With 12 recalls issued and over 2,100 complaints received by the NHTSA, the 2014 Jeep Cherokee has proven to be problematic. Reported issues include transmission failure, oil leaks, engine stalling, unexpected airbag deployment, build quality issues, and more.
Key Points
- A total of 12 recalls were issued for the 2014 Jeep Cherokee, and 2,123 complaints were submitted to the NHTSA regarding the model. It is also subject to one ongoing investigation.
- Powertrain issues, including transmission and PTU failure, are commonly reported, as are engine oil leaks and unexpected stalling.
- The 2014 Jeep Cherokee was one of many Chrysler vehicles affected by a serious, widespread issue that saw the cruise control fail to cancel, increasing the risk of an accident.
- Build quality issues saw some 2014 Cherokees suffer shock absorber detachment, BCM damage, and corrosion of the power liftgate module.
- The side curtain airbags could unexpectedly deploy in over 230,000 vehicles due to a software issue, prompting a recall.
2014 Jeep Cherokee’s Powertrain Issues Include Failed Power Transfer Units and Unpredictable Transmission Problems
With 2,123 complaints to the NHTSA, 12 recalls issued, and one ongoing investigation into potential issues with the model, the 2014 Jeep Cherokee is well-documented for having its fair share of problems. Among the most numerous complaints are those relating to its powertrain, accounting for 1,224.
Transmission issues abound with the Cherokee. Rough shifting is one relatively common but mild complaint, but more worrying is complaints of the transmission unexpectedly denying a gear change and going into neutral while driving.
Two potential causes were identified: 329,540 vehicles were recalled for insufficient crimps in the transmission wiring harness in July 2016, and 81,615 3.2-liter models were recalled for a software issue causing stuck clutches in June 2019. In the event of either problem arising, it renders the accelerator pedal useless which could increase the risk of an accident.
The other common powertrain-related issue is breakage of the input splines on the two-speed Power Transfer Unit, which directs power from the transmission to the front wheels and enables low-range gearing on all-wheel-drive models.
Not only does this mean the vehicle won’t be able to move, but it also renders Park useless, potentially causing the vehicle to roll away if the parking brake is not engaged. In June 2020, 67,248 vehicles were recalled for the issue, but several complaints are from owners whose vehicles were not covered, thus facing a repair cost of $3,900.
2014 Jeep Cherokee’s Engine can Suffer From Multiple Oil Leaks and Unexpected Stalling After Refuelling
Although no engine-related recalls were issued, 436 engine-related complaints are recorded for the 2014 Jeep Cherokee. Oil leaks are an issue that’s commonly raised due to cracks in the oil filter adapter housing or oil cooler, both of which are plastic. Many of those complaints also note that both parts are on back-order, slowing the rectification of the problem.
Coolant leaks from the upper radiator hose on 3.2-liter models are other leak you’ll see frequently cited, particularly on forums such as Jeep Cherokee Club.
The most peculiar engine-related issue, however, is the vehicle unexpectedly stalling after refueling. 152 complaints pertain to the fuel system alone. The cause of this stalling is fuel getting into the EVAP system, and requires replacing the fuel pump and evaporative charcoal canister to rectify.
2014 Jeep Cherokee’s Problematic Cruise Control System Can Cause Unintended Acceleration or Refuse to Cancel
Perhaps the most dangerous issue the Cherokee faces is its cruise control system malfunctioning, as it can lead to potentially disastrous accidents. The less common problem is the cruise control system continuing to accelerate after the driver has released the accelerator when trying to speed the vehicle up faster than the cruise system would on its own.
Fortunately, only a small batch of vehicles produced between March-April 2014 were affected and recalled in June 2014, but it’s important to ensure the fix was completed.
The other, more common issue is the cruise control system failing to cancel when either the brake pedal is depressed or the cancel button on the steering wheel is pressed.
An issue that affected many other Chrysler vehicles, 4,815,661 units were recalled in May 2018, including the 2014 Jeep Cherokee. With the heightened chance of this causing an accident, and thus, injuries, it’s crucial to ensure this was addressed.
2014 Jeep Cherokee’s Build Quality Issues Include Improperly Attached Shock Absorbers, Wiper Failure, and Corroded Liftgate Modules
Another issue identified early on in the production run, 20,347 examples of the 2014 Jeep Cherokee were recalled in July 2014 as improper welding at one end could cause them to detach from the vehicle, potentially damaging chassis components or the tires, and reducing braking ability. Again, given the severity of this issue, it’s important to ensure it was addressed.
A less severe but still concerning issue relates to wiper failure. The strange issue was caused by using the windscreen wipers on dry glass. As the body control module was not properly grounded, electrostatic discharge from the wipers could damage it, causing the wipers to stop working. 158,684 vehicles were recalled for the issue in August 2015, with a ground strap installed to prevent damage from occurring.
Water entering and corroding the power liftgate module is one other known issue on models equipped with one. Although 99,399 vehicles were recalled to address this issue by fitting a foam water shield to the module, complaints of it occurring persist to this day.
Side Curtain Airbags Could Unexpectedly Deploy in 2014 Jeep Cherokees, Open Investigation Reviews Rupturing Takata Airbags
230,290 Cherokees were recalled in January 2015 to remedy a potentially harmful issue. The side curtain airbags could deploy without warning or cause due to an issue with the occupant restraint control module software.
Given airbags are charged with explosives, they can cause personal injury to the occupants of the vehicle, which could also lead to a crash. A software re-flash is all that’s required, but with so many vehicles affected, it once again pays to ensure it’s been done, which a VIN check can reveal.
The 2014 Jeep Cherokee is also involved in the open investigation into desiccated inflator ruptures on Takata Airbags. Launched in September 2021, the investigation is looking into whether the airbag inflators in the Cherokee, which use propellant 2004L and a desiccant to absorb moisture, are as susceptible to rupturing as those in millions of other recalled vehicles which use a similar propellant without a desiccant.
The 2014 Jeep Cherokee’s Numerous, Serious Issues Make it One to Avoid
With as many complaints as it has received and recalls it’s been subject to, the 2014 Jeep Cherokee has established a poor reputation for itself. Serious issues concerning cruise control disobedience and airbag module malfunctions risk causing accidents and injuries.
However, most recalls it has been subject to, while for noteworthy problems such as these, were issued in years past and are well-known. Engine and powertrain issues are more likely to leave you stranded, however, and when it comes to its engine problems there are no recalls, meaning you’re out on your own when it comes to resolving those problems.
Photos: Stellantis
