Free used car buyer guide / KL / 2014-2020
Jeep Cherokee common problems and best years
By BYBA Research - how we score cars
Updated 2026-06-12
BYBA Buy Score
5.3/10
4 walk-away risks, 3 serious faults, 1 minor fault documented for this generation, weighted by severity and repair cost. Biggest factor: 2014 3.2 valve-body recall / loss of drive. Score methodology.
The KL Cherokee can be a useful compact SUV, but it is one of the Jeeps where the wrong drivetrain year changes the whole ownership story. The expensive traps are early ZF 9-speed shift/neutral recalls, 2014 3.2 valve-body loss-of-drive recalls, 2014-2017 two-speed PTU failure with loss of drive and Park, 2014-2016 power-liftgate fire recall, and 2.4 Tigershark oil consumption that can lead to stalls. The safest buy is a 2019-2020 3.2 V6 or 2.0 turbo automatic with closed recalls, no PTU noise and no transmission flare. A 2.4 can be acceptable only with oil-use proof and short oil intervals. Owners should check oil level, PTU noise and recall status as routine maintenance, not as once-a-year paperwork.
Faults covered
8
Highest risk
2014 3.2 valve-body recall
Best years
2019-2020
Best buys
- 2019-2020 3.2 V6 4x4 with no Service 4WD message, clean PTU operation and updated transmission software
- 2019-2020 2.0 turbo if service history is clear and cooling/turbo plumbing is dry
- FWD 3.2 V6 for buyers who do not need Trailhawk hardware and want less PTU exposure
Inspect hard
- 2014 launch cars for 9-speed harsh shifts, valve-body recall and early software history
- 2014-2017 Active Drive II / Trailhawk for PTU recall completion and driveline noise
- Every 2.4 Tigershark for oil level, consumption test history and stall complaints
Avoid
- Service Transmission, Service 4WD, neutral events or unexplained loss of Park
- 2014-2016 with unresolved power-liftgate fire recall or signs of rear module water intrusion
- 2.4 with low oil, poor oil records or seller claiming oil burning is normal without a consumption test
Next checks
Before you contact the seller
Check the car's history first. Then bring the right tools if it still looks worth viewing.
Primary next step
Check history, title, and recall status
The faults above matter more if the car also has accident history, finance flags, missing service records, or open safety recalls.
Viewing kit
Bring the right tools
Four cheap tools catch most of the faults on this page at a Jeep Cherokee viewing.
Printable workflow
Take the inspection pack
The PDF is the ordered checklist for the viewing: documents, walk-around, test drive, and scan.
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Engines and trims
Which Jeep Cherokee should you buy?
On most used cars, the engine and trim choice changes the risk more than the mileage does. Narrow this down before you start viewing cars.
2.4 Tigershark MultiAir
2014-2020
ONLY WITH OIL-USE PROOF
The 2.4 is the engine most likely to make a cheap KL look attractive and then punish a casual owner. Oil consumption can become low-oil shutdown before the driver expects it, so the inspection must include measured oil use, not just dipstick level on sale day.
3.2 Pentastar V6
2014-2020
BEST KL ENGINE
The 3.2 gives the Cherokee the power the 9-speed needs and avoids the Tigershark oil story. Early 2014 cars still carry valve-body and transmission software baggage, but a later V6 with clean shifts is the strongest KL choice.
2.0 GME turbo
2019-2020
GOOD LATE OPTION
The 2.0 turbo arrived with the facelift and is better matched to modern traffic than the 2.4. It is less proven long-term than the V6, so cooling, oil, turbo plumbing and software history matter.
2.2 MultiJet diesel
Europe/UK markets, mainly 2015-2020
USE-CASE DEPENDENT
Diesel KLs suit motorway buyers, not short urban trips. DPF/EGR/SCR condition and legal emissions equipment matter more than headline fuel economy.
Year notes
Year-by-year buyer advice
Use this to narrow the search before you spend time travelling to view a car.
2014
KL launch with ZF 9-speed; most recall and complaint load sits here, including shift quality and 3.2 valve-body recall.
Buyer: Buy only if cheap, fully updated and clean-shifting. A 2014 with Service Transmission history is easy to skip.
Owner: Keep all flash/update invoices because buyers know this is the rough launch year.
2015
Production settles but 9-speed complaints, liftgate module fire exposure and 2.4 oil concerns remain.
Buyer: Prefer V6. Check liftgate recall status and rear module area before trusting a tidy interior.
Owner: Check oil level often on 2.4 and close the liftgate recall if your VIN qualifies.
2016
Last year in the 2014-2016 liftgate fire recall group; PTU and transmission history still matter.
Buyer: A clean V6 is usable; a 2.4 with low oil or harsh shifts is not worth chasing.
Owner: Service 4WD messages need diagnosis before a PTU failure becomes a recovery job.
2017
PTU recall population continues for two-speed units; later software improves some shift complaints.
Buyer: Trailhawk buyers should focus on PTU recall, tyres and 4WD operation.
Owner: Keep tyre sizes matched and document driveline repairs.
2018
Final pre-facelift year; fewer launch-year issues but same 2.4/9-speed inspection logic.
Buyer: Buy condition, not mileage. A higher-mile V6 with records beats a low-mile 2.4 with oil stories.
Owner: Transmission adaptation and fluid condition matter as the car ages.
2019
Facelift arrives with 2.0 turbo option and improved software calibration.
Buyer: One of the best years. Still scan the 9-speed and check oil/cooling history.
Owner: Keep turbo/cooling service records if fitted; late KL resale is better with proof.
2020
Mature KL before later model-year changes; 2019-2020 engine-stall investigation context affects 2.4 perception.
Buyer: Best normal buy is V6 or 2.0T with closed recalls and no PTU noise.
Owner: Do not let low-oil or temperature warnings become a pattern.
Common problems
Faults to check before buying
What fails, what it looks like, what it costs, and the quick checks you can do at the viewing - ranked by how badly each one can hurt you.
Fault 1
Two-speed PTU spline failure / loss of drive and Park
Affects
2014-2017 Cherokee with two-speed PTU, especially Active Drive II and Trailhawk.
Symptoms
Service 4WD, groan/bind, vibration, loss of drive, vehicle may not hold Park.
Typical repair cost
EUR 0 recall; EUR 1,500-6,000+ PTU/driveline repair.
Codes / scan clues
DTCM/PTU and 4WD actuator faults; sometimes no engine code.
Root cause: Damaged PTU differential input splines can disconnect the driveline.
Quick check
- VIN-check 20V343.
- Drive tight circles hot and cold.
- Scan DTCM and transmission modules.
- Inspect tyre match and service history.
Buyer note
A KL with active Service 4WD or Park complaints is not ready to buy.
Owner note
Stop driving and diagnose new PTU noise before it becomes a stranded vehicle.
Fault 2
ZF 9-speed harsh shifts, neutral events and software history
Affects
2014-2020 Cherokee, worst on 2014-2015 launch calibration.
Symptoms
Harsh 2-3 shift, delayed engagement, stuck gear, Service Transmission, unexpected neutral.
Typical repair cost
EUR 0 recall/software; EUR 300-900 valve-body/software diagnosis; EUR 3,000-6,000 transmission repair.
Codes / scan clues
P0700, P0730, P0934, ratio and pressure faults.
Root cause: Early 9HP calibration, wiring/valve-body issues and adaptation problems created rough or unsafe shift behaviour.
Quick check
- Road test from cold through all gears.
- Check recall/software invoice history.
- Scan TCM for stored pressure or ratio faults.
- Reject cars that bang into gear after a reset.
Buyer note
A KL should shift acceptably after updates; do not buy the promise of one more flash.
Owner note
Record shift events with speed and temperature so the dealer cannot call it normal.
Fault 3
2014 3.2 valve-body recall / loss of drive
Affects
Certain 2014 Cherokee 3.2 V6 with 9-speed automatic.
Symptoms
Vehicle shifts to neutral, limp mode, no drive, Service Transmission warning.
Typical repair cost
EUR 0 recall; EUR 800-2,000 valve body; EUR 3,000+ if transmission damaged.
Codes / scan clues
P1B14, P1B13, pressure switch or valve-body faults vary.
Root cause: Stuck transaxle valve can cause loss of motive power.
Quick check
- VIN-check 19V447 on any 2014 V6.
- Ask whether valve body was replaced.
- Drive at steady cruise and then request kickdown.
- Scan TCM before and after road test.
Buyer note
A 2014 V6 without valve-body recall clarity is not a clean cheap Cherokee.
Owner note
Loss-of-drive symptoms belong at a dealer, not in a transmission additive bottle.
Fault 4
2.4 Tigershark oil consumption and low-oil stall
Affects
2014-2020 Cherokee 2.4 MultiAir.
Symptoms
Low oil between services, stall at stop, oil warning, rough restart, consumption test history.
Typical repair cost
EUR 0 software/consumption test if covered; EUR 800-2,500 top-end work; EUR 4,000+ engine replacement.
Codes / scan clues
Low oil may set no useful DTC; misfire and cam timing faults can appear after damage.
Root cause: Oil control ring and MultiAir operating conditions can allow excessive oil consumption.
Quick check
- Check oil level before startup.
- Ask for oil-consumption test paperwork.
- Review oil-change mileage, not just dates.
- Avoid any 2.4 that arrives low on oil.
Buyer note
A 2.4 with vague oil history is the wrong place to save money.
Owner note
Check oil every fuel stop until you know the engine's real consumption.
Fault 5
Power liftgate module fire recall
Affects
2014-2016 Cherokee with power liftgate, including vehicles previously repaired under earlier action.
Symptoms
Open park-outside recall, liftgate faults, rear cargo water intrusion, burning smell, dead battery.
Typical repair cost
EUR 0 recall; EUR 500-2,000 module/wiring repair if damaged.
Codes / scan clues
Liftgate/body module communication and short-circuit faults.
Root cause: Water intrusion can short the power liftgate module and start a fire with ignition on or off.
Quick check
- VIN-check the 2023 liftgate fire recall.
- Inspect spare-wheel/cargo area for dampness.
- Operate liftgate several times.
- Avoid cars with open park-outside instruction.
Buyer note
An unrepaired liftgate fire recall turns a tidy Cherokee into a storage-risk vehicle.
Owner note
Park outside until the recall is complete if instructed.
Fault 6
Uconnect/radio, battery drain and module faults
Affects
2014-2020 KL, especially higher trims with larger Uconnect.
Symptoms
Blank screen, Bluetooth/radio freeze, battery drain, no-start, random warning lights.
Typical repair cost
EUR 150-700 software/battery diagnosis; EUR 800-1,800 radio/module replacement.
Codes / scan clues
Radio, body control and low-voltage communication faults.
Root cause: Software instability, weak 12V batteries and module sleep faults create electrical complaints.
Quick check
- Start after sitting overnight.
- Check battery age and charging voltage.
- Operate screen, camera, phone pairing and climate controls.
- Scan for low-voltage history.
Buyer note
A KL with random electrical resets needs a full scan before purchase.
Owner note
Replace weak batteries early; low voltage makes KL diagnosis harder.
Fault 7
Engine mounts and driveline vibration
Affects
2014-2020 Cherokee, especially higher-mile 2.4/3.2 AWD cars.
Symptoms
Idle shake, clunk selecting Drive/Reverse, vibration under load, front-end thump.
Typical repair cost
EUR 400-1,200 mounts; EUR 1,500+ if PTU/transmission is the real source.
Codes / scan clues
Usually none.
Root cause: Mount wear is common, but symptoms can overlap with 9-speed or PTU faults.
Quick check
- Hold brake and select D/R while watching engine movement.
- Road test under light and heavy load.
- Inspect mount rubber and leakage.
- Separate mount clunk from PTU bind with scan and lift inspection.
Buyer note
Mounts are negotiable; vibration plus drivetrain codes is a different issue.
Owner note
Fix mounts before they stress exhaust and driveline joints.
Fault 8
Cooling, thermostat and overheating warnings
Affects
2014-2020 Cherokee all engines; 2019-2020 stall investigation context for some vehicles.
Symptoms
Coolant temperature high message, fan roar, coolant smell, limp mode, immediate shutdown/restart.
Typical repair cost
EUR 300-900 thermostat/sensor; EUR 1,000-2,500 radiator/pump; EUR 4,000+ overheated engine.
Codes / scan clues
P0128, P0217, P2181 and manufacturer temperature faults.
Root cause: Thermostat, sensor, coolant leak or software response to perceived overheating can trigger shutdown behaviour.
Quick check
- Check coolant cold and inspect for crust.
- Road test to full temperature.
- Watch live coolant temperature.
- Ask about any previous high-temperature shutdown.
Buyer note
A temperature warning on a KL is not a harmless message until live data proves it.
Owner note
Stop and diagnose the first overheat warning; repeated restarts are not a repair.
Inspection pack
Printable checklist for the viewing
The free page helps you decide whether the car is worth seeing. The paid guide is the ordered, printable checklist you use at the car.
Documents
- Mopar/NHTSA recall printout for 9-speed, PTU and liftgate campaigns
- Transmission software/valve-body invoices
- Oil-consumption test paperwork for 2.4
- 4WD/PTU service or replacement invoices
Walk around
- Inspect cargo area for dampness around power liftgate module
- Check tyre sizes and wear match on 4x4
- Look under engine/transmission for leaks
- Check liftgate, lights and camera
In the car
- Verify no Service Transmission or Service 4WD message
- Test Uconnect, HVAC, Bluetooth and backup camera
- Check battery age and start quality
- Confirm oil level before start on 2.4
Test drive
- Cold-to-hot shift test through all nine gears
- Tight turns for PTU bind
- Hill load for rail/shift/temperature behaviour
- Stop-start traffic for delayed engagement
Scan tool
- Engine, TCM and DTCM scans
- Misfire and oil/cam timing history on 2.4
- Temperature live data
- Low-voltage and body module history
Bottom line
Buy: Buy a 2019-2020 V6 or 2.0 turbo with clean 9-speed behaviour, closed recalls and no PTU noise. The late facelift cars are the KLs most likely to feel like normal used SUVs.
Avoid: Avoid 2014 launch cars with transmission history, any 2014-2017 4x4 with unresolved PTU faults, and any 2.4 that is low on oil or cannot show a consumption test.
Quick answers
Jeep Cherokee buyer questions
The short versions of what this page answers in full.
What are the most common Jeep Cherokee 2014-2020 problems?
The highest-impact documented faults are: Two-speed PTU spline failure / loss of drive and Park; ZF 9-speed harsh shifts, neutral events and software history; 2014 3.2 valve-body recall / loss of drive. This guide covers 8 faults in total, each with symptoms, typical repair costs, and checks you can do at a viewing.
Which Jeep Cherokee years are the best to buy?
2019-2020 stand out in this generation. Buy a 2019-2020 V6 or 2.0 turbo with clean 9-speed behaviour, closed recalls and no PTU noise. The late facelift cars are the KLs most likely to feel like normal used SUVs.
Which Jeep Cherokee should I avoid?
Avoid 2014 launch cars with transmission history, any 2014-2017 4x4 with unresolved PTU faults, and any 2.4 that is low on oil or cannot show a consumption test.
Is the Jeep Cherokee 2014-2020 a reliable used buy?
BYBA scores it 5.3/10 (cautious buy). 4 walk-away risks, 3 serious faults, 1 minor fault documented for this generation, weighted by severity and repair cost. Biggest factor: 2014 3.2 valve-body recall / loss of drive.
Get updates when this guide changes
Recalls get added, repair costs shift, and new fault patterns show up in the data. Leave an email and we'll tell you when the Jeep Cherokee guide gets a meaningful revision. Nothing else, no selling your address.
Research basis
- static.nhtsa.gov: RCAK-20V343-1945.pdf
- static.nhtsa.gov: RCONL-20V343-4903.pdf
- static.nhtsa.gov: RCRIT-16V529-9954.pdf
- static.nhtsa.gov: MC-10232013-9999.pdf
- nhtsa.gov: jeep-cherokee-recall-fire-risk
- jeepproblems.com: tigershark-oil-consumption
- jeepcherokeeclub.com: oil-consumption-2-4l.223026
- caranddriver.com: jeep-cherokee-2014-zf-nine-speed-transmission-recall
- consumerreports.org
- repairpal.com: cherokee
- NHTSA recalls API 2014 Cherokee
- CarComplaints 2014 Cherokee transmission
- NHTSA complaints API 2016 Cherokee
- NHTSA recalls API 2015 Cherokee
- CarComplaints 2015 Cherokee electrical
- NHTSA complaints API 2015 Cherokee
- NHTSA complaints API 2017 Cherokee
- Cherokee Forum KL discussions
- AP NHTSA Compass/Cherokee related shutdown investigation context
- NHTSA complaints API 2020 Cherokee