2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee
The 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee is a popular SUV known for its blend of on-road comfort and off-road capability. It was offered with a range of engine options, including a 3.6L Pentastar V6 (290 horsepower, 260 lb-ft of torque), a 5.7L Hemi V8 (360 horsepower, 390 lb-ft of torque), and a 3.0L EcoDiesel V6 (240 horsepower, 420 lb-ft of torque). Most models came with an 8-speed automatic transmission. People often praise the Grand Cherokee for its upscale interior, comfortable ride, and available 4x4 systems, while some criticisms include reliability concerns and higher running costs compared to some competitors.
Engine
3.6L Pentastar V6
- Cylinder Head Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Excessive ticking noise, especially when cold. Check engine light may illuminate. Engine misfires. Often affects vehicles built before 2014, but can still occur.
- Solution: Replacement of the cylinder head.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $2,500+
- Recalls: None Found
- Oil Cooler Housing Leak
- Description/Symptoms: Oil leak from the oil filter adapter/cooler housing, often dripping onto the exhaust. Burning oil smell. Low oil pressure warning.
- Solution: Replacement of the oil cooler housing. An updated design is available that is less prone to failure.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
- Recalls: None Found
5.7L Hemi V8
- Hemi Tick (Lifter Failure)
- Description/Symptoms: Ticking or tapping noise coming from the engine, usually noticeable at idle or low speeds. Can be caused by worn or collapsed hydraulic lifters.
- Solution: Replacement of the affected lifters and potentially the camshaft.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $4,000+
- Recalls: None Found
3.0L EcoDiesel V6
- Turbocharger Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Loss of power, excessive black smoke, whistling noise from the turbocharger. Check engine light may illuminate.
- Solution: Replacement of the turbocharger.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,500 - $4,000+
- Recalls: None Found
- EGR Cooler Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Check engine light, coolant loss, white smoke from the exhaust, engine overheating.
- Solution: Replacement of the EGR cooler.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,000+
- Recalls: None Found
Transmission
8-Speed Automatic (All Engines)
- Rough Shifting/Hesitation
- Description/Symptoms: Harsh or delayed shifts, particularly between 1st and 2nd gear or during downshifts. Hesitation when accelerating.
- Solution: Software update/reprogramming of the transmission control module (TCM). In some cases, replacement of the valve body or the entire transmission may be necessary.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+ for software update, $1,500 - $4,000+ for valve body/transmission replacement.
- Recalls: None Found
Suspension
- Air Suspension (Quadra-Lift) Issues
- Description/Symptoms: Vehicle leaning to one side, compressor failure, inability to raise or lower the vehicle, “service air suspension” message on the dashboard.
- Solution: Replacement of the air struts, compressor, or related components. Leaks in the air lines can also occur and need to be addressed.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2,000+ per strut, $500 - $1,500+ for compressor, $100 - $500 for air lines.
- Recalls: None Found
- Squeaking/Rattling Noises
- Description/Symptoms: Squeaking or rattling noises from the front or rear suspension, especially over bumps. Can be caused by worn sway bar bushings, ball joints, or control arm bushings.
- Solution: Replacement of the worn bushings or ball joints.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+ per corner depending on the part and labor.
- Recalls: None Found
Electrical
- Uconnect System Problems
- Description/Symptoms: Freezing, crashing, unresponsive touchscreen, Bluetooth connectivity issues, navigation malfunctions.
- Solution: Software update. In some cases, replacement of the Uconnect module may be necessary.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $0 (software update) - $500+ for module replacement.
- Recalls: 14V530000 - Uconnect Software Update (anti-hacking)
- Power Window/Door Lock Malfunctions
- Description/Symptoms: Intermittent or complete failure of power windows or door locks.
- Solution: Replacement of the window motor, door lock actuator, or related wiring.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+ per window/door.
- Recalls: None Found
- Instrument Cluster Issues
- Description/Symptoms: Complete loss of functionality, flickering, incorrect readings, or warning lights illuminating intermittently.
- Solution: Replacement or repair of the instrument cluster.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300-$1000+ depending on the repair or replacement.
- Recalls: None Found
Exterior
- Water Leaks
- Description/Symptoms: Water leaking into the cabin, particularly around the sunroof, windshield, or liftgate.
- Solution: Resealing the sunroof or windshield, repairing the liftgate seals, or unclogging the sunroof drain tubes.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $800+ depending on the source and severity of the leak.
- Recalls: None Found
Interior
- Sunroof Issues
- Description/Symptoms: Sunroof not opening or closing properly, getting stuck, or making excessive noise.
- Solution: Repair or replacement of the sunroof motor, tracks, or other components.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+ depending on the specific issue.
- Recalls: None Found
Summary
The 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee, while generally well-regarded for its features and capabilities, does have some common issues that prospective buyers should be aware of. Engine problems, particularly cylinder head issues in the 3.6L V6 and potential turbocharger failures in the EcoDiesel, can be costly to repair. Transmission issues with the 8-speed automatic can range from minor software glitches to major component failures. Air suspension problems, while offering a comfortable ride, can also be expensive to fix. Electrical gremlins in the Uconnect system and other components are also frequently reported. Potential buyers should carefully inspect the vehicle, obtain a pre-purchase inspection from a qualified mechanic, and research the repair history before making a purchase. The severity of these issues ranges from minor inconveniences to major mechanical failures, with repair costs potentially ranging from a few hundred dollars to several thousand.