Research · Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD

2014 Jeep CherokeeRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 13 safety recalls and 2,651 owner complaints for the 2014 Jeep Cherokee. Most complaints involve power train (1,471) and engine (516). The EPA rates it 20–25 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 4 stars overall.

Combined MPG
20–25mpg
EPA · 8 versions
NHTSA overall
4of 5 stars
NCAP crash tests
Safety recalls
13campaigns
Latest May 2023
Owner complaints
2,651
Top: power train
Fuel cost / yr
$2,550est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

13 NHTSA campaigns · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN

Electrical system: rear compartment

Park outsideFree remedy

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Jeep Cherokee vehicles equipped with a power liftgate. An electrical short in the power liftgate module may lead to a vehicle fire with the ignition on or off.

Electrical systemReported May 11, 2023NHTSA 23V338000

Power train: differential unit

Free remedy

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2017 Jeep Cherokee vehicles equipped with a two-speed Power Transfer Unit (PTU). Relative movement in the Power Transfer Unit (PTU) between the differential input splines and the transmission output shaft may cause some input spline teeth to wear off, which may eventually cause a loss of engagement between the transmission and the differential inside the PTU. If this occurs, power cannot be transferred between the front wheels and the transmission which results in a loss of drive while the vehicle is in motion and a loss of the Park function while stationary.

Power trainReported Jun 11, 2020NHTSA 20V343000

Power train: automatic transmission

Free remedy

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014 Jeep Cherokee vehicles equipped with 3.2L engines. In the event that a clutch becomes stuck in the transmission, the transmission software may shift the transmission to neutral.

Power trainReported Jun 13, 2019NHTSA 19V447000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 4, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

2,651 complaints filed with NHTSA · Jan 2014 – Oct 2026
  1. Power train1,471
  2. Engine516
  3. Electrical system450
  4. Fuel/propulsion system186
  5. Vehicle speed control185
  6. Service brakes184
  7. Steering119
  8. Structure110
  9. Electronic stability control (esc)88

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

By model year

Complaints for each Cherokee model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
1996450
19971,380
19992,004
20001,829
20011,111
20142,651
20151,794
20161,413
20171,338
2018688
20191,673
2020334
2021177
202252
20233
20260
Crashes reported
56
Fires reported
16
Injuries reported
39
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 4, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Power train

1,471 reports19 crashes7 fires
“Active Drive 2 PTU failure caused Jeep to lose power on roadway forcing me to try to get to shoulder quickly to avoid blocking traffic or being rear ended. The part is available. I haven’t sent to dealership due to financial constraints. There are numerous incidents and even a recall for similar 2 speed PTUs sold on 2014+ Jeep cherokees. Recall only covered certain VINs and not all vehicles with this same PTU. But there have been many more instances of failure from the PTUs not included in the recall or warranty extension. The svc 4wd light came on when the issue occurred. Had to have vehicle towed as it would not move under own power safely.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 8, 2026Power trainODI 11769930

Engine

516 reports8 crashes7 fires
“The transmission light went on. Car was brought into dealership two times while still under warranty. They did not have a fix and PTU was on back order for over a year in 2017. I am now resorting to pay out of pocket. I had a PTU shipped from a Jeep dealer in Louisiana. PTU from them was not new but had come off another car and was charged $2,300. I sent it back because it was used at that time I was working and was going to pay out of pocket. I was not going to pay to install a used transmission. Regardless there is as no fix. Then in May of this year the check engine light came on. This was another problem that the Jeep dealership cannot fix. Now I have a paid for car that cannot be driven because it cannot be smogged. It has the Pentastar V6 engine. There is no fix for either problem I understand and I am retired and cannot afford these repairs. I asked the manufacturer in writing to buy the car back and they said no. Can I get some help? This was going to be my last car. Jeep dealer offered $200 for the car. My all weather tires are worth more than the car. I’ve changed oil on time using synthetic oil and have otherwise taken good care of this car. I…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 6, 2026Power train, Unknown or other, EngineODI 11769410

Electrical system

450 reports6 crashes9 fires
“The contact purchased a 2014 Jeep Cherokee. It was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the mileage was 114,000, and at the time of registration, it was discovered that the mileage was 216,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 29, 2026Electrical systemODI 11774521
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 4, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

8 versions rated by the EPA
EPA class
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD, Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
Engines
2.4L 4-cyl · 3.2L 6-cyl
Transmissions
Automatic 9-spd
Drive
Front-Wheel Drive · All-Wheel Drive · 4-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Regular Gasoline

Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.

Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 4, 2026EPA listing
05 —Fuel economy

EPA fuel economy by version

City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
VersionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Cherokee FWD
Auto 9-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L · Front-Wheel Drive
213025$2,550361
Cherokee 4WD
Auto 9-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L · All-Wheel Drive
212823$2,800378
Cherokee 4WD Active Drive II
Auto 9-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L · 4-Wheel Drive
212723$2,800385
Cherokee 4WD
Auto 9-spd, 6 cyl, 3.2 L · All-Wheel Drive
192622$2,900412
Cherokee FWD
Auto 9-spd, 6 cyl, 3.2 L · Front-Wheel Drive
192822$2,900401
Cherokee Trailhawk 4WD
Auto 9-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L · 4-Wheel Drive
192522$2,900411
Cherokee 4WD Active Drive II
Auto 9-spd, 6 cyl, 3.2 L · 4-Wheel Drive
192621$3,050417
Cherokee Trailhawk 4WD
Auto 9-spd, 6 cyl, 3.2 L · 4-Wheel Drive
182520$3,200440
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 4, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

2 tested variants
Overall rating
4/ 5
4 of 5
Jeep Cherokee SUV 2WD
Frontal crash
4 of 5
Side crash
5 of 5
Side pole
5 of 5
Rollover
4 of 5
Rollover risk
17.4%
Overall
4 / 5
Jeep Cherokee SUV 4WD
Frontal crash
4 of 5
Side crash
5 of 5
Side pole
5 of 5
Rollover
4 of 5
Rollover risk
16.9%
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 4, 2026Vehicle 8503Vehicle 8502
07 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi6–12 monthsFollow the oil-life monitor if fitted
Tire rotation5,000–7,500 miEvery oil changeCheck pressure monthly
Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi1–2 yearsSooner in dusty areas
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–3 yearsAbsorbs moisture over time
Coolant60,000–100,000 mi5–10 yearsLong-life coolants last longer
Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi—Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end
12V battery—3–5 yearsHeat shortens battery life
  • Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
    6–12 months
  • Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
    Every oil change
  • Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Brake fluid—
    2–3 years
  • Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
    5–10 years
  • Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
    —
  • 12V battery—
    3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
09 —FAQ

2014 Cherokee questions

How many recalls does the 2014 Jeep Cherokee have?

13 safety recalls as of Nov 4, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.

What are the most common 2014 Jeep Cherokee problems?

Owners filed 2,651 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are power train (1,471), engine (516), electrical system (450). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2014 Jeep Cherokee get?

The EPA rates the 2014 Jeep Cherokee at 20–25 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (8 versions rated).

How safe is the 2014 Jeep Cherokee?

NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2014 Jeep Cherokee 4 out of 5 stars overall.

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 4, 2026