Is the 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee reliable?

It can be reliable with consistent maintenance, but it has known weak points like infotainment/electrical glitches and, on some vehicles, transmission drivability complaints. A well-documented service history makes a big difference.

What are the most common 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee problems?

Frequently reported issues include Uconnect screen/connectivity problems, occasional harsh shifting or hesitation, air suspension faults on Quadra-Lift models, and cooling or oil leak concerns such as water pump or oil cooler housing leaks on some V6 vehicles.

Are maintenance costs high for a 2014 Grand Cherokee?

Costs are usually moderate for a midsize SUV, but they can rise if you have 4x4 systems, a V8 or diesel, or features like air suspension. Budget extra for tires, brakes, and drivetrain fluid services if you tow or drive in harsh conditions.

What are the best years to buy for a used Jeep Grand Cherokee?

Many shoppers prefer later WK2 years for incremental updates, but condition matters more than model year. The best choice is typically a well-maintained example with complete records, fewer electronic issues, and no signs of suspension or drivetrain neglect.

What should I check before buying a used 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee?

Confirm all recalls and software updates are completed, test the infotainment and backup camera thoroughly, check for transmission smoothness on a cold start and during highway driving, inspect for coolant/oil leaks, and on air-suspension models verify the ride height changes quickly and holds level after sitting. For a smarter purchase and easier ownership, get a complete owner’s guide with full specs, trim details, fluid capacities, and the recommended maintenance schedules for the 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee.

HomeVehicles

Vehicles Compare Blog Get Report

Reliability AnalysisBased on known issue patterns, repair cost data, and ownership trends · How we score

2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee Reliability ReportC+ grade · moderate risk · system-by-system breakdown

78/ 100

KeepScore

MODERATE RISK

Grade: C+

A capable SUV, but its sophisticated systems introduce a higher probability of expensive repairs, demanding a savvy buyer.

Full system breakdown + what I would do

Quick Facts · 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee

The system most likely to surface first: zf 8-speed transmission (major severity).
Has 19 NHTSA recalls on record — the most notable involves the engine and engine cooling:engine:diesel.
Outscores the 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee by 10 points — one of the stronger nearby years to consider.

Is the 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee Worth Buying?

The 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee offers impressive capability and luxury for its class, but it's a vehicle that demands attentive maintenance and an understanding of its potential pitfalls. While the powertrains are generally robust with proper care, complex systems like the 8-speed transmission and optional air suspension can lead to significant, costly repairs, elevating the ownership risk for unprepared buyers.

The 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee can be an excellent vehicle for those who understand its potential weaknesses and are prepared for proactive maintenance and repair budgeting. Avoid models with air suspension unless you have a robust extended warranty. A thorough pre-purchase inspection is non-negotiable for this genera…

Best Model Years

2018-2021 (later models saw significant improvements in Uconnect and transmission software, and fewer early production issues)

Years to Avoid

2011-2014 (early WK2 models had more transmission and TIPM issues)

Biggest Strengths

Robust engine options (Pentastar V6, Hemi V8)
Strong off-road capability (with Quadra-Trac/Drive II)
Luxurious interior for its price point

What Tends to Fail First on the 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee

The systems that tend to fail first on the 2014 Jeep Grand 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.

ZF 8-Speed Transmissionmajor~60,000-100,000 mi

Owners report harsh shifts, shuddering, delayed engagements, and occasional complete transmission failures. This is often due to valve body issues, torque converter problems, or early software calibration errors. Repairs are complex and…

Quadra-Lift Air Suspensionmajor~70,000-110,000 mi

The sophisticated optional air suspension system is prone to leaks in air lines or struts, compressor failure, and sensor malfunctions. This results in the vehicle failing to maintain ride height, leading to a bumpy ride or 'saggy' appea…

Electrical System & Uconnectmoderate~40,000-80,000 mi

Issues range from the Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM) causing intermittent electrical failures (e.g., fuel pump not engaging, headlights flickering) to the Uconnect infotainment system freezing, restarting, or exhibiting unrespons…

Full repair-cost ranges, fix-before-you-buy notes, and inspection checklists are in the report.

2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee Mileage Danger Zones

The mileage windows when the 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee most commonly needs attention. Plan ahead, budget accordingly, and inspect before you cross each threshold.

30,000

Low Risk Zone

At this mileage, most issues are minor, often related to initial build quality or early software glitches. Keep an eye on Uconnect performance and basic fluid levels.

60,000

Maintenance Zone

This mileage often marks the onset of more significant issues, particularly with the transmission and the TIPM. Regular service is crucial, especially transmission fluid changes.

90,000

Elevated Risk Zone

The risk of major system failures, especially the air suspension and more serious transmission issues, significantly increases. Budgeting for potential repairs becomes essential.

120,000+

High Risk Zone

At this point, many components are at the end of their service life. Expect a higher frequency of repairs, including potential powertrain components, requiring substantial investment to maintain reliability.

2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee Ownership Cost Outlook

What it typically costs to keep the 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee on the road. Full 5-year cost-of-ownership projection and major-failure-risk forecast are in the report.

Annual Maintenance

$600-900

Moderate Repairs

$1,000-2,500 occasionally

How Long Does the 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee Last?

For a 2014 model, buying with under 70,000 miles gives you a better chance of avoiding the onset of major transmission or air suspension issues, but always budget for potential repairs regardless of mileage.

What 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee Owners Actually Say

What Owners Love

Powerful engine options (Hemi V8 especially)
Comfortable and upscale interior materials
Excellent off-road capability (especially with Quadra-Drive II)
Stylish and timeless exterior design

Common Frustrations

Frustrating Uconnect system glitches and failures
High cost and frequency of air suspension repairs
Unpredictable transmission behavior (shuddering, harsh shifts)
Poor fuel economy (especially Hemi and some V6 models)

Who Should Buy the 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee?

Best For

Buyers prioritizing off-road capability and luxury features
Those who perform their own basic maintenance and diagnostics
Individuals with a healthy repair fund set aside

Not Ideal For

Budget-conscious buyers seeking minimal repair costs
Individuals expecting Toyota-level long-term reliability

How the 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee Compares to Rivals

The Grand Cherokee offers superior off-road capability and a more upscale interior than most direct Japanese and American competitors, but often at the expense of long-term reliability compared to segment leaders like the 4Runner. It competes well against other domestic large…

More Reliable Than

Land Rover Discovery Sport (for reliability)
Volkswagen Touareg (for long-term maintenance costs)
Mercedes-Benz GLE (for parts cost)

Comparable To

Ford Explorer
Dodge Durango
Nissan Pathfinder

2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee Recall History

19 recalls on record from NHTSA. Check your VIN atnhtsa.gov to see if the repair was performed.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:DIESEL

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Ram 1500 and 2014-2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles equipped with 3.0L diesel engines. The crankshaft position sensor tone wheel may delaminate causing the engine to lose its ability to synchronize the fuel injector pulses and cam shaft timing, possibly resulting in an engine stall.

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 Grand Cherokee?

Full reliability breakdown — engine, transmission, rust, electrical. With repair costs and mileage danger zones.

OwnerKeep Passport · $499 · one-time

Just bought a 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee? Keep it that way.

Snap a receipt — AI logs it. Build an OwnerScore. Sell with a buyer-ready Passport dossier.

Other Jeep Grand Cherokee Years to Consider

Compare KeepScores across nearby years of the Jeep Grand Cherokee. Click any year for its full report.

All Jeep Grand Cherokee years ranked →Jeep Grand Cherokee years to avoid →Jeep Grand Cherokee common problems →

2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee Alternatives

Similar class, similar year range — ranked by KeepScore.

Relevant Products for Your 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee

Parts and accessories matched to your 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Frequently Asked Questions

Full Report