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 6 of 6)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #18

Mar 282015

Cherokee Limited I-4

  • Automatic transmission
  • 12,847 miles

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

Here is the timeline of the transmission problems on my 2014 I-4 Jeep Cherokee Limited. I have had problems since day 1! (It should be noted that my family has relied on the Chrysler brand for about 20 years and I have wanted a Jeep since I was young. That is the only car I ever wanted...not so much anymore!)

January 2014- Picked up the car from the dealership. Immediately brought it back. Something was not right and the car was not driving smoothly. I was told that I need to break in the engine. Sent on my way.

April 2014- First oil change. Mentioned the gear shifting problem to the dealership (though I did not realize that it was this problem. I just knew that something was not right). The guy I was dealing with ignored my complaint and told me that I needed to break in the engine (the car had over 500 miles on it, how much more breaking in does it need!) Sent on my way

August 2014-The check engine light(CEL) came on. Immediately brought the vehicle to the dealership. The "looked at the code" and told me that it was the gas cap (it was never the gas cap, they never actually looked at the car...and I sat there for a good 2+hrs!!) I also mentioned the gear shifting problem and once again I was told that I needed to break in the engine (the car had over 7,000 miles!!)

September 2014-December 2014- The CEL came on multiple times a week. I finally got in touch with the service woman that my family has been dealing with at the dealership for almost 20 years. She actually looked at the codes that the CEL was throwing out and decided to actually try and fix the car. I told her about the gear shifting problem but she could not figure out what the problem was since she did not want to immediately say that it was due to the CEL (it wasn't). But I did notice that the car was driving extremely roughly, and that my fuel consumption was messed up (using more fuel than normal). I found myself at the dealership multiple times a week.

Side note: I opened a case of my own with Jeep to try to get some compensation since I was paying for a car that was not drivable. I found out after the new year that the case manager no longer worked there and that my case had fallen by the wayside. The leasing company also never responded to my calls...very bad customer service in my opinion!

After working through the Jeep system, my case was escalated several time (multiple star cases), and it was finally figured out the it was a tiny piece on the fuel tank that controls the emissions.Once the piece was fixed, only the rough gear changes existed.

February 2015-Took the car in for an oil change (11,805 miles) and complained once again about the gear changing problems. They found that there was a recall on the transmission and installed a software update to fix the problem..HALLELUJAH! The problem was gone...or so I thought!

March 2015- The problem came back with vengeance! I found the car was having a lot of problems switching between gears 1-3. It would get stuck in gear and then jump to where it needed to be. This became a big problem when sitting in traffic, starting from a stop or yield. I also found that it was not accelerating like it should and my fuel consumption was once again messed up. The car would like hiccup, throwing me physically forward (thank goodness for seat belts).

Finally the car got stuck in gear so bad that when it finally moved to the proper gear, it threw me forward so bad that I got minor whiplash. My father and I took the car to the dealership immediately (my dad had not been involved with any of the problems prior to this). They took the car and finally were able to recreate the problem (that was 2 weeks ago).

My case was once again escalated (they do have a year's worth of complaints on this same issue!). They ordered a new transmission (or so I have been told...but I have not heard from the dealership for a few days). Chrysler/Jeep cannot figure out what the problem is...all they know is that transmission built when mine was built (November 2013 just after they restarted production) have problems.

Hopefully this new transmission will fix all the problems I have been dealing with. I love the car...just not the problems! Jeep's customer service totally stinks and I have quite a few complaints about my dealership (unfortunately it's the closes one to me). Overall my Jeep experience has been pretty bad (I had a horrible car buying experience...that should have been a sign!) but at least I haven't paid a dime in repairs and I have been given loaner cars (man do I miss my SUV).

It should be noted that my mother brought the same car 1.5 weeks after me, EXCEPT she got the V-6 engine, no insane sound system or 2 gear 4x4. She has not had ANY problems with her transmission...just with hitting a deer!

Update from Aug 18, 2015: Update: August 18, 2015 My transmission was replaced...eventually. I dropped the car off on March 28, 2015 and it took almost 2 months for Jeep to OK the replacement. Then parts were shipped damaged so it took longer to repair. Since the repair the transmission is definitely running better. What a difference between the 2014 and 2015 transmission.

Now if only they could actually fix some of the recalls! So far I have had 2 recalls on the airbag system, and now 1 for the power liftgate (which has given me problems since the spring!)

Overall, Chrysler could have treated me much better as a consumer (0...I repeat 0 compensation or help with the car), but I am glad that the car no longer gives me whiplash while changing gears!

- curlysf, West Caldwell, NJ, US

problem #17

Feb 092015

Cherokee Limited 3.2V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 932 miles

I purchased the Cherokee in December 2014. In Feb the transmission started making unusual noises and the car was harder to slow down using the brakes. It was taken to the dealership, where it has been ever since - about 4 weeks now. Initially they tried software updates and replacing some computer modules, then decided it was an issue with the transmission. The transmission has now been removed from the car. Apparently they know what the issue is but are waiting on the part - early on they told me they knew what the problem was but the replacement part was still being designed to ensure the problem did not repeat. Today they cannot tell me a date when the part will arrive having missed the date (23 March) which they told me it would arrive. The dealer told me they have 4 Cherokees at their dealership with the same problem.

- titanomachia, Melbourne, VIC, Australia

problem #16

Aug 312014

Cherokee Sport 2.4L I4

  • Automatic transmission
  • 7,100 miles

Rough shift through gear 1-3, unexpected accleration when release the gas, strange noise transfer from bottom of car.

- Jeff Y., Columbus, OH, US

problem #15

Jun 052014

Cherokee Latitude V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 7,350 miles

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

This car sucks! A week after we got it, notice the car was not changing gears properly, goes into neutral in lower gears, doesn't engage into gear properly, step on the gas and noting happens for 5 seconds. Almost lead to a crash. Totally unpredictable! Sometimes it is fine and other times transmission makes the car sound like I just rear ended someone. Scary to drive.

Reported it to the dealer right away, they had us bring the car in to flash the transmission. Didn't help. Called them back and brought the car back. They told us that there was nothing they could do, it was a "known issue". Feel like I am in a waiting game for the car to cause a major accident. Just when I think its OK it does something (either go into neutral, slams into gear, or not respond to gas) and I am afraid all over again.

- Denise S., San Diego, CA, US

problem #14

Nov 112014

Cherokee Limited 2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 14 miles

Worse new vehicle I have ever owned. Jeep has a major problem with the 2014 cherokee 9 speed transmissions. This transmission would jerk, downshift and upshift irractically. Finally fixed after 5th software upgrade for transmission. Really disappointed in Jeep.

- Frank H., Aurora, OH, US

problem #13

Mar 012014

Cherokee V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 8,600 miles

My Jeep is 9 months old and has been back at the dealer 5 times. All for the same issue. It shifts roughly and also has a shimmy when accelerating at a lower speed. First they replaced the axle. No change, then they replaced the transmission. Still no change. I love everything else about my Jeep, just can't handle the shimmy that they cannot get fixed. I don't know where to go from here, except to contact a lawyer and file lemon law.

- paulany, North Tonawanda, NY, US

problem #12

Oct 032014

Cherokee Limited 2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 10,210 miles

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

Transmission started downshifting really harsh for about 2,000 miles (~ 8,000 - 10,000 miles). This was then replaced by an extreme downshift going from 5th gear to 4th gear. Upon slowing down, the automatic shift from 5th to 4th was done by an increase in RPM and engine revving. The vehicle either sped up about 5 miles per hour, or was very jerky in the breaking as the car lurched forward. The car was brought in for service on October 4, 2014 after the service transmission light came on. The technician found an error code for the car failing to enter 9th gear as well as the downshift issue into 4th gear. The transmission was replaced at about 10,500 miles under warranty. It cost $0 to get replaced but took 45 days. About 1 month after the transmission replacement, the downshifting issue started again - high RPM and engine revving as it completes the shift from 5th to 4th gear.

- Brian R., Baltimore, MD, US

problem #11

Aug 052014

Cherokee Limited 4 cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 5,500 miles

Bought Jeep Cherokee Limited in May 2014. First couple of months were a clean and joyful ride. Later I noticed the transmission issues. Hard shift of gears and when I accelerate my vehicle, it doesn't get to the speed. Vehicle literally does not move. Sometimes its very smooth. When reversing the Jeep makes too much noise. I can hear it in my vehicle.

- Krishna M., West Des Moines, IA, US

problem #10

Apr 092014

Cherokee Trailhawk 2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 243 miles

the shifting around the 20 mph mark was slow, then jerked into gear, very hard shift after hesitation at the 40 mph mark.

- ralphgraham, Wilkes Barre, PA, US

problem #9

Sep 032014

Cherokee Limited 3.2L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 300 miles

The vehicle drives with a jerky motion while in 2nd gear. It goes away as soon as it shifts in 3rd gear. By now there have already been so many compaints about the same issue on carcomplaints.com and nhtsa.gov . It's time that Jeep acknowledges the problem and fix it.

- kislay, Calverton, NY, US

problem #8

Jun 232014

Cherokee Trailhawk I4

  • Automatic transmission
  • 1,200 miles

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

First off, I would like to thank everyone on here for sharing their stories, makes me feel better to know I am not actually crazy. My 2014 Cherokee Trailhawk has been a nightmare, so far of the 4 months I have actually had it, have only experienced 1200 miles of that new car feel, which was about 2 weeks.

My problems stared at 1200 miles, noticed hard shifting, and when coming to a stop, the trans would downshift hard and surge forward with the rpms jumping while foot on the brake to 3000rpm. Took it in, was told a software update was done, good as new. Picked it up and at the 3rd stop it started again. Had it back in, got the "could not duplicate" excuse, nothing was wrong. In a heated discussion with the dealer, had actually been accused of having buyers remorse.

Continued driving it this way, decided to take it into another dealer for a 2nd opinion. When riding with tech, commented that it was slow to downshift, checked for software updates, nothing at this time.

Continued driving for another week, finally had enough and called the dealer I purchased from and either wanted the Jeep replaced or fixed. Feared a safety concern as I was either going to rear end someone or run someone over in cross walk. They took it back and and worked with Chrysler, as I also set up a case with Chrysler Customer Care, which is a joke btw. Anyway, long story short, Chrysler installed a new transmission at 2600 miles, my Jeep sat at the dealer for 3 weeks awaiting a transmission. Very frustrating, has not even had 1st oil change! During this process, I tried working with Chrysler Customer Care on what they offer as a "Buy Back Review". For whatever reason, it kept getting kicked back.. 4 times, and they could not tell me why, or even if accepted or denied. Felt like this has been a stall tactic.

So now my Jeep has a new transmission, dealer has had for 3 weeks, done many road tests and it is returned to me making a loud grinding noise in drive & reverse. Dealer claimed to have bent a heat shield during installation of the trans, but never noticed this during road tests.

My Jeep has not been the same since, I have given up one set of problems for another. I have put about 2500 miles on the new transmission. It shifts extremely hard, feel like I have a manual trans, loud during acceleration, sounds like a god dam wind up toy, in stop and go traffic, really jerking, likes to surge forward, loud clunking noises, front end feels weird, lack of power, feels like it drags. I have also noticed a coolant smell inside the cabin. I have had it in and been told that everything is OK and normal. Really?

Chrysler Customer Care has been of no assistance whatsoever, even denied the reimbursement of a monthly payment while sitting at the dealer they offered as a good will. I have tried to trade this pos in, but of course, there is that new car depreciation and I am now upside down. I refuse to pay the out of pocket difference because I have a defective product and Chrysler nor the purchasing dealer does not wish to stand behind it.

All I can say, if you are reading these complaints and thinking about a new Cherokee.. DON'T! I hate mine and cannot wait to shove it up Chrysler's butt. I hate having to drive it everyday, between the hard shifting and extremely noisy engine when accelerating. And then I still have to make payments.. uhgg!

I am throwing the towel in, I have hired an attorney to go after Lemon Law, this is my only way out.

Good luck to all those out there who are having ongoing issues with yours. I have never experienced such a pile of crap in my life!

- strikeball2013mp, Warrenville, IL, US

problem #7

Jul 302014

Cherokee Latitude 3.2L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 300 miles

tranny jerks and hesitates when shifting...30-45 mph Transmission is not smooth, it shifts rough at low speeds, hesitates then grabs fast causing neck jerk..take your foot off gas and car slows down dramatically , it does not coast..like something is holding it back. This problem is extremely noticeable at speeds between 30-40 mph . Also noticeable when starting from a light or stop sign ir any stopped mode.car does not move immediately then catches all at once. It is very annoying and difficult to drive especially in traffic, just doesn't 't feel safe. I plan to take it in to the dealership within the next two weeks. I've already had it back three times for front end/ suspension issues that started when I drove it off the lot. I am still getting over the cavalier way I was treated at the dealership as if the problem was MY fault. 3x back to the dealer in a two week period, I can't afford to be taking off all that time, especially for a brand new vehicle. I am going to file the front end issue complaint with this site right now and will keep you apprised as to what transpired when I take it back for the transmission problem. Thanks.

Update from May 15, 2015: Hi'yall, Wow...complaints keepa comin'! My tranny situation never really improved..I'm at just short of 5,000 miles and got a recall noticed for a reflash on the the tranny...took in in day after Easter and asked the service staff if this would finally fix the problem? I got some furtive looks, a few guffaws and an outright giggle...

Ok, this was an early Monday morning after a Holiday...everyone looked hungover..they did the recall reflash No improvement whatsoever...maybe even worse...

To add insult to injury, my CEL light came on yesterday.. WTF? Have to make another appt. with this devious band of stonewallers. I happened to run into a woman on Mothers Day at the cemetery, she had the exact same car as me, same dealership same problems and MORE! She fioed lemon Law..Suit Dealership is giving her a brand new 2015 cherokee next week, so she says...I hope those devious bastids don't renege on the deal... I bought my Cherokee envisioning a trip to Fl. And to drive it on the sand Surf Fishing like I did with my old Wrangler... Oh, Hell No! I afraid to even drive it to the supermarket. Peace, Luke

- luke17, Trenton, NJ, US

problem #6

May 052014

Cherokee Limited 4cil

  • Automatic transmission
  • 1,200 miles

OK- So this car has been the WORST!!!!! I purchased the vehicle back in May and after having for a few days I noticed that the whole vehicle would shake when shifting from 1st to 2nd (around 9-13mph). I then noticed a loud grinding noise when the vehicle was in reverse. I called the shop and they told me to bring it in. I did

1st time- they told me.. we didn't find anything wrong, this is how a Jeep drives. I found this odd ( this is prob the 7th car I have owned and never had this issue before). I thought maybe it was just me. I picked up the car and let my husband drive it.. he also noticed the issue.

I decided it was not acceptable for a vehicle to drive like this so I took it back in. This time they said yes- we were able to see the same issues- it's a motor mount... Chrysler is aware of the issue but there is NO new part available at this time.. we will call you when we know something......

About 2 days later we had a pretty heavy rain- I go to get into the car and notice water on the INSIDE and on the headliner the windows were up.. I took it back in and found the vehicle was not welded correctly so they welded it. They left the headline stained and said they would fix that when I brought the vehicle back for the mount.

In the meantime I noticed that the vehicle would NOT go when I would hit the gas- it would then jump forward. It would also accelerate when I would brake vehicle and jump forward. I have to avoid taking the freeway as the vehicle does not accelerate when I hit the gas so I would probably get hit attempting to do so ( pretty sad I fear taking a BRAND NEW CAR on the road). I also can't clear an intersection in a timely manner.. INSANE

We took a family trip from Ohio to Florida ( which was awful due to the issue stated above) about 2 hours in we noticed a strong gas smell, we thought maybe it was the area we were driving through. Then we kept smelling it and everyone including my 2 small kids ( 2&5) said they did not feel well. We pulled over and noticed a VERY strong odor of gas- ( the vehicle had about 4k miles on it at this point) I called the dealership and they told me to find someplace to take it- ugh. a) we are on vacation!!!! this is not what I want to do b) I was not able to find anyone that would take it that day or the next.

We kept going and had to leave windows open.. It did the same thing on the way home. I took it to the shop the day we got back. They looked at the vehicle and said they couldn't find anything wrong?!?! Uh no! They finally test drove it and noticed the smell.. They found that a clip was not installed correctly causing the gas fumes to go INTO the vehicle . REALLY?!?!?!?!

I asked about the mount at this time and was told no new info. I waited a few weeks and again nothing available at this point. I decided to call Chrysler and file a complaint. I was assigned to Sherry.

I told Sherry all the issues and she said I needed to take it back to the shop- again... I did so. THIS time the shop told me it was NEVER the mount- it was an issue with how the transmission was programmed and it just needed to be redone. They called a few days later and said. PROBLEM SOLVED! YOUR VEHICLE WILL NO LONGER GRIND IN REVERSE AND WILL NO LONGER SHAKE. They went as far to PROMISE me.

I pulled away from the dealership and noticed the shaking right away. I wanted to scram... I called the dealership back and left them a message. I also called Sherry at Chrysler and left her a messages.

She finally called back a few days later and told me I needed to take it to ANOTHER dealership to get another opinion... I took it to another, they said that they were not able to get it to shake ( I fell this is total BS as anyone that gets in my car feels it) but they did hear the grinding in reverse but that ALL 2014 AND 2015 Cherokee's do it and that it was NORMAL for this vehicle !!!! ARE YOU KIDDING ME!>!>?>!/!?!? THIS IS NOT NORMAL FOR ANY vehicle .

THE CHEROKEE CLEARLY HAS AN ISSUE AND CHRYSLER WILL NOT RECALL THE VEHICLE!!!!!

I spoke to Sherry and she said that the shop told her vehicle functions as normal and there is nothing they can do.

I am beyond angry and disappointed in Jeep. This has been the biggest pain EVER. I even have video of the noise the vehicle makes and everyone is acting like I am the crazy one. This whole situation is INSANE.

I do not even know what to do anymore. I do not feel safe driving this vehicle. I feel myself and my family my be hurt and Chrysler does not care and I don't think they will until someone or perhaps a large amount of people die or suffer serious injuries from their inability to accept that there is something wrong with this car.

I WILL NEVER AGAIN PURCHASE A CHRYSLER PRODUCT AND I WILL TELL EVERYONE I KNOW!!!!!!!!!

- Brandy K., Powell, OH, US

problem #5

Jul 202014

Cherokee Latitude 2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 2,100 miles

Have talked to and read many complaints on the transmission. Mine went out while driving and almost didn't make it home. Would not shift gear, would not go into reverse, and lost power in pedal. Very dissatisfied!

- angellptx, Mansfield, TX, US

problem #4

May 122014

Cherokee Limited

  • Automatic transmission
  • 2,000 miles

Erratic shifting, both upshifting and downshifting. Causes car to jerk forward when down and up shifting. Car came to a complete stopped then lunged forward causing me to bump into another car. The car down shifted then felt like it was in neutral then jumped into gear again and jumped forward. This car has less than 4000 miles on it now and has been in the shop twice to address this issue since we had it, but the issue still exists. I am deeply worried about this since my wife is afraid to drive the car at times now. It's not clear what Chrysler was thinking when they released vehicles with faulty transmissions. Not only is this a safety issue, this problem also devalues the car. Who would want to purchase or accept this car as a trade-in with a known transmission problem?

- S J., Bryans Road, MD, US

problem #3

May 032014

Cherokee Latitude

  • CVT transmission
  • 2,000 miles

This has been the WORST, MOST HORRIFIC experience I've ever had to go through!!!

I bought a new 2014 jeep Cherokee on March 25th to have it in service twice already because the engine is grinding and screeching every time we accelerate, the transmission knocks when we change gears, and there is a clicking coming from behind the dash board every time we shift.

I take the car in to be looked at to be told there is nothing wrong with the car (are you kidding me!?). To have the same problems with the engine and take it back again on May 17th, have a tech acknowledge there is a problem with the engine, have the car in the service area for over a month waiting for this invisible factory representative that supposedly came by on Monday, June 23rd, test drove the car, and said, "yes, this is normal. This is a new engine and its supposed to do that" (again, ARE YOU KIDDING ME!!!??).

I specifically asked to be informed when the factory rep was there so I could address MY concerns (after all it just happens to be MY car!) with him/her....no one informed me; I'm told via a Chrysler rep, after the fact, whose only vague answer is to say, "your car is running at factory specifications." Jeep Sansone Service NEVER updates me or calls me back and I'm always the one reaching out for updates.

I've asked for copies/records of the service details each time I was there so that I could confirm that my concerns were properly documented, to be told they could not provide me those documents till my car was fixed...I HAVE YET TO RECEIVE ANYTHING!!!

I was told that since I may not have had many cars, which would limit my experience with how engines and transmissions normally sound/work, I wouldn't be able to tell if a car is working normally (how VERY male chauvinistic of your service department!!!)

So, in response I asked to compare my car to a brand new car on your lot, told that I could but once I got to the dealership, I wasn't able to drive anything or compare anything. "No need since we know there is a problem with your engine...the good news is that your not lying, the bad news is there is something wrong with your engine."

So, if one of your techs acknowledges there is a problem, how the hell does this supposed factory rep just come in, test drive the car, and dub it "working at factory specifications" !!!??? That leads me to believe either your products are made at sub-standard quality, or this is just Chrysler not taking responsibility for a defective car.

Not only won't the fix the engine but after talking to the case manager assigned to me by Chrysler (Jenny, who says she is my advocate), she tells me that there is nothing she can do, they won't fix the car and that I need to go pick it up.

I asked if I could speak to the factory rep so that I could voice my concerns and he or she could explain to me why this is "normal", I was told no, it's against our policy.

I asked if I could have another factory rep look at the car...I was told no.

I asked if I could get the factory reps diagnosis in writing...I was told no.

I asked if I could get documents or records of what the tests the factory rep performed...I was told no, it's against our policy to provide anything in writing.

I asked if I could get a copy of those policies...I was told no, it is against our policy to share our policies.

I asked if I could compare my engine to another car to see if it normal...I was told that is up to the dealership.

I asked her to send me an email so that I could list my requests and she could list her responses in writing and she told me that would send me an email but that she would not put anything in writing.

I asked for the contact information for her litigation department to provide me lawyer...she told me no, that it was against policy to give me that.

Jeep took my money, give me a defective car and all I get are Nos...I HATE JEEP CHRYSLER!!!!!!

- Kenia M., Highland Park, NJ, US

problem #2

Feb 032014

Cherokee Limited 2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 750 miles

Shifts very roughly from time to time mostly at lower speeds. My wife actually thought we had been hit from behind one time it was so rough. Hope this isn't going to be another Chrysler Transmission Problem like the two Grand Voyagers we owned.

- Jack L., Middletown, MD, US

problem #1

Jan 162014

Cherokee Limited 2.4L 4 cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 7 miles

Noticed the rough shifting on test drive. Noted it to salesman who said bring it in and should be just a computer adjustment. Computer showed nothing wrong. Got it back in same condition. Most noticeable 1st to 2nd and 2nd to 3rd. Hard down shift from 2nd to 1st. Can't quite "hear" a metal on metal clunk but can certainly feel it. Car lunges forward when it does this. Scared a little boy in a crosswalk with his mom and if she had not caught he would have fallen. None of this is consistant but more than 50% of the time. A 2 mile test drive will easily identify the problem I stated.

- jrlongsdorf, Rantoul, IL, US

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