2015 Jeep Cherokee · symptom sheet
Transmission jerks, lurches or bangs into gear
- 233owner reports
- 21,500median miles
- 3involved a crash
Newest report May 22, 2026 · checked Sep 19, 2026
233 of the 335 reports of transmission shudder on the 2015 Cherokee describe jerking or hard shifts.
Part of Transmission shudders, slips or shifts hard (335 reports) · also: hesitation when accelerating, transmission slipping
Tick what matches of 233 reports
What got replaced
Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the transmission (13 reports), the mounts (4 reports) and the valve body (3 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.
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
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.
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
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
Sudden acceleration. Closed sep 10, 2002.
NHTSA summary
Driveshaft/univ.joint fail. Closed nov 25, 1994.
NHTSA summary
Driveshaft/univ.joint fail. Closed oct 29, 1993.
NHTSA summary
Fires caused by cltch lk. Closed jan 28, 1988.
NHTSA summary
None of these investigations covers the 2015 model year.
When it happens
The middle half of failures fell between 5,000 and 49,000 miles, from the 186 reports that gave a mileage.
What owners wrote
“The transmission has had issues since we purchased the vehicle. The issues sometimes makes you feel unsafe when accelerating. Issues include hard shifting in lower gears, jerking, lurching, and sudden surges when accelerating. I have complained multiple times to the dealership during routine maintenance visits. They have performed several software updates but does not seem to help.”
Filed Feb 27, 2025
“Jeep transmission jerks, doesn't shift when its supposed to, and when I give it regular pressure gas, and I drive slow, it will not shift and then suddenly shift causing a jerk. I never can depend on the vehicle and even don't make left hand turns unless there is a traffic light because I'm afraid the Jeep won't pull out in time and I'll get hit by another car.”
Filed Apr 13, 2023
“Vehicle emits a loud thug/clunk when driving at lower speeds and gears shifting. No other Jeeps I have owned have done this. They will not look into whether or not it is the Transmission or PTU issue. This is a known issue for 2014-2015 Jeep Cherokees. There needs to be a recall. Vehicle has less than 90k miles. Have been advised by Jeep dealership that "jeeps are supposed to do that".”
Filed Apr 7, 2023 · 90,000 miles
“While in first and second gears, the car doesn't seem to know which gear to shift to. It jerks in and out of both gears and is even worse on inclines. Happens mostly under 15mph.”
Filed Nov 17, 2021
Should you keep driving it?
This page can't tell you that. 3 of 233 reports involved a crash and 2 people were hurt. 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.
Other problems on this car
- Engine stalls or loses power while driving 257 reports
- Brakes grind, pulse or wear early 126 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