2015 Jeep Cherokee transmission problems

POWER TRAIN

While driving my 2015 Jeep Cherokee on an interstate trip, we began noticing a strong unusual odor inside the vehicle. At first, we thought we were simply driving past a paper mill or another external source of the smell. A short time later, we noticed other vehicles beginning to merge out of our lane and realized something might be wrong with our vehicle. We exited the highway and pulled over as soon as we could safely do so. We did not see any smoke or steam while the vehicle was moving. After we had pulled over and stopped, we noticed steam coming from under the hood. When we opened the hood, smoke came out and there was a strong burning smell. Because we were concerned that the vehicle was unsafe to continue driving, we did not continue the trip and the vehicle had to be towed by AAA. An independent mechanic subsequently inspected the vehicle and diagnosed a leaking Power Transfer Unit (PTU) that requires replacement. There were no warning lights, warning messages, or other dashboard alerts before the incident, during the incident, or afterward. The unusual odor was the first symptom we noticed. I later contacted Jeep/Stellantis and was informed that the required OEM replacement PTU is currently unavailable, and they could not provide an estimated availability date. As a result, there is currently no clear OEM repair timeline for the vehicle. My safety concern is that this problem developed while the vehicle was being driven at highway speeds, with no dashboard warning, and resulted in smoke/steam and a strong burning odor once the vehicle was stopped.

NHTSA complaint #11757963 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

Slipping of transmission

NHTSA complaint #11755227 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

The power transfer unit (transfer case) went out as I was driving. I wasn't able to drive it and had to towed it to a mechanic. We found that later, the transfer case actuator and seals also needed replaced. Because this went out on a whim while I was driving, I had to continue through stop lights and traffic through downtown without a way to fully stop, control my speed, and was starting and restarting my car to get to where I needed to be. From what I've found, there are recalls on these parts, however not on my specific vehicle as of now. There weren't any other symptoms or warning signs before these went out. The parts have been inspected by a mechanic and are currently being replaced. Even without a recall, if I'm able to be reimbursed for any of this, it would be appreciated.

NHTSA complaint #11752486 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

There has been multiple issues with the PTUs on these jeeps. Mine does not fall under the recall if there was one. I’m battling with the place I bought the jeep from for warranty and they are not covering it. I’ve talked to hundreds of people about it and they said this jeep should have been recalled for this PTU issue but it’s not. Not sure what to do or where to go from here.

NHTSA complaint #11744270 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

2 speed transaxle harsh/slam engagement. When vehicle is in normal drive mode transaxle will engage/disengage depending on input from driving conditions (turns, slippery roads, heavy throttle input). This engagement is so harsh the vehicle will jump and surge. Condition does not occur if transaxle is fully engaged under "sport, snow, mud, rock modes" where transaxle is always locked in. Vehicle does not show and fault code during this harsh engagement. Conditions are reproducible at will. Multiple recalls on this style transaxle unit for same style vehicle (why not all?).

NHTSA complaint #11739587 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

The contact owns a 2015 Jeep Cherokee. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25E003000 (POWERTRAIN). The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal and went into limp mode. Multiple warning lights were illuminated. In addition, the power steering seized. The contact's wife was able to cruise into a dealer. The vehicle was inspected and diagnosed that the power transfer unit (PTU) had failed. The contact was informed that the part was on a national backorder. The vehicle remained at the dealer unrepaired. The contact stated that the failure had occurred in the past and was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that a request to expedite the part was submitted. The failure mileage was approximately 139,000.

NHTSA complaint #11736617 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving the vehicle the warning message "Service Four Wheel Drive" had displayed. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who performed a software update but the warning light remailed illuminated. The contact retrieved the vehicle and later experienced transmission gear slippage and grinding. The cause of the failure was not determined. The manufacturer was not yet contacted. The failure mileage was 154,000.

NHTSA complaint #11735459 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

I am writing to formally raise a concern regarding the Power Transfer Unit (PTU) on my Jeep Cherokee, which currently has approximately 123,000 miles and has been driven fewer than 10,000 miles per year. Despite what I would consider normal usage, the PTU appears to be failing—an issue I understand is not uncommon for this vehicle. I have been informed that replacement PTU units are currently on extended backorder, with dealerships reportedly facing a backlog of hundreds of pending repairs. This raises serious concerns, not only about parts availability but also about the apparent frequency of this failure. More importantly, I am concerned about the risk of continued operation while awaiting replacement. Based on my understanding, a failing PTU can place additional strain on the transmission and drivetrain, potentially leading to more extensive damage, overheating, or even sudden mechanical failure. Given that the part is unavailable for an extended period, I am left in a position where continued use of the vehicle may result in further costly damage and possible safety risks. I would appreciate clarification on the following: What steps can be taken to mitigate further damage while the PTU is on backorder? Whether there are any alternative repair options, including temporary solutions or access to remanufactured or used parts Whether any goodwill assistance, extended warranty consideration, or manufacturer support is available given the known issues and current supply constraints I rely on my vehicle for regular transportation and am concerned about both safety and the potential for escalating repair costs due to circumstances beyond my control. I would appreciate a prompt and thorough response outlining available options. Sincerely, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11734892 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

Car is in great shape, however, recently the Service AWD has popped up. brought it to the Reedman JEEP Dealership - they say its a bad PTU. Now I see a bunch of people have the bad PTU. Now I have a car in great shape minus the fact I won't be able to sell it or trade it in for full value and it cots thousands to fix.

NHTSA complaint #11727686 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

Power Transfer Unit stopped working. Brakes locked up and car would not move. Is not drive-able at this time. Currently at a dealership awaiting part, of which there is NO ETA on. I was just entering a roundabout when the part failed, and I could have been hit as the vehicle fully stopped and could not be moved. There was a grinding noise and no warning prior of this part failing. The problem was confirmed by a local mechanic who recommended a Jeep Dealership to take care of the issue as the part may be under warranty. I am unsure of who inspected the part currently. This is my primary vehicle and the dealership will not "cover" a loaner car so I am stuck.

NHTSA complaint #11726910 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

Headlights cut out when it says low beam out and both headlights are new and work fine until it decides it doesn’t. Transmission is faulty in these cars.

NHTSA complaint #11723656 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

The contact owns a 2015 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, the check engine warning light remained illuminated. The message "4WD Low" was displayed, and there was a grinding sound coming from the front of the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The vehicle was diagnosed with PTU failure. The contact was informed that the PTU needed to be replaced; however, the part was on backorder. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 150,000.

NHTSA complaint #11718711 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

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.

POWER TRAIN

Check engine light on and coastal transmission in Toms River New Jersey inspected car and said transmission is not working properly and could cause a sudden stop. Cost would be $4,000 to rebuild it. [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11716302 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

My transmission failed and was not connecting with the driver train any more. The Jeep only has 112k miles on it. This recall mentions the transmission teeth being broken/wore down and creating an issue. NHTSA Campaign #:: 20V343000 I never got anything about this recall. My cost to replace the transmission was $4700.

NHTSA complaint #11709247 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

I’m submitting a complaint regarding a Power Transfer Unit (PTU) failure on my Jeep (VIN: [XXX] ), which affects the drivetrain and vehicle propulsion. On 11/26/2025, my vehicle was evaluated by Ourisman Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Bowie after dashboard warnings “Service 4WD” and “Service Shifter” appeared. The dealership diagnosed a PTU failure, provided a $3,835 estimate, and stated the required part is on national backorder with no availability date. The dealership also stated that if/when the part does become available, it is limited and can only order one part each month. Due to this failure, the vehicle may lose partial or complete drivetrain power while driving, potentially rendering it inoperable or impairing control, creating a safety risk, especially at highway speeds. Because the replacement part is unavailable with no foreseeable availability date for any customer experiencing this issue, the vehicle cannot be repaired at this time. This leaves me to operate a vehicle with a known drivetrain defect or remove it from service indefinitely, leaving me without transportation. Following my visit, I located a Jeep PTU warranty extension letter covering failures for 8 years/150,000 miles, confirming manufacturer awareness. No safety recall has been issued, as confirmed on [XXX] . The PTU failure was inspected and confirmed by the dealership. The manufacturer has not performed a physical inspection. I contacted Jeep Case Management regarding warranty coverage and next steps; despite providing documentation, Jeep has not offered a repair solution or timeline. I was advised my case could not remain open unless the vehicle was left at the dealership indefinitely, which is not feasible. I'm submitting this complaint so NHTSA is aware of this PTU issue, warranty coverage without available repair parts, and absence of a recall. The vehicle can be inspected by NHTSA upon request. I'm available to provide documentation and can be contacted via email. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FO

NHTSA complaint #11708341 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

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.

POWER TRAIN

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.

POWER TRAIN

The PTU spline issues already recalled on 2017-2019 year Jeep Cherokee and other Stellantis vehicles, is affecting my 2015 Jeep Cherokee. See NHTSA Campain Numbers 25V011000, 23V302000, 20V343000.

NHTSA complaint #11702524 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

Why does a service shifter notes appear on the dashboard of my 2015 Jeep Cherokee latitude? Thank you

NHTSA complaint #11699160 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

My Jeep has been returned to the Dealership I purchased it from now for the 3rd time to have the Rear Differential completely replaced. The first time, because the Rear Differential axle seal was leaking. The 2nd time, the rear differential had another axle seal leak. This is now my 3rd time where I have dropped off my Jeep because of a noise coming out of the Read Differential, and the Dealer states it needs to be replaced, with under 1 year from the previous replacement. My Jeep has been sitting in the Dealership since Oct. 17 and the dealer is saying that Stallantis has over 400 of these rear differentials on back order. On Friday November 14, will be 5 weeks and now I cannot get my Jeep back, because the Dealership is saying the manufacturer has no estimate for when a new Rear Differential will be available. This has been a major defect since I purchased the vehicle as well as other Jeep owners saying the same thing. Now my dealership cannot release my Jeep, due to the mechanical breakdown, and I may never get my Jeep back due to Stallantis not manufacturer the parts fast enough for dealers to make the necessary repairs. I need someone's help!

NHTSA complaint #11698910 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

Vehicle stopped moving forward as I was driving without warning and would not shift into any gear, not even neutral, pressing the accelerator was not responding. If I had been in high rate of speed road traffic, this sudden loss of forward motion could have been catastrophic. The vehicle was towed to the same dealer that performed the recall repair that was supposed to prevent this incident from occurring, results are attached. There were no warning lights or signs of an impending problem. The car has been towed back to my driveway.

NHTSA complaint #11697526 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

The contact owns a 2015 Jeep Cherokee. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 20V343000 (Power Train) and 23V338000 (Electrical System, Structure). The contact stated that while driving 40 MPH, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact was unsure if any warning lights were illuminated. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and turned off the vehicle, and Jeep Roadside Assistance was contacted. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, and the vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, the parking brake failed to disengage. The contact left the vehicle parked. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, the liftgate opened independently. Due to the failure, water entered the vehicle during a rainstorm. The contact stated that the liftgate failure persisted. The contact stated that there was mold on the seats, ceiling, dashboard, compartment area in the rear of the vehicle, and the spare tire location. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The dealer refused to inspect or repair the vehicle due to safety concerns for their employees. The vehicle remained at the dealer unrepaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 49,000.

NHTSA complaint #11696824 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

My 2015 Jeep Cherokee Vin [XXX] threw a code on the ptu.I saw that it had a extended warranty on the car. When i took it to the dealer they informed me that car was imported to canda when bought. The car was brought back to United States work was done on the powertrain twice while the car was in Us and extended warranty was then issued for the ptu.The dealer told me the car was pending a recall as of yet the vin was not issued for recall. When i contacted Chrysler they informed that since the car was imported to Canada that warranty was voided. If possible to know if my car is coming up on recall list. Or if i can get further assistance in this issues i never know that a car can get imported to Canada then back to Us would have these issues. I was not informed by the dealer that i bought the auto from that the car was imported from Canada i never know that it would be an issues on this matter I wouldn't have bought the car had i known this issues i would be facing .Any help or guidance in this matter would be appreciated. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11687302 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

The contact owns a 2015 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the “Service 4WD” warning light was illuminated. In addition, the “Service 4WD” warning light was flashing on and off. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with a power transfer unit failure. The contact was informed that the power transfer unit needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was advised to take the vehicle to the dealer for assistance. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with a power transfer unit failure. The contact was informed that because the connection point was worn, the power transfer unit needed to be replaced. The contact referenced an unknown recall which had a similar failure description; however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 102,000.

NHTSA complaint #11686915 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

Service shifter warning came on while driving, had to put the vehicle back into automatic mode since manual shifting (paddle shifting) stopped working.

NHTSA complaint #11682762 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

UNKNOWN - The "Service 4WD" and "Service Parking Brake" warning lights are on. My mechanic said that the PTU needs to be replaced and that this is a known issue with this model. It should be a recall item.

NHTSA complaint #11682586 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

UNKNOWN - The "Service 4WD" and "Service Parking Brake" warning lights are on. The mechanic said that the PTU needs to be replaced and that this is a known issue with this model. That part is on backorder because the issue evidently is very common with this model. It should be a recall item.

NHTSA complaint #11678551 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

The contact owns a 2015 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the message "4-WD Service Needed" was displayed. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the PTU was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 82,000.

NHTSA complaint #11678578 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

Continual problems with Power train led to replacement of the Power Transfer Unit at 94,910 miles [ under warranty ] The vehicle is not usable when the PTU fails. The vehicle will slam into gear hard, or fail to move for a few seconds when trying to take off from a stop sign and then slam into gear. Very dangerous when pulling into traffic. Now after experiencing the same erratic behavior at 123000 miles , i took the jeep back to the same dealer only to find the Power transfer unit again must be replaced. The replacement only lasted about 28,000 miles. I am retired, this jeep has not been abused nor driven off road. This could cause an accident or strand me somewhere making me afraid to drive it. This problem seems to occur often with this model and also has reduced the value of this vehicle .

NHTSA complaint #11677186 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.