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: engine
263 reports, newest first. Show all
Power train, Engine, Apr 15, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving 15 MPH, the vehicle lost power and stalled. The battery warning light was illuminated, with the message “Shift to Park or Neutral – “Depress Brake Pedal and Select Gear” displayed. The drive indicator light was blinking, and the battery was red. The vehicle was taken for an oil change, and the messages were no longer displayed; however, the failure recurred months later. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, and the contact was informed that the power transfer unit had lost power; the vehicle turned off with the message to shift to park displayed. The contact stated that the failure occurred frequently. The contact stated that the vehicle stopped within 2 miles. The vehicle was then taken to a dealer where it was repaired under an undisclosed recall. The vehicle had not been repaired for the most recent failure. The contact believed that the vehicle should be repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V343000 (Power Train); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.
Engine, Apr 8, 2025
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? PTU How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Engine shudders & when trying to slowly move the vehicle it jolts quickly. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes, replicated by both an independent service center & a dealer. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? No. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? Yes, the error message stated that the four wheel drive is unavailable. First date of notice was 2/26/2025.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Mar 5, 2025
4wd light has been on along with engine light. Took it to a mechanic but and a problem with cylinder 2 came up and they checked it and everything was fine. t'll sometimes slightly roll in park before perking to a stop. While driving it'll sputter sometimes.
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 3, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was smoke coming from the engine compartment, prompting the contact to discontinue driving the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the radiator due to a radiator leak. During the diagnostic test the engine failed, and the engine was replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred 4 months later. The vehicle was towed back to the dealer, who again diagnosed a failure with the radiator. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was towed back to the dealer, who again diagnosed a failure with the radiator for the third time. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 97,000.
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.
Vehicle speed control, Engine, Jan 25, 2025
My 2017 has experienced multiple loss of power events( two on the highway!). The vehicle’s transmission will disengage and I will have to coast to the side of the road. My ignition is still on but have been told previously that my PTU needs replacing. I will have the amber service transmission light illuminated but only after having transmission disengage. This power failure is a extremely serious safety issue- now the local Jeep dealers have “no fix” and I am having to rent a car because of this safety issue.
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!!
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Nov 3, 2024
Due to the limit on text characters I have attached the 17-page document explaining the safety issues.
Engine, Nov 1, 2024
Reference service bulletin 20V-343 / W47 Recall Summary (Differential unit) 2 Speed Power Transfer Unit failed (Transfer Case) PTU My wife was driving down the freeway at 65 MPH when the until failed. This was during heavy rains and while the car was hydroplaning. The four wheel drive system kicked in and then the unit failed. She heard a loud clunk and then unit the unit forced itself into neutral. This could have cause the car to spin out of control, but she was able to recover. Wife did not capture error message that occurred during the incident, but it said something about putting the car in neutral. once she was able to stop in the emergency lane on the freeway she came to a complete stop and put the car in park. She was exiting the vehicle and the car started to roll even though the car was in park. She quickly applied the brakes and was able to engage the ebrake. The car is currently at the mechanic for inspection.
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.
Power train, Engine, Aug 16, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while driving 15 MPH and making a turn, the vehicle shutoff inadvertently. The contact stated that the service shifter message was displayed. The contact stated while driving 25 MPH, the vehicle shutoff but was restarted. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was due to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V302000 (Power Train). The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who informed the contact that the failure was due to the gear shifter. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 137,000.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Engine, May 31, 2024
I was driving up bridge in morning rush traffic suddenly without warning lost drive cv axel on passegner side broke and had to be towed. I called 911 and the police tried to put car in drive and car would just roll back and it almost went into the unit. when the car suddenly stopped I was just lucky no one ran into me, I was in the middle of the road & could not move the car.
Steering, Service brakes, Engine, Apr 16, 2024
I was driving my 2017 Jeep Cherokee Latitude 2.4L, car won't start, I have oil pressure sensor to warn me when low doesn't alert me at all, only time is when I realized a beep when I made turns and would indicate oil pressure low! I can't get my car to stop and it stalled on me while driving with no indication of low oil, and I have two kids and could have been very bad, since no power no breaks no steering!
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.
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)
Power train, Engine, Mar 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while driving 20-30 MPH, an alarm sounded, and the vehicle lost motive power. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring while driving. The contact was able to pull to the side of the road on some occasions. The contact stated that the vehicle would fail to restart while turning the key in the ignition switch and would restart independently when taking her hand off the key. The contact stated that she was able to continue driving; however, the failure reoccurred several times in one day. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where engine oil was added to the vehicle; however, the failure recurred. The dealer performed a software update under an unknown recall and added oil to the vehicle; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened. The manufacturer advised the contact that they would contact the dealer and she would be contacted afterward. The failure mileage was approximately 82,000.
Engine, Jan 31, 2024
While driving the suv will turn off. It has happened multiple times. Recently I was stuck in an interception after making a turn. It has happened before and a “service shifter” light came on. But this time no additional lights came on and suv would not turn back on
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, 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.
Engine, Nov 17, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the vehicle stopped independently. The contact parked, and restarted the vehicle however, the failure persisted. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle had not been taken to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 62,000.
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.