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, May 13, 2022
The contact owns a 2017 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while driving 45-50 MPH, the vehicle started to decelerate and then shut off completely. The vehicle was towed to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the starter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired however, the check engine warning light and service shifter warning light was illuminated. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.
Power train, Electrical system, Apr 16, 2022
When I started my 2017 Jeep Cherokee Limited this morning, a "service shifter" message appeared on my instrument panel. All the lights that indicate park, reverse, neutral, and drive were illuminated red - all at one time. I turned the car off and restarted it. The message was no longer indicated. However, I scheduled the car for service with my dealer. I wanted to add my voice to the others that have experienced this same issue. The car is not currently under a recall for this issue. But it seems to be a prevalent one for this year and model Jeep.
Electrical system, Apr 4, 2022
I was driving down the road and several lights in the dash popped on. The check engine light and a few others that I was not familiar with. Everything started blinking and it said "service shifter" and "service airbag system ". I put it in park and tried to put it back in drive and it would not go into drive and started rolling backwards. I had to push it into a parking lot and have it towed.
Electrical system, Engine, Mar 27, 2022
The 'service shifter' code keeps showing up. The car shifts and drives fine when it happens but it concerns me because I've read where a few people have had the car accelerate by themselves when this happens.
Electrical system, Engine, Mar 6, 2022
The car will shut off unexpectedly while driving. This is extremely dangerous. This is the 6th time in the last 3 years that this has happened.
Electrical system, Jan 25, 2022
SERVICE SHIFTER, SERVICE 4WD, SHIFTER GETS PUT INTO GEAR IN ANY WEATHER UNDER 32 DEGREES F AND THE SHIFTER WILL NOT SHIFT INTO A PARTICULAR GEAR. ALL LIGHTS ON THE SHIFTER WILL LIGHT UP. THE CAR WILL FREE REV. IF YOU LEAVE THE CAR RUNNING FOR 15 TO 30 MINUTES. THE ENGINE/TRANS/SERVOS WARM UP, AND THE CAR IS NOW ABLE TO SHIFT INTO GEAR. THIS ISSUE ONLY HAPPENS IN COLD WEATHER. WE HAVE LOST ALL CONVIDENCE IN DRIVING OUR CAR IN THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST. WE'VE BROUGHT THE CAR TO JEEP, THEY REPLACED PARTS, REPLACED SHIFTER WIRING, ITS BEEN BACK TO JEEP DEALER 3 TIMES. THEY CANNOT FIX THE ISSUE. THERE SHOULD BE A ELECTRICAL SHIFTER OR WIRING HARNESS RECALL OF SOME KIND.
Electrical system, Service brakes, Forward collision avoidance, Jan 25, 2022
the electronic emergency brake engaged on its own. The car would not move and there was nothing I could do to get it out of park.
Electrical system, Jan 21, 2022
Vehicle shifter service light keeps coming on causing vehicle to light up all of its shifter lights at the same time keeping it from engaging into gear any gear had to turn off and on for it to work
Steering, Electrical system, Jan 13, 2022
While driving at approximately 50 mph, the vehicles steering wheel locked, all lights on the dash came on and the car shut completely off. My daughter was able to slowly pump the breaks to stop because there was no traffic but had there been she could have been in a serious accident since the car completely shut down. This is a huge safety concern.
Electrical system, Jan 1, 2022
When I turned the car off, the lights on the dashboard and ceiling stayed longer than the appropriate time. I went back to check and the dashboard went off but the ceiling stayed on. Next both lights were off but the dashboard came back on when I shut the door. It also randomly messages that the license plate light is out but works fine.
Power train, Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Dec 9, 2021
I bought a 2017 Jeep Cherokee latitude two weeks ago by the time I drove it home the service shifter light came on. I bought this car and it was certified free of defects this has happened a half a dozen times now I called the dealer and told them about it and I saw what the fix was online. The fixe is to put in a new shifter bezel and a new wiring harness. The dealer refuses to do this and the vehicle is certified what can I do?
Electrical system, Nov 29, 2021
Service Shifter Light on at 50,000 miles
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Oct 20, 2021
Shifter lights up in red and it flashes a warning sign of "service shifter."
Steering, Power train, Electrical system, Oct 4, 2021
I was driving like normal about 15 mph after just pulling out of the gas station onto the main road and have no issues with my car as of late and all of a sudden it just stopped. All the lights lite up on the shift, every light lite up on the dash saying everything needed to be serviced, I was unable to move or do anything with the car, not even turn it off and i was in the middle of the road! Luckily no one was behind me and I was still able to engage my hazards. After about 10 min's my car turned off on it's own. I sat for another 10 before finally being able to turn it back on and move it to the side of the road and eventually get it back to my house 2 miles away. Clearly this is a serious safety issue and is not ok, especially the fact that my car was bought brand new and is not even 5 years old!
Electrical system, Service brakes, Sep 21, 2021
I started my vehicle and when I selected the drive gear all the red lights came on every gear. The service shifter warning came on the dash. I couldn’t move the vehicle for a week. The electronic parking brake start flashing on and off. I had this happen once before on vacation. I took it to the dealer in Vancouver Washington and they claim to have done a flash update, and took my brand new battery that was only three months old. Replaced it with the Mopar battery with less cold cranking amps, and charged me for it. Also, they refused to give me my battery back.
Steering, Power train, Electrical system, Sep 12, 2021
Car stalls without warning or indicator lights and will not restart in a safe manner. There are dozens of reports concerning this situation online and it is a SERIOUS safety issue that has received no attention. There is apparently and “incomplete” notice from JEEP that has failed to reach all customers. This has now happened to me three times — 2 of which were in situations that created significant safety risk.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Sep 9, 2021
My service shifter will lock up and the gear shift will read that my car is in park, reverse, neutral, drive all at the same time. My dash will read “service shifter” however it has been doing that since I purchased it. The wheels on the car will jerk and lock up. Luckily, I am not going fast and can safely pull over. The car will sputter and act like it is struggling to go. I have had everything checked and all other recalls fixed. When I mentioned it to the service department, they said they could replace the part but it doesn’t guarantee that it will fix the issue. He gave me a quote to fix it and said the part is on back order or may be recalled soon. If it isn’t in the process it needs to be before it takes someone’s life. When I have checked social media it appears that multiple people are having the same issue.
Power train, Electrical system, Aug 28, 2021
While driving the warning chimed with a “service shifter” message on the dashboard screen. All of the lights (P, D, N, R) were light in the shift indicator. Due to the warning message I was not able to see any other information on my dash. I wasn’t sure if I could even keep driving leading me to panic for fear that I couldn’t even put the car in park. After some research I have come to find this is a recurring problem with 2014-2019 Jeep Cherokees. Since this occurred on a weekend I intend on leaving the car parked for safety and calling a dealership Monday morning.
Electrical system, Engine, Aug 19, 2021
answers to the question and detailed description is below - the car completely shutdown while driving. - as the car shutdown while driving in the traffic, it was a major safety concern. - yes, service center told me it is just due to the battery - yes, by the authorized service center - no warning is appeared before the incident. I have a 2017 Cherokee purchased 2.5 years ago, 25.000 km and having regular service every 6 months. Just 100 km after i serviced the car, it shutdown while driving !!! The authorized service checked the car and the issue was just the battery. Generally when you have battery issue the car will not start without a jumper / booster but will not shutdown while driving at all. For Cherokee, it shutdown while driving !. Jeep service manager informed me that due to the used technology Cherokee can shutdown while driving when the battery finish (which is generally not the case in other cars). When i asked why the manufacturer didn't get any precaution for this, they mentioned that only Grand Cherokee has auxilary battery as a precaution and it is not obliged by the government and they just get some cases which is not enough to make a recall.
Power train, Electrical system, Aug 17, 2021
“Service Shifter” message appears and all gears (P, R, N, D, etc.) light up on the gear shift. I purchased my vehicle brand new and this has been happening since 28K miles. When I contacted the dealership, I was told it was not covered under warranty or a recall; it would cost about $400 with parts and labor to repair. I was also told if I did not repair it, that it could eventually turn into a safety hazard where my engine would lock up and stall and I would be stranded on the side of the road and it would not start up again. What happens if this is occurs on the highway. This is a safety issue that needs to be addressed. Others all across the nation are experiencing the exact same problem. https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/Discussion-t68742_ds990296
Electrical system, Aug 10, 2021
While driving the service shifter light pops on
Power train, Electrical system, Jul 26, 2021
On July 3, 2021 I stopped at STOP sign, then when I stepped on the gas car wasn't moving, when I looked at the gear shift I noticed all the lights are on, all P R N D AND "-" AND "+" NEXT TO THE GEAR (PICTURE ATTACHED). Then I stopped the engine and restarted the car to move on. On July 16, 2021 I took the car for oil change and showed the picture to the mechanic at the JEEP Service Center in Morgan Hill California (on Church Street in Morgan Hill, CA). The service guy said we know this problem it is a recall, he said it is wiring harness problem for the gear, he said they will fix it when they receive the part at no cost. Then, on July 26, 2021 I went back to see if they have received the part to fix the problem This time the service guy said it is not covered, JEEP will not pay for it. Well, if it is electrical wiring harness problem why should I pay for it. Such thing is a design/manufacturing problem, it is not wear and tear. Why should I pay for the problem created by manufacturers fault. Such electrical problem could well cause for an accident Please inform me what should I do? is it a recall? or is a new recall candidate? Sincerely, [XXX] email:[XXX] cell: [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Steering, Electrical system, Engine, Jul 18, 2021
Service shifter warning. Car stalled twice. It has 45 k miles only. Won't start on first try.
Electrical system, Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 1, 2021
My car completely cut off while driving it on 2 separate occasions on 6/14 & 6/29. I was going 15-20 mph and slowing down for a stop light both times. The car just cut off without any warning. Once I put it in park I was able to start it back up without a problem. I took it to get serviced and the shop said there were multiple faulty computer codes so they reset the system. They advised me to call the dealership to see if there is a recall. I called a dealership and there is not a recall. They told me to bring it in so they could do a diagnostic test and check the fuel system. The earliest appointment at 2 dealerships I called is a month out and if I scheduled a drop-off appointment that could be done in about 7-10 days.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Jun 14, 2021
SERVICE SHIFTER. The Shift Bezel keeps going out. I reading that is happening to a lot of other people only had this car 2 months. The gear shifter Bezel lights up all red and service shifter shows up on the dashboard.