CarComplaints.com Notes: There's no way around it, the Cherokee's transmission is junk. There's no other explanation for why a vehicle, usually with under 40,000 miles, would have so many complaints

10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
15 / 6
Injuries / Deaths:
7 / 0
Average Mileage:
34,469 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2014 Jeep Cherokee drivetrain problems

drivetrain problem

Find something helpful? Spread the word.
Get notified about new defects, investigations, recalls & lawsuits for the 2014 Jeep Cherokee:

Unsubscribe any time. We don't sell/share your email.

2014 Jeep Cherokee Owner Comments (Page 1 of 68)

problem #1343

Mar 162024

Cherokee

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The 2014 - 2016 jeep Cherokee introduced a new design to increase off-road capability, by creating a PTU "Power Transfer Unit" for their 4WD models, many of the v6 models had problems with this unit and two recalls have been created by the NHTSA to deal with this problem, My car is the 4 cylinder model which also has a PTU and has suffered the exact same issues the V6 owners had but we have not been given access to the recall. This is a widely known issue that thousands of 2014 4 cylinder jeep Cherokee owners have been suffering with. It is a risk and danger on the road way, causing irregular and unexpecting driving issues, complete loss of power to the rear wheels "which could be life threatening in some situations", in my situation I had reduced and intermittent power when trying to take a left hand turn across traffic nearly causing me to get impacted on the driver side. I had my [XXX] father in the car as I was taking him to his chemo appointment. Upon taking the car to the dealership they told me that the PTU would likely need to be replaced at a cost of over 4000 dollars. I feel as thought there is sufficient correlation to the other issues this manufacture has with the part(s) in question, to warrant further investigation and recourse given the severity of the failure. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

- Broken Arrow, OK, USA

problem #1342

Feb 192024

Cherokee

  • 134,000 miles
The contact owns a 2014 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle suddenly shifted into neutral, after which the vehicle lost motive power. The driver was able to coast to the shoulder of the roadway, where the failure persisted. The traction control warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V447000 (Power Train) but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 134,000.

- Millsboro, DE, USA

problem #1341

Jan 082024

Cherokee

  • miles
transmission- vehicle started jerking and bucking with less than 101,000 miles.

- Thomasville, GA, USA

problem #1340

Feb 172024

Cherokee

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

When trying to turn through an intersection, transmission slipped into neutral and would not shift back into drive for several minutes, while I was stuck in the middle of the intersection. After finally shifting into drive, I returned the vehicle home, only 1/2 mile, and it did the same thing 4 more times.

- Woodbridge, VA, USA

problem #1339

Feb 142024

Cherokee

  • miles
Jeep wont shift or move after stopping at a stop sign leaving me stranded

- Twin Lake, MI, USA

Search CarComplaints.com for these popular complaint phrases...

problem #1338

Nov 212022

Cherokee

  • miles
Power Transfer Case failure. There is a recall for both the PTU and the transfer case for other Jeep Cherokee models 2014-2016, but my vin # is not included. I experience frequent issues with a sudden loss of power when trying to proceed from a stopped position, often in the middle of an intersection. I found many complaints online about this with 2014 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawks, and have asked FCA and the Jeep dealership several times over the past 2 years why my VIN isn't included, if I am experiencing the same problem. FCA wouldn't even open a case for me about it. The repair is approximately $8000 through Jeep, and $1500 through 3rd party, however it requires programming, which only Jeep can do. Re: the liftgate recall, I've been waiting 7 months for parts to come in for that, as well. My liftgate failed at least 3 years ago.

- Tampa, FL, USA

problem #1337

Jan 012024

Cherokee

  • 167,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 2014 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that after fully refueling the tank, the transmission failed to operate as designed with the messages "Shift to Park" and "Shift to Desired Gear" was displayed. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 167,000.

- Honolulu, HI, USA

problem #1336

Dec 152023

Cherokee

  • 103,000 miles
The contact owns a 2014 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle began to shake, after which it lost motive power and suddenly jerked forward. The vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the PCM wiring harness. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number:?23V338000 (Electrical System, Structure), and the VIN was included, but parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. VIN tool confirms parts not available. The failure mileage was 103,000.

- West Columbia, SC, USA

problem #1335

Dec 102023

Cherokee

  • miles
The 4 wheel drive unavailable indicator keeps coming up. In all research there is a safety risk if the PTU goes out. Chrysler is refusing to remedy the extended warranty of 8 years/150,000 miles on my vehicle. Saying the code is not the code they are looking for! I also took my vehicle to the dealership in Casper Wy. They specified Chrysler/Stalantis is not honoring this. I also called Chrysler directly and received the same run around! I have owned MANY jeeps over the years as well as have many of my family members and NEVER had an issue. No accident has happened yet but am VERY aware it could happen if not remedied!

- Hudson, WY, USA

problem #1334

Dec 112023

Cherokee

  • 170,000 miles
The contact owns a 2014 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving and attempting to accelerate, there was an abnormal pop and a clunking sound detected. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who informed the contact that the bolts on the power transfer unit had been stripped. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the failure was related to Manufacturer Communication Number: 21-014-23 (Power Train). The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 170,000.

- Olathe, KS, USA

problem #1333

Dec 172023

Cherokee

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The vehicle went out of gear basically into neutral at 70 mph going down the interstate. Afterwards the vehicle would not go into any gear leaving me stranded on the side of the interstate.

- Covington, LA, USA

problem #1332

Dec 122023

Cherokee

  • miles
The vehicle will not shift into 4-low. Randomly says 4 wheel drive is unavailable. Abnormally hard jolts and shifts. The transmission does not shift correctly and makes it very uncomfortable to drive. The lag response time from pressing the gas pedal to the moment of acceleration is between 1-3 seconds. Car not downshifting or using 2nd gear at all due to software reflash is robbing part of the functionality of the vehicle. Off-road select trac modes programmed gear shift points render using the modes completely useless and wastes unnecessary fuel.

- Azusa, CA, USA

problem #1331

Nov 242023

Cherokee

  • miles
I was pulling out into a busy road and the clutch stuck and caused the transmission to drop into neutral. I couldn-??t move or get the car in gear for 30 seconds while traffic was coming my way. I had to turn the car on and put it back in drive and it slowly pulled away

- Cedar Park, TX, USA

problem #1330

Feb 092023

Cherokee

  • miles
We had been having problems with how the car was running and took it in for service. As with the other over 1,000 complaints on here on the PTU UNIT, ours needs to be replaced. Of course our VIN number is not included in the recall even though the recall is listed when you just type in 2014 Jeep Cherokee. In fact, our VIN is only included in 9 out of 13 recalls. THIS ISSUE NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED AS MANY PEOPLE ARE PAYING WELL OVER $3500 for this repair that appears to be affecting many 2014 Jeep Cherokees. I also have a friend who has the same Jeep and ended up trading theirs in rather than having to pay that money to repair it. Please include all VIN numbers in the PTU recalls.

- Albuquerque, NM, USA

problem #1329

Oct 052023

Cherokee

  • miles
As i was driving at Garden State Parkway in New Jersey at 65 mph, a flashing engine yellow light indicated: -??Service transmission-??, the car decelerated down to 30 mph, and a few miles after, another yellow light indicated: -??transmission fluid overheating-??. And the vehicle just stopped and did not move, and i did not even have a chance to bring it to a shop for inspection. The vehicle was towed to my home, which is for me not right. The mileage at this time is only 118,000 miles. NOTE: on July 28, 2019 while traveling to NJ ftom Washington DC at I-95, the vehicle just decelerated which was scary. Fortunately, I made it home, since the vehicle just came back to it-??s normal performance. I have to bring the vehicle to my dealer since I still had the extended warranty on it. That time, the mileage was approximately below 70,000 miles. Between 70,000 miles and 118,000 miles, there were (3) different occasions when the vehicle did not move back (Rear) from Park (P) position. I ignored these issues since it just came back as drivable again after shutting off the engine after a few minutes.

- Linwood , NJ, USA

problem #1328

Nov 022020

Cherokee

  • miles
While driving my 2014 jeep cherokee trailhawk, all power was lost, the power steering gave out and although I had vehicles behind me I was able to pull over to the side of the road safely. My daughter was also in the car with me. My jeep has has been sitting as a yard ornament in which I am still making payments on due to a failed PTU AFTER completing the software update that was issued as a recall. The total for the fix is well over three thousand dollars. WHY WONT JEEP FIX THIS? After researching, there are so many complaints regarding this same issue and after owning four jeeps total, this will be my last. Not only could this result in injury and or death, it can also cause damage to the transmission. Jeep refuses to fix their problem and like myself, will absolutely lose loyal jeep owners. I am ashamed of Jeep.

- Williamsport, IN, USA

problem #1327

Sep 282023

Cherokee

  • miles
I'm the owner of a 2014 Jeep Cherokee which I have recently taken in to be serviced due to a service light for the all wheel drive. The service representative did a great job outlining the issues resulting in a repair totaling $3,539.99 The diagnosis was that the powertrain on this vehicle has failed, and I have even noticed on the NHTSA website that out of 2,123 complaints on this vehicle, 1,224 (57%) are related to the failure of the powertrain on this model. 2014 Jeep Recalls associated with PTU: Safety Recall W48 / NHTSA 20E-037 Safety Recall W47 / NHTSA 20V-343 The two recalls were meant to circumvent the real issue of the recall. At the time of the recall if PTU's had not failed, they just replaced the splines to continue to function in the event of a PTU failure. If the PTU had failed, it was replaced. The issue with my vehicle, is that Jeep claims that the recalls are not applicable to my vehicle, as they were not a part of the recall, despite the track record of failed PTU's and the fact that jeep was replacing PTU's for 2014 Jeeps (just not mine). Regardless, the core issue was never addressed, which was the failure of the PTU (Power Train Unit). This issue was finally acknowledged in the 2015/2016 Jeep Cherokee (Part 573 Safety Recall Report 23V-302), however was never fully resolved with the 2014 jeep Cherokee. Now Jeep is not willing to acknowledge or take responsibility for this $3,539.99 repair order for something that is clearly a manufacturer defect.

- Leesburg, VA, USA

problem #1326

May 182019

Cherokee

  • miles
Car stopped without warning in middle of road. Would not start. NO Warning lights on dash. Answer: Low oil level, car just turned engine off. NO dash warning for low oil. Happened multiple times. Now: After filling with gas, stopped at light, warning messages "Put Car in park" then drive. When put in Drive, rough and huge thunk. Almost got hit, but was able to pulled over. Called AAA., waited 45, and he drove it up onto bed to bring to mechanic. No problem. They did an oil change. Drove for days then very rough idle and driving. Each time, I was able to pull over w/o being hit. Now sometimes running sluggish going down road and almost hit again. This car is not even 10 years old, but I've lost count how many close calls my family has had. If you go on any of the Jeep forums, many, many owners are complaining abouts these same issues. Why does the maker of Jeeps fix all these issues on the forums BEFORE they build or design new ones?! I have owned a Jeep Grand Cherokee(electrical), Jeep Commander(rust from bottom up), Jeep Compass, now the Jeep Cherokee (by far the WORST one). Was a Jeep fan, but I have never run into so many weird issues. Even my mechanic has given up and said bring to dealership. He has 5 different Jeeps all with electrical/unknown issues.

- Attleboro, MA, USA

problem #1325

Oct 022023

Cherokee

  • miles
While driving the vehicle in the highway, the transmission abruptly stopped responding, the power was lost and the transmission shifted into neutral. The dashboard showed the message " To shift Vehicle must be Stopped". Then the message change into "Shift to P then desired gear". This incident happened several times and Chrysler admitted the problem only on some models of their vehicles but not in cherokees 2014.

- Landing, NJ, USA

problem #1324

Aug 102023

Cherokee

  • 123,000 miles
The contact owns a 2014 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, an alert sounded, indicating that the 4WD was unavailable. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the power transfer unit pump. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer, who confirmed the diagnosis. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related it to NHTSA Campaign Number: 20E037000 (Power Train) but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 123,000.

- Nesconset, NY, USA

Read the next 20 complaints »

Search CarComplaints.com for these popular complaint phrases...

Not what you are looking for?