2015 Jeep Cherokee: Transmission failure check engine light on
Common wear/failure (not a recall)
Symptoms
Owners of the 2015 Cherokee report: transmission failure check engine light on. CarComplaints.com lists 64 owner complaints, average mileage 19,250 miles.
NHTSA has 1007 owner complaints for the 2015 Cherokee in this area. Examples:
- NHTSA complaint ODI #11774041 (filed 10/27/2026): “Svc 4 wd warning light always on. several diagnostics bring me to the ptu needing replaced. i am told by the dealer that the part alone is upwards of $2500 and is a severe warning that the vehicle will just stop functioning and place a whole lot of vehicles an…”
- NHTSA complaint ODI #11773534 (filed 10/25/2026): “Whilst driving on the highway at approx 65mph there was a clunk from under the car, followed by lack of acceleration, smoke was coming out from under the hood. we were unable to pull onto the shoulder immediately due to highway construction. we eventually pull…”
Likely causes
Sources do not establish a single root cause; diagnosis is needed. Owner-reported fixes are listed below.
Fix, in plain English
Most common owner-reported solutions on CarComplaints.com: replace transmission (28 reports) reflashed transmission software (9 reports) transmission replaced (4 reports) replaced transmission at 4200 miles and less than 6 mos old (3 reports) chrysler determined the vehicle was defective & replaced it (1 reports) transmission problem F. Check for open recalls and extended warranty coverage with a dealer before paying out of pocket.
DIY difficulty: Pro
Diagnosis needs a scan tool; repair or replacement needs a lift, transmission jack and the manufacturer's fluid fill/relearn procedure. (Our assessment.)
Cost
No sourced cost range: get a written quote after diagnosis.
Typical parts (search links, no affiliate codes)
AutoZone · O'Reilly · Advance · RockAuto
Sources
- CarComplaints.com: Transmission failure check engine light on (2015 Cherokee)
- NHTSA complaints API, 2015 Cherokee
Estimated repair cost: transmission replacement (automatic or CVT, remanufactured unit)
Average shop cost
$835
Range $400–$1,390 (labor)
4.0–10.0 h × $100–$139/h estimated shop labor rate
Parts not included.
Average mobile mechanic cost
$1,255
Range $600–$2,085 (labor)
Shop labor × 1.5 (mobile convenience premium)
Parts not included.
Estimates only, not a quote. Actual prices vary by vehicle, shop and location. See the estimate for your city → · About this repair and its cost
Same repair on other models: 2013 Chevrolet Cruze: Transmission went out · 2015 Nissan Murano: Transmission failure · 2016 Subaru Forester: Transmission failure · 2018 Nissan Sentra: CVT failure · 2019 Nissan Pathfinder: Check engine light came on transmission failure · 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe: Transmission failure
Page last updated .