2014 JEEP CHEROKEE Power Train Problems

There have been many documented incidents regarding these transmissions on the 2014 Jeep Cherokee Latitude. The transmission are junk in these and have been recalled because of splines and clutches. Please get back to me on this issue.

I was driving my 2014 Jeep latitude, on the interstate in Maine and the transmission just died. I barely could merge to the right to get out of the way of traffic going 70mph. There is a transmission recall on these isn't there?

The vehicle recently showed an error stating "Service 4WD" which appears to be a known issue with this model of vehicle. When checking the VIN number, it appears this particular vehicle is supposedly not one that has this issue. However with that being said, it is giving the code that is specifically has this issue. The cost to fix this totals more than $4,000 and is known to Chrysler. This vehicle should be covered under the known issue by the manufacturer.

PTU is being replaced because the dealership said it is going to leave me without power to the wheels which can be extremely dangerous on interstate. Took my Cherokee in because the whining that I’ve been hearing for at least three years was getting louder. The component has not been inspected by the manufacturer yet but I’m waiting on a replacement part and is currently on back order and I’m without the vehicle for a prolonged period of time.

The Jeep has a drivetrain defect involving the transmission and power transfer unit (PTU) that has existed since purchase and has progressively worsened over the years. From early on, the vehicle intermittently hesitated when accelerating from a complete stop, followed by sudden surging or lunging forward. Symptoms were reported to a Jeep dealership early after purchase while under warranty. Their inspections did not identify a defect at that time. Over time, the condition worsened and became more frequent, including hesitation on takeoff, bucking, and abnormal behavior when maneuvering at low speeds or turning the steering wheel to full lock in parking lot. This occurs unpredictably and creates a dangerous situation when entering intersections, making left turns across traffic, or merging, because the vehicle does not accelerate when expected and then suddenly surges. The Jeep was taken to an independent mechanic. After inspection and a test drive, the mechanic stated the...

The ptu has failed in my vehicle. When I bought the vehicle there was a 4x4 light on the dash but I was told that it needed to be just turned off by a jeep dealership. But I believe it actually was a symtom of the failing ptu. My vehicle sometimes goes into neutral when I try to pull off from a stop sign and then the vehicle kicks itself back into drive. My coolant and transmission temp rises the more I drive it and transmission seems to shift late or hard and sometimes prematurely sometimes it smells like burning electrical.

The contact owns a 2014 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired under Emissions Recall U90; however, the contact stated that while driving at various speeds or while accelerating from a stop, the vehicle violently downshifted. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed, and determined that a software update was needed. The vehicle was not repaired and was left at the local dealer. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

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,...

While driving, the vehicle shifts itself into neutral and goes into a limp mode with no power. Almost caused a serious accident going 70 mph when it shifted itself into neutral

Service AWD and Service Parking Brake warnings are present on the dashboard. The problem lies in a bad PTU (Power Transfer Unit) and the DTCM that controls it. Part is not available for purchase and currently back ordered nationwide indefinitely. The cost of the part and labor combined approaches to 80% of the residual value of the vehicle at 118,000 miles.

I purchased this 2014 Jeep Cherokee from Taverna Collection in Feb 2025 and received it in March 2025. The selling dealer was required to inspect the vehicle before delivery and did not report any transmission or valve-body issues. On June 25, 2025, the vehicle received a multipoint inspection at Auto Angel in Santa Fe. No transmission failure, shifting issues, or valve-body concerns were found. The Jeep was not showing symptoms related to Recall U90 at that time. After this, I attempted to have Recall U90 (PCM/TCM reprogramming) performed. Lithia Chrysler in Santa Fe confirmed the recall by email and scheduled an appointment, but after towing the vehicle to them they refused to perform the recall and repeatedly stated “there is no recall,” forcing me to tow the vehicle home and then again two days later to a dealership in Albuquerque. At the Albuquerque dealership, I gave clear instructions not to...

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.

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

Vehicle has been inspected by 2 different mechanics, both confirming our PTU is failing. This is our sons only vehicle; while he was driving the vehicle to and from work, and going to school sometimes the car will start flashing “ESC off” and will stop while he driving. Almost like the car has slammed on its breaks. This has happened while he going 10mph and happened going 40mph, most dangerous time he was driving 65MPH on interstate when it locked up and caused him to slide down a exit ramp. Of course this puts not only him at risk of serious harm or death, but the other drivers on the road if his car decides to slam on its breaks and someone hits since this happens out of nowhere. Again, this issue has been confirmed my two separate independent service centers and two separate dates. The vehicle has not been...

We have had the vehicle inspected by 2 different mechanics, first saying the TCM was out now both confirming our PTU is failing. This is our sons only vehicle; while he driving the vehicle to and from work, and going to School sometimes the car will start flashing “ESC off” and will stop while he was driving. Almost like the car has slammed on its breaks. This has happened while he was going 10mph and happened going 40mph, the last time he was going 65MPH down interstate and car locked up causing him to slide down exit ramp luckily no one was beside him at the time. Of course this puts not only him as risk of serious harm or death, but the other drivers on the road if his car decides to slam on its breaks and someone hits since this happens out of nowhere. Again, this issue has...

10/20/2025 I was driving my sons car because he told me the car transmission locked up on him while he was driving 65MPH on highway, and sure enough it did it to me. I took it to Davis Moore Jeep Dealership and they told me the TCM needed to be replaced ($1,200.00 out of pocket), so on 10/25/25 the TCM was replaced 10/26/25 we picked car up after work was done and not even 4 miles from dealership the car locked up again, but this time it had to be towed back to dealership. today 11/04/25 dealership told us the PCM is out qand needs replaced and it would be $4k out of pocket. Now this problem happened on the highway at 65MPH and a student driving and could have been bad luckily there was no one on road yet. The TCM and PCM have both had recalls done advising...

We have had the vehicle inspected by 2 different mechanics, both confirming our PTU is failing. My wife and I have a toddler and this is our only vehicle; while we’re driving the vehicle to and from work, and going to get groceries sometimes the car will start flashing “ESC off” and will stop while we’re driving. Almost like the car has slammed on its breaks. This has happened while we’re going 10mph and happened going 40mph. Of course this puts not only us as risk of serious harm or death, but the other drivers on the road if our car decides to slam on its breaks and someone hits since this happens out of nowhere. Again, this issue has been confirmed my two separate independent service centers and two separate dates. The vehicle has not been inspected by manufacturer, insurance representatives, or police except for the two separate mechanics...

73000 miles. 2014 Jeep. Mechanic reported PTU problem. VIN is not on list of recall. Car "service 4wheel" dashboard light is on. Auto vibrates when driven.

Rear tires locked up in reverse. While in gear they lock up randomly. Car shut off and broke down while driving on expressway and lost control. No accident but could’ve been bad. 4x4 light on says svc. Mechanic says shows signs of new safety recall 02C? Talked to Jeep dealership and they weren’t aware of such recall on this model. Need help on who to contact and what to do.

The contact owns a 2014 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the transmission unexpectedly shifted to neutral(N). The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The contact pulled over and turned off and restarted the vehicle and was able to continue driving normally. The contact purchased the vehicle and stated that the failure was a recurring failure. The contact stated that the "Check Battery" warning light recently illuminated when the vehicle was shifted into neutral(N). The contact had taken the vehicle to two independent mechanics who were unable to duplicate the failure. The battery was checked and was operating normally. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V529000 (Power Train); however, the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was approximately 151,000.

Power Transfer Unit fails to properly engage 4x4 power train in hazardous weather conditions. It is available upon request for inspection. My safety is put at risk as I live in a mountainous area and require tow assistance to overtake obstacles like snow and uneven terrain. The overheating that occurs as a result of my attempts to engage the 4x4 power train system wears down other components on my vehicle; resulting in excess use and increase likelihood of those components experiencing premature failure. The dealer failed to make a concerted attempt to recreate the issue and instead pushes for replacement of the PTU. The vehicle components are inspected at regular intervals to satisfy safety inspections for the purposes of registering the vehicle. However, I am still left to sort out my own safety concerns in the case of the faulty PTU. The warning lights that flash 'SVC 4x4' come on...

Less then 120000 miles and rear differential unit had to be replaced, and now roughly 158000 miles and now front differential unit has to be replaced.

Vehicle would shut completely off when stopped at a red light. Shifter would not move. I was put a risk on a busy street, stuck at a red light and could not move to a safer location. The second time there were three children in the car when the car shuts off at a red light. The problem has been confirmed by dealer and has been inspected. Check engine light was on, however nothing was showed for about the shifter. Dealer mentioned PRNDL and harness. I see that there were previous recalls with the Jeep Cherokee but the car is still showing symptoms of them. It’s is not safe for me to drive and I have been without a car for almost 3 months.

This vehicle had multiple reprograms for transmission control module and still had same issue I have only had the vehicle 1 year and driven it 7k and I take. It to Jim Browne jeep dealership they said they transmission control module needs replacement the jeep when I brake jumps forward and speeds up its unpredictable and unsafe it also does not shift into gear it slips and I did a search and see. This has been a reoccurring issue .As well as my back up camera appears while I am driving and parked ,or screen just says jeep or goes blue unable to change dash supply control at all ,this vehicle is a lemon and we were not told of any of these issues

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.

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 NHTSA 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.

This has been an issue since I have bought the vehicle in 2020. I have taken it to the shop to be repaired 3 times in which was told the issue was repaired. The rear differential and transfer case units are bad. Upon my research there are multiple and I mean tons of 2014 Jeep Cherokee limited with this same issue. It is a known manufacturer issue and it concerns a huge road safety for drivers, passengers and other drivers on the road. Major concern. I have reported this once before and I am reporting again as my vehicle has been fixed 3 times and it still is an issue so this needs to be addressed for other Jeep owners for the safety of everyone. Please advice quickly and please get this safety concern on the recall list AS SOON AS POSSIBLE! ALSO PLEASE ADVISE THIS TO THE JEEP MANUFACTURER...

My 2014 Jeep Cherokee began exhibiting repeated transmission and electrical malfunctions, particularly after startup or while idling. The most concerning issue is the appearance of a “Switch to Park” warning message, which occurs while the vehicle is already in Drive. When this happens, the transmission fails to engage properly, and I’m unable to shift into gear without cycling through Park multiple times. **seems to start happening after filling gas tank to full** This poses a major safety risk, especially in intersections or during stop-and-go traffic. The car has also experienced flashing odometer issues, rough idle, and erratic behavior when shifting — all of which point to a communication failure between core modules (BCM, TCM, PCM). A Chrysler-certified dealership performed a proxy alignment after acknowledging that the modules were “talking at the same time.” While no fault codes appeared on my OBD-II scanner, the dealer determined that the issue required a...

Failed Power Transfer Unit. Unable to shift to 4WD because system is not recognizing. Service engine light has come on. This is a widely known issue with the Jeep vehicles and so far there is no warranty extension covering my 2014 vehicle.

The 4WD system is no longer working. Put in park and tried to shift and now I have an error warning light. 4WS system unavailable. Service required. The PTU seems to be the issue but the open recalls I have found do not cover this issue for my vehicle.

Submission to NHTSA 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...

Vehicle randomly imitates being in neutral when it is actually in drive mode. It has lost power on long hill climbs wthout any downshifting as would be necessary. Vehicle will occasionally accelerate on its own without notice. This has happened both on the open road and setting at red lights. These are sometimes able to reset with the turning off and back on of the motor. These symptoms started very randomly, but have increased in events over time.

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.

Car bought new on 2014. On 2018 car started to show engine light to illuminate on and off. Jeep technician comply with recalls, and did not change transmission despite DTC U0402 was there all the time, and car was under warranty. Now, Delaware Motor Vehicle does not want to renew my tag because DTC U0402 is related to increase of emissions. Cost of changing transmission is $11,000. Jeep office does not want to authorize the change of transmission despite the problem started when the car was 4 years old. Not fair at all. I am worry to have accidents because of this DTC.

Failed 4WD due to failed PTU or Transfer Case. Jeep extended a warranty for this but ONLY for two OBD codes, if yours fails for any other reason, and there are many, like a bad actuator, you don't get the warranty. From my research this is a WIDESPREAD issue and REQUIRES a recall. This is a VERY expensive fix if you don't match the exact OBD code, but it affects thousands of people.

The contact owns a 2014 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The contact was able to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle returned to normal functionality. The service 4x4 warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the power transfer unit. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V343000 (Power Train); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 130,000.

Gear shift dropped out of drive into neutral. Note on dash said to put in park and then back to drive which was done. Same problem occurred a few minutes later. Also occurred to dealer tech advisor twice but has not been duplicated since even after about 150 miles. Dealer says they cannot troubleshoot until transmission fails. This seems to be the identical problem that required a 2019 recall.

The vehicle experienced a catastrophic failure of the brand new CV half shaft while driving. Spline shear. Loss of Drive function, loss of Park function. Our local garage said the vehicle was the correct for make, model, and year for this to be a W47 recall issue. When we searched NTHSA with the vehicle VIN, which returned Zero open recalls. After researching the W47 recall, we called the manufacturer. They documented our VIN and details of our case in two departments and gave us the reference numbers: #92987492, and #92987905. They told us the next step was to bring it to NTHSA a file a complaint report about the VIN not being included in the recall and to include the reference numbers in the complaint form. We have nothing physical to scan or upload. Just those two reference numbers from the manufacturers.

The contact owns a 2014 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while at a stoplight and attempting to accelerate, the vehicle failed to move. The contact stated that the engine warning light was illuminated, and a message to "Check Transmission" was displayed. The contact shifted to neutral and pushed the vehicle to the residence. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not taken to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 68,831.

Was starting through a stop sign when the car popped and started making a grinding noise. Would not go anywhere. Finally pushed it into a parking lot where it is sitting not. I’m sure it is the ptu. Will jeep do anything to fix it since this is obviously a problem with more than just my vehicle

When swapping from park to drive my TCM code came up and vehicle went into neutral/limp mode

Ptu transmission went out at 83000 miles I’ve been fighting to get it fixed

NHTSA Recall # 19V-447 I do believe it has to do with this recall that states the clutch is getting stuck in the transmission it does say that the recall has been completed but it is obviously doing it again

We have been hearing a clicking or knocking sound in the front end of our 2104 Jeep Cherokee for a long time now. We had it into the local shop (we are relatively remote from the closest dealer) and they we're not able to find the source of the sound. Forward a bit and now that the sound has gotten louder and the 4x Service warning light has come on it has been identified and confirmed by the nearest dealer that the Power Transfer Unit (PTU) is bad. This is a part that has been covered under many other Jeep Cherokee recalls but our VIN had not shown up on any of those recalls. We believe our PTU is faulty like the rest of them. I don't have an good estimate of when we started to hear the noise but I know we now have ~189k miles on the vehicle....

I was on my way home from Alpharetta from a business meeting and my car started to shake really bad on the front. I thought it might have been something my tire caught. But I just put 4 brand new tires and not one light was on on my dash board there have never been any lights come on my dash board since I've had the vehicle. I drove about 10 more mins and it got worse so I pulled over and parked. I couldn't see anything. I was an hour away from home. The next day after getting my vehicle home. I was told that the ignition coil was catching fire as i was driving it. I also have the video in my phone. The car was literally trying to catch on fire and I was told if I would have kept driving it and not pulled over my...

My daughters 2014 Jeep Cherokee’s Power Transfer Unit (PTU) failed at 90,000 miles—grinding noise, Service 4WD warning, and loss of power. Jeep dismissed my case (#91999636) despite the XJ1 warranty extension (15 years/unlimited miles) and multiple recalls/TSBs for PTU issues. Dealer quoted $5,500 to repair, leaving me stranded and out of pocket. This is a known defect—Jeep’s refusal to honor XJ1 puts owners at risk

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 contact owns a 2014 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The driver was able to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway and became aware that the vehicle was stuck in gear, prompting the contact to tow the vehicle to the residence. After a visual inspection, the contact became aware that the front suspension was disconnected. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 180,000.

The contact owns a 2014 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost power and decelerated. While attempting to accelerate, the RPM increased; however, the vehicle failed to respond as needed. The contact stated that the traction control warning light was illuminated. The contact coasted to the side of the roadway and restarted the vehicle and continued driving. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic who failed to diagnose the vehicle; however, the transmission was flushed but the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to a certified transmission shop. The mechanic informed the contact of the Customer Satisfaction Program: W84; NHTSA ID Number: 10221656 (Power Train, Electrical System) and U90 (Emissions, Power Train); and referred the contact to the dealer for assistance. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and repaired; however, the failure persisted. The dealer was contacted and informed the contact...

I am writing to express my concern about a critical issue I have been experiencing with my 2014 Jeep Cherokee Limited 4WD. I have been facing continuous and severe problems with the transfer case, which has rendered my vehicle unsafe and unusable. This has been an ongoing issue, and it is causing significant distress as I do not feel confident in the safety of my vehicle, especially while transporting my children. The vehicle was sold to me in this condition, and I am extremely concerned that this issue is not only impacting my ability to use the vehicle but also compromises the safety of my family. Given the severity of the problem, I am seeking clarification on whether there have been any recalls or known issues related to the transfer case for the 2014 Jeep Cherokee. If there is a recall or warranty coverage that I can take advantage of,...