FaultScore

2015 Jeep Cherokee engine problems

375 of the 2,662 complaints about the 2015 Jeep Cherokee are about the engine — 14% of everything reported for this model year. Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before 30,000 miles.

C

375

Complaints

8

Crashes

17

Fires

1

Injuries

Exactly what failed

Engine 364 97.1%
Engine AND Engine Cooling 6 1.6%
Catalytic Convertor 2 0.5%
Cooling System 1 0.3%
Firerelated 1 0.3%
Solenoid/Actuator 1 0.3%

Engine & Cooling across every Jeep Cherokee year

1989 21 0.7%
1990 35 1.2%
1991 23 0.8%
1992 11 0.4%
1993 40 1.4%
1994 87 3.0%
1995 151 5.3%
1996 64 2.2%
1997 54 1.9%
1998 35 1.2%
1999 44 1.5%
2000 82 2.9%
2001 51 1.8%
2014 523 18.2%
2015 375 13.1%
2016 321 11.2%
2017 263 9.2%
2018 159 5.5%
2019 465 16.2%
2020 42 1.5%
2021 25 0.9%

What owners said

Filed with NHTSA, in their own words.

Colorado Springs, CO

ENGINE

I have a complaint concerning the 3.2L V6 Pentastar engine. A repair was necessary for a manufacturer KNOWN fault concerning factory installation using improperly hardened steel for the Rocker arms/lifters needle bearings, AKA, “The Pentastar Tick”. Rocker arms collapse and cause gouging/scoring damage to the intake camshafts. I had to pay for repairs totaling $5091.05 for this manufacturer’s known and acknowledged, factory mistake. -Copy of final invoice attached.. I have tried to get help from Jeep/Stellantis and assistance to make these expensive repairs. I was told no assistance was possible even though the factory recognized the steel used for the needle bearings that held the rocker arm did not meet strength requirements. Chrysler/Stellantis upgraded needle bearings using properly hardened steel to resolve their factory installation error. I believe Chrysler/Stellantis owes me compensation for costs associated with this repair.

NHTSA complaint #11758916 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Reseda, CA

ENGINE

Vehicle is overheating, have had issues right after purchasing from carmax burbank and issues after the recall was worked on at van nuys jeep dealership.

NHTSA complaint #11736374 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Reseda, CA

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM

Vehicle is overheating, have had issues right after purchasing from carmax burbank and issues after the recall was worked on at van nuys jeep dealership.

NHTSA complaint #11736374 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Ht.romero.o@Gmail.com, CA

ENGINE

The Vehicle suddenly stopped and I was unable to brake or steer the wheel while driving (loss of power/limp mode). I took it to a shop who ran a diagnostic and it came back as DTC code. I now had to tow it out of pocket to the nearest dealership.

NHTSA complaint #11730789 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 72,000 miles Harrisburg, IL

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

The contact owns a 2015 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while in a drive-thru line, the front driver's side window started smoking. The contact disconnected the wiring to the door. The vehicle was taken to O'Reilly, where it was diagnosed with an internal door electrical failure. The contact personally replaced the power window motor. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing hard shifts while driving. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was previously taken to O'Reilly’s, where it was diagnosed that the failure was related to the alternator and low battery voltage. The alternator was taken to two technicians for testing, and the contact was informed that the alternator was in good condition. The vehicle was not repaired. Additionally, the contact stated that the ABS warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was recently taken to O'Reilly’s and AutoZone for diagnostic testing and the contact was provided fault codes for EVAP system leak detected, 1,2,3 Active Grille Shutter (AGS), throttle pedal position sensor switch A circuit high, System Voltage below and above Threshold, denied torque request signal, ECU configuration mismatch, ECU vehicle option mismatch, output speed sensor, input speed sensor/Correlation, fan 1 control circuit, throttle pedal position sensor switches D and B circuit low, and DTC U0402-00 for TCM immediate repair. The dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 72,000.

NHTSA complaint #11718604 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Douglasville, GA

ENGINE

The car has been suddenly lurching backward and forward in traffic/ while driving, moving forward and backwards unexpectantly and not accelerating at an expected rate, causing other vehicles almost to hit me about 4 times within 1 week starting last week around 12/8/25, because my vehicle is not moving at the expected rate during yielding, changing lanes, etc. I took it to the shop and reported this issue, and they informed me that this vehicle has serious oil leaks and multiple parts that have failed involving the oil filter housing, engine valve cover, engine intake manifold gasket, etc. I have attached a list of parts that have failed in this vehicle from the repair shop for your records and can make available the parts upon request. My repair shop has told me that they have had to repair MULTIPLE other cars of this make and model for the same reason/ failed parts across multiple years up to until about 2021, but that the company repaired it on more current models, which clearly indicates that this is a KNOWN issue for prior models. This company has an obligation to protect its customers and conduct a full recall on prior models to correct this issue, in order to prevent serious injury or death of the public! I trust you will investigate this matter thoroughly.

NHTSA complaint #11705155 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Goreville, IL

ENGINE

My Jeep is disabled due to a drivetrain failure covered under Jeep’s XJ1 Warranty Extension. The required part is on extended backorder (weeks) and Jeep is unable to provide a remedy or transportation while the vehicle is inoperable. This results in a safety hazard and unreasonable delay of repair. Power Transfer Unit (PTU) failure under warranty extension XJ1. Vehicle is disabled and cannot be safely driven. Jeep is unable to provide the part required for repair, resulting in an unreasonable delay of remedy.

NHTSA complaint #11704225 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Battle Creek, MI

ENGINE

4wd overheating. Owned this Jeep for 8 years and had it in multiple (5x plus) times for service 4wd code. 2 different dealerships cannot fix the issue. Now they are telling me just drive it and not worry about it or trade it in. It smells hot and something burning. I have the life time max care warranty on it. The codes I get are the 4wd is unavailable overheated and service 4wd. They have replaced multiple parts and still not working. I will be just sitting idle and it comes on.

NHTSA complaint #11700873 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 162,000 miles Bowie, TX

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

The contact owns a 2015 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at 61 MPH and accelerating, the vehicle stalled twice. The contact stated that the cabin was filled with smoke. The contact was able to pull over and open the hood and noticed the smoke near the engine. After 4 minutes, the smoke dissipated. The vehicle would be towed later. The local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 162,000.

NHTSA complaint #11697642 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Overland Park, KS

ENGINE

Check engine light on 2015 Jeep Cherokee Sport turned on, vehicle "went limp". Pulled over, turned car off, waited, turned car back on. Happened again taking car to dealership. The dealership said "code for trans range sensor p1726. reset trans and test drove. code did not come back". Same thing happened again a week later. Took it to Firestone, code was "TCM P1726-00 Transmission Manage Sensor "C" circuit High. They said it sounded like the Recall Number 16V529000/S55. I took it back to the dealership, they said the recall, despite being for a 2015 Jeep Cherokee didn't apply and noted "Same code P1726 set in TCM. Going to need range sensor and TCM replaced."

NHTSA complaint #11696469 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Seal Rock, OR

ENGINE

The vehicle suddenly started showing parking brake, traction, ABS, and check engine lights after being started. Earlier in the day, I had also started the vehicle but cancelled the errands and returned to start it later when the dashboard and warning lights came on. Putting it in reverse, the steering was stiff as if in neutral. Never left the driveway as I wasn't taking a chance in steering or braking. The battery is less than a year old. This is the second time this has happened.

NHTSA complaint #11690181 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Titusville, PA

ENGINE

Since acquiring my vehicle, I have had to replace the flex pipe three times. I have experienced recurrent issues with the exhaust system, requiring multiple repairs to address the same problem, which has resulted in ongoing frustration and inconvenience.

NHTSA complaint #11677574 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Olathe, KS

ENGINE

Electrical system/Transmission malfunctioned causing engine to shift into neutral while driving and cause engine to shut down and refuse to start again. The issue seems to only happen whenever the engine is up to temperature and the fan is active. The vehicle has been inspected by a dealership and they said the throttle body was the issue, after replacement the issue still persists. There is no warning lights or symptoms. It will happen either at rest or in motion. I was driving yesterday and it happened after I had completed a lane change and was almost hit by a semi. This is not the first instance of it occurring.

NHTSA complaint #11669475 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Houston, TX

ENGINE

This vehicle is not safe to drive because it doesn't brake, it takes several seconds to reduce speed after hitting the brakes, and at high speeds it takes longer, which can put anyone's life at risk. The engine is damaged, it releases smoke and is leaking oil, and it heats up when you're moving on the freeway, which can be dangerous. The car loses power while moving. They told me that it was in perfect condition, which they lied to me, putting the lives of many people at risk. The second day after I took it out of the dealership, I realized that the engine was damaged. It started to smoke and lose power. On the road, I almost had an accident because the car didn't brake well. They sold it to me like that. They didn't want to give me the carfax and it hasn't been inspected. They told me that it was in perfect condition, which they lied to me, putting the lives of many people at risk. The second day after I took it out of the dealership, I realized that the engine was damaged. It started to smoke and lose power. On the road, I almost had an accident because the car didn't brake well. They sold it to me like that. They didn't want to give me the carfax I took it to a workshop that they had and the car continued to have the same problems. I would like provide you the video I have it’s the test the engine of the car it’s in really bad condition releasing smoke Please observe the black part of the engine cover. The upper part, if you look closely, you can see the smoke coming out. It is a less visible photo. It has the problem

NHTSA complaint #11665682 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Greeneville, TN

ENGINE

Water intrusion, causing damage to my electric parking brake module. Parking brake and engaged while vehicle was in motion.

NHTSA complaint #11663338 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Big Stone gap, VA

ENGINE

Ptu went out they replaced it it was still not working and they said oh well now ptu is still out and it rolls in park won’t shift when pulling out and is very scary to have my kids in this death trap

NHTSA complaint #11661575 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Mansfield, TX

ENGINE

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NHTSA complaint #11658911 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

North Liberty, IA

ENGINE

My vehicle - at random - will switch to traction control, 4x4, and will slow down while driving, and will not allow me to go above 45 mph, with the engine rpm’s revved as high as if I’m driving 85 mph. No mechanic has been able to accurately diagnose it, and I continue to pay for different repairs, without getting the problem actually solved.

NHTSA complaint #11658762 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Clarksville, TN

ENGINE

All Recalls for 2015 jeep Cherokee 2.4 wasn’t done properly and caused more damage. Transaxle harness, pscm, maniverter and more caused engine damage to block, which was supposed to be replaced during recall for oil consumption. Now dealer is wanting to charge me for damages pertaining to recalls and new engine block that wasn’t replaced during xb1 and x80 recall warranty. I was almost hit on highway from vehicle stalling out at highspeed and maniverter turning red from 20 minutes of driving from picking up from dealer after u90 recall was supposedly fixed. Constant dash notifications of throttle and shifter as well. I’ve already contacted legal advice and I just want my vehicle running properly, new vehicle or compensation. Everything on this vehicle needs replaced dealing with faulty pcm tcm bcm ecu pscm all harnesses practically entire vehicle.

NHTSA complaint #11655031 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 69,000 miles Omaha, NE

ENGINE

The contact owns a 2015 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that the 4WD Service light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed and the contact was informed that the PTU, timing cover, and the head gasket were faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V343000 (POWER TRAIN) as the possible cause for the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 69,000.

NHTSA complaint #11652626 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 85,000 miles Plainfield, NJ

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

The contact owns a 2015 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while driving 20 MPH, the vehicle made an abnormal grinding sound coming from the engine. The contact stated that the Service 4WD message was displayed and remained displayed. The contact stated the vehicle jerked while driving at slow speeds. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with engine cooling, engine, and electrical system failures. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact researched online and related the failures to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V676000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING), 15V041000 (AIR BAGS), and 20V343000 (POWER TRAIN); however, the VIN was not included in the recalls. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that he would be receiving an email. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000.

NHTSA complaint #11637507 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Clarksville, TN

ENGINE

I was driving down the highway and my car just shut off and came to a complete stop in the middle of the road. It happened twice. Both times the emergency brake light came on but at no time was the emergency brake engaged by me. I was lucky that I wasn’t on a busy road and the care behind me had time to react or it could have been fatal. After trying to restart the car it took some tinkering with the ebrake and after a slight hesitation of the engine, it started. That happened twice in one day and once on another. This is a huge issue that can cause loss of life.

NHTSA complaint #11637179 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Hamden, CT

ENGINE

Good morning. I am contacting you in regards to my 2015 Jeep Cherokee. In summary, I am having issues with the transmission and upon further investigation I believe the issue is identical/related to recall campaign 16V529000. I do not feel safe driving the vehicle and would very much appreciate the issue be investigated. Thank you

NHTSA complaint #11619609 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

El Paso, TX

ENGINE

There is an active cylinder 2 misfire recall on 2015 jeep Cherokee. Our vehicle has been in the shop for about 3 days now. And the cylinder 2 misfire is still happening. We would like our vin looked into. To be added to the recall. The misfire appears to be happening in idle.

NHTSA complaint #11619172 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Youngstown, OH

ENGINE

Been waiting for a recall to be fixed, the dealership notified me after the paperwork was signed and I brought in the diagnosis. DMV said 5/16/2022 catalyst efficiency recall, catalyst converter

NHTSA complaint #11614293 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Youngstown, OH

ENGINE

I have a recall on the vehicle, I purchased may2024. Was never told about the recall until I took the vehicle to someone else and then told the company I purchased it from. Catalyst efficiency. I was also given a letter from the DMV.

NHTSA complaint #11613829 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Brunswick, OH

ENGINE

PTU completely bad...just purchased the vehicle and it went bad less than a month after

NHTSA complaint #11611859 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Riverside, CA

ENGINE

Over several years Jeep has repeatedly stalled without warning. This safety concern has been addressed at both the dealership where the vehicle was purchased and an independent car repair facility. Regardless of the repairs done, the same stalling issue has continued.

NHTSA complaint #11610259 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 108,000 miles Aurora, CO

ENGINE

The contact owns a 2015 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that there was an abnormal sound coming from under the hood while reversing. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the thermostat and canister purge valve needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the costs; however, the vehicle remained at the dealer pending the repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 108,000.

NHTSA complaint #11608587 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 181,000 miles Tyler, TX

ENGINE

The contact owns a 2015 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The driver was able to pull to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle was able to restart; however, the message "Please Shift to Park," was displayed even though the gear selector was already in park(P). After restarting the vehicle, the vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the catalytic converter. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic, who was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 181,000.

NHTSA complaint #11606852 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Other 2015 Jeep Cherokee problems

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