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, Feb 24, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while stopped at a stop sign or at a traffic light, the vehicle stalled. The failure had occurred on several occasions. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the main electrical fuse needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the main electrical fuse needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer again and it was determined that the main electrical fuse needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Other or unspecified, Feb 24, 2025
SERVICE SHIFTER WARNING LIGHT
Power train, Electrical system, Forward collision avoidance, Feb 20, 2025
I was driving my vehicle and it lost power going down the highway about 65 mph maybe 70. The power shut off on my vehicle and then it came back on but it was very dim and it say that way for till I got out of it and it was very scary my My cruise control keeps shutting off okay I'm having major problems with my transmission it slips a lot I need to know what to do about that.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Feb 11, 2025
My car shuts off when I go over little bumps and light comes on saying press break and shift into park. Then it doesnt start right away but eventually starts again. Also when I go over little bumps my interior lights turn on.
Electrical system, Feb 5, 2025, fire
My dashboard , screen caught fire from the wiring
Power train, Electrical system, Feb 5, 2025
I financed a brand new 2017 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk from a local dealership in July of 2017 that I now own due to a recent payoff in November of 2024. However, for the past 3 years, I’ve been getting a ‘Service Shifter’ message appearing with all P-R-N-D gear shift lights illuminated.
Electrical system, Engine, Jan 31, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power. The contact stated that there was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the instrument cluster was black, and the vehicle also lost power steering functionality. The contact stated that the vehicle resumed full power function and that the instrument cluster and power steering assist returned several seconds later. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred later, and that prior to the second failure the front passenger’s side window had lowered independently. The contact stated that the vehicle returned to normal operation independently. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The mechanic reset several functions and advised the contact to take the vehicle to a dealer for additional assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that she had not yet taken the vehicle to a dealer. The contact stated that the instrument cluster had started to flicker intermittently, as if the vehicle would lose power. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 210,000.
Power train, Electrical system, Jan 15, 2025
Service shifter code being thrown, with check engine light. Code is showing the tcm malfunctioning and an impossible driver shift request. Has been happening for over a year and now a check engine light has illuminated. Dealer won’t fix due to it not being a recall
Electrical system, Engine, Dec 27, 2024
Have a problem with my call losing all power in my jeep while sitting at an intersection waiting for the light to change. Almost got rear-ended cause my car just suddenly lost power. Power finally came back in 20 or 30 seconds but I had people honking horns and I'm was frazzled. Now I have this Service Shifter error on my dashboard and the PNDR lights all are on and red..Came on Jeep automakers. Do better!!
Electrical system, Dec 10, 2024
On the speedometer screen a message “service shifter” popped up on my 2017 Jeep Cherokee Latitude. Upon further research, this is an ongoing issue with thousands of jeep owners.
Electrical system, Nov 25, 2024
For about two years we have been getting a "Service Shifter" display code on the dash, red lights on all the gear indicators by the shift knob, and the service chime sound when the code comes on. At first the issue happened occasionally, and now it is on almost constantly. We have no dashboard visibility when the code is displayed and are concerned that the problem is worsening. We will be bringing it to a local Jeep dealership to run diagnostics, but are dubious of what can be done to actually fix the issue after following many Jeep forums online. So we are raising our concerns here. The FCA Service Bulletin seems to correctly identify the problem: Number: 08-103-18 Group: 08 - Electrical Date: 08/09/2018 Subject: Service Shifter Message We have observed that this is a common problem with Jeep products, especially with 2017 Jeep Cherokees. It should likely result in a recall.
Electrical system, Oct 17, 2024
Our 2017 Jeep Cherokee had the service 4WD light come on Tuesday. Our mileage is 60,800. We took it to our local mechanic, who ran a diagnostic. The code C14A7-97 came up as active on our vehicle. Our mechanic said there was a recall for this issue for our model year. We found "Safety Recall W47/NHTSA 20V-343 PTU Input Spline". Since our Jeep had the exact issue that the recall covers and falls within the 2014-2017 manufacture years, we made an appointment with a local Chrysler dealership. We took it in today for them to look at it. They confirmed that the code active on our vehicle is C14A7-97 and that our 4wd system is not working and that if we are in a situation that we need 4wd we will be at risk. They then told us that our VIN is not listed on the recall and our bill would be $3,200. I pressed that it makes no sense that we are having the exact issue in the recall, that we have a Jeep Cherokee as listed in the recall, that our model year is between 2014-2017 as in the recall, and that our mileage is exactly around the mileage listed in the recall that this problem surfaces("on about 67,240"); but it isn't listed in the recall. How can we be having the exact issue reported and not be covered in the recall? We feel they are taking some loophole and risking the safety of their customers, specifically our safety.
Electrical system, Service brakes, Oct 13, 2024
The Electronic Parking Brake turned on after putting vehicle in PARK. Could this brake have been applied while driving? If so, there could have been multiple fatalities or serious injuries. I did find some text on how there was a lawsuit going on about this.
Power train, Electrical system, Oct 7, 2024
Message "service shifter" pops up on the instrument panel, and a series of red alert lights appear next to every gear on the automatic transmission shifter lever. The dealer is unable to fix the problem! They replace the wiring harness, they replace the shifters themselves, they reset the computers ? And the problem always returns!
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Oct 6, 2024
1. Consumer is a Permanent and Total Disabled Vet (Unemployable) and this vehicle is the only vehicle Consumer has. 2. I have a 2017 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk KL (XXX) I have owned since day one with 56k miles. 3. At all times I did not receive any recall notices for correct known safety issues. 5. I have OBD-II tools of vLinker (use everyday for LiveData), BlueDriver and TogDog. 6. For almost as long as I have had the Jeep I have experienced the following. When I say the following I mean, at all times: a. Any type of road- surface- weather- time of day- city, highway and interstate driving- speed to include deaccelerating, at stop sign/light- 1-3 x’s a day, weekly- it doesn’t matter when or where b. The PTU was replaced in 2018 according to service report, service stating they couldn’t replicate issue although they had videos, etc a total of 4-x’s c. But, I keep experiencing the following: d. Loss of acceleration, push on gas pedal nothing happens, sometimes can let off for a bit and then accelerates, revs to 6-7k up/down using/not cruise, cruise doesn’t turn off, pulling trailer and not- lose brakes when stopped rolls back, parking brake message, traction control message, service engine message, loud engine noises from in front of driver, rear back and under center console- lose of rear wheel traction, loss of park- shifting to park grinding noises, 7. Below is a Google Shared Link for anyone that includes videos as it happens, OBD-II scans in .cvs and .brc files along with screenshots of the codes. [XXX] 8. Upon researching these issues I have found 1000s of complaints online regarding the same issues I experience. Including Jeep Compass- Renegade- Wrangler- Grand Cherokee. 9. Upon further research it seems this Consumer is the only one with video during the event and data of said event. 10. I am still retrieving older vids. 11. Vids and documents to large to attach. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 27, 2024
I’m not the only one with the same issues. I know a lady who has the same problem with her vehicle and has been quoted thousands of dollars to fix it. Cylinders and engine housing.. anti freeze leak.. and then expect us to pay expensive car payments.
Electrical system, Engine, Sep 12, 2024
Vehicle is putting up a code for “service shifter” while driving, which turns off when the car is turned off. Code does not read for dealerships to fix issue. it is reoccurring and we are concerned as we have seen a 2017 jeep Cherokee wreck out after throwing this code and “locking up the engine”. We are secondhand owners of this jeep and believe the previous owner sold this car because of said issue because it came up within a month of us purchasing the car.
Electrical system, Sep 3, 2024
2017 Jeep Cherokee shows "Service Shifter" in dashboard and all lights light up on shifter. This problem first happened in 2020 with 33,101 miles when the car was under warranty. The dealer "fixed" the problem and it went away. Now at 79,000 the exact same problem is back again. There was a lot of research on the issue done 4 years ago and most of the information came from [XXX] where everybody has the same problem. Obviously, whatever fix my previous dealer did is not the solution that Jeep recommended, if they recommended anything at all. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Electrical system, Aug 27, 2024
"Service Shifter" appeared on the dash and the lights "P", "R", "N", "D", and the one between "-" and "+" were all lit up, as if the electronics did not know which gear the car was in. Car would then not go above 50 mph while on the interstate and shifting was slow and jerky. When you're unable to control elements of your driving, you are unable to ensure a safe experience. This shifter issue is directly correlated. The problem is widespread in online forums and seems to be predictable with this model and line of cars. The car is available for inspection upon request. It's common for this to be an issue with cars less than 50000 miles which is a clear sign that this is a manufacturer's fault that needs to be corrected.
Power train, Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Jul 23, 2024
The shifter turns all red lights and service shifter appears in the warnings. There was a recall for this on certain vin #s for the same make and model but Chrysler refuses to acknowledge the wider problem effecting others. They advise you to pay out of pocket and I can’t afford that. This is clearly an issue that is wide spread and the danger is unknown what can happen but I don’t feel safe driving my [XXX] in a vehicle with all these warning lights. The issue started apparently 2 years ago but hadn’t been addressed by my wife because she was out of work and not driving it much. We need both our vehicles safe and Chrysler needs to fix the issues that their manufacturers caused. There are so many articles and complaints about this same issue and Chrysler refusing to fix it. Please help us ensure the safety of our family until we can afford another car. Our mechanic was able to replicate the issue and now it’s just constantly on. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Jun 11, 2024
Service shifter light displays randomly with PRND all light up. Goes away if you turn the car off remove key and restart. Have taken it to a technician in the past, they said they couldn't tell us anything.
Electrical system, Jun 7, 2024
Car keeps saying service shifter. The lights on the dash are now flickering on and off. The car hesitates to which gears and take off.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, May 10, 2024
This past year my 2017 Jeep Cherokee has started to randomly turn on the Service Shifter light and at the same time all the shifter lights turn red. The transmission starts acting differently as well when it comes on. If I pull over and shut the car off and then turn it back on it will be normal again. I cannot bring this into the dealership as my warranty is no longer available and I will not pay loads of money for them to tell me nothing.
Electrical system, Apr 14, 2024
Indicated service shifter changed , yet still never used only had 65k . Change the shifter and still shows on my screen .
Electrical system, Engine, Mar 30, 2024
When driving my vehicle going 30 miles per hour the car stopped by itself and gave error message “ Shift to park or neutral Press brake or select gear” . I have to put my car in park and try and restart the vehicle. This has happened 4 times with in the last week.