2014-2022 Jeep Cherokee: pros and cons, common problems

After the 2009 bankruptcy, the "New Chrysler," now called Fiat Chrysler Automobiles or FCA, decided to place more bets on its iconic Jeep brand. SUVs were becoming more popular, so FCA came up with the new Jeep Cherokee, which is now a car-based crossover. It's powered by a four-cylinder or V6 engine and offers a choice of front- or all-wheel drive.

It's the optional 4WD system with a low range and locking rear differential that sets the Cherokee apart from the competition. When equipped with Trailer Tow Group, the V6 Cherokee can tow up to 4,500 lb. Is it a good truck to buy used? What are the reported problems?

Pros:

• It's a good looking Jeep.
• Pleasure to drive, comfortable quiet ride.
• Nicely done, comfortable interior, 8.4-inch screen.
• Cool features and tech.
• Advanced 4WD system, Trailhawk off-road capability.
• Available with a strong V6 that offers decent towing capacity.

Cons:

• Transmission, electrical and 4WD issues.
• Some repairs could be costly.
• The 4-cylinder engine is sluggish and may consume oil.

Jeep Cherokee Problems: One of the trouble areas is the part of the AWD system called a power transfer unit or PTU. There are many complaints about this part failing on the NHTSA website. There are also many complaints about the transmission, mostly in the 2014 and 2015 Cherokee. The dealer software updates fix some of transmission issues, but not all. The transmission shifter is another trouble part.
An oil cooler in the V6 is prone to leak. The thermostat in the 4-cylinder engine is common to fail. If you are buying a used Jeep Cherokee, consider getting an extended warranty that will cover these repairs. Check for outstanding recalls at the NHTSA website. FCA has issued Safety Recalls W47 and W48 for Power Transfer Unit (PTU). Read this CR article for more info. If you are buying a used Jeep Cherokee, the 4WD system needs to be tested thoroughly. If not covered by a recall or warranty, replacing the PTU will be costly.

The warning message "Service Shifter" could be caused by a problem with the shifter. The service bulletin 08-051-17 explains the repair. The bulletin recommends updating the ESM software and replacing the lower shifter or "PRNDM" if necessary. The repair is fairly simple.
This great video from David also provides some information.

The FCA bulletin 18-034-14 covers the problem with an oil pressure sensor that can trigger the Check Engine light with the trouble code P0520. To repair the problem, the oil pressure sensor needs to be replaced. If out of warranty, the part is sold for around $30-$60 online, plus the labor.

Oil leaks from the oil filter housing/cooler assembly are common; read this thread. Here is a good video explaining the issues with this part.

A failed or sticking thermostat in a 2.4L engine can cause the code P0128; it's also one of the possible causes of overheating. The part is not expensive, but it takes a fair amount of labor to change it (3.8-4 hours for a 4-cylinder engine). Watch these videos.

A ticking noise coming from the top of the engine (valve cover) in the 3.2L V6 could be caused by a bad rocker arm. If the problem is caught earlier, replacing a bad rocker arm might be enough. Your mechanic may recommend replacing all rocker arms as a precaution. Over time, a bad rocker arm can score the camshaft and it too might need to be replaced; this will cost extra. Watch these YouTube videos on the ticking noise.

A failed ignition coil can cause the engine to misfire with the code P0301-P0306. Replacing one ignition coil is not very expensive and if spark plugs are old, it's a good idea to replace them at the same time.

Several owners mentioned sunroof rattle. Check out this discussion on jeepcherokeeclub.com.
The FCA bulletin 23-028-16 describes the repair of the rattle that comes from the rear seat. Here is the link to the bulletin at the NHTSA website.

A number of owners mentioned that the 2.4L MultiAir engine consumes oil between oil changes. Some owners reported that if the oil level is low, the engine can stall, often when turning. Some owners report that the engine had been replaced under warranty after failing the oil consumption test; read this thread.

This also means that it's a good idea to check the oil level regularly and if it's getting low, to check with the dealer if it still under warranty or to top it up. Oil consumption is a common problem in many modern vehicles and most cars don't have a warning light for low oil level; the oil level must be checked manually. Check your owner's manual for directions. Read more: how to check the oil level.

The bulletin 03-003-15 describes a lateral vibration (wobble) during low-speed acceleration in the 2014-2015 Cherokee. The bulletin recommends inspecting both half-shafts (front drive shafts) and, if needed, replacing them with updated parts.

The code P0456 could be caused by a problem with the EVAP leak detection pump (ESIM module). Watch these videos about this part.

Several owners on various forums mentioned that updating the Uconnect system software fixed some of its glitches. We also came across a couple of reports that the dealership did a hard reset by disconnecting the battery for a few minutes and it helped getting rid of some electrical issues.

We found many transmission-related complaints for the 2014 and 2015 Cherokee on the NHTSA website. Many owner reviews also mention transmission issues. Chrysler issued several software updates, as well as the recall S55 / NHTSA 16V-529 for the 2014-2015 Cherokee, which addressed some of the concerns. Read this article.

Another safety recall V69 for the 2014 Jeep Cherokee addressing transmission concerns was issued in 2019.

We spoke to the owner of the 2015 Cherokee, who said the transmission was "hunting for the right gear and hesitating at times," but now shifts better after the last reprogram. There are still complaints about minor shifting issues with the 2016 Cherokee, but the situation is better; the number of transmission complaints for the 2016 Cherokee is smaller.

We also found the bulletin 21-032-18 REV. A, that mentions reprogramming of the TCM (transmission control module) in the 2016 Jeep Cherokee to address several transmission issues.

Summary: There is an interesting trend, if you read Cherokee owner reviews: many people rate it with 1 star or 5 stars. This "love it or hate it" relationship describes Jeep Cherokee well: on the one hand, it's not the most reliable; but on the other, it has the looks, comfort and features that make it very attractive. Plus, it's a Jeep thing and is a pleasure to drive, especially with the V6!

As of March 2023, Consumer Reports rated the 2017 and the 2019-2021 Jeep Cherokee as 'average' for overall reliability; other model years were rated 'below average'. The 2014 and 2015 model years received much more complaints than the later years. Considering the reported engine stalling issues, the 2014 and 2015 models should probably be avoided.

If you want to buy a used Jeep Cherokee, we recommend having it inspected by an independent mechanic familiar with FCA products. Consider getting a good extended warranty that will cover possible repairs. If your Cherokee has a 4-cylinder engine, check the oil level regularly and top up if needed.

Engine: The 4-cylinder 184-hp 2.4L SOHC Tigershark MultiAir is based on a previous-generation 2.4L motor, but with an added advanced Fiat MultiAir2 variable valve timing and lift system. The 271-hp 3.2L Pentastar is a lightweight 24-valve DOHC V6. It's a pretty good engine but not without some minor issues.

From the 2015 model year, it comes with Engine Stop-Start (ESS). The system includes a heavy-duty starter motor and a stronger battery. It works by turning the engine off when braking to a stop and re-starting when the brake pedal is released. The ESS can be disabled with a button on the dash.

For 2019, a 2.0-liter direct-injection turbocharged in-line four-cylinder engine with 270 horsepower has been added to the lineup. It's known as GME Hurricane engine. Read also: Pros and cons of turbo engines.

Transmission: The only available transmission is the 948TE 9-speed automatic (also known as 9HP48), developed by the German company ZF. This transmission is used in many Fiat Chrysler vehicles, as well as in some Honda, Acura and Land Rover models. Looking at the technical diagrams, it's a complex device. There is a general understanding within the automotive world that complexity leads to more potential problems.

Fuel Economy: The 2019-2020 front-wheel drive Cherokee with a 2.0L turbo engine is rated at 23/31 mpg. The 2014-2018 2.4L 4WD Cherokee gets 21 mpg city, 28 mpg highway. The front-wheel drive 2014-2018 Cherokee with a 2.4L engine is rated at 21/30 mpg city/hwy. Front-wheel drive 3.2L V6 2015-2017 Cherokee gets almost the same mileage: 21/29 mpg. The 2015-2018 4WD 3.2L V6 Cherokee is a bit thirstier: 20/27 mpg.

Timing belt or chain: Here is the good news: the 2.0L turbo, the 2.4L MultiAir and the 3.2L V6 have a timing chain; there is no timing belt to worry about. The timing chain doesn't need to be replaced unless there is a problem with it.

Mechanical: Jeep Cherokee is built on a car-based platform with a sub-frame, control arms and some other components made of aluminum. This should eliminate some rust concerns that are common in cars with steel sub-frames.

The front suspension rides on MacPherson struts. The independent rear suspension has a four-link plus trailing arm layout. Rear disc brakes have an electronic parking brake mechanism. The steering is electrically assisted.

Lineup: The Cherokee lineup consists of a bare bone Sport, mid-level Latitude, upscale Limited and off-road-ready Trailhawk trims. The luxury Overland was added for 2017. For 2018, Latitude became the base trim, while Latitude-Plus was added as a mid-level trim.

Similar cars:
Dodge Journey 2009-2019
Subaru Outback 2010-2014
Ford Escape 2013-2019
Toyota RAV4 2013-2018
Used Mazda CX-5 2013-2016
Chevrolet Equinox 2010-2017

Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk: Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk is a much different beast. You can recognize it by signature red tow hooks, raised suspension and all-terrain tires. The majority of Trailhawks we have found on the used car market have a V6, although 4-cyl models are also available. It has standard Active Drive Lock 4x4 system with a locking rear differential and electronic 4X4 low range. There is also a driveline neutral mode for flat towing. Despite being a crossover, the Trailhawk is a capable off-roader, see this video.

Of course, considering the complexity of the Trailhawk 4WD system, it might be expensive to maintain and repair after the warranty runs out.

How does the Cherokee 4WD system work? The Cherokee 4WD system consists of two main components: the Power Transfer Unit attached to the transmission and the Rear Driveline Module (rear differential assembly). The propeller shaft connects these two components; see the illustration. There are three different variants of the 4WD system:

Active Drive I (optional in Sport, Latitude, Latitude Plus and Limited) is a simple AWD system similar to what is in most car-based SUVs: Front wheels are powered at all times and the rear axle engages when needed. To engage the rear axle, the system uses an electronically-controlled clutch pack inside the rear differential (RDM). The PTU is a simple mechanical power takeoff attached to the transmission.

Active Drive II (optional on Latitude, Latitude Plus and Limited) is a lot more complex and is based on quite an interesting technology: it consists of a two-speed power takeoff unit (PTU) and a two-speed rear drive module (RDM). The two-speed mode is accomplished by using a sun gear setup. When low range is selected, both, the PTU and RDM shift into the low range mode.

Active Drive Lock is standard on the Trailhawk. It's based on the Active Drive II components, only both the PTU and the RDM also have the added neutral/locking mode.
Technically, the two-speed PTU and RDM are a very clever solution to provide a low range without adding a separate central transfer case like in the Jeep Wrangler and many other trucks. Both, the PTU and RDM are controlled electronically and both are quite expensive. A new OEM PTU for the Trailhawk is sold online for around $1,600, while the Trailhawk RDM costs around $2,000.