[2014GC]

First of all at pushing close to 60 I have owned a lot of vehicles, a lot. This is not my first Jeep GC or my first Chrysler for that matter.The one fault I have is that I have been spoiled by Mercedes. Their build quality and their dealer service is exceptional. Each night I pull into the garage next to one that was close to price of the Grand Cherokee and at 20K miles it's fairing better than my Jeep.The GLK I was going to buy in place of the Jeep was the same price as the GC. Here is my list.
What I like,
1. Great ride
2. Fuel economy is OK for a V6
3. Comfortable interior seating especially on a long trip.
4. Ride height,This was important to me as I'm a builder and need it for some of the job sites.
5. Updated exterior and interior. The new electronics,when they work as designed.
6.The paint finish looks as good as the Mercedes.

What I find troubling,
1. Uconnect locks up,is slow and the the voice commands are worthless.
2. Erratic ATC. The ac will not cool unless you work the controls.
3. Misaligned tailgate,Side Window trim, drivers side rear door, misaligned fuel door and I notice the rear tailgate glass in glued in crooked.
4. Loud clunk in the rear end over uneven pavement. Sounds like a wheel bearing.
5. Loud clunk in tranny shifting,only is regular mode.
5. Trim improperly installed on the passenger seat. Wife cut her leg first time in the Jeep.
6. Carpet cut short in the drivers foot well near the parking brake.
7. Bottoms of door panels scuff easily.
8. Top of the windshield needs some sort of molding. Looks chipped
9. No type of side molding protection. What are they thinking?
10. Finish on the 20" wheels looks uneven and cheap in the day light.They are not machined well. China !
All the above can be corrected. But the way I look at it is if they would release a vehicle in the condition it is in especially with the electronic issues, how will they know how to correct it.
How many updates should you wait for!
I kind of knew when I bought the GC I would have to take it back for adjustments but never thought it would be this many items on a new vehicle.I fine the electronics issues very troubling. Someone posted on these boards the Chrysler knew about the issues with the high end navi and released it any way. Jeep needs to be a lot more responsible.
I don't have time in my schedule to spend waiting in a dealership to take care of problems on a new vehicle.

 

[Srt8_hmi]

I bet you'd get good trade value at the MB dealer.. mine has been nothing less than perfect since day one.

 

[loveracing1988]

I bet you'd get good trade value at the MB dealer.. mine has been nothing less than perfect since day one.

Yours may be perfect, but others can't get that lucky. My wife's has been a never ending struggle with rattles and creeks and everything else all throughout the interior that the dealer cannot locate because they are intermittent noises. I have a Ford Fusion with sync and my voice commands are miles ahead of the ones on our jeep. Any time I drive her jeep and my phone pairs it will delete her phone every time. I just had the driver's side wiper blade replaced, which it needs since we took delivery. The stock halogen headlights are horrendously bad, they should be ashamed of those. My wife wanted dark green, what she got was black unless you have direct sun or a spotlight. There is almost no green at all in it, not one person has ever said it was green. And to top it off both bumpers and some parts of the side of it were covered with scratches on delivery.
So he isn't alone with problems. My wife loves hers, she wouldn't trade it for anything, but the little issues are starting to get to us.

 

[jp467]

Yours may be perfect, but others can't get that lucky. My wife's has been a never ending struggle with rattles and creeks and everything else all throughout the interior that the dealer cannot locate because they are intermittent noises. I have a Ford Fusion with sync and my voice commands are miles ahead of the ones on our jeep. Any time I drive her jeep and my phone pairs it will delete her phone every time. I just had the driver's side wiper blade replaced, which it needs since we took delivery. The stock halogen headlights are horrendously bad, they should be ashamed of those. My wife wanted dark green, what she got was black unless you have direct sun or a spotlight. There is almost no green at all in it, not one person has ever said it was green. And to top it off both bumpers and some parts of the side of it were covered with scratches on delivery.
So he isn't alone with problems. My wife loves hers, she wouldn't trade it for anything, but the little issues are starting to get to us.

That dark green looks black. I know when I was looking at them I thought the window sticker was wrong when it said it was green because I would have swore I was looking at a black vehicle. I would think you must of noticed this before you bought though? I also own a 11 Fusion that I use for work and I can say at almost 60K miles I really have not had any real problems. I am a little leery of the transmission on the fusion it flares sometimes when its cold.

 

[Jackspat2]

.
2. Erratic ATC. The ac will not cool unless you work the controls.

This is my current annoying issue. 5500 miles on mine

 

[loveracing1988]

That dark green looks black. I know when I was looking at them I thought the window sticker was wrong when it said it was green because I would have swore I was looking at a black vehicle. I would think you must of noticed this before you bought though? I also own a 11 Fusion that I use for work and I can say at almost 60K miles I really have not had any real problems. I am a little leery of the transmission on the fusion it flares sometimes when its cold.

We have never seen another black forrest green jeep before we bought ours, which was ordered. We saw the green that they used in 2011 to 2012 and assumed it was the same one. My Fusion does the same exact thing, they have another reprogramming for it as on last fall that "fixed" mine, I'm pretty sure all it does it cut the throttle when it shifts up through the gears the first time when cold so it doesn't let it slip.

 

[Tony407]

How troubling about your experience with the voice commands. I can't believe how well mine work. For example, I was on the highway the other day with all 4 windows down and the moonroof open and I was still able to use voice commands for my iPod with 9,000 songs and it heard me every time. At 70 mph!

Tony

 

[2014GC]

As I said all this can be taken care of. I'm just really put off with so many small issues on a $45K vehicle this soon. Also the fact that from Jeep experience I will have to take it back to the dealer several times to have these issues corrected.While having to arrange for alternate transportation because I use the Jeep for work. Especially the electronics which are harder to diagnosis. The trim items were apparent when I first picked it up but the other issues slowly started to show up first thousand miles or so.
And yes I could get a really good trade in at my Mercedes dealer but I'm will to see if Jeep can work the issues out.
I'm also Happy to hear that Srt8_hmi has a perfect one, we have the same build date. As I said the electronic issues didn't start showing up until after the first thousand miles or so.

 

[jeepster23]

I absolutely agree with you 2014 GC that the build quality of the Jeep is absolute garbage!!! I also endured many small problems that finally added up enough that I traded it for 2013 Mercedes ML. While being very similar to the Jeep the MB has ZERO and I mean ZERO problems so far at 8000miles and the service is night and day better. I had a question about the operation of the Mercedes infotainment system and brought it in to ask the dealer. He proceeded to spend over an hour with me explaining every little thing about the system and then offered to fully detail my ML while I was there. I was running late for a meeting and told him I would love to get it detailed but I couldn't due to running late and he said "leave it and take a loaner for the day" I agreed and was amazed when the "loaner" was a brand new $70,000 GL demo car. I am sure he was trying to get me to trade up into the GL but I am too happy with my ML to make any move. Is the Mercedes more expensive than the Jeep? You betcha, but I think the overall flawless quality, dealer service, and piece of mind is well worth the premium.

 

[Willx]

I absolutely agree with you 2014 GC that the build quality of the Jeep is absolute garbage!!! I also endured many small problems that finally added up enough that I traded it for 2013 Mercedes ML. While being very similar to the Jeep the MB has ZERO and I mean ZERO problems so far at 8000miles and the service is night and day better. I had a question about the operation of the Mercedes infotainment system and brought it in to ask the dealer. He proceeded to spend over an hour with me explaining every little thing about the system and then offered to fully detail my ML while I was there. I was running late for a meeting and told him I would love to get it detailed but I couldn't due to running late and he said "leave it and take a loaner for the day" I agreed and was amazed when the "loaner" was a brand new $70,000 GL demo car. I am sure he was trying to get me to trade up into the GL but I am too happy with my ML to make any move. Is the Mercedes more expensive than the Jeep? You betcha, but I think the overall flawless quality, dealer service, and piece of mind is well worth the premium.

I wouldn't paint Mercedes with such broad strokes. Wait until you have 50,000 miles on it and the oil leaks start. One of the places I work with there were 5 Mercedes out front a year ago, they are down to 2 and those will be gone soon. That company will likely continue to buy Sprinters but that is all because the ML, GLK and C Class all had tranny issues. I also had an ML and the rear main seal as well as about 3 engine oil leaks (all which later I found out were common)

I have owned Mercedes for a while and yes the loaner car program is great but frankly once I owned one for a while outside of factory Warranty I had seen how they recouped those costs. I am also not saying every Mercedes is crap either but everyone has different experiences and I can say after mine I don't think I would buy Mercedes again and it wasn't the dealer in the end it was the vehicle (well I had dealer issues too)

Oh, and absolutely the COMAND system in the Mercedes is bulletproof but it also hasen't changed in nearly 10 years other than some software improvements. I know the UConnect has some bugs to work out but at least it is capable of doing more. Mercedes is still afraid of putting a touch screen in their vehicles.

Anyway to the OP I think only one I seen that isn't fairly easily resolved is 7 and I agree with you that placement or design sucks. On the Durango I have I am constantly kicking it and I have never had that issue before! I sincerely hope that you do get your issues figured out. Often right after a change in build there can be more problems. I know that isn't an excuse for Jeep but if you are getting poor customer service I would find another dealer and ask for a loaner car. There are plenty of people on here who have had issues and gotten loaners.... sorry it won't be a GL :lol: but hey who doesn't mind sporting a minivan for a while.

For the Mercedes owner... pay an independent shop to inspect your truck before the warranty is up and check for oil leaks BEFORE your warranty is up. Mercedes will not tell you there is a problem unless you complain there is a leak and the covers on the bottom will hid it. Chains on the motor and rear main seals are common on the ML so make sure you get an extended warranty. If you don't believe me, check the MB forums and the local auctions. Haven't seen an MB auction yet without a rear main seal note or defective motor out of warranty.

 

[Willx]

After reading my own post I do want to add that I certainly know lots of happy Mercedes owners, just that Mercedes has some serious issues too.

I was serious about the inspection prior to warranty expiry. That recommendation has saved a few people some serious grief. You have no idea how hard it is to get a tranny down out of a 4 Matic

 

[KILOFINAL]

Mercedes isn't flawless and neither are other German brands. We had bought a brand new 2006 BMW 325 factory ordered and it was a piece of crap. Spent weeks in the shop and the engine had to be rebuilt. Run flat tires wore out every 12 months and BMW acknowledged that the tires were cupping and needed replacement.

Their solution every year was to provide a credit of $250 towards replacing the tires which were Bridgestone runflats at over $200 per tire. But they promoted their "cafe" and premium waiting room with fancy pastries and latte's and massage chairs.

So much for the "Ultimate Driving Michine"

 

[2014GC]

I'm not saying that with a Mercedes or any other brand you will not have issues.MB has come a long way in the past couple of years. Yes they are expensive to maintain. But the quality of the materials,fit,finish and service along with how they take care of customers can not be beat. The 2014 GC has a lot of the ML breed into it as it was the last development that Daimler made with Chrysler. The new Mercedes That I was looking buy was a GLK that was the same price as the GC. If Jeep had a stronger network with their dealers and could keep good Techs,I would not feel so bad about my experience with the 2014. Today I developed a loud ringing sound under the hood.The idler puller is screaming and the clutch on the end of the AC compressor looks like it is out of round. Guess I'll be paying the dealer a visit sooner than I expected.
Jeep and I are off to great start.

 

[Willx]

I certainly acknowledge that you are having some serious problems and that sucks. I was merely saying I am not sure it is the norm.

In my case my Chrysler dealer is way better than my Mercedes Dealer. My last few visits with my Mercedes dealer involved them damaging all of my rims badly and upon them fixing all of those rims my wheel fell off on the highway, not came loose but fell off. So trust me when I say I hold back when I talk about my Mercedes experiences.

My entire conversation was that every situation is different, not every dealer sucks (though a lot do) and not every Jeep has quality issues (though certainly some have).

My buddy has a Cadillac SRX and he has had both the motor and transmission replaced due to crazy issues but the car has been bulletproof since and he drive 35,000 miles a year..... hopefully your experience is more like his (not massive failures but some early issues but a good vehicle once those have been taken care of).

 

[CardinalFan81]

I traded my ML in for a GC because of all the expensive issues it had post warranty! I spent $4k in less than a year and it had 80,000'miles on it when I traded it...it had also sprung two leaks recently, power steering fluid and oil. It also had a transmission problem less than 6 months ago and other minor (yet still $500-600) repairs. I'm really hoping to avoid that with this Jeep! Mercedes drive and look amazing... But they are far from perfect.

 

[nathantw]

I wouldn't paint Mercedes with such broad strokes. Wait until you have 50,000 miles on it and the oil leaks start. One of the places I work with there were 5 Mercedes out front a year ag

I'm with you on that one. Mercedes seem to be great up to maybe 50k and then it's downhill from there. One problem after another. At 88k the transmission was basically shot. My 2001 GC laredo, on the other hand, had little problems here and there but nothing that was catastrophic, but overall at 198,000 miles it was running perfectly before being wrecked. It was a rental for 2 years before I purchased it at 34k and so you know it went through hell before I bought it.

My current 2012 GC Summit is at 36600 and I haven't had a single problem with it other than rattles, knock on wood.

 

[ledcat]

Please stay on topic, this is not a Mercedes vs Jeep thread. 2014GC, I have just purchased my 2014 Limited GC, and share your concerns. I have only 300 miles on it, but found several small problems before taking ownership. It makes me wonder that the smart thing to do was to walk away. He were (are) my issues. 1) Small trim piece on the passenger side console area was not installed correctly keeping from being aligned properly. Easy to see, can't imagine the dealer would not have addrressed this prior to putting it on the floor. They corrected this prior to taking ownership, but the plastic has been bent for several months in the inproper install, it still is not 100% correct, it should be. 2) small trim piece on the outside fender well was not secured properly on 1 side. I pushed on it and it snapped into place, come on. 3) Large left quater panel interior piece was found not lined up proeprly next to its adjoining piece nor securing properly at its end point next to the window glass. I did not see this until after I got it home. Took it back to the dealer and they think 1 of the tabs is broken and are ordering a new piece. Unresolved at this time. My liftgate is not aligned properly also, but is not off enough to take it back. Maybe 1/8' more gap on the drivers side. I think I only noticed this beacause of this forum, so I took particaular attention to it, unfortunatley not until I got home. I will have to say, I went there knowing they had the vehicle I wanted, and nobody else within 50 miles had 1, so I wanted that vehicle, mentally I was convincing myself to buy knowing that the last 3 vehicles I bought (1 toyota, 2 mazdas) never had issues like this. I wanted to buy USA built, USA company, but really Fiat. I have not had issues with the electonics, but have not used everything, most likely never will,not a big phone guy so have not paired my phone and won't be using voice commands. My ipod works well using the usb port, I have tweaked items in the settings with success, and have programmed the remote for 2 garage doors. We'll see how it goes , but i know what your saying.

 

[Willx]

The OP made a comparison of driving a Mercedes Previously.... Why would we not continue with that as part of the review considering it was his point of view in being spoiled.

The OP chose the topics, we focused on different aspects of it, didnt think we were that far down the garden path on this?

 

[Willx]

My liftgate is not aligned properly also, but is not off enough to take it back. Maybe 1/8' more gap on the drivers side. I think I only noticed this beacause of this forum, so I took particaular attention to it, unfortunatley not until I got home.

I have not had issues with the electonics, but have not used everything, most likely never will,not a big phone guy so have not paired my phone and won't be using voice commands. My ipod works well using the usb port, I have tweaked items in the settings with success, and have programmed the remote for 2 garage doors. We'll see how it goes , but i know what your saying.

Two specific comments.... Go get your tailgate fixed. 1/8" difference is not cool. I have seen and touched many of these that were perfect.

On the AV front, if you have problems or questions, please feel free to PM me. The Ipod plugged in is the simpliest and most trouble free way to go but if you have an issue, please just ask.

I sincearly hope you and the OP have your issues taken care of.:thumbsup:

 

[2014GC]

I agree we should stay on topic and this is not a Mercedes forum.
I recently finished a four day weekend road trip into the land of Tahoe's,Yukon's and Suburban's in Beaches of South Walton Florida. Seems like everybody had one.
My GC was one of the most comfortable,solid vehicles I have ever driven. We left the Mercedes in the garage. But I had to have an idler pulley replaced before we made the trip. The Uconnect reset twice and for some reason the ATC worked perfectly in 90 degree Florida sun.( I have a black interior). I still love the GC but soon it will go back to dealer to have the gremlins hopefully taken care of.
I know from Jeep Dealer experience thought, I will never have them adjust the tailgate or try to align the mis-aligned widow trim. The loose interior trim I took care of myself. I noticed during the trip the fuel filler door is also out of align. The finish on the 20" wheel option from China is bad. I really drive s me nuts when the sun hits the finish on the wheels. I will probably ask that all four be replaced. But as far as trim adjustment I am only asking for more problems if have the dealer do it.
The wife also feels very secure because of it's size and the way it handles on the highway. It's Extremely quiet at highway speeds. Recorded 23 MPG.
If had any of the appearence issues with the MB I would not hesitate to have the dealer take care of it while being given a service loaner. But with Jeep it's another matter. Some of the appearance items are not new to the 2014. I still am very annoyed by the post I read from someone on this forum from the factory stated Jeep knew there was a problem with the Uconnect at the 2014 introduction and stated they would put a hold on the release of the 2014 because of the radio. Mercedes held back the introduction of the rear view camera option on my wife's 2013 because of know defect.
This Jeep GC works well for me,for now. I love the ride and the look! Issues and all, but we should not have this many issues with a vehicle that is not 100% new this early in the game.
We all settle and that's not the way it should be.