Jeep Grand Cherokee Transmission Problems

By Nick Marchenko, PhD

Problems with the transmission are one of the most irritating and complicated issues that a Jeep Grand Cherokee owner may face. As you know, the transmission is responsible for transferring power from the engine to the wheels, and when it's not working properly, it can cause all sorts of problems.

So, here we will discuss some of the most popular Jeep Grand Cherokee transmission problems and try to find the best solution for each one.

Jeep Grand Cherokee Transmission Problems

Almost immediately after purchasing a new vehicle, some drivers have had to replace the transmission. Additionally, owners of 2011, 2012, 2014 model years report similar issues as those with the 2015 year.

2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee

The 2015 Jeep Cherokee has been known to have the most transmission problems in comparison to other model years. Topping everyone's list of complaints, Drivetrain-related issues are a large burden for owners of this model year. In some cases, people have had to replace their entire gearbox which is a costly inconvenience. Moreover, others have found that their car doesn't drive as smoothly as it should or that they notice strange noises coming from the engine.

The most common problem with the 2015 Jeep Cherokee's transmission is related to the torque converter. The torque converter is a fluid coupling between the engine and transmission that helps to smooth out power delivery. When it goes bad, it can cause all sorts of problems like slipping, jerking, or even not moving at all.

Some of the suspicious experiences are strange shifting, harsh noises, or sensations while shifting. Also, The automatic gearbox might change gears without Any notice of what speed you’re going. A few other popular symptoms that arise from a Jeep gearbox issue whining noise coming from the transmission or unpleasant vibrations.

If you're experiencing any of these issues with your 2015 Jeep Cherokee, it's best to take it to a qualified mechanic for a diagnosis. They'll be able to tell you for sure if the torque converter is the root of the problem and advise you on the best course of action.

2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee

The 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee transmission problems are extensive, though not quite as bad as the 2015 model year. In some instances, the gearbox may have issues with only 10,000 miles. A few drivers have noted that when putting it in 'reverse', the gearbox would automatically shift itself back into 'drive'.

Maybe it happens because of an electronic glitch? Many people have had to replace their transmission entirely which is a very costly repair. If you're experiencing any issues with your 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee, it's best to take it to a qualified mechanic as soon as possible.

2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee

The 2013 model year is unpredictable and, thus, the recent transmission problems with Jeep Grand Cherokees are only a small part of what you should be worried about. Let`s talk about everything a bit more.

Transmission problems with this year of manufacture are, unfortunately, not uncommon. There have been a few reports of transmission failure and/or stalling, often at low speeds. These problems are thought to be linked to the ZF 8-speed automatic transmission that`s used in these vehicles. Jeep has issued a recall for this issue, but many owners report that the fix doesn`t seem to do much.

Some of the gearbox complaints specifically mention the transmission control unit module, or TCU. This is the electronic component that manages the gearbox's actuation.

2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee

The Jeep Grand Cherokee has had significant transmission problems, especially in the 2011 model year. But it's not just the gearbox that's been giving owners fits. There have also been serious complaints about electrical defects and engine trouble. Any one of these issues can be expensive to fix, and together they make for a very costly proposition indeed.

Although the transmissions back in 2011 have been pre"ty good, they are still as riddled with faults as it was in later model years. Although owners had their gearboxes repaired numerous times, it can still stop working, grind and shift roughly. one owner complained that their 2011 Grand Cherokee can't shift into second gear, which is certainly troublesome at the very least.

What About Newer Models?

2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee

The 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee has the same transmission problems as the previous model year. As we mentioned, the 2015 Grand Cherokee is very unreliable and its gearbox is often complained about. In the following year, Jeep tried to fix some of the most common complaints, and there were some improvements made.

Though, this model is still not perfect. A few complaints about the 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee`s 8-speed automatic transmission include slipping, hard shifting, and gear grinding. There are also a few electrical issues that have been noted, such as problems with the infotainment system and various warning lights coming on.

2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee

Despite repeated attempts to fix the issue, Jeep Grand Cherokees had transmission problems as late as 2017. These issues were most frequently seen in cases where the gearbox wouldn't shift properly. In some instances, this happened with vehicles that only had 7,600 miles on them. If you owned one of these Jeeps, you may have experienced symptoms such as the gears slipping routinely.

If you've experienced this familiar pattern in the past, a few drivers had trouble getting their cars to move beyond second gear. Not being able to shift gears while driving at high speeds can pose a serious safety threat. In general, transmission problems like this can be extremely costly to repair.

Other years of manufacture

As for present-day Jeeps, we can admit that most problems with the transmission have been sorted out. However, that's not to say that the current models are perfect. A quick look at the Jeep Grand Cherokee`s transmission problems will show you that there are still a few kinks that need to be ironed out.

In short, if you're experiencing any issues with your 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee, it's best to take it to a qualified mechanic as soon as possible. Though the newer models don't have as many problems as the older ones, they're still not perfect. So, it's always better to be safe than sorry!

What Are The Main Causes?

You may say something like 'But I`m a Jeep Grand Cherokee owner, and it functions very fine!'

Well, we don`t want to burst your bubble, but there have been a lot of reports about Jeep Grand Cherokees having transmission problems. We just want you to know about possible risks so that you would be well-prepared as a driver.

• Low transmission fluid level:

The many metal components of your gearbox need transmission fluid to remain lubricated and cooled, otherwise they would make contact and cause significant internal damage. In case your auto is leaking transmission fluid or you notice that the level has lowered significantly, have it refilled as soon as possible and check for potential leaks. External damage to your Jeep's transmission is also a possibility, so you should inspect it regularly for cracks, holes or other signs of wear and tear.

• Worn-out bands:

The transmission bands are what keep your gears in place while the car is in motion. With age and wear, they can become stretched and lose their tension, which causes the gears to slip. This usually happens gradually, so you might not notice it at first, but eventually, it will lead to more serious problems. If you notice that your Jeep is having trouble shifting gears or that the transmission is slipping, have it checked by a mechanic as soon as possible.

• Shifter module:

The shifter is the element you use to change gears, and it can be problematic if it's not working right. This was an issue with some Jeep models as well as other Chrysler vehicles back in the day. This will cause the gears to slip or not engage properly, and it can be very dangerous. If you're having trouble shifting gears, have your Jeep checked by a mechanic to see if the shifter module needs to be replaced.

• Torque converter:

The torque converter is what transfers the power from the engine to the transmission. If it's not working properly, it can cause the transmission to slip or not engage properly. This was an issue with some Jeep models as well as other Chrysler vehicles back in the day. If you're having trouble shifting gears, have your Jeep checked by a mechanic to see if the torque converter needs to be replaced.

There are lots of different causes for transmission problems in Jeep Grand Cherokees, but these are some of the most common ones. If you're having trouble with your transmission, make sure to have it checked by a mechanic as soon as possible to avoid any further damage.

Nick Marchenko, PhD

Industrial Engineer & Automotive Content Specialist

Nick writes in-depth guides on car clubs, engine specs, vehicle ownership, and modifications, combining engineering knowledge with automotive passion.

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