2014 Jeep Cherokee: jerking or lurching

Filed Jun 23, 2026 · Acceleration, Engine · CO

I have a 2014 Jeep Cherokee that i have had since 2019. Since I have owned it, there have been several transmission recalls. I am currently dealing with a new transmission issue, where it is jerky and fails to go when pressing the gas after being at a stop. I am also dealing with the second oil filter housing leaking. Apparently this is a known issue, due to a plastic housing that cracks and warps easily. This causes significant oil and coolant leaks. This can potentially cause engine failure as well as the possibility of oil causing a fire due to hot oil on the exhaust. I previously paid over $1000 to have this repaired a few years ago and its now doing the same thing! This is highly frustrating. I will not be able to drive my car until this is fixed to the safety hazard of driving with such a bad oil leak.

Filed Jun 19, 2026 · Transmission · IA

My PTU in my 2014 Jeep Cherokee is failing. The car has been jerking when accelerating. Sometimes very slow when I first accelerate then jerks heavily and takes off at a high rate of speed. I also noticed weird grinding and unusual sounds. The sound starts randomly when accelerating or when traveling and I let off the accelerator. The sound is more of a howling then grinds and quickly goes away. I replaced all the wheel bearings on the vehicle and it still existed. I then took the car to a Jeep dealer where one of the techs had test drove it and confirmed that the PTU has failed.

Filed Dec 2, 2025 · Transmission · OH

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.

Filed Nov 24, 2025 · Transmission · WI

Transmission is very jerky and have had this problem since i had it with 111,000 miles. I went to a mechanic and was told it was ptu. Was also checking online and not sure why it isn’t covered but i’ve seen everyone has this problem on this jeep. Really to expensive for me to fix.

Filed Nov 20, 2025 · Transmission · MD

Unknown when taking off from a stop sign it’s has a delay when hitting the gas also when driving down the road it’s like a jerking or feel like transmission jerking or slipping or something it’s does it every time I drive i

Filed Aug 13, 2025 · Engine, Transmission · 46,000 miles · FL

The contact owns a 2014 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed to shift into gear properly with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact also stated that the vehicle jerked while the accelerator was depressed, and the vehicle lunged forward while depressing the brake pedal. The contact also stated that the windshield wipers were inoperable and failed to function while activating the windshield wipers. The contact also stated that the rearview camera inadvertently activated while driving at undisclosed speeds, and the instrument panel failed to function properly. The vehicle was taken to the dealer was where it was diagnosed and determined that the transmission control module and windshield wiper motor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 46,000.

Filed Aug 9, 2025 · Acceleration, Electrical · FL

Body control module had a recall I had to get it fixed for the 2nd time and it’s giving us issues again,jeep has 46k miles and steering column control module is faulty and unconnect dash/radio/ac temp is also faulty,replaced blower motor and still having ac issues only mechanic has been Jim Browne dealer since we have had this jeep for a year .Jeep jerks when braking and does not brake it goes faster.when pressing gas to drive jeep goes slower.jeep dash of connect is blue screen and when reversing rear camera appears and does Not disappear not even when in drive or park must turn off jeep for camera to turnoff

Filed Jul 16, 2025 · Engine, Transmission · 124,000 miles · TN

The contact owns a 2014 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving 30 MPH, the vehicle began to jerk, the driver lost control of the vehicle, and the vehicle stalled. The shift key inoperable message was displayed. The contact stated that the failure was related to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 20V343000 (Power Train); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer to be diagnosed and it was determined that the PTU was the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to another local dealer, where it was determined that the transfer case, PTU, and rear differential were leaking. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 124,000.

Filed Jun 21, 2025 · Transmission · CA

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.

Filed Jun 9, 2025 · Transmission · IA

Jumpy Transmission, when shifting gears vehicle pauses, jumps a bit, makes a noise, then shifts into the new gear. Everyone in the car jerks their head when the gears jump. The dealership has looked at the vehicle a few times, and say nothing is wrong. An outside mechanic looked and said this is a common problem with my make and model and it is a faulty transmission issue.

Filed Mar 5, 2025 · Transmission · 140,000 miles · OH

The contact owns a 2014 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that after Chrysler Campaign Number U90 was performed on the vehicle, the message "4WD unavailable - Service 4WD" was displayed. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle failed to shift as intended and was jerking. The contact stated that the vehicle would downshift and upshift unintendedly while driving. The contact stated that while at a complete stop and depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle surged. Additionally, the contact stated while driving from a complete stop, the vehicle hesitated to respond. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the computer was flashed, and the dealer diagnosed the vehicle with PTU motor position performance malfunction. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.

Filed Jan 23, 2025 · Engine, Transmission · 54,000 miles · CA

The contact owns a 2014 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was restarted; however, the failure recurred. The contact stated that the vehicle was jerking abnormally with several warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 54,000.