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, Nov 2, 2023
This vehicle has under 90k miles on it. This vehicle has also been maintained by dealerships or certified shops. We are the only owners of the vehicle. We had a “service 4wd” light come on. When we brought it to a dealership for diagnostics it was found that the PTU is failing. Cost for repair from the dealership is 3900. When googling this issue, I found that there were many keeps with the same make and model that were recalled for this exact thing. Please help.
Power train, Oct 27, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the PTU. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V302000 (Power Train), but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 71,000.
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, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Oct 19, 2023
While driving the service shifter warning has come on. The car will drive like it is not in the correct gear, and all the gear shift lights come on. It does not want to accelerate. If the warning comes on when starting up, the Jeep will not allow me to shift from park. It has to be shut off and restarted after waiting a few minutes. The auto stop-start no longer works. (It’s the feature that helps to cut emissions that usually engages when at a signal light.). While researching, I found out that Mopar has recalled some Cherokee models, but not mine.
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.
Power train, Oct 12, 2023
UNKNOWN Vehicle does not shift into gears correctly and can sometimes have unwanted acceleration or has loss of power at inopportune times.
Power train, Wheels, Engine, Oct 4, 2023
In the first incident, the engine stalled. Next incident, warning lights on the dash appeared (engine light, traction light, and throttle control) and when pressing on the gas peddle, the car would not respond (would not increase speed). I had to put on flashers to a warn car behind me. Very scary. Bringing in for service ASAP.
Power train, Oct 2, 2023
Driving in normal conditions, had the vehicle loose power to all 4 wheels when on the road. After taking it into a shop mechanic stated that the power transfer unit was the cause of the problem. This created an extremely unsafe situation leaving me unable to move the vehicle and not being able to control it in either direction
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.
Power train, Sep 19, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the Service 4-Wheel Drive message was displayed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the PTU needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to take the vehicle to the dealer to be diagnosed. The failure mileage was approximately 67,000.
Power train, Sep 16, 2023
Several months ago, my dashboard displayed a service four-wheel-drive message. I took it to a mechanic. They diagnosed to have the code C14A7-97 CPU motor component system operation obscured or blocked. Further research was conducted and there are several bulletins out for this year and model regarding differential input splines wearing out due to a manufacturer issue creating a major safe issues. In addition on several occasions the warning light for my parking brake has come on, according to an article I read this is a symptom and safety issue related to the transfer case flaw. I speculate a parking brake failure could potentially cause a roll away. There is no recall for my specific VIN for this issue although it’s evident that this is one of the Jeep Cherokee’s that was effected. I fear that if this causes my vehicle to lose power while driving could lead to a serious accident.
Power train, Sep 13, 2023
September 6, 2023 my 2017 Jeep cherokee started making noises while driving and the service 4wd light came on. I called Quirk Jeep service and I was told to not drive it and have it towed to the shop. The problem was diagnosed as a PTU failure. I was not off road but on a local paved road when it failed. As of today 9/13/23 I was told there were no PTUs available anywhere and my car was not covered by recall W47 (20V343 NHTSA).
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, Sep 6, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while stopped, the vehicle was shifted into reverse; however, the vehicle failed to respond as needed. The service shifter warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000.
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.
Power train, Aug 8, 2023
Service shifter message was displayed along with one chime.
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Aug 7, 2023
I did have an incident in July of 2022, my car would not get out of park. I was in a drive through and put my car in park. When I went to put my car in drive. The vehicle completely shut off and began to roll backwards. The next set of issues, I first noticed the issues in the beginning of 2023. The service 4wd light is on and the parking brake will not engage. The 4wd itself works just fine, each terrain mode will engage. So Ilderton Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram (High Point, NC), looked at my vehicle and said the PTU was bad and needs to be replaced. This passed weekend, I was driving entering a highway via acceleration lane and my car had trouble switching speed limits. Which leads me to believe the necessary power was not able to perform. This is detrimental to the safety of myself and others. Should my car's brakes fail or car lose power; it could seriously injure myself, innocent people in the vicinity of my car, or mechanics working on my car, etc. I work at a Pediatric office and would hate for the brakes to fail at work. Chrysler has already recalled 96,000 Jeep Cherokees for the exact same issue. Due to this, the PTU is back ordered and cannot be located anywhere in the US.
Power train, Jul 21, 2023
transmission slips to the point it jerks my car when it down shifts and going down a hill it will rev up over 3 rpm
Steering, Suspension, Power train, Jul 19, 2023
I brought car in for oil change and was told the R front axle was leaking. Brought it to dealer for repair and told Both that both front and rear axles needed to be replaced along with PTU. Was informed that the that was ordered was cancelled b/c 800 people across the country were looking for the same part. There were no safety warnings. I was told very unsafe to drive b/c front axle came out of PTU.
Steering, Power train, Electrical system, Jul 17, 2023
Service shifter message has been appearing and at times, all lights on PRND lighting up. The vehicle transmission may still engage or may not. Recent occurrence on 07/13/2013, vehicle took 20 minutes before transmission engaged. Fortunately, I was parked at work, going home. If this occurred on the road, has potential of wreck happening. Jeep dealership leaning towards voltage error, cleaned battery terminals, test drove, could not replicate error. Did not drive until 07/17/2023, service shifter message came back without all PRND lights coming on.
Power train, Jul 12, 2023
SHIFTER SERVICE light appears chronically while driving and locks the digital speedometer, all lights on console go red until car is parked and restarted. No one can tell me what this means, or how to fix it ... not even the dealer. Totally scary as I travel alone a great deal of the time, and today is just the latest occurrence of this over the last 18 months.
Power train, Jun 28, 2023
"Service Shifter" light came on, and all my shifter's lights are red. Looking across the internet, this is a widespread issue. Thankfully this didn't cause an accident, but it sounds like some users report not being able to shift into park. Will be taking to the dealership soon (its too late in the day to drop it off now).
Power train, May 18, 2023
al accionar el boton de la 4wd low en la pantalla Servicio no disponible y requiere mantenimiento, iva por carretera y llegue a un taller y se escaneo para ver el problema, el escaner arrojo muchos codigos entre ellos que no havia comunicacion con varios modulos y problemas con el freno de parqueo, llame a la agencia para ver si havia un recall de esta unidad y solo tenian registrado 2 llamados a revicion ya echos segun esto. en su pagina reportan para este modelo 5 llamados. la unidad la acabo de comprar, ademas encontre un modulo electronico al parecer fue por cambio. pero ignoro si fue por garantia o llamado de algun servicio,
Power train, May 10, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH and releasing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle made abnormal banging sounds and lunged forward. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to continue driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the TCM software update was completed under a recall; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to a second dealer, Huntington - RAM (5080 E Jericho Turnpike, Commack, NY 11725), where the TCM software update was completed; however, the failure persisted. Additionally, the contact stated that the RPMs revved up to 5,000 while in Adaptive Cruise Control mode. The contact shifted into gear, and the vehicle responded as needed. The dealer was contacted and informed the contact that he would need to leave the vehicle for additional diagnostic tests. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the TCM software update was the adequate fix. The failure mileage was approximately 88,000.