2015 Jeep Cherokee

1,788 complaints on file, page 1 of 90.

1. Filed Oct 1, 2026Failure Jun 29, 2026Columbia, MDPower train

   The component involved is the Power Transfer Unit (PTU) / four-wheel-drive system on my 2015 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk. The vehicle has experienced four PTU-related failures. The most recent replacement was a brand-new genuine Mopar PTU professionally installed in October 2025. The vehicle and repair records are available for inspection upon request. The failures created a safety concern because the PTU is part of the drivetrain and four-wheel-drive system, and the repeated failures left the vehicle unreliable and at times undrivable. The vehicle required towing and could not be safely relied upon for normal operation. I am concerned that another PTU failure could result in loss of drivetrain function or other unsafe operation while driving. The problem has been confirmed and addressed by both independent repair facilities and an authorized Jeep dealership. Atlantic Shift Transmission replaced the PTU and documented catastrophic PTU failure and related drivetrain/transmission damage. After the new Mopar PTU was installed, an authorized Jeep dealer performed programming, diagnostics, and approximately 91 miles of test driving, but the four-wheel-drive problem persisted. The vehicle has been inspected and worked on by independent repair facilities and an authorized Jeep dealership. Stellantis/FCA has also been notified through my warranty dispute and related communications. Warning messages and four-wheel-drive system errors continued after the replacement PTU was installed. The condition persisted through dealership programming and testing and was still present when the vehicle was released. Exact timing of every warning message prior to each PTU failure is UNKNOWN, but PTU/4WD-related symptoms and fault codes have repeatedly occurred throughout the repair history. I have repair invoices, dealership records, diagnostic information, warranty documents, and a detailed failure timeline available upon request.

   NHTSA complaint 11768245
2. Filed Sep 21, 2026Failure Sep 14, 2026Salisbury, NCService brakes

   Issues started in 2025 when the emergency brake system started engaging by itself. I was at a stop light when it happened the first time. Then it happened again in our driveway and we ended up having to unplug the battery to get it to turn off. Then on 09.14.2026 I was at a customers home and I put it in park got out and when I got back in to drive off I got the ((P)) light along with the warning to get it serviced. Please see pictures. This popped up on all occasions. I ended up having to tow the jeep to my mechanic. Please see pictures of the module. Water under my spare tire and corrosion on the part.

   NHTSA complaint 11765745
3. Filed Sep 14, 2026Failure Aug 17, 2026132,000 milesMiddleburg, FLPower train

   The contact owns a 2015 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving 45 MPH, the transmission independently shifted to neutral(N). The power train warning light was illuminated. The dealer was contacted by phone and made aware of the failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with range sensor failure. The contact was informed that the range sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact referenced an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not associated with a recall related to the failure. The manufacturer was contacted by phone, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 132,000.

   NHTSA complaint 11764170
4. Filed Aug 28, 2026Failure Mar 1, 2026144,233 milesKaty, TXPower train

   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.

   NHTSA complaint 11760251
5. Filed Aug 23, 2026Failure Mar 2, 2026Colorado Springs, COEngine

   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.

   NHTSA complaint 11758916
6. Filed Aug 20, 2026Failure Jun 25, 2026Reno, NVUnknown or other

   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.

   NHTSA complaint 11758385
7. Filed Aug 19, 2026Failure Aug 7, 2026Winston Salem, NCPower train

   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.

   NHTSA complaint 11757963
8. Filed Aug 15, 2026Failure Apr 10, 2021North hollywood, CAElectrical system, Service brakes, Body

   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

   NHTSA complaint 11757134
9. Filed Aug 6, 2026Failure Jan 1, 2022Saint Joseph, MOPower train

   Slipping of transmission

   NHTSA complaint 11755227
10. Filed Jul 23, 2026Failure Jun 22, 2026Indianapolis, INPower train

    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.

    NHTSA complaint 11752486
11. Filed Jul 23, 2026Failure Jul 23, 2026East Sandwich, MAElectrical system

    My Jeep caught on fire in the area of the power lift gate control module . A fire department report was filed.

    NHTSA complaint 11752433
12. Filed Jul 15, 2026Failure Jul 6, 2026280,000 milesDundee, MIAir bags

    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.

    NHTSA complaint 11750489
13. Filed Jul 4, 2026Failure Jun 15, 2026Russellville, ARAir bags

    The light just came on

    NHTSA complaint 11748252
14. Filed Jun 15, 2026Failure Jun 8, 2026Cedar Rapids, IAPower train

    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.

    NHTSA complaint 11744270
15. Filed May 22, 2026Failure Apr 1, 2026Fort Smith, ARPower train

    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?).

    NHTSA complaint 11739587
16. Filed May 21, 2026Failure May 21, 2026118,600 milesDayton,, OHElectrical system, Service brakes, Steering

    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.

    NHTSA complaint 11739326
17. Filed May 16, 2026Failure May 13, 2026Bedford, INService brakes

    Parking brake module went out and locked up the back end this has happened multiple times now while driving at different speeds!

    NHTSA complaint 11738305
18. Filed May 15, 2026Failure May 15, 2026Dundalk, MDElectrical system, Suspension, Unknown or other

    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.

    NHTSA complaint 11738041
19. Filed May 15, 2026Failure May 14, 2026North Chesterfield, VAElectrical system

    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.

    NHTSA complaint 11738026
20. Filed May 8, 2026Failure May 1, 2026139,000 milesToledo, OHPower train

    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.

    NHTSA complaint 11736617