The 2014–2023 Jeep Cherokee’s main problems are the ZF-designed 9-speed automatic (repeated software reflashes and a 16V-529 recall), power transfer unit failures recalled four times between 2020 and 2026, and oil consumption on the 2.4L Tigershark, settled in 2022 with a 7-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty extension.
CarWhere lists 8 documented Cherokee issues, including 6 NHTSA safety recalls, each with affected years, powertrains, symptoms, pre-purchase checks and a source.
KL Cherokee problems (2014–2023)
9-speed automatic rough shifts and repeated software updates (2014–2016)
Moderate- Generation:
- KL (2014–2016)
- Years:
- 2014–2016
- Powertrain:
- 2.4L I4 and 3.2L V6 with 9-speed automatic
The Cherokee was the first U.S. vehicle with the 9-speed transverse automatic (948TE). Launch was delayed in 2013 for software work, and 2014 owners reported harsh or delayed shifts, hesitation and lurching. FCA released several reflashes in 2014–2015; then-CEO Sergio Marchionne said the transmission needed “an inordinate amount of intervention” and blamed immature software rather than the hardware.
Symptoms
- Harsh or delayed shifts, especially 1–2 and downshifts
- Hesitation pulling away
- Lurching at low speed
Check before buying
- Ask whether all transmission software updates have been applied
- Drive in stop-and-go traffic and on a highway on-ramp
- Check for stored transmission codes
Sources: [1][2]
9-speed unexpected shift to neutral recall (2014–2015)
Safety recall- Generation:
- KL (2014–2015)
- Years:
- 2014–2015
- Powertrain:
- All engines with 9-speed automatic
Insufficient crimps in the transmission range sensor harness could make the 9-speed shift to neutral unexpectedly on 2014–2015 Cherokees (and related Renegade, 200, ProMaster and 500X models). Dealers reprogram the engine and transmission computers and replace the harness if needed. A separate recall, 19V-447, updated software on 2014 3.2L V6 models that could shift to neutral if a clutch stuck.
Symptoms
- Sudden loss of drive while moving
- Transmission warning message
Check before buying
- Run the VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete for 16V529 (and 19V447 on 2014 V6 models)
NHTSA recall: 16V529 (2016-07)
Sources: [3][4]
Power transfer unit (PTU) failure recalls, 2014–2019 (2014–2019)
Safety recall- Generation:
- KL (2014–2019), 4x4
- Years:
- 2014–2019
- Powertrain:
- All engines with 4x4
Wear between the transmission output shaft and the PTU input splines can disconnect the transmission from the front differential, causing loss of drive and loss of Park. Recall 20V-343 (2014–2017 two-speed PTU) added software to engage rear drive and set the electronic parking brake; 23V-302 expanded it to more 2016–2017 trucks, and 25V-011 covers 2017–2019 models with PTU replacement as needed.
Symptoms
- Sudden loss of drive
- Vehicle rolling in Park
- Grinding or clunk from the PTU
- 4WD warning messages
Check before buying
- Run the VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete for 20V343, 23V302 and 25V011
- Ask whether the PTU was replaced
- Check for PTU fluid leaks
NHTSA recall: 25V011 (2025-01)
Sources: [5][6][7]
Power transfer unit recall, 2019–2023 (2019–2023)
Safety recall- Generation:
- KL (2019–2023), 4x4
- Years:
- 2019–2023
- Powertrain:
- All engines with 4x4
Recall 26V-290 covers 2019–2023 Cherokees because the PTU may fail, causing loss of drive power or rollaway. Dealers will update drivetrain, PTU and electronic parking brake software and replace the PTU as needed. Interim letters went out in June 2026 with the final remedy to follow.
Symptoms
- Loss of drive
- 4WD service warnings
- Clunk or grind from the front driveline
Check before buying
- Run the VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
- Always set the electronic parking brake when parking until the remedy is done
NHTSA recall: 26V290 (2026-05)
Sources: [8][9]
2.4L Tigershark oil consumption (2014–2019)
Major repair- Generation:
- KL (2014–2019, built before July 2018)
- Years:
- 2014–2019
- Powertrain:
- 2.4L Tigershark MultiAir I4
A class action (Wood v. FCA US LLC, E.D. Michigan) alleged the 2.4L’s oil control rings wear and let the engine burn oil. FCA denied wrongdoing but settled; final approval came December 1, 2022. Covered 2014–2019 Cherokees built before July 2018 got a powertrain warranty extension to 7 years/100,000 miles, and vehicles failing a dealer oil consumption test under CSN W80 get a replacement long block.
Symptoms
- Low-oil warnings between changes
- Needing to add oil regularly
- Blue smoke or fouled plugs
Check before buying
- Ask whether CSN W80 or an engine replacement was done
- Check the oil level and ask how often it is topped up
- Note the build date on the door-jamb label
Sources: [10]
2.4L cracked oil pump housing recall (2018)
Safety recall- Generation:
- KL (2018)
- Years:
- 2018
- Powertrain:
- 2.4L Tigershark I4
Some 2018 Cherokees and Compasses with the 2.4L had a cracked oil pump housing that could cause oil pump failure and an engine stall. Dealers inspect and replace the pump as needed.
Symptoms
- Low oil pressure warning
- Engine noise followed by stalling
Check before buying
- Run the VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
NHTSA recall: 17V670 (2017-10)
Sources: [6]
Steering rack gear breakage recall (2019–2020)
Safety recall- Generation:
- KL (2019–2020)
- Years:
- 2019–2020
- Powertrain:
- All engines
The steering rack gear on some 2019–2020 Cherokees may break, causing a loss of steering control. Dealers replace the steering gear.
Symptoms
- Clunk or binding in the steering
- Steering wheel off centre or loose
Check before buying
- Run the VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
NHTSA recall: 19V637 (2019-08)
Sources: [7][11]
Unintended side air bag deployment recall (2014–2015)
Safety recall- Generation:
- KL (2014–2015)
- Years:
- 2014–2015
- Powertrain:
- All engines
On 2014–2015 Cherokees built January 2013 to November 2014, the side curtain and seat air bags could deploy unexpectedly while driving. Dealers reflash the occupant restraint control module software.
Symptoms
- Air bag warning light
- Usually no warning before deployment
Check before buying
- Run the VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
NHTSA recall: 15V041 (2015-01)
Sources: [3][4]