Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee pre-purchase inspection checklist

What to check before you buy, built from NHTSA recall data, owner-reported failures, and mechanic intel. Print it or bring it to your mechanic.

Pre-purchase inspection · 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee
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2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee
Laredo / Limited / Overland / Summit (WK2, 2011–2021)
Medium Attention

The WK2 Grand Cherokee (2011–2021) is a genuinely premium mid-size SUV that commands a loyal following — interior quality at the price point is excellent, and off-road capability on Trail Rated trims is real. Its significant weak link is the TIPM (Totally Integrated Power Module), a combined fuse-and-relay box prone to intermittent and hard-to-diagnose electrical failures on earlier builds. The Pentastar V6 is strong. The 5.7L HEMI is powerful but brings MDS cylinder deactivation wear that surfaces above 80,000 miles. If the vehicle has optional Quadra-Lift air suspension, budget for potential compressor and ride-height sensor replacement.

Items to check
19
Open recalls
16
NHTSA complaints
2318
Top concern
Electrical / Engine

Electrical — TIPM

TIPM (Totally Integrated Power Module) — high failure rate

High Attention
The TIPM is a combined fuse and relay module that controls virtually every electrical function: fuel pump, wipers, horn, door locks, starter, and more. On WK2 Grand Cherokees (especially 2011–2013), TIPM failures are the top reported issue. Symptoms range from intermittent — random horn honking, wipers activating alone, window oddities — to hard failures: no-start, stalling, fuel pump not priming. The 2014+ TIPM is more reliable than earlier builds, but the failure mode is not fully resolved.
Before the test drive: cycle every switch in the cabin (wipers, horn, windows, locks, lights). Any intermittent behavior — a switch that works three out of four presses, a horn that honks with the key off, windows that hesitate — is a TIPM warning sign. Ask the seller if the car has ever had an unexpected no-start or needed a jump.
Est. cost: $800–$1,200 rebuilt TIPM / $1,200–$1,800 OEM dealer replacement Source: NHTSA WK2 Grand Cherokee complaints (TIPM)

Uconnect touchscreen freeze or reboot

Monitor
The Uconnect system (8.4 on higher trims, 5.0 on Laredo) can freeze mid-use or reboot spontaneously. Software updates typically resolve this — but an aging system on an un-updated vehicle can become unreliable.
Power up the infotainment and use it continuously for 5 minutes without touching the ignition. Systems that freeze during this test need a software update at minimum.
Est. cost: $0 software update / $500–$1,500 head unit if hardware failure Source: Chrysler/FCA Uconnect update history

Powertrain

3.6L Pentastar V6 — oil filter housing seep

Monitor
The Pentastar V6 is a fundamentally strong engine, but the plastic oil filter housing has a known tendency to develop slow oil seepage — particularly at higher miles. The housing is inexpensive but requires some disassembly to access.
With the engine at operating temperature, inspect the front-left side of the engine block for oily residue or dark staining around the oil filter housing base. Any visible seep = housing seal kit needed soon.
Est. cost: $150–$350 oil filter housing gasket kit Source: Pentastar V6 oil filter housing pattern

5.7L HEMI — MDS lifter tick (if equipped)

High Attention
The 5.7L HEMI with Multi-Displacement System (MDS) is powerful but MDS solenoid failures and intake lifter tick are documented concerns above 80,000 miles. MDS cycling causes lifter and rocker arm wear over time.
Cold-start the HEMI — listen for a tick or clatter on the intake side of the valve covers. A brief tick on cold start that clears within 10 seconds is minor; persistent ticking past 30 seconds = MDS concern. On a test drive, confirm the MDS "4cyl" indicator switches on and off smoothly without shudder.
Est. cost: $500–$2,500 MDS solenoid and lifter service / $4,000–$8,000 full MDS delete Source: HEMI MDS lifter pattern (Dodge/Jeep V8 lineup)

8-speed automatic (ZF 8HP45) — generally excellent

Low Risk
The ZF 8HP45 is one of the most widely praised modern automatic transmissions — smooth, efficient, and durable. Fluid condition is the only real maintenance concern.
Test drive: smooth shifts through the full speed range, clean engagement at all throttle positions. Verify ATF was serviced per Mopar schedule.
Est. cost: $300–$500 ATF service / $3,000–$6,000 rebuild if severely neglected Source: ZF 8HP45 reliability documentation

Transfer case fluid (4WD models)

Monitor
The NV244/NV241 transfer case has output shaft seal leaks documented at higher mileage. Burnt or dark transfer case fluid means heat damage from towing without fluid service.
On a lift, inspect the transfer case and both output shaft seals for drips. Ask for service records showing transfer case fluid was changed at 60k.
Est. cost: $150 fluid service / $800–$2,000 seal repair if leaking Source: WK2 Grand Cherokee owner pattern

Air Suspension (Quadra-Lift, if equipped)

Quadra-Lift air compressor failure — expensive repair

High Attention
The optional Quadra-Lift air suspension is a compelling feature but the air compressor is not designed for longevity — most fail between 80,000–120,000 miles. Replacement is $700–$1,200 in parts alone. Evaluate any Quadra-Lift-equipped WK2 knowing this cost is likely coming if not already done.
Cycle through all four Quadra-Lift height settings. The suspension should transition smoothly in under 30 seconds at each height. Listen for the compressor — a compressor that runs more than 45 seconds to hold a height setting is already wearing. Check if the suspension has been converted to conventional coils (a common modification to avoid future compressor costs).
Est. cost: $700–$1,200 compressor (parts) / $1,200–$2,000 installed Source: Jeep Grand Cherokee Quadra-Lift compressor pattern (NHTSA complaints)

Quadra-Lift ride height sensors

Monitor
The four ride height sensors that tell the compressor where to position the suspension can fail individually, causing the system to store a fault code and limp to a default height.
Look for the "Service Air Suspension" message in the instrument cluster. If present: retrieve the DTC with an OBD-II scanner to identify which corner has failed before negotiating price.
Est. cost: $150–$300 sensor per corner Source: Jeep Grand Cherokee air suspension DTC pattern

Interior & Comfort

HVAC blend door actuator failure

Monitor
The plastic blend door actuators on the WK2 HVAC system are a well-documented high-failure item — particularly the mode door actuator behind the instrument panel. Symptom: HVAC only blows from one vent mode regardless of the selector, or temperature is stuck at one extreme.
Test every HVAC mode position: face, floor, defrost, and mixed modes. Airflow should follow the selector setting. Verify the temperature transitions smoothly from max cold to max hot.
Est. cost: $200–$600 actuator (labor-intensive — behind the dash) Source: WK2 Grand Cherokee HVAC actuator pattern

Panoramic sunroof drain tubes

Monitor
The optional panoramic sunroof on Overland and Summit trims has the same drain tube clogging pattern seen on other SUVs with large glass roofs.
Pour water in each corner drain and watch for exit at the rockers. Check headliner near the sunroof opening for staining.
Est. cost: $100 drain cleaning / $1,000+ if water damage has occurred Source: Standard panoramic roof maintenance item

Leather seat bolster wear (Overland / Summit)

Low Risk
Premium leather on Overland and Summit trims shows bolster cracking and surface flaking on high-use driver seats above 70,000 miles.
Inspect the driver seat bolster and the area under the thigh cushion for cracking, peeling, or surface delamination.
Est. cost: $200–$800 seat bolster repair / $1,500–$3,000 full seat re-cover Source: Standard wear on leather bolsters

Door handle paint wear

Low Risk
Body-color exterior door handles develop paint wear from fingernail contact on darker-colored WK2s. Cosmetic, not structural.
Inspect each door handle for paint chips or bare metal at the finger contact point.
Est. cost: $50–$150 per handle touch-up Source: WK2 cosmetic wear pattern

Recalls & Safety

Electronic gear selector / park lock — safety recall

Critical
The monostable gear selector on 2014-2015 Grand Cherokees with the eight-speed automatic does not stay in the position you moved it to, so the car gives you no physical cue about which gear it is in. NHTSA campaign 16V-240 (FCA S27) addressed it after owners were struck by their own vehicles rolling away. FCA later re-notified cars whose first software update was incomplete, so one 'complete' stamp is not enough.
Confirm via VIN check at nhtsa.gov/recalls that the gear selector campaign is closed, including the second re-flash. Then test it: shift through the range with the door open and confirm the cluster warns you when the door opens out of PARK.
Est. cost: Free dealer repair — mandatory before purchase Source: NHTSA campaign 16V-240 / FCA S27

NHTSA Recalls (verify completion via VIN)

18V-332
Cruise Control May Not Cancel
2014-2018 Grand Cherokee among many FCA models: a short in the wiring can prevent cruise control from being switched off by the brake pedal or the button, leaving the vehicle holding speed or accelerating. Remedy is a powertrain software flash. Until it is done, do not use cruise; if it sticks, brake firmly and shift to neutral.
16V-240
Monostable Gear Selector — Rollaway
2014-2015 Grand Cherokee with the eight-speed automatic and the monostable shifter: the vehicle may not adequately warn the driver that it is not in PARK when the door opens, and owners have been struck by their own vehicle. FCA campaign S27. A later notice re-flashed cars whose first repair was incomplete — verify the second pass as well.
14V-643
Occupant Restraint Control Module — Airbags Disabled
2014 Grand Cherokees built October 30, 2012 through April 30, 2014: an ORC module fault can disable the frontal airbags, the seat belt pretensioners and the side airbags. The airbag warning lamp should illuminate first — treat any lit airbag light on a WK2 as this recall until proven otherwise. FCA P67.
17V-435
Alternator Failure — electro-hydraulic steering builds
2012-2014 Grand Cherokee with electro-hydraulic power steering, 3.6L or 5.7L, and a 160, 180 or 220-amp alternator: the alternator can fail suddenly and stall the vehicle, and can short circuit and start a fire. FCA T36.
14V-634
Alternator Failure — 3.6L, 160-amp
2012-2014 Grand Cherokee built April 22, 2010 through January 2, 2014 with the 3.6L and a 160-amp alternator: sudden alternator failure and stall without warning. FCA P60.
17V-741
Alternator Failure — 2014, 3.6L, 160-amp
The third alternator campaign on this platform. 2014 Grand Cherokee with the 3.6L and a 160-amp alternator. Three overlapping alternator recalls means an unremedied car is likely — check all three by VIN, not just whichever one the seller names. FCA T75.
14V-154
Brake Booster Corrosion — Water Intrusion
2011-2014 Grand Cherokee built January 5, 2010 through September 8, 2013: the brake booster centre shell can corrode and let water inside, where it can freeze and limit braking. Dealers vacuum-test the booster, add a water diverter shield, and replace the booster if it fails the test. FCA P14.
17V-572
Brake Booster Shield — Installation Verification
A recall of the repair itself: FCA re-called 2011-2014 Grand Cherokee and Durango to verify the 14V-154 water diverter shield was installed properly. A car showing 14V-154 complete can still be open on this one. FCA T59.
13V-483
ABS and Stability Control Loss — Cluster and Alternator Ground
2014 Grand Cherokees built January 8, 2013 through August 20, 2013: disrupted computer communication plus loose alternator ground wires can throw random warning lights, kill cluster illumination and disable ABS and electronic stability control (FMVSS 101 and 126). FCA N58.
14V-636
Steering Column Control Module — Stability Control Disabled
2014 Grand Cherokee built October 3, 2013 through April 11, 2014: SCCM software can disable electronic stability control. Software update. FCA P64.
14V-293
Adaptive Cruise Control — Continued Acceleration
2014 Grand Cherokee built January 16 through April 8, 2014, SRT from February 3: with adaptive cruise engaged, pressing the accelerator beyond the set speed can leave the vehicle accelerating briefly after you lift off. Driver assistance module re-flash. FCA P31.
14V-391
Sun Visor Vanity Lamp Wiring — Fire
2011-2014 Grand Cherokee built January 5, 2010 through December 11, 2013: vanity lamp wiring in the sun visor can short circuit after a service repair and start a fire. Dealers fit a new visor that routes the wire correctly. FCA P36.
15V-461
Uconnect Radio — Remote Access Vulnerability
The Jeep remote-hack recall. 2014-2015 Grand Cherokee radios shipped with software that allowed third-party access to networked vehicle control systems. Remedied by a mailed USB update, an owner download, or a dealer visit — ask whether it was ever actually applied, because owner-installed updates frequently were not. FCA R40.
13V-289
Premium Headlamps — Parking Lamps Cut Out
2014 non-SRT Grand Cherokees built January 14 through March 20, 2013 with premium headlamps: switching between daytime running lights and parking lights can shut the parking lamps off (FMVSS 108). Body controller software. FCA N42.
17E-061
Aftermarket ProCharger Supercharger — ABS Line Damage
An equipment recall covering SRT and SRT8 only: ATI ProCharger supercharger kits sold for 2012-2017 Grand Cherokee SRT have a mounting bracket that can contact and damage the ABS line, leaking brake fluid. Only applies to a supercharged car — if a WK2 SRT has been modified, look here first.
Multiple
Open recalls — VIN check
The 2014 Grand Cherokee is NOT part of the Takata inflator recall — the FCA Takata campaign covers Ram, Durango, 300, Charger, Magnum, Dakota and Aspen, not the WK2. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls regardless: most campaigns here are build-date scoped, and several are repairs of earlier repairs.

Buyer’s guide

Known issues, pricing, and best configurations: read the 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee buyer’s guide →
After you buy: common DIY repair guides
Planning the upkeep this car will need? Our step-by-step guides cover oil changes, brake pads & rotors, battery replacement, transmission fluid, coolant flushes, and spark plugs — each with the tools, parts, torque specs, and common mistakes that matter. Browse all repair guides →

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