CarComplaints.com Notes: How many transmission complaints can a new vehicle really receive? You'd be surprised. Unless you're a 2015 Cherokee owner, then I bet you're not surprised at all.

10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
13 / 1
Injuries / Deaths:
6 / 0
Average Mileage:
27,256 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2015 Jeep Cherokee drivetrain problems

drivetrain problem

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2015 Jeep Cherokee Owner Comments (Page 35 of 48)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #264

Jun 222016

Cherokee

  • 10,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Since the date of delivery - on a daily basis, when in low gears, stop and go city driving, the transmission slips, jumps, jerks, and will often bog down. Acceleration is extremely jerky when taking off from a light or turning a corner. The vehicle has had at least three computer updates to resolve the issue with only extremely slight to no improvement. On several occasions I have not been able to move the vehicle safely out of the way of danger as quickly and reliably as I should have been, only narrowly avoiding an accident.

- Hazel Park, MI, USA

problem #263

Jun 202016

Cherokee

  • 17,000 miles
The contact owns a 2015 Jeep Cherokee. While driving 30 mph, the check engine and battery warning lights illuminated. In addition, the 'place the vehicle in park position' warning message displayed. The vehicle was placed into the park position and another error message illuminated stating 'place the vehicle in the desired gear'. the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact was able to restart the vehicle after several attempts and the brake pedal was difficult to depress. The failure was intermittent. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 17,000.

- Chicago, IL, USA

problem #262

Jan 022016

Cherokee

  • miles
When taking off from a complete stop the Jeep hesitates or has no power to wheels for 5- 10 seconds at a time. When pulling out into an intersection we have almost been hit numerous times because the vehicle will not move. The engine revs up but no power to the wheels. And once it does start to move it takes off and gives you whiplash. We have also experienced our transmission getting locked into an unknown gear and not shifting up or down. Both of these instances have happened on highways and in city driving. Our dealer replaced a relay the first time our ck engine light came on. The second time they replaced a tcm and flashed our computer and installed 5 software upgrades. The third time our ck engine light came on which was last week, they are now replacing our transmission. There is obvious no fix for this transmission issue and it's unbelievable that Jeep would allow this well known safety issue to continue. This transmission is going to get someone hurt or killed. No doubt in my mind. When you pull out into an intersection and hit the accelerator and nothing happens and there's a tractor trailer headed straight for you, I'd like to know what Jeep recommends you do?

- Troutville, VA, USA

problem #261

Apr 292016

Cherokee

  • 11,700 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 2015 Jeep Cherokee. After the vehicle was parked, it independently rolled back without warning and was pinned between the garage door and rear of the vehicle. The contact sustained bruises, but did not require medical attention. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 16V240000 (power train) after the failure was experienced. The vehicle was towed to the dealer for investigation. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 11,700.

- Norwalk, CT, USA

problem #260

May 222016

Cherokee

  • 21,500 miles
1. delay in finding gear when accelerating on a downslope cause a sudden bucking of the vehicle into far lane of traffic. 2. sudden downshift on highway caused rapid deceleration in high speed traffic. 3. jerky shifting between gears continuously.

- Cornelius, NC, USA

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problem #259

May 032016

Cherokee

  • 5,000 miles
The problem is in the transmission, when sitting at a stop light for instant, you had better keep your foot on the brake, it will sometimes try to lurch forward, also just sitting at a light you will hear a very loud clunk, like it just down-shifted, these transmissions are junk.

- Cape Girardeau, MO, USA

problem #258

Jun 042016

Cherokee

  • 12,600 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

On 06/04/16, at 12,600 miles, the Jeep failed completely on the freeway. We were driving 50 mph in heavy southern ca traffic when the 'transmission service required' light and the red check engine light flashed on and we lost all power. This happened instantly and without any warning. We had to throw on the hazard lights and Dodge oncoming traffic to move over 3 lanes to exit the freeway at less than 5 mph. This was a terrifying experience and we are lucky the Jeep did not cause a major accident! the tustin Jeep dealership did a software update and said it was fine. Fca has remained adamant that the problem is not mechanical, but software related and have released 3 software patches to date but we see no improvement. One week later on 06/13/16 the transmission was still functioning poorly (hard shifts, up shifting as you apply the break downhill, etc.) and then we had another problem. The alarm went off without warning and would not shut off, even when the Jeep's engine was turned on. Only after several minutes and pushing every button on the key multiple times did it finally stop. We took it to placentia Jeep and they looked into the transmission and alarm. After having our Jeep for a week, they did yet another software update for the transmission and disconnected the gps. They explained that the gps that was installed at the dealer after the fact was interfering with the factory installed alarm, and that caused the alarm to go off at random. This is a big problem because we were charged $1295 extra for that feature and it is now disconnected. The dealer also found that the battery power was below half, and they felt that the radio was pulling from the battery even when the Jeep is turned off. They found no resolution for this problem and asked us to return after a week or two to reassess the problems.

- Fullerton, CA, USA

problem #257

Jun 202016

Cherokee

  • 18,000 miles
The transmission has very erratic behavior. When trying to accelerate quickly, like when you are trying to get onto a busy road from a side street or trying to get onto the freeway, the engine revs very high, like the transmission is out of gear. After a second or two you can feel a troubling clunk as it finds a gear and lunges forward. I've almost gotten in a few accidents because of this. It doesn't respond to me pressing the accelerator then it violently shifts into gear and lunges forward. I have also had this experience when trying to shift into drive after reversing our of my driveway. I've complained to the dealer a couple of times. They have supposedly updated the software, but I do not feel a difference. The dealer likes to claim that it's a "feature" of the adaptive transmission trying to anticipate what I want it to do. I'd rather it just respond to what I'm doing.

- Corrales, NM, USA

problem #256

Jun 172016

Cherokee

  • 27,000 miles
The transmission shifts back and forth wildly and goes back and fourth in 2-3 gear very violently. They have attempted to fix this with computer updates but it keeps coming back about every 4-6 months and we have to go back and have them reset the computer.

- Raleigh, NC, USA

problem #255

Nov 022015

Cherokee

  • 3,000 miles
The vehicles transmission shifts very rough, especially around 19 to 23 mph. When slowly accelerating from a complete stop on a flat surface the vehicle hesitates for a second before moving then jerks. When the vehicle is on an incline at a complete stop this hesitation is longer and the jerk greater when accelerating. Accelerating while the vehicle is moving slowly about 1-2 mph causes hesitation and a jerk. The dealership has updated the software on 3 or 4 occasions trying to correct the problem. The dealership tells me this is the nature of the transmission and there is nothing more they can do at this time.

- Indianapolis, IN, USA

problem #254

Oct 012015

Cherokee 6-cyl

  • 10,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 2015 Jeep Cherokee. After shifting gears, the vehicle failed to accelerate and the check engine warning light illuminated. In order for the vehicle to resume normal operation, it had to be shifted into park, turned off, and restarted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the transmission warning harness needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where the vehicle was deemed unsafe to drive. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 10,000.....updated 08/08/16 consumer stated in most cases if the consumer restarts tje car 3-5 times. It will eventually begin to move. Once this occurs, the car doesn't accelerate at normal speed. Updated 6/14/18

- Fairmont, WV, USA

problem #253

Apr 222015

Cherokee

  • 3,000 miles
Shortly after buying my 2015 Jeep Cherokee sport with the 2.4 engine and 9 speed automatic, it began shifting erratically. In town it would hesitate when leaving a stop light or jerk violently while changing gears. On the highway, it would not downshift on inclines or to pass and merge with traffic. I had several close calls where I had to accelerate but nothing happened when putting the pedal to the floor. This has been in the shop four times just for this problem alone and as of this writing, is still not any better. It has also had other problems with the thermostat and interior. I work in the automotive industry and know from resources that this is a simple fix. Fca is giving thousands of people the runaround and angering dealerships by not being honest. The 4 cylinder engine will no longer meet the reported mpg it was claimed to after the shift profiles change and this puts fca in a position that Volkswagen recently dealt with. My safety and the safety of thousands is not worth 3 mpg. Fca is also treating customers as if each case is individually unique and it belittles them as well as the mechanics that know repairs are futile. I have a case number now and another appointment but it would be best to avoid this vehicle at all costs and arbitrate. There should be a federal investigation before someone dies if they haven't already. The thermostat failure is also widespread and is only being addresses one at a time in field claims. This too could lead to serious damage and even fire which has also happened to a few of these vehicles. Please help us be a voice and stop this serious disregard for safety and consumer rights.

- Morristown, TN, USA

problem #252

May 162016

Cherokee

  • 9,600 miles
Third time same issue. 2015 Jeep Cherokee. While vehicle in motion service transmission, service park brake, malfunction indicator light, D(drive) flashing on dashboard, barely made it up a hill, had to press accelerator all the way to floor. Very dangerous-other vehicles do not know what is happening. Occured 2 times in 2weeks after software updated. Not many regrets in my life but buying this vehicle tops the list.

- West Henrietta, NY, USA

problem #251

Apr 052016

Cherokee

  • 15,000 miles
Intermittent rough shifting, slamming into gear during upshift from 2nd to 3rd gear. Happens randomly, from moving in a parking lot at 10mph to passing on the interstate. The gear slam is so intense it feels like I've been rear-ended.

- Panama City, FL, USA

problem #250

Mar 022015

Cherokee

  • 5,000 miles
Transmission will intermittently shift erratic. Starting out from a stop it will have a difficult time starting to move with the accelerator pressed, then 1 or 2 seconds later it will down sift to first gear causing the vehicle to lurch forward in an uncontrolled manner. I have ended up in the wrong lane because of this. Also at intersections it causes confusion when trying to go in turn with other vehicles because they think your yielding when the vehicle won't move but then it lurches abruptly into a new collision.

- Munhall, PA, USA

problem #249

Dec 012014

Cherokee

  • 3,000 miles
I am at a stop sign with cross traffic that doesn't stop, with a mph limit of 50, there's a gap big enough for me to go through the intersection. I put my foot on the gas pedal, Jeep slowly advances forward but not engaging into the correct gear, it's starting out in 3rd gear! when it should be shifted into 1st, coasting through these lanes of oncoming traffic, I am rocking back & forth in my seat saying 'come on Jeep, shift! let's go!' as I look to my left & right & see cars getting closer to me, my heart beats a little quicker at this point, especially when my 2 year old son is in the car with me. Finally half way through the intersection Jeep drops down hard into1st gear from 3rd gear & boom we are off, whiplash, sounds of a transmission fallen to the ground, heart beating so fast it's going to explode but we get across the road in the nick of time of the oncoming traffic! same scenario has happened several other times, I could go on with stories but I think you get the picture.this happens so much that I don't know what to do.the dealership that I have gone to, of course, can't duplicate my issue but they're told that this is a common complaint they've been receiving from other Cherokee owners. I've also had the software updates done. I did get a recall notice for possible incorrect info. In the user guide/owner's manual regarding flat towing vehicles which may result in vehicle shake while flat towing over rough roads.this is recalled but a transmission issue isn't? Jeep claims that they depend on the satisfaction of their customers for the success of their business & are constantly monitoring the quality of their products & looking for ways to improve their vehicles, even after they are sold. I am not asking for anything except for this issue to be resolved. I know Jeep has acknowledged this issue but I would like to have Jeep come up with a solution.

- Washougal, WA, USA

problem #248

Aug 242015

Cherokee

  • 6,000 miles
This vehicle does not shift properly. It has been through multiple reprogram and relearn events for the transmission. It does not know how to shift down from 3rd gear at a rolling stop, and stays stuck in third gear upon acceleration. Moving into traffic, this causes a concern, as the vehicle is not accelerating properly. This causes the driver to floor the accelerator, which causes a high RPM, and clunky shift to 1st gear. Then the car pulls away with a lot of torque steer and a jerking motion. This occurs on a inclined driveway as well, clunking into 1st gear from 3rd. It is an unsafe transmission. It does not have a predictable driveline response.

- Cary, IL, USA

problem #247

Jun 152015

Cherokee

  • 8,000 miles
Took vehicle in for first oil change after purchasing it in Jan 2015 and was told I needed to have the transmission replaced. Transmission was replaced and since then I have experienced long delays in acceleration and extremely hard shifts. These are intermittent, but happen more often than not. Hard shifts are mostly experienced on the lower gears (1-4), and can be violent at lower speeds or when shifting from reverse to drive (or the opposite). The 4WD unavailable light came on shortly after the transmission was replaced, on a couple of occasions (all while driving). Have taken the vehicle to the dealership multiple times and have been told they can find nothing wrong and that's normal transmission behavior. I am now dealing with the hard shifts and acceleration lag on a daily basis.

- Crofton, MD, USA

problem #246

Feb 122016

Cherokee

  • 18,000 miles
While driving at highway speeds, the transmission would not shift from 7th gear.pulled over and turned the car off for a few minutes. When restating the car, problem went away, but then happened again in the same situation 20 minutes later. Took it immediately to the dealer and they re-flashed tcm & PCM and did a quick learn. All seemed good, but a few weeks later, the car started hard shifting in low gears and reverse. When coming to a slow stop and accelerating, the car will take a few seconds to get the RPM's up and then lunge forward as it catches the gear. Went back to the dealer and they did the same as before, tcm, PCM and quick learn. A few days later, the same problem started happening again. Dealership says all software is up to date and have no other ideas to fix the issue. Definitely a safety concern, especially when making left turns from close to a stop (ie. Left turn yield lights).

- El Cajon, CA, USA

problem #245

Oct 192015

Cherokee

  • 8,000 miles
Purchased vehicle 1/2015 at 8000 miles took in for oil change, update for recall on radio and software update for transmission due to shifting hard. Was told if update on transmission did not take would need a new transmission. When slowing down I have to come to a complete stop and wait for car to drop into first gear before accelerating. If I don't and just yield between 10mph and 2mph and try accelerate car hesitates about 5 seconds before it moves forward. This is very scary when trying to merge onto a highway. If I'm on on ramp and have to stop I nearly get rear-ended and if I merge and car hesitates cars are quickly moving to other lane to avoid hitting

- Clarks Summit, PA, USA

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