Comprehensive guide to Jeep Cherokee lemon law claims, common defects, NHTSA recalls, and your legal rights as an owner.
Model years covered: 2014-2023
The Jeep Cherokee (2014-2023) has been a popular compact SUV, but it has also been the subject of numerous consumer complaints, recalls, and lemon law claims. Many owners have reported significant issues, particularly with the 9-speed automatic transmission, engine stalling, and electrical system malfunctions. These persistent defects have led to safety concerns and frequent visits to the dealership for repairs.
If you own or lease a 2014-2023 Jeep Cherokee and have experienced recurring problems that the dealership has been unable to fix after multiple attempts, your vehicle may qualify as a lemon. Under state and federal lemon laws, consumers with defective vehicles may be entitled to a buyback, a replacement vehicle, or a cash settlement. Understanding your rights and the common defects associated with this model is the first step toward getting the compensation you deserve.
Total recalls: 38
The 2014-2023 Jeep Cherokee has been subject to numerous significant recalls. One of the most critical recalls involves the Power Transfer Unit (PTU) in 2014-2017 models, where worn splines can cause a loss of drive power and the park function. Another major recall addresses the power liftgate module in 2014-2016 models, which can short circuit and cause a vehicle fire.
Additionally, there have been recalls for cruise control systems that fail to disengage, transmission software that unexpectedly shifts to neutral, and steering rack gears that may break and cause a loss of steering control. In 2022, a recall was issued for turn signal malfunctions. Owners are strongly advised to check their VIN against the NHTSA database to ensure all recall work has been completed.
View all Jeep recalls and NHTSA safety alerts
Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) has issued numerous Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) for the Jeep Cherokee to address common problems that do not rise to the level of a safety recall. Many TSBs focus on the 9-speed automatic transmission, providing software updates for the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) and Transmission Control Module (TCM) to address rough shifting and hesitation.
Other notable TSBs cover excessive oil consumption in the 2.4L Tigershark engine, requiring oil consumption tests and potential engine replacements. There are also bulletins addressing water leaks into the cabin, particularly around the tail lights and liftgate, which can damage electrical components like the parking brake module.
The Jeep Cherokee has been the subject of several class-action lawsuits. A major lawsuit, Granillo, et al. v. FCA, targeted the defective ZF 9HP automatic transmissions in 2014-2015 models, alleging rough shifting and lurching. The proposed settlement offered extended warranties and cash payments or trade-in vouchers for owners with multiple documented repair attempts.
Another significant class action, Wood, et al. v. FCA US, LLC, addressed excessive oil consumption in the 2.4L Tigershark engine. Additionally, lawsuits have been filed regarding the electronic parking brake defect, where water intrusion causes the brake to engage unexpectedly while driving. In individual lemon law cases, consumers have received substantial settlements, including an $81,000 jury verdict in Illinois for a defective Jeep Cherokee.
Yes. The 9-speed ZF transmission in 2014 to 2023 Cherokees has a documented pattern of rough shifting, hesitation, and failure. If your vehicle has required multiple repair attempts for transmission issues while under warranty, it likely qualifies for a lemon law claim.
The Power Transfer Unit (PTU) recall affects 2014-2017 models where worn splines can cause a loss of drive power. If the dealership cannot fix the issue within a reasonable number of attempts or if the vehicle is out of service for an extended period, you may have a valid lemon law case.
Engine stalling is a severe safety defect often linked to oil consumption or electrical issues. You should immediately take the vehicle to an authorized dealer for repair. If the problem persists after repair attempts, contact a lemon law attorney, as safety defects require fewer repair attempts to qualify under the lemon law.
Compensation varies based on the vehicle's purchase price, mileage, and the specific defects. Outcomes typically include a full repurchase (buyback), a replacement vehicle, or a 'cash and keep' settlement where you receive monetary compensation but keep the car. Settlements often range from $15,000 to $35,000.
In most states, including California, the lemon law includes a fee-shifting provision. This means that if you win your case, the manufacturer (FCA/Stellantis) is required to pay your attorney's fees and costs. Therefore, reputable lemon law attorneys will take your case on a contingency basis with no out-of-pocket cost to you.