I have reported this before and I am reporting once again as it is a very serious safety hazard. Vehicle: 2014 Jeep Cherokee Limited Component/System: Power Train – Transfer Case / Drivetrain (4WD/AWD System) I am submitting this complaint to report a recurring and potentially hazardous malfunction involving the transfer case on my 2014 Jeep Cherokee Limited. The vehicle exhibits multiple symptoms consistent with transfer case failure, including intermittent grinding and clunking noises from the drivetrain, jerking and binding during acceleration or low-speed turns, and difficulty engaging or maintaining 4WD/AWD modes. The vehicle has also displayed dashboard warnings such as “Service 4WD” and “4WD Temporarily Unavailable.” At times, vibration can be felt through the floorboard at highway speeds, and the vehicle has intermittently lost power to either the front or rear wheels. These issues pose a significant safety concern. The inconsistent torque delivery causes unpredictable handling, including sudden hesitation, surging, or traction loss during normal driving. The vehicle has also exhibited momentary drivetrain binding that feels similar to braking or wheel lockup, creating a risk of loss of control—particularly when turning, merging, or driving in adverse weather. There is concern that the transfer case could suffer sudden internal failure, potentially resulting in immediate power loss, immobilization, or inability to maneuver out of traffic. Given the frequency of transfer case and power transfer unit failures reported by other Jeep Cherokee owners of this model year, I believe this issue may represent a broader safety defect. The malfunction directly affects vehicle stability, traction control function, and the ability to safely accelerate or maintain speed. I request that the federal safety agency investigate this matter for a safety recall as soon as possible due to the potential for loss of vehicle control and the risk of a crash or injury.
2014 Jeep Cherokee: harsh or hard shifting
145 of the 2,652 complaints about the 2014 Jeep Cherokee describe harsh or hard shifting.
- owner complaints
- 145
- of this car's complaints
- 5%
- typical mileage
- 30,000
- recalls
- 3
Harsh or hard shifting by model year
What owners say
Submission to the federal safety agency Regarding Transmission Issues in 2014 Jeep Cherokee Latitude Summary of Concerns I purchased a 2014 Jeep Cherokee Latitude in November 2024, and the transmission issues began approximately six months later. The vehicle exhibits the following problems: •Harsh and delayed shifting •Sudden jerks and gear hunting during low-speed driving •Severe hesitation from a stop, especially at intersections or in traffic •Loss of power under throttle, with unpredictable shifts These issues make the vehicle unsafe for daily driving, particularly in traffic or at intersections where a lack of predictable acceleration increases the risk of accidents. Despite a visit to the Midas dealer, where these issues were reproduced and linked to multiple Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs), the problems persist. The transmission's erratic behavior, even after software updates, remains unresolved and poses a significant safety concern for both the driver and others on the road. Resolution Sought I respectfully urge the federal safety agency to: •Investigate the transmission behavior in the 2014 Jeep Cherokee Latitude •Consider initiating a full recall or service campaign to address these persistent transmission issues •Demand that Jeep implement a permanent solution to ensure the safety and reliability of affected vehicles The ongoing transmission problems in this vehicle, as reported by myself and other owners, necessitate immediate action to prevent potential accidents or injuries. A comprehensive and effective resolution is essential to address this critical safety concern.
The contact owns a 2014 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while operating the vehicle, the transmission experienced hard shifting and the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was taken to the local Auto Zone which diagnosed the vehicle with an inoperable TCM. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 97,000.
Bought a 2014 Jeep Cherokee, while driving the vehicle one day it started braking while accelerating causing it to jerk the vehicle and had to pull over causing the car to completely shut off. I took it to a dealership to get two recalls fixed on it that I found out about and after getting the vehicle back from the dealership and driving it there has been poor acceleration, harsh shifting gears. I was getting a lug nut replaced on my tire at a dealership. I was about to leave with my vehicle and it wouldn’t get out of the parking brake. Then the Service parking brake light comes on the far. I have to get them to look at it again and they find water damage to the Parking Brake Module due to a leak from somewhere. Having to wait on estimates on what it will cost to fix it. Looked into this issue and find out that others have dealt with this as well. With water leakage in the back trunk space and into the Parking Brake Module!! Definitely needs to be a recall on this type of major road safety hazard. Luckily I wasn’t driving when this happened or it could’ve caused a wreck. There is a class action lawsuit I was reading about again Jeep for 2014-2020 models due to water damage to parking brake module and I believe there needs to be a recall on this defect from factory.
The contact owns a 2014 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while driving from a complete stop uphill, the accelerator pedal was depressed, but the vehicle hesitated to respond and lunged forward while responding. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring while driving from a complete stop uphill. Additionally, the contact stated while driving and coming to a complete stop, the vehicle made an abnormal clunking sound while the transmission shifted to the intended gear. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the PTU had failed and needed to be replaced. The dealer informed the contact that the vehicle was previously repaired under the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 20V343000 (Power Train) in 2023. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 115,000.
When gas pedal is pressed starting from a stop, the jeep doesn’t move right away, then jerks forward. Also, when driving, it sounds like the automatic gear is not shifting up, sounds like the jeep is “reving up”. Another thing happening, is as I start moving, I hear a clunk sound, towards the rear of the jeep, like something might fall off
The contact owns a 2014 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving and attempting to accelerate, there was an abnormal pop and a clunking sound detected. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who informed the contact that the bolts on the power transfer unit had been stripped. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the failure was related to Manufacturer Communication Number: 21-014-23 (Power Train). The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 170,000.
The transmission since buying it at only 16000 miles has been nothing but a problem. Every recall to reprogram the tcm has not worked. It hard shifts all the time, shudders and jerks when going slow, and twice it has locked down and forced trans into neutral. Has to be towed and reprogrammed so not just unsafe but costs money to fix a problem it shouldn't have. I live in the mountains it could easily shut down where there is no pulloff as it once did right before a corner. There is so many complaints online and so many not working recalls when will someone do something about this problem. This is the most expensive vehicle I ever bought and it is a nightmare. So much so I will never buy a jeep product again and I owned 5 older ones before this. Make jeep replace or do a real fix please. Thousands of people need this fixed or it will turn in to a massive lawsuit.
The contact owns a 2014 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact heard a clunking sound coming from the hood of the vehicle. The contact stated that the “AWD high temperature” message was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the PTU had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact referenced the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 23V302000 (Power Train). The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The contact was advised to call the federal safety agency Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 102,733.
The contact owns a 2014 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while driving at approximately 30 MPH, the gear shifter was forced into another gear and did not operate as intended. Additionally, the contact observed a loud clunking noise while changing gear. The transmission warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 74,000.
The vehicle keeps loosing power, everything has been tested battery wise it not the battery. It’s acting like it’s not getting fuel. This started 3/28/23, between 40 and 60 vehicle shakes and is hesitant to go. Vehicle will jerk badly and clunk. While the check engine light starts flashing. When codes are check they are for power loss & failure.
While driving and coming to a stop, the transmission does not fully downshift automatically. Usually will only downshift automatically to 3rd gear. I don't realize the improper downshift until I accelerate and realize I am not in 1st gear. I've learned to perform a manual downshift after coming to a stop. Also, when in 1st gear and begin a slow start, to where the vehicle then shifts into 2nd gear, and then cruise at a constant speed that does not require shifting into 3rd, but then when I do begin to accelerate, there is a loud "clunk" that sounds and feels as if I was rear ended.
Service bulletins that may apply
- D-26-20
- ID-26-40
- Service 4wd Light On, AWD System Service Required Message Illuminated
- MIL/check engine lamp comes on after performing U90 recall PCM software update.
- FCA Caribbean Warranty Bulletin ID-23-11 (XJ1) Power Transfer Unit (PTU)
- Customer Satisfaction Notification W20 Reprogram Powertrain Control Module
- Powertrain Control Module.
- Customer Satisfaction Notification W84 Powertrain Software Update
Related recalls
Power train: driveline: differential unit
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- 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.
- Remedy
- 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.
Recall number 20V343000 · Recall details
Power train: automatic transmission
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- An unexpected shift to neutral would result in a loss of drive, increasing the risk of crash.
- Remedy
- 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.
Recall number 19V447000 · Recall details
Power train: automatic transmission
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- If the vehicle unexpectedly shifts to neutral, there is an increased risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- 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.
Recall number 16V529000 · Recall details
Questions about the 2014 Jeep Cherokee harsh shifting
Is harsh or hard shifting a common problem on the 2014 Jeep Cherokee?
145 of 2,652 owner complaints about the 2014 Jeep Cherokee (5%) mention harsh or hard shifting. The model year with the most reports is 2014.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 2014 Jeep Cherokee?
There are 3 recalls and 103 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.
Other symptoms on the 2014 Jeep Cherokee
Stalling 358Jerking 322Check engine light 306Transmission failure 164Loss of power 162Won't shift 116Hesitation 95Warning lights 71Slipping 62Won't start 53Grinding brakes 52Sudden acceleration 47Engine failure 42Adaptive cruise 31Oil consumption 31Fuel pump 30Wipers 29Headlights 28Power steering loss 25Fire or smoke 23Water leak 19Overheating 18Shudder 18Steering lock-up 18Brake failure 15Knocking 14ABS 13No deployment 13Backup camera 11Misfire 11Whining noise 11Key fob 10Airbag light 9Fuel gauge 9Battery drain 8Door locks 7Ball joint 6Screen failure 6Collision warning 5
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