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, Jan 13, 2026
Vehicle lost power in the middle of a busy road, in the midst of a turn, with my child in the car. Vehicle was towed to Jeep dealership and diagnostics were performed. It was determined that the PTU failed. No error was transmitted prior to failure and it happened without warning.
Power train, Jan 6, 2026
The service 4WD msg. related to Manufacturer Recall Number01C / NHTSA Recall number25V-011 has been illuminating in my 2017 Jeep Cherokee for almost a year and the mfg. has known this challenge for several years. Every time I go to any dealerships & share with them the msg. & situation i.e. the softwear remedy posted the dealership says this is really not in effect & nothing happens to make the vehicle trust worthy & safe to operate. The precise recall was posted with NHTSA Jan. 2025 last year. I am forced to seek other means of transportation since I am fearful of the vehicle failing & causing an accident or incident. How long can they drag this out? When does the Lemon law take effect?
Power train, Dec 25, 2025
I am writing regarding a defective transfer case on my 2017 Jeep Cherokee. I took my car in to Firestone as I was having issues with my Heater not blowing hot air and my check engine coming on and off. I have attached a copy of Firestone's estimate of repair. Firestone informed me that my VIN was not part of the recall. Although my vehicle's VIN is not currently included in the existing recall, I am experiencing the same failure that has been widely reported and documented for this model and model year. My Jeep is only eight years old, and a transfer case should not fall under normal use at this age. This issue is a known and recurring problem with 2017 Jeep Cherokees, and the failure of such a major drivetrain component raises serious concerns about the reliability and safety of the vehicle. Given that this defect is well know and consistent with issues cover under the recall, I am requesting that my VIN be reviewed and considered for inclusion. I also ask that Jeep provide assistance or goodwill coverage for the repair, as this failure is not consistent with reasonable expectations for durability. I have been a loyal Jeep owner and chose this vehicle based on its reputation. I hope Jeep will stand behind its product and address this issue fairly. Please let me know what additional information or documentation you may need from me to move this review forward. I look forward to you response.
Power train, Dec 22, 2025
This is clarification and additional information to a previous complaint filed: 11706675. The vehicle was experiencing grinding during hard turns shortly after i purchased it off the dealership lot in 2017. I didn’t know why, I thought I should practiced not making hard turns and thats what I did. Years later, around 2021 or 2022, I needed the first service on my vehicle, outside of regular maintenance (coolant hose piece replacement) and the mechanic mentioned the grinding during test drive while turning. I told him it always did that and that was the extent of that. He said nothing else and I didn’t know any better. Tjat shop has since closed down and I’ve been going to another mechanic since then. Most recently, December 2025, the vehicle started shutting off while driving. Im going to get my regular mechanic to inspect the PTU.
Power train, Dec 22, 2025
The vehicle is experiencing a malfunction of the Power Transfer Unit (PTU), which is part of the drivetrain / power train system. The vehicle is currently available for inspection upon request. The vehicle loses power during driving and produces grinding noises when making hard turns, which creates a risk of loss of propulsion while in motion, increasing the risk of a crash. The vehicle has stopped, loss of power while driving, at lights, and while waiting in traffic to make turns. The problem has been experienced multiple times during normal driving conditions. Formal dealer confirmation is pending / not yet completed. An appointment was made at Jeep dealership for software update (free) and a charge of $240 per hour for a diagnostic test to see what is causing the vehicle to suddenly stop. Not affordable for me at this time. I also went to my regular mechanic, whom is stating no issues detected, he can’t find an issue with the vehicle. I haven’t mentioned the PTU recall issue with this make and model vehicle to my mechanic but i will be taking it back to them and mentioning the recall for the make and model for 2017 Jeep for his inspection of my vehicle. Symptoms occurred without prior warning lights and included drivetrain-related behavior consistent with PTU failure. The vehicle experienced loss of power and grinding noises during hard turning without prior warning lights or messages. Exact mileage at first occurrence is UNKNOWN. The symptoms first appeared at approximately December 7, 2025, and has continued 3 more times since. Similar PTU failures are documented in multiple recalls affecting the same vehicle model and model year range, though this VIN is not currently included.
Power train, Dec 19, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Jeep Cherokee. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V011000 (Power Train); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while parking, the transmission was shifted into park(P), but the vehicle continued to move. The 4WD, Service ABS, Service Parking Brake, and Service Shifter warning lights were illuminated. The contact attempted to turn off the vehicle, but the key fob was stuck in the ignition, in the ON position. The contact unhooked the battery to turn off the vehicle. The dealer was made aware of the failure and related the failure to the recall. The contact was informed that parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to stop driving the vehicle until the remedy was completed. The failure mileage was approximately 103,000.
Power train, Engine, Dec 17, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that upon starting and driving the vehicle, the 4WD and engine warning lights were illuminated. While driving at 45 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and shut off. There was an abnormal grinding sound coming from the vehicle while turning. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V011000 (Power Train). The vehicle was taken to the local dealer several times, but the dealer was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact reached out to Chapman Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram Scottsdale (3800 N 89th St, Scottsdale, AZ 85251); but no assistance was provided. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that the check engine warning light illuminated was due to an issue with the PTU. The manufacturer was contacted and offered a possible rental. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.
Power train, Dec 12, 2025
This is one of the cars that does not fail under the PTU recall. It currently has the exact issue as the recall but my vin is not in the recall. They performed the reprogramming which has not fix the issue. This and others should be included in the current recall due to the exact same issue and model year. This was bought because it’s 4wd and this is now not useable while others are having them repaired by Jeep. This car has not been able at times to engage in park the 4wd service is on and the ptu code is on. Thank you
Power train, Dec 12, 2025
Component malfunctioned: Power Transfer Unit (PTU); Safety risk: failure risks loss of drive power of the vehicle, putting driver and surrounding individuals at risk; Problem reproduced: Yes - dealer; Component inspected: Yes - dealer; Messages: Yes - SVC 4WD. Upon purchasing the vehicle, I was informed that the PTU fluid is not meant to be changed - that it is meant to be "lifetime". However, at 8 years and 56,000 miles, I am now informed that the PTU is failing because the fluid was never changed. Thus, instead of a simple, cheap fluid change service, I now need to pay around $5,000 for the dealer to change out the entire PTU. 8 years and 56,000 is far from "lifetime" but it just outside of the warranty so I have to pay for this out of pocket despite Jeep claiming that the PTU fluid is not meant to be changed. This is so common of a problem that the PTU part needed to complete this repair is not only out of stock at all dealers, there is a long queue for obtaining the part. This is costing me not just extra repair money but also impacting my daily life as I am out of a vehicle for much longer due to having to wait for an available part. I now also have to pay for other modes of transportation while also being overall limited on my ability to complete daily responsibilities. Clearly, if the PTU fluid is meant to be "lifetime", as I was informed it was meant to be when I purchased the vehicle, it is consistently defective since so many Jeep owners are dealing with this problem. Consumers should not be the one footing the bill for this Jeep defect.
Power train, Dec 10, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that the “4WD Service Unavailable” warning light was illuminated and failed to turn off. The contact stated that there was oil leaking from the vehicle. The contact stated that there was a failure with the gear shifter. The contact stated that the vehicle slipped out of gear unexpectedly. The vehicle was turned off and restarted. During research, the contact located NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V011000 (Power Train). The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who determined that the oil gasket and oil housing needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and the contact was placed on a waiting list. The contact was informed that an email would be sent when parts were available. The failure mileage was approximately 94,000.
Power train, Dec 5, 2025
Power train failure while driving confirmed by dealer in February 2025 - 01C recall.vehicle is inoperable and sitting at dealer. Keep being told parts unavailable. Reimbursement for rental was nightmare and deliberately delayed, change terms mid rental etc. No updates, no remedies, no compensation.
Power train, Dec 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Jeep Cherokee. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V011000 (Power Train); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while attempting to accelerate from a stop, there was an abnormal clunking sound coming from underneath the vehicle. The “Service Shifter” warning light was occasionally illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle hesitated while the accelerator pedal was depressed. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired because parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 98,000.
Power train, Nov 25, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the message "Service 4WD - See Dealer and Service Immediately" was displayed. The contact stated that the 4WD and AWD systems were inoperable. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with transfer case and PTU failure. The contact was informed that the transfer case and PTU needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring intermittently for approximately two years but had become a permanent failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.
Power train, Nov 25, 2025
The contact owns 2017 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while driving 25 MPH, the message "Service All-wheel Drive" was displayed. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the power transfer unit (PTU) needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 20V343000 (Power Train) and 25V011000 (Power Train); however, the VIN was not included in the recalls. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in the recalls. The failure mileage was 119,884.
Power train, Nov 18, 2025
The Service 4WD light comes on intermittently and the vehicle goes from 4WD to no wheel drive. Local dealership and independent shops indicate this is an internal error in the PTU and it must be replaced. Research indicates there were ~26,000 recalled vehicles for my year, make and model due to this very issue. However, all have confirmed my VIN was not part of the recall.
Power train, Nov 17, 2025
Nov 2023 while driving, car began grinding. Service engine light along with Service Shifter warning appeared. Took to my Independent Mechanic who diagnosed problem as the PTU. There were several complaints, but no official Recall for my VIN. Had PTU replaced. Nov 2024 similar problem except car rolled forward after being placed in Park, and warning lights appeared again. Returned to Independent mechanic who replaced the defective PTU. Still no active Recall for my VIN. Repair completed under warranty. Since repair, Intermittent "Service Shifter" light, but no codes or faults showing. Nov 2025 grinding noise when turning. Independent mechanic diagnosed the Rear Differential and hydraulic pumps to be the problem.
Power train, Nov 13, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The contact was able to coast to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle failed to restart. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the Power Transfer Unit (PTU), resulting in damage to the transmission and rear differential. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V011000 (Power Train); the VIN was included, but parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The failure mileage was 160,000.
Power train, Engine, Nov 13, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving 5 MPH and making a turn, the vehicle stalled. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was determined that the PTU was the cause of the failure. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V011000 (Power Train). The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were on backorder. The contact called another local dealer, Colonial South Chrysler Ram Jeep and Dodge (42 State Rd, Dartmouth, MA 02747), but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 144,000.
Power train, Nov 13, 2025
Car stopped working in an intersection then started rolling. Only way to stop was to put emergency brake on. Took to a mechanic and was told it was the ptu. There is a recall with no remedy as of right now since January. I need a vehicle to live. Want company to pay for a rental. Not me paying for it then being reimbursed
Power train, Nov 13, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and was diagnosed with PTU failure. The contact was informed that the PTU needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. In addition, the contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer several times for the same failure. The contact later received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V011000 (Power Train); however, parts for the recall repair were not available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.
Power train, Nov 12, 2025
The PTU failed and needs a new transfer case, per the dealership in Blue Ridge, GA. According to them, there is no repair; however, I have inquired about acquiring a refund / replacement vehicle. I am in touch with my lender regarding this matter.
Power train, Oct 20, 2025
While driving, the transmission failed to operate safely. We had the car towed to a Jeep dealership for repairs. They diagnosed the problem and told us that the transmission had to be replaced. After about a month, they then notified us that they had to re-install the software in order to complete the repair. Then, a couple of weeks later, notified us that now, they had to replace the PTU in order to complete the repair. During that timeframe, I did some research and found that a recall had been issued on that PTU, for that particular Jeep model. However, I was not notified of the recall. (Number O1C). After talking with a representative of the parent company's "claims" department, they stated that my specific vin number was not found on their file, in connection with the recall. I communicated the sequence of repairs needed to complete the "fix" for my car, and told the employee that it was my contention that the failed PTU, logically and reasonably was the cause of the transmission failure. I was told to "wait and see" if they could find out why my vin # was not listed. Subsequently, I've filed requests for reimbursement to multiple entities connected to Jeep, and have been told that my claim had been denied. In my opinion, a major transmission failure IS, in fact a serious SATETY concern, especially when you have no power to control your speed while driving. I am still researching other options to appeal my case.
Power train, Oct 17, 2025
PTU has failed. Recal needs to include 2017 limited models. Driving while came on. Didn't know exactly if I was going to get home, out me at rush for an accident. Light it on dash, SVC 4x4.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Oct 15, 2025
I've owned this vehicle for about four years now. The car has been good up until JUST after my warranty expired and now I have a "Service 4WD" light on now. This light will come on most times when I'm driving. Sometimes not right away. But when it does light up it will say lit for the remainder of the drive. I belong to an online jeep group and I'm seeing a lot of the same issue. This light will come on most of the time. Any way I really hope you can help. Thank you.
Power train, Oct 10, 2025
It has been 10 months since the recall was sent out. There is still not a solution. My vehicle seems to be increasingly getting worse.