2017 Jeep Cherokee
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Power train is the leading concern among 1,334 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 6th highest complaint count among 12 Cherokee model years with reports.
Of the 2017 reports, 24 involved a crash and 6 involved a fire. 27 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Power trainApr 29, 2025
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Jeep Cherokee vehicles. The power transfer unit (PTU) may become damaged and disengage the transmission and differential, resulting in a loss of drive power and/or loss of park function.
A loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash. A loss of park function can cause an unintended vehicle rollaway, which can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
Dealers will update the drivetrain control module and PTU software and replace the PTU, as necessary free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning February 19, 2026. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is 01C.
Campaign 25V011000 on NHTSA.gov
Power train, automatic transmissionApr 27, 2023
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Jeep Cherokee vehicles. The power transfer unit (PTU) may become damaged and disengage the transmission and differential, resulting in a loss of drive power or loss of park function.
A loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash. A loss of park function can cause an unintended vehicle rollaway which can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
FCA US LLC will notify owners, and dealers will perform a software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 11, 2023. Owners may contact FCA USA LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is 45A. This recall expands previous recall number 20V-343.
Campaign 23V302000 on NHTSA.gov
Power train, driveline, differential unitJun 11, 2020
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2017 Jeep Cherokee vehicles equipped with a two-speed Power Transfer Unit (PTU). Relative movement in the Power Transfer Unit (PTU) between the differential input splines and the transmission output shaft may cause some input spline teeth to wear off, which may eventually cause a loss of engagement between the transmission and the differential inside the PTU. If this occurs, power cannot be transferred between the front wheels and the transmission which results in a loss of drive while the vehicle is in motion and a loss of the Park function while stationary.
A loss of drive can cause a vehicle crash without prior warning. A loss of the Park function can cause unintended vehicle rollaway which can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
FCA US LLC will notify owners, and dealers will perform a software update that will maintain vehicle propulsion by engaging rear wheel drive and prevent rolling in Park by activating the electronic parking brake if a failed input spline occurs. This recall began July 14, 2020. Owners may contact FCA USA LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is W47.
Campaign 20V343000 on NHTSA.gov
Electrical system, wiringMay 17, 2018
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Dodge Journey, Charger and Durango, RAM 2500, 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis (more than 10,000lb), 4500 Cab Chassis and 5500 Cab Chassis, Jeep Cherokee and Grand Cherokee and Chrysler 300, 2014-2019 RAM 1500, 2015-2018 Dodge Challenger, 2015-2017 Chrysler 200, 2016-2018 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis (less than 10,000 lb), 2017-2018 Chrysler Pacifica and 2018 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. These vehicles are being recalled to address a defect that could prevent the cruise control system from disengaging. If, when using cruise control, there is a short circuit within the vehicle's wiring, the driver may not be able to shut off the cruise control either by depressing the brake pedal or manually turning the system off once it has been engaged, resulting in either the vehicle maintaining its current speed or possibly accelerating.
If the vehicle maintains its speed or accelerates despite attempts to deactivate the cruise control, there would be an increased risk of a crash.
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the software, and perform a software flash on the engine or powertrain control module, free of charge. The recall began June 4, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Note: Owners are advised to stop using cruise control until the software update has been performed. In the event that cruise control cannot be disengaged while driving, owners should firmly and steadily apply the brakes and shift the transmission to neutral, placing the vehicle in park once it has stopped.
Campaign 18V332000 on NHTSA.gov
Equipment, other, labelsAug 31, 2017
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Jeep Cherokee vehicles. The tire and rim size information required to be on the Certification label was omitted during manufacturing, which may result in an incorrect tire and rim combination being installed on the vehicle. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
The missing tire and rim designation information may lead to an incorrect combination being installed on the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Chrysler will notify owners and will provide a corrected certification label, free of charge. The recall began October 13, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T53.
Campaign 17V543000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, knee bolsterNov 2, 2016
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2017 Jeep Cherokee vehicles manufactured October 13, 2016, to October 17, 2016. Improper welds on the driver's knee air bag inflator may prevent the air bag from properly inflating.
If the driver's knee air bag does not properly inflate, there is an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's knee air bag module, free of charge. The recall began November 9, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S84.
Campaign 16V799000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: electrical system
342 reports, newest first. Show all
Electrical system, Sep 21, 2018
JEEP SHIFT CHANGER LIGHTS CAME ON, ALL CAR LIGHTS IN DASH BOARD, AND CAR WOULD NOT START. CAR ISN'T STARTING WITH KEY CONTROL, AND/OR PUSH START. THIS HAS OCCURRED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. HAVING CAR TOWED TO DEALERSHIP.
Power train, Electrical system, Sep 4, 2018
THROTTLE BODY AND GASKETS WERE REPLACED AFTER LEAVING ME STRANDED IN THE STREET. ALSO, LINKAGE WAS REPLACED DUE TO SERVICE SHIFTER WARNING. PLEASE SEE THE ATTACHED DOCUMENT FOR ADDITIONAL DETAILS.
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 3, 2018, fire
CAR CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE DRIVING. ENTIRE FRONT END WAS IN FLAMES AND BURNED COMPLETELY. *TT *TR *BF VIN IS INVALID UPDATED 11/26/18*JB
Electrical system, Aug 3, 2018
EMERGENCY BRAKE WOULD NOT RELEASE VEHICLE WOULD NOT MOVE FORWARD OR REVERSE
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Jun 26, 2018
WHILE IN CRUDE CONTROLS MY JEEP SPEEDS UP AND PAST THE SET SPEED AND KEEP ON GOING FASTER
Electrical system, May 26, 2018
SERVICE SHIFTER HAS APPEARED ON MY DASH, CAR MAKES NOISE THAT SOUNDS LIKE WHEN MY GAS LIGHT COMES ON MULTIPLE TIMES, ENGINE TURNS OFF AND WON'T TURN ON UNLESS YOU TAKE KEY OUT AND WAIT A COUPLE MINUTES.
Power train, Electrical system, May 22, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 JEEP CHEROKEE. WHILE ACCELERATING FROM A STOP, THE GEAR SHIFTED ABRUPTLY AND CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO JERK. IN ADDITION, THE "SERVICE THE SHIFTER" INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO LEITH CHRYSLER JEEP (5500 CAPITAL BLVD, RALEIGH, NC 27616, 919-872-5500) WHERE THE TECHNICIAN UPDATED THE COMPUTER SYSTEM, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE SAME DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE GEAR SELECTOR BEZEL AND HARNESS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURES AND STATED THAT THEY WOULD CONTACT THE DEALER. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER PROMISED TO GET BACK WITH HER WITHIN TWENTY-FOUR HOURS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 3,000.
Power train, Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Apr 5, 2018
TAKATA RECALL: SERVICE SHIFTER ALERT RECEIVED
Electrical system, Engine, Mar 28, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 JEEP CHEROKEE. WITHIN MONTHS OF OWNING THE VEHICLE, IT FAILED TO START AND STALLED SEVERAL TIMES WITHOUT WARNING. THE DEALER (KOONS TYSONS CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP RAM, 2050 CHAIN BRIDGE RD, VIENNA, VA 22182, VA 22031, (703) 790-0900) WAS UNABLE TO REPLICATE AND DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 5,000.
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Mar 19, 2018
BACKED OUT OF PARKING SPACE INTO TRAFFIC LANE. TRANSMISSION WOULD SHOW SHIFT TO D, BUT WOULD NOT ENGAGE DRIVE TRAIN. HAD TO DISCONNECT BOTH BATTERY CABLES TO CLEAR ELECTRONICS. AFTER RECONNECTING BATTERY CABLES, VEHICLE WOULD ENGAGE DRIVE TRAIN FOR "D", BUST CAR RUNNING/SHIFTING ROUGH, ENGINE DYING AND SVC ENGINE LIGHT COMING ON.
Electrical system, Electronic stability control (ESC), Mar 10, 2018
I BROUGHT THIS JEEP ON 2 22 2018. ON MARCH 1 IT WAS PULL IN, IT WOULD NOT START, I PICK IT UP ON MARCH 3, AND DROVE IT ABOUT 1 MILE AND IT WOULD NOT START AGAIN IT WAS PULL IN AGAIN ON THE 3RD. I CALL ON THE 7TH THEY WAS STILL WORKING ON IT AND TODAY IS THE 10TH. I NEED A CAR THAT WILL NOT LIVE IN THE SHOP. I HAVE TALK TO THE PEOPLE AT ALBEMARLE JEEP UNTIL I WAS TRIED. CAN YOU HELP THEIR NUMBER IS [XXX]. MINE NUMBER IS [XXX] MY NAME IS [XXX]. ALSO I GOT A BILL FOR THE VEHICLE PROPERTY TAX THAT THE NC SAID THAT I OWN ON THE REGISTRATION. IT WAS TO BE PAID IN FULL. WHAT IS GOING ON. PLEASE HELP ME. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Feb 24, 2018
MY 2017 JEEP CHEROKEE HAS 20,000 MILES AND HAS STOPPED RUNNING THREE TIMES WHILE I WAS DRIVING IN TRAFFIC. I HAVE MANAGED TO PULL TO THE SIDE BUT THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS AND THIS ISSUE REALLY NEEDS INVESTIGATING. I WILL BE TAKING IT TO THE DEALERSHIP ON MONDAY I'M AFRAID TO DRIVE IT PLEASE HELP
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Nov 14, 2017
MY CAR JUST SHUTS OFF FOR NO REASON FOR ABOUT 2 HOURS AND WHEN IT COME BACK ON THE SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON AND THE BATTERY LIGHT COMES ON. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER THEY SAID THE ALTERNATOR AND BATTERY DIED. ALSO THE KEY THROB WON'T COME OUT THE IGNITION I ONLY HAD THE CAR FOR 4 MONTHS I AM THE FIRST OWNER SO I DON'T KNOW HOW THAT'S HAPPENING.
Electrical system, Sep 14, 2017
START BUTTON WILL NOT WORK IF PRESSED AT BOTTOM. WILL NOT START OR STOP.
Electrical system, Sep 3, 2017
THE PRESETS ON THE PHONE PART OF THE TOUCH SCREEN HAVE ERASED THEMSELVES TWICE IN A MONTH
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Jun 21, 2017
I WAS STOPPED AT THE RED LIGHT, MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE AND VEHICLE GEAR IN D, I FELT MY VEHICLE IS REVERSING (MOVING BACKWARDS), I THOUGHT MY VEHICLE GEAR WAS IN R AND FOOT ON GAS PADEL BUT THAT WAS NOT THE CASE, I DOUBLE CHECKED TO MAKE SURE THE VEHICLE GEAR WAS IN D AND FOOT ON THE BRAKE PEDAL, I PUT MY VEHICLE IN PARK (P) TO MAKE SURE IT STOPS AND THEN WHEN LIGHT TURNED GREEN, I PUT IT IN DRIVE (D) AND STARTED DRIVING. IN ALL THAT BIZZARENESS, I FELT I MISSED A GREEN LIGHT AS WELL. I THOUGHT MAY BE THE VEHICLE BESIDES ME STARTED DRIVING AND IT WAS MY VISION WHICH MADE ME THINK THAT MY VEHICLE MOVED BACKWARDS BUT I AM A LONG TIME DRIVER AND SOMETHING LIKE THAT NEVER HAPPENED WITH ME BEFORE. I WAS COMPLETELY SHAKEN UP, THINKING THAT LUCKILY NO VEHICLE WAS BEHIND ME DURING ALL THAT TIME. I ALSO NOTICED THAT MY VEHICLE WAS AT LEAST ONE VEHICLE SPACE BEHIND THE STOPPAGE LINE WHEN I STARTED DRIVING AGAIN. THIS STRENGTHENED MY BELIEF THAT MY VEHICLE MOVED BACKWARDS.
Electrical system, Engine, May 3, 2017
NEW 2017 JEEP CHEROKEE HAS COMPLETELY AND RANDOMLY SHUT OFF/SHUT DOWN WHILE DRIVING THREE TIMES. EXTREMELY DANGEROUS FAILURE MODE! VEHICLE HAS LESS THAN 2000 MILES AND IS LESS THAN 3 MONTHS OLD. FIRST INSTANCE: APRIL 27, 2017. DAUGHTER DRIVING. GOING UP A HILL ON CITY ROAD AT APPROXIMATELY 45MPH. VEHICLE JUST DIED. ALMOST REAR-ENDED. PULLED OVER. PUT IT IN PARK. VEHICLE RESTARTED. SECOND INSTANCE: APRIL 28, 2017. OWNER DRIVING. ON INTERSTATE 376 GOING 65MPH. VEHICLE JUST DIED. PULLED OVER. PUT IT IN PARK. VEHICLE RESTARTED. THIRD INSTANCE: APRIL 29, 2017. OWNER DRIVING. STATE ROAD GOING 40MPH. VEHICLE JUST DIED. NOTICED A "DING" SOUND JUST BEFORE IT DIED. ALMOST REAR-ENDED. PULLED OVER. PUT IT IN PARK. VEHICLE RESTARTED. TOOK CAR TO DEALER - PRESTON MOTORS IN NEW CASTLE, PA. EXPLAINED SITUATION. TOLD THEM "WE COULD HAVE DIED!" THEY CLAIM THEY KNOW OF NO SIMILAR ISSUES OR REPORTS OF THIS PROBLEM. I PRESENTED THEM WITH PRINTOUTS OF THE NUMEROUS SIMILAR COMPLAINTS FOR 2016 MODELS ON NHTSA WEBSITE. DEALER IS CURRENTLY INVESTIGATING AND GUESSES (DOES NOT KNOW) IT MAY BE A PROBLEM WITH THE STARTER BUTTON (NOT THE STOP/START BUTTON). THEY ARE REPLACING IT AND WILL TEST DRIVE IT BEFORE GIVING IT BACK TO US.