Own a Jeep Cherokee in the Phoenix area? EZ Swap LLC repairs and maintains the Jeep Cherokee for model years 2014 to 2023, 2026 to 2027. Our shop at 9050 N 9th St handles everything from routine service to diagnostics and major repairs.
To help Cherokee owners know what to watch for, we reviewed public records from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). For these model years NHTSA has 10,120 owner complaints on file for the Cherokee and 39 safety recall campaigns. The most-reported problem areas are power train (5,218), engine (2,152), electrical system (2,014).
Most-Reported Jeep Cherokee Problems
These problem areas come up most often in NHTSA owner complaints for the Cherokee (all model years combined). Complaint counts reflect reports filed, not the share of vehicles affected, so popular and older models naturally have more.
| Problem area (NHTSA component) | Complaints | Share | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Power Train | 5,218 | 51% | |
| Engine | 2,152 | 21% | |
| Electrical System | 2,014 | 19% | |
| Service Brakes | 635 | 6% | |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 556 | 5% | |
| Steering | 455 | 4% | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 371 | 3% | |
| Structure | 269 | 2% |
Power Train
5,218 of the 10,120 complaints (51%) mention the powertrain. Powertrain complaints can range from rough shifting to loss of drive. We road test, scan for stored codes and inspect fluids before recommending any repair. See our auto repair page.
Engine
2,152 of the 10,120 complaints (21%) mention the engine and cooling system. Engine and cooling complaints are best caught early in Phoenix, where heat pushes cooling systems and engine oil to their limits. We diagnose warning lights and check coolant, hoses and oil condition. See our check engine light diagnostics and oil change & maintenance pages.
Electrical System
2,014 of the 10,120 complaints (19%) mention the electrical system. Electrical problems are made worse by desert heat, which ages batteries, cables and connectors. We test the battery, starter and charging system and trace faults to the actual part. See our battery replacement and starter & alternator repair pages.
Jeep Cherokee Complaints by Model Year
The Cherokee model years with the most NHTSA complaints on file are 2014, 2015, 2019. Older model years have had more time to collect reports, so use this table as a guide for what to inspect, not as a verdict on any one vehicle.
| Model year | Complaints on file | |
|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 2,650 | |
| 2015 | 1,792 | |
| 2016 | 1,412 | |
| 2017 | 1,337 | |
| 2018 | 688 | |
| 2019 | 1,668 | |
| 2020 | 333 | |
| 2021 | 176 | |
| 2022 | 52 | |
| 2023 | 3 | |
| 2026 | 9 |
Most Common Jeep Cherokee Check Engine Codes
Owners often put the exact trouble code in their NHTSA complaint. These are the codes cited most often for the Cherokee. The most-cited is C14A7 (manufacturer-specific chassis code), mentioned in 83 complaints. Counts reflect complaints that name a code, not every car on the road.
| Code | What it means | Complaints citing it |
|---|---|---|
| C14A7 | Manufacturer-specific chassis code The meaning of this code varies by make and model, so it needs to be looked up for your vehicle and tested. | 83 |
| P0887 | Powertrain code A scan and test is needed to confirm what this code means for your vehicle. | 12 |
| U0402 | Network code A scan and test is needed to confirm what this code means for your vehicle. | 11 |
| P0520 | Powertrain code A scan and test is needed to confirm what this code means for your vehicle. | 6 |
| C1494 | Manufacturer-specific chassis code The meaning of this code varies by make and model, so it needs to be looked up for your vehicle and tested. | 6 |
| P1DDD | Manufacturer-specific powertrain code The meaning of this code varies by make and model, so it needs to be looked up for your vehicle and tested. | 4 |
| P1720 | Manufacturer-specific powertrain code The meaning of this code varies by make and model, so it needs to be looked up for your vehicle and tested. | 4 |
| P0128 | Coolant temperature below thermostat regulating temperature Usually a thermostat stuck open. Fix it to restore efficiency and cabin heat. | 4 |
A code is a clue, not a diagnosis. The same code can have several causes, so we test before replacing parts. See our check engine light diagnostics, and read whether it is safe to drive with the check engine light on.
Jeep Cherokee Safety Recalls
NHTSA lists 39 recall campaigns for the Cherokee in these model years, most often involving power train, electrical system, air bags. Recalls are repaired by the manufacturer at no charge to you, but each applies only to certain vehicles. Look up your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- 2026 recall, Power Train (campaign 26V290000): Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2023 Jeep Cherokee vehicles. The power transfer unit (PTU) may fail.
- 2025 recall, Power Train (campaign 25V011000): Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Jeep Cherokee vehicles. The power transfer unit (PTU) may become damaged and disengage the transmission and differential, resulting in a loss of drive power and/or loss of park function.
- 2024 recall, Air Bags (campaign 24V516000): Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Jeep Cherokee vehicles. An improperly secured connector for the right-side curtain air bag may prevent the air bag from deploying as intended.
- 2024 recall, Exterior Lighting (campaign 24V239000): Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2022 Jeep Cherokee vehicles. The turn signal self-canceling feature may not function properly.
- 2023 recall, Electrical System (campaign 23V338000): Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Jeep Cherokee vehicles equipped with a power liftgate. An electrical short in the power liftgate module may lead to a vehicle fire with the ignition on or off.
- 2023 recall, Power Train (campaign 23V302000): Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Jeep Cherokee vehicles. The power transfer unit (PTU) may become damaged and disengage the transmission and differential, resulting in a loss of drive power or loss of park function.
Serious Incident Reports
Of the NHTSA complaints on file for the Cherokee, 236 involved a crash, 100 involved a fire, 192 reported injuries. These numbers are drawn from self-reported complaints and are not verified findings. If your vehicle has an open recall, get it repaired promptly.
Keeping a Jeep Cherokee Reliable in Phoenix
Arizona heat is the hardest test a Jeep will face. Batteries, belts, hoses, tires and engine oil all wear faster here, and a Cherokee that spends its life in stop-and-go Valley traffic needs maintenance earlier than the owner's manual's normal schedule suggests.
Our recommendation for Cherokee owners: follow the severe-service schedule, test the battery before every summer, inspect brakes and tires twice a year, and have any warning light diagnosed instead of ignored. If you are shopping for a used Jeep Cherokee, a pre-purchase inspection shows what the paperwork does not.
Jeep Cherokee Services at EZ Swap LLC
Get the details on our Phoenix Jeep Cherokee repair service, or choose a service below.
Auto Repair
All makes and models, from domestic trucks to imports.
Details →Check Engine Light Diagnostics
Scan, test and pinpoint the real cause.
Details →Oil Change & Maintenance
Oil, filters, fluids, tires and scheduled service.
Details →Battery Replacement
Test, replace and protect against Phoenix heat.
Details →Starter & Alternator Repair
Charging and starting system repair.
Details →Jeep Cherokee FAQ
What are the most common problems with the Jeep Cherokee?
Based on NHTSA owner complaints, the most-reported problem areas for the Jeep Cherokee are power train (5,218), engine (2,152), electrical system (2,014). Complaint counts reflect reports filed, not the share of vehicles affected.
Which Cherokee model years have the most complaints?
The Cherokee model years with the most NHTSA complaints on file are 2014, 2015, 2019. Older years have had longer to collect reports, so inspect any specific vehicle before buying.
What are the most common check engine codes on the Jeep Cherokee?
In NHTSA owner complaints for the Jeep Cherokee, the codes cited most often are C14A7 (manufacturer-specific chassis code), P0887 (powertrain code), U0402 (network code). A code points to a system, and testing confirms the actual failed part.
Does the Jeep Cherokee have any safety recalls?
NHTSA lists 39 recall campaigns for the Jeep Cherokee across model years 2014 to 2023, 2026 to 2027. Each recall applies only to certain vehicles, so enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is affected.
Do you repair the Jeep Cherokee in Phoenix?
Yes. EZ Swap LLC repairs and maintains Jeep vehicles including the Cherokee, at 9050 N 9th St in Phoenix. Call or text (602) 246-9063 for an appointment.
Is a pre-purchase inspection worth it for a used Jeep Cherokee?
Yes. An inspection checks the engine, transmission, brakes, suspension, A/C and electrical system, and scans for stored codes, so you know the real condition before you buy.
How often should I service my Jeep Cherokee in Phoenix?
Follow the severe-service schedule in your owner's manual, since heat and stop-and-go driving count as severe use. Test the battery before summer and inspect brakes and tires regularly.
More Jeep Models We Service
Source: public complaint and recall records from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (nhtsa.gov). Counts reflect reports filed and do not predict the condition of any individual vehicle.