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Should I buy one?

4K views 23 replies 23 participants last post by  nemopar 
#1 ·
I've always been a Mopar guy (current Wrangler and 300 Touring owner) and I'm in the market for a 2015 GC Altitude model. I made the mistake of seaching for 2014/2015 reliability issues on the web. Not good. I can't believe the horror stories I'm reading with multiple trips to the dealerships for transmission, electrical and other problems with their brand new GC.

What is up with Chrysler? You might think the bugs would have been worked out before releasing these vehicles to the public. To be honest, after reading about all of the issues, I'm reluctant to folk over 38 to 40K for junk. It's disappointing to read, especially on this site, of all the issues. The GC is a perfect size, engine, and options for me but should I buy one?

Help!
 
#2 ·
The problem with the internet (and forums in general) is that you'll find that more people take the time to post complaints than praise about their vehicles. And this is still a relatively small percentage of the total ownership.

That's not to belittle the legitimate complaints people have. Pick any make or model you wish, they all have problems. No one builds a perfect vehicle. It's a crapshoot as to whether it'll be reliable or full of problems.
 
#4 ·
1200 of them come off the line a day on average...how many of those likely have the issues that you read about on the Internet? MDBones is spot on. Yes, there have been a higher incidence of certain issues, especially with earlier builds of the MY14, but that's pretty much been dealt with. And like any vehicle of any make and model, there is and always will be the chance that any one particular vehicle may have defects. Nature of the beast...
 
#21 · (Edited)
1200 a day? hmmm. Jeep sold about 184,000 GCs in the US in 2014. Assuming a 5-day work week, that's about 700 a day. You are implying that 500 a day are being sold elsewhere in the world. Makes sense I guess.

But to the OP, anecdotes are not statistically indicative. Jeep did take a hit in the JD Power IQ ratings for 2014, ranking near the bottom. But we're talking an average of 1.8 problems per vehicle. Industry average was 1.16 problems, Toyota 1.06 per vehicle. But many GC complaints were based on new electronics and software upgrades for 2014, most of which have been worked out by now. Also, JD Power keeps itself relevant by including user interface complaints, not just quality defects. Like, if a user can’t figure out how to play his iPod on the car audio system it counts the same as if the engine threw a rod.

In other words, buy the Jeep. Chances are you may have a minor issue of some kind, but so will any other car you buy. (I have not bought my Jeep yet, but I had similar questions. I decided the statistical differences were too small to worry about.)
 
#6 ·
Just past 2,000 miles and not a single issue yet on my 2015 altitude loving it so far!


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#9 · (Edited)
This may be lengthy but hopefully will make for some good reading!

I originally bought a V6 2014 Limited in January 2014. After driving it a few months I was a bit disappointed with the lack of some option sand features of the Limited. It appeared to be missing some basic features likerain sensing wipers, real time traffic as it was only equipped with the 8.4A and not the 8.4AN UConnect system to name a few. I would think those would bebasic features on such an expensive vehicle but alas, it was not equipped withthe Lux II package. My mistake for not doing proper research, but I digress.

Well, I took it in for an oil change to the dealer last day inApril 2014. They told me they were short one sale to make their monthly goal. Longstory short, I walked out with a V6 2014 Overland/tech package. After some serious negotiating, I hardly losta dime and was thrilled! But then again let's remember - this is a VERY EARLY2014 model! You know where I'm going with this!

Drove it for about 1250 miles and it broke down on the side of theroad and had to be towed. Something about a sensor or something, I don’t remember but the dealer fixed it. Driving another 1200 miles there were some quirky things happening electronically, reverse blue screen of death, etc. andthen all of a sudden the "Christmas tree effect". Once again, towedto the dealer where they informed me 17 fault codes came up and they couldn'tfigure out what the hell was wrong with it.

After opening a STAR case with hardly any follow up, having manyof the same issues others were having with their early 2014 models and then inthe shop for over two weeks I had enough! Long story short, I went and picked up the Jeep. Traded it in and bought 2012 CPO BMW X5 3.5 XDrive! Boy, was Iever relieved! Love it, no problems but after driving BMWs for the last several years, I'm seriously bored! It's really not all that exciting anymore, but despite all the problems I've had with my last Overland, I was still continually drawn to the WK2! Feeling a sense of loss.

So what did I do last month? Traded in the X5 and leased a beautiful V6 Black/Tan 2015 Overland with tech package!!!!!

Here's to hoping many of the issues are resolved in the 2015. Sofar, I'm seeing a lot less issues popping up on this forum so that seems like good news. I'll keep y'all posted but WOW! Getting back into this vehicle, I'M THRILLED!

1100 miles in and no issues=no regrets
 
#11 ·
I have one of THE earliest build '14s (built 2/13); almost 28K miles on it and it's only been to a dealership to have recall & TSB work done. Quietest car on the road I've ever had, and gets me anywhere in the snow and ice.
 
#12 ·
I did the same thing as you. Read into much of the reviews and about all the "issues". When a customer is happy they don't post about it. The only exception is when you start adding the mods to your Jeep. Then you always post about each mod you install. Oh yea! Don't forget about the other exception which is posting pics of your Jeep throughout the seasons, or on a hillside, or in the sand. You get my drift.....

I ended up pulling the trigger for my 14' Altitude and have not regretted it. Go for it! Then post your "New Jeep" pics after you get it.

Vehicle Tire Automotive tire Car Wheel



--------
Phil
 
#13 ·
Not if you let the reports you are reading affect your judgement, no, you should not buy one even though it is the perfect size, engine, and options for you.

On the other hand, if you do similar research on pretty much any vehicle and discover that even the most expensive have warts every now and then, and you'd enjoy the Jeep pretty much no matter what, why question?
 
#14 · (Edited)
Just hit 44000 miles on our 2014 Limited with Luxury II package. Other than recalls, no issues. It is an early build, March of 2013.

There are "Monday" or "Friday" cars with every brand. If you research long enough, as others have stated, you will find nightmare stories about any make and model, Jeep included.

Just be glad you aren't looking at Land Rovers... you pay twice as much for twice as many issues.

Go and test drive a few different Grand Cherokee trims with different options. Odds are you will fall in love with one of them, and the odds of it being a lemon, while not non-existent, are very low.
 
#15 · (Edited)
Just hit 44000 miles on our 2014 Limited with Luxury II package. Other than recalls, no issues. It is an early build, March of 2013.

There are "Monday" or "Friday" cars with every brand. If you research long enough, as others have stated, you will find nightmare stories about any make and model, Jeep included.

Just be glad you aren't looking at Land Rovers... you pay twice as much for twice as many issues.

Go and test drive a few different Grand Cherokee trims with different options. Odds are you will fall in love with one of them, and the odds of it being a lemon, while not non-existent, are very low.
Yeah, about that. I'm still debating between picking up an Overland 4x4 with the V6, and a Land Rover Discovery Sport.

I saw the Disco Sport at the Montreal Auto Show this past January and it really impressed the wife and I. Unfortunately, it will only arrive around end of March or early April. I really want to take it out for a test drive before buying. Who buys a car on paper? :confused: It's not a new house/condo!

It's just I know the reputation Land Rover has. They are in first place among all brands if you count the number of complaints they get compared to everyone else. Another thing that worries me is that it is a first year model, with a carryover engine (the 2016 model will have a newer and more efficient turbo four).

However, I just learned some disappointing news. The V6 Grand Cherokees come with an in house/reworked 8 speed transmission. I was sure it was a genuine ZF. And no headlight washers either on the Overlands. Meh :(.
I'd love to go for the diesel, however, there is a $7,000 price difference. There was a factory rebate in February that gave a $5,000 credit but still. I drive roughly 16,000 kms (10,000 miles) per year, and when I factor the price of fuel, the gas V6 is cheaper to run for my intended use over a three year period.

My current car is a 2012 Ford Focus SEL hatchback. Great little car, but I took a risk buying it as a first year model. The dual clutch automatic transmission had major issues on early builds. I was relatively lucky with few issues since I skipped out on the troublesome MyFord Touch and the leaky moon roof.

Long story short, I'm leaning 70% toward the Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland, and 30% toward the Land Rover Discovery Sport.
 
#20 ·
I have a 2014 JGC (November 2014 build) with 14,000 miles on it. As many have said. Other than the recalls and TSBs that my dealership has done a good job taking care of, I've had no issues and love the Jeep. Great daily driver and has really impressed me with its performance in the snow and offroad.


Sent from my iPhone using JeepGarage
 
#23 ·
Any car and brand can be a dud. Just make sure you look it over as best you can before you take ownership. Fit and finish for example may/may not be as good as the next one, paint for instance. Understand that no car is going to be 100%. The minute you start using it the wear and tear clock starts running. Mechanically anything could go wrong down the line and you just have to hope what ever brand you buy the manufacturer and your dealer will stand by their product if/when you encounter a problem. I have not found Jeep to be any better or worse then the other brands I've owned so far. (knocks on wood)
 
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