Cruise Control Inoperative.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee cruise control problems
severe Owners of the 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee have filed 59 NHTSA complaints about the cruise control, typically surfacing around 18,500 miles at roughly $600 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See cruise control across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
59
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$600
| Model year | cruise control complaints |
|---|---|
| 2010 Grand Cherokee | 4 |
| 2011 Grand Cherokee | 21 |
| 2012 Grand Cherokee | 16 |
| 2013 Grand Cherokee | 16 |
| 2014 Grand Cherokee (this page) | 59 |
| 2015 Grand Cherokee | 23 |
| 2016 Grand Cherokee | 10 |
| 2017 Grand Cherokee | 10 |
| 2018 Grand Cherokee | 13 |
13crashes
1fire
2injuries
What stands out
Of the 20 model years of Jeep Grand Cherokee we track for cruise control problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 59.
Owners have filed 59 cruise control 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 cruise control 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.
Adaptive Cruise Control Sensor 1) If you are replacing this part due to the cluster displaying Clean Radar Sensor in Front of Vehicle or DTC C1266 ACC Sensor Blinded, please verify that there is no blockage in front of the sensor. Blockage can occur from mud, ice, snow, front end damage, bracket damage, the sensor not attached to the bracket properly or an aftermarket fascia installed. This fault can occur intermittently in muddy or icy/snowy conditions and is considered normal operation. Under some circumstances, a misaligned sensor can also cause the C1266 DTC, please complete an alignment procedure. No replacement is required.~ 2) If you are replacing this part due to the cluster displayi
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗CHRYSLER: THE FORWARD COLLISION FEATURE FAILS TO OPERATE OVER 55MPH/88KPH AND WOULD NEED TO UPDATE THE ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL (ACC) SOFTWARE. MODEL 2014 GRAND CHEROKEE.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners of 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee models report three major clusters of cruise-control and throttle-related failures that recur across dozens of incidents.
Sudden unintended acceleration (SUA) occurs at stops, during parking, or at low speeds, with the engine surging violently and the vehicle lurching forward despite brake application. Several owners report this happening repeatedly over years, with incidents ranging from minor bumps to multi-vehicle collisions and property damage ($15,000+ repair bills cited). Multiple owners state their foot was planted on the brake and witnesses confirmed it. Dealers consistently cannot duplicate the problem, and Chrysler has denied manufacturer responsibility in some cases, citing EDR (event data recorder) investigation. One owner reports a collision that resulted in personal injury.
Electronic throttle control failures manifest as loss of power when accelerating from stops or merging, accompanied by "SERVICE ELECTRONIC THROTTLE" warnings. Some owners describe the accelerator pedal physically sticking or disengaging from their foot and flooring itself. Response delays (1–2 seconds) after brake or pedal input are documented. Dealers find no fault codes and claim inability to replicate.
Adaptive cruise control and forward collision warning system malfunctions include false braking events on empty roads with no vehicles present, unwanted deceleration from highway speeds, and the system disengaging mid-trip with "clean the lens" messages despite clear sensors. Owners report the brakes engaging hard enough to cause near-rear-end collisions. These events are described as sporadic and irreproducible at the dealer, who then declare the system "working as designed."
All three failure modes span multiple model years of ownership and persist through dealer visits, software updates, sensor replacements, and computer module swaps. Owners express fear of driving the vehicles and concern about potential fatalities.
Same Jeep Grand Cherokee cruise control reports on nearby years: 2011 · 2012 · 2013 · 2015 · 2016
Failure modes owners describe
Sudden Unintended Acceleration (SUA) at Stops and Low Speed
Engine surges violently and vehicle accelerates forward despite brake pedal application, occurring at traffic lights, during parking, or in driveways. Multiple owners report incidents happening repeatedly over years, with escalation from near-misses to collisions causing property damage and personal injury.
When: Occurs at complete stops and low-speed maneuvers; some owners report 3-4+ separate incidents over multiple years; mileage varies from 1,200 to 100,000+
Symptoms owners cite: Engine surges loudly and violently at complete stops; Vehicle lurches or jumps forward despite brake foot firmly applied; Shift to neutral is required to stop acceleration; Vehicle accelerates even after multiple brake pedal applications; Occurs in parking lots, at traffic lights, in driveways, and during reversing; Witness confirmation available in some cases that foot was on brake
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers attempt to reproduce the problem but cannot; no fault codes retrieved; Chrysler EDR investigation conducted in one case but manufacturer declined responsibility; no repairs completed despite multiple attempts
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Recall 13V483000 (Electrical System, Electronic Stability Control, Service Brakes) applied to some vehicles; Chrysler investigation via EDR concluded 'not a manufacturing responsibility'; no formal TSB or warranty program offered; dealer unable or unwilling to issue repair orders
Electronic Throttle Control Loss of Power and Sticking
Accelerator becomes unresponsive or loses power when driver depresses pedal, particularly when merging or accelerating from stops. In severe cases, accelerator pedal physically sticks or disengages from driver's foot and floors itself; brakes do not stop the vehicle adequately. 'SERVICE ELECTRONIC THROTTLE' warning illuminates.
When: Occurs during acceleration from stops, merging onto highways, and coasting downhill; some owners report 5-6 incidents between June-December 2014; mileage range 850 to 125,000
Symptoms owners cite: Loss of power or hesitation when accelerating pedal depressed; Vehicle will not accelerate above incoming speed (e.g., enters highway at 40 mph, refuses to reach 65 mph); Accelerator pedal sticks or disengages from foot and floors itself involuntarily; Delayed response (1-2 seconds) after brake or pedal input; 'SERVICE ELECTRONIC THROTTLE' or 'SERVICE ELECTRONIC THROTTLE CONTROL' warning displayed; Requires multiple brake applications to slow vehicle; excessive brake effort needed; Vehicle reaches 72-77+ mph before pedal can be dislodged; Engine check light illuminates; vehicle enters limp mode or reduced power
Codes mentioned: SERVICE ELECTRONIC THROTTLE, SERVICE ELECTRONIC THROTTLE CONTROL, ENGINE CHECK LIGHT
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer replaced ECM, PCM, and TCM on multiple occasions without success; throttle body updated four times in one case without resolving issue; dealers find no error codes; one owner reports wedging shoe under pedal to dislodge it; no successful permanent repairs documented
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 14V293000 (Vehicle Speed Control) referenced but unclear applicability; no TSB or formal resolution provided; Chrysler Headquarters technical support consulted in at least one case; limp mode warning issued in one case with 46 vehicles waiting for pre-catalytic converter replacement
Adaptive Cruise Control and Forward Collision Warning False Engagement
Adaptive cruise control and collision avoidance systems activate brake warnings and engage brakes without legitimate threat, or decelerate unexpectedly on empty highways. Systems also disengage mid-trip with 'clean the lens' messages despite clear sensors. One near-rear-end collision documented.
When: Occurs intermittently during ACC use on highways and city roads; sporadic and irreproducible at dealer; some owners report daily occurrence; events span 2013-2015 period
Symptoms owners cite: 'BRAKE' warning flashes on dashboard; brakes charge and engage; Vehicle brakes hard on empty highways or city roads with no vehicles or obstacles present; ACC disengages mid-trip with 'clean the lens' message despite clear sensor; System reports ACC unavailable, then message disappears moments later; Vehicle suddenly slows as if detecting vehicle ahead when none is visible; False Forward Collision Warning (FCW) alarms at various speeds with no traffic nearby; Static noise from under steering column when ACC adjusts speed; Collision risk: near-rear-end collision in at least one case; hard braking at 40 mph caused vehicle to skid to stop
Codes mentioned: COLLISION AVOIDANCE WARNING, ACC INOPERABLE MESSAGE, FCW UNAVAILABLE
Repairs/costs cited: Front sensor replaced in one case; camera alignment performed using Miller Tool Kit; lens cleaning performed but problem recurred within 20 minutes in one case; ACC sensor replaced but failure continued; no successful permanent repairs; dealers consistently unable to replicate problem
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No TSBs or recalls specifically addressing these ACC/FCW issues found in narratives; one dealer stated camera needed alignment but problem persisted; manufacturers refuse to replace parts until problem replicated; one owner reports Chrysler indicated system is 'working as designed'
Brake System Independent Engagement
Brakes engage independently without driver input, separate from ACC/FCW systems, occurring at stops, during normal driving, and through tunnels. One brake warning system triggered 16+ times in same tunnel.
When: Occurs at complete stops and during highway driving; tunnel-specific trigger in one case (16+ times); mileage unknown for most reports
Symptoms owners cite: Brake warning illuminates and brakes engage without driver input; Occurs on clear open roads with no traffic or obstructions; Hard braking that could cause rear-end collision; Brake warning flashes repeatedly in same location (tunnel); No brake pedal application by driver
Codes mentioned: BRAKE WARNING
Repairs/costs cited: Lens cleaning performed; problem recurred within 20 minutes; no successful repairs documented
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No TSBs or recalls identified; dealers attribute to dirty sensor but cleaning does not resolve
Shift-to-Park Failures and Unintended Gear Selection
Vehicle shifts into drive or neutral unintentionally, or refuses to shift into park, leading to SUA events. In one case, vehicle showed neutral on display but then accelerated forward while owner attempted to shift to park.
When: Occurs at low speed during parking maneuvers; mileage 1,200 to 4,000 reported
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle shifts into drive or reverse unintentionally; Display shows neutral but vehicle behaves as in drive; Vehicle will not shift into park when button/lever engaged; Results in sudden acceleration when attempting to shift
Repairs/costs cited: Technician unable to diagnose; no repairs completed in most cases
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified in some cases and engineer sent for inspection, but failure cause not identified; NHTSA Campaign 13V483000 referenced in one case
Carbon Monoxide Accumulation When Accelerating
Strong odor emitted from vehicle when accelerator depressed; carbon monoxide detectors register at maximum levels (173 ppm), requiring medical attention for driver.
When: Occurs at very low mileage (100 miles); persists through 11,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Strong odor when accelerator pedal depressed; Carbon monoxide levels register at maximum on detectors (173 ppm); Owner required medical attention for carbon monoxide exposure
Repairs/costs cited: Taken to dealer on numerous occasions; failure unable to be rectified; technician blamed driving style; no repairs completed
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer made aware of failure; no resolution provided
Cruise Control Set Function Malfunction
Cruise control set button does not reliably set speed; requires excessive button presses to function properly, and increments speed by larger amounts than intended when it does engage.
When: Noted at unknown mileage; issue present at routine maintenance (8/13/2014)
Symptoms owners cite: Set + button does not set cruise speed on initial attempts; Vehicle accelerates at higher rate than expected when button finally engages; Unreliable operation; owner abandoned cruise control use
Repairs/costs cited: Not addressed during routine maintenance; no repairs documented
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recalls or program updates addressing this issue
Diesel Exhaust Filter Warning and Limp Mode Activation
Diesel exhaust filter full warning illuminates and vehicle decelerates to limp mode (40 mph from 65 mph), restricting vehicle operation. In one case, 46 Jeeps parked waiting for pre-catalytic converter replacement; vehicle receives warning it will enter limp mode in 150 miles.
When: Occurs at high mileage (125,000 reported) and lower mileage with warnings of future limp mode; affects Eco-Diesel models
Symptoms owners cite: Diesel exhaust filter full warning illuminates; Vehicle decelerated from 65 mph to 40 mph; Service warning: 'will enter limp mode in 150 miles'; Vehicle decelerates and becomes difficult to operate; potential stranding
Codes mentioned: DIESEL EXHAUST FILTER FULL, LIMP MODE WARNING
Repairs/costs cited: Throttle body updated four times without success in one case; pre-catalytic converter replacement required but parts unavailable; 46 vehicles parked waiting for parts
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Throttle body software update performed but failure recurred; no timeline provided for parts availability; no alternative resolution offered
Synthesized from 59 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 0 most recent
Had cruise control 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 cruise control problem on the 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee?
It's a meaningful issue. 59 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $600.
At what mileage does the cruise control typically fail?
Across the 39 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most cruise control failures cluster between 6,000 and 57,000 miles, with the median around 18,500. A quarter of owners report trouble before 6,000; a quarter make it past 57,000. 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 $600 for cruise control 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 cruise control?
No active recalls currently cover cruise control 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.