2014 Jeep Cherokee · symptom sheet
Driveshaft, axle or transfer case problems
- 56owner reports
- 79,000median miles
- $3,000median quote
- 2involved a crash
Newest report Sep 4, 2026 · checked Sep 19, 2026
1342 of the 2,425 complaints on this car are about the transmission and drivetrain. 56 of those describe drivetrain problems.
Tick what matches of 56 reports
What got replaced
Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the transfer case (25 reports), the differential (19 reports), the CV joint or axle (11 reports) and the driveshaft (7 reports).
Recalls and investigations
3 recalls on the transmission and drivetrain cover the 2014 model year. A recall on the same system isn't always the same failure, so read the defect text.
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2017 Jeep Cherokee vehicles equipped with a two-speed Power Transfer Unit (PTU). Relative movement in the Power Transfer Unit (PTU) between the differential input splines and the transmission output shaft may cause some input spline teeth to wear off, which may eventually cause a loss of engagement between the transmission and the differential inside the PTU. If this occurs, power cannot be transferred between the front wheels and the transmission which results in a loss of drive while the vehicle is in motion and a loss of the Park function while stationary.
Risk and remedy
Remedy: FCA US LLC will notify owners, and dealers will perform a software update that will maintain vehicle propulsion by engaging rear wheel drive and prevent rolling in Park by activating the electronic parking brake if a failed input spline occurs. This recall began July 14, 2020. Owners may contact FCA USA LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is W47.
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014 Jeep Cherokee vehicles equipped with 3.2L engines. In the event that a clutch becomes stuck in the transmission, the transmission software may shift the transmission to neutral.
Risk and remedy
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will update the transmission software, free of charge. The recall began August 8, 2019. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is V69.
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Jeep Cherokee and 2015 Chrysler 200, Jeep Renegade, RAM ProMaster, and 2016 Fiat 500X vehicles equipped with 9-speed automatic transmissions. The transmission sensor clusters may have insufficient crimps in the transmission wire harness, and as a result, the transmission may unexpectedly shift to neutral. On August 29, 2016 Chrysler added the 2016 Fiat 500X vehicles to this recall.
Risk and remedy
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, dealers will reprogram the Powertrain Control Module and the Transmission Control Module and if necessary replace the transaxle range sensor wire harness, free of charge. The recall began on November 7, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S55.
NHTSA investigations into the transmission and drivetrain on the Cherokee
Sudden acceleration. Closed sep 10, 2002.
NHTSA summary
Driveshaft/univ.joint fail. Closed nov 25, 1994.
NHTSA summary
Driveshaft/univ.joint fail. Closed oct 29, 1993.
NHTSA summary
Fires caused by cltch lk. Closed jan 28, 1988.
NHTSA summary
None of these investigations covers the 2014 model year.
What owners paid
8 of the 56 reports quote a price. Each dot is one quote. The middle half runs $3,000 to $4,100.
When it happens
The middle half of failures fell between 29,000 and 106,038 miles, from the 34 reports that gave a mileage.
What owners wrote
“Less then 120000 miles and rear differential unit had to be replaced, and now roughly 158000 miles and now front differential unit has to be replaced.”
Filed Aug 16, 2025 · 120,000 miles
“Failed 4WD due to failed PTU or Transfer Case. Jeep extended a warranty for this but ONLY for two OBD codes, if yours fails for any other reason, and there are many, like a bad actuator, you don't get the warranty. From my research this is a WIDESPREAD issue and REQUIRES a recall. This is a VERY expensive fix if you don't match the exact OBD code, but it affects thousands of people.”
Filed Jun 4, 2025
“Left front axle shaft needed replacement (warranty) on 06/01/2018 at 87104 miles due to loud clicking noise. Replacement part # 52123739AF.”
Filed Apr 19, 2023 · 87,104 miles
“vehicle show error on car screen to service 4wd. local mechanic did computer check and advised the PTO transfer case needs to be replaced. My car only has 73000 miles on odometer.”
Filed Apr 23, 2022 · 73,000 miles
Should you keep driving it?
This page can't tell you that. 2 of 56 reports involved a crash and 3 people were hurt. Owners who file are the ones who had a bad experience, and nobody checks their reports. If the problem affects steering, braking, power or a fire risk, treat it as a safety fault and have it inspected before a long or high-speed drive.
File your own report with NHTSA. Complaint counts are how a problem gets an investigation.
Other problems on this car
- Engine stalls or loses power while driving 562 reports
- Transmission shudders, slips or shifts hard 436 reports
- Brakes grind, pulse or wear early 168 reports
- Transmission fails or needs replacement 127 reports
- Check engine light or misfire 118 reports
- Infotainment, screen or backup camera fails 86 reports
- Traction control or StabiliTrak light comes on 75 reports
- Multiple warning lights come on at once 70 reports
- Battery dies or the car will not start 66 reports
- Loses power when accelerating 50 reports
- Airbag warning light or recall 46 reports
- Suspension noise, struts or alignment 45 reports
- Steering wheel shakes or the "death wobble" 37 reports
- Brakes on its own (automatic emergency braking) 31 reports
- Burns oil or oil level rises 29 reports
- Engine leaks oil 29 reports
- Fuel pump failure 28 reports
- Engine failure, knocking or rod bearing 26 reports