RoadVitals

2015 Jeep Cherokee Engine Problems

Owner-reported complaints naming the engine system, filed with NHTSA

Data refreshed

Engine reportsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
370
Latest May 7, 2026
Share of all reportsThis category as a share of every owner report on file for this model year. One report can name more than one component, so the categories overlap.
21%
of 1,780 total
Crash or fire reportedReports in this category whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. The reporter's own answer on the NHTSA form, not a verified finding.
24
Injuries or deaths reportedTotals the submitters entered on their own reports in this category. Not verified by NHTSA and not a casualty statistic.
2

What this page shows

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components. Every record below is an owner-reported complaint about the 2015 Jeep Cherokee submitted to NHTSA — not a confirmed defect, not a recall and not a manufacturer bulletin. 370 reports on file name it.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Owner reports naming engine

The 25 most recent of 370, in the owner's own words

Engine
Filed May 7, 2026

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 ID
11736374
Incident
May 1, 2026
ElectricalEngine
Filed Apr 13, 2026

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 ID
11730789
Incident
Jul 1, 2025
ElectricalEnginePowertrain (other)
Filed Feb 17, 2026

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 ID
11718604
Incident
Jan 17, 2026
Mileage
72,000 mi
EngineFuel systemPowertrain (other)
Filed Dec 15, 2025

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 ID
11705155
Incident
Dec 8, 2025
EnginePowertrain (other)Steering
Filed Dec 10, 2025

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 ID
11704225
Incident
Oct 24, 2025
EngineSuspension
Filed Nov 21, 2025

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 ID
11700873
Incident
Nov 21, 2025
Engine
Filed Nov 5, 2025

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 ID
11697642
Incident
Nov 5, 2025
Mileage
162,000 mi
Driver assistanceElectricalEngine
Filed Oct 29, 2025

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 ID
11696469
Incident
Oct 22, 2025
ElectricalEngineSteering
Filed Sep 28, 2025

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 ID
11690181
Incident
Sep 25, 2025
Engine
Filed Jul 31, 2025

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 ID
11677574
Incident
Jun 30, 2023
ElectricalEnginePowertrain (other)
Filed Jun 26, 2025

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 ID
11669475
Incident
Jun 25, 2025
BrakesEngine
Filed Jun 9, 2025

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 ID
11665682
Incident
May 29, 2025
BrakesEngine
Filed May 28, 2025

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

NHTSA ID
11663338
Incident
Apr 15, 2025
BrakesElectricalEngine
Filed May 16, 2025

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 ID
11661575
Incident
Mar 6, 2025
ElectricalEngineFuel system
Filed May 5, 2025

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NHTSA ID
11658911
Incident
Jan 6, 2025
Driver assistanceElectricalEngine
Filed May 4, 2025

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 ID
11658762
Incident
Jan 25, 2024
EngineFuel systemPowertrain (other)
Filed Apr 16, 2025

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 ID
11655031
Incident
Apr 16, 2025
EnginePowertrain (other)
Filed Apr 3, 2025

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 ID
11652626
Incident
Oct 31, 2024
Mileage
69,000 mi
AirbagsEnginePowertrain (other)
Filed Jan 21, 2025

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 ID
11637507
Incident
Nov 25, 2024
Mileage
85,000 mi
BrakesEngine
Filed Jan 20, 2025

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 ID
11637179
Incident
Jan 19, 2025
ElectricalEngine
Filed Oct 14, 2024

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 ID
11619609
Incident
Oct 4, 2024
Engine
Filed Oct 10, 2024

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 ID
11619172
Incident
Oct 6, 2024
Engine
Filed Sep 12, 2024

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 ID
11614293
Incident
May 28, 2024
Engine
Filed Sep 10, 2024

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 ID
11613829
Incident
May 28, 2024
Driver assistanceEnginePowertrain (other)
Filed Aug 30, 2024

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

NHTSA ID
11611859
Incident
Jun 1, 2024

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

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Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

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