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, Other or unspecified, Sep 10, 2022
Gear shifter errors and brings up "Service Shifter." Vehicle has to be completely shut off to clear error. Whewn the notificaion appears vehicle chages gears roughly and doesnt initiate park. Error has happend on highways, city street, or whenever the vehicle is placed into drive. It had only happend a couple times until receintly where its becomming more frequent, every other day as of now.. Dealer was unable to replicate the error, its to sporadic, and a OBDII reader shows nothing. I have pictures from a couple of the most recent times
Power train, Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Sep 4, 2022
Service shifter warning continuous for 12 months. Recalled on the 2017 Grand Cherokee but this is am issue with the Cherokee latitude. This is a very serious safety issue & needs recalled for more vehicles!
Power train, Other or unspecified, Aug 9, 2022
We first noticed the "svc fwd'' warning light. Intermittently at first and going off after driving a mile or so. We were first told it was probably a wiring problem, possibly a worn and exposed connector or a bad fuse but neither was found. Only after the ''svc fwd'' light started to remain on, did we have a diagnostic run and then were told the PTU had gone out and that this is a known common problem with Jeep Cherokee's 2014 - 2017.In fact, so bad a problem, it warranted a recall. Thousands of jeeps are having this problem but the recall is VIN specific. Ours is a 2017 and is NOT on the recall although it is now dangerous to drive. We are essentially paying for a vehicle we cannot drive and have been waiting over 5 weeks now for a replacement PTU. Even so, some of the replacement PTU's are ,themselves being recalled for being faulty. Our warranty has run out. The mileage is now just over 60,000 and now we feel we are being pushed to cover the cost even though this is a known faulty part.
Power train, Jul 28, 2022
Power Transfer Unit falls off because of acknowledged manufactured defect: 1.While it seems extremely unlikely for all bolts of the power transfer unit to eject and/or shear, it is worth noting that increased stress & strain upon an un-torqued bolt could lead to such a condition. Review of the Jeep Cherokee Forum resulted in discovery of identical incidents associated with the Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk, specifically in the affected model range of Safety Recall W47. 3.Safety Recall W47 States: “The PTU on about 67,240 of the above vehicles may have been built to allow relative movement between the differential input splines and the transmission output shaft. This condition may result in the teeth of the input splines wearing off, which may eventually cause a loss of engagement between the transmission and the differential inside the PTU. If this occurs, torque cannot be transferred between the front wheels and the transmission, which will result in a loss of motive power while the vehicle is in motion and a loss of the PARK function while stationary. A loss of motive power or PARK function can cause a vehicle crash without prior warning and/or injury to others outside the vehicle. 4.The repair completed via Safety Recall W47 was: “Reprogram the affected vehicles with software for the Drive Train Control Module (DTCM) and the Electric Park Brake (EPB) that will maintain vehicle propulsion by engaging rear wheel drive function and prevent rolling in the PARK selection by activating the electric park brake if a failed input spline occurs” 5.Safety Recall W47 did not correct the root cause of the problem, which was a manufactured defect creating relative movement between the differential input splines and the transmission output shaft. Improper tolerance of high velocity rotational components results in high vibrations that propagate through ancillary equipment. Damage and ware caused by high vibrations is a scientifically plausible explanation for sheared bolts.
Power train, Jul 26, 2022
The contact owns a 2017 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the vehicle started jerking with the service shifter message displayed. The contact stated that the gear shifter indicator lights were flashing. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer who repaired the bezel kit shifter and the jumper wiring harness. The failure reoccurred. The contact stated the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V343000 (Power Train) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 40,685.
Power train, Engine, Jul 22, 2022
UNKNOWN. When driving my Jeep there will be times where I go to accelerate and my transmission will jump. Also while I’m driving all of my gears on my shifter will turn red and a message will pop up saying service shifter. It’s been happening for a few years but the last time it happened was today 7/22/2022.
Power train, Jul 19, 2022
The contact owns a 2017 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while driving approximately 25 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The service parking brake, service transmission, and check engine warning lights were illuminated. The police arrived on the scene to guide the traffic around the stopped vehicle. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed. The vehicle was then towed to a dealer and diagnosed with a power transfer unit failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V343000 (Power Train). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 81,000.
Power train, Jun 28, 2022
The contact owns a 2017 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the “Service 4WD” message was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the contact was informed that the failure was caused by a faulty Power Transfer Unit (PTU). The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but no assistance was offered. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V343000 (Power Train). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 96,252.
Power train, Jun 15, 2022
On our 2017 Jeep Cherokee all the red lights illuminate on the shifter console making it impossibe to know what gear you are in. The warning 'Service Shifter' appears on the dash/instrument panel. Mechanics have told us that this has become a common issue with this model and other Jeeps and can lead to a shut down of the vehicle and/or further issues with the drivetrain or electronics. It would appear from all the related issues being voiced on the internet and in Jeep forums that it involves defective parts installed at the time of manufacture. We were required to pay $500.00 to replace associated parts by the dealership as our warrranty had just expired. Given the extent of this issue, a recall should be demanded of the company and reimbursment for the cost of repairs.
Power train, Air bags, May 24, 2022
Air bag light came on at 36,500 miles Went off and on several times then stayed on reported to chrysler but out of warranty 66,000 miles 4wheel drive light come on gear shift light come on and off several times took to dealer service department they said PTU UNIT needs replacement 3,000 dollars Called chrysler no help out of warranty
Power train, Electrical system, May 20, 2022
Vehicle keeps having warning light for service shifter violently shift at time and anyone with this model is having the exact same problem
Power train, May 9, 2022
Hello, My vehicle is at 77,000 miles and has been intermittently flashing the Service AWD light on the dash. The dealer ran diagnostics and said it needs a new PTU at the cost of about $3000. I see there are open recalls on other 2017 Jeep Cherokees, but not my specific VIN. I have never had a PTU go bad on our prior Jeeps, even ones that were more than twice this mileage. This seems like a part defect...everything else on the vehicle is still in good condition. Please let me know if there is an open investigation on this vehicle type.
Power train, May 9, 2022
My issue is with the PTU on my 2017 Jeep Cherokee. I had barely over 60,000 miles (around 62,000 when this issue happened) and the "SVC 4WD" light was illuminated on my dash board. After doing some research, I saw that many Cherokees, within my same year era, were recalled for this same issue. The issue being that the vehicle could lose all power while being driven and also a failure to engage while the vehicle is placed into park, could mean my vehicle rolling out of park and hitting someone or crashing. This issue is a very known issue with the years 14-17, yet my 2017 doesn't fall under the recall. This is a huge liability and the dealership I went to, did not offer any type of "good will" repair on a situation that I feel really calls for it, especially being only 2,000 over my powertrain warranty. I'm reporting this issue because if other 2017 Jeep Cherokee had this issue prematurely, what separates my vehicle from that, why is my safety placed into jeopardy? I wish Jeep would do the right thing and make sure that the vehicles exhibiting the same issues of the recalled VINS would also get that recall repair, because it's literally the same issue...and it's a part that is faulty and breaking down prematurely. This is my first Jeep I've purchased brand new, I've had two others in my driving career. I thought that by purchasing new, that my vehicle could be backed by Jeep if any known issues occurred and I'd love someone to explain why my 2017 Jeep doesn't fit the criteria to have a dangerous, prematurely faulty part, replaced..when others in the same situation have had it done. Thank you, [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
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.
Power train, Back over prevention, Mar 6, 2022
My 2017 Jeep Cherokee started flashing the light service 4Wd the vehicles has always been maintained and this just started about 6 monrhs ago this jeep has had recalls in the past. But now as of today these warnings began after getting back into my jeep. TO COMPLETE NEUTRAL SHIFT PUT TRANS IN NEUTRAL. THAN 4WD NEUTRAL WARNING VEHICLE MAY MOVE EVEN IN PARK and I feel this is putting my life and others in danger
Power train, Jan 18, 2022, crash
The contact owns a 2017 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 MPH, he noticed that the temperature gauge was increasing and then it decreased. An engine heater warning was displayed as the engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the brake pedal was depressed but the vehicle failed to stop as all motive power was lost. The vehicle rolled to a stop crashing into debris on the side of the roadway. The contact stated that there was no body damage to the vehicle. The contact stated that AAA was contacted and stated that they would contact the police however, the police did not show up. The vehicle was towed by AAA to the contact's residence. The contact stated that the AAA driver informed him of a recall that was related to the failure and the vehicle's PTU. The contact stated that the dealer was contacted to verify if the vehicle was included in a recall. The dealer informed the contact that the VIN was not included in a recall. The failure has not been diagnosed or repaired. The contact was relating the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V343000 (Power Train). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 75,000.
Power train, Jan 11, 2022
The contact owns a 2017 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the transmission would stall and rev loudly upon the depression of the accelerator pedal without warning. The contact had taken the vehicle to a dealer where a software update was performed on the vehicle; however, upon returning home from the dealer, the failure returned without warning. After multiple start-ups, the contact was able to drive the vehicle home. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was filed. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 55,000.
Power train, Dec 16, 2021
Car needs a whole new PTU Input Spline system. It has worn down. Is a known issue in other sales models.
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?
Power train, Nov 16, 2021
Vehicle would not shift into drive after backing out of driveway. Had to stop after rolling down hill and shift to park, then back to drive again to get the vehicle in gear. Service shifter light was repaired at the dealership 6 or 7 months ago. That problem has returned as well.
Power train, Oct 27, 2021
The "Service shifter" notification continues to come on while driving. All shifter lamps light up which scares the driver not knowing what gear you are in. The driver has to pull over to turn off the vehicle and turn it back on to clear the notification and light. On busy Interstates and Highways, this puts my family at risk! I have found that there are many forums out there for jeeps 2014 to present that have had these issues for years without a clear fix. Some have stated they have spent $$$ without resolution. I just called a jeep dealership about my issue and they told me that they would have to charge me over $150 to confirm that I'm having this issue before addressing it! If this is a continued flaw or issue with the vehicle, why hasn't it be addressed and resolved before some is hurt or worse?
Power train, Engine, Oct 13, 2021
After the vehicle stalled I waited a minute and tried to start the vehicle again. The engine started and came up with the error "Service Shifter." The status lights for all the gears were red. The vehicle was parked on a flat parking lot and it was 55 degrees outside. The vehicle had previously run fine a few minutes before.
Power train, Oct 12, 2021
The contact owns a 2017 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk. The contact stated while driving at 40 MPH and going up a hill, the vehicle inadvertently stalled. The contact stated he veered the side of the road and switched gears to park. The contact stated as soon as he exited the vehicle, the vehicle rolled down and ran over his right arm. The contact stated his wife who was sitting in the passenger seat promptly depressed the brake pedal with her hands and the vehicle stopped. The contact sustained a bruised wrist but did not seek medical assistance. The vehicle was towed to the dealer who diagnosed that the power transfer unit had failed and the failure was related to the recall for NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V343000 (POWER TRAIN). The manufacturer was notified of the failure and advised the contact that they would follow up with the dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 128,000.
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!
Power train, Oct 4, 2021
Unknown