The vast majority of 2014s and 2015s are functioning properly. Its a vocal minority that voice their frustrations on places like this and other forums. We have a Sept 2014 built 2015 TH that has been superb!! No regrets whatsoever!
I have a 10/14 build date, and received notification (they left messages on my phone at least more than 5 times, and sent me mail as well). I don't understand why some (like me) received R01, while some with earlier built date do not.
I have have a perverse theory. I suspect that in the beginning Chrysler used some ZF-manufactured transmissions while getting its own factory up to speed. Mine was ordered the day the KL hit showrooms and was built Dec 2013. No shifting issues and no transmission flashes.
Good theory, but unfortunately not the case.
All of the ZF's in every Cherokee made has been assembled in the US from parts from ZF in Germany. Some people have had zero trouble with them. But then the others have had total nightmares with them. The snap ring and the software issues seem to be what cause failures.
the correct answer here is nobody has any idea when or if they will figure it out..
Hopefully they will....
If the FCA engineer designed a helicopter transmission...would you fly in it?
I have a theory, FCA is doing an experiment on us. Some receive notification as the "experimental group" and some don't as the "control group." They want to gather statistics on the effectiveness of the new software.
I received a letter and a phone call telling me to get the R01 done or the durability of the transmission may be in question. So I did it. My question based on your premise is, if the experiment fails, can I get a full refund for participating in the study when my transmission blows?
Question--I never had the R01--but I did have the TSB RRT-15003 which I think is the same update before it became a recall (R -01). Anybody verify that for me or may have had the TSB RRT-15003?
As all cars become integrated with software management system to control almost every aspect of the car, things change each year. You may have a perfectly functioning car one day, and experience something very different after a simple upgrade.
Mechanical deficiencies are normally addressed within the year a car is released. Software however, can easily be compromised long after by a misplaced line of code, or a test line left in place at each upgrade This happens now, on everything from PCs and phones to aircraft. Cars will be no different. Expect in the future that the upgrades will be delivered directly to the vehicles component through satellite or mobile devices.
Another future issue then would be that cars are becoming integrated with communication networks and mobile devices and are also subject to malware or viruses just like any other digital device. Imagine the fun.
So, I would not lump software in with all mechanical issues because they can happen much later in a cars lifespan.
Every time I see a negative thread started I have a good chuckle, like its the most plagued vehicle ever created.... for every 1 bad experience there's 30+ people with no issues simple statistics why post about a car that functions without issues vs posting about bad experiences. Look at the new range rovers & bmws coming out 8 & 9 speed transmissions to meet our ever growing mpg needs... 3 Months in 2500+Km & I love my TH
All updates and no problems , Work that one out ! Personally I think its QC issue at the FCA plant and owners not used to the way the ZF9 works . 2016's will be the same , Or if they have any new software , We'll all get it sooner or later . That's my conspiracy theory anyway .
For what it's worth, Mini went through the same problem with their tranny software in 2003 or 2006 if I recall but was fixed that same model year. Took multiple software updates to finally fix. Anybody complaining about the Mini Cooper today? Here in the Wash DC Area they are everywhere. This too shall pass but not soon enough for those affected.
Some have gotten a refund from what I've read here, but I think Lemon laws are different in each state, and in each country, so your mileage will vary.
True. I would think that would put the Fear of God in Chrysler and encourage them to speed things up. I wouldn't hesitate to use it if I could since I have little patience for this kind of stuff.
So can we expect a full fix for the 2016 Cherokee?
Fat chance! This tranny is borked due to FCA not really knowing what they were getting into from the get-go. It's now up to the comsumer to play the 'update' game until they get it right.
We're going to start the Lemon Law process with our 2014 Trailhawk. Multiple visits to the dealership, and two transmissions later we're done dealing with it. The wife loves the Jeep, so we'll probably gamble and ask them to upgrade us to a 2016. The dealership has 3 in transit now, so we'll see what happens.
To be quite honest nobody on this site (or any other) actually knows just how many transmission issues there are, so nobody can say for certain that it is or is not a larger issue. If you know someone you trust in the service department, they may tell you how many transmissions they work on each week. Then compare that to the weekly sales figures.
I thought, when deciding to buy, that the problems experienced in 2014 were fixed for the 2015 year. Turns out, the same issues keep coming up. This forum represents a small portion of actual Cherokee owners, so i would look around at other sources as well. Also, just because they replace the tranny, does not mean it is with a new one. You can most likely get a "remanufactured" one. Chrysler plants assemble transmissions for 'just in time' delivery on car orders and maybe some spares. There are however differences between gear ratios on some of the models they go into, and that makes it difficult to carry too many spares. They certainly don't to my knowledge rework or remanufacture them. My understanding is they generally use third party companies who work to a Chrysler spec, for remanufacturing. That could also explain why there are many repeated instances or transmission issues, as the replacement may have been previously faulty one.
Tons of conjecture to be sure..... Generally though, if there is smoke.......
My service manager seemed to think some of the early Cherokees had transmissions made by ZF but I find that doubtful since it would take the correct size case to fit a Cherokee and can't see another supplier doing that just for a few thousand transmissions. (I guess FCA could have provided the cases and let ZF build some--but still doubt it) However, i did find this little statement made by FCA before they opened the gates and let the Cherokees out of the factory:
"A search of Chrysler's nationwide dealer inventory system shows nine Cherokees listed as "in transit" to dealers, a small break in a giant logjam; Chrysler's own data showed it had built 18,849 Cherokees at the plant in Toledo as of September 30, and production has continued since then. Chrysler has offered few specifics about the delay, saying it involved "powertrain calibration" issues and vowing that it would not let buyers have a half-baked SUV:"
I still have faith in them or I would not have purchased my 4th KL when my previous KL went back to FCA as a buyback. So far my current KL (only about 41/2 weeks with me) is doing fine (only about 700 miles). Will the 2016s be perfect? We all know the answer to that since these complicated transmissions are assembled by people and some will most likely be defective. Hopefully, there will be less problems as they continue to improve the ZF9. (hoping anyhow)
I added up the transmission complaints listed and it comes to 83. Not a great many considering the number of KLs on the road, but I'm sure there are also many others who have not signed up for this lawsuit. Nevertheless, I believe it is a small, but understandably vocal, minority and I do not blame them. I'll be the first to complain if our THawk has a problem that the dealer cannot or will not fix. Then I'll complain to the manufacturer and take my own steps to resolve it if that does not work. I had a problem in the mid '70s with a VW 1200 and, when the dealer did not resolve it, I painted big lemons on the rear windows and parked near the dealership. They had a factory rep up to Maine to look at it within a week! I do have to say that our TH has proven flawless for 11,600 miles now, both on and off road, and has never had a recall except for the air bag. It is a great machine. - Ted
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