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, Service brakes, Engine, Mar 26, 2024
On [XXX] my 2017 Jeep Cherokee Latitude experienced full power failure while driving, resulting in an uncontrolled stopped with lack of power brakes, steering or other electrical assistance while in middle of road with traffic traveling 20 mph just avoiding impact with car in front of me. Had I been on highway or traveling faster I may have encountered a deadly impact to rock walls on road or surrounding traffic or oncoming traffic. There is a recall listed [XXX] Campaign number [XXX]. I have made a complaint to JEEP 800-853-1403 who noted my vin with case number [XXX]. My jeep vin is not included in recall notice but clearly should be and covered for repair under [XXX] . My Jeep regained power 5 min later and I drove it knowing unsafe to repair shop where it sits. My Vin should be added to the already listed appx 67k jeeps 2014-2017 year. I also have MOPAR extended warranty. I will not drive my jeep for obvious reasons until the repair is made. This is a potential deadly issue that needs to be extended to the currant recall listing. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Electrical system, Jan 29, 2024
The electronic parking brake in my 2017 Jeep Cherokee became stuck in the engaged position. The car would not move backward or forward. This happened when the car was parked on a neighborhood street. Had to have the car towed to the dealer, where the problem was diagnosed as failure of the parking brake module due to a water leak from the sunroof drain. Repair bill was over $1300. Luckily, the brake became stuck while the car was parked. Had the car been in motion, safety would definitely have been an issue.
Steering, Power train, Electrical system, Jan 29, 2024
Today while driving, my vehicle’s power steering went out causing me to pull over to the side of the road. My car was running, but I was unable to move it. When I put it in drive, the lights on the shifter would flash, but the car would not change gears. The problem appears to be electrical as the battery is brand new, and the engine was running.
Electrical system, Back over prevention, Jan 27, 2024
I parked my car and went into the store came back out tried to start my car and the message Service Transmission Restart in Park With Vehicle at Zero Speed appeared on the dashboard and my car wouldn’t start
Electrical system, Engine, Jan 19, 2024
My 2017 jeep Cherokee sport vin# [XXX] suddenly stop working when I was driving since then it been 1 month I have asked several mechanics what was the issue and I was told it was the alternator it got fixed new battery was bought and it still did not turned on again I was addressed by a friend about these cars having recalls I checked and yes it has recalls please help me I’m a low income mother no other way to get to point a to point b and I live 1 hour 20 minutes away from [XXX] we’re the car stopped working INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Electrical system, Jan 12, 2024
Saying Service Shifter. All light by PRND come on red. Have seen a lot of reports saying same thing for 2014-2018 Jeep Cherokees. Has been looked at by mechanic. Has been coming on once every week for 3 months now.
Power train, Electrical system, Jan 11, 2024
Service 4wd light turned on .. car stalled on road and almost could not pull out of the way of traffic . PTU unit ? Replacement… Jeep 2 weeks off of warranty extension… Jeep needs to recall ALL 2017 Cherokee models
Electrical system, Air bags, Other or unspecified, Dec 31, 2023, crash
I slide off the road and went into a ditch then rolled a dew times no airbags denied I was upside-down Bach shoulder head injury and left leg all on the left side .y mirror wouldn't call 911 I have photos
Electrical system, Dec 14, 2023
At 57,537 miles, the heads-up speedometer and all other displays were disabled with an error message to "Service Shifter". At the same time, each PRNDL indicator light on the shifter panel lit up RED. Very disconcerting! I cycled the engine and that restored normal operation, but I could find no information on this error in the JEEP manual. On line, however, I found many people concerned about this same error with different potential causes/fixes.
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Nov 27, 2023, crash
There was already a recall on the make and model of my car, Jeep Cherokee Latitude; however, when I search by VIN it shows zero unrepaired recalls. So if the problem is fixed (no one even attempted to fix my car), why does my car still shut off in the middle of driving? When it shuts off I can’t turn the wheel, Can’t put it in park, and the gas and brakes/ABS don’t work. This has happened many times with my daughter, currently 4yo, in the car; why do I have to risk my life every single time we need to go somewhere? Every single dealership and mechanic I’ve brought it to says there is nothing wrong with the car, yet it continues to shut off while driving… I did crash the first time it happened, but it was in a snow storm and possibly unrelated? No injuries or damage.
Electrical system, Service brakes, Engine, Nov 27, 2023
The car randomly activated the Electronic Parking Break and it will not disengage. I have disconnected the Battery hoping to reset the module but that did not work. This car will also randomly refuse to start or shut down. Only resetting the ECM/PCM will clear the error and get the car moving again. This is a safety concern because the Ebrake may engage while moving at high speeds. There is a warning light indicating that Ebrake needs service. There is also an unknown leak coming in from the roof and running towards the back lift gate. Water will pool in the storage section to the left and right of rear lift gate.
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Nov 16, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle shut off without warning. The vehicle was taken to a dealer and the contact was informed that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil and the engine was replaced. The contact stated that several years later while driving 35 MPH, the vehicle shut off without warning. The contact stated that the failure occurred for a second time soon after restarting the vehicle. The contact drove back to the dealer and the vehicle remained at the dealer for approximately 2 months. Once the vehicle was returned to the contact, the vehicle shut off again; the vehicle was towed back to the dealer. The dealer replaced the power software module and returned that vehicle back to the contact. Soon after retrieving the vehicle, the instrument panel went blank, and the vehicle shut off again without warning. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and then back to the dealer; however, neither the independent mechanic nor the dealer could determine the cause of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a complaint was filed. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 26,000.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Nov 10, 2023
Service shifter notification/warning comes on randomly. When this warning is on, all of the lights on the gear shift light up (p,r,n,d). The engine feels like it is slipping, and the vehicle will drive slowly & is very loud. The gas pedal can be pressed completely to the floor and the car will not accelerate fast enough. The airbag and parking braking notification flash as well. Check engine light comes too.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Nov 2, 2023
As I was driving all the lights on my [XXX] gear lit up. On my dashboard, it said service shifter. Well, I continued driving. My truck started to slow down a D kept flashing on my dashboard. I had to pull over to the side as the truck was coming to a complete stop. I turned off the ignition waited a few minutes. Turn my truck back on and I was back on the road. I’ve heard lots of complaints in regards to the shifter, but there’s no recall for this. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Steering, Electrical system, Service brakes, Oct 31, 2023
After the weekend rain, I went to start the 2017 Jeep Cherokee it did not start. I had the battery car jumped and it started up when driving it the steering wheel locked up. The dashboard started to display antilock brake assist off system, power steering assist off system, service transmission restart in Park with vehicle 0 speed, and so many red lights started flashing afterwards. I was in the car with my children a car that was coming behind me had to swerve around me as my car instantly stopped. This could’ve been a horrific or fatal car accident. I just hit my car check to renew my plates the emissions pass and everything safety was good. With this current situation, I would now have to get my car back to the dealership for further inspection, and will be without a car.
Power train, Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Oct 22, 2023
Service shifter light is turning on the car at 20-60 mph and more. Car warning continues to appear over multiple periods of times and not able to see speed and determine if car is driving properly!
Power train, Electrical system, Oct 18, 2023
In the middle of turning into a busy intersection, service shifter light came on and car is shutting off without warning. Shifter lights flash and car dashboard states to put car into gear in order to drive. Took several minutes for car to restart in order to get out of the busy intersection. Huge safety issue could cause a collision while driving for car to shut off without warning. Numerous reports of this on the NHTSA, forums and discussions with no resolution from the manufacturer.
Power train, Electrical system, Oct 12, 2023
Transmission shifting erratically/service shifter warning displays. Vehicle will lose power at inopportune times due to failure to shift, which could cause a collision, or an accident if on a busy road. Also vehicle will have unwanted acceleration when attempting to come to a stop. This can be dangerous as it may push the vehicle into an intersection after you have attempted to stop. There are various complaints of this issue on various websites and media forums yet no mention of the manufacturer making any attempts to resolve. I have also found the service shifter issue to disable the engine and not allow the vehicle to start which can leave someone stranded.
Electrical system, Air bags, Seat belts, Oct 11, 2023
Indicator lights are shown on dash include gas cap, seat belt and engine. All gear lights display red when driving and states to service shifter. Dash displays service engine soon. Service air bag system. Seat belt will constantly ding even though it is buckled and will not stop dinging. Replaced gas cap, but indicator light continues to display on dash. Strongly believe there are electrical issues causing theses defects. Took to local dealership and they performed an update, but the indicator lights started to display again the following day, along with the constant dinging from the vehicle not being able to sensor the seat belt being buckled. This has been happening for over a year now and no one seems to be acknowledging there is an extreme safety concern with this vehicle. Strongly believe it is due to the fact of being at fault and not wanting to correct the defects without compensation. Plus there is an abnormal sound when accelerating since these issues began and are continuous. If you’re an attorney reading this, please find me through my vin #. I’m tired of dealing with these issues and willing to take legal action to resolve these issues. Will never buy a Jeep again. Thanks.
Electrical system, Oct 9, 2023
Shifter lighting up all gears and parking brake initializing while driving. Happened more than 3 times already, two other times happened while at stop sign/light
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Engine, Oct 4, 2023
Shifter alarm and need to stop the car to reset. Terrible on the highway engine will shut down. Temperature overheating stopped car working.
Power train, Electrical system, Sep 30, 2023
Service shifter light comes on and off randomly while driving. Won't allow my vehicle to restart after shutting off without getting a jump to start it. Had the shifter replaced on 3/31/22 at 64,000 miles and now again it's happening at 89,000 miles on 9/29/2023.
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Sep 21, 2023
The Service Shifter light came on and keeps coming on sporadically. I was dismayed to learn that there are numerous complaints regarding the Service Shifter light on the 2017 Jeep Cherokee. Has this ever been formally addressed.
Power train, Electrical system, Sep 8, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the vehicle stalled and lost motive power. The contact stated that the vehicle then started to reverse independently. The contact stated that the transmission also failed to shift properly. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.
Power train, Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Aug 19, 2023
Shifter Service message appears on dash while operating vehichle. All lights for transmission position are lit up at the same time. This occurred during "normal" operation of vehicle.