NHTSA (USA)CriticalPark Outside
At a glance
What can fail
An electrical short in the power liftgate module can cause a vehicle fire whether the ignition is on or off.
This page covers 13 recalls, 1772 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2015 Jeep Cherokee.
23–25 mpg combined
9.4–10.2 L/100km
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 6 tested variants for this model year.
4/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
The 2015 Jeep Cherokee draws the most owner complaints around the powertrain, which accounts by far for the largest share of reported issues. Owners frequently describe transmission problems, erratic shifting, failure to accelerate normally, the vehicle dropping into limp mode, and the electronic shifter displaying error messages across all gear positions simultaneously. Some owners report the shifter becoming unresponsive or prompting a "service shifter" warning while driving. Engine complaints are the next most common, though at a lower volume, with owners noting stalling, hesitation, and loss of power. The electrical system also generates a meaningful number of reports, including warning lights illuminating without clear cause and various modules behaving erratically. A smaller number of owners specifically mention the electronic parking brake locking up unexpectedly while the vehicle is in motion.
1,772
Total Complaints
45
Crash-Related
28
Fire-Related
24
With Injuries
By System
The 2015 Jeep Cherokee has 13 recalls, the most serious involving drivetrain and transmission faults that can cause sudden loss of drive, unexpected shifts to neutral, or loss of the park function that allows the vehicle to roll away without warning.
Three separate recalls address fire risk from the power liftgate module, which can short-circuit when water enters it, with the risk present whether the ignition is on or off. A misrouted air conditioning line can contact the exhaust manifold and cause smoke or fire. On the software and electronics side, a vulnerability in the infotainment system can allow unauthorized remote control of vehicle systems, and a cruise control software defect can prevent the system from deactivating, leaving the vehicle maintaining or gaining speed against the driver's input. Side curtain and seat airbags on certain vehicles can deploy without warning during normal driving. Seat fasteners on the first or second row may not have been properly tightened, allowing seats to shift in a crash. There is also a recall covering an included fire extinguisher that may fail to discharge properly.
At a glance
What can fail
An electrical short in the power liftgate module can cause a vehicle fire whether the ignition is on or off.
We may earn a commission for purchases made through these links.
Driver Assistance
Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). Based on 2 tested variants; worst-case ratings shown.
Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
What the fix does
Dealers will relocate the power liftgate module, add a water shield, inspect for corrosion, and replace the module and electrical connectors if needed.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The Power Transfer Unit may allow the transmission output shaft to move relative to the differential input splines, causing spline teeth to wear away. This can break the connection between the transmission and differential, cutting power to the front wheels and disabling the Park function.
What the fix does
A software update will switch the vehicle to rear-wheel drive if the front splines fail and automatically engage the electronic parking brake to prevent rolling when parked.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A wiring short circuit can prevent cruise control from disengaging. When engaged, you may not be able to turn it off by braking or using manual controls, causing the vehicle to maintain speed or accelerate unexpectedly.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the engine or powertrain control module software at no cost to fix the cruise control disengagement issue.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The fire extinguisher may clog and fail to spray, or require excessive force to use. In some models, the nozzle may separate from the valve assembly with enough force to cause injury and make the extinguisher unusable.
What the fix does
Chrysler will provide a replacement fire extinguisher at no cost. Contact Kidde or Chrysler to arrange the replacement.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Seat fasteners on front or second row seats may not be tightened to the correct specification, potentially allowing seats to move or shift.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the affected seats or seat sets at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The transmission sensor wire harness may have weak crimps, causing the transmission to unexpectedly shift into neutral while driving.
What the fix does
Dealers will reprogram the transmission control modules and replace the sensor wire harness if needed, at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The power liftgate control module can corrode, causing an electrical short that may start a fire.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the liftgate control module and repair it if needed.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Water can leak into the power liftgate control module, causing a high resistance short circuit that may affect operation.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the module and connectors for corrosion, replace damaged parts, remove the mastic shield, and install a water shield.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The air conditioning suction and discharge hose may be routed incorrectly, potentially causing performance issues or damage.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the hose routing and replace any misrouted hose with correct installation at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The air conditioning line may be routed incorrectly, causing it to pinch, cut, or degrade from exhaust heat. This can disable air conditioning and produce smoke or fire.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the A/C line routing and replace any lines found to be misrouted.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The radio software has security weaknesses that could let unauthorized people access some vehicle control systems through a network connection.
What the fix does
A software update will be installed via USB drive (mailed free, downloadable, or installed at a dealer) to close the security vulnerability.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Water can enter the Power Liftgate Control Module, causing a short circuit that may prevent the liftgate from operating.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the module and connectors for corrosion, seal an attachment point with a bolt, and shield the module with protective foam.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The side curtain and seat airbags may deploy unexpectedly while driving.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the airbag control module software at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
