AFM lifter failures, catastrophic engine failure
Cylinder misfires, valve train defects
Check engine light: On
Active Fuel Management (AFM) lifter failures cause catastrophic engine failure, cylinder misfires, and valve train defects.
PROBLEM GUIDE
Here's what owners are experiencing, based on our research of real owner reports and repair data.
Last updated May 2026
1,558
complaints filed for the 2014 model year
2014–2016
Model years affected
$7,500+
Typical repair cost, by problem
Click a problem for the full write-up — symptoms, what we found, and typical repair costs where we have them.
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Start my diagnosis →Cylinder misfires, valve train defects
Check engine light: On
Active Fuel Management (AFM) lifter failures cause catastrophic engine failure, cylinder misfires, and valve train defects.
Loss of power during acceleration
Check engine light: On
Transmission slipping, hard shifting, shuddering, torque converter failure, and loss of power during acceleration are documented — the dominant complaint category in the sample.
Vacuum pump failures, brake-assist malfunctions
Check engine light: On
A hard brake pedal at low speeds is tied to vacuum pump failures and brake-assist malfunctions — echoes the Cadillac Escalade's brake vacuum-assist recall and the Chevrolet Suburban's brake problem.
Flickering lights, dashboard malfunctions
Check engine light: On
Complete electrical shutdown occurs while driving, alongside flickering lights and dashboard malfunctions.
Requiring frame replacement
Check engine light: Off
Severe frame rust and corrosion requires frame replacement in some cases.
Recall 14V374000
Check engine light: Off
A transfer case electrical short can cause an unexpected shift to neutral — recall 14V374000, echoing reports of "spontaneous neutral engagement" on the Jeep Grand Cherokee, via a different mechanism and manufacturer.
An intermittent starting issue occurs with no response from the starter
Check engine light: Off
An intermittent starting issue occurs with no response from the starter. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 1,037 owner reports on file.
The 4WD transfer case position sensor or selector switch may fail
Check engine light: On
The 4WD transfer case position sensor or selector switch may fail. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 891 owner reports on file.
Heating and AC temperature and air delivery mode door actuators may fail
Check engine light: Off
Heating and AC temperature and air delivery mode door actuators may fail. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 462 owner reports on file.
The fuel level sensor may fail
Check engine light: On
The fuel level sensor may fail. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 399 owner reports on file.
The speedometer or other instrument panel gauge may work erratically
Check engine light: Off
The speedometer or other instrument panel gauge may work erratically. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 309 owner reports on file.
Steering may develop a clunk noise from the upper intermediate steering shaft
Check engine light: Off
Steering may develop a clunk noise from the upper intermediate steering shaft. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 207 owner reports on file.
The CD player may fail due to an internal fault in the radio
Check engine light: Off
The CD player may fail due to an internal fault in the radio. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 188 owner reports on file.
The steering wheel position sensor may fail
Check engine light: On
The steering wheel position sensor may fail. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 188 owner reports on file.
Daytime running lights are prone to burning out
Check engine light: Off
Daytime running lights are prone to burning out. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 125 owner reports on file.
A "no start" condition is caused by a failed fuel pump
Check engine light: On
A "no start" condition is caused by a failed fuel pump. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 122 owner reports on file.
Inside door handles may break
Check engine light: Off
Inside door handles may break. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 114 owner reports on file.
Replacing the ABS control module prevents the pump from running after the ignition is turned off
Check engine light: On
Replacing the ABS control module prevents the pump from running after the ignition is turned off. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 92 owner reports on file.
Repeated window motor failures occur on the driver and passenger sides
Check engine light: Off
Repeated window motor failures occur on the driver and passenger sides. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 92 owner reports on file.
The check engine light illuminates with a misfire due to stuck fuel injectors
Check engine light: On
The check engine light illuminates with a misfire due to stuck fuel injectors. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 74 owner reports on file.
The check engine light illuminates due to a gas cap issue
Check engine light: On
The check engine light illuminates due to a gas cap issue. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 68 owner reports on file.
Recall 14V374000 covers a transfer-case electrical short causing an unexpected shift to neutral. Enter your VIN to get the confirmed, current recall picture for your specific car.
The information on this page is for general educational purposes only and is not a diagnosis. It is compiled from aggregated owner-reported data and publicly available sources, not from an inspection of your vehicle. Symptoms described here can have multiple causes, and the presence of a commonly reported problem does not mean your vehicle has it. Repair cost ranges are estimates that vary by region, shop, vehicle condition, and parts availability. Recall and service campaign information may be incomplete or out of date — verify current recall status with NHTSA or your manufacturer. MyGearGuru is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by any vehicle manufacturer; manufacturer and model names are used for identification only. Always consult a qualified technician before making repair decisions.
Active Fuel Management (AFM) lifter failures cause catastrophic engine failure, cylinder misfires, and valve train defects — the same AFM problem is reported on the Chevrolet Tahoe, Chevrolet Suburban, and Cadillac Escalade, which share GM's K2XX platform. Separately, a transfer-case electrical short can cause an unexpected shift to neutral. The Jeep Grand Cherokee has similar reports of spontaneous shifts to neutral, by a different mechanism.