Transmission shudders, slips or shifts hard

What got replaced

Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the transmission (37 reports), the valve body (7 reports) and the clutch (6 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.

All 13 recalls on the 2014 Jeep Cherokee, with the owner complaints on each recalled system

NHTSA investigations into the transmission and drivetrain on the Cherokee

None of these investigations covers the 2014 model year.

What owners paid

11 of the 436 reports quote a price. Each dot is one quote. The middle half runs $395 to $2,000.

When it happens

The middle half of failures fell between 15,000 and 60,000 miles, from the 346 reports that gave a mileage.

What owners wrote

“Transmission is very jerky and have had this problem since i had it with 111,000 miles. I went to a mechanic and was told it was ptu. Was also checking online and not sure why it isn’t covered but i’ve seen everyone has this problem on this jeep. Really to expensive for me to fix.”

Filed Nov 24, 2025 · 111,000 miles

“Unknown when taking off from a stop sign it’s has a delay when hitting the gas also when driving down the road it’s like a jerking or feel like transmission jerking or slipping or something it’s does it every time I drive i”

Filed Nov 20, 2025

“One day while we were driving, shifting became very slow and harsh. A few miles later, vehical slowed down enormously out of nowhere, and service brakes and transmission lights came on. No 4wd, no traction control available etc. Gigantic safety hazard, especially. With no prior indications or warnings.”

Filed May 19, 2022

“I was driving when my transmisson slipped into neutral in the middle of an intersection then turned off my car and turned it back on.”

Filed May 6, 2022

Guide Paid for this repair before a recall covered it? How recall reimbursement works

Other problems on this car

• Engine stalls or loses power while driving 562 reports
• "Service Transmission" message or wrench light comes on 273 reports
• Brakes grind, pulse or wear early 169 reports
• Service 4WD light or power transfer unit (PTU) failure 155 reports
• Transmission fails or needs replacement 127 reports
• "Shift to Park" or "Service Shifter" warning comes on 121 reports
• Check engine light or misfire 118 reports
• Transmission drops into neutral or downshifts on its own 112 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