Recalled components: electrical system, equipment, powertrain, air bags, and 3 more. Most-described problem: jerking, lurching or harsh shifting (314 complaints, 18%). Most-reported area: powertrain (1,002 complaints, 56%; median mileage when it happened: 24,000).
One of the Cherokee years to avoid
The 2015 drew 726 owner complaints in its first three years, against 309 for a typical Cherokee year: 2.3 times as many.
Years to avoid: 2014 and 2015; best year: 2021. Based on owner complaints, not adjusted for sales.
Data: NHTSA recall, complaint and investigation filesUpdated Oct 2, 2026
Year to avoidBest year
Excludes the larger Grand Cherokee.
11 safety recalls for the 2015 Jeep Cherokee
Parts with a do-not-drive or park-outside recall come first, then the rest, largest first. Within a part, do-not-drive and park-outside recalls come first, then the newest. Summaries are NHTSA's own wording. Open a recall for what is wrong, the fix and the full notice.
Risk: A fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
An electrical short in the power liftgate module may lead to a vehicle fire with the ignition on or off.
Fix: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will relocate the power liftgate module and add a water shield. In addition, dealers will inspect for corrosion and replace the module and electrical connectors, if necessary. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner letters were mailed March 1, 2024. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 49A. This recall supersedes recalls 15V-393 and 15V-826. Vehicles repaired under the prior recalls will still need to have the new remedy performed.
132,099 vehicles.
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Jeep Cherokee vehicles equipped with a power liftgate.
Risk: If the vehicle maintains its speed or accelerates despite attempts to deactivate the cruise control, there would be an increased risk of a crash.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
These vehicles are being recalled to address a defect that could prevent the cruise control system from disengaging. If, when using cruise control, there is a short circuit within the vehicle's wiring, the driver may not be able to shut off the cruise control either by depressing the brake pedal or manually turning the system off once it has been engaged, resulting in either the vehicle maintaining its current speed or possibly accelerating.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the software, and perform a software flash on the engine or powertrain control module, free of charge. The recall began June 4, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Note: Owners are advised to stop using cruise control until the software update has been performed. In the event that cruise control cannot be disengaged while driving, owners should firmly and steadily apply the brakes and shift the transmission to neutral, placing the vehicle in park once it has stopped.
4,815,661 vehicles.
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Dodge Journey, Charger and Durango, RAM 2500, 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis (more than 10,000lb), 4500 Cab Chassis and 5500 Cab Chassis, Jeep Cherokee and Grand Cherokee and Chrysler 300, 2014-2019 RAM 1500, 2015-2018 Dodge Challenger, 2015-2017 Chrysler 200, 2016-2018 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis (less than 10,000 lb), 2017-2018 Chrysler Pacifica and 2018 Jeep Wrangler vehicles.
Risk: A short circuit in the module increases the risk of a fire.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
In the affected vehicles, water may leak into the Power Liftgate Control Module and result in a high resistance short circuit.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the module and connectors for corrosion, replacing the damaged components as necessary. The mastic shield will be removed and the module will be covered with a water shield. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on February 1, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R67. This recall is superseded by NHTSA recall 23V-338.
32,784 vehicles.
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Jeep Cherokee vehicles manufactured February 18, 2015, to September 10, 2015 and equipped with the power liftgate option.
Risk: If the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury in the event of a fire.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling various Dodge, Chrysler, and RAM vehicles equipped with Kidde Plastic-Handle or Push Button 'Pindicator' Fire Extinguishers. A list of the affected trailer models is available at: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17V824-0103.pdf. These extinguishers may become clogged, preventing the extinguisher from discharging as expected or requiring excessive force to activate the extinguisher. Additionally, in certain models, the nozzle may detach from the valve assembly with enough force that it could cause injury and also render the product inoperable. For a full list of the affected fire extinguisher models visit: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17E062-5427.pdf
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners instructing them to contact Kidde for a replacement fire extinguisher, free of charge. The recall began February 14, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403 or Kidde customer service service toll-free at 1-855-262-3540, or online at www.kidde.com and click on "Product Safety Recall" for more information. Chrysler's number for this recall is T82.
Risk: Exploitation of the software vulnerability may result in unauthorized remote modification and control of certain vehicle systems, increasing the risk of a crash.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
The affected vehicles are equipped with radios that have software vulnerabilities that can allow third-party access to certain networked vehicle control systems.
Fix: Chrysler will notify and mail affected owners a USB drive that includes a software update that eliminates the vulnerability, free of charge. Optionally, owners may download the update to their own USB drive from http://www.driveuconnect.com/software-update/ or take their vehicle to a Chrysler dealer for immediate installation. In an effort to mitigate the effects of this security vulnerability, Chrysler has had the wireless service provider close the open cellular connection to the vehicle that provided unauthorized access to the vehicle network. This measure may not have been implemented on all vehicles and does not address access by other means that will be remedied by the software update. The recall began on August 25, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R40.
1,416,903 vehicles.
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Ram 1500, 2500, 3500, 4500, and 5500, 2015 Chrysler 200, Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger, and Dodge Challenger, 2014-2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee, Cherokee, and Dodge Durango, and 2013-2015 Dodge Viper vehicles.
Risk: A loss of drive can cause a vehicle crash without prior warning. A loss of the Park function can cause unintended vehicle rollaway which can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
Relative movement in the Power Transfer Unit (PTU) between the differential input splines and the transmission output shaft may cause some input spline teeth to wear off, which may eventually cause a loss of engagement between the transmission and the differential inside the PTU. If this occurs, power cannot be transferred between the front wheels and the transmission which results in a loss of drive while the vehicle is in motion and a loss of the Park function while stationary.
Fix: FCA US LLC will notify owners, and dealers will perform a software update that will maintain vehicle propulsion by engaging rear wheel drive and prevent rolling in Park by activating the electronic parking brake if a failed input spline occurs. This recall began July 14, 2020. Owners may contact FCA USA LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is W47.
67,248 vehicles.
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2017 Jeep Cherokee vehicles equipped with a two-speed Power Transfer Unit (PTU).
Risk: If the vehicle unexpectedly shifts to neutral, there is an increased risk of a crash.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
The transmission sensor clusters may have insufficient crimps in the transmission wire harness, and as a result, the transmission may unexpectedly shift to neutral. On August 29, 2016 Chrysler added the 2016 Fiat 500X vehicles to this recall.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, dealers will reprogram the Powertrain Control Module and the Transmission Control Module and if necessary replace the transaxle range sensor wire harness, free of charge. The recall began on November 7, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S55.
329,540 vehicles.
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Jeep Cherokee and 2015 Chrysler 200, Jeep Renegade, RAM ProMaster, and 2016 Fiat 500X vehicles equipped with 9-speed automatic transmissions.
Risk: If the air bags deploy unexpectedly during vehicle operation, it can increase the risk of personal injury and increase the risk of a crash.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
The affected vehicles may experience unintended side curtain and seat air bag deployment during vehicle operation.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will re-flash the occupant restraint control module software, free of charge. The recall began on March 4, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R05.
230,290 vehicles.
Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Jeep Cherokee vehicles manufactured January 1, 2013, to November 19, 2014.
NHTSA listing: CHEROKEE. Components: Air bags: side/window; Air bags: side/window, curtain. Jeep campaign R05.
Risk: A short circuit in the liftgate control module may result in a fire.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
In the affected vehicles, water may enter the Power Liftgate Control Module and cause a high resistance short circuit in the module.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the power liftgate control module and connectors for corrosion, substitute a bolt for the threaded grommet installed to seal an attachment point used in non-power liftgate vehicles and cover the power liftgate control module in a foam water shield, free of charge. The recall began on October 26, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R27. This recall is superseded by NHTSA recall 23V-338.
99,399 vehicles.
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Jeep Cherokee vehicles manufactured January 4, 2013, to February 18, 2015 and equipped with a Power Liftgate option.
Risk: If the line is misrouted, it may contact the exhaust manifold, increasing the risk of a vehicle fire.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
The affected vehicles may have a misrouted air conditioning suction/discharge hose.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the routing of the air conditioning hose. Any hose that is misrouted will be replaced and installed correctly. This work will be performed free of charge. The recall began on November 23, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R57.
75,592 vehicles.
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2015 Jeep Cherokee vehicles manufactured October 1, 2014, to June 18, 2015.
Risk: Loose fasteners may allow the seats to move, increasing the risk of injury to the seat occupants in the event of a crash.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
The seat fasteners on the first or second row seats may not have been tightened to the proper torque specification.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the seats or seat sets, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during September 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall S63.
1,827 vehicles.
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2014-2016 Jeep Cherokee vehicles manufactured July 29, 2013, to February 5, 2016.
Questions about any of these recalls: call NHTSA's Vehicle Safety Hotline at 888-327-4236 (TTY 888-275-9171) or check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
NHTSA investigations
NHTSA has opened 4 investigations that name the 2015 Jeep Cherokee; 1 is still open. An investigation means NHTSA is reviewing reports of a problem. It is not a finding that the vehicle has a defect.
Desiccated air bag inflator rupture
Engineering analysis EA21002Open since Sep 17, 2021
From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant - propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L.
NHTSA listing: CHEROKEE. Component: Air bags (frontal, driver side, inflator module, passenger side). This investigation names 352 models.
Electronic parking brake water ingress
Preliminary evaluation PE22009Closed Oct 29, 2023 (opened Jul 22, 2022)
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened investigation PE22-009 after having received 80 complaints on model years 2014-2020 Jeep Cherokees alleging the Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) inadvertently activated… NHTSA's full summary
NHTSA listing: CHEROKEE. Component: Parking brake (electrical, control module).
Software security vulnerability
Recall query RQ15004Closed Jan 5, 2016 (opened Jul 24, 2015)
On July 23, 2015, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) launched Safety Recall 15V-461 to remedy security vulnerabilities in approximately 1.4 million model year (MY) 2013 through 2015 vehicles equipped with Uconnect head… NHTSA's full summary
NHTSA listing: CHEROKEE. Component: Electrical system (software).
Engine compartment fire
Preliminary evaluation PE15003Closed Dec 9, 2015 (opened Jan 13, 2015)
On October 15, 2015, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, US LLC, (FCA), submitted a Defect Information Report (DIR) to NHTSA regarding an air-conditioning suction/discharge combo line routing condition that may result in engine… NHTSA's full summary
NHTSA ties this investigation to recall 15V-676, listed above.
A preliminary evaluation is NHTSA's first step, to gather information and decide whether to look further. An engineering analysis is a deeper review, usually opened after a preliminary evaluation. A recall query is a review of whether a recall covered the right vehicles or whether its fix works. NHTSA lists investigations by make, model and model year only, so one can apply to only some versions of a model, such as one engine; its summary says which.
What owners report
Owners have filed 1,787 complaints with NHTSA about the 2015 Cherokee. Below, they are sorted by the problems owners describe and by the areas NHTSA files them under. NHTSA does not verify complaints.
Problems owners describe
Jerking, lurching or harsh shifting314 · 18%
Median 18,000 miles at failure, from 251 reports with mileage
Hesitation or slow acceleration187 · 10%
Median 12,400 miles at failure, from 152 reports with mileage
Check engine light178 · 10%
Median 16,000 miles at failure, from 146 reports with mileage
Stalling or shutting off175 · 10%
Median 34,000 miles at failure, from 148 reports with mileage
Transmission failure or replacement125 · 7%
Median 5,500 miles at failure, from 109 reports with mileage
Loss of power or limp mode121 · 7%
Median 30,000 miles at failure, from 82 reports with mileage
Shaking, shuddering or vibration95 · 5%
Median 13,400 miles at failure, from 76 reports with mileage
Shifter errors or stuck in gear68 · 4%
Median 63,900 miles at failure, from 51 reports with mileage
Most named: automatic transmission (3); transfer case (4-wheel drive) (3) · Median 24,000 miles at failure, from 748 reports with mileage
Engine364 · 20%
Median 28,000 miles at failure, from 269 reports with mileage
Electrical system327 · 18%
Most named: software (4) · Median 30,000 miles at failure, from 192 reports with mileage
Brakes128 · 7%
Median 13,900 miles at failure, from 61 reports with mileage
Speed control120 · 7%
Median 15,100 miles at failure, from 93 reports with mileage
Body structure85 · 5%
Most named: body (45); body, hatchback/liftgate (4) · Median 32,000 miles at failure, from 44 reports with mileage
Steering59 · 3%
Median 21,000 miles at failure, from 47 reports with mileage
Unknown or other257 · 14%
Median 33,500 miles at failure, from 163 reports with mileage
A complaint can name more than one area, so shares add up to more than 100%. Mileage is shown where at least 15 owners reported it.
Jeep Cherokee recalls and complaints by model year
The highlighted bars are the 2015 model year. Newer model years have had less time on the road, so their counts are lower. Counting complaints filed in each model year's first three years, the 2014 Cherokee drew the most (999) and the 2015 drew 726.
Owner complaints
2015: 1,787 complaintsTap or drag across the chart for other years.
Show as a table
Owner complaints by model year, Jeep Cherokee
Model year
Complaints
2014
2,647
2015
1,787
2016
1,406
2017
1,334
2018
686
2019
1,649
2020
306
2021
166
2022
51
2023
3
2026
5
Safety recalls
2015: 11 recallsTap or drag across the chart for other years.
Show as a table
Safety recalls by model year, Jeep Cherokee
Model year
Recalls
2014
13
2015
11
2016
9
2017
6
2018
7
2019
11
2020
3
2021
4
2022
3
2023
1
2026
4
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for each version it tested. Rollover risk is NHTSA's estimate of the chance of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
In the 1,787 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2015 Jeep Cherokee, the problems described most are jerking, lurching or harsh shifting (314), hesitation or slow acceleration (187), and the check engine light coming on (178). NHTSA does not verify complaints, and one complaint can describe several problems.
Is the 2015 Jeep Cherokee safe?
In NHTSA crash tests every tested version of the 2015 Jeep Cherokee earns 4 stars overall. The table above lists each tested version.
Is NHTSA investigating the 2015 Jeep Cherokee?
Yes. NHTSA has 1 open investigation that names the 2015 Jeep Cherokee: desiccated air bag inflator rupture (EA21002, opened Sep 17, 2021). It has closed 3 others. An investigation is not a finding that the vehicle has a defect.
How do I check if my Cherokee has an open recall?
Enter the 17-character VIN from your dashboard, door jamb or registration at nhtsa.gov/recalls. The lookup lists unrepaired recalls for that exact vehicle. Safety recall repairs are free at Jeep dealers.
Sources and method
NHTSA recalls file (NHTSA datasets), dated Oct 2, 2026; every campaign checked against NHTSA's recalls API.
NHTSA owner complaints file, dated Oct 2, 2026. Counted by complaint number, so a complaint naming three components counts once in the total.
NHTSA investigations file, dated Oct 2, 2026. Defect petitions, which ask NHTSA to open an investigation, are listed apart and only while open. Audit queries, which check whether a company met its recall and reporting duties rather than whether a vehicle has a problem, are not listed.
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP).
NHTSA model names covered: CHEROKEE.
Complaint counts are unverified owner reports. They rise with sales volume and time on the road, so compare model years with care. How we build these pages. Spotted an error? Tell us.