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: power train
647 reports, newest first. Show all
Power train, Sep 21, 2026
PTU failed on my 2017 Cherokee Jeep. It should be involved in a recall BUT it is not and I’m paying out of pocket to this repair.
Power train, Aug 24, 2026
The contact's mother owns a 2017 Jeep Cherokee. While the owner was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle vibrated, and the vehicle was shaking erratically. The “Service 4WD” message was displayed. The contact stated that the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to exceed 30 MPH. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with PTU failure. The contact was informed that the PTU needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed that parts were ordered for the repair. The contact was scheduled a new appointment; however, parts were still not available. The owner received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V011000 (Power Train); however, parts were unavailable. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was 89,117.
Power train, Engine, Aug 21, 2026
The contact owns a 2017 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. There was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle and the contact pulled over to the side of the road. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who discovered that the skid plate was cracked, and after further inspection, the contact was informed about the PTU recall and referred the contact to the dealer for assistance. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer for NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V011000 (Power Train). The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and opened a case. The approximate failure mileage was 204,000.
Power train, Engine, Aug 18, 2026
The contact owns 2017 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at 70 MPH the vehicle lost automotive power, and the transmission shifted into a lower gear. No warning lights were illuminated, however a message appeared on the instrument panel "Service Shifter". The contact veered off onto the side of the road in order to restart the vehicle. The contact continued to drive the vehicle when shortly after the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed, and the contact was advised that no failure was found. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V011000 (POWER TRAIN) as probable cause for the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 70,801.
Power train, Aug 17, 2026
The vehicle unprompted shifted into 4wd and lost all propulsion. Revved high, but didn’t move. There is a recall that outlines the exact issues I experienced, but my VIN is not covered for a free fix. The recall is NHTSA Recall Campain 25V-011 (jeep campaing 01C) I have a child and the fact that my car broke down with her in it is terrifying. I purchased 4 new tires because I was told it was the tread on the tires was uneven. That wasn’t it. Took it to a transmission shop and they couldn’t find the issues please we really need help with this and it is not right that it isn’t covered. We purchase this vehicle only last year.
Power train, Aug 14, 2026
The contact owns a 2017 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal whining sound coming from the vehicle. Additionally, the “Service 4-WD” warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and it was determined that the PTU was failing. The contact was informed that the PTU needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed of an unknown recall with a similar description; however, the VIN was not associated with the recall. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The contact stated that the failure had occurred while traveling out of state. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 107,952.
Power train, Jul 17, 2026
The contact owns a 2017 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving 30 MPH and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to respond as needed, and the vehicle shut off unexpectedly. The contact pulled over to the right side of the road, turned off, restarted the vehicle, and the vehicle operated as intended. No warning light was illuminated. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the power transfer unit needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure had occurred on several occasions. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V011000 (POWER TRAIN); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 144,131.
Power train, Jul 8, 2026
An authorized dealership performed the federal safety (Safety Recall 01C) software update on my 2017 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk. Two days and 160 miles later, the vehicle suffered a dangerous highway loss of propulsion. This software update failed to protect the physical drivetrain components from catastrophic failure.
Power train, Jul 3, 2026
The 4WD warning light illuminated on the dashboard of this 2017 Jeep Cherokee (only 67,000 miles). The vehicle was taken to an authorized Jeep dealership, where a technician officially diagnosed a complete mechanical failure of the Power Transfer Unit (PTU). The estimated cost to replace the failed component is approximately $4,000 out of pocket. This vehicle is experiencing the exact same mechanical PTU failure, dashboard warnings, and safety hazards outlined in the manufacturer's existing widespread PTU recalls and warranty extensions (such as campaigns 25V-011, 20V-343 and the XJ1 warranty extension). However, the manufacturer has excluded this specific VIN from coverage. Stellantis was contacted many times directly regarding this issue and stated they could do nothing to assist because the VIN is not currently tied to an active recall campaign. A sudden internal failure of the PTU presents a severe safety risk, as it can cause an unexpected loss of drive power while the vehicle is in motion or create a rollaway hazard when the vehicle is parked. Because this vehicle has the identical manufacturing defect at low mileage, the manufacturer needs to expand the recall parameters to include excluded VINs facing the exact same safety failure. A deposit of $2,700 has already been paid to order the replacement component, and the vehicle has now been waiting for the necessary part for approximately two months with no resolution.
Power train, Jun 30, 2026
I am having a issue with my ptu on my vehicle unfortunately it’s not under the recall but I reach out to jeep customer service they were no help to get this issue and concern resolved I paid for a diagnostic from a jeep dealership and have it stating the ptu is malfunctioning and called back jeep and they said their nothing they can do I will have to pay for it to get repaired since it not under the recall which is not fair due to they knowing their this issue with these vehicles my truck only have about 57,000 miles on it
Power train, Jun 18, 2026
The contact owns a 2017 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed uphill with a grandchild in the vehicle, the vehicle lost drive power and rolled backwards. It was unknown whether a warning light was illuminated. The driver panicked, depressed the brake pedal and shifted into park(P), but the vehicle failed to stop. The driver engaged the parking brake, and the vehicle came to a stop crossway on two opposite lanes. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with PTU failure related to an extended warranty coverage. The vehicle was later towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the PTU had mechanically failed. However, the contact was informed that the warranty could not be honored because no diagnostic trouble code was retrieved. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was 150,000.
Power train, Jun 8, 2026
2017 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk suffered a Power Transfer Unit failure leading to sudden motive power. Vehicle was pulled over to the side of the road with a narrow shoulder. Exiting the vehicle put driver at risk of being struck by traffic. Driver had to exit the vehicle via the passenger side leading to neck injury. Note Failure of have could have resulted in crash if it had happened earlier. PTU failure confirmed by dealership. Vehicle was under FCA recall O1C NHTSA 25V-011. It should be noted that even though this is a safety issue owners were not told not to drive vehicle, plus the remedy doesn't prevent PTU failure, which can happen without warning in certain conditions.
Power train, Jun 2, 2026
The contact owns a 2017 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 40 MPH, a service 4x4 warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed the the PTU was bad and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure was associated with a common unknown recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a complaint was filed. The failure mileage as approximately 65,000.
Power train, Other or unspecified, May 8, 2026
I had my Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk fixed by Jeep per the recall notice. The PTU was replaced although no issues were apparent. The Car was fine before the work was done, but a month later started having driving issues and felt like it was skipping when turning left and wandering on the freeway. So I took it back to Jeep. They have had the car two weeks (14 days), and do not know what is wrong with it, will not give an ETA for the fix, and will not supply a rental car. So I have no idea if my car can be fixed and when. The PTU obviously failed but they will not replace it. This has caused extreme stress and cost on my end having to rent a car to commute to work. Also they are really bad at communicating. I called back to speak with the service manager and they had blocked my number.
Power train, May 4, 2026
The contact owns a 2017 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, an abnormal grinding sound was coming from under the vehicle. The 4-Wheel warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with a PTU failure. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired due to the VIN not being included in any recalls. In addition, the contact related the failure to an unknown NHTSA Campaign; however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.
Power train, May 3, 2026
My Active-Drive 1 PTU failed at 112k miles. This failure happened going down the highway at 65mph. It occurred via a loud clunk and mechanical grinding noise, followed by a “service 4-WD” light. In my case, the failure was not catastrophic and did not cause safety concerns. However, this part runs the risk of seizing all four wheels or losing power to the wheels when failing, which could have caused a significantly dangerous situation such as a collision with nearby vehicles or even a pile-up, had the wheels seized. I did not have the part serviced or inspected by the dealer, as in order to do so would have required a substantial fee. It can be reproduced and I would be open to doing so should the manufacturer come to their senses. Unfortunately, despite the lack of recall, this part is known for failure by the manufacturer and a similar component on other models, the AD-2 PTU, was recalled by the manufacturer for the same failure and safety concerns that this part has.
Power train, Engine, Apr 21, 2026
The contact owns a 2017 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving 57 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated and the message to “Service Vehicle Immediately” was displayed. The contact stated that the 4WD setting switched from “Auto Mode” to “Snow Mode” independently. The contact pulled over to the right side of the road and remained there for two hours. The vehicle was turned off and restarted and the vehicle, and the vehicle operated as intended. The vehicle was then driven for seven miles before shutting off unexpectedly. The vehicle was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V011000 (POWER TRAIN); but the repair failed to fix the vehicle. The contact stated that the failure had occurred two weeks after the recall repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 100,000.
Power train, Wheels, Engine, Apr 20, 2026
Back in July of 2025, my vehicle Abruptly Stopped and lost all power on the thruway. Vehicle was towed immediately to local dealership (emerling Jeep in springville ny ), where it then sat for almost 9 months awaiting a safety recall related to the PTU, as was confirmed by dealership. Fast forward to this year, early April 2026, I finally received vehicle back, and was informed a new PTU /software program update had been performed on my 2017 Jeep Cherokee. Upon driving my car off dealership lot, I noticed my inspection sticker had expired, and my vehicle wasn't operating at a normal pace. A constant thud, transmission delay was evident almost immediately. Attempting to finally try and get my vehicle back to its normal condition, I drove to a nearby Mechanic to try and get car inspected. Not even 30min after receiving vehicle back, it started to lose power again. I was luckily able to get to mechanic, and after close inspection of Vehicle, he informed me that my car wasn't safe to drive. The rear differential was now in jeopardy. Mechanic said the constant strain from bad PTU likely damaged my rear differential, and that it needed to get replaced. When I informed emerling of what transpired, they denied my recommendation to drop car back off too them. Haven't responded to several emails asking them to take car back. In my opinion, emerlings lack of care and the need to remove me as quick as possible caused more emotional distress, and I could have gotten into accident on thruway due to their negligence. The reason emerling never preformed inspection, in my opinion, was because they already knew it wouldn't pass, yet still allowed me to leave their lot. That's complete negligence on they're part, and I'm not seeking any type of tangible request. I Merely want the dealership to be held accountable so someone else doesnt go thru what I went thru. Vehicle is now at another dealership awaiting diagnosis, that will then be forwarded to Jeep/Mopar.
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Apr 17, 2026
PER DIAGNOSTICS, PTU HAS BEEN COMPROMISED. I was driving on the highway and the car started to shake and make a loud, grinding noise and seemed to be stuck in gear. When I stopped it wouldn't go into park or go into drive.
Power train, Apr 16, 2026
The contact owns a 2017 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the "Service 4WD" warning light illuminated. The 4WD failed to engage as intended, and the vehicle remained in 2WD. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed with a power transfer unit (PTU) drivetrain failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 132,600.
Power train, Apr 11, 2026
1. Svc 4wd sys intermittent. 2. Code C14A7-97 shows. 3. Loss of power.
Power train, Electrical system, Apr 8, 2026
Service 4WD drive light is on due to rear PTU failure or issue. Signaled by code: C14A7-97 Has been confirmed by Jeep dealership upon inspection. Had inspected by 2 private auto shops confirming same issue. Light came on after driving a few minutes to now being on when car is starting. According to mechanics, this indicates PTU failure of some sort. PTU has not been fully inspected only some outside electrical testing confirming that was the root of the issue.
Power train, Apr 8, 2026
Started getting " service 4WD system" message at @ 84k miles. Took to Jeep dealer. Code C14A7-97 Internal transfer case failure. Was quoted $3627 for new transfer case and part not available. A car with low overall mileage should not be experiencing these kind of issues. Seems to me that this is a manufacturer problem.
Power train, Apr 1, 2026
The contact owns a 2017 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 MPH, the message "Service 4WD" was displayed. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the PTU had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V011000 (Power Train). The contact was informed by the manufacturer that the VIN was associated with the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 125,000.
Power train, Mar 30, 2026
March 2026: The 2017 Jeep Cherokee Warning light appeared on the dashboard "SVC4WD" Safety issue with the four wheel drive system. A mechanics diagnosis code was determined stating a PTU failure. To resolve the warning light issue is to flush the oil from the PTU assembly and/or replace the PTU assembly. The complaint that is being filed is Chrysler has issued 3 recall on this matter with their 2017-2019 Jeep Cherokee's and my vehicle is going thru the same kind of issue. The recall 25V-011 / 01C PTU failure. I would like to understand why my vehicle is not included in this recall 25V-011. The repair cost is going to cause financial hardship. I'm hoping I can find the why to be included in the 25v-011 recall.