NHTSA owner complaints

Owner complaint record

2014 Jeep Cherokee Problems and Recalls: What Owners Report

This page shows the problems 2014 Jeep Cherokee owners reported to NHTSA, the federal agency that tracks car safety: 2,641 complaints sorted by system, the mileage they started at, the check engine codes owners named, and the recalls to check before you buy.

All Jeep Cherokee years

NHTSA owner complaints Checked Oct 2, 20262,641 complaints Federal file of Aug 25, 2026

A 2014 Jeep Cherokee seen from the front
2014 Jeep Cherokee ShadiacCC BY-SA 3.0Wikimedia Commons
Model year 2014
  • 202248No page yet
  • 2021152No page yet
  • 2020281No page yet
  • 20191,615
  • 2018681No page yet
  • 20171,328No page yet
  • 20161,403No page yet
  • 20151,784No page yet
  • 20142,641
Complaints
2,641

, most of any Cherokee year

Top system
Powertrain

1,448 complaints, 55% of the total

Typical start
33,800 mi

half of the powertrain reports that give a mileage came before this

Crash reports
56

29 mention an injury, 16 a fire

Short answer

The powertrain leads the 2014 Jeep Cherokee record at 55%, with engine next at 19%. Of the powertrain reports that give a mileage, half came before 33,800 miles. The costliest part on our cost list is the engine oil cooler, $66 to $211 for the part alone.

It's a count of reports, not a failure rate. Use it to decide what to inspect before buying, not to grade the car.

What we know beyond the file

2014 was the first year of the new Cherokee and its nine-speed automatic, which Jeep called a first for a mid-size SUV. Recalls since then cover that transmission and the power transfer unit that feeds the rear wheels.

Is your Cherokee affected?

Check one car against NHTSA recalls. Free, takes seconds.

2014 Jeep Cherokee overview

The 2014 Cherokee is the first model year of the Cherokee's return to Jeep's lineup, built at Toledo Assembly in Ohio. It came with a 2.4-liter four or a 3.2-liter V6, both with a nine-speed automatic, in Sport, Latitude, Limited and Trailhawk trims.

The 2015 drew 1,784, with powertrain named most.

In plain terms: the 2.4-liter four is the standard engine and the 3.2-liter V6 the stronger option. Both use the same nine-speed automatic, which is why the gear check in the list below matters on either one.

3.2L 6-cylinder
Power
271 hp
Torque
239 lb-ft
Gearbox
9-speed automatic
Fuel
Regular gasoline
Injection
Not direct
FWD19/28/22
AWD19/26/22

city / highway / combined mpg, EPA

2.4L 4-cylinder
Power
184 hp
Torque
171 lb-ft
Gearbox
9-speed automatic
Fuel
Regular gasoline
Injection
Not direct
FWD21/30/25
AWD21/28/23

city / highway / combined mpg, EPA

1 of 2 engines

Fuel economy from EPA fueleconomy.gov; power and torque from Jeep's 2014 Cherokee release.

Is the 2014 Jeep Cherokee reliable?

Owners filed more complaints about the 2014 Jeep Cherokee than about any other Cherokee year, and most of them are about the powertrain. The four checks below are what the federal record can say; none of them is a reliability score.

  • 1st
    Compared with other Cherokee years 2,641 complaints, the most of 9 model years (next is 2015 with 1,784). By model year
  • 55%
    The system named most Powertrain, in 1,448 complaints. Half of the powertrain reports that give a mileage came before 33,800 miles. Problems by system
  • 13
    Recalls 13 recall campaigns cover the 2014 Jeep Cherokee. Recalls
  • 56
    Crashes, injuries, fires 56 complaints mention a crash, 29 an injury and 16 a fire.

A complaint count is not a failure rate: the record doesn't say how many were sold, so a popular year draws more reports.

2014 Jeep Cherokee problems by system

Every complaint to NHTSA names the part of the car that gave the owner trouble, such as the engine or the steering. The cards below sort the 2,641 complaints about the 2014 Jeep Cherokee that way, largest first: open one to read what owners wrote, when it usually starts, and what to check.

5 systems · tap one to read what owners wrote
Powertrain 55% 1,448 complaints

Rough shifts, stalling, Service Transmission warnings

Show details Hide details
What owners describe
2014 jeep cherokee. Service transmission message comes on screen, transmission make loud noise, engine shuts down. Hard to control vehicle. Almost crashed. Dealer says transmission faulty. Second time this happened
PAOwner in Pennsylvania 80,023 mi
Jeep cherokee shut down in the middle of driving downtown atlanta georgia. The engine turned off in traffic and was unable to start. After second attempt car turned on and service code "service transmission" "service emergency brake" . Vehicle had to be towed to dealership. 2014 jeep cherokee trail hawk with 32k miles.
TNOwner in Tennessee 32,000 mi
OKNYVAALRead 4 more owner reports+4
Car started to loose power while driving down the interstate, acted like it was going to stall, giving more gas only made the problem worse. Was not able to go over 45 mph unless going down hill. Had the same problem 6 months ago and was covered by warranty. Took car to the dealership and this time its not under warranty.
OKOwner in Oklahoma 61,000 mi
The mil has been on and off, the service 4 wheel drive warning illuminates, the parking brake warning illuminates, the transmission feels like it is shifting into neutral and there is a major loss of power. The dealer informed me that our 2014 jeep cherokee needs a new transmission assembly and dtcm module.
NYOwner in New York 94,000 mi
My car is cutting off while driving. Shift to park message shows up and car stalls. 83,390 miles. Just bought used from a dealership and already getting trans problems.
VAOwner in Virginia 83,800 mi
While driving, at around 10 mph, the transmission went into service transmissions (limp) mode without warning. In addition, received a park brake warning as well. Currently the vehicle is with the dealership for an assessment of the problem.
ALOwner in Alabama 115,000 mi
When it starts
050k 100k mi

Usually starts around 33,828 miles. Half of owners reported it between 11,000 and 67,847.

What to do

Drive through every gear and watch for a Service Transmission message.

Our guide Bad Transmission Symptoms: Seven Causes Ranked by Cost

More: Transmission slipping · Jerks when accelerating

Engine 19% 514 complaints

Oil cooler leaks, power loss, stalling

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What owners describe
Bought the car with 31000 miles on it, at 40000 oil cooler started leaking like a sieve!!!! Dealer says it's not a covered repair! This appears to be a major problem with jeeps.
PAOwner in Pennsylvania 40,000 mi
Car started to loose power while driving down the interstate, acted like it was going to stall, giving more gas only made the problem worse. Was not able to go over 45 mph unless going down hill. Had the same problem 6 months ago and was covered by warranty. Took car to the dealership and this time its not under warranty.
OKOwner in Oklahoma 61,000 mi
VASCTXCARead 4 more owner reports+4
Engine oil cooler leaking. Car has 69000 miles and the plastic engine oil cooler mounted on the engine block is leaking. Seals are bad because of the design of the part. Multiple 2014 cherokees have this issue. Known issue for local dealer. Significant fluid buildup under the car and monthly need to refill oil with issue.
VAOwner in Virginia 66,000 mi
At 30-40mph with 2rmp my I would hear a very loud whistling noise. One day later my car would start kicking back when on the go. Two days later, my jeep cherokee would not move at all. I could not put it in drive, park or any other gear. The check engine light came on. Few seconds later the on information board said, "transmission problem." I had to call a tow truck to take it back to the dealership.
SCOwner in South Carolina 1,600 mi
Again the check engine light came on. This is our 2nd engine and the dealer says it is this new engine that needs to be replaced. The jeep will idle rough, shift on it's own, all the same transmission issues. And now the parking brake locked up and I had to have it towed home. I assume it is the transimission because it still will throw it in neutral while driving.
TXOwner in Texas 99,950 mi
This is the 3rd time it happened. My previous odi # 16038484. While driving out of the parking lot the car just stopped and the car screen has a message to shift the gear. I did that and the car shakes/jitter. The parking attendant helped me to push the car on the side.
CAOwner in California 12,380 mi
When it starts
050k 100k mi

Usually starts around 40,000 miles. Half of owners reported it between 15,003 and 66,988.

What to do

Look for oil on the engine and on the ground under it.

Our guide Car Shuts Off While Idling or Driving? Causes and What to Do

More: Blown head gasket signs · Engine power reduced

Electrical system 17% 436 complaints

A parking brake that sticks, stalling

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What owners describe
The electronic parking brake engaged and would not disengage. Happened twice once while driving once when the vehicle was stopped. Towed to a dealership, after 4 weeks the only solution was to completely rewire the entire vehicle. Claiming it is not covered under warranty. Dealership informed me that there was water intrusion.
TXOwner in Texas 60,000 mi
Just received my third safety recall today...p67. P14, brake booster and p36, sun visor wiring are yet to be fixed. P14 dates back to this fall 2014. I've been on a waiting list since that time. The dealership, patriot chrysler dodge in mountain lake park, md says they cannot get the parts to fix the recalls. Is this ridiculous? Please advise.
MDOwner in Maryland
CAAPMDMORead 4 more owner reports+4
Car has lost power while driving 3x. Car was in motion/traffic travelling at 65mph, 45mph, 65 mph.dealer/manufacturer are not able to identify problem. Service advisor at steven's creek chrysler, dodge,jeep stated that jeep needs to buy the car back but manufacturer is unable to help out. Car towed twice to dealer.
CAOwner in California 35,000 mi
Jeep cherokee recall. I live in colombia and I have a jeep cherokee 2014. This truck has left defective in brakes, transmission always. I have not been informed by "demcautos" about the recall. Demcautos. Demcautos is the concessionaire where buy my vehicle.
APOwner in AP38,750 mi
Car cuts off going about 40mph. Steering locked up. While I was on highway. Problem occurred multiple times. Unsafe vehicle purchased top warranty and I'm still being charged for repair. Purchased the car used has 40,000 miles. And I have had the car for 3 months yet! Car stared back up and wouldn't let me go over 20mph.
MDOwner in Maryland 40,000 mi
I have a 2014 jeep cherokee sport and my service shifter came on and my car wouldn't start unless I jump started it , called the dealership they said they never of heard of anything like that , I think this needs to be investigated or someone is going to end up kill because of there car messing up .
MOOwner in Missouri 63,714 mi
When it starts
050k 100k mi

Usually starts around 40,000 miles. Half of owners reported it between 15,996 and 76,480.

What to do

Set and release the parking brake a few times.

More: Alternator or battery? · Dashboard warning lights

Fuel and power delivery 7% 186 complaints

Stalls after filling up, a tank that won't fill

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What owners describe
I can't fill up gas, if I did, the car would stall. The engine stops running while driving, it's very dangerous. I took my card to the dealership, they only tell me not to fill up the gas. Otherwise I have to pay $1500 dollars to get the car fixed. And I only had the car for 2 years, only drove 20,000 miles since purchased
FLOwner in Florida 50,100 mi
I could only put very small amounts of gas in tank at one time or it would overflow even though it had less than a quarter of a tank. I tried different stations and it didn't make a difference. It would take about 10 minutes to fill the tank. The dealership had to replace the gas tank
OHOwner in Ohio 56,755 mi
ALMNRead 2 more owner reports+2
After filling the vehicle with gas it will hesitate and stall out while driving. It tells you to put the car in park and then you have to re crank it to shift back to drive. After the tank is about 3/4 full it stops stalling.
ALOwner in Alabama 59,114 mi
When quickly accelerating from a complete stop (such as pressing the gas pedal all the way down), my 2014 jeep cherokee(3.2l w/ active drive I) significantly shakes from left-to-right similar to where a wheel would be out of balance. This seems to affect performance as well, where the vehicle lags to pick up speed right away, which is concerning when needing to quickly cross expressway intersections.
MNOwner in Minnesota 520 mi
When it starts
050k 100k mi

Usually starts around 48,250 miles. Half of owners reported it between 28,720 and 70,000.

What to do

Ask whether the car stalls or refuses fuel at the pump.

More: Car shuts off while driving · Gas smell in the car

Braking system 7% 183 complaints

Parking brake stuck on, owners waiting on brake parts

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What owners describe
The electronic parking brake engaged and would not disengage. Happened twice once while driving once when the vehicle was stopped. Towed to a dealership, after 4 weeks the only solution was to completely rewire the entire vehicle. Claiming it is not covered under warranty. Dealership informed me that there was water intrusion.
TXOwner in Texas 60,000 mi
Went in to stateline for a brake booster recall after receiving a letter stating the part was in. After sitting for an hour, I was then told I did not have a part there and I would have to wait for a letter. Another words the dealership gave my part away and a 2nd letter has never come in the mail. The brake booster has never been fixed.
NCOwner in North Carolina 19,351 mi
TXMDRead 2 more owner reports+2
Again the check engine light came on. This is our 2nd engine and the dealer says it is this new engine that needs to be replaced. The jeep will idle rough, shift on it's own, all the same transmission issues. And now the parking brake locked up and I had to have it towed home. I assume it is the transimission because it still will throw it in neutral while driving.
TXOwner in Texas 99,950 mi
Just received my third safety recall today...p67. P14, brake booster and p36, sun visor wiring are yet to be fixed. P14 dates back to this fall 2014. I've been on a waiting list since that time. The dealership, patriot chrysler dodge in mountain lake park, md says they cannot get the parts to fix the recalls. Is this ridiculous? Please advise.
MDOwner in Maryland
When it starts
050k 100k mi

Usually starts around 40,953 miles. Half of owners reported it between 17,188 and 70,000.

What to do

Check that the pedal feels firm and the brake light stays off.

Our guide Brake Warning Light: What It Means and Is It Safe to Drive?

More: ABS light on · Warped brake rotors

What repairs cost on the 2014 Jeep Cherokee

Part prices for the problems 2014 Cherokee owners report most. They are shelf and mail-order prices for the part alone, so a shop bill adds labor and its own markup.

Oil cooler leaks Engine oil cooler
$66 – $211Part only, at the counter

For the 2.4L, Dorman up to Standard Motor Products at $66 to $92; the 3.2L runs $127 to $211, Autotecnica up to Vemo.

Check oil coolers
A parking brake that sticks Parking brake actuator
$104 – $115Part only, at the counter

Two brands, Mopar and Standard Motor Products, for both engines.

Check parking brake actuators

Prices on this page are our own research, not the store’s, and store prices change daily.

Prices read on RockAuto on Oct 2, 2026, for the parts listed as fitting this car; regular stock only, closeouts left out.

Check engine codes owners report

6 owners name U0402 (invalid data received from transmission control module) in their complaints, the code named most for this car.

OBDU0402Invalid data received from transmission control module 6
OBDP0520Engine oil pressure sensor circuit 6

Complaints whose text names the code, one count per complaint. Tap a code to read our guide; grey codes have no guide yet.

When problems show up on the odometer

Powertrain complaints start earliest, typically around 33,800 miles. Fuel and power delivery complaints start latest, around 48,200 miles.

Powertrain 34k
Engine 40k
Electrical system 40k
Fuel and power delivery 48k
Braking system 41k
025k 50k 75k 100k mi

Dot: typical mileage. Bar: the middle half of reports. From the mileage owners wrote on the form.

Jeep Cherokee complaints by model year

2014 has the most complaints of any Cherokee year. The powertrain is named most in 8 other Cherokee years.

Show chart Hide chart
Complaints by model year Jeep Cherokee, 2014 to 2022
All complaintsPowertrain
0
500
1,000
1,500
2,000
2,500
3,000
2,641
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22

2014 has the most complaints of any Cherokee year. The powertrain is named most in 8 other Cherokee years.

When owners filed

Complaints about the 2014 Jeep Cherokee have kept arriving since 2014, with peaks in 2015 and 2016. A peak often follows a recall or a news story, not a new fault.

Show chart Hide chart
When owners filed Complaints about the 2014 Jeep Cherokee, by the year they were filed
Complaints filed
0
100
200
300
400
219
2014
382peak
2015
398peak
2016
213
2017
203
2018
297
2019
242
2020
160
2021
131
2022
154
2023
100
2024
105
2025
37
2026

2014 Jeep Cherokee recalls

13 recall campaigns cover the 2014 Jeep Cherokee. A recall list is by model year; whether one car had the work done is in its VIN record.

2023Electrical system An electrical short in the power liftgate module may lead to a vehicle fire with the ignition on or off. Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. 2020Power train Relative movement in the Power Transfer Unit (PTU) between the differential input splines and the transmission output shaft may cause some input spline teeth to wear off, which may eventually cause a loss of engagement between the transmission and the differential inside the PTU. FCA US LLC will notify owners, and dealers will perform a software update that will maintain vehicle propulsion by engaging rear wheel drive and prevent rolling in Park by activating the electronic parking brake if a failed input spline occurs. 2019Power train In the event that a clutch becomes stuck in the transmission, the transmission software may shift the transmission to neutral. Free repair: update the transmission software 2018Electrical system These vehicles are being recalled to address a defect that could prevent the cruise control system from disengaging. Free repair: inspect the software, and perform a software flash on the engine or powertrain control module 2017Equipment Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling various Dodge, Chrysler, and RAM vehicles equipped with Kidde Plastic-Handle or Push Button 'Pindicator' Fire Extinguishers. Chrysler will notify owners instructing them to contact Kidde for a replacement fire extinguisher, free of charge. 2016Seats The seat fasteners on the first or second row seats may not have been tightened to the proper torque specification. Free repair: replace the seats or seat sets 2016Power train The transmission sensor clusters may have insufficient crimps in the transmission wire harness, and as a result, the transmission may unexpectedly shift to neutral. Free repair: reprogram the Powertrain Control Module and the Transmission Control Module and if necessary replace the transaxle range sensor wire harness 2015Air bags The affected vehicles may experience unintended side curtain and seat air bag deployment during vehicle operation. Free repair: re-flash the occupant restraint control module software 2015Equipment The affected vehicles are equipped with radios that have software vulnerabilities that can allow third-party access to certain networked vehicle control systems. Chrysler will notify and mail affected owners a USB drive that includes a software update that eliminates the vulnerability, free of charge. 2015Structure In the affected vehicles, water may enter the Power Liftgate Control Module and cause a high resistance short circuit in the module. Free repair: inspect the power liftgate control module and connectors for corrosion, substitute a bolt for the threaded grommet installed to seal an attachment point used in non-power liftgate vehicles and cover the power liftgate control module in a foam water shield 2015Visibility Use of the front windshield wipers on dry glass may cause damage to the body control module (BCM). Free repair: install a ground strap to protect the BCM from damage 2014Vehicle speed control When the adaptive cruise control is engaged and the driver presses the accelerator pedal to increase the vehicle's speed more than the cruise control system would on its own, the vehicle may continue to accelerate briefly after the accelerator pedal is released. Free repair: re-flash the Driver Assistance System Module (DASM) 2014Suspension Due to an insufficient weld, the rear shocks may detach from the vehicle at one end and possibly damage other chassis components, the tire or result in reduced braking. Free repair: inspect the rear shocks and replace any affected ones

2014 Jeep Cherokee crash tests and investigations

NHTSA crash tests rate the 2014 Jeep Cherokee four stars overall, the same for four-wheel drive and two-wheel drive. Its defect office has opened three investigations that cover this model year.

Overall 4/5
Frontal crash 4/5
Side crash 5/5
Rollover 4/5

Ratings run from 1 to 5 stars: 5 is the safest result, 1 the least safe.

Frontal stars compare cars of about the same weight; side stars compare every vehicle. Rollover stars show how top-heavy the car is: NHTSA puts the 2014 Jeep Cherokee’s chance of rolling over in a single-car crash at 17%.

Safety equipment NHTSA recommends

Electronic stability control Standard
Forward collision warning Optional
Lane departure warning Optional

Optional means some trims have it and some don’t. Check the car you are looking at.

Federal investigations

Software security vulnerability Opened Jul 24, 2015 (RQ15004), closed Jan 5, 2016Closed
Desiccated air bag inflator rupture Opened Sep 17, 2021 (EA21002) Open
Electronic parking brake water ingress Opened Jul 22, 2022 (PE22009), closed Oct 29, 2023Closed

Before you buy a used 2014 Jeep Cherokee

These checks follow what 2014 Cherokee owners reported most: transmission trouble in more than half the complaints, then engine and electrical faults. Ask for the service history by VIN, because this car has many recall campaigns.

Before you buy a 2014 Jeep Cherokee 5 checks to do in person
  1. 1
    Drive through every gear

    Rough or late shifts and Service Transmission warnings lead the complaints.

  2. 2
    Ask for the transmission software record

    Recalls and updates cover this nine-speed; the dealer has the history by VIN.

  3. 3
    Look for oil leaks on the engine

    Oil cooler leaks come up in the engine complaints.

  4. 4
    Set and release the parking brake

    Owners in both the electrical and brake complaints describe a parking brake that sticks on.

  5. 5
    Run the VIN for open recalls

    Only the VIN says if this car got the recall repairs.

Oil and service for the 2014 Jeep Cherokee

This is what Jeep's manual says the 2014 Cherokee needs: which oil to use and how much, the fluids for the transmission and the cooling system, and when each job is due. The vehicle tracks oil wear itself and shows an oil change message, but Jeep says never to go past a set number of miles or months.

3.2L 6-cylinder
Engine oil
5W-20
Oil capacity, with filter
6 US quarts
Transmission fluid
Mopar ZF 8&9 Speed ATF
Coolant
Mopar 10 Year/150,000 Mile Formula OAT
2.4L 4-cylinder
Engine oil
0W-20
Oil capacity, with filter
5.5 US quarts
Transmission fluid
Mopar ZF 8&9 Speed ATF
Coolant
Mopar 10 Year/150,000 Mile Formula OAT

Service schedule

Oil change When the dashboard message appears, and at least every 10,000 miles or 12 months
Spark plugs Every 100,000 miles (mileage only, not years)
Coolant At 10 years or 150,000 miles, whichever comes first

From the Jeep 2014 Cherokee Owner's Manual, read Oct 2, 2026. Normal schedule.

Common questions

What are the most common problems with the 2014 Jeep Cherokee?

Owners name the powertrain most (1,448 complaints), then engine (514) and electrical system (436).

Is 2014 a good year for the Jeep Cherokee?

The complaint record can't grade a car, but it shows what to check: the powertrain complaints that lead this year, the mileage they start at, and whether the recall repairs were done.

Was there a recall on the 2014 Jeep Cherokee?

Yes. NHTSA lists 13 recall campaigns for the 2014 Jeep Cherokee: power train (3), electrical system (2), equipment (2), seats, airbags, vehicle speed control, structure, visibility, suspension. A dealer can tell from the VIN whether one car got the repairs.

At what mileage do 2014 Jeep Cherokee problems start?

Powertrain complaints start earliest, around 33,800 miles. Fuel and power delivery complaints come later, around 48,200 miles.

Which Cherokee years have the most and fewest complaints?

The 2014 and 2015 model years have the most in the file, and the 2022 and 2021 the fewest, though newer cars have had less time to collect complaints.

Other Cherokee years

20142,64120151,78420161,403

Other 2014 SUVs to compare

What the complaint record can't tell you

How many were sold A popular model looks worse than a rare one.
Whether your car has it A share isn't a probability for one car.
Who filed Recalls and news send owners to the form.
What it costs Part prices only; a shop adds labor.

Sources

Show all 6 sources
NHTSA complaints NHTSA's consumer complaint database, as of Aug 25, 2026
Counts by system and year, mileage, crash and injury flags, codes, owner quotes
NHTSA recalls Recalls API, read Oct 2, 2026
The recall list
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings Safety Ratings API, read Oct 2, 2026
Crash test stars and rollover risk
NHTSA defect investigations Investigations file (FLAT_INV)
The investigations list
EPA fueleconomy.gov Federal fuel economy data
Engines, gearboxes, mpg
Stellantis Media release, September 8, 2013
2014 Cherokee engines, transmission, trims, plant

Owner quotes are changed from all capitals to normal case only. Counts by system and year cover vehicles with at least 10 complaints.