Transmission drops into neutral or downshifts on its own

What got replaced

Few of these reports name the part that was replaced.

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.

All 11 recalls on the 2015 Jeep Cherokee, with the owner complaints on each recalled system

NHTSA investigations into the transmission and drivetrain on the Cherokee

None of these investigations covers the 2015 model year.

When it happens

The middle half of failures fell between 17,892 and 82,000 miles, from the 37 reports that gave a mileage.

What owners wrote

“Vehicle randomly shifts to neutral while driving, typically at slower speeds. This has been happening for 6 years. It doesn’t feel safe when you’re sitting in an intersection and the vehicle is in neutral.”

Filed May 18, 2022

“My PTU failed. I was at a stop sign when my vehicle went into neutral and refused to move. It did finally shift into 4wd and the svc 4wd light came on. I am told this is not covered by the previous PTU recall by Jeep.”

Filed Jan 20, 2022

“When I accelerate from a stop or slow rate of speed my car does not accelerate immediately. It is as if the car temporarily goes into neutral. This has caused a few near misses as I have started out into traffic and not been able to fully get out of other cars way. Several times cars have had to break hard or swerve to avoid crashing into my car.”

Filed Aug 18, 2021

Guide Paid for this repair before a recall covered it? How recall reimbursement works

Other problems on this car

• Transmission shudders, slips or shifts hard 335 reports
• Engine stalls or loses power while driving 257 reports
• "Shift to Park" or "Service Shifter" warning comes on 140 reports
• "Service Transmission" message or wrench light comes on 138 reports
• Brakes grind, pulse or wear early 127 reports
• Service 4WD light or power transfer unit (PTU) failure 122 reports
• Transmission fails or needs replacement 84 reports
• Check engine light or misfire 79 reports
• Infotainment, screen or backup camera fails 68 reports
• Multiple warning lights come on at once 56 reports
• Traction control or StabiliTrak light comes on 50 reports
• Airbag warning light or recall 41 reports
• Loses power when accelerating 39 reports
• Battery dies or the car will not start 38 reports
• Suspension noise, struts or alignment 38 reports
• Wheel bearing, tires or wheels 34 reports
• Driveshaft, axle or transfer case problems 31 reports
• Vehicle fire 27 reports
• Headlights too dim or fail 26 reports
• Delay or no response when I press the gas 25 reports