Transmission shudders, slips or shifts hard

What got replaced

Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the transmission (28 reports), the valve body (6 reports) and the clutch (4 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.

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.

What owners paid

9 of the 335 reports quote a price. Each dot is one quote. The middle half runs $1,200 to $5,500.

When it happens

The middle half of failures fell between 5,645 and 52,000 miles, from the 260 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

“After the recall was completed on the drive spline and the software was updated the transmission started to hold gears, miss gears, and hard shift so badly at times where I almost was rear ended getting onto the highway numerous times.”

Filed Jul 10, 2024

“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

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

Other problems on this car

• 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
• Transmission drops into neutral or downshifts on its own 49 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