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2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee: problems, recalls and fuel economy
The 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee has more owner complaints on file with NHTSA than any other Grand Cherokee model year, 2,383 in all[1][2]. It also has 18 recalls[2], and several of them apply only to certain engines or build dates[3][4][5].
Most reported problems
NHTSA has 2,383 owner complaints on file for the 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee[1]. Of these, 151 mention a crash, 40 a fire and 139 injuries[1]. No deaths are reported[1]. These are unverified owner reports, and one complaint can name more than one component group.
| Component group | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Injuries | Median miles at failure |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical System[8] | 485 | 11 | 27 | 6 | 38,000 |
| Power Train[9] | 475 | 69 | 2 | 32 | 25,248 |
| Engine[10] | 448 | 14 | 15 | 10 | 60,200 |
| Seats[11] | 339 | 2 | 2 | 39 | 74,500 |
| Unknown Or Other[12] | 273 | 21 | 3 | 27 | 51,256 |
| Brakes[13] | 260 | 19 | 2 | 6 | 18,000 |
| Air Bags[14] | 211 | 22 | 0 | 33 | 51,978 |
| Seat Belts[15] | 187 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 60,000 |
A few details stand out in the counts:
- Power train complaints mention the most crashes of any group, 69[9].
- Electrical complaints mention the most fires, 27[8].
- Seats complaints mention the most injuries, 39[11].
- Brakes complaints have the lowest median mileage at failure, 18,000[13].
We also read a small sample of complaint texts in four groups. These samples are not a measure of how common a problem is.
In a sample of 12 electrical complaints, 7 describe the instrument cluster going dark, warning lights coming on or a speedometer that stopped working[8]. Three describe the radio, navigation or settings screens restarting or acting up[8].
In a sample of 12 power train complaints, 5 describe the vehicle shifting into neutral by itself, sometimes followed by a stall[9]. Several describe a dealer who could not find the cause or a problem that came back after a repair[9]. Four mention vibration or jerky shifting[9].
In the engine complaints we read, some describe stalling, some a check engine light or a misfire, and some unexpected neutral or rough shifting, which also shows up in the power train group[10].
In a sample of 12 seats complaints, 4 describe an active head restraint that deployed with no crash[11]. Four mention waiting for parts, and two of those are about the part for recall 14V643[11][16]. Three describe heated seat or seat wiring trouble, and one of them describes a small electrical fire[11]. Three say a repair was refused because the car was out of warranty[11].
Recalls
NHTSA lists 18 recalls for the 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee[2]. Some cover only certain engines or build dates[3][5], so confirm with a dealer or NHTSA that each one has been done on a specific car. Four of them involve 3.0L diesel engines[3][17][18][19]. The list runs from newest to oldest.
- Crankshaft sensor, expanded (23V411). On 3.0L diesel versions, the tone wheel on the crankshaft position sensor may break down, so the engine can lose track of its timing and stall[3]. NHTSA says a stall raises the risk of a crash. Dealers update the engine computer software for free[3].
- Fuel pump (22V406). On 3.0L diesel versions, the high pressure fuel pump can fail and send debris into the fuel system[17]. The engine can then be starved of fuel and suddenly lose drive power, which raises crash risk. Dealers replace the pump and check or replace other fuel parts for free[17].
- Remedy pending
EGR cooler (20V699). On 3.0L EcoDiesel versions, the cooler may crack and let hot coolant vapor into the intake, where it could burn and raise fire risk[18]. Remedy not yet available according to the notice, which says parts were not currently available[18]. The planned fix is a new cooler and an intake manifold check[18]. - Crankshaft sensor (20V475). This is the earlier version of the same crankshaft sensor problem on 3.0L diesels, with the same stall risk[19]. The fix is a software update that lets the engine use the camshaft signal if the crankshaft signal is lost[19].
- Cruise control (18V332). A short circuit in the wiring could keep cruise control from switching off, even with the brake pedal[20]. The car could hold its speed or speed up, which raises crash risk. Dealers flash new software for free. Owners are told to stop using cruise control until then, and if it will not disengage, to brake firmly, shift to neutral and park once stopped[20].
- Alternator (17V741). On 3.6L versions with a 160 amp alternator, the alternator may suddenly fail and the vehicle may stall without warning[4]. Dealers replace the alternator for free[4].
- Brake booster shield check (17V572). This recall checks that the brake booster shield from an earlier recall was installed properly[21]. If not, braking ability may be reduced. Dealers inspect and correct it for free[21].
- Alternator (17V435). On versions with electro-hydraulic power steering and a 5.7L or 3.6L engine, the alternator may suddenly fail and the vehicle may stall[22]. It could also short circuit and raise fire risk. Dealers inspect the alternator and replace it if needed, for free[22].
- Shift warning (16V240). On cars with the eight-speed automatic and monostable gear selector, the warning may be too weak when the driver's door opens and the car is not in Park[23]. A driver could step out while the car is in gear and be struck. Dealers update the software for free. Some cars that were already repaired did not get the full update, so those owners will be notified again[23].
- Radio software (15V461). Certain radios have software weaknesses that could let outsiders reach networked vehicle controls remotely, which raises crash risk[24]. Owners get a USB drive with the update, can download it, or can have a dealer install it, all for free[24].
- Occupant restraint module (14V643). A fault in the module may switch off the air bags and the seat belt pretensioners[16]. The warning light should come on if that happens. Dealers replace the module for free[16].
- Stability control software (14V636). A software issue in the steering column control module may switch off electronic stability control[25]. Dealers update the software for free[25].
- Alternator (14V634). On 3.6L versions with a 160 amp alternator, the alternator may suddenly fail and the vehicle may stall[5]. Dealers replace it for free[5].
- Sun visor wiring (14V391). The wiring for the sun visor vanity lamp may short circuit after a service repair, which raises fire risk[26]. Dealers inspect and repair the wiring and install a new sun visor for free[26].
- Adaptive cruise control (14V293). If the driver presses the accelerator beyond what adaptive cruise would do, the car may keep accelerating briefly after the pedal is released[27]. Dealers reflash the driver assistance module for free[27].
- Brake booster (14V154). The booster shell may corrode and let water in, and the water could freeze and limit braking[28]. Dealers test the booster and add a water shield, or replace the booster if it fails the test, for free[28].
- Stability control and warning lights (13V483). Computer communication problems and loose alternator ground wires may cause random warning lights, a dark instrument cluster and loss of ABS and stability control[29]. Dealers update software and tighten the alternator ground wire for free[29].
- Parking lamps (13V289). On certain cars with premium headlamps, electrical spikes may turn the parking lamps off when switching from daytime running lights[30]. Dealers update the body controller software for free[30].
Fuel economy
These are EPA ratings for each version listed. The annual cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the car was new.
| Version | City | Highway | Combined | Est. annual fuel cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2WD, 3.6L 6-cyl, gasoline or E85[31] | 17 | 25 | 20 | $3,350 |
| 4WD, 3.6L 6-cyl, gasoline or E85[32] | 17 | 24 | 19 | $3,550 |
| 2WD, 5.7L 8-cyl, midgrade[33] | 14 | 22 | 17 | $4,450 |
| 4WD, 5.7L 8-cyl, midgrade[34] | 14 | 20 | 16 | $4,750 |
| 2WD, 3.0L 6-cyl turbo, diesel[6] | 22 | 30 | 25 | $3,850 |
| 4WD, 3.0L 6-cyl turbo, diesel[35] | 21 | 28 | 24 | $4,000 |
| SRT8 4WD, 6.4L 8-cyl, premium[36] | 13 | 19 | 15 | $5,500 |
The diesel versions have the best combined ratings, 25 for 2WD and 24 for 4WD[6][35]. The SRT8 has the lowest, 15[36]. Even so, the 2WD diesel's estimated yearly fuel cost, $3,850, is higher than the 2WD 3.6L gasoline version's $3,350[6][31].
Safety ratings
NHTSA lists four sets of 5-Star Safety Ratings for the SUV, two for 2WD and two for 4WD[37][38][39][7]. Our data does not say what separates the two entries in each pair.
| Drive | Overall | Frontal | Side | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2WD[37] | 4 stars | 4 stars | 5 stars | 3 stars | 20.7% |
| 2WD[38] | 4 stars | 5 stars | 5 stars | 3 stars | 20.4% |
| 4WD[39] | 4 stars | 4 stars | 5 stars | 4 stars | 16.8% |
| 4WD[7] | 5 stars | 5 stars | 5 stars | 4 stars | 16.9% |
Side protection is rated 5 stars in all four entries[37][38][39][7]. Rollover is rated 3 stars for 2WD and 4 stars for 4WD[37][38][39][7].
Engine and size
The EPA test car list gives these horsepower ratings for the 2014 Grand Cherokee:
- 3.0L 6-cylinder: 172 hp[40]
- 3.6L 6-cylinder: 290 hp[41]
- 5.7L 8-cylinder: 360 hp[42]
- 6.4L 8-cylinder: 470 hp[43]
Dimensions below are Canadian-market specifications from Transport Canada via NHTSA, converted to inches and pounds. They can differ slightly from US models[44].
How 2014 compares with other years
Show the numbers
| Model year | Complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 1995 | 719 | 4 |
| 1996 | 893 | 6 |
| 1997 | 991 | 5 |
| 1998 | 1,028 | 4 |
| 1999 | 1,638 | 4 |
| 2000 | 1,447 | 6 |
| 2001 | 883 | 4 |
| 2002 | 1,476 | 10 |
| 2003 | 762 | 4 |
| 2004 | 1,295 | 8 |
| 2005 | 2,051 | 3 |
| 2006 | 1,280 | 4 |
| 2007 | 1,109 | 5 |
| 2008 | 734 | 4 |
| 2009 | 138 | 2 |
| 2010 | 118 | 5 |
| 2011 | 1,642 | 6 |
| 2012 | 1,644 | 10 |
| 2013 | 805 | 9 |
| 2014 | 2,383 | 18 |
| 2015 | 1,367 | 9 |
| 2016 | 311 | 8 |
| 2017 | 364 | 5 |
| 2018 | 855 | 10 |
| 2019 | 370 | 7 |
| 2020 | 241 | 3 |
| 2021 | 500 | 16 |
| 2022 | 489 | 24 |
| 2023 | 593 | 23 |
| 2024 | 314 | 18 |
| 2025 | 120 | 5 |
| 2026 | 52 | 6 |
The 2014 model year has the highest complaint count of any Grand Cherokee year in the NHTSA data, 2,383[2]. The next highest is 2005, with 2,051[2]. For recalls, 2014 has 18, behind 2022 with 24 and 2023 with 23, and level with 2024[2].
The neighboring years look different. 2013 has 805 complaints and 9 recalls, and 2015 has 1,367 complaints and 9 recalls[2]. Complaint counts are not adjusted for sales, so treat them as a rough signal and not a score.
Should you buy a used 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee?
The record for this year is mixed and worth a careful look. It has the most complaints of any Grand Cherokee year and 18 recalls[2]. In the complaint samples we read, owners describe instrument cluster failures, unexpected shifting into neutral and head restraints deploying on their own[8][9][11]. Ask for proof that every recall that applies to the car was done, and be extra careful with a 3.0L diesel, since the EGR cooler notice said parts were not available[18]. On a test drive, pay attention to shifting and the instrument cluster, and have a mechanic look at the car first.
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee reliable?
- We have no reliability score. NHTSA has 2,383 owner complaints on file for this year, and the electrical system is the group named most, with 485[1][8]. Complaints are not adjusted for sales.
- How many recalls does the 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee have?
- NHTSA lists 18 recalls for this year[2]. Four of them involve 3.0L diesel engines[3][17][18][19]. Coverage can depend on engine and build date.
- What gas mileage does the 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee get?
- With the 3.6L engine, EPA rates it at 20 combined MPG for 2WD and 19 for 4WD[31][32]. The 3.0L diesel is rated 25 combined for 2WD and 24 for 4WD[6][35]. The SRT8 is rated 15 combined[36].
Facts and sources
- NHTSA has 2,383 owner complaints on file for the 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee (151 mention a crash, 40 a fire, 139 injuries, 0 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
- Owner complaints and recalls for every Jeep Grand Cherokee model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
- Recall 23V411, filed June 8, 2023: Engine And Engine Cooling. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 17V741, filed November 21, 2017: Electrical System › Alternator / Generator / Regulator. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 14V634, filed October 8, 2014: Electrical System › Alternator / Generator / Regulator. NHTSA recall database
- EPA rating for Grand Cherokee 2WD, 3.0L 6-cyl turbo, Automatic 8-spd, Diesel, Rear-Wheel Drive: 22 city / 30 highway / 25 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,850. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, SUV 4WD: overall 5 stars, frontal 5 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 16.9%. NHTSA vehicle records
- 485 complaints name the electrical system component group (11 crashes, 27 fires, 6 injuries, median mileage at failure 38,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 475 complaints name the power train component group (69 crashes, 2 fires, 32 injuries, median mileage at failure 25,248). NHTSA vehicle records
- 448 complaints name the engine component group (14 crashes, 15 fires, 10 injuries, median mileage at failure 60,200). NHTSA vehicle records
- 339 complaints name the seats component group (2 crashes, 2 fires, 39 injuries, median mileage at failure 74,500). NHTSA vehicle records
- 273 complaints name the unknown or other component group (21 crashes, 3 fires, 27 injuries, median mileage at failure 51,256). NHTSA vehicle records
- 260 complaints name the brakes component group (19 crashes, 2 fires, 6 injuries, median mileage at failure 18,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 211 complaints name the air bags component group (22 crashes, 0 fires, 33 injuries, median mileage at failure 51,978). NHTSA vehicle records
- 187 complaints name the seat belts component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 3 injuries, median mileage at failure 60,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- Recall 14V643, filed October 14, 2014: Seat Belts. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 22V406, filed June 9, 2022: Fuel System, Diesel › Delivery › Fuel Pump. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 20V699, filed November 12, 2020: Engine And Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Emission Control › Gas Recirculation Valve (Egr Valve). NHTSA recall database
- Recall 20V475, filed August 13, 2020: Engine And Engine Cooling › Engine › Diesel. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 18V332, filed May 17, 2018: Electrical System › Software. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 17V572, filed September 18, 2017: Service Brakes. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 17V435, filed July 10, 2017: Electrical System › Alternator / Generator / Regulator. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 16V240, filed April 25, 2016: Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Control Module (Tcm / Pcm / Tecm). NHTSA recall database
- Recall 15V461, filed July 23, 2015: Equipment › Electrical › Radio / Tape Deck / Cd Etc.. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 14V636, filed October 8, 2014: Electronic Stability Control (Esc). NHTSA recall database
- Recall 14V391, filed July 2, 2014: Electrical System › Wiring. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 14V293, filed June 4, 2014: Forward Collision Avoidance › Adaptive Cruise Control. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 14V154, filed April 1, 2014: Service Brakes. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 13V483, filed October 17, 2013: Electronic Stability Control (Esc). NHTSA recall database
- Recall 13V289, filed July 2, 2013: Exterior Lighting. NHTSA recall database
- EPA rating for Grand Cherokee 2WD, 3.6L 6-cyl, Automatic 8-spd, Gasoline or E85, Rear-Wheel Drive: 17 city / 25 highway / 20 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,350. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for Grand Cherokee 4WD, 3.6L 6-cyl, Automatic 8-spd, Gasoline or E85, 4-Wheel Drive: 17 city / 24 highway / 19 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,550. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for Grand Cherokee 2WD, 5.7L 8-cyl, Automatic 8-spd, Midgrade, Rear-Wheel Drive: 14 city / 22 highway / 17 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,450. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for Grand Cherokee 4WD, 5.7L 8-cyl, Automatic 8-spd, Midgrade, 4-Wheel Drive: 14 city / 20 highway / 16 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,750. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for Grand Cherokee 4WD, 3.0L 6-cyl turbo, Automatic 8-spd, Diesel, 4-Wheel Drive: 21 city / 28 highway / 24 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,000. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for Grand Cherokee SRT8, 6.4L 8-cyl, Automatic 8-spd, Premium, 4-Wheel Drive: 13 city / 19 highway / 15 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $5,500. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, SUV 2WD: overall 4 stars, frontal 4 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 3 stars; rollover risk 20.7%. NHTSA vehicle records
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, SUV 2WD: overall 4 stars, frontal 5 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 3 stars; rollover risk 20.4%. NHTSA vehicle records
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, SUV 4WD: overall 4 stars, frontal 4 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 16.8%. NHTSA vehicle records
- EPA Test Car List, 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee with 3.0L 6-cylinder: rated 172 hp. www.epa.gov
- EPA Test Car List, 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee with 3.6L 6-cylinder: rated 290 hp. www.epa.gov
- EPA Test Car List, 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee with 5.7L 8-cylinder: rated 360 hp. www.epa.gov
- EPA Test Car List, 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee with 6.4L 8-cylinder: rated 470 hp. www.epa.gov
- Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, GRAND CHEROKEE 4 DR SUV LAREDO 4X4: length 190 in, width 76 in, height 69 in, wheelbase 115 in, curb weight 4,676 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
- Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, GRAND CHEROKEE 4 DR SUV LIMITED 4X4: length 190 in, width 76 in, height 69 in, wheelbase 115 in, curb weight 4,874 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
- Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, GRAND CHEROKEE 4 DR SUV OVERLAND/SUMMIT 4X4: length 190 in, width 76 in, height 69 in, wheelbase 115 in, curb weight 5,262 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
- Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, GRAND CHEROKEE SRT 4 DR SUV: length 191 in, width 77 in, height 69 in, wheelbase 115 in, curb weight 5,150 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov