Diagsheet

2015 Jeep Cherokee · symptom sheet

Driveshaft, axle or transfer case problems

  • 31owner reports
  • 65,000median miles
  • 0involved a crash

Newest report Jul 23, 2026 · checked Sep 19, 2026

993 of the 1,770 complaints on this car are about the transmission and drivetrain. 31 of those describe drivetrain problems.

Tick what matches of 31 reports

1
1
7
6
7
13

What got replaced

Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the differential (13 reports), the transfer case (12 reports) and the CV joint or axle (7 reports).

Recalls and investigations

2 recalls on the transmission and drivetrain cover the 2015 model year. A recall on the same system isn't always the same failure, so read the defect text.

20V-343Jun 11, 2020
Power Train:Driveline:Differential Unit

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2017 Jeep Cherokee vehicles equipped with a two-speed Power Transfer Unit (PTU). Relative movement in the Power Transfer Unit (PTU) between the differential input splines and the transmission output shaft may cause some input spline teeth to wear off, which may eventually cause a loss of engagement between the transmission and the differential inside the PTU. If this occurs, power cannot be transferred between the front wheels and the transmission which results in a loss of drive while the vehicle is in motion and a loss of the Park function while stationary.

Risk and remedy
Risk: A loss of drive can cause a vehicle crash without prior warning. A loss of the Park function can cause unintended vehicle rollaway which can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
Remedy: FCA US LLC will notify owners, and dealers will perform a software update that will maintain vehicle propulsion by engaging rear wheel drive and prevent rolling in Park by activating the electronic parking brake if a failed input spline occurs. This recall began July 14, 2020. Owners may contact FCA USA LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is W47.
16V-529Jul 12, 2016
Power Train:Automatic Transmission

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Jeep Cherokee and 2015 Chrysler 200, Jeep Renegade, RAM ProMaster, and 2016 Fiat 500X vehicles equipped with 9-speed automatic transmissions. The transmission sensor clusters may have insufficient crimps in the transmission wire harness, and as a result, the transmission may unexpectedly shift to neutral. On August 29, 2016 Chrysler added the 2016 Fiat 500X vehicles to this recall.

Risk and remedy
Risk: If the vehicle unexpectedly shifts to neutral, there is an increased risk of a crash.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, dealers will reprogram the Powertrain Control Module and the Transmission Control Module and if necessary replace the transaxle range sensor wire harness, free of charge. The recall began on November 7, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S55.

NHTSA investigations into the transmission and drivetrain on the Cherokee

DP02-005opened Apr 25, 2002
Transmission and drivetrain · model years 1991 to 1995

Sudden acceleration. Closed sep 10, 2002.

NHTSA summary
There is no summary currently available
EA93-025opened Oct 29, 1993
Transmission and drivetrain · model years 1993

Driveshaft/univ.joint fail. Closed nov 25, 1994.

NHTSA summary
There is no summary currently available
PE93-057opened Jun 14, 1993
Transmission and drivetrain · model years 1989 to 1993

Driveshaft/univ.joint fail. Closed oct 29, 1993.

NHTSA summary
There is no summary currently available
PE88-001opened Oct 23, 1987
Transmission and drivetrain · model years 1983 to 1988

Fires caused by cltch lk. Closed jan 28, 1988.

NHTSA summary
NO SAFETY DEFECT TREND HAS BEEN DETECTED.===

None of these investigations covers the 2015 model year.

When it happens

The middle half of failures fell between 50,000 and 91,000 miles, from the 17 reports that gave a mileage.

315
217
118
420
321
422
423
524
425
126

What owners wrote

“The vehicle shows "4wd system unavailable service required" i took the vehicle to the dealership where they stated the PTU transfer case is not shifting. Dealership did not fix and said it is not covered under the recall for the PTU.”

Filed Jun 3, 2025

“PTU transfer case issues. Hard drop/ jolt while driving causing issues. Saw other recalls for same issues for other Jeep cherokees of same year.”

Filed May 15, 2024

“Rear Differential. It is available for inspection. Problem confirmed by 3 auto establishments. AAA, Jeep Auto Nation Dealership and John's Auto Care. Jeep dealer confirmed problem 7/10/23 and will order new parts. It was first discovered @ oil & filter change at AAA. I wanted the dealership to examine problem and confirm. Also, I had a third inspection to verify damage. Please see the attached verifications.”

Filed Aug 18, 2023

“Transfer case failure. Notice failure as8 a click...clicking louder and louder no matter direction. Turning, forward, reverse. Unable to find/locate replacement 2 spd transfer case - new or remfg. Where can I get parts???”

Filed Dec 6, 2022

Should you keep driving it?

This page can't tell you that. 0 of 31 reports involved a crash. Owners who file are the ones who had a bad experience, and nobody checks their reports. If the problem affects steering, braking, power or a fire risk, treat it as a safety fault and have it inspected before a long or high-speed drive.

File your own report with NHTSA. Complaint counts are how a problem gets an investigation.

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