Credov's researched list of the 7 faults the Jeep Cherokee is known for (2014–2023), 4 of them serious or costly. Each one says what to look for when you check the car, so you can spot it before you buy. Not every car has these faults: they are the ones worth checking on this model.
What to look for: Ask whether it has ever stalled or lost power, and check the oil level if it is a 2.4.
Why it matters: Losing power at an intersection or on the motorway is a real safety risk, and tracing an intermittent electrical or oil-related cause can be expensive.
What to look for: Pull away and re-accelerate several times in traffic, feeling for a clunk, slur, sudden neutral or revving without drive.
Why it matters: A replacement gearbox is NZ$6,000-12,000, and a transmission that drops to neutral or hesitates badly in traffic is a safety concern as well as an expensive repair.
What to look for: Check the dipstick for a low oil level, and look for blue smoke at start-up or under hard acceleration.
Why it matters: A number of these engines have ended up needing full replacement after running low on oil, and an engine that shuts down while driving is also a safety risk.
What to look for: Watch for a Service 4WD warning, and listen for whine or grinding from the front under load.
Why it matters: A PTU replacement costs several thousand dollars, and the fault has also been linked to some transmission failures on 4x4 KLs.
What to look for: Open and close the tailgate from the fob, button and handle, and check it runs fully each time.
Why it matters: A tailgate that won't latch can leave the car open to weather and theft, and the usual fix (a new latch, motor or power strut) runs several hundred dollars and sometimes recurs.
What to look for: Run every window, rear ones too, fully down and up, watching for glass that drops or won't move.
Why it matters: A car that cannot be locked up or kept dry because a window will not close is a real problem until it is fixed, though the parts themselves are cheap.
What to look for: Open and close the Sky Slider fully and check for smooth running, water stains and wind noise.
Why it matters: Seals and drains can help, but a replacement roof assembly is expensive and water damage to the headlining and electrics adds to the cost.
Got a question about a Jeep Cherokee? Ask Credov: a noise, a warning light, a part or how to fix it.
On top of the faults above, every Credov inspection covers the basics: fuel smell, leaks or filler rust, engine oil leaks, power steering fluid leak, drive belt cracks or squeal, rust underneath: chassis and mounts, engine mounts, engine oil level and colour, coolant level, colour and leaks, head gasket failure signs, cold start: rattle, knock or smoke, rough or hunting idle, engine running hot on gauge, gearbox or diff oil leak, swapped gearbox without lvv and more.
Researched by Credov from manufacturer recalls and service bulletins, owner reports and workshop sources. Repair prices are typical ranges, not quotes. See also fault codes and repair costs.