NHTSA (USA)CriticalPark Outside
This page covers 21 recalls, 2629 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2014 Jeep Cherokee.
22–25 mpg combined
9.4–10.7 L/100km
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 4 tested variants for this model year.
4/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
The 2014 Jeep Cherokee draws a heavy concentration of complaints around the powertrain, which accounts for nearly half of all reports filed for this model year. Owners most commonly describe problems with the all-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive system, warning messages indicating the system is temporarily unavailable, grinding noises, and service lights tied to the power transfer unit. The nine-speed transmission also comes up repeatedly, with owners reporting shuddering, hesitation, jerking during acceleration, and occasional seizure-like behavior at low speeds. Engine complaints are the second-named system, and a recurring pattern involves overheating notices appearing on the dashboard, sometimes traced to water pump or cooling system failures. Electrical system reports are lower in volume but present, generally involving warning lights and intermittent system faults. Parts availability for the transfer case control module has come up as a compounding frustration for owners already dealing with drivetrain faults.
2,629
Total Complaints
55
Crash-Related
16
Fire-Related
28
With Injuries
By System
The 2014 Jeep Cherokee has 21 recalls, with the most serious risks including unexpected loss of drive power, unintended rollaway while parked, spontaneous airbag deployment, and a fire risk tied to the power liftgate module.
Several recalls involve the drivetrain: a worn power transfer unit can cause the vehicle to lose drive power without warning, and the Park function may fail to hold the vehicle in place. Separately, a fault in the 9-speed automatic transmission, affecting both wire harness crimps and software behavior on 3.2L models, can cause the transmission to shift unexpectedly into neutral, cutting power to the wheels. The airbag system has its own cluster of concerns: the occupant restraint control module can trigger side curtain and seat airbags without a crash occurring, which can startle the driver and cause a loss of control. The power liftgate module is a fire risk on vehicles with that option, as water intrusion or corrosion can cause an electrical short that may start a fire even when the vehicle is parked and off. The infotainment system has a software vulnerability that could allow unauthorized remote access to vehicle controls. Cruise control software on some vehicles may fail to disengage, causing the vehicle to maintain or increase speed despite driver input. Seat fasteners on the first and second rows may not have been tightened properly, which can allow seats to shift in a crash. A fire extinguisher included on some vehicles may fail to discharge when needed. Finally, running the front wipers on a dry windshield can damage the body control module and cause the wi
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Driver Assistance
Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). Based on 2 tested variants; worst-case ratings shown.
Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
At a glance
What can fail
An electrical short in the power liftgate module can cause a vehicle fire whether the ignition is on or off.
What the fix does
Dealers will relocate the power liftgate module, add a water shield, inspect for corrosion, and replace the module and electrical connectors if needed.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Water can leak into the power liftgate control module, causing it to short circuit and malfunction.
What the fix does
FCA Canada is developing a corrective repair and will notify you by mail with instructions.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The front differential input splines can wear and fail, causing loss of power to the wheels and preventing the PARK position from holding the vehicle in place.
What the fix does
Software update engages the rear wheels if front splines fail and activates the parking brake to hold the vehicle when in PARK.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The Power Transfer Unit may allow the transmission output shaft to move relative to the differential input splines, causing spline teeth to wear away. This can break the connection between the transmission and differential, cutting power to the front wheels and disabling the Park function.
What the fix does
A software update will switch the vehicle to rear-wheel drive if the front splines fail and automatically engage the electronic parking brake to prevent rolling when parked.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The transmission on certain vehicles with a 3.2L engine may unexpectedly shift into neutral, removing power from the drive wheels.
What the fix does
Owners will receive a notification to visit a dealer, where technicians will update the Transmission Control Module software.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The transmission clutch can stick, causing the transmission software to shift the vehicle into neutral unexpectedly.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the transmission software at no cost to correct the shifting behavior.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A wiring short circuit can prevent cruise control from disengaging. When engaged, you may not be able to turn it off by braking or using manual controls, causing the vehicle to maintain speed or accelerate unexpectedly.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the engine or powertrain control module software at no cost to fix the cruise control disengagement issue.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The fire extinguisher may clog and fail to spray, or require excessive force to use. In some models, the nozzle may separate from the valve assembly with enough force to cause injury and make the extinguisher unusable.
What the fix does
Chrysler will provide a replacement fire extinguisher at no cost. Contact Kidde or Chrysler to arrange the replacement.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Seat fasteners may not have been properly tightened during manufacturing. This can cause squeaks, rattles, or seat movement, and could weaken the seat structure.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the affected seats or seat sets as needed.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Seat fasteners on front or second row seats may not be tightened to the correct specification, potentially allowing seats to move or shift.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the affected seats or seat sets at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The wire harness connecting to the automatic transmission may have loose crimped connections, potentially causing the transmission to unexpectedly shift into neutral and lose engine power to the wheels.
What the fix does
The dealer will update the transmission control module software and replace the transmission wire harness if needed.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The transmission sensor wire harness may have weak crimps, causing the transmission to unexpectedly shift into neutral while driving.
What the fix does
Dealers will reprogram the transmission control modules and replace the sensor wire harness if needed, at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Using front wipers on a dry windshield can build up static electricity that may damage the Body Control Module and disable the wipers, reducing visibility and increasing crash risk.
What the fix does
Dealers will install a ground strap from the vehicle body to the wiper bracket to protect the control module from static discharge.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Using front windshield wipers on dry glass can damage the body control module, which manages vehicle electrical functions.
What the fix does
Dealers will install a protective ground strap on the body control module at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The radio software has security weaknesses that could let unauthorized people access some vehicle control systems through a network connection.
What the fix does
A software update will be installed via USB drive (mailed free, downloadable, or installed at a dealer) to close the security vulnerability.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Water can enter the Power Liftgate Control Module, causing a short circuit that may prevent the liftgate from operating.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the module and connectors for corrosion, seal an attachment point with a bolt, and shield the module with protective foam.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The power liftgate control module can corrode, causing an electrical short that may start a fire.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the liftgate control module and repair it if needed.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The Occupant Restraint Control system may incorrectly deploy side curtain and seat airbags during off-road driving when no crash occurs. This unexpected deployment can startle the driver and lead to a crash.
What the fix does
Dealers will reprogram the Occupant Restraint Control module software to prevent unintended airbag deployment.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The side curtain and seat airbags may deploy unexpectedly while driving.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the airbag control module software at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The airbag control system may unexpectedly deploy side curtain and seat airbags during off-road driving, startling the driver and potentially causing a crash.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the airbag control module software to prevent unintended airbag deployment.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The mounting rings on rear shock absorbers can fail, causing the shock to separate and potentially hit brake lines or tires, affecting stability and braking.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect both rear shock absorbers and replace any that are defective.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
