2014 Jeep Cherokee · symptom sheet
Transmission hesitates when accelerating
- 81owner reports
- 30,000median miles
- 1involved a crash
Newest report Dec 17, 2025 · checked Sep 19, 2026
81 of the 436 reports of transmission shudder on the 2014 Cherokee describe hesitation when accelerating.
Part of Transmission shudders, slips or shifts hard (436 reports) · also: jerking or hard shifts, transmission slipping
Tick what matches of 81 reports
What got replaced
Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the transmission (51 reports) and the software (30 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.
When it happens
The middle half of failures fell between 16,900 and 64,979 miles, from the 61 reports that gave a mileage.
What owners wrote
“When starting to accelerate the the transmission hesitates to shift, then up to 30 mph or so it the car will stutter / miss fire causing a jerking motion of the car. It will accelerate to a steady speed abourn 55 mph.”
Filed Dec 1, 2024
“Vehicle starts to hesitate and shake during acceleration and then the service gear shifter light come on and all the red lights on the gear shifter turns red.”
Filed Jun 3, 2021
Should you keep driving it?
This page can't tell you that. 1 of 81 reports involved a crash. 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
- 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
- Driveshaft, axle or transfer case problems 56 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