The 2014 Cherokee (KL platform) introduced Chrysler's 9-speed ZF transmission paired with both the 2.4L Tigershark I4 and 3.2L Pentastar V6. This first model year suffers from significant transmission reliability issues and catastrophic engine failures on the 2.4L, making it one of the riskier modern Jeep purchases.
9-Speed ZF Automatic Transmission Failures and Erratic Shifting
Common · high severity
Typical onset: 40,000-90,000 mi
Symptoms: Harsh shifting, lurching between gears especially 2-3 and 8-9, Transmission hesitation or 'searching' for gears during acceleration, Complete failure to engage, vehicle stuck in park or neutral, Transmission overheating, warning messages on dashboard, Clunking or grinding sounds during gear changes
Fix: Early issues sometimes resolved with TCM software flashes (1.5 hrs), but hard failures require transmission rebuild or replacement. Cooler line leaks common. Full transmission replacement: 8-12 hrs labor plus reman unit.
Symptoms: Ticking or knocking noise from engine, especially cold start, Heavy white smoke from exhaust (coolant burning), Rapid coolant loss with no visible external leaks, Cylinder misfire codes, rough idle, loss of power, Complete engine seizure in worst cases
Fix: MultiAir valve system and head design allow coolant intrusion into cylinders, causing hydrolock and piston/rod damage. Head gasket replacement alone: 12-16 hrs. Most cases need full engine replacement or rebuild with upgraded heads: 18-24 hrs plus engine.
Estimated cost: $6,000-9,500
Rear Differential Pinion Seal and Bearing Failure (AWD Models)
Common · medium severity
Typical onset: 50,000-100,000 mi
Symptoms: Howling or whining noise from rear, speed-dependent, Gear oil leak visible at pinion seal area, Vibration through drivetrain during acceleration, AWD system warning lights or failure to engage
Fix: Pinion seal replacement: 3-4 hrs. If bearing damage present (usually is by time of diagnosis), full differential rebuild or replacement required: 6-8 hrs plus parts.
Estimated cost: $1,200-3,200
Electrical System Wiring Harness Failures and Radio/Uconnect Issues
Common · medium severity
Symptoms: Uconnect screen freezing, rebooting randomly, or complete failure, Backup camera intermittent or black screen, Electrical accessories cutting out (power seats, windows, locks), Check engine light with multiple random sensor codes, Battery drain, no-start conditions
Fix: Uconnect module replacement: 2-3 hrs. Rear hatch wiring harness (recall-related but extends beyond recall scope): 4-5 hrs. Body control module issues require diagnosis time (1.5-2 hrs) then replacement.
Estimated cost: $800-2,500
Transmission Oil Cooler Line Leaks
Common · medium severity
Typical onset: 60,000-110,000 mi
Symptoms: Transmission fluid spots under vehicle, front passenger side, Low transmission fluid warning light, Transmission slipping or overheating due to low fluid, Visible fluid seepage at cooler line connections
Fix: Rubber lines deteriorate, quick-connect fittings leak. Line replacement: 2-3 hrs including fluid refill and system flush. Often discovered during transmission diagnosis for other issues.
Estimated cost: $400-800
Transmission Mount Failure
Occasional · low severity
Typical onset: 70,000-120,000 mi
Symptoms: Clunking when shifting into drive or reverse, Excessive vibration at idle in gear, Visible transmission sag or misalignment, Harsh engagement feeling through chassis
Fix: Upper transmission mount tears or separates. Replacement: 1.5-2 hrs. Often done alongside other transmission work as preventive measure.
Estimated cost: $250-450
Owner tips
If buying a 2.4L model, insist on compression and leak-down test before purchase — many engines are ticking time bombs
Have transmission fluid and filter changed every 40,000 mi regardless of 'lifetime' claims — it's not lifetime on this unit
Budget $500-1000/year for unexpected repairs if keeping past 80,000 miles
3.2L V6 is significantly more reliable than 2.4L; avoid 2.4L models entirely if possible
Check for all TSBs and recall work completion, especially 9-speed transmission software updates
Hard pass unless deeply discounted and you have a solid warranty — the 2014 first-year 9-speed and 2.4L engine issues make this one of the least reliable modern Cherokees.
AI-assisted summary drawn from NHTSA recall data, our labor-times database, and platform knowledge. Not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection on a specific vehicle.
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Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Jeep Cherokee vehicles equipped with a power liftgate. An electrical short in the power liftgate module may lead to a vehicle fire with the ignition on or off.
Consequence: A fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will relocate the power liftgate module and add a water shield. In addition, dealers will inspect for corrosion and replace the module and electrical connectors, if necessary. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner letters were mailed March 1, 2024. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 49A. This recall supersedes recalls 15V-393 and 15V-826. Vehicles repaired under the prior recalls will still need to have the new remedy performed.
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DIFFERENTIAL UNIT · 20V343000
2020-06-11
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2017 Jeep Cherokee vehicles equipped with a two-speed Power Transfer Unit (PTU). 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. If this occurs, power cannot be transferred between the front wheels and the transmission which results in a loss of drive while the vehicle is in motion and a loss of the Park function while stationary.
Consequence: A loss of drive can cause a vehicle crash without prior warning. A loss of the Park function can cause unintended vehicle rollaway which can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
Remedy: 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. This recall began July 14, 2020. Owners may contact FCA USA LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is W47.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION · 19V447000
2019-06-13
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014 Jeep Cherokee vehicles equipped with 3.2L engines. In the event that a clutch becomes stuck in the transmission, the transmission software may shift the transmission to neutral.
Consequence: An unexpected shift to neutral would result in a loss of drive, increasing the risk of crash.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will update the transmission software, free of charge. The recall began August 8, 2019. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is V69.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING · 18V332000
2018-05-17
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Dodge Journey, Charger and Durango, RAM 2500, 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis (more than 10,000lb), 4500 Cab Chassis and 5500 Cab Chassis, Jeep Cherokee and Grand Cherokee and Chrysler 300, 2014-2019 RAM 1500, 2015-2018 Dodge Challenger, 2015-2017 Chrysler 200, 2016-2018 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis (less than 10,000 lb), 2017-2018 Chrysler Pacifica and 2018 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. These vehicles are being recalled to address a defect that could prevent the cruise control system from disengaging. If, when using cruise control, there is a short circuit within the vehicle's wiring, the driver may not be able to shut off the cruise control either by depressing the brake pedal or manually turning the system off once it has been engaged, resulting in either the vehicle maintaining its current speed or possibly accelerating.
Consequence: If the vehicle maintains its speed or accelerates despite attempts to deactivate the cruise control, there would be an increased risk of a crash.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the software, and perform a software flash on the engine or powertrain control module, free of charge. The recall began June 4, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Note: Owners are advised to stop using cruise control until the software update has been performed. In the event that cruise control cannot be disengaged while driving, owners should firmly and steadily apply the brakes and shift the transmission to neutral, placing the vehicle in park once it has stopped.
EQUIPMENT · 17V824000
2017-12-21
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling various Dodge, Chrysler, and RAM vehicles equipped with Kidde Plastic-Handle or Push Button 'Pindicator' Fire Extinguishers. A list of the affected trailer models is available at: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17V824-0103.pdf. These extinguishers may become clogged, preventing the extinguisher from discharging as expected or requiring excessive force to activate the extinguisher. Additionally, in certain models, the nozzle may detach from the valve assembly with enough force that it could cause injury and also render the product inoperable. For a full list of the affected fire extinguisher models visit: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17E062-5427.pdf
Consequence: If the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury in the event of a fire.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners instructing them to contact Kidde for a replacement fire extinguisher, free of charge. The recall began February 14, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403 or Kidde customer service service toll-free at 1-855-262-3540, or online at www.kidde.com and click on "Product Safety Recall" for more information. Chrysler's number for this recall is T82.
SEATS · 16V590000
2016-08-10
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2014-2016 Jeep Cherokee vehicles manufactured July 29, 2013, to February 5, 2016. The seat fasteners on the first or second row seats may not have been tightened to the proper torque specification.
Consequence: Loose fasteners may allow the seats to move, increasing the risk of injury to the seat occupants in the event of a crash.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the seats or seat sets, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during September 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall S63.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION · 16V529000
2016-07-12
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Jeep Cherokee and 2015 Chrysler 200, Jeep Renegade, RAM ProMaster, and 2016 Fiat 500X vehicles equipped with 9-speed automatic transmissions. The transmission sensor clusters may have insufficient crimps in the transmission wire harness, and as a result, the transmission may unexpectedly shift to neutral. On August 29, 2016 Chrysler added the 2016 Fiat 500X vehicles to this recall.
Consequence: If the vehicle unexpectedly shifts to neutral, there is an increased risk of a crash.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, dealers will reprogram the Powertrain Control Module and the Transmission Control Module and if necessary replace the transaxle range sensor wire harness, free of charge. The recall began on November 7, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S55.
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER · 15V509000
2015-08-12
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2014 Jeep Cherokee vehicles manufactured January 4, 2013, to July 11, 2014. Use of the front windshield wipers on dry glass may cause damage to the body control module (BCM).
Consequence: BCM damage may result in the failure of the windshield wipers, impairing the driver's vision and increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will install a ground strap to protect the BCM from damage, free of charge. Owners were notified of the recall on October 7, 2015. The recall began on December 15, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R39.
EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC. · 15V461000
2015-07-23
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Ram 1500, 2500, 3500, 4500, and 5500, 2015 Chrysler 200, Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger, and Dodge Challenger, 2014-2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee, Cherokee, and Dodge Durango, and 2013-2015 Dodge Viper vehicles. The affected vehicles are equipped with radios that have software vulnerabilities that can allow third-party access to certain networked vehicle control systems.
Consequence: Exploitation of the software vulnerability may result in unauthorized remote modification and control of certain vehicle systems, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify and mail affected owners a USB drive that includes a software update that eliminates the vulnerability, free of charge. Optionally, owners may download the update to their own USB drive from http://www.driveuconnect.com/software-update/ or take their vehicle to a Chrysler dealer for immediate installation. In an effort to mitigate the effects of this security vulnerability, Chrysler has had the wireless service provider close the open cellular connection to the vehicle that provided unauthorized access to the vehicle network. This measure may not have been implemented on all vehicles and does not address access by other means that will be remedied by the software update. The recall began on August 25, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R40.
STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE · 15V393000
2015-06-22
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Jeep Cherokee vehicles manufactured January 4, 2013, to February 18, 2015 and equipped with a Power Liftgate option. In the affected vehicles, water may enter the Power Liftgate Control Module and cause a high resistance short circuit in the module.
Consequence: A short circuit in the liftgate control module may result in a fire.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will 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, free of charge. The recall began on October 26, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R27. This recall is superseded by NHTSA recall 23V-338.
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW · 15V041000
2015-01-28
Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Jeep Cherokee vehicles manufactured January 1, 2013, to November 19, 2014. The affected vehicles may experience unintended side curtain and seat air bag deployment during vehicle operation.
Consequence: If the air bags deploy unexpectedly during vehicle operation, it can increase the risk of personal injury and increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will re-flash the occupant restraint control module software, free of charge. The recall began on March 4, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R05.
SUSPENSION:REAR:SHOCK ABSORBER · 14V392000
2014-07-02
Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2014 Jeep Cherokee and Ram 1500 and 2015 Chrysler 200 vehicles. 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.
Consequence: Damage to the tire or reduced braking increases the risk of a vehicle crash.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rear shocks and replace any affected ones, free of charge. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is P37.
Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2014 Dodge Durango vehicles manufactured January 16, 2014 to April 8, 2014, Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles manufactured January 16, 2014 to April 8, 2014, Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT vehicles manufactured February 3, 2014 to April 8, 2014, and Jeep Cherokee vehicles manufactured March 6, 2014 to April 17, 2014. 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.
Consequence: The unintended continued acceleration may increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will re-flash the Driver Assistance System Module (DASM), free of charge. The recall began in June 2014. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is P31.
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