Engine oil cooler leaking. Car has 69000 miles and the plastic engine oil cooler mounted on the engine block is leaking. Seals are bad because of the design of the part. Multiple 2014 cherokees have this issue. Known issue for local dealer. Significant fluid buildup under the car and monthly need to refill oil with issue.
2014 Jeep Cherokee engine problems
moderate 168 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $3,100 · see engine across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
168
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
When does it fail?
Of the 168 engine complaints filed for the 2014 Jeep Cherokee, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 50,000-75,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Owners have filed 168 engine complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Among the 8 model years of Jeep Cherokee in our records for engine problems, this one ranks #2 by owner-complaint volume.
The failure pattern owners describe
Buyer takeaway: 2014 Cherokee owners report the engine stalls unexpectedly without warning across all speeds, often due to excessive oil consumption that dealers claim is normal. Multiple repairs, software updates, and even engine/transmission replacements have not permanently solved the stalling problem for many owners, making this a genuine safety concern before purchase.
Owners of 2014 Jeep Cherokee report severe engine stalling without warning while driving at all speeds (10–70 mph), often on highways. Many stalls occur when oil levels drop critically low—sometimes with no low-oil warning light or clear gauge reading. Dealers attribute stalling to excessive oil consumption, often telling owners consumption is "within spec," yet owners report needing oil top-ups every 750–2,000 miles instead of the 5,000–6,000 mile intervals owners expect. Stalls happen suddenly, sometimes mid-turn or at intersections, creating collision hazards. Some owners add 20+ quarts of synthetic oil per year.
When oil gets too low, the engine shuts down as a "safety feature" per Chrysler, but owners get no warning light. Owners report multiple dealer visits with no resolution, sometimes being told the car is safe to drive when stalling persists. Check engine lights illuminate frequently with codes like U0402, P0302, and P1042. Some vehicles need new engines ($6,000+) or transmission replacements ($11,000+) due to stalling-related damage. Fuel pump failures, oil filter housing leaks (plastic part), and transmission limp-mode episodes also appear. One owner had a valve spring failure requiring cylinder head rebuild at 91,000 miles after repeated stalls. Dealers often can't diagnose the problem, and Chrysler customer service has not resolved complaints.
Same Jeep Cherokee engine reports on nearby years: 2015 · 2016 · 2017
Failure modes owners describe
Excessive oil consumption causing engine stall
Engine consumes oil far faster than normal, oil level drops critically low, engine shuts down as a safety feature to prevent seizure. No low-oil warning light alerts driver before stall.
When: First occurrence often within 6,000 miles of purchase; recurring throughout ownership, sometimes every 1,000 miles or every refuel
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle stalls without warning while driving; Oil level dangerously low between scheduled changes; No low-oil indicator light illuminates; Stalling occurs every 750–2,000 miles when oil needs top-up; Check engine light illuminates; Engine runs rough or loses power mid-drive
Codes mentioned: P0302, P1042, U0402
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers perform oil consumption tests that show consumption within acceptable limits per TSB 09-007-15 (1 quart per 750–2,000 miles); owner disputes this standard. Some owners required engine replacement. One owner reports fuel pump replacement did not resolve issue. Oil filter housing failure (plastic part) found in some cases.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Jeep TSB 09-007-15 documents acceptable oil consumption. Some owners cite recall U63 and V69. No recall issued for excessive consumption. Chrysler told one owner stalling is a 'safety feature' and owner must monitor oil every 750 miles; complaint closed without further action.
Engine stall with loss of motive power and electrical collapse
Engine and all systems suddenly shut down while driving. Vehicle loses power steering, acceleration, and electrical function. Restart may take multiple attempts or 30+ minutes. No diagnostic codes or warning lights appear before failure.
When: Within first 13 months of ownership; some occur after 1,000–50,000 miles; incidents at various speeds (10–70 mph), on highways, intersections, and residential areas
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle shuts down or stalls suddenly while in motion; Complete loss of motive power; All warning lights illuminate or screens go black; Message 'place car in park to shift' appears; Gauges drop to zero; Vehicle will not accelerate after restart; Electronic throttle control light flashes; Electronic stability control light flashes
Codes mentioned: U0402, P0975
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers replace transmission module, computer system, battery, alternator, or electrical wiring harness with inconsistent results. One owner spent $1,232 on transmission replacement. Some owners report dealer found no diagnostic codes. One transmission control module (TCM) and powertrain control module (PCM) software update (TSB 18-031-14, TSB 21-043-15) provided temporary relief but stalls returned. Owner reports video documentation of stalls but dealership claims no codes found.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Some recalls issued: U63, V69, recall for transaxle wire harness (Campaign S55/NHTSA 16V-529). Recall V69 did not resolve code U0402 per one owner. Jeep told one owner transmission replacement ($11,000) necessary due to code U0402 noted since 2018 while under warranty but dismissed by dealer. Another owner reports Jeep/Chrysler did not follow up on service cases or provide loaner vehicles during repair delays.
Transmission jerking, surging, and harsh shifting
ZF 9-speed transmission exhibits jerky, lurching, or surging behavior during acceleration and deceleration. Vehicle hesitates 5–10 seconds to shift gears or becomes stuck in neutral mid-road. Hard shifts between low gears. Vehicle surges forward when slowing down.
When: Symptoms present immediately after purchase or within first 13 months; recurring despite multiple repairs
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission jerks or lurches during shifts; Delayed gear engagement (5–10 seconds); Vehicle stuck in neutral in middle of road; Hard shifts between 1st and 2nd or 2nd and 3rd gear; Surges forward while slowing down; Check transmission light illuminates; 'Service transmission' message appears
Codes mentioned: U0402
Repairs/costs cited: Owner reports dealership performed 7 visits and system software updates over 2+ years with no resolution. One owner had transmission replaced at 23,500 miles, then same issues recurred requiring second transmission replacement. Owner paid for parts related to transmission service; dealer adjusted transmission settings and parts with no permanent fix.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Jeep released article 'Jeep recalls 2014 Cherokee again as ZF Nine-Speed Transmission Problems continue' (Clifford Atiyeh, 07/08/2019). Owner reports not receiving this recall. Software updates applied per dealer but ineffective. One owner completed arbitration with Jeep but Jeep declined to replace vehicle.
Variable valve actuator assembly failure
Variable valve actuator (VVA) assembly fails, causing loss of power, shaking, and cylinder misfire. One owner reports catastrophic failure: broken valve spring in cylinder, roller spun into camshaft, VVA collapsed, loose rocker, head and camshaft damaged.
When: 78,000 miles; another case at 91,000 miles with repair bill $6,785 for cylinder head rebuild
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light illuminates; Vehicle shakes and loses power on highway; Engine seizures or chugging; Cylinder misfire codes; Unable to complete turns without stalling
Codes mentioned: P1042, P0302
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer replaced variable valve actuator assembly. One owner paid independent mechanic for VVA replacement but same codes and failures recurred; returned to dealer third time for same issue. Another owner required cylinder head rebuild, roller replacement, camshaft replacement at Maguire Jeep/Chrysler dealer.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer notified; Jeep assigned case manager per one complaint but no resolution reported. Owner had to pay diagnostic fees despite finding codes with own code reader.
Fuel pump failure and stalling after refueling
Vehicle stalls or shuts down after refueling, particularly when fuel tank is full or overfilled. Engine hesitates or won't accelerate immediately after refuel. Fuel pump module fails. Long delays for replacement parts (30+ days).
When: Within first 36,500 miles; occurring repeatedly over 12+ months
Symptoms owners cite: Engine shuts off after refueling; Vehicle hesitates or won't accelerate after fill-up; Stalling occurs every time vehicle is refueled; Check engine light illuminates; Loud abnormal sound from engine
Codes mentioned: Catalytic converter failure codes
Repairs/costs cited: Fuel pump replaced. Catalytic converter inner part found missing in one case; converter replaced but hesitation and noise persisted after software update. One owner had fuel pump on back-order for 30+ days.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer advised that problem 'happens when car is overfilled' despite owner stopping when pump handle clicks off. Jeep Campaign Number for Powertrain Control Module referenced in one case; software update did not resolve issue. No loaner vehicle offered during 30+ day wait.
Plastic oil filter housing leakage
Plastic oil filter housing fails and leaks, spilling oil onto exhaust manifold and engine compartment. Part is known industry-wide to fail frequently, yet Jeep continues using plastic instead of metal. Back-orders exceed 40,000 units.
When: 54,600 miles reported; timing varies
Symptoms owners cite: Large amount of oil underneath vehicle; Oil leaks into exhaust manifold; Oil leaks throughout engine compartment
Repairs/costs cited: Oil filter housing replacement required, cost $1,000–$1,300. Back-order of 40,000+ parts reported; Jeep has not expedited manufacturing or offered loaner vehicles or trade-in assistance. No metal alternative offered despite widespread industry knowledge.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall issued. Jeep has not explained timeline for correcting the issue or provided customer assistance. One owner reports all Jeep dealers and independent shops confirm the problem is well-known but Jeep has not acted.
Engine overheating and check engine light
Engine overheats with check engine light illuminated. Vehicle loses motive power or cannot maintain normal operating temperature. One recall cited for overheating but not repaired by dealer.
When: Occurring at various mileage points; one case ongoing despite recall service attempt
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light illuminates; Engine overheats; Thermometer shows temperature rising all the way up; Vehicle loses motive power; Overheating warnings appear
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer attempted recall repair but problem recurred. Owner reports car now sitting in garage with unresolved warnings.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall exists for overheating (mentioned by owner but recall number not provided). Dealer service did not permanently fix issue. Jeep closed complaint without resolution.
Transmission control module and electrical wiring harness failures
Transmission control module (TCM) or electrical wiring harness fails, causing loss of power, stalling, or inability to shift properly. Code U0402 persists despite recalls and repairs.
When: Code U0402 present since 2018 in one case; wiring failures at 150,000 miles in another
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle loses motive power or stalls; Transmission will not shift properly; Code U0402 appears and returns after repair; Multiple service attempts fail to resolve
Codes mentioned: U0402
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer attempted electrical wiring harness replacement but Jeep later said harness was not the cause. One owner obtained transmission replacement estimate of $11,000 to address persistent code U0402. Owner cites code was documented in 2018 while under warranty but dealer was instructed not to worry about it.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recalls issued (U63, V69) but code U0402 returned after service. Jeep told one owner warranty had expired despite code being documented in-warranty. Jeep/dealership blamed each other for resolution responsibility ('ping-pong'). DMV inspection failures due to unresolved code U0402.
Battery and alternator failures with loss of power
Battery or alternator fails, causing loss of motive power, inability to start, or vehicle dying while driving. Sometimes accompanied by electrical wiring issues or unrelated codes.
When: Occurring at various mileage points; one case at 150,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle loses motive power while driving; Vehicle will not start; Battery light flashes on dashboard; Vehicle shakes and jerks after restart; Multiple restart attempts required
Repairs/costs cited: Battery and alternator replaced by dealer; failure recurred. One owner purchased parts for wiring harness replacement but dealer then said harness was not the cause.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer replaced battery and alternator but problem returned. Manufacturer made aware but issue unresolved.
Synthesized from 168 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
My 2014 Jeep cherokee has randomly been popping up a must be in park to shift message followed by the battery sign and then just stalling out. The dealership is attributing this to low oil level. My car never gives any kind of message that states the oil level is low and is not showing that the vehicle yet needs an oil change. Dealership states its because of intermittent oil pressure. The car…
Had engine trouble with your 2014 Jeep Cherokee?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the engine problem on the 2014 Jeep Cherokee?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 168 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $3,100 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Across the 123 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most engine failures cluster between 22,000 and 78,000 miles, with the median around 46,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 22,000; a quarter make it past 78,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $3,100 for engine repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to engine?
No active recalls currently cover engine issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2014/Jeep/Cherokee.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.