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Jeep Cherokee check engine light comes on

937 of the 14,517 owner complaints about the Jeep Cherokee describe check engine light, most of them for the 2014 model year.

owner complaints
937
worst model year
2014
typical repair cost reported
$1,500
typical mileage
36,000
Is there a fix? There are 3 recalls for this area of the car. See below

By model year

Often reported together

Stalling 156Jerking 91Loss of power 82Transmission failure 77Won't shift 58Hesitation 41Harsh shifting 41Warning lights 34

Trouble codes mentioned

P0887 10U0402 9P0520 4C14A7 4U1412 2U0418 2U0415 2U0001 2P1DA9 2P0934 2

What owners say

Filed Oct 30, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · MO

My jeep stalled while attempting to accelerate from a stopped position at a stop light at a busy intersection on or around June/July 2026. The car remained on, the gear shifts were moveable, but the vehicle would not move despite pressing on the gas. I scheduled a tow. After ten minutes, it randomly accelerated about a block before stalling again. This continued about two more times as I tried to get the vehicle out of the middle of the road. The car then overheated and I was able to park it a few blocks away at my mom's house. In August/September 2026, I had the car towed to Complete Automotive, and Corwin Jeep for inspections. Progressive Insurance also inspected the issue and ruled out any residual effects from a 1.25.25 parked car front end hit and run collision. Complete Auto found an empty coolant reservoir, oil and coolant leaks, drive belt issues, PTU code, and warning light indicators; Corwin found PTU code and recommended a transfer case. The exact cause remains unknown. The vehicle has had ongoing hose and overheating issues since the day of purchase in 2018; and has underwent hose and radiator replacements that have not seemed to properly fix the issues surrounding sloshing noises, shuddering, shaking, grinding, intermittent lightening, brake fluid, oil, and coolant leaks, and overheating and engine light. Immediately before the vehicle stalled, there were no warning lamps; those messages indicating overheating lit up while attempting to move myself and the car to safety. The unexpected loss of propulsion presents a serious collision risk, especially in traffic, in rush hour at a busy intersection. The recurring overheating and coolant loss also create risk of sudden failure while driving, which has happened on a busy highway requiring repairs. These problems and safety risks have continued despite substantial repairs and repeated dealership inspections. The vehicle remains inoperable awaiting repairs at the Corwin Jeep Dealership.

Filed Oct 22, 2026 · Acceleration, Engine · MD

While driving my vehicle, the check engine light came on after driving for about 10 minutes. It remained on and I called the dealer and they said that I should bring the vehicle in to be checked. They looked at the check engine light and said it was probably because the gas cap was not on properly. I do not have a gas cap so the turned it off and said I should be ok. It came on again and they said they would have it checked further. After further investigation the discovered a loose flap associated with the cruise control and adjusted the flap. I was told if it came on again it would need to be replaced. The light came on again and I took the vehicle in to have it replaced. It has not yet been repaired. The engine light comes on and even goes out while driving.Generally the light will come on and stay on for a few days and go off but it happens and I have not had one vehicle for more than a few months. I believe another problem is being generated from this because now I am having problems with the vehicle jerking because the vale has not been replaced.

Filed Oct 19, 2026 · Transmission · 38,000 miles · KS

The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that the vehicle was initially taken to the dealer because the check engine light illuminated and the radio became very hot. The dealer replaced a valve and installed a new screen, which temporarily resolved the issue. Months later, the failures recurred, and the transmission was replaced. The vehicle was returned to the dealer for a software update. During a later visit, the dealer diagnosed the vehicle with a failing transmission gasket, a rear differential leak, an engine oil leak, and a failed battery requiring replacement. After the contact heard a loud scraping noise, the vehicle was returned to the dealer, who performed a rear differential fluid change but stated no mechanical failure was present. The contact returned the vehicle to the dealer after a "Service 4WD" warning light illuminated. The dealer replaced the Power Transfer Unit (PTU) motor, despite claiming the PTU was unrelated to the failure. The contact stated that the transmission assembly, PTU motor, gaskets, and other essential powertrain components were all replaced within a one-year period. The contact stated that the engine consistently emitted an abnormal unknown odor. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The dealer confirmed the failure. The failure mileage was 38,000.

Filed Oct 9, 2026 · Transmission · 117,800 miles · WI

The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that the transmission was hesitating while attempting to accelerate after the vehicle was started and slowly accelerated to the intended speed. While driving, the transmission was shifted to Sports Mode and manual shift mode to drive the vehicle. The check engine warning light was intermittently illuminated, and the message "4WD Service Required" was displayed. The transmission failed to shift out of 2nd gear and shifted roughly between gears. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic, and the contact was notified of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 26V290000 (Power Train); and associated the failure with the PTU. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that the part was not yet available for the recall repair. The manufacturer was informed of the issue and confirmed that the part for the recall repair was not yet available. The failure mileage was 117,800.

Filed Oct 8, 2026 · Transmission · 21,134 miles · ND

The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the “Service Shifter” message was displayed on the instrument panel. The air bag, check engine, ABS, brake, emergency parking, and 4WD warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was a recurring failure and had also occurred while driving. During the failure while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled and the vehicle was unable to move forward or reverse. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The contact stated that there was an existing recall associated with the failure, but the VIN was not under recall. The dealer was contacted and was able to duplicate the failure. The manufacturer was contacted by phone and made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 21,134.

Filed Oct 7, 2026 · Transmission · CA

On October 1, 2026, at approximately 1,968 miles, my 2026 Jeep Cherokee experienced a serious powertrain failure. I began driving home from work and the vehicle initially moved without severe shaking. While traveling on the highway at approximately 70 mph and then accelerating uphill, the vehicle progressively lost power and began shuddering violently. The check-engine light began flashing while the red Electronic Throttle Control warning remained on screen. The vehicle appeared to enter a limp mode and I had significant difficulty maintaining speed and climbing the hill. A highway patrol officer followed me with his lights and siren and with his escort I was able to safely reach the next highway exit, but I was concerned that the sudden loss of acceleration could have resulted in a crash, particularly in highway traffic. The dealership performed a diagnostic scan after arrival and the service advisor told me the vehicle had multiple pending faults involving the electronic throttle body, engine misfires, fuel mixture, and other engine-management systems. The dealership has continued testing the vehicle and I was subsequently advised that testing showed severe internal engine damage affecting three of the four cylinders, described to me as three cylinders having “a hole,” and that a replacement engine may be required. The technician is consulting Jeep/Stellantis regarding additional testing, possible teardown, and repair authorization. The exact internal component that failed and the root cause are still being determined. My concern is the sudden loss of power at highway speeds, violent engine shuddering, and malfunction errors on a new vehicle under 2000 miles.

Filed Oct 6, 2026 · Engine, Transmission · CA

The transmission light went on. Car was brought into dealership two times while still under warranty. They did not have a fix and PTU was on back order for over a year in 2017. I am now resorting to pay out of pocket. I had a PTU shipped from a Jeep dealer in Louisiana. PTU from them was not new but had come off another car and was charged $2,300. I sent it back because it was used at that time I was working and was going to pay out of pocket. I was not going to pay to install a used transmission. Regardless there is as no fix. Then in May of this year the check engine light came on. This was another problem that the Jeep dealership cannot fix. Now I have a paid for car that cannot be driven because it cannot be smogged. It has the Pentastar V6 engine. There is no fix for either problem I understand and I am retired and cannot afford these repairs. I asked the manufacturer in writing to buy the car back and they said no. Can I get some help? This was going to be my last car. Jeep dealer offered $200 for the car. My all weather tires are worth more than the car. I’ve changed oil on time using synthetic oil and have otherwise taken good care of this car. I thought they would come up with a fix for the transmission is why I waited so long. Everything that is wrong is the manufacturer’s product defect. Also, I have documentation on everything I just wrote you. Please help me!!! [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Oct 5, 2026 · Engine, Transmission · GA

Engine light comes on, whenever you attempt to accelerate from a stop (like a traffic light), the vehicle will coast into the intersection, causing a traffic hazard. It has done this multiple times. At 60,300 miles, dealership told me that engine was not covered. I purchased a new engine, which never fixed the problem. 5 different times they reset dash board, but the it cont'd before I can get home. Dealership gaslights with they could not get pr0blem repeated. But as soon as warranty expire(eed), dealership admides car needs 2nd new engine. $9k.

Filed Oct 2, 2026 · Transmission · 102,900 miles · CA

The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving 55 MPH, the vehicle was leaking fluid. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed, and it was determined the cause was the PTU and transmission, and there were metal flakes inside the transmission. The contact was informed that the PTU needed to be removed for the repair. The dealer advised the contact not to drive the vehicle. The dealer informed the contact that the check engine warning light was not illuminated, and the repair was not covered under warranty. The vehicle was towed to the residence. There was an abnormal burning odor before the failure. The customer service was contacted by phone. Upon research, the contact became aware of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 23V302000 (Power Train). The approximate failure mileage was 102,900.

Filed Oct 1, 2026 · Driver assistance, Electrical · IL

Driving after work on 53S my jeep decided to only go 5mph engine light turned on among other light. Svc 4wd. Had to pull over the interstate shoulder that’s under construction and had very small space to park without getting hit by others.

Related recalls

Engine and engine cooling: engineReported May 25, 2018 · 14 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019 Jeep Cherokee vehicles equipped with 2.0L engines. The engines in these vehicles may be missing valve stem keepers, which can allow the valve to drop into the engine cylinder causing engine damage. These engines may also have a reversed camshaft cap that can damage the camshaft bearing causing camshaft failure.
Risk
Cylinder damage or camshaft failure can cause the engine to stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and repair or replace the affected engine components, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began August 9, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U52.

Recall number 18V344000 · Recall details

Engine and engine cooling: engineReported October 24, 2017 · 357 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Jeep Cherokee and Compass vehicles equipped with 2.4L engines. The engines may have a cracked oil pump housing that can result in oil pump failure.
Risk
If the oil pump fails, the engine will stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the oil pump, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began December 5, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T65.

Recall number 17V670000 · Recall details

Engine and engine cooling: exhaust systemReported October 19, 2015 · 75,592 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2015 Jeep Cherokee vehicles manufactured October 1, 2014, to June 18, 2015. The affected vehicles may have a misrouted air conditioning suction/discharge hose.
Risk
If the line is misrouted, it may contact the exhaust manifold, increasing the risk of a vehicle fire.
Remedy
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the routing of the air conditioning hose. Any hose that is misrouted will be replaced and installed correctly. This work will be performed free of charge. The recall began on November 23, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R57.

Recall number 15V676000 · Recall details

Questions about the Jeep Cherokee check engine light

Why does the check engine light come on in the Jeep Cherokee?

Owners who report it most often also describe engine stalls while driving, jerking or lurching and sudden loss of power, and the codes they mention most are P0887, U0402 and P0520.

Which Jeep Cherokee years have check engine light problems?

The model years with the most reports are 2014 (306 complaints), 2015 (203 complaints) and 2016 (125 complaints).

How much does it cost to fix check engine light on the Jeep Cherokee?

Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $1,500 (median of 46 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.

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