About this problem
Automatic transmission complaints describe harsh or delayed shifts, jerking at low speed, hesitation when pulling away and flaring between gears. Newer transmissions with many gears rely heavily on software, and some problems are fixed by updates or by relearning shift patterns. Others come from worn valve bodies, torque converters or clutch packs and need a rebuild or replacement.
Across all owner complaints filed about the Jeep Cherokee since 2012, 1,015 (10%) describe nine-speed transmission problems, the third most reported problem we track on the Cherokee. The reports cluster on the 2014, 2015 and 2016 model years, and the 2014 drew the most, with 457. It tends to show up in the middle years of ownership: half of the owners who gave a mileage were between 13,000 and 65,000 miles. 13 reports describe a crash or fire linked to it. 2 recalls are related to it, and recall repairs are free at any dealer.
What owners report
Complaints describe the Cherokee's automatic transmission shifting harshly or late, dropping into neutral while driving, and shutting down with a "Shift to Park" message. Some owners say the problem shows up mostly when cold or in stop-and-go traffic, others at highway speeds. The 2014 to 2016 model years drew the most reports.
How it gets fixed
Dealers usually start with a transmission software update (a re-flash) and a fluid change. If that does not help, a valve body, torque converter or full transmission replacement may follow.
Typical cost: A software update is often free or under $200. A torque converter or valve body job runs $1,000 to $2,500, and a replacement transmission $3,500 to $6,000.
Complaints by model year
In owners' words
"We purchased this vehicle new, with 4,658 miles on it and within the first day, we noticed the extremely rough shifting between 2nd 4th gears. After several pcm reprograms and a new transmission, it is still doing the rough shifting and continues to worsen."
2014 Jeep Cherokee, 4,680 miles
"6/19/2015: transmission/electrical issue when attempting to shift the vehicle into reverse it would shift into neutral instead. Had to shift to park and then back to reverse before the vehicle went into gear."
2015 Jeep Cherokee, 725 miles
"Transmission randomly goes into neutral & the car does not move when pressing the gas. The 1st time it happened I was pulling out on an extremely busy highway & making a right to merge into traffic."
2016 Jeep Cherokee, 33,000 miles
Excerpts from public owner complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, lightly trimmed.
Related recalls
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014 Jeep Cherokee vehicles equipped with 3.2L engines.
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.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. Check a specific car by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Service bulletins
Jeep has sent dealers 12 bulletins that mention this problem on the Cherokee. A bulletin tells technicians how to fix a known fault. It is not a recall, so the repair is usually free only while the car is under warranty or covered by an extension.
Flash: Transmission Control Module (TCM) Updates **Customers must experience a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illumination and the vehicle must exhibit/set one or more of the following Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs):** P0810...
Gear Ratio DTC's, Transmission Shift Concerns, Does Not Shift At Times, Shudders
Shifter - Automatic Transmission If a 2015 - 18MY KL ONLY is brought in with a Service Shifter message on the cluster and/or the following DTCs are present indicating loss of communication with the shifter: U0103, U0103-87.
Flash: Transmission Diagnostic and Shift Enhancements This bulletin involves reprogramming the Transmission Control Module (TCM) with the latest available software.
This bulletin involves reprogramming the Transmission Control Module (TCM) with the latest available software.
Flash: 2.4L Powertrain Diagnostic And System Improvements This bulletin involves reprogramming the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) with the latest available software.
Before you buy a Cherokee
- On the test drive, accelerate gently and firmly, and pay attention to the 1-2 and 2-3 shifts and to coasting down to a stop.
- Ask whether transmission software updates or a fluid flush have been done.
- Walk away from a car that clunks into gear or flares the engine speed between shifts.
Questions
Which Jeep Cherokee years have nine-speed transmission problems?
Complaints are highest for the 2014, 2015, 2016 model years. The 2014 drew the most, with 457 reports.
At what mileage does it usually start?
Among owners who gave a mileage, the middle figure was about 34,000 miles, and half reported it between 13,000 and 65,000 miles.
How much does it cost to fix?
A software update is often free or under $200. A torque converter or valve body job runs $1,000 to $2,500, and a replacement transmission $3,500 to $6,000.