Carmakers like Jeep take every measure they can to ensure the models they sell are safe and reliable. Even with their best efforts, problems may come to light months or even years later, after customers are already using them. When this happens, the company has to issue a recall to make the repairs.
Have there been any 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee transmission recalls?
As of August 2020, there has been one recall related to the transmission. In this recall, the audible indicator that usually alerts the driver when the transmission is not in Park wasn’t doing so.
Here, we will review several 2014 Grand Cherokee recalls (as well as the transmission recall mentioned above). We’ll then provide a step-by-step guide covering how to handle a recall if one does come up.
Driver May Exit the Vehicle When it is Not in Park
NHTSA Recall ID: 16V24000
In April of 2016, Chrysler issued a recall for the 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles that were manufactured between July 16, 2012, and December 22, 2015. These vehicles have an eight-speed automatic transmission as well as a monostable gear selector.
In these SUVs, the vehicle may not warn the driver that the driver’s side door is open, and the vehicle is not in “Park.” This allows a person to leave the vehicle without the car in the proper gear position.
Should this occur, it can lead to the driver thinking the car’s transmission is in the “Park” position, allowing them to safely exit the car.
However, that’s not the case, and the driver can be hit by the vehicle if it continues to move or may suffer other injuries since the engine is still running. The parking brake is not engaged, creating a high risk for an accident.
To fix this problem, dealers notified owners of the concern. They then updated the car’s software to eliminate this error. This minimizes the risk of the vehicle rolling away. These software updates began in July of 2016.
Crank Position Sensor Tone Wheel May Delaminate
NHTSA Recall ID: 20V475000
In August of 2020, Chrysler issued a recall for the 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee with a 3.0L diesel engine. In these vehicles, the company found the crankshaft position sensor tone wheel can delaminate over time.
When this occurs, it can cause the engine to not operate properly. It can lose its ability to synchronize the camshaft timing with the fuel injector pulses. The result of this can be a stalling of the engine.
The risk of the engine stalling in these cars is the concern. If it stalls, the error can lead to a car accident.
This recall impacted the engine and cooling system of the Jeep. To fix it, the company alerted dealers to update the powertrain control module software.
This update allows the vehicle to keep the propulsion in place by noting the crankshaft position signal. This only occurs when the vehicle detects that the crankshaft position signal has been lost. It is expected, at this time, for these repairs to begin in October of 2020.
Cruise Control Cannot be Cancelled
NHTSA Recall ID: 18V332000
This recall impacted numerous vehicle makes and models (over 4.8 million). It relates to the vehicle’s electrical system and vehicle speed control. For some with transmission problems, this may be the underlying cause.
In these vehicles, there is a defect that can prevent the cruise control system from turning off when the driver tries to disengage from it. This occurs due to a short circuit in the SUV’s wiring system.
This makes it impossible for the driver to turn off the cruise control either by manually turning it off or by depressing the brake pedal.
If this occurs, it makes it hard for the driver to maintain the proper speed. It can also cause the car to increase speeds. This can lead to an increased risk of the vehicle crashing.
For this repair, Chrysler alerted owners and had dealerships inspect the software. The company also had dealers perform a software flash on the powertrain control module and the engine at this time.
Alternator May Fail and Cause the Engine to Stall
NHTSA Recall ID: 17V741000
In November of 2017, Chrysler issued a recall for the 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee with a 3.6L engine and a 160 amp alternator. In these vehicles, the alternator simply stops working. The company doesn’t provide any reasoning for this in the recall.
When and if the alternator fails, it can cause the Jeep to stall. There is no warning. As a result, there is an increased risk of the vehicle causing an accident.
Chrysler began making repairs to this problem in December of 2018. It had dealerships replace the alternator in the affected vehicles in all cases.
How Do You Handle an Open Recall on a 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee?
Not sure if your Grand Cherokee has a pending recall? Visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website with your VIN to find out.
Most often, vehicle owners will need to contact Chrysler to learn what to do about the recalls that are still pending. They can do so by calling 1-800-853-1403.
