Jeep Cherokee Electronic Stability Control (esc) Problems
Owners have filed 259 complaints with NHTSA about electronic stability control (esc) problems on the Jeep Cherokee across 12 model years. The 2014 model year has the most (88). The words owners use most often: “service shifter” (21% of reports).
- 259electronic stability control (esc) complaints
- —median miles at failure
- 5mention a crash
- 3mention an injury
- 1related recalls
- 29%of reports with a speed happened at 50+ mph
What owners describe
Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.
- Service shifter: mentioned in 54 of 259 complaints (21%)
- Put park: mentioned in 21 of 259 complaints (8%)
- Gear shift: mentioned in 15 of 259 complaints (6%)
At what mileage do electronic stability control (esc) problems happen?
Based on 232 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 259 complaints, 5 mention a crash, 3 an injury.
Jeep Cherokee electronic stability control (esc) complaints by model year
| Model year | Electronic Stability Control (esc) complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Cherokee | 1 | 0% | — |
| 2019 Cherokee | 27 | 2% | 9,100 |
| 2018 Cherokee | 15 | 2% | 31,436 |
| 2017 Cherokee | 42 | 3% | 45,000 |
| 2016 Cherokee | 30 | 2% | 32,000 |
| 2015 Cherokee | 51 | 3% | 42,000 |
| 2014 Cherokee | 88 | 3% | 34,500 |
| 2001 Cherokee | 1 | 0% | 154,000 |
| 2000 Cherokee | 1 | 0% | 237,318 |
| 1997 Cherokee | 1 | 0% | 150,156 |
| 1996 Cherokee | 1 | 0% | 125,005 |
| 1995 Cherokee | 1 | 0% | — |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (1)
Electronic stability control (esc); service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip:control unit/module
Model years: 2026
Problem: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2026 Jeep Cherokee vehicles. The brake system control module may fail to operate properly, which can cause a loss of anti-lock brakes (ABS) and electronic stability control (ESC).
Risk: A loss of anti-lock brakes or electronic stability control increases the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will update the brake system control module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 28, 2026. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is 29D. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will become searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning April 16, 2026.
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
The contact owns a 2014 Jeep Cherokee Latitude. The contact received a notification from Jeep stating the vehicle was under Jeep number U90 Emission Catalyst Efficiency Recall. The contact stated while driving, the vehicle decelerated and did not accelerate above 35 MPH. The traction light, check…
On several occasions numbering an excessive amounts my 2014 jeep cherokee latitude 9-speed transmission has exhibited the hard shifting sluggish shifting and jerking since i've owned the vehicle . Beginning in august of 2020 i noticed on multiple occasions that when i went to pull out from a…
The starter went bad around 40,000 miles. Sometimes it starts other times it takes hours to start. I always get a notifaction that says starter protection mode engin warming after a few failed start attempts. The car stalls out often. Any turns shut the car off. Oil must be added twice a month to…
While driving all the lights come on by the gear shift from park ton drive. The lights are red. It said shift system. When this happens you cannot check oil, tire inflation, temperature or anything else. It happens while driving, turning, on the highway. This happens all the time. What could it be?
Esc light comes on randomly, condensation in both body side tail lights ,switching from defrost to a/c warm air blows to floor (set at 70),then i change to front vents warm air continues ,then try to set on auto and nothings blows out, then turn to a/c again and it goes to warm defrost. Front…
Frequently asked questions
Do all Jeep Cherokees have electronic stability control (esc) problems?
No. NHTSA has 259 owner complaints about electronic stability control (esc) for the Jeep Cherokee. Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.
Was there a recall on the Jeep Cherokee electronic stability control (esc)?
Yes: 1 safety recall list electronic stability control (esc). Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.
What do owners say about electronic stability control (esc) problems on the Jeep Cherokee?
The most frequent phrase is “service shifter”, in 54 of 259 complaints, followed by “put park” (21).
Other Jeep Cherokee problems
- Power Train problems (5,522)
- Electrical System problems (2,257)
- Engine problems (2,188)
- Vehicle Speed Control problems (691)
- Service Brakes problems (647)
- Steering problems (598)
- Service Brakes, Hydraulic problems (574)
- Structure problems (522)
See all Jeep Cherokee problems.