2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee · symptom sheet
Transmission jerks, lurches or bangs into gear
- 29owner reports
- 30,000median miles
- 1involved a crash
Newest report Dec 28, 2023 · checked Sep 19, 2026
29 of the 58 reports of transmission shudder on the 2015 Grand Cherokee describe jerking or hard shifts.
Part of Transmission shudders, slips or shifts hard (58 reports)
Tick what matches of 29 reports
What got replaced
Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the valve body (4 reports).
Recalls and investigations
One recall on the transmission and drivetrain covers 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 model year 2012-2014 Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300 vehicles manufactured February 15, 2011, to November 27, 2014, and 2014-2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles manufactured July 16, 2012, to December 22, 2015. The affected vehicles, equipped with an eight-speed automatic transmission and a monostable gear selector, may not adequately warn the driver when driver's door is opened and the vehicle is not in PARK, allowing them to exit the vehicle while the vehicle is still in gear.
Risk and remedy
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will update the vehicle software to mitigate the risk of vehicle rollaway, free of charge. The recall began on June 24, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S27. Note: On October 19, 2016 Chrysler identified some previously repaired vehicles did not receive the complete software updates. Chrysler will renotify the affected owners, and dealers will update the software again.
NHTSA investigations into the transmission and drivetrain on the Grand Cherokee
Vehicle rollaway, engine on. Closed jun 24, 2016, led to recall 16V-240.
NHTSA summary
Powered vehicle rollaway. Closed feb 5, 2016.
NHTSA summary
Sudden acceleration. Closed sep 10, 2002.
NHTSA summary
Roll-away in reverse when parked. Closed dec 18, 2002, led to recall 02V-053.
NHTSA summary
Inadvertent rollaway in reverse park. Closed nov 1, 2001.
NHTSA summary
When it happens
The middle half of failures fell between 5,000 and 52,000 miles, from the 20 reports that gave a mileage.
What owners wrote
“Loud ticking noise from engine that speeds up upon acceleration. Failing rocker arm causing debris leading to ticking noise. No error codes. Upon personal investigation online, have found "Pentastar Tick" to be a known problem in 2013-2015 Jeep Grand Cherokees on Jeep forums. Problem can lead to misfire while driving, including jerking, damage to cam shaft, as well as engine damage.”
Filed Jul 25, 2023
“There are two issues. One is that the air bag light is on and never goes away and could mean faulty air bags, two the car is making a clicking noise and jerking when accelerating and the 4 wheel drive service light has come on. It could be the transfer case or differential. The car only has 60,000 miles and isn't driven everyday. It should not be having these safety issues.”
Filed Aug 26, 2022 · 60,000 miles
Should you keep driving it?
This page can't tell you that. 1 of 29 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.
Other problems on this car
- Seat belt or seat problems 368 reports
- Engine stalls or loses power while driving 114 reports
- Airbag warning light or recall 103 reports
- Check engine light or misfire 66 reports
- Infotainment, screen or backup camera fails 54 reports
- Diesel fuel system or injector problems 40 reports
- Brakes grind, pulse or wear early 39 reports
- Engine overheats or leaks coolant 31 reports
- Fuel pump failure 26 reports
- Engine rattles or ticks 25 reports