availability date. As a result, there is currently no clear OEM repair timeline for the vehicle. My safety concern is that this problem developed while the vehicle was being driven at highway speeds, with no dashboard warning, and resulted in smoke/steam and a strong burning odor once the vehicle was stopped.
Online is saying there is 0 recalls after a year of having the vehicle a recall was sent by mail. I got it fixed by jeep van nuys, the engine and the other equipment attached looks unsafe and it is completely overheating
Slipping of transmission
The power transfer unit (transfer case) went out as I was driving. I wasn't able to drive it and had to towed it to a mechanic. We found that later, the transfer case actuator and seals also needed replaced. Because this went out on a whim while I was driving, I had to continue through stop lights and traffic through downtown without a way to fully stop, control my speed, and was starting and restarting my car to get to where I needed to be. From what I've found, there are recalls on these parts, however not on my specific vehicle as of now. There weren't any other symptoms or warning signs before these went out. The parts have been inspected by a mechanic and are currently being replaced. Even without a recall, if I'm able to be reimbursed for any of this, it would be appreciated.
My Jeep caught on fire in the area of the power lift gate control module . A fire department report was filed.
The contact owns a 2015 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that after entering the vehicle, closing the door, and starting the vehicle, the passenger’s side rear-seat air bag unexpectedly deployed. The driver's side rear seat air bag deployed the following day. The air bag warning light was illuminated. There were no injuries reported. The local dealer was contacted and referred the contact to the insurance company for assistance. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was opened. The manufacturer confirmed that the vehicle was no longer covered under warranty. The insurance company was contacted and declined the claim. The failure mileage was approximately 280,000.
The light just came on
There has been multiple issues with the PTUs on these jeeps. Mine does not fall under the recall if there was one. I’m battling with the place I bought the jeep from for warranty and they are not covering it. I’ve talked to hundreds of people about it and they said this jeep should have been recalled for this PTU issue but it’s not. Not sure what to do or where to go from here.
2 speed transaxle harsh/slam engagement. When vehicle is in normal drive mode transaxle will engage/disengage depending on input from driving conditions (turns, slippery roads, heavy throttle input). This engagement is so harsh the vehicle will jump and surge. Condition does not occur if transaxle is fully engaged under "sport, snow, mud, rock modes" where transaxle is always locked in. Vehicle does not show and fault code during this harsh engagement. Conditions are reproducible at will. Multiple recalls on this style transaxle unit for same style vehicle (why not all?).
The contact owns a 2015 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that on multiple occasions, the brake pedal became inoperable and felt spongy while attempting to stop the vehicle. The contact also stated that the steering wheel became difficult to operate, and a crunching sound was heard while turning the steering wheel. Additionally, the contact stated that multiple incorrect warning messages illuminated on the instrument panel, including the Start/Stop warning message and a door open warning message. The contact stated that the failures began after the vehicle had been repaired under a tailgate recall. The vehicle was taken to another dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer advised the contact to return to the previous dealer for repairs. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 118,600.
Parking brake module went out and locked up the back end this has happened multiple times now while driving at different speeds!
I was driving and going around the roundabout and I got an error message service shifter & park, reverse, neutral, drive, and drive minus or negative which is the manual part all lit up. I took it to the dealer and they said it would have to be examined, but I went online and found out between 2014 and 2018 of these vehicles, this is something that happens frequently. I don’t understand why it’s not a recall.
The car continues to have an issue with the same recalls that were priorly fixed but continued to happen after a few years. The last repair for this recall only lasted six months and I now need to replace the exact same parts again. The vehicle is completely faulty. The computer control valve for the transmission continues to fail. My vehicle will say service transmission, and then you cannot switch gears and becomes undrivable until you clear the codes or replace the parts.... again.
The contact owns a 2015 Jeep Cherokee. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25E003000 (POWERTRAIN). The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal and went into limp mode. Multiple warning lights were illuminated. In addition, the power steering seized. The contact's wife was able to cruise into a dealer. The vehicle was inspected and diagnosed that the power transfer unit (PTU) had failed. The contact was informed that the part was on a national backorder. The vehicle remained at the dealer unrepaired. The contact stated that the failure had occurred in the past and was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that a request to expedite the part was submitted. The failure mileage was approximately 139,000.
Vehicle is overheating, have had issues right after purchasing from carmax burbank and issues after the recall was worked on at van nuys jeep dealership.
The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving the vehicle the warning message "Service Four Wheel Drive" had displayed. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who performed a software update but the warning light remailed illuminated. The contact retrieved the vehicle and later experienced transmission gear slippage and grinding. The cause of the failure was not determined. The manufacturer was not yet contacted. The failure mileage was 154,000.
I am writing to formally raise a concern regarding the Power Transfer Unit (PTU) on my Jeep Cherokee, which currently has approximately 123,000 miles and has been driven fewer than 10,000 miles per year. Despite what I would consider normal usage, the PTU appears to be failing—an issue I understand is not uncommon for this vehicle. I have been informed that replacement PTU units are currently on extended backorder, with dealerships reportedly facing a backlog of hundreds of pending repairs. This raises serious concerns, not only about parts availability but also about the apparent frequency of this failure. More importantly, I am concerned about the risk of continued operation while awaiting replacement. Based on my understanding, a failing PTU can place additional strain on the transmission and drivetrain, potentially leading to more extensive damage, overheating, or even sudden mechanical failure. Given that the part is unavailable for an extended period, I am left in a position where continued use of the vehicle may result in further costly damage and possible safety risks. I would appreciate clarification on the following: What steps can be taken to mitigate further damage while the PTU is on backorder? Whether there are any alternative repair options, including temporary solutions or access to remanufactured or used parts Whether any goodwill assistance, extended warranty consideration, or manufacturer support is available given the known issues and current supply constraints I rely on my vehicle for regular transportation and am concerned about both safety and the potential for escalating repair costs due to circumstances beyond my control. I would appreciate a prompt and thorough response outlining available options. Sincerely, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
1778 total