CarComplaints.com Notes: There's no way around it, the Cherokee's transmission is junk. There's no other explanation for why a vehicle, usually with under 40,000 miles, would have so many complaints

7.6

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
No data
Average Mileage:
17,200 miles
Total Complaints:
118 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. not sure (47 reports)
  2. software upgrade (25 reports)
  3. no solution (24 reports)
  4. replace transmission (14 reports)
  5. transmission replaced (4 reports)
  6. fixed by recall (2 reports)
2014 Jeep Cherokee transmission problems

transmission problem

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2014 Jeep Cherokee Owner Comments (Page 2 of 6)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #98

Aug 012016

Cherokee Limited 3.2L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 58,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

It feels like it can take a full second from the moment they step on the gas to when the car actually starts moving. And once it does start moving, it’s a coin flip if you’re going to steadily get up to speed or squeal some tires. This is going to shorten the life of the Jeep. It also hangs out in 2nd gear for too long. When the transmission finally shifts into 3rd gear it is aggressive, lurching transition.

- Mike W., Louisburg, KS, US

problem #97

Mar 122015

Cherokee V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 11,025 miles

hesitates shifting into first raising rpms slams into gear

Help! I want someone to care! Bought vehicle June 2014. Loved the car. Test drove lots of vehicles and chose this one. January 2015 first oil change. Nothing wrong still loved my car. March 2015 took vehicle in for recalls. They performed R01 Reprogram TCM and PCM recall. Performed R05 reprogram, flashed ORC as per recall 18R05182.2 This is where my nightmare of riding my bucking car began. I live a great distance from where I bought the car. Took vehicle back Sept 2015. Gave description of car hesitating shifting into first gear causing RPM's to rise and then slamming into gear. This hesitation is dangerous when crossing traffic. Never know at what point the vehicle will engage and go. When it does it is like a bucking bronco kicking you in the ass. They said there were updates. Performed updates to RDM, DTCM, RFH, IPC, BCM and TCM. Drove off the lot seemed fine. By the next day it was back to the same thing. We called the dealership again letting them know it was not fixed. Took car in February 2016 with same complaint. They checked for codes none present. Verified software was updated. Said systems operating as normal. Changed dealerships. Have had the car serviced August 2016, Oct 2016, Dec 2016 and March 2017. Everytime pleading with someone to care. I have been told its my driving. I've paid for 2 separate rental car bills. Telling them I don't want the car back until it is fixed like the way I drove it off the lot that first day. It drove fine for the first 9 months. I have endured a combative service member who did not want to supply SERVICE. Who told me to buy a new car if I don't like it. I've been told that this is a 9-speed transmission. So! My last service paper says it is performing as designed. If this is what is designed I hope you all are getting a good laugh by the old lady sitting at a stop light praying for the car to go rocking in her seat hoping it will go before the cross traffic hits her or it slams into gear so hard it throws her head back while doing a burnout.

- idler, Boring, US

problem #96

Mar 012016

Cherokee Limited V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 9,000 miles

The shifting has become unbearable, I press the gas and nothing happens and then it bangs into gear. Accelerating into a turn i never know what gear the car is going to select and it will change through up to three before it settles on one. I'm worried that when I need the car to respond and it doesn't that it will cause an accident. This is the first new car I have ever bought and I am so disappointed. I am hoping that they figure this out and fix it soon with a software update. Headed back to the dealership for the 4th time next week. So very tired of driving an hour each way for these trips that never seem to fix anything.

- jakedorst, Truckee, CA, US

problem #95

Apr 012016

Cherokee Trailhawk V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 22,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

I was told by a friend that there was a rumor about transmission issues with Jeeps but I bought ours 2014 Trailhawk anyway. Within about a week, I started noticing the rough and hesitant shifting. Then, I began to experience the engine light coming on sporadically when I brake. Then I began to experience the engine sporadically trying to cut off after I brake & the light comes on. The dealer is at a loss with the engine light issue. I'll NEVER EVER own another JEEP or Chrysler product once I can get out from under this upside-down loan.

- Priscilla G., Roanoke, VA, US

problem #94

Jan 252017

Cherokee Latitude V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 51,125 miles

Transmission in Jeeps suck. Second time. Car keeps jerking when I slow and speed up.

- yiu, Cary, NC, US

problem #93

Aug 012014

Cherokee Latitude 3.2L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 500 miles

Numerous returns to dealership. Car shifted rough from beginning. They finally replaced drive axles after numerous times of bringing car in. Got sick of all problems associated with this vehicle and traded it. Never buy a jeep again!!!!

- James M., Inver Grove Heights, MN, US

problem #92

Dec 012016

Cherokee Limited V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 55,923 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Here we go again! Transmission being replaced for a second time in less than 3 years at 90,000 kms (56,000 miles). Shifted roughly and check engine light illuminated. Brought in to dealer and they replaced the TCM (just like last time). On the way home from the dealership the check engine light illuminated (again). Returned to the dealership 2 weeks later (I was away on vacation) and they performed a recall and stated that it fixed the problem. Once again on the way home the check engine light came on. Now my Cherokee is back in the shop and getting it's THIRD (second replacement) transmission and FCA/Chrysler refuses to acknowledge that there is a problem. I have some serious concerns here:

1. What happens when the transmission goes again, perhaps out of warranty?

2. My car has been grossly de-valued. The warranty work is disclosed on vehicle history reports so this is going to adversely affect my resale or trade-in values.

3. Should there be a total failure of the transmission, the consequences could be catastrophic. How can I possibly have any confidence in this vehicle anymore?!

- Nick J., Toronto, ON, Canada

problem #91

Sep 302014

Cherokee Limited V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 9,321 miles

Purchased car in April. At 15,000 kms shifting became rough and check engine light was illuminated. After bringing to the dealer and having them replaced the TCM the check engine light went out...for 2 weeks. Back into the shop and it was determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. No warning lights until 90,000 kms and now I'm replacing the transmission AGAIN!

- Nick J., Toronto, ON, Canada

problem #90

Jul 012015

Cherokee Limited 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 6,000 miles

I noticed the issue about 4 months after purchasing (April 2015), right around the time the first recall came out for a "software upgrade". Took it into the dealer, mentioned that the transmission was experiencing issues and they said the software upgrade should take care of those issues.

They told me I would need to drive it for a while for the updates to fix the issue. About 2 months later, it was no better - but in fact worse. Took it in again, they did a "re-learn". Same diagnosis - drive for a while and it will correct itself. Gave it another 2 months. Not better. Now, it began shifting roughly on downshifts, or when I was stopping. And also started lunging forward when coming to a stop.

Took it to the dealer again (3rd try). They informed me that FCA or Fiat/Chrysler had no solve for the issue except to keep coming up with software updates. The dealership suggested I begin a claim with Chrysler Care - after over a MONTH of going back and forth over voicemail, they closed my case saying they felt the issue was solved. AGAIN, never spoke to anyone on the phone, just a case manager on my voicemail who was never available to take my call but always timed it perfectly to call back when I was unavailable.

I plan to begin a NEW claim with Chrysler Care, and have officially began making complaints everywhere that will listen. The value of my car has dropped significantly, so much so, if I tried to get rid of it, I'd be upside down in what I owe.... on a car that's less than 2 years old. So, I'm stuck. I just want the transmission issue to be better, not trying to get anything out of anyone except for the car I paid for, to run well.

- Marisa M., Beaverton, OR, US

problem #89

Jun 012016

Cherokee

  • Automatic transmission
  • 24,000 miles

After I purchased my 2014 Jeep Cherokee Latitude I soon began to notice a slight jerk and apparent transmissions issues. I mentioned this to my husband and he didn't think much of it. I mentioned this to a man who had retired from Jeep Manufacturing and he said "sounds like there's an issue because there shouldn't be any jerking, etc". I soon received a recall notice in the mail but the notice indicated that the parts to fix the issues were not available and they would send a letter when the parts became available. Now this pisses me off. How long is it going to take for the parts to become available and in the meantime what happens when my jeep becomes inoperable?

- trbox, Stockbridge, GA, US

problem #88

Mar 032016

Cherokee Sport 4 cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 22,542 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Still having the same lurching and shifting issues that started shortly after we bought the car. Very difficult to get the car to go up the hills around town and driving into our driveway is a joke. I'm constantly afraid we are going to run into the garage door. Slowly coming around corners and then trying to speed up means the car jerks violently and jolts everyone in the car.

- Stacie S., Farmington, NM, US

problem #87

Sep 112016

Cherokee LX 3.2L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 16,072 miles

First time owning a Jeep Cherokee Latitude, I was Happy stork all at once, always wanted one. Purchase it in May 2015 used with 10,500 miles, love it and it drove wonderful until now, ONLY 4 months into the car 16, 072 it wouldn't start thought maybe it's the battery, nope it locked in from shifting then it locked in natural with the key in the ignition, I was at wow, what;s really going on, my service engine light turned on and my brake lock turn on, then all of the sudden the car turned on I try to put it in reverse but it locked in I was like no way Transmission problem I was numbed mad wanted to cry, so here I am like the rest of you NOT A HAPPY CAMPER, WISH ME LUCK!!!

- Gloria P., Las Vegas, NV, US

problem #86

Dec 012014

Cherokee Limited 3.2L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 1,000 miles

We purchased this 2014 Cherokee in Dec. 2013. Within 6 months the problem shifting from a stop to start was noted as being a jerk or sudden shift which caused the car to lung forward. The vehicle as of Oct. 2014 has 3030 miles on it and has been back to the Jeep dealers service shop 3 times to correct the problem. Each time they "update" the software which takes about 3 hours. They tell us this is normal for this transmission. Now we have a recall for a transaxle wire harness which can cause the transmission to shift into neutral at any time. Jeep was contacted a month ago and said they did not have the replacement parts in yet. As of a month later they still do not have them and have no idea when they will receive them. This is my wives car and she is afraid to drive it. We asked Jeep what they would give us on a trade in for the same equipped 2016 Cherokee and the cost differance was about $12,000. My car only has 3,030 miles on it and we have to trade it in because of a Jeep problem and they want to hit us with $12,000. Can't get any answers from Jeep and don't know if the "new wiring harness" will fix the problems.

- dtorgerson, Oswego, IL, US

problem #85

Jan 042016

Cherokee Limited

  • Automatic transmission
  • 40,000 miles

When shifting from first to second gear or second to third gear the car shifts really hard, enough that my head hits the back of the seat from whiplash. On my daily drive home in bumper to bumper traffic, when stopped and then letting off the brake and then easing back on the brake, the car will jerk forward. The dealership thought that a software update would fix the problem, it did not.

We bought this car because we're planning on starting a family, with all of the issues I'm having, I'm not even comfortable giving friends a ride.

- Mary D., Lexington, SC, US

problem #84

Dec 302015

Cherokee Latitude 2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 27,000 miles

On several occasions I have lost power on this car. It's usually scary when you're trying to make a left turn and hoping the car makes the turn in time to avoid the oncoming traffic crashing into you. The vehicle also shifts roughly between 2nd and 3rd gear. You can feel the car jerk when shifting gears. I really hate stopping with the car because it takes it's time to gain power to take off, and when it does take off it starts shifting roughly between gears. I feel unsafe driving my wife and kids around in this car. I've taken this car to the dealer for this issue and all they state is that its working as intended. They say that this is the way this "new technology" 9 speed engine is supposed to work. It's really annoying that I paid so much money for a car that may take my life one day. No one is forcing Chrysler to recall this car back or fix the issue. They are hoping that people just forget about the problem and it goes away on its own.

- Alex C., Laurel, MD, US

problem #83

Mar 012015

Cherokee Limited 3.2L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 11,000 miles

Transmission stopped working completely. Transmission replacement was covered by warranty however, the dealer initially told me Chrysler would not pay for a rental car even though it would take a week to get the transmission in. Thought new transmission would not have same shifting problems. When it did, took it back to dealer who told me that it was an inherent design defect with the 9 speed automatic transmission. To rub salt in the wound, he told me "it sucked to be me". That was just the first of many problems I've been dealing with in the 2 1/2 years I've had this vehicle. My only saving grace is that I leased this 4 wheeled mobile junk pile.

- Marjorie M., Chico, CA, US

problem #82

Sep 062016

Cherokee Trailhawk 3.2L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 42,273 miles

Purchased CPO, within days I noticed issues with the transmission. 1st, 2nd, & 3rd gear can be very jerky.sometimes transmission holds 5-8 seconds before shifting. Some jerking is violent. Also declining steep mountain roads is an issue at times. When braking to start decline rpm's jump by 2000 rpms & car seems to thrust forward. It's like it doesn't know what to do. It is very unsettling.

Dealership performed some update for TSB & TCM. No change in performance.

- Chris S., Highlands Ranch, CO, US

problem #81

Oct 012016

Cherokee Trailhawk 3.2L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 42,500 miles

Returned car to dealer because of continued issues with jerky transmission. Another TCM flash update performed.

No noticeable improvement.

- Chris S., Highlands Ranch, CO, US

problem #80

Apr 192014

Cherokee Limited V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 5,000 miles

Ever since I took delivery of my new Jeep, I have had issues at a full stop. When you start to take off it lags. A few times I thought it was going to stall. Then it jerks and off we go. I am not in a very busy area but if I was I would be more worried about getting rear ended or something. I didn't take it in or mention it to the service men because it doesn't do it all the time. I have had the Jeep for a little over 2 years now and with the other issues I have had, this tells me I won't be looking at another Jeep. This was my first Jeep. So many people told me you would love it and never go back to anything else. They were WRONG!

- littlestinker, Little Chute, WI, US

problem #79

Aug 012016

Cherokee Limited V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 20,122 miles

So in August on my way to Dallas from Houston about half way the transmission light kicks on and the Jeep had major issues. I got off the highway and the engine was revving up and the Jeep wasn't moving! I finally got it to a McDonalds and turn it off. After it cooled I tried driving it again and made it to north of Dallas where I met my Dad at a dealership. The Jeep spent a week there getting a new transmission harness and apparently when it malfunctioned it lost all the updates and recall updates so those had to be added again too. Since then its been driving decent. September 12th transmission light kicks on and the Jeep is revving up again and not wanting to go. I JUST got a recall notice about the transmission and I was thinking the first time the dealership fixed the Jeep it fixed the issue. Apparently NOT!! This Jeep always shifts rough and seems to hesitate often, it is very disappointing that now I have to take it to the dealership again for yet another transmission issue and the Jeep doesn't even have 25,000 miles on it.

- Carol P., Pearland, TX, US

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