Power Liftgate Inoperative.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee powertrain problems
severe 449 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500 · see powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
449
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
67crashes
2fires
31injuries
When does it fail?
Of the 449 powertrain complaints filed for the 2014 Jeep Grand 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
Of the 20 model years of Jeep Grand Cherokee we track for powertrain problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 449.
Owners have filed 449 powertrain 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 powertrain 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.
The vehicle will exhibit a service transmission/check engine warning indicator for the following transmission models: 845RE, 8HP45, 850RE, 8HP50, 8HP70, 8HP75, 8HP75-PHEV, 8HP75-LCV, 8HP90, 8HP95. Transmissions may exhibit the following diagnostic codes: P07E4, P1DB2, P0716, P1B14, P0733, P1D90, P1DB7, P1B13.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Plate - Planetary
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Transmission Shift Enhancements - Adaptation Drive Learn Procedure
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗No Start Intermittently, Vehicle Requires Multiple Keyless Push To Start Attempts To Start Vehicle, Intermittent Key Not Detected Message
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 crippling powertrain and electrical system defects that create genuine safety hazards—not minor annoyances. The electronic shifter is the worst offender: it fails to properly engage park or neutral, allowing parked vehicles to roll backward or forward unexpectedly. Owners have been run over by their own vehicles, crushed against gates, or struck when standing in front of the car after supposedly putting it in park. The shifter feels the same regardless of gear selection, so even attentive drivers can't tell if they're truly in park. Multiple recall attempts (S27 / NHTSA 16V-240000) and software updates have failed to reliably fix the problem.
Transmission failures are equally severe: rough shifting, delayed engagement, or complete lock-up in a single gear occur throughout ownership, starting as early as new purchase. Dealers apply flash updates repeatedly with no lasting fix, and some transmissions have been replaced entirely only for the issue to recur. Owners report transmission faults causing limp mode on highways at 65 mph, loss of acceleration, or inability to shift.
Electrical and charging system failures are frequent and dangerous. Alternators fail without warning, causing battery voltage to drop progressively until the vehicle enters limp mode and the electronic shifter stops working—leaving the driver unable to shift into park or turn off the engine, exactly when they need it most. One owner was stopped at a railroad crossing when the alternator failed and had to manually disconnect the battery while applying brake pressure to prevent the vehicle from rolling into a moving train.
On diesel models, emissions components—EGR cooler, oil cooler, DPF converter, DEF sensor—begin failing at 7,100 miles, with multiple failures often requiring replacement. Oil contamination of coolant is common. An EPA emissions software patch issued in response to a lawsuit appears to have triggered new failures in other engine systems, yet the dealership warranty coverage for these repeat failures is inconsistent.
Additional issues include rocker arm and lifter failures at 65k–115k miles (catastrophic engine damage), random electrical blackouts, wipers and lights activating on their own, and brake system anomalies. Owners frequently spend months at dealerships with no resolution and cite repeated dealer claims that diagnostics show "no abnormality"—a hollow reassurance when vehicles are actively failing.
Same Jeep Grand Cherokee powertrain reports on nearby years: 2012 · 2013 · 2015 · 2016 · 2017
Failure modes owners describe
Transmission electronic shifter malfunction / unintended gear engagement
Electronic shifter fails to engage park or neutral properly, or disengages from park without driver input. Vehicle rolls or shifts unexpectedly while parked, or prevents shutdown. Software overrides driver commands and restricts shifting when vehicle is moving slightly.
When: Across mileage range; incidents reported early in ownership and at various intervals
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle rolls backward or forward while in park; Shifter appears to engage park but vehicle moves; Vehicle won't shift into park at low speeds or while rolling; Engine won't shut off when transmission won't engage park; Electronic shifter becomes unresponsive during electrical failures; Door-open automatic park feature ineffective; Transmission shifts to neutral unexpectedly
Codes mentioned: P0700 series (transmission control module faults), U-codes (ECU/TCM communication errors), Shift mechanism fault codes
Repairs/costs cited: Recalls 16V240000 (S27) and later software updates applied; some vehicles repaired with shifter unit replacement or transmission software flash; repairs often ineffective on repeat occurrence
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall S27 / NHTSA 16V-240000 (automatic park when door opens); multiple TSBs for transmission software updates; some owners cite dealer-applied repairs that do not resolve issue
Transmission harsh/delayed shifting, limp mode, stuck gears
Automatic transmission exhibits rough engagement, prolonged delays between gear selection and engagement, or locks into single gear. Vehicle may enter limp mode or refuse to shift, forcing immobile state or unsafe operation.
When: Primarily early ownership (under 10k miles reported) through mid-life; some recurring after repairs
Symptoms owners cite: Harsh or jerking shift engagement, especially 1-2 and 3-2 transitions; Transmission hesitates or hangs before shifting; Vehicle stuck in 2nd gear or 3rd gear, unable to upshift or downshift; Transmission skips gears or downshifts unexpectedly; Limp mode activation with loss of power; Delayed acceleration response after transmission software updates; High RPM whining during downshift or deceleration; Transmission will not shift unless engine is cycled off and on
Codes mentioned: P0700 (Transmission Control Module), Transmission shift control faults, TCM communication codes
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers perform multiple flash updates to TCM/transmission software; valve body pump replacement; full transmission replacement in some cases; many repairs ineffective, issue recurs
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Multiple software flash TSBs; transmission replacement covered under warranty in some cases; FCA acknowledged multiple transmission issues; owners report dealer claims they cannot diagnose intermittent faults
Alternator failure causing loss of electrical power / battery drain
Alternator diodes fail thermally, alternator no longer supplies charging voltage, causing battery voltage to drop progressively. Vehicle enters limp mode, electrical systems fail, and engine shutdown becomes impossible if transmission will not engage park.
When: Early ownership reported (one case at 1 mile); incidents varied
Symptoms owners cite: Progressive loss of electrical power while driving; Vehicle enters limp mode due to low voltage; Electronic shifter becomes unresponsive; Ignition system unresponsive; Battery voltage drops below operational threshold; Engine will not shut off when alternator fails
Codes mentioned: Battery/charging system faults
Repairs/costs cited: Alternator replacement required; one owner had to manually disconnect negative battery cable to stop engine
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall T36 / NHTSA 17V-435 (alternator diode thermal fatigue; parts availability delayed in some cases)
TCU/Uconnect 8.4 telematics module failure
Telematics Control Unit (TCU) fails, causing loss of emergency 9-1-1/SOS function, uncontrolled system resets, and CAN-bus interference with transmission and drivability systems. HVAC controls malfunction, cluster display goes black, and vehicle experiences random electrical behavior.
When: Various mileage points; widespread on 2013–2015 models
Symptoms owners cite: Loss of SOS/emergency 911 button function; Repeated 'Service Emergency Vehicle Phone' errors; Uconnect 8.4 system fails to boot or goes black; HVAC controls malfunction or unsafe (wrong temperature, fails to defrost, shuts off randomly); Random system resets and vehicle reboots; Cluster lights go completely black while driving; Transmission communication errors triggered by TCU failure; Vehicle enters limp mode due to CAN-bus interference
Codes mentioned: TCU communication faults, CAN-bus errors
Repairs/costs cited: No standardized fix available; affected units typically not covered by recall despite widespread failures
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No widespread recall issued despite many complaints; owners report lack of manufacturer support
Engine stall / loss of power while driving
Engine stalls abruptly without warning while vehicle is in motion at highway speed. Vehicle loses all power and steering, creating immediate crash risk. May be preceded by electrical warning cascade or transmission behavior changes.
When: Reported at highway speeds (55–70 mph); one case at 5,757 miles; variable mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden complete engine stall without warning; Loss of power steering and power brakes during stall; Brief electrical warning cascade (battery saver mode, ABS, suspension warnings); Speedometer and wipers malfunction before stall; Loud high-pitched ticking from engine compartment after stall; Burning smell and smoke from engine; Vehicle completely disabled and unresponsive
Codes mentioned: Alternator failure codes, Battery/electrical codes
Repairs/costs cited: Alternator replacement; one owner had engine catastrophically fail twice, requiring full engine replacement both times
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall T36 / NHTSA 17V-435 (alternator diode thermal fatigue failure)
Oil cooler / oil filter housing seal failure
Plastic oil cooler assembly or oil filter housing O-rings warp due to engine heat, allowing engine oil to leak into external valve area or engine valley. Risk of oil flame-up, engine seizure, and catastrophic engine damage.
When: Reported across model lifespan; not restricted to high mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Oil dripping from chassis area below engine; Black smoke from engine compartment; Low oil pressure warning light; Engine oil loss visible on undercarriage; Oil accumulating in engine valley (reported up to 2 quarts)
Repairs/costs cited: Oil cooler assembly replacement required; plastic housing prone to repeated failure; owners report multiple dealership service attempts
Rocker arm and valve lifter failure
Rocker arms and hydraulic valve lifters fail prematurely, producing loud ticking noise from engine. Complete engine failure imminent if lifter(s) fail while engine running, potentially causing catastrophic damage and seizure.
When: Reported at 65k miles, 115k miles; variable across ownership duration
Symptoms owners cite: Loud ticking or knocking noise from engine without warning; Check engine light illumination; Lifter failure locks/seizes during operation; Camshaft lobe damage evident upon disassembly
Codes mentioned: Check engine light (specific codes not cited in narratives)
Repairs/costs cited: Full engine replacement required in severe cases; one owner paid $38k for new long-block engine; dealers cited parts warranty but denied coverage or delayed repair significantly
Diesel exhaust system failures (EcoDiesel models)
On 3.0L EcoDiesel engines, multiple emissions control components fail prematurely: EGR cooler, oil cooler, DPF converter, DEF sensor, DEF injector, O2 sensors. Oil contamination of coolant system. Vehicle may shut down and refuse restart if DEF level critical.
When: Early ownership reported; as early as 7,100 miles on new vehicle
Symptoms owners cite: DEF fluid indicator displays fault even after refill; Service DEF warning with 200-mile restart deadline; DPF regeneration triggering every 30–40 miles; Check engine light illumination; Oil in coolant reservoir (EGR and oil cooler failures); Excessive diesel exhaust smell; Vehicle will not restart if DEF system fails
Repairs/costs cited: DPF converter replacement, DEF sensor replacement, DEF injector replacement, O2 sensor replacement; parts availability delays (3+ weeks); multiple repairs often needed; issues recur post-repair
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: EPA emissions lawsuit settlement (2019) allowed software patches to ECM/TCM/PCMV; patches caused new failures in other systems; extended warranty coverage inconsistent; some owners denied reimbursement
Electrical system failures / lighting and sensor malfunctions
Broad electrical system instability causing cluster blackout, random light cycling, wiper auto-activation, fuse box vibration/hissing, and loss of power to multiple vehicle systems. Often related to battery/alternator/TCU failures or defective wiring harness.
When: Reported early in ownership and at various intervals; some recurring
Symptoms owners cite: Instrument cluster goes completely black while driving; Interior and exterior lights turn on and off randomly; Wipers activate on their own and cannot be turned off; Fuse box vibrates or shudders loudly with hissing noise; Battery enters Power Saving Mode even after replacement; Push-button ignition unresponsive; Vehicle enters wake mode while parked for hours; Uconnect system glitches or goes black
Codes mentioned: U-codes (communication errors), TCM codes, ABS system codes, Suspension system codes
Repairs/costs cited: Wiring harness replacement; battery replacement (multiple in some cases); additional ground wire added by dealer as non-standard modification; numerous service bulletins applied; issues often persist
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Multiple TSBs issued; some repairs deemed 'commercially acceptable' by dealers despite incomplete resolution
Brake system failure / unintended surge / loss of braking
Brakes fail to respond when pedal is pressed, or vehicle surges forward unexpectedly despite brake application. One case involved complete loss of braking force and power steering at highway speed during electrical event.
When: Reported in parking lot scenario and highway speed incident
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle surges forward when brakes are applied; Complete loss of braking response; Loss of power steering concurrent with braking failure; Vehicle accelerates uncontrollably into obstacle
Repairs/costs cited: No specific repair cited; one incident involved semi-truck collision with utility pole impact
Transfer case and driveshaft failures
Transfer case shifts 4WD engagement on its own without driver input (pop-in/pop-out behavior between 2WD and 4WD). Driveshaft loses speed or exhibits knocking, jerking, and front-end shaking on highways.
When: Reported at various mileage points
Symptoms owners cite: Transfer case shifts 4WD on and off repeatedly without user control; Popping noise when stopping and shutting off vehicle; Driveshaft knocking or jerking under acceleration; Front-end shake and jerking during turns or acceleration from stop; Delayed response when accelerating from stop; Service message for 4WD appears intermittently
Repairs/costs cited: Transfer case replacement reported; driveshaft issues confirmed by multiple dealers and independent mechanics
PCV hose disconnection / exhaust leakage into cabin
Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) hose becomes disconnected during service or assembly, allowing exhaust and fumes (including carbon monoxide) to enter the vehicle cabin.
When: Reported after service/repair completion
Symptoms owners cite: Unusual smell in cabin (antifreeze, exhaust odor); Black smoke from engine compartment; Eyes and nose running / irritation; Headache, nausea, shortness of breath; Suspected carbon monoxide poisoning
Repairs/costs cited: PCV hose reconnection required; one case resulted in ER visit and possible CO poisoning diagnosis
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No response from dealership after owner reported poisoning symptoms
Transmission manual shift mode accidental engagement
Steering wheel manual shift paddles are too sensitive and easily contacted during normal driving, causing transmission to shift into Manual Shift Mode unexpectedly. Transmission locks into single gear and engine RPM rises to redline.
When: Reported during normal highway driving and turns
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission shifts into Manual Shift Mode without driver intent; Transmission stuck in single gear (e.g., 2nd gear) with no ability to upshift; Engine RPM spikes to redline (6500+ RPM); Dangerous during turns across multiple lanes of traffic; No automatic exit from Manual Shift Mode until driver manually switches back to Drive
Repairs/costs cited: No fix available; requires manual paddle guard or software disable option (not implemented)
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer states this is normal behavior; no manufacturer software solution offered
Emission system software update causing driveability degradation
EPA emissions recall update (AEM update per NHTSA 17V-435 or similar) causes vehicle to exhibit severe driveability loss: extreme delayed throttle response, inability to merge into traffic, and excessive DPF regeneration cycles.
When: Post-software update for emissions compliance
Symptoms owners cite: Very long delay from accelerator pedal press to vehicle acceleration; Vehicle feels like it starts in 2nd gear; Inability to merge into traffic safely due to slow response; Excessive DPF regeneration (multiple times per drive); Smell and heat from floor indicating exhaust regeneration; Potential fire risk from overheating exhaust
Repairs/costs cited: Software update caused degradation; FCA issued update with claim of no driveability impact; owners report opposite; no known fix available per dealer
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall letter stated no driveability impact; contradicted by owner experience; no corrective action offered
Synthesized from 449 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 6 most recent
*NHTSA Please Help* I purchased my 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee brand new in June 2014 from a FCA authorized dealership. I have meticulously maintained, gently driven, and greatly cared for this Jeep since day one. Have only ever had the Jeep serviced at the FCA authorized dealership where I purchased. I have followed and complied with all Jeep manufacturer service recommendations since day one. At…
Vehicle had an aem recall performed and now the interior of vehicle as well the exterior reaks of diesel fumes all there is a terrible hesitation and at times almost a delay in the throttle we have made numerous complaints and trips to the Jeep dealer they say they cannot find issues the reason behind it. We just spent 5 hours at the dealer for a clogged DPF filter only to leave and have my wife…
Failed engine oil filter adapter/cooler on a 2014 Jeep grand cherokee 3.5 liter v6. Has only 52,000 miles. Mechanic found a crack that caused massive oil leak. Cost to replace : $1,500.
Tl* the contact owns a 2014 Jeep grand cherokee. While the vehicle was in the park position on a small incline, the vehicle rolled backwards approximately 20 feet. The contact was able to apply the brake pedal and stop the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a dealer for diagnostic testing. The failure could not be duplicated. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure recurred intermittently. The…
The gear select lever is dangerous. From the d position, putting the car into park most often it stops in r. Thinking you have selected park and begin to exit the car is actually on reverse. I owned a 2011 same model no problem, upgrading to this car is dangerous! There is no feel as to engaging park, since they changed the design to this electronic shifter. My wife and I have to verbally…
On 12/23/2020 at 6:00am I was driving on long point road when the vehicle completely shutdown - all electrical, engine, lights, breaks, etc. I was driving at approx. 30mph heading towards a round-about when everything shutdown. The loss of power resulted in not being able to slow down. Luckily there weren't any cars in the round-about when I entered. However, it was a rather tight round-about and…
Had powertrain 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 powertrain problem on the 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee?
It's a meaningful issue. 449 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $2,500.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Across the 297 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 12,000 and 70,000 miles, with the median around 33,800. A quarter of owners report trouble before 12,000; a quarter make it past 70,000. 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 $2,500 for powertrain 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 powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain 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.