About this problem
Engine stalling while driving means the engine cuts out without warning, often at low speed or when coming to a stop. Power steering and brake assist get heavier when the engine stops, so a stall in traffic is dangerous. Common causes include transmission and fuel system faults and failing electrical modules, and some of these vehicles have recalls or software fixes.
Across all owner complaints filed about the Jeep Cherokee since 2012, 1,631 (16.1%) describe engine stalling while driving, making it the most reported problem we track on the Cherokee. The reports cluster on the 2014, 2015 and 2019 model years, and the 2014 drew the most, with 506. It tends to show up in the middle years of ownership: half of the owners who gave a mileage were between 15,000 and 60,000 miles. 29 reports describe a crash or fire linked to it. 5 recalls are related to it, and recall repairs are free at any dealer.
What owners report
Cherokee owners describe the engine stalling while driving, at idle or when pulling away, sometimes with many warning lights at once. Reports peak on 2014 and 2019 cars and are often tied to transmission software, the stop-start system and a weak battery.
How it gets fixed
Dealers usually update the engine and transmission software and test or replace the battery. Some engines were recalled.
Typical cost: Software updates are often free. A new battery costs about $200 to $300.
Complaints by model year
In owners' words
"My wife was on her way to work for the last day before christmas and got 2 blocks from the house before calling for help. The vehicle lost power and luckily she was able to get off of the road. It was rainy both the day before and that morning also."
2014 Jeep Cherokee, 21,200 miles
"My car has been stalling on the first drive of the morning for 4 days. Starts up and it's fine after that. Yesterday while videoing it to show a dealer, I heard a ding. Saw nothing on the panel."
2015 Jeep Cherokee, 56,580 miles
"March 2019 I was making a right hand turn going about 4-6 mph onto a busy highway, when all of sudden my vehicle stalled in the middle of the lane I was turning onto. All the dash lights turned on."
2019 Jeep Cherokee, 4,300 miles
Excerpts from public owner complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, lightly trimmed.
Related recalls
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Jeep Cherokee vehicles.
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Jeep Renegade, Compass and Grand Cherokee, RAM 1500 and Promaster, Fiat 500x, Dodge Journey, Challenger, Charger and Durango and Chrysler 300x vehicles, 2017-2018 Jeep Wrangler, Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town and Country vehicles and 2018-2019 J
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Jeep Cherokee and Compass vehicles equipped with 2.4L engines.
Chrysler(FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019 Jeep Cherokee vehicles equipped with 2.4L engines.
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019 Jeep Cherokee vehicles equipped with 2.0L engines.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. Check a specific car by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Service bulletins
Jeep has sent dealers 60 bulletins that mention this problem on the Cherokee. A bulletin tells technicians how to fix a known fault. It is not a recall, so the repair is usually free only while the car is under warranty or covered by an extension.
Underhood start/stop safety The customer may experience a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illumination.
Before replacing any parts please refer to SOL S2518000008 if it applies to the vehicle you are working on based on a VIN search in Service Library.
Issue involves overheating, running hot, coolant leaks and related symptoms after a Mopar replacement engine has been installed in the vehicle.
Right Front A-Pillar Sealing Plug Missing This bulletin involves inspecting and if necessary, installing the right front A-Pillar sealing plug and removing the door to check electrical connector.
Trailer Tow Lamps Inoperative After Mopar Trailer Tow Wiring Installation
ADAPTER, Engine Oil Filter (Pentastar V6) For all 2014MY replace the Oil Filter Adapter (OFA).
Government investigations
Engineering analysis EA21002 · 2014–2018 · opened Sep 2021
Preliminary evaluation PE22009 · 2014–2016 · opened Jul 2022, closed Oct 2023
Recall query RQ15004 · 2014, 2015 · opened Jul 2015, closed Jan 2016
Before you buy a Cherokee
- Let the car idle for several minutes and pull away from stops a few times; watch for stalling or warning lights.
- Ask whether software updates have been done and check by VIN for open recalls.
- Have the battery tested; weak batteries cause many shutdowns on cars with stop-start.
Questions
Which Jeep Cherokee years have engine stalling while driving?
Complaints are highest for the 2014, 2015, 2019 model years. The 2014 drew the most, with 506 reports.
At what mileage does it usually start?
Among owners who gave a mileage, the middle figure was about 35,000 miles, and half reported it between 15,000 and 60,000 miles.
How much does it cost to fix?
Software updates are often free. A new battery costs about $200 to $300.