I, too, also have a 2014, but in Trailhawk trim, and my experience the transmission is finicky at times, but overall, I haven't had real issues with it. The lack of 2nd gear when slowing down is a pain at times, but I've simply learned to feather the throttle enough so operation is less of an issue. I will say there are two ways I've discovered where the transmission will actually downshift from 3rd to 2nd, and it's either when I put it into ERS mode, and select 2nd gear as my highest gear, or if I'm a steep incline going slow enough, it'll be forced to downshift into 2nd from 3rd in order to keep up momentum.

The hard shifting from 2nd to 3rd, or any other gear can be jarring at times, but again, I've simply gotten used to it. As far as higher rams when going up on inclines at speed, I like how the transmission will hold shifts in order to maintain momentum, so I'm not too worried about that. MPG on my end has been pretty consistent in terms of staying within the EPA numbers unless I'm doing lots and lots of idling at work (something I don't do as much now). If I'm doing 50/50 highway and city, I will get 20-22mpg, so don't know why you're getting such poor fuel economy on your end.

In terms of gearing, the Jeep loves to shift as soon as possible, so it's not uncommon to be at 6th or sometimes 7th when doing city speeds, but I've never encountered a situation where at highway speeds, the transmission is in 3rd gear. I could see that happening only if you're a very steep incline, and/or a steep decline while in cruise control or something.

One thing I will say after reading through your post is your dealer will likely just say the usual spiel of "Everything is running within normal operations," or something to that effect.

Oh, and since you seem unsure about if you have ADI, or ADII, there are two ways to tell easily. On your select-terrain knob, if you have low-range gearing option, you have ADII. Another way would be to simply look at the badging in the back of the car, and if it says "Active Drive II" on the driver side below the "4x4" badge, that's another way (provided it hasn't been de-badged). Otherwise, you have ADI.

To sum it all up though, I'm not sure why you appear to be having a lot of weird quirks happening, but you can always record these matters when they happen, so when you show the dealer (if you go that route), they know what to look for. I know some folks here in the past would record video of certain things happening to your transmission or other areas of their car, take it to the dealer, and show them the footage for reference on what it going on.

 

Well the second one now performs a lot better than the first one did if that helps.....

 

I have a 2014 TH with tow package. All TSBs and recalls done. Highway driving and off road works fine.
Finally got a new shifter and haven't gotten any errors.
If you want to drive swiftly use Sport mode.
Otherwise just be patient while the computers figure out what to do.
Gas mileage is a function of my right foot.
I use 89 RON gas to give the engine the best chance of working like it should.
Spun the tires on snow once and it lost its mind for awhile but it got over it.

 

2014 TH 4cyl. 72350kms.
I have had high revs going down hill, not shifting.
Not changing gears right, very low gas mileage.
And now major clunking/jolting between gears to the point where it finally gave out today. Lost all gears including park. Had to get towed to dealer. I fear tranny is gone because nothing could survive the knocking I experienced today.
This will be my last Chrysler product, and I'd advise everyone else to do the same. DO NOT BUY

 

So it's the PTU that's gone in the transfer case. Still under warranty. Looking to trade when fixed.

 

You mean 7-spd transmission right?

Seriously though... KLs (especially 3.2L Trailhawks) don't seem to handle loads well. Wind and hills will keep you from ever seeing the higher (numerical) transmission gears as the engine needs more RPM to find the power to move you along. Add even moderately larger tires or other wind drags makes this even worse.

Our '16 has been great, but my wife sees similar economy to you (OP). I average ~3-4 MPG more, but my drives are normally longer where her's are very short (and she's a "spirited" driver).

We regularly see 7th and even the occasional 8th on rural roads (~60 MPH). But on the interstate (~70 MPH) we typically live in 7th with regular pulls in 6th. If we're pulling our overland trailer we've seen 4th for long pulls on hills

Because even the slightest of drags can have big impacts, make sure your tires are aired up correctly and your alignment is good. I lower our tires' air pressure by a few pounds in the winter and I noticed an additional 1/2 MPH decrease.

As for everything else (knock-on-wood) we've not had any odd shifting or other issues.

 

I experienced many of the same issues, and I bought the car used with a little under 30K miles. I started to visit my dealer regarding flashing the TCM, in order to see if we could kick the computer into gear. Did that four times. Then I requested the next solution to my issue, a total replacement of my shifter box (totally blanking on the name). Right after the replacement, my experience became much worse, and I started to see exacerbated cases of my previous issue. Finally, the dealer made the call to replace the whole transmission. It resets the 3yr/100000mile warranty on my 2015 TH, and I have a rebuilt transmission working for me. I have been patiently waiting until around 5K miles since the replacement in order to allow the Adaptive Learning process to get it down pat, however things are already a little better.

I have to say, my experience wasn't typical. I had a decent dealership, I was persistent, and pretty lucky to boot. I've got a new transmission, and hopefully a new outlook for the enjoyment of my KL!

 

You should double check that your warranty was "reset." I too had a transmission replaced and they specifically told me the warranty is from the purchase date.. NOT the replacement date. Good luck!

 

Well I have a 2014 Limited with V6, AD2, and Tow. Its a little over 4 years and 30,000 miles old.
The only issue is the loss of 2 on downshift with the transmission. Have only had 2 TCM/PCM updates that were required.
Shifting from 2 to 3 is not even noticeable these days.
Shifting has been fine. No high rpms and the transmission seems to keep the RPMs right in the pocket all the time. Now that is using "auto" 95% of the time. 8th gear will kick in as low as 58mph.
I do get funky shifting at times but that is not common. I chalk it up to the AL which is always running in the back ground. Once or twice I have gotten a clunk over the last 2 years. But other than that it is very smooth.

MPG is very dependent of type of 50/50, especially heavy urban and/or light urban driving. Also winter driving does lower your mpg by at least 2.
Not unusual for me to dip into the 17/18 range during the winter. Warmer weather I am in the 19/20 range. I am light urban driving in that its a small city in farm land USA. Highway driving only I am usually in the 30-32 range at 55-70mph.
Check to see if you are using 8th at anything over 58, especially 60+. If not that is a huge drain on mpg.

My observations on what you have said is as follows.
1. Your transmission in my opinion is not going to be long on this earth.
2. From the sounds of it the mechanics of shifting are not interfacing with the TCM software well. There is a problem that software updates will not fix.
In fact, actually throwing updates other than required ones at the Cherokee can actually make thing worst over time. Some updates actually cause the AL reset, which can be an issue in itself for the shifting. Then we throw another update at it before the AL is complete an presto another issue.
3. Your shifting is NOT normal and in my opinion is not fixable by more updates. Its also not possible to roll back the software from what I understand.

A new TCM, that is where the software and AL reside might be in order. But the real issue is the transmission is shot in my opinion.
The other issue you have is the 5/100 power train is nearing the end of its run I would guess. Its about to get real expensive for you.

* I would take it in and on a sheet of paper list all the service to date. The date, and what was done. and the results in driving.
Also List all the issues you are having. Make a copy for yourself.
* When you get it back give it a month at most to see if it is better. If not list the new issues on the same paper and take it back for repair.
Continue this to document the problem fully. You will get a new transmission or get it repaired.

Also you want to contact Jeep Cares on this forum and they will follow up with the dealer on your issue. Just PM them with your VIN, name, and dealer information. They can help you.

Good luck and be sure to let us know how it works out. The dealer does want 100% satisfaction.

 

I have 2 Cherokees,

The 2016 shifts perfect never had any drive ability updates done, smooth and works as intended

2014 Had a few updates and it shifts "different" what I mean by that is that the gear changes are a bit more abrupt and noticeable its not a huge difference and the only reason I can tell is because I can drive both of them back to back.

The 2014 still does do the 3-2-1 shift which alot of them do not. I don't mind the 2014 and how it shifts I just know the transmission is there doing its thing where as in my 2016 I never notice the shifts most of the time

 

My 2016 shifts fine, but is reluctant to downshift unless I floor it (probably to save gas: LOL)! Then, I scoot. I have never seen 9th. So, IMHO, I am lugging around excess weight.

 

How is it lugging around extra weight just because you can't use 9th gear. Go drive 100mph with the cruise on and you'll see 9th. Again people make a big deal out of not getting into 9th gear when in really doesn't affect anything.

Fun Fact the 8 Speed transmission in the Grand Cherokee, weighs 10lbs more than the 9 speed in the cherokee. What weight were you talking about lugging around?

 

Just traded my 14 TH 2.4l with over 78k miles for an 18 TH 3.2. Loved the TH. The 2.4 was a little under powered. The transmission was a...lets just say that is why I traded it in. In the time I owned the vehicle it went through multiple sets of transmission and motor mounts. The transmission, as others have said, wasn't the smoothest. Thank goodness for extended warranties. Had every Flash done as soon as it came out. Maintained the vehicle immaculately. Other then the xmission I absolutely loved the TH. Long story short, Went and test drove a couple other vehicles in the class and...as you can see I'm again driving a TH.

 

Congrats on the newer TH and hope it gives you a long life too like the 2014 did. Do you enjoy the V-6 compared to the 2.4. I have always had the V-6 in my KLs but have other FCA products with a 4 cylinder and they did okay. I feel like the V-6 is better on the Interstates where you need some speed quickly a lot of times and I don't drive for gas mileage as I get about 17 with a lot of city driving and some non-city driving. Notice any difference in the transmission for the 2014 or just the same? Hope you enjoy your 2018.

 

I have a 2016 kl 2.4L. So far 17 000km and not even a hick up from the transmission. 50/50 city/highway with an average of 11.2L/100 km
Way better than my old charger r/t at 24.5L/100 km lol

 

I have a 2015 TH (w/3.2L and tow group) and a 12/14 build date so I presume the first gen transmission. At about 28k miles no problems at all that I would note, 2nd gear is there, and shifting is fine. If I wanted to be very critical I guess I'd say that it does seem to shift a little more frequently than a vehicle with a typical 5/6 speed might, but that's sort of expected since it kind of has to shift more or what's the point, right? But no problems worth mentioning, shifts are smooth, and in fact I'd never even know that there were any potential problems with the transmission if I hadn't read it on the Internet. I'm not the original owner so I guess it's possible that the transmission had been replaced, but I really doubt it because even under close inspection there's absolutely no sign of any major disassembly having been done.

Just took my first long trip, about 350 miles of Interstate and fast two-lane at 70-75 mph each way with about 50 miles of urban stop-and-go in the middle. Overall mileage (on the display) was 26.2 mpg and if that's accurate then I'd be very happy, will have to verify by manual calculation at the next fill-up.

.

 

I have a 2018 TH, and my tranny seems to be working about the same as everybody else's. Seems a little sluggish going up hills and acts like an older turbo with a lag when you floor it at highways speeds. I'm trying to adjust my right foot to make it work a little better following tips others have posted. I also got the lifetime warranty so whatever happens I should be covered. BTW, in Sport mode the car is extremely responsive and is a lot of fun to drive -- at the expense of mpg.

 

My 2015 Latitude 2.4 4x4 transmision (jan 15 build) has been absolutely perfect from day 1. No flashes or recalls or service bulletins for transmision ever. One to check for possible misrouted ac hose and found to be fine on mine. If you are not paying attention you don't know when it is shifting. Smoothest transmission i ever owned. Almost always in 8th on 65-68 mph dual lane most traveled. On level road with no wind will use 9th on occassion at around 68-70. It generally only uses 1st if you completely stop, but 2nd is fine from rolling stop anyway. Highway driving is always 29-31 mpg. Day to day mix 24-26. All that said, my wife got a Journey 3.6 with 6 speed last year and had I driven one of these before I got my Cherokee, I probably would not have a Cherokee today.

 

We just purchased our 2018 Cherokee Trailhawk last night. I can't feel any shifting when I take off. It kind of feels like a CVT. The dealership gave us a 2018 Cherokee Trailhawk last Saturday until the one we bought got delivered (It came with more options). But, it shifted the same way. I would assume this is normal?

We test drove a 4Cyl version and I felt the shift of every gear.

 

I only have about 1200 miles on my 2019 Latitude Plus. Thus far, aside from a sometimes slight delay between punching the gas and the Cherokee laying down and scooting (passing or getting onto a highway from an on ramp), I have no transmission complaints. It's been very smooth. Upshifts and downshifts occur without knocking, jerks, or any of the other difficulties I've heard others describe in these pages. 9th gear is there and I've seen it dozens of times although it's normally in 7 to 8 on the highway, unless I punch it, in which case it steps down to 6. It appears to be in the gears it should be when driving.

 

I have a 2015 Traihawk. The shifting can be a bit quirky when turning into a road that is uphill, and also a bit slow when you want to put foot. but other than that you get used to the way it changes, can be very smooth.

 

My ‘16 3.2 ADII sometimes really clunks hard when coming off the accelerator in spite of several program reflashes. In 22.5k miles have only seen 9th briefly once when all the stars and planets seemingly aligned.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

My ‘19 shifts fine, other than a rather long delay in downshifting when cruising and suddenly going WOT. I certainly don’t feel the dog clutches. On a flat road I can shift into 9th gear from 62 mph and up, but there is no improvement in mpg over 8th.


.

 

That's how mine is too

 

I have a 2016 TH and the transmutation is functioning normally, that being said it is definitely an odd duck compared to the old school vehicles i am used to. Sooooo I have become acclimated to the new era of the transmission and learned how they operate. So I can say my transmission functions as it is supposed to but it is a weird transition. Does that make sense? 9th gear is an illusion not meant for us non Autobahn mortals.

 

My 2014 TH 3.2L with tow, Jan 4, 2014 build with all TSBs and recalls done is working just fine at almost 70k miles.
Sometimes the CAN bus(s) have a failure to communicate which caused all kinds of havoc.
We need a reset button on the dash like my desktop computer has.

 

I've had my 2017 Trailhawk for about 4 months now, about 3,000 miles. The thing I find most annoying (other than that the auto engine shutoff) is that the transmission always wants to go to a higher gear than I think it really should be. I'm always getting a feeling that there isn't any power available unless I really get on the gas and force it to downshift, such as going up a hill. I find myself using the manual gear selector to limit the top gear quite often.

We made a trip up Pikes Peak last month and I spend most of the time limiting the transmission to 3rd or 4th gear going up and 2nd going down. Interesting thing - on the way down after the real steep sections they have a brake temperature check station where they check everyone's brake temperatures before letting them go the rest of the way down - I was in 1st or 2nd all the way down and only had brake temperatures of 116 degrees, meaning that I hardly touched the brakes. We were there two days after this year's Hill Climb. An electric car made the run up in just under 8 minutes, a new record for any type of car.

Other really annoying thing, and something that I find to be a safety issue, is that the transmission often tries to start out in 2nd after you've come to a short (or rolling stop). Then you have no power accelerating (such as turning left or right to fit a short gap in traffic). That second of no power makes a big difference.

 

Im planning a stop at Pikes Peak this fall on our out west trip, looks like fun and somewhere I have been wanting to visit and run the climb.

 

I've had my 2017 Trailhawk for about 4 months now, about 3,000 miles. The thing I find most annoying (other than that the auto engine shutoff) is that the transmission always wants to go to a higher gear than I think it really should be. I'm always getting a feeling that there isn't any power available unless I really get on the gas and force it to downshift, such as going up a hill. I find myself using the manual gear selector to limit the top gear quite often.

We made a trip up Pikes Peak last month and I spent most of the time limiting the transmission to 3rd or 4th gear going up and 2nd going down. The transmission kept wanting to go to 5th or 6th which was way too high a gear for those inclines. Interesting thing - on the way down after the real steep sections they have a brake temperature check station where they check everyone's brake temperatures before letting them go the rest of the way down - I was in 1st or 2nd all the way down and only had brake temperatures of 116 degrees, meaning that I hardly touched the brakes. We were there two days after this year's Hill Climb. An electric car made the run up in just under 8 minutes, a new record for any type of car.

Other really annoying thing, and something that I find to be a safety issue, is that the transmission often tries to start out in 2nd after you've come to a short (or rolling stop). Then you have no power accelerating (such as turning left or right to fit a short gap in traffic). That second of no power makes a big difference.

 

Is your loaner 2WD? I thought they all had Sport Mode.

 

2WD cherokees do not have selec terrain, so no sport mode

 

No issues to report on my 9 speed. Only thing I notice is some turbo lag from the 2.0.