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 5 of 6)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #38

Feb 012014

Cherokee Trail Hawk V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 650 miles

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

It's funny that we all have the same problems with this car. The transmission is so dangerous I would not recommend anybody buying the 9 speed. Every time I take it in for service all they ever do is say they have a new update. Normally within a day the transmission will act up again. This time it happened the same day I took the car home. Do not buy a Chrysler product or Jeep that have a 9 speed transmission.

- Sue H., cary, IL, US

problem #37

Jul 132015

Cherokee Latitude

  • Automatic transmission
  • 8,000 miles

SHIFT ROUGHLY(ALWAYS), SHIFT AT HIGH RPMs (ALWAYS), STALLED IN 1ST GEAR (1X), WOULD NOT GO INTO REVERSE (1X)

- wendypa, Phoenixville, PA, US

problem #36

Jul 152015

Cherokee

  • Automatic transmission
  • 35,000 miles

Replaced the transmission and battery after 37xxx miles. We went to start the Jeep...nothing... shorted out the battery. Just got the Jeep out of the shop. Still not acting right. Rough shifting.. so going back tot he dealership. Hoping the transmission was new and not a rebuilt one.

- Pam H., Dittmer, MO, US

problem #35

Jun 012014

Cherokee V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 10,000 miles

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

Not long after I got my 2014 Jeep I started experiencing shifting issues. It would normally happen after 10minutes of driving the car. Once I got up to 60mph it would feel like gas stopped going to the engine. The RPMs would drop and I would press the gas more and nothing would happen. Finally after a few seconds the RPMs went back to normal and I started to gain speed again. Then it would do the same thing again within a minute. Usually the second time it jerked more when the RPMs came back up. This wouldn't happen every day so of course the dealer couldn't find the problem but they did an update to see if that would work.

Hmmm something told me at that time they knew this was a problem but they didn't know what was wrong. Nice! Brand new car and already having transmission issues!

- Melissa K., McHenry, IL, US

problem #34

Feb 022015

Cherokee Latitude 4 cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 25,000 miles

Horrible Transmission.. The vehicle stalls, fails to shift, and almost breaks your neck when it does shift. Tried to get in to dealer and was told I would have to rent a vehicle while it was in the shop? Seriously? I make a vehicle payment on a newer model vehicle so I do not have any further cost or have to miss work. Tried to get in today and was told it is out of warranty. 35,000 miles? WOW. Never ever would I buy this vehicle, nor any Dodge/Jeep product. They do not stand behind their products!!!!!!!!

- Randell D., Milton, FL, US

problem #33

May 012015

Cherokee Sport

  • Automatic transmission
  • 19,000 miles

I bought this car just over a year ago. When on the test drive I noticed it was shifting hard. The salesperson told me, "oh that's NORMAL". I shrugged it off because after speaking with her I went and talked to the service technician who told me the hard shifting was normal for this particular vehicle and it would cease once it adjusted to the way I drove the car.

I'm not mechanically inclined at all when it comes to cars but that response sounded absurd. But, I got a SUPER GREAT DEAL and bought it anyway. After having it for a few months, I took it in because the hard shifting had gotten worse. (Love Field Jeep Chrysler Dodge) They told me it was something minor and the issue was fixed. After about a month, I started to feel the hard shifting issue again and I before I could take it in, I received a recall notice in the mail. I took it in again and they "reset this" and "adjusted that" and they told me it would be fine. And, for about a week, it was.

I took it in for the 3rd time and the service adviser called me after a couple of days and said, "we have to replace your transmission". They kept the car for a couple of weeks and when I got it back, the problem was finally fixed. BUT....about a month later, the car started dying while I was driving it. It would die, hesitate to start, start, die again, and finally it would stay running. After about 2 weeks of this I finally took it back to the shop to have it looked at. They kept it for a couple of days and then called me to say that they're having to REPLACE THE ENGINE!!!! Something about leaking valves engine compression...yadda, yadda, yadda!!!! The only good thing about this experience is that the service technician is a cutie!!! Other than that, DO NOT BUY THIS RAGGEDY ASS CAR!!!!!

- Daniel T., Dallas, TX, US

problem #32

Aug 012014

Cherokee Limited V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 75 miles

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

I have taken vehicle to the Chrysler/Jeep/Dodge dealership three times for this problem. I thought the vehicle needed to be broken in but after 11000 miles the vehicle still jumps in first gear and shimmys in 2nd thru 5th gear each and every time I drive the vehicle. It is still under warranty but the Jeep dealership says, yes it is rough shifting but they have seen other Jeeps worse than mine. I have had one update on the transmission and it did not help. I have requested another update but have not received one as yet.

I have contacted Customer Care at Chrysler Jeep and was asked to take it to another Jeep dealership to analyze. I did this and the Service Manager drove my vehicle and again told me he would get with the Jeep Rep and get back with me but a week and a half later, I have not heard from him. I told them it should be classified as a lemon and Jeep should either fix it or purchase it back. I do not ever like to drive this vehicle with this lousy nine speed transmission.

- alkay3852, Midland, GA, US

problem #31

Mar 032014

Cherokee Sport 2.4L V4

  • Automatic transmission
  • 2,485 miles

This started shortly after I purchased the Jeep on Jan 18, 2014. Some birthday present. The problem is only between 2nd and 3rd gear. I'm told that it's just the way it works with these transmissions. Well it didn't do it when I bought it. Can't count the number of re-flashes of the s/w they have done. My service rep asked Chrysler to allow him to replace the tranny but they have refused so I told him to tell Chrysler, they either fix it, replace the tranny and hopefully that fixes it, replace the vehicle all together or give me my money back. Doubt the later 2 will happen but it they don't do something I'll be switching to GM or something else after I drive around town for a month with a big LEMON sign plastered all over.

- rpdavis, Winnipeg, MB, Canada

problem #30

Apr 012015

Cherokee

  • Automatic transmission
  • 3,000 miles

TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS ON JEEP LIMITED CHEROKEE 2014 and "another model" which I don't know about is ADMITTED by personnel who cannot "FIX" it. Ugh. Combined with other problems like the LIFT GATE NOT CLOSING which caused a HUGE PROBLEM when the car had 20 miles on it....and the current LIFT GATE (about to happen) RECALL + radio going out in spite of update chips makes this a DO NOT PURCHASE CAR! I was advised by JEEP to use my lemon law and sue them. Big help.

- L R., Ft. Collins, CO, US

problem #29

Oct 142014

Cherokee Trail Hawk 3.2L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 56 miles

I purchased 2014 Jeep 10-14-2014. Drove 55 miles and computer and transmission ended their relationship. Jeep would not go into gear without major gear grinding. Dealer had Jeep for 19 Days before fixed. Over the next 13,000 miles the Jeep continued to have rough shifting, hesitation and surging. The problem increased in severity. Dealer replaced transmission in July 2015. Dealer had Jeep for 15 days for repair.

Jeep continues to exhibit the same problem after new transmission installed. In fact the problem of clunking into gear, hesitating and surging when changing gears has increased. I took the Jeep back to Dealership service department. I was informed that the service department could not duplicate the problem. Note on service document stated they had conducted an extensive search for the problem taking 23 minutes. The service tech and I took a test drive. Before leaving the Dealership property, the Jeep surged ahead and within a few blocks the transmission clunked several times.

The service tech stated that until Jeep provides them with a software fix, the transmission is normal. In other words, the hesitation, surging and clunking is normal operation until Jeep provides a “fix” for what is normal. The tech realized the catch 22 status. Jeep isn't going to fix a problem if they can convince the owners that clunking, hesitation and surging is normal. A fix is necessary but the dealer’s service department must take the approach agreeable to the manufacture.

The dealer’s service department cannot fix a problem unless Jeep acknowledges the problem. Service tech perceives the problem and that the problem needs a fix, however, the problem will not be fixed until sales decrease or lemon law suits increase. Clunking can be over looked, but the hesitation and the problem of surging is unacceptable. I prefer dying of old age not when my Jeep surges into traffic.

- john o, Spicewood, TX, US

problem #28

May 102014

Cherokee Latitude 2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 2 miles

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

I was told from day 1 that it must learn my driving habits. That's is total bull. I had several updates that did nothing but lower my gas mileage. Again was told it takes times and again bull.

- Charles W., Millbury, MA, US

problem #27

Jul 152015

Cherokee Lattitude 2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 8,000 miles

Will advise after dealership visit.

- Daniel S., Cary, NC, US

problem #26

Jun 232014

Cherokee 3.2L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 300 miles

Shopped around for my first new car in 17 years. Couldn't afford the Grand Cherokee, loved how it drove and handled the road. Bought this Cherokee Limited after an extensive search in PA, and finally a dealer found it in Maryland who had one. Had it driven to the dealership and completed the purchase. I thought the transmission was shifting a bit hard in the beginning and took it back to the dealership with less than 500 miles on it. They told me I had to drive it at least 500 miles and it would "learn" my driving habits...Bull Sh*t! I took it to a different dealership, and they told me basically the same thing. So I drove it, and drove it...Winter comes...it gets twice as jerky when the temperature is below 50 degrees. And below freezing....whiplash. I am a Realtor, and it is beyond awkward to put a client in your brand new Jeep, and have to apologize for it's behavior. After reading all the complaints on here, I understand the frustrations. I have had it back for the "reprogram transmission and power train control modules" update on 3/11/15...even the dealer was hopeful for the fix...I'm sure he is extremely frustrated with his customers screaming at his face about the horrific transmissions in these vehicles. Needless to say, it only fixed the problem for about 3 days, and the jerking/hesitation was back. I wrote a letter to Chrysler via a survey and the only records of my complaint (when they responded) was with the original dealership...I guess their computers don't cross-reference regarding the VIN. One of the lines in the letter states "our dealerships have the factory training, equipment and information available to them to diagnose and CORRECT problems with our vehicles"...REALLY????? I was told by my current Jeep Dealership that they (Chrysler) have NOT solved this transmission problem as of yet, but was sure they were working on it.....I am sure glad Chrysler had NOT been involved in airplane engines or putting our astronauts into space...

- D. K., Collegeville, PA, US

problem #25

May 292015

Cherokee

  • Automatic transmission
  • 20,000 miles

I had been having a really bad jumping/lurching/banging when accelerating from a stop. It was not all the time, but i would say it happened at least 5 times a day. I brought it into Jeep to have it checked out when I had a recall done, and they told me that it was NORMAL and there was nothing they could do for the transmission, as it was how the 9 speeds worked (BULL S%!T).

Less then 2 weeks after the update my transmission DIED (car totally stopped working) while driving to work in rush hour traffic on Interstate 40 going 65 mph. I am LUCKY I was not killed. Its been a week and I still don't have my car back, and 2 of the loaner cars they gave me (with the same transmission) BOTH did the EXACT SAME THING.

- mchapman13, Apex, NC, US

problem #24

Feb 142014

Cherokee Sport

  • Automatic transmission
  • 10 miles

From the day I purchased this car, 2/14/14 (Valentines Day), it has shifted roughly. Jerking and violently shaking on a daily basis. I have not had this car for over a year and no one at the dealership has been able to fix it. They 'reset' the software and it runs better for a few days, but then goes back to shifting like an old wooden roller costar a few days later.

This was my first new car purchase and my first large purchase after graduating from collage. I feel violated and ripped off by Chrysler and the dealership I purchased the car from. I will never purchase another Chrysler vehicle! Worst car in the world.

- Kara K., Moore, OK, US

problem #23

Apr 012015

Cherokee Sport 4

  • Automatic transmission
  • 26,000 miles

2014 car and there is an issue with transmission at less than 30kms. Likely a new/untested 9 speed fiat transmission that will have more issues in future. Only time will tell. Doesn't make you feel good about your 30k+ purchase.

- Daniel S., Burlington, Canada

problem #22

Feb 092015

Cherokee

  • Automatic transmission
  • 15,000 miles

I purchased my wonderful NEW Jeep Cherokee Sport .. 2/19/2014 ... Previously owner Jeep Patriot (wasn't too happy with that one , but at least that one made it to San Francisco 4 times)

1st month I had new Jeep , rattling in under carriage under car ... When sitting with car door open & hit accelerator .okaaay , they fixed that. Trip to Northern California, April /2014 ... On our way UP hwy one .. To Big Sur (cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean) transmission decides NOT to shift ... Pretty scary...!! When it does shift , it does so with hard ' clunk' & we almost get whiplash.

Return home & take car to dealer in May/2014. Figure get 1st oil change since its been a few months ... Informed service person about the shifting problem ...'Oh yeah your car needs programming upgrade' for transmission..?? Huh ?? WTH... Upgrade for a transmission ... OKAAYY .. He tells me don't need it that day, it would take couple days for them to complete it ... So I'll bring it back. I go back few more times in 2014 ... No upgrade done. Car continues to shift hard, jerk & thunk throughout the holidays & new year.

Fast forward 2/2015 .. Upgrade done to transmission module ... Well now all ' heck' starts. Car drove smooth For ONE week, then back to short shifting, jerking, hard thunks, & slow accelerating (esp on ramp on freeway almost got hit by a Semi)

Forward to 4/6/15 .. Went to get gas, dashboard lights come on, stability control light, throttle control light. Flashing red. Car wants to shut off at traffic light ... .. Call dealer right away as I pull in gas station & tell them I'm bringing car in to dealer now. Get my gas, turn car back on, NOW engine light is on.

Get to dealer, engine light still on ... (other lights are off now), I checked gas Cap not cause of light. They take the car, call me later & tell me it was low tire that caused dashboard light malfunction & nail in tire (did NOT hear nail while driving, radio off, or see nail when dropped car off) ... Okay I take car home .. 3 days later & wait, sure enough 3 days later the proper on board display for tire pressure TELLS me tire low (got tire fixed then) .. Let dealer know all those lights & engine stall was NOT due to low tire.

4/20/15, car still stalling & ' jumping ' almost hit a wall trying to park car (due to transmission), and RPMS rev very high in 1st 4 gears .. Dealer did not believe till their mechanic went for ride with me, & car was stuck in 3. They keep car 1 week, replace valve body, I get car back 4/28/15. I drive car 50 miles same day, 30 minutes into ride car back to shifting hard. I'm told drive it ' couple hundred miles, it has to learn your driving ' ... Well this NINE SPEED transmission is retarded, cause it can NOT be taught.

Today my car is back at dealer (5/13/15) , I drove it 367 miles after repair was done (now they try to say OH it might take 400 miles) I escalated to Chrysler Corp (on 4/6/15, when 1st prob started) .. Now I'm told the FCA (FIAT/Chrysler auto) resolution team has my case, & will replace car ... I've called that person 10 times in 1 week (she has left messages , while I'm AT work) but she does not pick up phone . Lemon lawyer time ???? I think Yes

Update from Jul 11, 2015: Update : NEW transmission replaced this month ( JULY ) , yes I've been going back & forth for 3 months . I have has pleasure of driving , Jeep Compass , Chevy Cruze , infinity Q 70, and now Chrysler 200( 2015 ). Allllll of them shift waaaay better that 2014 jeep Cherokee sport . Jury is still out about new transmission , been driving it 3 days , thought I saw a leak and it still will not ' pick up ' when merging a freeway .

- debstra53, Long Beach, CA, US

problem #21

Mar 192015

Cherokee Trailhawk 2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 5,500 miles

The transmission shifts rough in the lower 3 gears. Some days are worse than others but it is always there. Also sometimes when you give it the gas to go it pauses for a few seconds then decides to go. Other times when you are coming to a stop the vehicle surges forward. It will also jump out of gear then back it making a loud clang sound.

The dealerships shop manager told us there is not a fix for it. There are software upgrades but they do not fix the problem. I have had one upgrade but it did nothing. The shop manager told me the newest upgrade make the transmission shift from 1st to 3rd, skipping 2nd. He also told me a replacement transmission would make it worse.

- coolhuh, Littleton, CO, US

problem #20

Mar 212015

Cherokee Limited

  • Automatic transmission
  • 20,000 miles

I purchased this Jeep in November of 2013. I started having problems with the gears shifting roughly and there was a vibrating noise. I mentioned the problem to the Service department at the dealership after I got an oil change. The guy assisting me called the mechanic over and asked him if he had time to listen to the problem. The mechanic stated that he had 900 things to do. About a week later I made an appointment concerning the transmission and there was an update done to the transmission and I was told to drive the Jeep for a week and the problem should be corrected. However, the problem was worst.

I contacted the Service department again and I had to bring the Jeep back. I was told that the transmission had to be replaced and that the mechanic had to wait to hear from Stars (warranty) and that the wait could take up to 24 hours. However, I was told that the Jeep was safe to drive. I refused to drive the Jeep and a rental service was called for me. The next week, I received a message stating that, the Jeep was ready. I arrived to get the Jeep on the following and as I drove off in the Jeep, the Hjeep was still hesitating with shifting gears.

I made it to my destination and as I proceeded to start the Jeep to leave the Jeep would not make a sound and there was a message, "service transmission." I could not get through to the service department and I had to call a guy, whom was off on that day, to help me. He works at the dealership in the Service department and he was able to get through to someone. I was placed in the third rental car and the Jeep had to be towed. I received a phone call from the service department on the next day, stating that my Jeep was ready. I advised the guy to advised the mechanics to drive the Jeep because it was still hesitating with shifting gears after a new transmission had been installed. The guy told me that it was going to seem weird and that there would be a few kinks and that I needed to drive the Heep for 2 to 3 days for the kinks to iron out. I told the guy that he could drive the Jeep for those 2 to 3 days.

I am going to get the Jeep in the morning.

- Regina C., Millen, GA, US

problem #19

Apr 142015

Cherokee Trailhawk 3.2L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 50,331 miles

Dealership stated that the rough gear shirting at 30kms could have been caused by using the ECO boost option or by keeping the option of mud/stone/snow etc on. I only smiled when the attendant walked me to the car to try to show me the ECO Boost button. Note to staff--make sure you know your vehicles--my vehicle does not have ECO boost. I also only use the snow option in the winter and only when needed. The dealership stated that it needed a software upgrade and that all should be fine. Drove it home---no---all is not fine.

- Anna E., Sunderland, ON, Canada

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