2014 Jeep Cherokee
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Power train is the leading concern among 2,647 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the highest complaint count among 12 Cherokee model years with reports.
Of the 2014 reports, 56 involved a crash and 16 involved a fire. 39 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Electrical system, wiring, rear compartment/trunkPark outsideMay 11, 2023
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.
A fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
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.
Campaign 23V338000 on NHTSA.gov
Power train, driveline, differential unitJun 11, 2020
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.
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.
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.
Campaign 20V343000 on NHTSA.gov
Power train, automatic transmissionJun 13, 2019
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.
An unexpected shift to neutral would result in a loss of drive, increasing the risk of crash.
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.
Campaign 19V447000 on NHTSA.gov
Electrical system, wiringMay 17, 2018
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.
If the vehicle maintains its speed or accelerates despite attempts to deactivate the cruise control, there would be an increased risk of a crash.
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.
Campaign 18V332000 on NHTSA.gov
EquipmentDec 21, 2017
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
If the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury in the event of a fire.
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.
Campaign 17V824000 on NHTSA.gov
SeatsAug 10, 2016
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.
Loose fasteners may allow the seats to move, increasing the risk of injury to the seat occupants in the event of a crash.
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.
Campaign 16V590000 on NHTSA.gov
Power train, automatic transmissionJul 12, 2016
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.
If the vehicle unexpectedly shifts to neutral, there is an increased risk of a crash.
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.
Campaign 16V529000 on NHTSA.gov
Visibility, windshield wiper/washerAug 12, 2015
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).
BCM damage may result in the failure of the windshield wipers, impairing the driver's vision and increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
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.
Campaign 15V509000 on NHTSA.gov
Equipment, electrical, radio/tape deck/cd etc.Jul 23, 2015
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.
Exploitation of the software vulnerability may result in unauthorized remote modification and control of certain vehicle systems, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
Campaign 15V461000 on NHTSA.gov
Structure, body, hatchback/liftgateJun 22, 2015
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.
A short circuit in the liftgate control module may result in a fire.
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.
Campaign 15V393000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, side/windowJan 28, 2015
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.
If the air bags deploy unexpectedly during vehicle operation, it can increase the risk of personal injury and increase the risk of a crash.
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.
Campaign 15V041000 on NHTSA.gov
Suspension, rear, shock absorberJul 2, 2014
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.
Damage to the tire or reduced braking increases the risk of a vehicle crash.
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.
Campaign 14V392000 on NHTSA.gov
Vehicle speed control, accelerator pedalJun 4, 2014
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.
The unintended continued acceleration may increase the risk of a crash.
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.
Campaign 14V293000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: steering
119 reports, newest first. Show all
Steering, Jan 3, 2017
DROVE MY CHEROKEE OFF THE LOT AND NOTICE A WOBBLE. TOOK BACK THE NEXT DAY. EMPLOYEE DROVE IT WITH ME AND FELT IT. WANTED TO WAIT FOR THE 3000 MILE OIL CHANGE TO SEE IF THINGS SETTLED IN AFTER BEING DRIVEN. FINALLY AT APPROXIMATELY AT 8000 TOOK IT TO BE CHECKED. THEY KEPT THE VEHICLE SAID THEY COULDN'T RELEASE IT TO ME UNTIL REPAIRS WERE MADE. REPLACED THE FRONT AXELS AND BOLTS. ON 12-31-16 AT ABOUT 23,000 MILES LOUD NOISE STARTED TOOK IT IN. ADVISED IT NEEDS A NEW DRIVE SHAFT AND WASN'T SAFE TO DRIVE SO GIVEN LOANER. THE FIRST INCIDENT HAPPENED AT LOW SPEED, THE RECENT INCIDENT WAS VERY OBVIOUS AT ABOUT 10-15 MPH
Steering, Dec 5, 2016
I HAVE EXPERIENCED THE 'DEATH WOBBLE' SEVERAL TIMES IN THE PAST TWO YEARS WHILE TOWING MY 2014 JEEP CHEROKEE LATITUDE BEHIND MY CLASS A MOTORHOME. IN 2016 THE LAST OCCURRENCE, AND THE MOST WORRISOME FOR ME, OCCURRED WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEED ON AN INTERSTATE HIGHWAY ON A MAJOR TRIP IN SEPTEMBER. APPROACHING A CONSTRUCTION ZONE, THERE WAS A CROSS-OVER FROM THE WEST BOUND LANES INTO THE EASTBOUND INSIDE LANE. THIS CROSS-OVER HAD A DIFFERENCE IN CROSS-SLOPE AND AN ABRUPT CHANGE OF GRADE. TRAFFIC WAS GOING AT ABOUT 40-45 MILES PER HOUR AT THE POINT OF THE CROSS-OVER. THE WOBBLE OCCURRED JUST AS I WAS CROSSING FROM THE WESTBOUND TO EASTBOUND LANE. IT WAS A VIOLENT WOBBLE, WITH A HUGE SIDE SWAY HAPPENING AT THE REAR OF THE MOTORHOME. I SLOWED DOWN AS MUCH AS I COULD. I PUT ON MY FLASHERS AND CONTINUED AT APPROXIMATELY 10 MILES PER HOUR UNTIL I WAS ABLE TO FIND A CROSS SLOPE IN THE MEDIAN WHERE I WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER AND STOP. UNTIL I FOUND THIS AREA, I WAS FIGHTING THE WILDLY SWINGING REAR END OF MY MOTORHOME AND THE JEEP WOBBLING BACK AND FORTH BEHIND ME. AND ONCE I HAD STOPPED AND KNEW I COULD RESUME MY TRIP AND THAT THIS EPISODE OF THE WOBBLE WAS OVER, I COULD NOT GET BACK OUT ONTO THE ONE-LANE WESTBOUND TRAFFIC LANE BECAUSE OF THE BACKUP OF TRAFFIC THAT HAD BUILT UP BEHIND ME WHILE I WAS DRIVING AT 10. FROM THIS POINT UNTIL I RETURNED HOME, I WAS AFRAID EVERY TIME I HIT A BUMP OR ROUGH SECTION OF THE INTERSTATE THAT I WAS GOING TO TRIGGER ANOTHER WOBBLE, BUT FORTUNATELY I DID NOT EXPERIENCE ANOTHER EPISODE THAT TRIP. I'M AT A POINT NOW WHERE I'M AFRAID TO TOW MY JEEP. THE ONLY REASON I PURCHASED IT WAS BECAUSE THE JEEP LITERATURE I RESEARCHED BEFORE I BOUGHT IT STATED THAT IT COULD BE TOWED FOUR WHEELS DOWN (WITH THE ACTIVE DRIVE II TRANSFER CASE SET TO NEUTRAL PER THE OWNER'S MANUAL) WITH NO RESTRICTIONS ON SPEED OR DISTANCE WHEN TOWING. *TR
Steering, Suspension, Power train, Dec 1, 2016
CAR WENT INTO NEUTRAL FOR NO REASON AT ALL. I HAD TO COAST TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. AFTER UNPLUGGING THE BATTERY AND PLUGGING IT BACK IN I HAD LOWER GEARS TO MAKE IT TO H-E-B THE SHIP. THEY SAID NOTHING WAS WRONG WITH IT AND RESET THE CODES AND SENT ME ON MY WAY AFTER TWO DAYS. HE SHIPS HARDER AND GETS MUCH LESS GAS MILEAGE
Steering, Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Nov 15, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 JEEP CHEROKEE. WHILE DRIVING AT A LOW SPEED, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO TURN. THE CONTACT HAD TO APPLY FORCE TO THE STEERING WHEEL IN ORDER TO STEER THE VEHICLE. THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. IN ADDITION, WHENEVER THE HEATING OR AIR CONDITIONING UNITS WERE ACTIVATED, A MOLD ODOR EMITTED FROM THE AIR VENTS. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER, BUT THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS UNABLE TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE DEALER SPECULATED THAT THE SOFTWARE NEEDED TO BE RESET. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. AFTER THE REPAIR, WHILE DRIVING DOWN AN INCLINE AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND THE VEHICLE HESITATED TO MOVE FORWARD. THE RPMS INCREASED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER AND THE SOFTWARE WAS RESET. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE VIN WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V529000 (POWER TRAIN); HOWEVER, THE PART NEEDED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 15,000. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
Steering, Electrical system, Nov 9, 2016
I HAD JUST PICKED UP MY JEEP 2014 CHEROKEE TRAILHAWK FROM THE DEALERSHIP FOLLOWING THE S-55 RECALL SOFTWARE UPDATE. (MY VEHICLE WAS DEEMED NOT TO NEED THE NEW TRANSAXLE WIRING HARNESS PARTS, ONLY THE SOFTWARE UPDATE.) UPON LEAVING THE DEALERSHIP, THE BATTERY LIGHT AND ALARM CHIME CAME ON WHILE MAKING A U-TURN AND THE STEERING BECAME VERY HARD AT LOW SPEED. AT THE NEXT TRAFFIC LIGHT, I EXPERIENCED A LOSS OF STEERING AS SLOWING TO A STOP. WHEN THE LIGHT TURNED GREEN, I WAS ABLE TO COMPLETE THE LEFT TURN AS THE STEERING RE-ENGAGED UPON ACCELERATION. I IMMEDIATELY PULLED INTO A PARKING LOT AND HAD EXTREME DIFFICULTY TURNING INTO A PARKING SPACE, AS STEERING WENT OUT AGAIN AS THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED AND SPEED DECELERATED TO A STOP. I WAS ABLE TO LIMP VEHICLE BACK THE SHORT DISTANCE TO THE DEALERSHIP BY KEEPING OFF THE MAIN HIGHWAY AND USING PARKING LOTS AND BACK STREETS. THIS OCCURRENCE OF EVENTS WAS THE SAME AS MY HUSBAND EXPERIENCED PRIOR TO THE S-55 TRANSAXLE WIRING HARNESS RECALL SOFTWARE UPDATE, EXCEPT HE EVENTUALLY ALSO LOST ALL EMOTIVE POWER (COMPLAINT # 10915926). THE SERVICE TECHNICIAN AT THE DEALERSHIP COULD NOT REPLICATE THIS ISSUE, POSSIBLY BECAUSE I INADVERTENTLY TURNED VEHICLE OFF IN SERVICE LANE, WHICH MAY HAVE RESET THE SYSTEM TEMPORARILY.
Steering, Power train, Nov 5, 2016
TRANSMISSION ACTING ERRATICALLY. TRANSMISSION WILL SHIFT HARD INTO 2ND AND 3RD GEAR. WHEN COMING TO STOP IT WILL DOWNSHIFT IN A ROUGH MATTER. SOME TIMES IT BANGS BUT IS ONLY INTERMITTENTLY. THE TRANSMISSIONS WORKS FINE ON THE FREEWAY WILL WORK FINE ONLY NOTICEABLE ON CITY DRIVING. I HAVE TAKEN FOR REPAIRS AND SOFTWARE UPDATE SEVERAL TIMES TO THE POINT THAT I GOT FRUSTRATED AND STOP CALLING THE DEALER. THE 36K WARRANTY EXPIRED IN DECEMBER 2016.
Steering, Power train, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Oct 26, 2016
TAKATA RECALL CAR BUCKING WHEN SHIFTING INTO GEAR. ALSO THERE WAS A KNOCKING NOISE WHEN DRIVING AT DIFFERENT SPEEDS AND WHEN TURNING THE WHEEL OR GOING OVER BUMPS. IT GOT SO BAD THAT IT SOUNDED LIKE MY TIRE WAS GOING TO FALL OFF OR THE UNDERNEATH OF MY CAR. ALSO MY CAR WAS SHAKING WHEN IT WOULD HIT A BUMP. THERE WAS ALSO A WHINING NOISE THAT WOULD OCCUR WHEN I TURNED MY WHEEL EITHER WAY. THIS PROBLEM HAS BEEN OCCURRING FOR ALMOST TWO YEARS NOW, EVERYTIME I BROUGHT IT BACK TO THE DEALER THEY STATED THAT MY "CAR WAS FINE" WAS NOT UNTIL I BROUGHT IT TO ANOTHER MECHANIC THAT THEY TOLD ME IT WAS MY FRONT PASSENGER WHEEL BALL JOINT. THIS WOULD OCCUR WHILE THE CAR WAS ON THE HIGHWAY OR SIDE ROADS, AS LONG AS THE CAR WAS IN MOTION. ALSO MY CAR WOULD HAVE PROBLEMS WHEN SHIFTING. THE CAR BUCKED ON MY ON THE HIGHWAY WHEN I WAS GOING 65 THE CAR LIGHTS STARTED FLASHING AND I GOT WARNING LIGHTS STATING TO PUT CAR INTO DESIRED GEAR, CHECK OIL AND TRANSMISSION. I PULLED INTO THE BREAK DOWN LANE AND PUT THE CAR IN PARK. TURNED THE CAR ON AND OFF & THE SAME THING HAPPENED. *TR
Steering, Electrical system, Engine, Oct 13, 2016
WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE, ALL OF A SUDDEN THERE WAS A SHUTDOWN OF THE VEHICLE'S COMPUTER/ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, A LOSS OF ANY STEERING CONTROL, AN IMMEDIATE VEHICLE DECELERATION WITH NO ABILITY TO CORRECT BY ACCELERATING, AND A LOSS OF BRAKING CONTROL.
Steering, Wheels, Oct 12, 2016
WHILE TOWING OUR JEEP BEHIND A CLASS A 24 FOOT MOTORHOME TRAVELING ABOUT 50 MILES AN HOUR ON A BUMPY ROAD THE JEEP STARTED SHAKING VIOLENTLY AND TRYING TO PULL TO ONE SIDE OR THE OTHER. WE SLOWED DOWN BUT IT CONTINUED UNTIL WE CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD. CARS BEHIND US CLEARED OUT AWAY BECAUSE I'M SURE THEY THOUGHT IT WAS GOING TO BREAK LOOSE. WE OF COURSE WERE SCARED AND CONCERNED AS WE HAD NO IDEA WHAT WAS HAPPENING. WE ARE IN A VERY REMOTE AREA WITH NO CELL PHONE SERVICE AND CONCERN ABOUT DANGER TO US AND OTHER TRAVELERS AS WE HAD NO PLACE TO PULL OFF. WE DID A THOROUGH WALK AROUND CONCERNED ABOUT FLAT TIRES OR A BROKEN TOW HITCH. I RECALL AN ARTICLE IN MOTORHOME MAGAZINE CONCERNING "DEATH WOBBLE "IN 2014 AND 15 JEEP CHEROKEE'S. WE DID A YOUTUBE SEARCH AND INTERNET AND FOUND OUT THERE IS A HISTORY OF THIS PROBLEM THAT JEEP IS TRYING TO CORRECT BUT IT DOES NOT SEEM TO BE WORKING. IF WE HAD BEEN TOWING THE JEEP WITH A PICK UP TRUCK WE PROBABLY WOULD'VE BEEN FLIPPED OFF THE ROAD, LUCKILY WE ARE IN A BIG HEAVY MOTORHOME. MOTORHOME OWNERS MAY FIND OUT ABOUT THIS AS TIME GOES ON BUT THESE JEEPS WILL BE TRADED TO UNINFORMED OWNERS THAT MAY PULLTHE JEEP WITH A SMALLER VEHICLE. THE NAME DEATH WOBBLE ALL OVER YOUTUBE HAS ME CONCERNED AS HOW THE NAME CAME TO BE. I REALLY FEEL THIS IS AN ACCIDENT WAITING TO HAPPEN WHILE BEING PULLED BY LIGHTWEIGHT RV OR SUVS OR ALREADY OBVIOUSLY HAS HAPPENED BUT NOT REPORTED. IT IS IN A VERY LIMITED SITUATION BUT NEVERTHELESS OWNERS AND POTENTIAL OWNERS SHOULD BE MADE AWARE AND A BETTER FIX SHOULD BE FORTHCOMING. AN ARTICLE CAN BE FOUND IN MOTORHOME MAGAZINE FOR NOVEMBER 2016 AND THE PREVIOUS ISSUE .
Steering, Power train, Electronic stability control (ESC), Oct 7, 2016
I WAS DRIVING ON A HIGHWAY. I MADE A COMPLETE STOP AT THE TRAFFIC LIGHT WHEN RED. ON GREEN TRAFFIC SIGNAL, THE CAR PLACED ITSELF INTO NO MOTION. THE CAR ACTIVATED THE FOLLOWING WARNING LIGHTS: PARKING BRAKE, SERVICE ENGINE, STABILITY CONTROL, AND THE MONITOR DISPLAYED SERVICE TRANSMISSION. THIS PROBLEM HAS BEEN REPETITIVE ALONG WITH A CAT PURR DURING ACCELERATION SINCE FIRST DAY OF NEW PURCHASE.
Steering, Power train, Sep 14, 2016
WE PURCHASED A 2014 JEEP CHEROKEE LIMITED, 4WD W/ACTIVE DRIVE 2 IN JANUARY 2014. WHEN WE PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE, WE TRADED IN A GMC TERRAIN. WE WERE CERTAIN THAT THE JEEP WAS GOING TO BE A FANTASTIC PURCHASE, KNOWING THE REPUTATION OF JEEP. WE HAVE HAD NOTHING BUT WHAT I'D CALL SERIOUS PROBLEMS WITH THE TRANSMISSION. EVERY TIME I TAKE IT IN FOR AN OIL CHANGE, I MENTION IT, AND THEY DO "SOFTWARE UPDATES." EACH SOFTWARE UPDATE THAT HAS BEEN DONE HAS NOT CORRECTED THE PROBLEM STILL. ALL IT'S DONE IS CREATED A DIFFERENT PROBLEM. THERE HAVE NOW BEEN 5 RECALLS ON THIS VEHICLE, 1 OF WHICH HASN'T BEEN TAKEN CARE OF YET BECAUSE JEEP HASN'T COME UP WITH A REPLACEMENT PART, SO I'M STUCK WITH A RENTAL RENEGADE THAT IS NOWHERE NEAR COMPARABLE TO MY CHEROKEE LIMITED 4WD, FOR AN "UNSPECIFIED AMOUNT OF TIME." MY STEERING COLUMN MAKES A GRINDING NOISE LOUDER THAN A 40 YEAR OLD TRUCK. THE DEALERSHIP TOLD ME THAT IT WAS A NORMAL SOUND. NO VEHICLE I'VE EVER DRIVEN HAS SOUNDED LIKE THIS, ESPECIALLY ONE THAT COST ME $40,000!!!
Steering, Vehicle speed control, Electronic stability control (ESC), Sep 13, 2016
WHEN AT AN AVERAGE RATE OF SPEED (55MPH) WHILE DRIVING ON A CURVE (THERE IS A BUMP IN THE ROAD AT THE SPOT I AM REFERRING TO), WHEN THE JEEP HITS IT, IT HAS A DEATH WOBBLE IN THE FRONT END!!! CRUISE CONTROL SPEEDS UP ON A VERY SMALL DECLINE IN THE ROAD EVERY TIME USED!!! FROM A STOP, THE CAR HAS A HARD SHIFT WHEN BEGINNING TO PRESS ACCELERATOR!!! HANDS FREE VOICE GETS MY VOICE REQUEST WRONG ALMOST EVERY TIME!!!
Steering, Jul 28, 2016
I PURCHASED MY VEHICLE THE JEEP 2014 CHEROKEE BECAUSE OF THE EASE OF TOWING THAT THE OWNERS MANUAL IN 2014 AND OTHER SOURCES OTHER SOURCES WE HAD CHECKED INDICATED. THERE WAS NO MENTION IN THE OWNER'S MANUAL OF ANY PROBLEM WITH THE STEERING OF A VEHICLE WHILE BEING FLAT TOWED BEHIND AN RV. THIS WAS THE BEST CHOICE FOR US AS IT WAS THE SIMPLEST VEHICLE IN MOTORHOME DIGESTIVE TOWING VEHICLES. SINCE WE HAVE EXPERIENCED A SEVERE FRONT-END WOBBLE WHILE TOWING. IN 2016 I RECEIVED A CARD IN THE MAIL INDICATING A PART WAS NEEDED ACTUALLY IT SAID TO PUT IN THE OWNERS MANUAL BUT IN READING IT INDICATED A WIRING KIT WAS REQUIRED. EXPLORE THIS ITEM WITH MY DEALER THE FIRST TIME HE DIDN'T KNOW WHAT I WAS TALKING ABOUT THE SECOND TIME I BROUGHT IN A PART NUMBER THAT I HAD FOUND IN THE MOTORHOME MAGAZINE. I GAVE HIM THE PART NUMBER THEY RESEARCHED IT AND FOUND THAT THIS WAS A WIRING KIT REQUIRED FOR FLAT TOWING. MY ASSUMPTION WAS SINCE IT WAS REQUIRED IT WAS SOME SORT OF RECALL. TO MY SURPRISE IT COST ME OVER $500 AND IN CONTACTING CHRYSLER THEY REFUSE TO REIMBURSE ME OR EVEN ACKNOWLEDGE THE ISSUE. EVEN THE 2016 LITERATURE REGARDING FLAT TOWING A JEEP CHEROKEE DID NOT INDICATE THE REQUIREMENT OF A WIRING KIT SO MY ASSUMPTION IS THEY ARE NOT ACKNOWLEDGING THIS PROBLEM. IT IS A SEVERE SAFETY PROBLEM FOR PEOPLE WHO BOUGHT THE VEHICLE FOR FLAT TOWING BEHIND AN RV. I WOULD APPRECIATE YOU LOOKING INTO THIS MATTER AND GETTING BACK TO ME WITH ANY INFORMATION OR RESULTS THAT YOU MAY FIND. REGARDS [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Steering, Jul 18, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 JEEP CHEROKEE. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE ROCKED BACK AND FORTH. THE POWER STEERING SHOOK VIOLENTLY AND SEIZED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT A FLAT TOWING WIRING KIT WAS NEEDED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 5,000.
Steering, Jul 14, 2016, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2014 JEEP CHEROKEE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED AND THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A DITCH. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE COLLAR BONE. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE SPINE, FACIAL LACERATIONS, AND A FRACTURED VERTEBRAE. MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS REQUIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED TO THE DEALER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
Steering, Wheels, Electronic stability control (ESC), Jul 13, 2016
PURCHASED VEHICLE FOR FLAT TOWING BEHIND MOTORHOME. AT SPEED, CAR STEERING IS AFFECTED AND CAUSES CAR TO SHAKE VIOLENTLY AS WELL AS MOTORHOME.CONDITION HAS OCCURRED SEVERAL TIMES WHILE FLAT TOWING VEHICLE. THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY CONCERN AS IT CAUSES A POTENTIAL LOSS OF CONTROL OF MOTORHOME AT SPEED.
Steering, Power train, Jul 12, 2016
THE TRANSMISSION HAS HAD ISSUES SINCE I GOT THE CAR, THE DEALER HAS DONE SEVERAL SOFTWARE UPDATES BUT NONE COMPLETELY SOLVE THE ISSUE. THE CAR FEELS LIKE IT WOBBLES WHEN IT ACCELERATES FROM A STOP AND THEY CANNOT SEEM TO FIX THIS PROBLEM OR ADMIT THAT THERE IS ONE. ALSO, WHEN YOU TURN THE STEERING WHEEL IT MAKES A GRINDING OR WHINING NOISE AND I HAVE BROUGHT IT BACK TWICE FOR THIS. THEY JUST GREASE THE SYSTEM AND IT STAYS QUIET FOR MAYBE 10 MILES. I'M CONCERNED THAT THIS COULD LEAD TO A MUCH BIGGER ISSUE IN TERMS OF SAFETY IF IT LOSES STEERING TO SOME DEGREE.
Steering, Power train, Engine, Jun 28, 2016
TRANSMISSION FAILED WHILE DRIVING AT ABOUT 60 MPH ON A HIGHWAY. LOST POWER, LOST POWER STEERING. COULD BARELY STEER CAR TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. TURNED OFF, WAITED, RESTARTED AND IT RAN FINE. SERVICE TRANSMISSION LIGHT CAME ON FOR A WHILE, THEN WENT OFF AFTER ABOUT 50 MILES. THIS HAPPENED FOR THE SECOND TIME ON JUNE 27, 2016. AFTER THE FIRST TIME SEVERAL MONTHS AGO WE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR A SOFTWARE UPDATE, THIS IS REALLY DANGEROUS. LOSING POWER AND POWER STEERING WHILE TRAVELING DOWN A HIGHWAY AT 60 MPH COULD RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT IF IT HAPPENED IN TRAFFIC. LUCKILY FOR US, TRAFFIC WAS LIGHT SO WE WE ABLE TO GET OFF THE ROAD ON BOTH TIMES THIS HAS HAPPENED. MUST BE A SOFTWARE DEFECT, AS THE ENGINE IS RUNNING FINE.
Steering, Electrical system, May 16, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 JEEP CHEROKEE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE VIOLENTLY SHOOK, WHILE BEING TOWED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE ONLY OCCURRED WHEN MOTOR HOME WAS TOWING THE CAR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE DIAGNOSED THE PROBLEM AS THE ELECTRIC POWER STEERING ASSIST WIRING HARNESS AND FUSE HOLDER NEEDED TO BE INSTALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 25,000.....UPDATED 07/11/16 *BF AFTER THE STEERING ASSIST WAS INSTALLED, THE COMPUTER SHOWED THE RACK AND PINION HAD BROKEN. UPDATED 07/13/16*LJ UPDATED 07/14/16.*JB *CN
Steering, May 9, 2016
WAS SENT CHRYSLER CSN S13 SAFETY RECALL DUE TO FLAT-TOW ISSUE BEHIND MOTOR HOME. VEHICLE BEGINS TO SWAY L TO R VIOLENTLY IF IT IS MOVED ONTO SHOULDER OR CHANGE IS SURFACE. CHRYSLER TO ADD WIRE HARNESS WHICH KEEPS BATTERY ON DURING TOW TO RE-CENTER STEERING WHEEL. BATTERY IS DEAD IN 3-HOURS IF THIS FIX IS ADDED. VEHICLE WAS SOLD TO US AS TOWABLE PLATFORM AND NOT DISCLOSED OF THESE ISSUES. THIS ISSUE OCCURRED WHILE LEAVING OUR HOME DEVELOPMENT AND TURNING RIGHT LAST OCTOBER 2015. THE VEHICLE CORRECTED ITSELF WHEN STOPPING AND CONTINUING. AFTER READING SEVERAL COMPLAINTS IN FMCA, I'VE DECIDED TO TAKE TO DEALER AND WRITE FORMAL SAFETY COMPLAINT. THIS IS SECOND SAFETY COMPLAINT BEHIND TRANSMISSION ISSUE WHICH WAS CREATED SOME MONTHS AGO. THERE HAVE BEEN SEVERAL RECALLS ON THIS VEHICLE. THIS ISSUE CAN DAMAGE THE VEHICLE AS WELL AS OUR MOTORHOME. SOLUTION FO WIRE HARNESS IS NOT ACCEPTABLE FOR US DUE TO BATTERY FAILURE AND SHOULD NOT BE TO ANY OTHER CUSTOMER PURCHASING THIS VEHICLE (AS ADVERTISED) AS TOW VEHICLE.
Steering, May 5, 2016
ELECTRIC POWER STEERING FAILED SUDDENLY. A COMPLETE LOSS OF POWER STEERING AND STEERING WARNING LIGHT ON THE DASH OCCURRED SIMULTANEOUSLY WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY. AFTER STOPPING THE VEHICLE, TURNING OFF THE ENGINE, OPENING THE DOOR TO POWER OFF THE ELECTRONICS, AND RESTARTING THE VEHICLE, THE POWER STEERING SEEMED TO WORK PROPERLY AND THE STEERING WARNING LIGHT ON THE DASH WAS GONE. THE SAME ISSUE OCCURRED TWO ADDITIONAL TIMES WHILE ON A ROAD TRIP AWAY FROM HOME WITH MY FAMILY AT BOTH LOW SPEED AND HIGH SPEED. IT OCCURRED ONCE MORE WHILE MAKING A LEFT TURN OUT OF A PARKING LOT, WHICH CAUSED ME TO NARROWLY MISS HITTING A POLICE OFFICER WHO WAS DIRECTING TRAFFIC, BEFORE I WAS ABLE TO DROP THE VEHICLE OFF AT A DEALERSHIP. AT LOW SPEEDS, IT WAS VERY DIFFICULT TO STEER THE VEHICLE AND IMPOSSIBLE TO TURN AT A LOW ENOUGH RADIUS TO PARK OR MAKE A RIGHT TURN INTO OR OUT OF TRAFFIC. I CONSIDER MYSELF TO BE A VERY STRONG PERSON AND I WAS REQUIRED TO USE A TREMENDOUS AMOUNT OF FORCE USING BOTH HANDS TO CONTROL THE VEHICLE WHILE THE POWER STEERING WAS OUT. IT FELT LIKE I WAS GOING TO BREAK THE STEERING WHEEL OR BEND THE STEERING COLUMN JUST TRYING TO MAKE A RIGHT HAND TURN OUT OF TRAFFIC ON A CITY STREET. I HAVE HAD EXPERIENCE DRIVING WITHOUT HYDRAULIC POWER STEERING IN OLDER VEHICLES, AND I KNOW THAT I WAS REQUIRED TO USE TWO TO THREE TIMES MORE FORCE IN THIS INSTANCE. THE DEALERSHIP TOLD ME THE ELECTRIC POWER STEERING RACK WAS THE CAUSE OF THE VEHICLE'S ISSUE. THIS FAILURE, WHICH OCCURRED EACH TIME WITHOUT WARNING, HAS CAUSED ME TO FEEL UNEASY ABOUT DRIVING THE VEHICLE, ESPECIALLY WITH MY WIFE AND INFANT SON IN THE CAR. THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY AT THE DEALERSHIP FOR REPAIR AND HAS BEEN WAITING TO RECEIVE THE NECESSARY REPLACEMENT PART FOR SEVERAL WEEKS. I HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT THE REPLACEMENT ELECTRIC POWER STEERING RACK IS ON BACKORDER.
Steering, Power train, May 4, 2016
THERE IS A VIBRATING SOUND COMING FROM THE CENTER OF THE STEERING WHEEL. YOU CAN FEEL IT WHEN TOUCHING THE CENTER OF THE STEERING WHEEL. THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION WHEN THIS HAPPENS HAVE TAKEN IT IN 4 TIMES TO BE REPAIRED IT STILL IS DOING THE SAME THING. THE TRANSMISSION STOPPED AND WOULD NOT GO AFTER TURNING THE ENGINE OFF AND RESTARTING IT IT WOULD GO BUT LIGHTS STILL ON. HAD IT TOWED TO DEALER.
Steering, Apr 7, 2016
SINCE WHEN I FIRST FLAT TOWED (JULY 2014) MY 2014 JEEP CHEROKEE BEHIND MY DIESEL PUSHER MOTORHOME THE FRONT WHEELS AND AXLES WILL WOBBLE SIGNIFICANTLY CAUSING SAFETY CONCERNS THAT THE VEHICLE WILL BREAK LOOSE OR RENDER THE VEHICLE NOT DRIVABLE. THIS OCCURS AT ANY SPEED ON UNEVEN ROADS SURFACES. IN ORDER TO STOP THE CAR FROM WOBBLING YOU MUST BRING THE MOTORHOME TO A COMPLETE STOP REGARDLESS IF YOU ARE ON AN INTERSTATE IN HEAVY TRAFFIC, ON A LONG BRIDGE WITH NO SHOULDER, CITY STREETS IN RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC, ON A STEEP MOUNTAIN PASS, ETC. I HAVE TALKED TO JEEP SEVERAL TIMES BUT CANNOT GET ANY ACTION. THEY ACT LIKE I DO NOT KNOW WHAT I AM TALKING ABOUT. THEY NEVER HEARD OF IT. A RECENT ARTICLE IN FEBRUARY 2016 FAMILY MOTOR COACHING SAYS FCA KNOWS ABOUT THE PROBLEM AND HAS A FIX YET WHEN I CALL I GET THE RUN AROUND. ONE PERSON SAID THAT FCA WAS DEVELOPING A KIT THAT OWNERS MAY PURCHASE SOMETIME THIS YEAR. THIS PROBLEM SHOULD BE A RECALL AND PARTS AND INSTALLATION PROVIDED FREE. MY CASE NUMBER AT JEEP IS 28673568. ANOTHER RV SEASON IS STARTING WITH JEEP OWNERS TOWING THERE JEEPS BEHIND THERE MOTORHOME, HOW LONG MUST WE WAIT FOR FIAT CHRYSLER AUTOMOBILES TO RECOGNIZE THIS PROBLEM AND NOTIFY JEEP CHEROKEE OWNERS ABOUT THIS PROBLEM AND HOW FCA IS GOING TO CORRECT THIS PROBLEM. NOTE: REWRITING THE TOWING INSTRUCTIONS WILL NOT STOP THIS PROBLEM.
Steering, Suspension, Electronic stability control (ESC), Mar 13, 2016
ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, OUR JEEP CHEROKEE HAS BEGUN TO "WOBBLE" SEVERELY WHILE BEING FLAT TOWED BEHIND OUR MOTORHOME. THIS OCCURRED THREE TIMES ON A RECENT 2,000 MILE TRIP. THE "WOBBLE" IS SO SEVERE THAT WE HAVE TO BRING THE MOTORHOME TO A COMPLETE STOP BEFORE THE CAR BEGINS TO TRACK NORMALLY. WE HAVE HAD IT HAPPEN WHEN WE RAN OVER A PARTICULARLY ROUGH EXPANSION JOINT ON THE INTERSTATE. GOING FROM 65 MPH TO A COMPLETE STOP ON A BUSY INTERSTATE IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS. ANOTHER EXAMPLE OF IT BEING VERY DANGEROUS IS WHEN THE "WOBBLE", OCCURS WHEN WE ARE IN A CONSTRUCTION ZONE WHERE THERE ARE ROUGH ROADS. COMING TO A COMPLETE STOP IN HEAVY TRAFFIC IN A CONSTRUCTION ZONE ALSO CREATES A SITUATION THAT CAN CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. WE PULL THE JEEP BEHIND A 40' 2013 NEWMAR DUTCH STAR. OUR TOW BAR IS A BLUE OX AVAIL 10,000 LB TOW BAR. WE KEEP THE MOTORHOME AND TOW BAR IN GOOD CONDITION AND I DON'T BELIEVE OUR EQUIPMENT IS THE CAUSE OF THE "WOBBLE". WE HAVE CONTACTED JEEP ON TWO OCCASIONS AND HAVE BEEN TOLD THEY ARE AWARE OF THE SITUATION AND THAT THEY HAVE A "FIX" FOR IT. I HAVE TRIED TO PROCURE THE "FIX" FROM JEEP BUT I HAVE BEEN UNABLE TO DO SO. I AM ASKING NHTSA TO FORCE JEEP TO IMMEDIATELY RELEASE THE "FIX" FOR THE WOBBLE ISSUE IMMEDIATELY AT NO CHARGE . MY WIFE AND I ARE LEAVING ON TWO TRIPS, ONE THE LAST OF APRIL AND ONE IN THE MIDDLE OF MAY THAT WILL TOTAL NEARLY 10,000 MILES. WE WANT TO GET THE REPAIR COMPLETED PRIOR TO OUR LEAVING DUE TO THE SAFETY CONCERNS. JEEP WAS MADE AWARE OF THIS BY THE FAMILY MOTORCOACH ASSOCIATION SEVERAL MONTHS AGO AND REPORTED THE PROBLEM IN THEIR JANUARY 2016 MAGAZINE. I FEEL JEEP HAS HAD AMPLE TIME TO PREPARE AND DISTRIBUTE INFORMATION AND PARTS TO REPAIR THIS PROBLEM.
Steering, Electrical system, Feb 1, 2016, crash, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2014 JEEP CHEROKEE. WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE VEHICLE VEERED TO THE LEFT WHEN THE CONTACT TURNED THE STEERING WHEEL TO THE RIGHT. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A FIELD AND CAUGHT FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE BACK AND RIGHT LEG THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 27,000.