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Jeep · Compact SUV · 2014–2023 Custom Search

Jeep Cherokee KL

Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice

★★★★★
2.3 / 5.0 · Based on 3 engine variants
Most Fun Engine

203–273 PS

2.0L Turbo Benzin

Modern engine, mature transmission

Decent
Problem Engine

181–186 PS

2.4L Tigershark Benzin

3 weaknesses

Stay Away!

Engine Overview

The Jeep Cherokee KL is available with 4 engine variants — from 181 to 273 hp. 1 variants had engine changes — the model year is crucial.

2.0L Turbo · Petrol· 270 PS
2019 2023
Be Careful 4 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →
2.4L Tigershark · Petrol· 184 PS
2014 2018
Stay Away! 3 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →
3.2L V6 · Petrol· 271 PS
2014 2023
Be Careful 2 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →
Cherokee Trailhawk · Petrol· 184–271 PS Engine Change
2014 2018
Stay Away! 3 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →
2014 2023
Be Careful 2 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →
2019 2023
Be Careful 4 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →

The Jeep 2.0L Turbo (Petrol, 270 PS) has the GME-T4 (2.0L Turbo) — rated: "Be Careful", 4 known weaknesses.

The Jeep 2.4L Tigershark (Petrol, 184 PS) has the ED6 (2.4L Tigershark) — rated: "Stay Away!", 3 known weaknesses.

The Jeep 3.2L V6 (Petrol, 271 PS) has the Pentastar-3.2 (3.2L V6) — rated: "Be Careful", 2 known weaknesses.

The Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk (Petrol, 184–271 PS) comes with 3 different engines: ED6 (2014–2018, Stay Away!) and Pentastar-3.2 (2014–2023, Be Careful) and GME-T4 (2019–2023, Be Careful). Pay attention to the model year for the Cherokee Trailhawk!

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Vehicle Weaknesses

WeaknessCost
✖ZF 9-Speed Transmission: jerking, hesitating, ruining the drive

The ZF 9HP48 (948TE) is the most notorious Jeep problem of the 2010s. Harsh lurching from stops, transmission hunts for gears, power loss during engagement. Class action won, FCA extended warranty to 6 years/100,000 miles for 2014-2015. Software updates help — rarely fix it permanently.

Symptoms: Violent jerk from a standstill, hesitation at mid-throttle, banging on gear changes, hunting at highway speeds
from 27,000 km
Ad ZF 9HP48 948TE transmission Cherokee KLTCM valve body ZF 9-speed
 High
NHTSA Owner Complaints
Below average
2,063 complaints · 2014–2023
Powertrain/Transmission
426
Engine
508 ⚠ 7
Electrical
441
Brakes
294

Top Reported Issues

⚠ Powertrain/Transmission (426 complaints)
⚠ Engine (508 complaints)
⚠ Electrical (441 complaints)
Source: NHTSA (nhtsa.gov) · 2026-04

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Known Problems and Issues

A total of 18 weaknesses have been documented for the Jeep Cherokee KL (2014–2023) — 9 engine-related and 9 vehicle-related. One problem engine: ED6 (2.4L Tigershark). Typical issues affect Gearbox, Electronics, Body, Brakes.

Cherokee (ED6, 2014–2018) — Stay Away!: Piston Ring Defect: Severe Oil Consumption ($8M Settlement), Engine Stall from Low Oil Level, MultiAir Solenoid Failure. Power: 184 PS.

Cherokee (Pentastar-3.2, 2014–2023) — Be Careful: Rocker arm wear — ticking, camshaft damage, Oil cooler housing leak. Power: 271 PS.

Cherokee (GME-T4, 2019–2023) — Be Careful: Coolant leak / coolant in oil, Turbo bearing wear, Elevated oil consumption. Power: 270 PS.

What to watch out for with the Jeep Cherokee? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.

Frequently Asked Questions

What problems and weaknesses does the Jeep Cherokee KL have? +
The Jeep Cherokee KL has 9 known engine weaknesses and 9 vehicle weaknesses.
What should I look for when buying a used Jeep Cherokee KL? +
faq.watch_a_avoid
Which engine is recommended? +
Be careful: GME-T4 (2.0L Turbo), Pentastar-3.2 (3.2L V6). No engine is rated 'Good Choice'. The most fun to drive is the GME-T4 (2.0L Turbo). Problem engine: ED6 (2.4L Tigershark) — stay away!
Which Jeep Cherokee KL engine is the most fun? +
The {code} ({displacement}) offers the most driving fun in the Jeep Cherokee KL — rated: "Decent". {description} The 2.0T brings strong throttle response and reasonable fuel economy to the KL package. The 9-speed is better calibrated on the 2019+ facelifts. Still not the sharpest package, but the most sensible Cherokee choice for daily use.
Is the Jeep Cherokee KL worth buying used? +
Caution is advised with the Jeep Cherokee KL — 1 of 3 engine variants are rated 'Stay Away!'. The engine choice is crucial.
What horsepower variants are available for the Jeep Cherokee KL? +
The Jeep Cherokee KL is available with engine variants from 181 to 273 hp. Petrol: GME-T4 (2.0L Turbo), ED6 (2.4L Tigershark), Pentastar-3.2 (3.2L V6).

Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee