Check engine light keeps coming on. Been to the dealership three times to fix. They updated software, then replaced transmission module. Drove it a block--check engine light came back on! Now transmission is making a clicking-grinding noise. Transmission has been jerky since about 10,000 miles on Jeep.

I think this is pretty sad for a new vehicle. I can't imagine this vehicle lasting very long. I wish I would not purchased it. I feel very stuck. I figure there will be many more problems to come.

Update from Jan 9, 2016: Update. Ended up needing a new transmission!

Update from Feb 16, 2016: New transmission is worse than the original! It slips badly between 2nd and third gear! Also, it clunks into clunks, hesitates and jerks into reverse!

“rolling bump stop” 11/13/2015

2014 3.2L Cherokee Trailhawk was in for warranty service today for a reoccurring (or more accurately, uncorrected) transmission issue.

My problem was diagnosed and escalated to the next level.

The problem My jeep is having is referred to by Chrysler as “rolling bump stop”. Currently Chrysler doesn’t have a “fix” and the transmission is functioning “properly” according to the programming. Chrysler admits this is “not right” and is working on a corrective measure.

This is also the fifth time that the the vehicle was looked at for the transmission shifting issues. The first time the vehicle had an oil change the transmission was flashed with an updated program (I don’t believe this was recorded). The third time it was in for an oil change it was flashed again for another update to the trans programming. The next time it was in for an oil change, there was a TSB for the transmission durability and was updated yet again. I drove it with that update through 2 oil changes. The shifting was softer, slower and not at all what it should be for driving in moderate higher speed stop and go traffic. As I approached the second oil change, the trans did not want to shift out of 3rd rolling to a stop, but not quite stopping, then trying to take off. At the second oil change I complained about the improper downshifting the trans does and they refreshed it again. it was good for one day. As soon as the transmission starts to learn, the shifting performance degrades and the trans chooses not to downshift to 1st or 2nd coming to a “rolling stop and go”. Unfortunately, Chrysler is giving me back the Cherokee in this condition until they resolve this programming problem. As it stands, I don’t feel with this programming that the vehicle is safe, as it will not down shift abruptly if needed in an emergency maneuver. I also believe the durability and longevity will be compromised with this programming as it feels spongy (trans is slipping clutches and regulating pressures causing more heat and wear) as well as more stress on the engine (due to the shifts not being within the optimum power band causing the engine to work harder). I don’t believe this was the “correct” course for Chrysler to take simply due to the fact there are hundreds of complaints for this transmission, not to mention the fact that the programming makes this vehicle unsafe to drive.

It is also my opinion, given all the hundreds of complaints, with this transmission’s performance, the bunches of flash upgrades thrown at it, and the time that has lapsed between the original development (pre 2012) that Chrysler has had more than enough opportunity to correct these ongoing issues.

I have been a very patient man, and have a basic understanding of cars and how cars are developed and manufactured. However, I question how long I must wait to “get the vehicle I bought” or the vehicle I was “promised” based on the literature and commercials touting this vehicle’s performance and capability. The answer from Chrysler is “they’re working on a corrective measure for this problem”.

Frankly, I don’t see that happening any time soon, if at all.