2014 Jeep Cherokee needs new tranny

[S-n-L]

Hi all,

I have driven our 2014 Cherokee for almost one year, 22,000 driven miles and over 10,000 towed miles without a problem. Two weeks ago the engine light came on and I immediately brought it to a Jeep dealer in Austin, TX.

The car had no symptoms except a day before there was a little growl sound and feel that appeared to come from the drive train. The week prior I had brought the Cherokee in for an airbag recall. While the car was at Jeep they updated all of the service bulletins, there were a few.

Upon trying to diagnoses the problem the dealer found computer codes relating to the transmission but could not identify the problem. The techs at the dealer went back and forth with techs from Chrysler corporate to try and figure things out for a few days.

The corporate guys suggested replacing a few parts in the tranny and after discussing this with the techs at the dealer I told them that this was not acceptable. I explained that I live on the road and travel and do not want them to attempt to fix this by trial and error. With the help and support of the dealer Chrysler Corp. agreed to replace the tranny with a new unit.

We have been delayed in our travels for almost 2 weeks but we got the car back today and all seems well. Not too bad of a delay. Normally with something like this I would be very concerned about the car for the long run. What things would occur after the original warranty ran out. For this reason I am so glad I purchased the Chrysler Max Car lifetime extended warranty. Now if we keep the car for many years, which I hope to, I have no worries about future issues with the tranny or anything else.

I have had many new cars from many brands in my many years of driving. This is the first time I have ever had an issue this severe this early in ownership. A bummer but for now all is good and looking forward to hitting the road. We are planning to drive the car for a few more days here just to make sure nothing crops up and then hit the road on Friday.

My post is just a heads up for anyone who has or is thinking about this Jeep and to let you know that if you do have an issue with the tranny don't just settle for parts being replaced, insist on a new tranny. Also, if anyone is questioning the value of the life time max car warranty from Chrysler, don't, just buy it.

We have really enjoyed the car and hopefully with the new tranny it will continue to perform as well as it has for the past year. I think with the 2015 models the potential 2014 tranny issues are history.

Stuart

[rr2254545]

Gee this is a lot of bunk, my wife would tell you that I spend too much tine on this forum - first time I have heard of ANY transmission problem. I bought mine in November 2013 and have 29,000 miles on it and have pulled it over 11,000 miles

There is one post about towing problems but the guy says it was an alignment problem

For those who claim there are problems post a link to prove it - you claim 5 you have met have a wobble problem I have not met one and I have camped in 68 campground with the Cherokee

[richnorsworthy]

Safety Alert: 2014/15 Jeep Cherokee owners who are dinghy (flat) towing. I now know of at least 5 other folks who are experiencing severe wobbling (swaying, shaking, etc.) while towing these vehicles with the Active II Drive (which are meant to be flat towed).
Here is my story. We purchased our Jeep Cherokee Limited in late April 2014 and started towing it around May 1, 2014 behind our Allegro Bus. We were replacing a 2009 Liberty that we had towed for 5 years with no problems over thousands of miles. This is the reason we stayed with the Jeep product.
We made a trip from Dallas to Yellowstone and back, to the Smoky Mountains and back (2 times) and a couple other short trips while towing the Cherokee with no problem except that pesky electronic parking brake that I still think comes on at times when it should not! Cost us a pair of rear tires already after my wife and I both looked to make sure it was off before hitting the road, but somehow it came on.
On a trip in Colorado in late September 2014 we hit a rough spot on the edge of a two lane paved road and the bus started shaking so bad I thought the front end had fallen out from under the bus. I stopped as soon as possible to check it out (fortunately no traffic). Found nothing wrong. Started up again and it still wanted to shaky so I checked the towing apparatus and all was locked and good. Noticed the Jeep front wheels were slightly turned to the left. I straightened them and we went on with no problem the rest of that trip. Had another incident later on a local trip. Had to completely stop and start over.
Took it to the Jeep dealer. They checked front and rear alignment, etc. and found nothing wrong. I think they said they made slight adjustments. It has happened now about 5 to 7 times. These have all been at speeds of 45 mph or less. We cannot always duplicate the problem by driving over the same spot. You never know just when it will happen so the dealer has said there is nothing they can do since they cannot duplicate the problem. Basically to them it is not a problem if they cannot find anything and they cannot duplicate it. Like one person said in another forum while discussing this problem with his Jeep Cherokee, he did want to have to take his mechanic on a 1000 mile vacation trip just to try to get it to happen. This man checked everything on his motor, changed tire on his, changed or checked all his towing equipment, etc., Jeep alignments and it still wobbled when he hit rough spots! It is the Jeep!!
Since those of us who dinghy tow are a very small percentage of all the 2014/15 Cherokees sold, Jeep will probably not put much effort into this matter until there are enough accidents and injuries/deaths to bring notice. Please let’s not wait to start an action to bring this to their attention. I can only imagine what will happen if this were to happen to someone while travelling on an interstate at a high rate of speed. I know how difficult it is to control the motor home at a slower speed when it happens.
This FMCA forum and others gives us an opportunity to get the word out to others who may be having the same issues. I have already met two others on the road who have the same problem and have found at least three more on forums (see the one above). I understand that some of you may not have this issue, but I suspect there are many others that are. Please start talking to other 2014/15 Jeep Cherokee owners who are flat/dinghy towing their Cherokees about this problem. If you or anyone else is having a problem we need to start a contact list so we can collectively get something done before someone gets killed. I am talking to everyone I see at a campground that may be towing a Cherokee and leave them my information or get theirs in the event they are having or will have a problem with what some call the “death wobble”.
I now tow a 2014 Silverado 4WD. We do not trust our 2014 Cherokee. I maybe just fine for everyday driving, but that is not the reason we purchased it. I hope you can get my contact information or leave me yours through this forum if you are having this issue.

[jeepbluetj]

Just had the transmission replaced in our 2015 cherokee (not a toad, just a daily driver) 1200 miles.

The replacement is funky, shifts hard, etc... Gotta take it back.

And this was Jeep #8 (4 ZJs 1 XJ, 2 TJs, and now the cherokee) -- Doesn't look like there'll be a #9.

[RV_CONUS]

That's what scared us away from a 2015 JC.

The 9 speed transmission research indicated problems. We had a Liberty and really liked it, and wanted the JC bad with the 4 wheel drive. But,,,,,,,glad we chose not to, at this time.

This is the first I have read that the JC was being used as a toad. I kept finding tranny issues doing research. Warranty, or no warranty; not something I wanted to have to deal with. Can't seem to keep a vehicle long enough to have an extended warranty......

Hopefully, they will get it straightened out for you, and an improved tranny in the future.

Good Luck

[klutchdust]

108,000 on my Jk without any issues. The lifetime or 100K warranty on mine Jeep provided for free only covered certain items. Don't be fooled by warranties that claim they cover everything. The 100K

only covered the "part", so to get to the "part" I pay for the tech's labor. Hardly a warranty. personally my life was ok before they offered warranties and they lean in favor of

the seller. The money I have saved from NOT buying extended warranties is still in the bank ready to buy that new transmission or whatever should it arise. 78% of extended

warranties are never used according to Consumers reports.

For those that have used them and feel comfortable, excellent. You are in the 22% bracket.