Jeep's Nine-Speed Undergoes Second Reflash For 100k Cherokees

Cameron Aubernon
by Cameron Aubernon

Remember the nine-speed transmission in the new Jeep Cherokee that gave our rising superstar managing editor a hard time, followed by everyone else giving him a hard time about the truth of this car before walking back their statements in light of their seeing the light? More than 100,000 of the crossovers built before May 5 will need theirs readjusted.

Automotive News reports the software in the affected units will be subject to a five-minute software reflash, followed by a 78-minute test drive to ensure the transmission’s ability to learn how its owner drives is no longer hindered by digital bugs. While all owners will not need to bring their vehicles in for the work, those who do feel their transmission is lacking will have the fix covered for free under warranty.

The nine-speed, which also feeds power to the front and/or all four corners of the 2015 Chrysler 200, has been reflashed once before, and problems early on led to a delay in the introduction of the new Cherokee to sort out the kinks. For what it’s worth, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles CEO Sergio Marchionne isn’t concerned about what may be dinging the quality of the new transmission:

There are always teething issues with every transmission I’ve ever built, and I mean that literally. We keep tuning the transmission more and more as we get more familiar with it.

I’m never satisfied, but I think I’m OK with its application in the current car. It will get better six months from now, trust me.

Cameron Aubernon
Cameron Aubernon

Seattle-based writer, blogger, and photographer for many a publication. Born in Louisville. Raised in Kansas. Where I lay my head is home.

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  • Luvmyv8 Luvmyv8 on May 30, 2014

    Probably still better then the woeful transmission I had in my Chrysler 200 rental..... then again the 4 cylinder didn't do it much favors either. Jack hit it spot on with his review from a few months past. The Cherokee can't be as bad as that was.

  • Hybridkiller Hybridkiller on Jun 01, 2014

    "No, the strongest advantage of a manual transmission is that there is no torque converter to fail..." Let's not forget that not all modern ATs are slushboxes.

    • Old Man Pants Old Man Pants on Jun 01, 2014

      I've got a good friend who's always telling me that. I'm always telling him to google "religion temporal lobe"

  • Corey Lewis Corey Lewis on Jun 04, 2014

    "that gave our rising superstar managing editor a hard time" This article brought to you by Dyson.

  • Dpb Dpb on Jul 29, 2014

    Hi, Very Interesting review of the nine speed transmission. I have driven this vehicle twice for extended periods and thought how smooth this box was. ZF make good products and the real question is, would you buy this vehicle knowing the detail about the transmission? I am looking to buy an SUV and hold on to it for at least 7-years. A friend has the 2008 Grand Cherokee and has just spent a ton on the 4-wheel drive system. Needless to say, I do not want be in the same boat. Or, should I go with the Forrester, manual, although Motor Trend just had an article RE the oil consumption.... Not sure... Or, get a Ford Escape..? Any advise would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

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