Your Jeep Cherokee was built for adventure, a trusted companion on daily commutes and weekend trails. But when the heart of that machine—the 2.4L Tiger shark engine—begins to fail, it can feel like a betrayal. If you're the owner of a 2014-2020 Jeep Cherokee, you may be all too familiar with the tell-tale signs: alarming oil consumption, a rattling engine, loss of power, or worse, catastrophic failure. You are not alone, and this problem doesn't have to be the end of the road for your beloved vehicle.
Facing a major engine repair is stressful. The quotes for a traditional rebuild can be astronomical, and the thought of purchasing a new car is even more daunting. This is where a smarter solution comes into play: a complete engine swap. This guide is your definitive resource for navigating the engine swap process in 2025. We will demystify every step, from identifying the problem to sourcing the perfect replacement and understanding the true costs. Our mission at Paapaa Motors is not just to sell high-grade refurbished and pre-owned engines, but to empower you with the knowledge to make the best decision for your Jeep and get it back on the road with renewed power and confidence.
Why Your Cherokee's 2.4L Engine Is Failing (And Why a Swap is the Best Fix)
The 2.4L Tiger shark MultiAir II engine, found in Jeep Cherokee models from 2014 through 2020, is known for a few persistent issues. The most common complaint is excessive oil consumption, where the engine burns through oil at an unsustainable rate, often leading to low oil pressure and, eventually, severe internal damage. Piston ring defects are frequently the culprit, causing oil to seep into the combustion chamber.
When this happens, you’re left with two choices: rebuild or replace. A rebuild involves a mechanic tearing down your existing engine and replacing only the damaged parts. While it sounds good in theory, it’s often a lengthy, labor-intensive process that can unearth more problems along the way. The quality of a rebuild is entirely dependent on the skill of the technician, and its warranty may only cover the specific new parts, not the entire engine.
An engine swap, however, replaces the entire faulty unit with a reliable, tested, pre-owned engine. For most Cherokee owners, this is the superior path, offering a powerful combination of speed, reliability, and value.
The Clear Advantages of a Pre-Owned Engine Swap:
The Engine Swap Blueprint: A Step-by-Step Journey
Understanding the road ahead is the first step to a stress-free experience. While we always recommend that the swap is performed by a certified professional, knowing the process will help you communicate effectively with your mechanic and ensure the job is done right.
Step 1: The Final Diagnosis
Before you order an engine, a mechanic must confirm the original is beyond a simple repair. Symptoms like engine stalling, sputtering, hard starting, or a significant loss of power are serious red flags. A professional will typically perform a compression test to measure the health of each cylinder and a leak-down test to pinpoint where pressure is being lost. If the tests reveal spun bearings, a cracked block, or catastrophic internal failure, the verdict is clear: it’s time for a swap.
Step 2: Sourcing a High-Quality Replacement Engine
This is the most important decision you'll make. You need a reliable 2.4L MultiAir II engine compatible with your 2014-2020 Jeep Cherokee. Don't just search for the cheapest option. Look for a reputable supplier that provides a comprehensive warranty and can give you the engine's history, including its mileage. At Paapaa Motors, every engine we sell undergoes a rigorous inspection and testing protocol to guarantee it meets our exacting standards for performance and longevity.
Step 3: Preparing the Engine Bay for Surgery
Once the replacement engine arrives, your mechanic will prep your Cherokee. This involves:
Step 4: The Heart Transplant: Removing the Old Engine
With the engine bay prepped, an engine hoist is attached. This is a delicate procedure where the mechanic carefully lifts the old engine and transmission assembly out of the vehicle. Precision is key to avoid damaging the surrounding frame, AC components, or the transmission during separation.
Step 5: Prepping the New Engine for its Home
Before the replacement engine is installed, it’s prepped on a stand. This is the golden opportunity to replace inexpensive but hard-to-access "wear-and-tear" parts. Insist that these components are new to ensure thousands of miles of trouble-free driving:
Step 6: Installation and Reconnection
The new engine is carefully lowered into the bay, aligned, and bolted securely to the transmission and motor mounts. The mechanic then meticulously reverses the disassembly process, reconnecting every hose, sensor, and wire. This step requires immense attention to detail to ensure every connection is perfect.
Step 7: The Moment of Truth: First Start and Testing
With everything reconnected, the engine is filled with fresh oil, coolant, and other fluids. The mechanic will perform a final triple-check of all connections. Then, the key is turned. The engine is started and allowed to run, warming up to operating temperature while the mechanic checks for any leaks, listens for abnormal sounds, and uses diagnostic tools to ensure all systems are communicating and operating correctly.
The Ultimate Checklist: How to Buy a Used Engine with Confidence
Purchasing a pre-owned engine can feel like a gamble, but it doesn't have to be. Use this checklist to protect your investment and ensure you get a winner.
Why Paapaa Motors is the Trusted Choice for Your Jeep Cherokee
Navigating the used parts market can be a minefield. At Paapaa Motors, we’ve built our reputation on quality, transparency, and unwavering customer support. We take the guesswork out of buying an engine.
The Real Cost of a Jeep Cherokee Engine Swap in 2025
The total cost of an engine swap varies by location and labor rates, but it breaks down into two main categories: the engine itself and the installation labor.
A high-quality, warrantied 2.4L Tiger shark engine from a trusted supplier like Paapaa Motors will typically range from $2,000 to $3,700, depending on its mileage and condition.
Professional installation by a qualified auto shop can range from $900 to $2,500.
Therefore, you can realistically budget for a total project cost between $2,900 and $6,200. When you compare this to the cost of a new vehicle or the potential for a rebuild to spiral in price, a swap is often the most financially sound decision you can make.
Your Jeep's Next Chapter
An engine failure feels like an ending, but it’s actually an opportunity for a new beginning. A professionally executed engine swap is a smart, lasting investment that can add years of reliable performance to your Jeep Cherokee. It restores not only your vehicle's power but also your peace of mind. The foundation of a successful, stress-free swap is starting with a superior-quality replacement engine.
Don't let a bad engine retire a great vehicle. Make the right choice, and get ready to fall in love with your Jeep all over again.
Ready to give your Jeep Cherokee a new lease on life? Our team at Paapaa Motors has the high-quality, fully inspected, and warrantied engine you need.
Call us today for a free quote: +1 (346) 781-5699
Visit our facility: 6208 S Rice Ave Suite C1, Houston, TX 77081
Browse our inventory online: www.paapaamotors.com
We ship nationwide! Contact us now and let our experts help you get back on the road.