Front Outboard Seat Belts May Not Retract Properly - X90 Warranty Extension This bulletin involves inspecting both of the front seat belt retractor D-rings for cracks, whitening or witness marks on the plastic overmolds. Customers may comment on one or more of the following:The front driver and or passenger seat belts may not retract properly. A front seat belt D-ring plastic is cracked.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee airbags problems
severe Owners of the 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee have filed 160 NHTSA complaints about the airbags, typically surfacing around 58,000 miles at roughly $1,100 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See airbags across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
160
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$1,100
| Model year | airbags complaints |
|---|---|
| 2010 Grand Cherokee | 5 |
| 2011 Grand Cherokee | 49 |
| 2012 Grand Cherokee | 38 |
| 2013 Grand Cherokee | 29 |
| 2014 Grand Cherokee (this page) | 160 |
| 2015 Grand Cherokee | 99 |
| 2016 Grand Cherokee | 10 |
| 2017 Grand Cherokee | 15 |
| 2018 Grand Cherokee | 23 |
19crashes
30injuries
What stands out
Of the 20 model years of Jeep Grand Cherokee we track for airbags problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 160.
Owners have filed 160 airbags 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.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering airbags on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
Front Outboard Seat Belts May Not Retract Properly - X90 Warranty Extension This bulletin involves inspecting both of the front seat belt retractor D-rings for cracks, whitening or witness marks on the plastic overmolds. Customers may comment on one or more of the following:The front driver and or passenger seat belts may not retract properly. A front seat belt D-ring plastic is cracked.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Front Outboard Seat Belts May Not Retract Properly - X90 Warranty Extension This bulletin involves inspecting both of the front seat belt retractor D-rings for cracks, whitening or witness marks on the plastic overmolds. Customers may comment on one or more of the following:The front driver and or passenger seat belts may not retract properly. A front seat belt D-ring plastic is cracked.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗(Rev. A) Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) Illuminated. Service Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) System ? See Dealer Soon Message on Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) Along With Possible Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) P241D - SCR Inducement - Forced Engine Shutdown.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Transmission Oil Pan, Heater (TMU), Tube or O-ring Applies to vehicles equipped with 8 speed transmissions only; if you have a leak that appears to be at the pan the use of proper leak detection is recommended. The fluid in the 8 speeds can be detected with a black light and there are aftermarket spray on leak detection materials to help ensure that the leak is properly diagnosed and not from another location such as cooler lines, heater tubes, or case porosity. Please note that the transmission pan gasket is available for many of the 8 speed applications FCA offers. Please review the available quick connect and transfer tube parts, as replacement of the TMU may not be required. If a TOC lin
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2014 Grand Cherokee has two major airbag-system killers. First, the ORC (Occupant Restraint Control) module—the computer managing all airbags, seat belt pretensioners, and adaptive headrests—fails regularly around 10,000–20,000 miles. The failure lights up a "Service Airbag" warning, disables the entire airbag system, and triggers constant false seat-belt and phone warnings. Dealers confirm the replacement module is chronically back-ordered; one owner was told only 24 exist in the country. Owners report driving for three to four months without working airbags and constant chiming, with no clear resolution date from the manufacturer.
Second, the active headrest—a safety restraint that deploys in rear-end crashes—deploys on its own at highway speeds, in stop-and-go traffic, or even while the vehicle sits parked. The deployment is loud and forceful, striking occupants in the head and neck. Owners find broken plastic clips that cannot be repaired; the headrest must be replaced at $680–$800 labor and parts. Jeep has not issued a recall despite dozens of reports spanning 2014 to 2023.
Third, airbags have failed to deploy in actual crashes (rollover, head-on, T-bone), leaving occupants unprotected. One child nearly drowned after partial ejection during a rollover.
Beyond the ORC and headrest issues, one owner reported the dashboard material separating and curling over the steering-wheel airbag zone—potentially blocking deployment—with Jeep never delivering promised replacement parts despite waiting over three years."
Same Jeep Grand Cherokee airbags reports on nearby years: 2011 · 2012 · 2013 · 2015 · 2016
Failure modes owners describe
ORC/Restraint Control Module Failure
The Occupant Restraint Control (ORC) module—the brain controlling airbags, seat belt pretensioners, and adaptive headrests—fails electrically, triggering 'Service Airbag' warnings and rendering the airbag system non-functional. Owners report the module is frequently back-ordered with no availability window, forcing them to drive for weeks or months with disabled airbags and constant warning chimes.
When: Typically 10,000–20,000 miles; one report at 15,500 miles, others at 20,168 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Service Airbag light illuminates; Driver seat belt 'not fastened' warning even when buckled; Constant chiming/dinging alarms; Cruise control disabled; Forward collision warning disabled; Airbag system inoperative
Codes mentioned: ORC module failure, P67 recall (NHTSA 14V643000) – many owners excluded despite matching symptoms
Repairs/costs cited: ORC module replacement required; parts chronically back-ordered. Dealers report only 24–400 modules nationwide available. Labor alone ~$150; total unknown due to part unavailability. Some owners reported waiting 3+ months with no resolution.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 14V643000 (Air Bags, Seat Belts); many eligible vehicles omitted from recall or parts delayed indefinitely. Chrysler bankruptcy mentioned by one owner; dealers given no firm timelines.
Active Headrest Unintended Deployment
The driver- or passenger-side active headrest (a safety restraint that deploys in rear-end crashes to prevent whiplash) deploys spontaneously—with no collision, warning, or accident. Owners report a loud explosive noise, forceful impact to the head, and broken plastic clips or latches that cannot be re-seated. Multiple reports suggest this is a widespread defect linked to clip/latch fatigue or manufacturing defect.
When: Reported from ~10 MPH to 70 MPH driving speeds; also while parked for 6+ hours, backing up, or idling at traffic lights. Failure occurs across wide mileage range (low miles through 113,000+ miles).
Symptoms owners cite: Loud explosive noise from headrest; Headrest propels forward violently, striking occupant in head/neck; Visible broken plastic clips, latches, or retention mechanism; Headrest remains deployed and cannot close; No collision or accident preceding deployment; No warning light or indicator before event
Repairs/costs cited: Headrest replacement $680–$800 including labor (some owners sourced OEM parts for ~$444 + shipping, installed themselves). Dealers claim warranty does not cover; many owners denied coverage.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall issued despite widespread complaints dating to 2014–2023 and lawsuits filed by owners. A 10-year limited warranty was expanded for some headrests, but expired coverage leaves newer failures unprotected. Jeep has not acknowledged this as a defect.
Airbag Non-Deployment in Crashes
In moderate-to-severe crashes (rollover, head-on, broadside, multi-roll scenarios), airbags fail to deploy when expected. Occupants sustain head, neck, back, rib, and internal injuries due to lack of cushioning. Several reports involve total-loss vehicles, and at least one child nearly drowned after ejection.
When: At time of crash across various speeds (10 MPH to 70 MPH) and mileages (1,000 to 100,000+ miles). No clear mileage trigger identified.
Symptoms owners cite: No airbag deployment during frontal, side, or rollover impact; Occupant head strike against windshield, steering wheel, or headrest; Partial ejection of occupant in rollover; Injuries to driver, passengers, and children; No pre-crash warning lights or system faults reported; Vehicle totaled in multiple incidents
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicles were destroyed (total loss) in all cases; no repairs attempted. One owner sought third-party inspection prior to crash but found no indication of defect.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified in some cases; response was denial ('no recalls, nothing wrong with vehicle') or manufacturer did not respond. One case was assigned case number 33977852 but manufacturer refused repair because vehicle was taken to independent mechanic.
Dashboard Material Separation and Airbag Obstruction
Glue or adhesive bond on the dashboard degrades, causing the plastic trim/material to dislodge and curl upward. In at least one case, the curled material folded directly over the steering-wheel airbag deployment zone, potentially blocking or obstructing airbag function in a crash.
When: Reported in 2018–2021 timeframe; one customer waited 3+ years (2019–2022) for promised replacement parts.
Symptoms owners cite: Dashboard trim/material curls or folds away from dash surface; AC vent louvers dislodged by separating material; Curled material positioned over airbag module/steering wheel area; Visual defect visible in cabin
Repairs/costs cited: Full dashboard replacement promised by Jeep in 2019 but parts never delivered despite multiple customer follow-ups and escalations over 3+ years (Feb 2020–Sept 2022).
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Jeep initially denied fault ('improper care'), then acknowledged defect in Dec 2019 and authorized replacement. However, replacement parts were never delivered; case escalated multiple times with no resolution. Customer noted large number of online complaints for same model/year.
Seat Belt Pretensioner / Buckle Malfunction
Seat belt fails to retract properly or lock securely when buckled. The seat belt warning light illuminates even when the belt is fully fastened and locked. In one case, the pretensioner (device that pulls belt tight in a crash) is described as having a broken 'pendulum or motor.' Owners report distraction from continuous false warnings and uncertainty over whether belt will function in a crash.
When: Reported at low mileage (1,000+ miles) and during normal driving or highway cruising.
Symptoms owners cite: Seat belt light illuminates when belt is securely buckled; Continuous chiming/alarm for false warning; Seat belt fails to retract fully; Loose fit when buckled; Pretensioner mechanism (pendulum/motor) reported broken by one owner
Codes mentioned: Associated with P67 recall (NHTSA 14V643000)
Repairs/costs cited: Repairs tied to ORC module replacement (see ORC failure). One owner mentioned $550 cost for unrelated oil sensor repair; actual seat belt repair cost not specified.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 14V643000 (Seat Belts, Air Bags) covers some vehicles; however, many owners report being excluded from recall despite matching symptoms. Warranty/recall coverage unclear.
Synthesized from 160 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 0 most recent
Had airbags trouble with your 2014 Jeep Grand 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 airbags problem on the 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee?
It's a meaningful issue. 160 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $1,100.
At what mileage does the airbags typically fail?
Across the 86 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most airbags failures cluster between 24,000 and 95,500 miles, with the median around 58,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 24,000; a quarter make it past 95,500. 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 $1,100 for airbags 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 airbags?
No active recalls currently cover airbags 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/Grand 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.