CarComplaints.com Notes: The 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee shows an early trend of transmission complaints. Most of the complaints are for rough shifting — things like jerking & hesitation when shifting gears.

The 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee also has the same transmission issues.

8.8

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
$7,500
Average Mileage:
12,900 miles
Total Complaints:
20 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. not sure (17 reports)
  2. replace/update shifter (2 reports)
  3. replace transmission (1 reports)
2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee transmission problems

transmission problem

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2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee Owner Comments

problem #20

Jun 062020

Grand Cherokee Limited 3.2L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 30,405 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

CAR IS RUNNING AND I SHIFT INTO DRIVE. I GIVE IT GAS TO GO FORWARD BUT BEFORE I CAN GO ANYWHERE, IT SHIFTS BACK TO PARK (THAT'S WHAT THE INDICATOR TELLS ME). THE SAME THING HAPPENS NO MATTER WHAT GEAR I SELECT. IT JUST WILL NOT MOVE FORWARD. INSTEAD IT JUST SHIFTS BACK TO PARK. I TRIED ALL KINDS OF TRICKS TO GET IT TO STAY IN GEAR. FINALLY I HELD MY FOOT LIGHTLY ON THE BRAKE AFTER I HAD SHIFTED TO DRIVE. I BEGAN TO SLOWLY GIVE IT GAS (WITH MY FOOT LIGHTLY ON THE BRAKE) AND IT STAYED IN DRIVE TO GO A SHORT DISTANCE INTO THE GARAGE. THIS SAME THING HAPPENED ABOUT FOUR MONTHS AGO BUT SEEMED TO RESOLVE ITSELF AFTER AWHILE. IT SCARES ME TO THINK THIS IS GOING TO HAPPEN AT A VERY INCONVENIENT TIME. FOR A LONG TIME I WAS WORRIED EVERY TIME I TOOK THE CAR ANYWHERE. I DON'T LIKE THE ELECTRONIC SHIFTING AT ALL. IT MAKES MUCH MORE SENSE FOR THE SHIFT KNOB TO REMAIN IN A PARTICULAR LOCATION FOR EACH SELECTED GEAR. YOU CAN NEVER LOOK JUST AT THE SHIFT KNOB AND HAVE ANY IDEA WHAT GEAR YOU ARE IN. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED IN THE PAST 4 MONTHS (ABOUT 3000 MILES). I'M GOING DOWN NOW TO TRY TO DRIVE AROUND THE BLOCK. WILL LET YOU KNOW IF IT WORKS OK. I'M BACK AND IT WORKED FINE.

AS I REFLECT ON THIS PROBLEM, IT IS INTERESTING TO NOTE THAT IT HAPPENED AT THE SAME EXACT LOCATION ON BOTH OCCASIONS. THE CAR WAS RUNNING AND IN PARK (ON A MILDLY SLOPED DRIVEWAY) FOR MAYBE FIVE MINUTES BEFORE I GOT BACK IN AND SHIFTED INTO DRIVE. AT FIRST I WAS SURPRISED THAT IT DIDN'T MOVE FORWARD SINCE I HAD JUST SHIFTED INTO DRIVE. THEN I NOTICED IT WAS BACK IN PARK. I TRIED OVER AND OVER MAYBE A DOZEN TIMES BUT NO MATTER WHAT GEAR I SELECTED THE SHIFT INDICATOR QUICKLY REVERTED BACK TO SAYING IT WAS IN PARK AND THE CAR WOULD NOT MOVE FORWARD.

- Bill R., Ormond Beach, FL, US

problem #19

Oct 012017

Grand Cherokee Laredo 3.6L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 400 miles

Asked the dealer about this problem, they said it's normal. Still jerks when down shifting, it's like getting rear ended.

- dr1989, Salem, US

problem #18

Nov 032019

Grand Cherokee Limited V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 53,000 miles

I was driving on the freeway, when all the sudden I got a error about having the transmission checked. Then the dash went dark and it showed that I needed to shift to park and that I needed to not stop the car until I got to my destination. The wipers were going on and I was not able to turn them off. There was random light signals on and you can feel that the shifter was not working. I have no clue what happened.

- Andy C., San Jose, CA, US

problem #17

Jan 172019

Grand Cherokee Larado 3.6L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 79,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Complete power failure of digital display, loss of all power to electronic transmission so vehicle is unable to shift gears.

At stop sign, vehicle will not shift out of first gear which makes this an EXTREEMLY DANGEROUS situation. This has happened several times and the dealer can not identify the root cause or fix this reoccurring problem.

Initial sequence is warning code in center display comes on for 5 seconds and reads "service shifter soon", then goes off and a second message in the odometer window reads "No bus" for 3 seconds. Within 10 seconds the wipers turn on automatically and the main center cluster screen goes dark with the brake light lit and two other unknown lights.

During night times the headlights remain on but all control switches will not work-can not control the wipers and can nor activate the windshield pump. Engine and transmission remain working gear reduction possible but trans will not advance from low gear. Manual sport mode shifting is not possible so driving at this point is DANGEROUS and scary since it is impossible to reach a safe speed in surrounding traffic due to failure of transmission to shift into higher gears. If the car is turned off during this time of electrical communication failure, it will not start. Hopefully, after 15 to 30 minutes, system seems to reset and runs normal until the next event. This has been sporaticaly happening for over 5 months now with no resolution coming from the Jeep dealership. I need serious solutions for this since thisJeep is the only vehicle I have access too.

I have not owned a vehicle this unreliable since my first used cars from the 60's. HELP! Jim

- jimruw, Lake Orion, US

problem #16

Jul 312015

Grand Cherokee Limited 3.0L Diesel

  • Automatic transmission
  • 0 miles

The gear shift is different. Realizing how it functions with a return to "rest" position after following driver input is a learning activity that takes a relatively short period. There is adequate visual (2) illuminated indicators showing position of gear shift. It is a little vague in engaging when selecting Park or Reverse. I find the vehicle is so damn good I'd ignore that slight annoyance.

The Grand Cherokee diesel has more torque than a 6.2 litre V8 Holden GTS we owned and diesel use is around 8 litres per 100km. I'll still get a G.C. SRT though in a couple of years.

- Gordon J., Whitianga, New Zealand

problem #15

Jun 042016

Grand Cherokee Limited

  • Automatic transmission
  • 9,500 miles

click to see larger images

electronic shifting unreliable electronic shifting unreliable electronic shifting unreliable

I have had two instances now with the electronic shifter in my Jeep Grand Cherokee. In the worst case, I got out of the car in my driveway thinking the vehicle was engaged in park and it was actually still in gear, drive. I went into to house and heard the vehicle crash into the side of my house, breaking the siding and damaging the front left bumper. Despite the damage, it was fortunate that the SUV was angled towards the house, otherwise it would have gone through my backyard into and through my neighbors yard - who knows what could have happened with kids playing outside, etc.

In the other instance, I exited the car, again certain it was in park. The vehicle was actually in reverse. I was able to jump back into the car, just a split second before the vehicle would have struck by garage with the driver side door open. Incredibly dangerous design. Very unfortunate that that poor actor was killed.

My wife is afraid to drive the car and I am not comfortable having my kids drive it. I just went to the Kings Jeep dealership to see about getting the recall fixed and have the car and house repaired. They were very unhelpful and somewhat confrontational. I was shocked. I called Chrysler FCA and they weren't much better. I would have expected that their attitude would be, "great, let's get this fixed quickly before someone gets injured" but that was not the case.

They are already taking a litigation like posture. They have to set up a special investigation to see what the cause is, etc. Again, I was shocked at their attitude. I currently own this vehicle and my wife's 2014 Cherokee as well as an older Dodge Durango. The Gr. Cherokee is my 8th Chrysler vehicle that I have purchased. Thanks, Chrysler.

- Scott F., Lebanon, OH, US

problem #14

Apr 012015

Grand Cherokee Limited V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 124 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

I have purchased the car as a premium car with premium service. The dealership is fully aware of the issue but never admit it. even one of the technicians did told me that they are fully aware of it but they still cannot act upon it as it will be too expensive and even MOPAR did not provide any clear instructions on how to handle this issue.

- Mohammed Q., Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

problem #13

Apr 212016

Grand Cherokee Altitude V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 11,000 miles

Also there's been many times when I think vehicle is in park and go to get out and jeep starts moving. Couple times it even showed I was in Park but actually still in drive when I go to get out.

- Brent T., Tonawanda, NY, US

problem #12

Aug 242015

Grand Cherokee Altitude V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 3,828 miles

click to see larger images

electronic shifting unreliable

Driving down highway vehicle says I'm in neutral. Gas light also on with 1/4 tank of gas left.

The neutral indicator light on while in gear has happened several times. Mostly at the automatic cash wash when it's time to put vehicle in neutral. It will say I'm in neutral but the car wash worker starts yelling at me that my vehicle is still in drive.

- Brent T., Tonawanda, NY, US

problem #11

May 092016

Grand Cherokee Overland

  • Automatic transmission
  • 5,000 miles

The gear shifter in my Jeep is very difficult to tell what gear I am in by feel. When I bought the car I thought it was a weird shifter, but I just figured I would get use to it. I've caught myself a couple of times since I bought the car getting out of the vehicle, not realizing I was in reverse. I have since seen on the news complaints that people have made regarding this same issue. So, I am aware this is a problem and have been conscious of my driving.

Today, I was driving with my daughter in the car. I stopped at my son's school to pick him up. I parked the vehicle and went inside to grab my son. When I cam out my car was down the street and in the front yard of. someone else's house. My daughter got out of the car when it had stopped and came running toward's me. When I got to the vehicle it was actually in reverse.

I'm not even comfortable driving this vehicle. I called chrysler and I was told there was going to be a recall but she didn't know how long it would be until it would be fixed because they haven't made the software yet.

I feel like this matter should have been resolved months ago! And now we are still waiting on software to be built? Unacceptable.

My car just rolled down the street with my daughter in it!!! I live near rivers and lakes. It could have rolled in the water.

I really hope Jeep/Chrysler resolves this issue fast before someone gets seriously hurt.

- Amy G., Whitefish, MT, US

problem #10

Nov 092015

Grand Cherokee Overland 3.6L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 10,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The shifter has led me to exit the vehicle multiple times thinking it was in park when in fact it was still in gear. Once we went into a restaurant and ate dinner and returned to find the car in drive running but up against a curb. So apparently I thought it was in park and pressed the start/stop button and got out of the car and locked it while in fact it was still running and in drive. My wife did not hear it running either as we were next to heavy traffic, how can that happen?

We are seniors but I have driven millions of miles and have never experienced anything like that. The shifting on this car is very dangerous as you have to take great care to be sure you have selected the proper gear, if the sun is on the shift lever you have to go to the dash to verify and in an emergency this just takes to much time. Should you pull out to far when making a turn and have to reverse quickly GOOD LUCK..

The worst and most dangerous shifter that I have ever driven. I have shift by wire on my 2009 Dodge ram and it works fantastic so I know it can be done and in fact by Chrysler.

- franko27, Marana, AZ, US

problem #9

Mar 302015

Grand Cherokee Limited Diesel

  • Automatic transmission
  • 200 miles

thought the jeep ws in park, got out to get the mail, thought I was slipping on ice. Fell out of jeep, ruined my pants, scraped my knee, still have a scar. just missed rolling over my leg, ran after jeep, jumped in to stop it.

Shifting is a problem at least once or twice a week, now I always look to see where it is before I get out.

- Ervin S., Rio Rancho, NM, US

problem #8

Jan 232016

Grand Cherokee Laredo 3.2L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 23,000 miles

I was dropping off a DVD rental so I left the vehicle running, moved the shifter quickly up and got out. My 23 year old son was in the passenger seat then yelled out, "Hey Dad it's not in Park" I quickly jumped back in the rolling vehicle and applied the Brake, then carefully and put the vehicle in Park and watched the shift indicator. If the 'return to center' shifter is moved too rapidly, it does not reliably go to the intended gear. Happens fairly often when going to park, is actually in reverse or neutral.

The other issue happens if going along the highway 'in cruise control' and the shifter is bumped, it will shift to neutral. Not as severe as the first issue but an annoyance.

- Richard W., Walton, IN, US

problem #7

Mar 292016

Grand Cherokee Limited 3.6L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 5,200 miles

VERY DIFFICULT TO SELECT APPROPRIATE GEAR. MUST BE VERY DELICATE WHEN SEARCHING FOR REVERSE OR WILL MISS SHIFT TOO OFTEN. FINDING DRIVE IS FREQUENTLY MISSED . OFTEN STOPS IN NEUTRAL. BASICALLY BAD DESIGN

- gertzfeld, Highland Park, IL, US

problem #6

Oct 292015

Grand Cherokee Limited Diesel

  • Automatic transmission
  • 7,035 miles

stopped at the mail box. Opened the door, stepped out, thought I was on ice, fell out of the car then realized the car was still going. Lucky it didn't run over my legs, got up and ran after the car, lucky the door was still open, jumped in and hit the brakes. This shifter is dangerous, I have at least one incident every week where it isn't where I think it is. Tonight was the worst because I actually was leaving the car. I hope Chrysler is saving a lot of money on the piece of crap because I'm sure there will be a huge lawsuit unless they can fix this problem. There was a saying " if it works, don't fix it ". My 2013 had a shifter that you knew where it was without looking at it.

- erv, Rio Rancho, NM, US

problem #5

Nov 192015

Grand Cherokee Altitude Edition V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 3,000 miles

I bought a Brand NEW Charger from Frank Fletcher Dodge in Sherwood Arkansas 3 years ago. I got the car home and the transmission went out and had to be replaced the next day with another Charger. The Charger had an 8 speed automatic piece of CRAP transmission that I HATED.

I traded the car for a Brand new Jeep Sahara that LEAKED! BAD! They replaced the freedom tops after owning the car for 3 months. The Jeep still allowed water to POUR in with every rain! I traded that hunk of junk after 1 year for a Brand new 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee Altitude Edition, and BOY let me tell you what kind of pure living HELL and torment that I have had with it!!!

I bought the car in May, drove the thing up north in the mountains and the transmission went out going DOWN THE MOUNTAIN!! No control of the car! (Brand new with 3000 miles) Thank God for brakes as we coasted down the mountain fearing for our lives... I called the dealership to put it on the diagnostic machine.. It said- Internal failure and they refused to let me get back into the car! The dealership, being the CROOKS they are had another car on their lot that they made me finance instead of doing a substitution of collateral.

I have had my BRAND NEW LEMON for 3 weeks now and this car is doing the EXACT same CRAP as the other one. The car refuses to shift gears. Gets STUCK and revs up the engine, It can be described as a horse raring up before it takes off running. The engine stays wound out and shifts so hard that I give this car about 2-3 more weeks before I blow it up too!!!

RUNNNNNNN PEOPLE AS FAST AS YOU CAN from this car, or any Dodge, Chrysler or JEEP product! Maybe when they get enough complaints about the ridiculous 8 speed automatic transmission and all of its dangerous flaws, and they have to spend BILLIONS in lawsuits from paying families for their loved ones getting KILLED in their cars... Maybe then will they leave well enough alone and stop trying to build an engine that is too complicated to FIX when there is a problem!! I Hate my 5TH car from the same manufacturer!! Looking for lawyers... I noticed a class action lawsuit on 2014 Cherokee's, who wants to take on the dangerous transmission of the 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee that has the potential to kill us!! That we are STUCK in!!!! Any takers??? Any suggestions would be appreciated!!!!!!

Update from Mar 17, 2016: Update on above complaint. I took my Jeep in for a re-learn and they did a computer upgrade insead. It lasted 2 days and we are right back where we started. Now, I get to take off work AGAIN to take my BRAND NEW car back to the shop!!! This is NOT A JOKE!! Please RUN from any CRYSTLER or JEEP product!! Lemon Law here I come!!

- mckrn831, Dumas, AR, US

problem #4

Feb 032015

Grand Cherokee Altitude

  • Automatic transmission
  • 6,000 miles

At 6000 miles our Jeep started having an issue with shifting between 1st and 2nd gear. The transmission seems to get suck in first gear where it almost revs before aggressively shifting into 2nd gear. It appears to happen when the engine is cold and has been sitting for 5+ hours. We have had several computer updates since the issue began, but nothing has been fixed yet after 5 deanship visits. Very frustrated.

- enmn, Minneapolis, MN, US

problem #3

Jul 222015

Grand Cherokee Limited V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 6 miles

I just recently purchase a brand new 2015 Grand Cherokee after I drove it out of the dealership with 6 miles on it. I noticed the same issue that I had with my previous 2014 Grand Cherokee that after to visits I they replaced the transmission with 1000 miles on it. I have noticed that this vehicle is doing the same thing again this is ridiculous that they haven't corrected this out yet now we all Jeep Owners have to be in burdened so they can address this issue that I am having the jerking motion when vehicle is shifting between 1st and 2nd gear.

- Kevin C., New York, NY, US

problem #2

May 102015

Grand Cherokee Limited 3.6L V6 Flex Fuel

  • Automatic transmission
  • 6,100 miles

I bought this 2015 Grand Cherokee brand new and for the most part love it. This is the 4th Jeep product I've owned and have previously had pretty good luck with the Jeep brand overall and will continue to buy Jeeps.

Last week while driving to work, my new Grand Cherokee had some trouble finding gears when upshifting and seemed to stumble a little bit, then the check engine light came on so back to the dealership we went. After doing some reprogramming of the electronic transmission, they thought they had it fixed and I got it back on 5/15. So I drove it to work over the weekend and felt like it still was shifting a little rough. I thought maybe I was being overly attentive now and "waiting for an issue".

Then my husband drove it 5/18 for about 5 miles. While he had it, it did the same thing, hard jumbled shift, searching for the right gear and then the check engine light came back on. So back to the dealership it goes again today. Not happy about this inconvenience. I'd be more angry if it wasn't under warranty so I'm not to concerned at this point, but it needs to be remedied.

I see some previous complaints on this page similar to mine and one person had the whole transmission replaced? Am I headed down that road? Any suggestions on how I should handle this problem if it's not fixed correctly this time? Thanks in advance!

- Beth H., Andalusia, IL, US

problem #1

Mar 172015

Grand Cherokee

  • Automatic transmission
  • 4,971 miles

I put my jeep in park and went into the store. When I came out I put the package in my car and went back in to get my receipt. When I came out the second time, my vehicle was down the street - crashed into a cement wall.

I feel the electronic shifting is very unsafe. You can not tell by the feel or the visual of the shifter that you are in a certain gear. It is very touchy and finiky when changing any gear and I have to spend time tapping it up and down to get to proper gear. I believe that when I put the vehicle in park since it is very touchy, my thumb may have still been touching the shifter when it bounced back to its home base thus bringing a gear back with it.

Update from Sep 10, 2015: Newspaper article - Ottawa citizen Sept 4 - Jeep "roll" complaints under investigation - "drivers say cars are slipping out of park"....this article sums it all up and what I told the Jeep Chrysler all along. When my accident happened they were not helpful at all and basically told me I was crazy. This proves I am not the only one this has happened to.

- little t, Carleton Place, ON, Canada

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