2014 Jeep Cherokee Reliability ReportCommon Problems, Repair Costs & Expert Verdict
Quick Facts · 2014 Jeep Cherokee
- Has 13 NHTSA recalls on record — the most notable involves the power train:automatic transmission.
- Scores 10 points below the strongest nearby year — the 2012 Jeep Cherokee earns a 72.
- The system most likely to surface first: zf 9-speed automatic transmission (critical severity).
Should You Buy the 2014 Jeep Cherokee?
The 2014 Jeep Cherokee is a beautiful example of a vehicle with significant design flaws that undermine its overall reliability. While it offers a comfortable ride and capable off-road performance, the notorious ZF 9-speed automatic transmission makes it a high-risk purchase, demanding a significant budget for potential repairs.
The 2014 Jeep Cherokee is a vehicle that owners either love or hate, and its reliability record points to a high-risk proposition. While it offers undeniable charm and off-road chops, the prevalence of transmission and electrical issues means you must approach a purchase with extreme caution, a thorough inspection,…
Best Model Years
2017-2018+ model years, as the 9-speed transmission received significant revisions and software updates that improved its reliability.
Years to Avoid
2014-2016 model years, which are most affected by the notorious 9-speed transmission and early electrical gremlins.
Biggest Strengths
- Rugged off-road capability (Trailhawk models)
- Comfortable and quiet highway ride
- Distinctive exterior styling
Top Risk Areas
The systems that tend to fail first on the 2014 Jeep Cherokee, with the typical mileage window when each becomes a concern. Detailed repair-cost ranges and exact what-to-check inspection notes are in the full report.
The ZF 9HP48 transmission suffered from widespread software and hardware issues, leading to harsh shifts, lunging, gear hunting, failure to engage, and ultimately, premature failure. This often manifests as an inability to shift out of f…
Owners frequently report issues with the Uconnect infotainment system freezing, rebooting, or displaying incorrect information. Beyond infotainment, problems include intermittent power window failures, faulty sensors (e.g., crank positio…
Common complaints revolve around the heating and air conditioning system, particularly failing blend door actuators. This results in inconsistent temperature control, hot air from one vent and cold from another, or complete loss of heati…
2014 Jeep Cherokee Mileage Danger Zones
The mileage windows when the 2014 Jeep Cherokee most commonly needs attention. Plan ahead, budget accordingly, and inspect before you cross each threshold.
Early Warning Zone
This mileage range is where initial transmission software issues often become noticeable, with harsh shifts or hesitation. The Uconnect system may also begin to show its first glitches.
High-Risk Transmission Zone
Around this mileage, the transmission's hardware issues (valve body, torque converter) often become pronounced, potentially leading to complete failure. Electrical sensor issues and early suspension wear may also begin.
Major Overhaul Threshold
If the transmission hasn't been rebuilt or replaced by now, its likelihood of needing major work significantly increases. The 2.4L engine's oil consumption issues might also become more severe. HVAC blend door failures are also common.
Survival of the Fittest
Vehicles that reach this mileage often have already had significant transmission work done. Expect age-related failures across various systems, requiring consistent maintenance and a substantial repair budget.
2014 Jeep Cherokee Ownership Cost Outlook
What it typically costs to keep the 2014 Jeep Cherokee on the road. Full 5-year cost-of-ownership projection and major-failure-risk forecast are in the report.
Annual Maintenance
$450-650
Moderate Repairs
$700-2,000 occasionally (electrical module, suspension components, minor engine leaks)
How Long Does the 2014 Jeep Cherokee Last?
High mileage units (over 90,000 miles) should only be considered if there is definitive proof the original transmission has been replaced or professionally rebuilt, along with a comprehensive history of diligent maintenance.
What 2014 Jeep Cherokee Owners Actually Say
What Owners Love
- Exceptional off-road capability for a compact SUV (especially Trailhawk models).
- Comfortable and quiet ride on highways, soaking up bumps well.
- Powerful 3.2L V6 engine provides strong acceleration.
- Stylish and distinctive exterior design that stands out.
Common Frustrations
- Frustrating and unpredictable transmission behavior (harsh shifts, delays).
- Frequent electrical glitches with the Uconnect system and other components.
- Higher than expected repair costs, especially for transmission issues.
- Subpar fuel economy, particularly with the V6 engine.
Who Should Buy the 2014 Jeep Cherokee?
Best For
- Off-road enthusiasts prioritizing capability in a compact package.
- Drivers who value distinctive styling over ultimate reliability.
- Individuals who understand the potential for costly repairs and have a dedicated budget for maintenance.
Not Ideal For
- Budget-conscious buyers seeking low-cost, worry-free ownership.
- First-time vehicle owners or those without a good independent mechanic.
How the 2014 Jeep Cherokee Compares to Rivals
The 2014 Cherokee struggles significantly against its Japanese competitors in terms of long-term reliability, primarily due to its transmission. It falls into a category with other vehicles of its era that experimented with new, unproven powertrain technologies.
More Reliable Than
- Range Rover Evoque (first generation for electrical/engine issues)
- Certain early model year Fiat 500X (sharing some platform components, though FWD models had different transmissions)
Comparable To
- First-generation Nissan Rogue (CVT reliability issues)
- Early Ford Escape with certain EcoBoost engine problems
NHTSA Recalls
13 recalls on record from NHTSA. Check your VIN atnhtsa.gov to see if the repair was performed.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
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.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
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.
What breaks on the 2014 Jeep Cherokee?
Full reliability breakdown — engine, transmission, rust, electrical. With repair costs and mileage danger zones.
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Jeep Cherokee by Year
Compare KeepScores across nearby years of the Jeep Cherokee. Click any year for its full report.
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