2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee Powertrain & Transmission Problems

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

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)

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.

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.

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.

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

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)

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.

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.

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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

The contact owns a 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated while driving at various speeds and making a turn, the rear wheels suddenly locked. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the road. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle and was able to continue driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the transfer case had failed and needed to be replaced. The dealer determined that the failure was related to an unknown recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 167,000.