2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee Powertrain (other) Problems

The vehicle has a severe, life-threatening safety defect where it randomly drops into neutral while driving at speed, physically locks the shifter, and actively engages the electronic braking system on its own, stranding me in active traffic. I brought the vehicle to a certified Jeep dealership to resolve this exact symptom. They misdiagnosed the vehicle and charged me nearly $3,000 to replace the valve body and connectors. The dangerous symptom remains completely unchanged, meaning the vehicle is unsafe to operate and the manufacturer-certified repair facility has failed to remedy a critical safety defect. The issue hasn’t been fixed and it has been 5-6 months.

NHTSA ID

11749415

Incident

Jan 5, 2026

See attached document for complaint.

NHTSA ID

11740556

Incident

Nov 26, 2025

While driving home from work on March 13, 2026, the alternator in my 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee (3.0L EcoDiesel) failed, resulting in a progressive loss of electrical power. As battery voltage dropped, the vehicle entered “limp mode.” When I was aproximatly 1 mile from my home when I was forced to stop at a railroad crossing while a freight train was passing. At that time, due to low voltage, the electronic shifter and ignition system became completely unresponsive. I was unable to shift the vehicle into Park or Neutral and was also unable to shut off the engine. The vehicle remained in Drive, requiring constant brake pressure to prevent forward movement. This created an immediate and dangerous situation, as I was stopped very close to a moving train with no functional means of securing or disabling the vehicle. Any loss of braking force or control could have caused the vehicle to enter the path of the train, creating a high likelihood of serious injury or death. After reaching my residence, the condition persisted. I remained unable to shift or shut down the vehicle and was forced to manually disconnect the negative battery cable, which is located under the passenger seat, in order to stop the engine. I am very lucky that I had a small metric socket set in the vehice, that I am somewhat mechanically enclined, and that I have long arms & legs, as this process was extremely difficult. I had to disconect te battery cable while maintaining my foot on the brake to avoid crashing into my garage. The vehicle appears to be designed such that engine shutdown is not permitted unless the vehicle is in Park, while the electronic shifter becomes inoperative during low-voltage conditions. This combination creates a hazardous failure mode in which the driver cannot place the vehicle in Park or turn off the engine during an electrical failure. This incident appears consistent with hazards identified in NHTSA Campaign Number 16V240000 (Recall S27). Despite records indicating that rec

NHTSA ID

11732106

Incident

Mar 13, 2026

I am reporting a safety-related issue involving a 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit 5.7 HEMI. Within days of purchase, the vehicle experienced transmission slipping and delayed shifting, as well as braking issues. These conditions affected drivability and raised safety concerns during normal operation. An independent mechanic found burnt transmission fluid, indicating that the transmission condition likely existed prior to purchase. Although a fluid change provided limited, temporary improvement, delayed shifting continues to occur. Because the transmission behavior and braking issues can affect the safe operation of the vehicle, I am submitting this report so the issue can be documented and evaluated for potential safety trends. This report is being submitted for safety tracking purposes.

NHTSA ID

11720304

Incident

Feb 8, 2026

I took my car to the dealer for the recalls. They are basically only putting a band aid on the issue. They are telling me they did both recalls but it didn't fix the issue. Klaben in Kent Ohio. They basically did just a flash on it but that didn't fix the issue (LOSS OF CRANKSHAFT POSITION). Everything I read said the reluctor wheel needs replaced and they are telling me the vehicle is too old and won't fix. This is all part of the recall. If you have any questions please call me. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11717738

Incident

Feb 12, 2026

1. The battery is consistently being drained from an unknown issue, mechanic unsure. In two years it has need 3 batteries. This causes start issues, window closing issues, and the radio screen console issues. 2. The transmission gets stuck in third now needing a new transmission.Was told only a new transmission will fix issue.

NHTSA ID

11701685

Incident

Nov 4, 2025

Subject: Safety Defect Report – Failure of Telematics Module (TCU) Causing Loss of 9-1-1 Emergency Function, Electrical System Malfunctions, and Potential Brake Booster Recall Defect (2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee) Dear NHTSA, I am submitting this complaint because my 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited is experiencing multiple safety-related failures that I believe are part of a wider defect pattern affecting this model year. Several of these issues involve systems that are critical for emergency safety, braking, and vehicle control. Dear NHTSA, I am submitting this complaint because my 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited is experiencing multiple safety-related failures that I believe are part of a wider defect pattern affecting this model year. Several of these issues involve systems that are critical for emergency safety, braking, and vehicle control. ⸻ 1. Telematics Control Unit (TCU) Failure Causing Loss of 9-1-1/SOS Emergency Function My Jeep is displaying repeated “Service Emergency Vehicle Phone” errors and the SOS/911 emergency button no longer functions. This is a major safety concern, especially in the event of an accident or breakdown. The TCU failure also causes: •Uconnect 8.4 system not booting •HVAC controls becoming non-functional or unsafe (blowing incorrect temperatures, failing to defrost, turning off unexpectedly) •Random system resets •Loss of ability to control climate during driving (creating visibility issues in cold/wet weather) These issues align with widespread failures of the Uconnect 8.4 / TCU hardware on 2013–2015 Grand Cherokees, which were not included in a recall despite many vehicles exhibiting the same dangerous symptoms. ⸻ 2. TCU-Related CANBUS Interference Causing Transmission and Drivability Safety Issues When the TCU fails, the vehicle experiences: •Transmission communication errors •Vehicle entering limp mode unexpectedly •“Service Transmission” and “Press Brake to Shift” warnings •Delayed or unpredictable shi

NHTSA ID

11700842

Incident

Oct 1, 2025

The monostable shifter malfunctions constantly. Safety-related concerns include it not staying in park when parked, rolling has occurred; not being able to start due to it not actually being in park; it will switch gear while driving and vehicle will go into limp mode and shut off within seconds, then will not be able to restart. I cannot count on it starting or getting me anywhere safely and have towed multiple times now. The problem has unfortunately not been reproduced or realized by local dealership even with ‘service shifter’, ‘until you reach a desired location you may not be able to shift again NO BUS’, and engine light warning lights appearing when driven. It has been taken twice to John Hiester Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Sanford. (NC). I have spoken with Jeep Customer Care to no avail and the answer is take to a certified dealership but that option is proving to not be successful. I purchased in February 2025 but became disabled right after and haven’t realized it’s very major issues. Not being able to use my vehicle is quite isolating [XXX]. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11699751

Incident

Sep 10, 2025

Engine and power train components show failure. Remanufactured 3.6 L pentastar engine camshaft journals and bearings show circumferential scoring from oil starvation. Rocker arm needle bearings failed shedding debris that clogged oil passages. Technician said root cause is oil pressure retention issue or internal contamination. Not caused by improper oil level but a design defect. Teardown report and photos available.

NHTSA ID

11696891

Incident

Oct 30, 2025

6 months ago, I was driving on the interstate and the ESC system light came on, the vehicle lost power/ability to accelerate, and would only allow acceleration after pulling over and restarting the car. This happened several more times on the interstate, and when the ESC system kicked in it would suddenly lurch the car down about 15 mph and leave no ability to accelerate, causing near collisions at high rates of speed. After eventually taking it to the dealership, it turned out to be failed lifters on the driver's side cam shaft, a known design issue that has apparently plagued the Pentastar engines. This all happened in spite of meticulous maintenance and no warning signs from the engine whatsoever. How is such a significant, known design defect that causes such dangerous driving conditions never been flagged for a recall?

NHTSA ID

11693421

Incident

Apr 5, 2025

The contact owns a 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at 55 MPH, the vehicle jerked, and the transmission unexpectedly shifted into neutral. An unknown warning light flashed on the instrument panel. In addition, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and turned off the vehicle. The contact waited for a few minutes. The vehicle restarted and the vehicle functioned as intended. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. However, no cause for the failure was found. The independent mechanic informed the contact that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure persisted. Upon investigation, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V447000 (POWER TRAIN). However, the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure recurred, and the vehicle was parked and no longer driven due to safety concerns. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ID

11685270

Incident

Aug 5, 2025

Car slips into neutral while on highway. Car continues to go from drive to neutral. Mechanic states new transmission necessary. Contacted Chrysler Jeep dealer they stated all recalls complete not their problem.

NHTSA ID

11676975

Incident

Jul 27, 2025

The engine and powertrain are affected by a defect described in Safety Recall 66A / NHTSA 23V-411 (loss of crankshaft position). Despite the recall software update being performed, my 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee continues to display Diagnostic Trouble Code P0336 (Crankshaft Position Sensor Performance). This issue causes intermittent stalling, hard starts, and loss of engine power, which creates a serious risk of crash if the vehicle stalls while driving. The safety defect described in the recall — tone wheel magnetic material delamination leading to crankshaft signal loss — is still present. Two diagnostic reports (one from an FCA-authorized dealership and one from an independent mechanic) confirm the presence of DTC P0336. The Service Manager at the dealership agreed this is likely recall-related but said FCA corporate must authorize hardware repair. FCA (Case #93427994) has refused to approve full repair, leaving the safety defect unresolved. The defect has been confirmed by the dealership and independent service center and persists despite the software reprogramming remedy. Warning lights (check engine) are active and the issue is repeatable.

NHTSA ID

11676958

Incident

Jun 23, 2025

Sometimes when i put my Suv in reverse or on drive it make a fully stop and returns to parking.

NHTSA ID

11662479

Incident

Nov 27, 2024

The component in question is the rear drive shaft. It has been losing speed as I travel on roads and the highways. When accelerating from a stop sign or red light, the vehicle seems to not want to move. It takes a few seconds for the computer to realize the car is in motion. Once it picks up speed, there are three (3) knocks that occur. It makes the vehicle jerk hard and sway sometimes. The next component is the transfer case. It puts the four-wheel in progress to be shifted. The four-wheel drive makes a popping noise when the vehicle comes to a stop and is shut off. It continues to keep shifting from two-wheel to four-wheel to two-wheel without even using the controls. While pulling out from a car lot, I made a right turn. The vehicle acted as if it did not want to go, and the front end started jerking and making a popping noise. Also, when riding on the highway, the front end shakes terribly. My safety was at risk because the vehicle acts up while pulling into traffic or riding on the road. Sometimes, I have my grandkids in the vehicle with me. They are my most precious packages when they ride with me. The problem of the drive shaft has been confirmed by a dealerships service department, my mechanic, and the mechanics of the dealership I purchased the vehicle from. Has not been inspected by the police, insurance reps, or the manufacturers. There were times when the service message for the four-wheel drive came on. It was an issue trying to find a place to do the service.

NHTSA ID

11654730

Incident

Feb 1, 2025

A warning came on said, service shifter. The part alone is $1,600 I’m a widow and can’t afford this. Mechanic says it’s the electronic transmission module,it tells the transmission what gear to shift into. I read complaints that their Jeep will shift into N or other gears going down the highway. To me this is dangerous and hope you can help.

NHTSA ID

11652733

Incident

Mar 25, 2025

The contact owns a 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission independently shifted into neutral. The contact turned the vehicle off. The vehicle was restarted; however, the failure reoccurred. The contact's minor child was an occupant of the vehicle at the time of the failure. The vehicle was driven to the residence. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and was diagnosed with transmission failure. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed of an unknown recall repair with a similar failure; however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 119,604.

NHTSA ID

11652077

Incident

Mar 31, 2025

Mileage

119,604 mi

Noise possibly coming from the transfer case shifting into different gears. Four wheels lowe is not working, end movement and impact when accelerating and when slowing down. Sudden movements when turning right

NHTSA ID

11649633

Incident

Mar 1, 2025

The contact owns a 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power, after which the contact became aware that the transmission had shifted into neutral independently. The contact was able to briefly coast while the vehicle was in neutral before shifting back into drive, prompting the contact to discontinue driving the vehicle. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 169,000.

NHTSA ID

11645074

Incident

Feb 25, 2025

Mileage

169,000 mi

While on highway, wipers, lights and horn began on their own. Then car shifted to neutral and brakes failed. I was going 70 miles per hour. I was able to get off the highway and have the car inspected by a licensed mechanic. It is the electrical computer or TIPM. The car is unable to start. This issue is a very dangerous safety issue.

NHTSA ID

11639598

Incident

Jan 21, 2025

The contact owns a 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH from a complete stop, the vehicle decelerated unintendedly to 45 MPH. The contact depressed the accelerator pedal, and the vehicle responded as needed. The contact stated that the failure recurred intermittently while driving at various speeds. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to Christian Brothers Automotive to be diagnosed; however, the failure could not be duplicated. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 98,000.

NHTSA ID

11638210

Incident

Oct 1, 2024

Mileage

98,000 mi

The contact's wife owns a 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that while in stop-and-go traffic, several warning lights began to flash on the instrument panel and the vehicle started to lose power. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic and the starter was replaced. The contact stated that several months later, the contact stated that the "Service Shifter" warning light flashed on the instrument panel with the gear shifter lights flashing. The contact stated that the vehicle independently shifted into neutral(N) while driving at 40 MPH. The contact drove the vehicle back to the independent mechanic where the mechanic test drove the vehicle. The mechanic informed the contact that he had experienced the failure while driving over a bump in the roadway and several warning lights flashed on the instrument panel. The contact was informed that the failure might be related to the electrical system and that the vehicle was unsafe to be driven. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 165,000.

NHTSA ID

11637625

Incident

Jan 18, 2025

Mileage

165,000 mi

Gear shifter put the jeep into 4th gear on freeway. The issue has been confirmed by a dealer and is still an issue that the car is not drive-able. Vehicle has not been inspected. There were no other issues until this issue presented.

NHTSA ID

11635952

Incident

Mar 1, 2024

My car didn’t move i would put drive and it would park and i would try driving and it didn’t move then it would move and stop again

NHTSA ID

11622986

Incident

Oct 28, 2024

The vehicle has been making this electrical noise inside the vehicle. The vehicle upon accelerating, would hesitate to go then jerk. The vehicle was inspected by a mechanic technician. It was suggested that the vehicle TCM be replaced. It was replaced and the jerking still exist. The vehicle out of nowhere started having these unexpected electrical issues. This caused the cooling system fan to not work. I ordered a new cooling system fan and had it replaced/installed. However, these issues along with other safety concerning issues have continued to occur. This vehicle can cause significant serious injury or injuries to the owner or others. The vehicle would lock up occasionally. This model jeep (2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland 5.7L) has some safety concerns. This need to be fixed immediately before it cause catastrophic damages/injuries to others.

NHTSA ID

11610559

Incident

Jun 1, 2024