5 Things I Hate About My Jeep Cherokee (KL) Trailhawk!

[@jorgiesjog9904]

For me, it’s the A pillar. It makes a big blind spot. I agree the transmission is strange but I got used to it.

[@MootsKLAdventure]

I can see that. I guess I don't think about the A pillar as much because it seems like a lot of vehicles have larger A pillars now. My wife's car has a large A pillar as well so it's kind of become the norm for me. That's a good one though..

[@angelgabriel4642]

I fuckin hate it!! I'm literally in the process of getting rid of it just because of that.

[@LSDdreams808]

Yep the pillar is definitely the thing i hate the most about this jeep . Other wise i dont have much complaints .

[@AStanton1966]

If you have the 3.2 V-6 and live in a cold climate, keep an eye on the plastic housing for the oil filter/cooler. Ours grenaded at about 70,000 miles after a cold snap where it went down to -14 below 0 F. We lost 5 quarts of oil while going down the road before the check engine light came on. We just bought a 2023 Trailhawk--their last year--with the 2.0 turbo. The turbo has a conventional spin-on oil filter--no plastic housing! We had a new 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L Limited and traded it for the Trailhawk. The Uconnect5 on the Grand Cherokee was one big PITA! Stay away from it if you can and run with the old trusty Uconnect4 if you can.

[@anonmedic1]

I have a 2017 with the 3.2 V6. Had my oul cooler housing blow up on me. Shops wanted $800 to fix. $75 and 3 hours later, I upgraded to an all aluminum housing with no issues!

[@hardrivefloppy]

Hi. My wife and I bought this jeep. 😂 funny thing we didn't know that it was that much of a off road vehicle 😂 until we started looking on KZbin. Bought it used 4 years old. The smooth ride sold us. We do a lot of highway driving to the kids. Helps in the snow 👍✌️

[@road-channel]

Fun to see the 2019 facelift corrected 2 of your complaints! My 2020 shift good and does not make the problem you said at all! And the fuel cap is just a press on it cap to pop it out 💁‍♂️

[@MootsKLAdventure]

I really wish my fuel door was like that.

[@michaelsteven1090]

Headlights have been changed for the better on '22

[@MootsKLAdventure]

@@michaelsteven1090 they definitely fixed some of my complaints with the refresh.

[@pwnsh4rk6]

@@MootsKLAdventure replace it with one from MFC off-road. Looks better and functions better

[@jasonk446]

I have the 2014. The transmission is definitely annoying how it has to think what to do. The same for higher speeds when I try to pass someone. Thought maybe my trans was going.

[@MootsKLAdventure]

Yeah it kind of hiccups when you're trying to pass.

[@RKmndo]

5. Size? Get a Commander or a Grand Cherokee whatever. Possibly even a Sequoia or Landcruiser. Get a huge rooftop box, get a hitch rack, get an offroad trailer, and/or pack more efficiently. 4. Fuel? Use the cruise. Set it to around the speed limit. Carry a jerrycan. I don't forget the button. 3. Mods? A multi-mount winch fits fine in the hitch. Weld/Fab your own stuff if nobody makes what you want. 2. Lights? Most auxiliary lights are a waste of time/money. 1. Transmission? It's a relatively new design. The 2nd gen has likely worked out the bugs better.

[@MootsKLAdventure]

All in all I enjoy my Cherokee. These are just some things that could be better.

[@terminalreset7659]

I've a 2015 KL. Not a TH, but it has over 207,000 miles on it. Just added some Goodyear Wranglers. I've had to replace the ignition module, the struts on front, MAP and oil pressure sensors, spark plugs every 100,000 miles, and the thermostat assembly and EGT sensor. Not easy fixes...all had to be done at the shop. Also, the power window control goes bad often, I am on like my sixth one. Battery every year after second year. All in all, not a bad car, but I wish it was less to keep it running. Original mileage was 34-35 on highway, 28 around town. Now, it's about 22mpg. The interior is holding up ok. I change oil religiously, and air filters about 40k miles. Not the best car I ever owned, but def in top 5. I live on a farm, it gets plenty of off and on road use.

[@MootsKLAdventure]

It definitely would be in my top 5 as well. I haven't had hardly any issues with mine. I'm at 126,xxx. Hope it stays that way.

[@mikedaley5031]

Not sure if there is a remap for the throttle response that might be factory approved. However in stock configuration your foot on the accelerator is merely a suggestion. It takes the computer way to long to figure out that you mean business. Haven't tried any of the remap tools such as Pedal Commander, perhaps that's the fix. But here in CA the powers that be at CARB will find the mod'd program the next time in for a smog check. So I've resisted the temptation thus far.

[@onebreath210]

I recently bought a 2015 cherokee trailhawk and I'm glad to hear that im not the only one frustrated with the transmission. I came from driving a stick shift for the last 20 years and this is my first automatic car. I was starting to think something was wrong with it. It is frustrating and I miss my stick shift. The button the fuel door doesn't bother me. My previous car had a lever on the floorboard next to the driver seat, so I'm used to pulling that. The button is only a little higher than the lever was and on the door of course. What I had to get used to was the fuel door was on the opposite to what I had been driving for years. But its not a bad car. I need to get my lift kit installed and want to see what it's like on some trails

[@TheTech9]

I get the same hard shift from 2nd to 3rd in my 2014 TH. I tell you what though, the newer Cherokees don't have nearly as many interior features. The trick folding front seat with the storage compartment and the sliding rear seats aren't present on any of the newer years

[@MootsKLAdventure]

I don't get why they'd do away with those features

[@TheTech9]

@@MootsKLAdventure my best guess is weight savings and money savings. Maybe not enough people noticed them there?

[@lindyvanburik5477]

I love my 2019 Cherokee Trailhawk. Some of the things you mentioned that were things you didn’t like are some of the things that I love. I do not have a family of five so I didn’t want a huge grand Cherokee. I wanted it big enough for myself and my dogs And the occasional out of town guests. The back seat is much easier to access than my old Wrangler without adding much to the overall size Additionally, Since I’m not hauling lots of people and equipment I tend to get 26 miles per gallon on average. I also have towing capability that I believe is 4500 pounds. So, unlike other smaller SUVs, I can tow a small boat or a trailer. Having a low granny gear means I can truly go four wheeling in the Rocky Mountains. I guess it’s all about perspective and buying the correct vehicle for what you really want and need it to do.

[@MootsKLAdventure]

I'd agree with your last point. Overall I love mine and have done a video on the 5 things I love about. Felt like I should give the other side

[@iceygivenz3117]

I just bought a new 2022 Cherokee Trailhawk (My second, first was a 2015) and that 2nd to 3rd kick or jump is still there. I think that might be the Start and stop. I took that off at a light and didn't get that same jerk. might be the run down and quick up. idk

[@MootsKLAdventure]

I always turn mine off as soon as I start it. The jump I get is the worst when I slow down to close to a stop and then take off again.

[@seanwatson3790]

At least jeep has listened to some of these valid complaints. Cuz the gas cap on mine just pops open from the side and I've never had issues opening it even in Colorado and the 19 I have is all led and I love the lights on it. Super bright .

[@MootsKLAdventure]

Yeah Jeep always says they listen to the customers. This shows that they definitely do to an extent.

[@SellTheProphet66]

Love my ‘17 cherokee TH, use it to tow my snowmobiles in the winter. If i gotta come up with things i hate about my cherokee its that people always think my high beams are on even when they arent and i hate the auto start/stop thing. I noticed you turn yours off just like i do every time i start it up! Other than that, the cherokee TH is my favorite vehicle (aside from my sled of course!) Love the mods on yours, looks sweet!

[@MootsKLAdventure]

Thanks! I really do love my Cherokee. Definitely agree with you on the start/stop being a little annoying. I can't say I've had much issue with being flashed for having bright low beams though. Appreciate the comment.

[@stevemartin8326]

I agree on size of fuel tank. It needs to be a 20-25 gallon tank. The headlights 2019- current are STELLAR!!! Like, the kind people who don’t have them hate., they’re so bright! Yeah… it’s a touch undersized in the cargo area. Oh well. The tranny is a bit sluggish. But it is smooth. I’m ecstatic with my 2019. They did good work on the upgrades. I have better towing than you as well.

[@MootsKLAdventure]

It sounds like Jeep did a good job of fixing some of the issues with the earlier models. Like I say in the video, none are deal breakers for me. I still love my KL!

[@fisidave]

I have a 2014 limited and a 2018 trailhawk and I gotta agree about the light.

[@bezarker68]

Use your Price Chopper/ Hy-Vee fuel points discount keychain to open a frozen fuel door.

[@MootsKLAdventure]

I need to get one of those I guess

[@robertbolin1763]

As much as I love my Cherokee V6 Latitude 4x4, I must admit you hit on the things I don't like pretty spot on. For me #1 is the lights. They simply don't project at night even with the high beams on. #2 is the lack of Sirius XM options for those areas with no cell coverage. #3 is mods (or lack there of). Even after lifting it 1.5" it still needs more to it. #4 is transmission. There is no rock crawl mode in any trim but the Trailhawk. I have no #5 as I get 300 miles to a tank and the size is perfect for my needs. I can see you needing bigger but we go on trips with our two dogs and can carry everything we need for 2 people and 2 dogs for 2 weeks including kennels in the back to a cabin in the woods (us older folks don't camp). Fill up before we leave and before we head home and we have a 300 mile or better radius for our trips. Then we use a tank a week for fun and going into town for supplies. Four tanks of gas for two weeks in the woods. Jeeps in generally have crappy headlights, but there are things about my KK Liberty I wish the KL Cherokee included.

[@MootsKLAdventure]

They really are a great vehicle and probably my favorite one I've owned.

[@kennethcurtis1856]

For an average day on the FSR in Manistee Natl Forest, I prefer our 09 Liberty over my wife's 2019 KL TH. Of course, I liked our 98 XJ, but after 304,000 miles we gave it to our son. Can't throw a set of wrenches and duct tape in the KLs and hope to do minor repairs on the trails. Those days are long past.

[@Outdoors4adventure]

I hear ya. Luckly my 2021 has some of those fixed. The mods is my biggest grip.

[@MootsKLAdventure]

Yeah I've heard they fixed some of those things.

[@TheHighwinder]

Size: You can double that roof rack by also using a hitch rack - that hitch is WAY off the ground, excellent clearance (if you have the hitch). MPG: It's a naturally-aspirated V6, what did you expect? Just compare this to ANY Wrangler - no such thing as anything above 20mpg in a modded Wrangler, so don't feel bad - they're carrying gas cans too. Jsut comes with the territory. Gas cap release: Yup a massive annoyance. And your stranded if that opening mechanism ever malfunctions. Just leave it open under severe conditions when you absolutely cannot be stranded. Mods: It's not mods that are expensive - it's anything guys buy for fun that's expensive. EVERYTHING. Lights: I disagree, the top LEDs (on my 2018) actually throw nice light off to the sides, and I get high-beam checked by truckers all the time who think my highs are on when they're not. Transmission: All of the transmission oddities (really bad with the 2014) can be fixed with a software upgrade (mostly fixed by 2016). Go see your dealer to see if you need an update.

[@MootsKLAdventure]

Some of that I'd dispute a little. I've got a 15 and the only LED's on it are the daytime running lights. They are very bright until you turn on the regular headlights. I've never been flashed even when I've accidentally left on my bright lights. Maybe they changed something for the 18's. As for the transmission I've checked on getting an update and it was done before I bought it. All in all I love my Cherokee. This is just my list of the things that could be improved.

[@zoe7657]

Wrong regarding 2 things. ONE, The 2114 and 2018 are two different designs. Also although your 2018 may have improved output, stating because you get flashed can also easily mean a bad design causing glare. TWO, the big one being the transmission. We have had the transmission flashed probably 5 times. Some improvements but NEVER resolved. Due to the initial poor design/software combo it still has the Jerk if caught between 1 and about 7 MPH. Still the good outweighs the bad and will keep it as my have fun vehicle once we upgrade to next daily driver.

[@markychaz]

What’s a your mpg in city? And what’s your mpg hwy? Also what’s your Avery combined??

[@MootsKLAdventure]

I just keep it set to the overall mpg and don't really check it for one or the other. I also don't spend much time in a city. If anything it's a small town with like 5 stop lights. I drive a lot on the interstate though. With that said I'm usually around 22. It fluctuates depending on weather conditions.

[@spider7199]

I bought a used jeep cherokee trailhawk 2016 but I noticed bit delay when shifting gear from N to D or N to R

[@MootsKLAdventure]

Yeah it does have a bit of a delay especially on a hill.

[@grege8032]

I have a 2014 TH, and I agree with your complaints, but for me, my number one is the MODS. I have the exact same tires, same size, and I feel like it was the only option (for size) to upgrade without a lift. The spacer lift hardly seems worth it. Maybe someone else can comment if they have it. I'll probably just wait and save up for some of the new lift options that are finally coming out for the KL.

[@MootsKLAdventure]

Yeah I'm a fan of the Stilettos over the spacer in the rear. The front on mine is still a spacer lift though

[@fordayinlife]

2020 KL TH and I believe the lights are much much improved full LED and I have had zero issue with them, maybe the best in any car I've owned. Also the 2020 they removed the fuel door latch, it's just push to open now. Might be a negative in it's own right as it's not locking. Space, Fuel capacity are still a big negative. My biggest complain about the trans now is the lag between flooring it, and the engine actually revving up and moving the car, the thing just sits for a couple of seconds. Love the channel!

[@MootsKLAdventure]

Thanks! I've heard they improved the headlights but hadn't heard about the fuel door. Also I believe the 2020 is a little larger in the cargo area. They made it big enough to fit golf clubs lol. Appreciate the comment!

[@robertbolin1763]

I bet the push release requires the doors to be unlocked. Check it out. I know my Mercedes won't open if the doors are locked and I don't have my key fob (proximity sensor).

[@BillBurnette]

My 2019 doesn’t have the fuel door latch.

[@chriscartier6889]

Petal Commander -Programable module for throttle lag.

[@sbond1963]

Have you had the updated programming performed? They are constantly trying to fix that shifting problem.

[@MootsKLAdventure]

It was done a several years ago. Still has the funny shifting from 1st to 2nd.

[@sbond1963]

@@MootsKLAdventure sounds like I should probably get the extended warranty? Also, have you ever change your transmission fluid?

[@MootsKLAdventure]

@@sbond1963 I haven't. It shifts the same as it always has for me so I don't believe that theirs any mechanical issue. I would recommend the extended warranty on it though.

[@sportsdude89]

I'm looking at mainly getting a used 2016 Cherokee Trailhawk with over 100k miles would you recommend or stay away with that kind of miles? I used to have a 19 Trailhawk that was totaled, but I miss it like crazy!

[@motoboggin2619]

Not sure if yours does this but mine makes annoying noises when i try to sleep in it with the key off, making it and its all but impossible to sleep in the back of it. Electrical screeching. Only way around this is to disconnect the battery.

[@MootsKLAdventure]

Yeah it tends to think a lot.

[@mrsamsa]

dude, i am no fan of MFC products, but the one thing i am glad i got was their replacement fuel door. my days of chipping the inch of ice off my fuel door so the button works have been over for years. pretty much the only product they make that is worth the money.

[@MootsKLAdventure]

Yeah I each winter I tell my wife I'm getting after I have to brake ice to fuel up. Then by spring I forget until the next winter lol.

[@kinkos34]

roof capacity. I bought a roof top tent, an rro roof rack. the roof rack is only held on by rivnuts in very thin sheet metal in the top. after a season of using my rtt my rivnuts spin and leak. there is no support under them. this is an adventure vehicle.

[@MootsKLAdventure]

Agree on roof capacity. Sorry to hear that about your roof.

[@ChuckUnderFire]

I’ve got basically the same rig. 6 cyl, trail hawk. Though mine has the towing package. And I don’t think I’ve ever squeaked out 26 miles to the gallon. Maybe I do a few more city miles. Mine sits around 23.5mpg on a good day. What am I missing?

[@MootsKLAdventure]

I'd be pushing 27 before the lift and tires without the roof rack. I don't drive in the city very much. I've got a 40 minute drive to work thats basically all interstate and its not that busy of one overall. I found 73 mph to be optimal for fuel mileage with mine.

[@fordayinlife]

Man I'm at like 22mpg on a good day

[@MootsKLAdventure]

I'm down to 21/22 with the lift and 32's.

[@BMcCoyOfficial]

I just drove it from Texas to Illinois and back and averaged 23.7mpg. Haven’t seen anything over 25. I have a 2021 Trailhawk 3.2L

[@markychaz]

@@MootsKLAdventure is that city? What’s your highway mileage?

[@orangesonicc]

I live in Japan so my trailhawk driver side is at the right side, so the fuel tank cap turn out to be on the same side but I agree the tank is small…

[@vadersoffroadadventures0316]

You're right one each one, except fuel gas lid, 2021 is push open.

[@stevemartin8326]

2019 and up is push to open on fuel.

[@MootsKLAdventure]

I'm glad they changed that. Super annoying when you forget to push the button.

[@vadersoffroadadventures0316]

@@MootsKLAdventure and the headlights are better too..but mods and size..absolutely right, couldn't load up Vader how I wanted to this past weekend, took a second vehicle

[@MootsKLAdventure]

@@vadersoffroadadventures0316 yeah you really have to be selective on what you take.

[@zoe7657]

No, he is still right in regards what he hates on his 2015 cherokee. You have a different year therefore different design obviously.

[@paulob5153]

I hear you o those points I have the 2018 .model it seems you hit all points dead on cant fit shit sideways in the trunk we actually can fit more in my wife's mazda 3's trunk when we go to Costco then the jeep , gas tank well I use to have a patriot and that tank was only 50l so annoying when my trip to work and back is 120km every three and half days fill up well this one is 60 and gets same milage so better but still not great i can go 4.5 days . Lights switched out my fog lights to LED holly crap what a difference on the highway at night ..transmission back out of my driveway put it in forward and you get this wierd sometimes jolt when it's engaging....didn't see your top five ...but I love driving this jeep so comfortable, arm placement is perfect for me with both arms , love the look , towing up to 4500 lbs best in class, love taking it to fishing places. ...did I mention I love the look even after 6 years! 😂

[@willbur5952]

See I got the transmission fixed so it doesn’t have that hard shift I don’t remember what it was tho

[@absolution00]

Mfc offroad has some great stuff, you should check them out.

[@MootsKLAdventure]

Yeah I mentioned them in the video. They offer some good stuff it's the price to buy mods for a KL vs other vehicles that I was talking about.

[@absolution00]

@@MootsKLAdventure okay my bad, must of missed that.

[@DestinationArkansas]

The mods is my #1. Everything is so exspensive. Love my Cherokee tho. Let's go ride brother.

[@MootsKLAdventure]

I hear you. I'm working on planning a KL only meet up and trail run for this spring. It'll either be in Arkansas or southwest of Springfield, MO.

[@DestinationArkansas]

@@MootsKLAdventure man I'm in Arkansas i got alot of trails marked on onx. The Ozarks are my backyard and oachitas as well. I have a two day overland route thru the oachitas that I've put together .

[@DestinationArkansas]

I've never seen another lifted kl around here other than mine.

[@MootsKLAdventure]

I haven't been there yet. I was thinking north of Byrds in the Ozark National Forest.

[@MootsKLAdventure]

Yeah I haven't seen a lifted one around here either.

[@cuddycasey]

For me it's the bolt pattern...there is not a big selection of wheels available for my jeep trailhawk

[@MootsKLAdventure]

Gotcha. I haven't looked into changing the wheels but makes sense.

[@n2octane]

Wife had to have one against my recommendations and i can 100% agree with the trans. The worst ive ever experienced other than her previous one the juke. (She has a nack for bad trans cars) its like its granny shifting a semi. The LUNGE I get is the 1-2 shift. Wont go to 1st unless complete stop. Wont go to 9th AT ALL. (geared way to high) when i jump out to pass someone i just set there for 3 curse words b4 it picks a gear. Its a 2019 limited (facelift) with the 2.0 turbo. Cant say enough about comfort and power. Lots of both. Has push button start thank God i hate those pineapple grenade things mopar used forever. Gas lid is just push to pop out on these ones. But yea hope this helps as a compare and contrast to the 19-23 models.

[@bryansmith0040]

For me it is the wind noise and the transmission

[@MootsKLAdventure]

Can see that.

[@КонстантинБутов-т1т]

mine doesn't even have a button.)))

[@shannonstrode7967]

Its hard af to find stuff for a 2022 TH

[@dsa420meh7]

I've heard the front and rear diff are not that strong either? you have anything to say about that

[@MootsKLAdventure]

I haven't had any issues with the diff. Of course I can only speak on mine. Hadn't heard of that being an issue either though.

[@anonmedic1]

My 2017 is in the shop now with front diff failure. $3-7k for the repair.

[@NorthStarPNW]

At least some of your complaints are not the fault of the Cherokee, they're your fault for buying the wrong rig.

[@davidowens8958]

2021 Trailhawk dislikes: Fuel capacity, electric parking brake, rear seat doesn’t fold down completely flat, small cargo/storage and the engine stop/start that I sometimes forget to turn off. Just over 2k miles averaging 20.5 combined city/ highway. No mods.

[@MootsKLAdventure]

The electric parking brake would have been an honorable mention for me. Good list!

[@handbg6257]

I just think it's time to trade it in on a new one !

[@MootsKLAdventure]

I think I'll hold on to it. I plan on driving it until it dies.

[@michaeldemarco9950]

“5 things I hate” about 5 things I hate. . . “ Pass.

[@nathanmciver6496]

Lol, yeah! They want the work except they f@*k up paint jobs? Ah, no issue! It's just a blemish! I thought they want they sales alsewhere? Neat, guess it's me again! Yeah, wow! Nice listening to you! The head room is aweful! I find it has lots of room! Best I can give

[@MootsKLAdventure]

I'm not sure who you're referring to on the paint job and sales.

[@1streylight]

Got to number 2 and decided you dragged this out too long for me. It’s just too painful to continue.

[@kennethcurtis1856]

Sounds like someone didn't do enough research before buying this vehicle to see if it would fit his wants and needs.

[@MootsKLAdventure]

No it meets my needs. This video was more about what I'd change if I could. I also have a 5 things I love about my Cherokee video.

[@zoe7657]

Most vehicles are a compromise.

[@MootsKLAdventure]

@@zoe7657 that they are.

[@CoBrAChiCKeN948]

Poorly designed PTU and tipm

[@augievergara2465]

What you said make no sense get a big car.that answer your question????

[@MootsKLAdventure]

Not really.