The 2015 Cherokee (KL platform) is plagued by the ZF 9-speed transmission and catastrophic engine failures on 2.4L Tigershark motors. The 3.2L V6 is more reliable but shares transmission woes. Electrical gremlins and premature drivetrain wear make this a risky used buy.
ZF 9-Speed Transmission Failures and Shuddering
Common · high severity
Typical onset: 40,000-80,000 mi
Symptoms: Hard shifts between 2nd-3rd and 8th-9th gears, Violent shuddering during acceleration or light throttle cruise, Transmission stuck in 9th gear (limp mode), Complete loss of forward gears requiring tow
Fix: Flash updates help temporarily but valve body and clutch pack replacements are common. Many need full transmission replacement or rebuild. 8-12 hours labor for rebuild, 6-8 for valve body swap.
Estimated cost: $3,500-6,500
2.4L Tigershark Catastrophic Engine Failure
Occasional · high severity
Typical onset: 60,000-120,000 mi
Symptoms: Rapid oil consumption (1 qt per 1,000 mi or worse), Cylinder misfires on cold starts, Metallic rattling from crankcase, Sudden loss of power followed by engine seizure
Fix: Porous engine blocks and weak piston rings lead to oil burning until bearings starve. Most owners discover damage too late. Short block replacement is 18-24 hours, full rebuild 24-30 hours. Used engines are gambling on same defect.
Estimated cost: $5,500-9,000
Active Grille Shutter Failure and Check Engine Light
Fix: Motorized shutter behind grille sticks or motor burns out. Replace entire assembly. 1.5-2 hours labor including bumper removal and calibration.
Estimated cost: $400-700
Power Liftgate Module Failures
Occasional · medium severity
Symptoms: Liftgate randomly opens while driving, Liftgate won't latch electronically, Intermittent loss of all liftgate functions, Battery drain from module staying awake
Fix: Water intrusion through third brake light or latch corrodes control module. Replace module and reseal leak points. 2-3 hours including programming. Some units were recalled but failures continue post-recall.
Estimated cost: $800-1,200
PTU (Power Transfer Unit) Fluid Leaks and Bearing Failure
Common · high severity
Typical onset: 60,000-100,000 mi
Symptoms: Red fluid dripping from front differential area, Whining or grinding noise during turns, Vibration in 4WD mode, Complete AWD system failure
Fix: PTU runs hot, cooks seals, leaks fluid until bearings destroy themselves. Chrysler says fluid is 'lifetime' but needs changing every 30k mi. Replacement PTU is 4-6 hours labor. Ignored leaks lead to transmission damage via shared housing.
Estimated cost: $1,800-3,200
Rear Differential Pinion Seal Leaks
Occasional · medium severity
Typical onset: 50,000-90,000 mi
Symptoms: Gear oil dripping from rear axle yoke, Whining noise from rear on highway, Burning oil smell after driving
Fix: Pinion seal fails due to poor OEM seal quality and aggressive pinion angle. Replace seal and check bearing preload. 2-3 hours labor. If driven low on fluid, bearings and gears are toast requiring full rebuild at 8-10 hours.
Estimated cost: $350-600
TIPM (Totally Integrated Power Module) Electrical Faults
Occasional · high severity
Symptoms: Random no-start conditions, Gauges flickering or dead, Fuel pump not priming, Multiple warning lights with no stored codes, Wipers or headlights operating on their own
Fix: Central fuse/relay box fails internally from corrosion or component breakdown. Requires TIPM replacement and programming. 2-3 hours labor but part is $600-900 from dealer. Aftermarket units exist but programming is dealer-only.
Estimated cost: $1,200-1,800
Owner tips
Change PTU fluid every 30,000 mi regardless of manual — prevents $3k failure
2.4L owners: check oil every 500 mi, top off religiously, and budget for engine replacement
Avoid ZF 9-speed programming updates unless actively having problems — some owners report updates making shifts worse
Buy extended warranty if purchasing used — transmission and engine failures often happen just outside factory coverage
Hard pass unless it's a 3.2L V6 with documented PTU services, priced $3-4k below market to cover inevitable transmission work.
AI-assisted summary drawn from NHTSA recall data, our labor-times database, and platform knowledge. Not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection on a specific vehicle.
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Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Jeep Cherokee vehicles equipped with a power liftgate. An electrical short in the power liftgate module may lead to a vehicle fire with the ignition on or off.
Consequence: A fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: 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.
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DIFFERENTIAL UNIT · 20V343000
2020-06-11
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2017 Jeep Cherokee vehicles equipped with a two-speed Power Transfer Unit (PTU). 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.
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING · 18V332000
2018-05-17
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. 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.
Consequence: If the vehicle maintains its speed or accelerates despite attempts to deactivate the cruise control, there would be an increased risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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.
EQUIPMENT · 17V824000
2017-12-21
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
Consequence: If the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury in the event of a fire.
Remedy: 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.
SEATS · 16V590000
2016-08-10
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2014-2016 Jeep Cherokee vehicles manufactured July 29, 2013, to February 5, 2016. The seat fasteners on the first or second row seats may not have been tightened to the proper torque specification.
Consequence: Loose fasteners may allow the seats to move, increasing the risk of injury to the seat occupants in the event of a crash.
Remedy: 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.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION · 16V529000
2016-07-12
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. 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.
Consequence: If the vehicle unexpectedly shifts to neutral, there is an increased risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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.
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. In the affected vehicles, water may leak into the Power Liftgate Control Module and result in a high resistance short circuit.
Consequence: A short circuit in the module increases the risk of a fire.
Remedy: 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.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM · 15V676000
2015-10-19 · PE15003
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2015 Jeep Cherokee vehicles manufactured October 1, 2014, to June 18, 2015. The affected vehicles may have a misrouted air conditioning suction/discharge hose.
Consequence: If the line is misrouted, it may contact the exhaust manifold, increasing the risk of a vehicle fire.
Remedy: 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.
EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC. · 15V461000
2015-07-23
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. The affected vehicles are equipped with radios that have software vulnerabilities that can allow third-party access to certain networked vehicle control systems.
Consequence: Exploitation of the software vulnerability may result in unauthorized remote modification and control of certain vehicle systems, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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.
STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE · 15V393000
2015-06-22
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. In the affected vehicles, water may enter the Power Liftgate Control Module and cause a high resistance short circuit in the module.
Consequence: A short circuit in the liftgate control module may result in a fire.
Remedy: 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.
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW · 15V041000
2015-01-28
Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Jeep Cherokee vehicles manufactured January 1, 2013, to November 19, 2014. The affected vehicles may experience unintended side curtain and seat air bag deployment during vehicle operation.
Consequence: If the air bags deploy unexpectedly during vehicle operation, it can increase the risk of personal injury and increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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.
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