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, Oct 9, 2025
rear diff. tries to lock up while driving in auto mode and should not on dry pavement. grinding noise until you slow down enough to engage with a bang. this is a known problem with jeep, the internet has several complaints about this problem, our jeep only has 75k miles on it and others reported with only 40k. I've been told rear diff. needs to be replaced at 4k$
Power train, Oct 9, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that when the vehicle was started, the message “Service Shifter” was displayed. Additionally, while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle hesitated to start, but the vehicle started after the third attempt. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the gear shifter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 127,849.
Power train, Oct 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and attempting to make a turn, there was a loud grinding sound coming from the vehicle. No warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the drivetrain control module and power transfer unit had failed and needed to be replaced. The mechanic also informed the contact that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V011000 (Power Train); however, the part to complete the recall repair was not yet available. The mechanic referred the contact to the dealer for assistance. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. 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 approximate failure mileage was 100,000.
Power train, Sep 30, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Jeep Cherokee. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V011000 (Power Train); however, the parts to do the recall repair were not yet available. The contact stated that three dealers were contacted; however, the contact was informed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the vehicle was unsafe to drive, and the vehicle had been parked since the recall notification was received in February 2025. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The contact had not experienced a failure.
Power train, Sep 18, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while his son was reversing out of a driveway, the vehicle shuddered and lost power with the check engine warning light illuminated, and the "Service 4WD" message was displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle entered LIMP Mode and failed to accelerate above 20 MPH. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic, who showed a defect with the PTU. The contact was notified of the failure, and upon investigation, it was discovered that the vehicle was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V011000(Power Train). The vehicle was then taken to a dealer, where the contact was informed that parts for the recall repair were not yet available. The contact was then informed by the dealer that the vehicle could be repaired out of pocket; however, the contact denied the offer. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 91,000.
Power train, Sep 18, 2025
I have received numerous "Service 4WD" and "Shifter Service" messages, since 2020 and replaced the shifter module twice. I frequently have difficulty shifting in and out of 4WD mode and other 4WD modes - The vehicle will not shift or shifts at an unusual time. January 2025. Transmission (or transfer case unexpectedly completely disengaged and rolled several feet before I could apply brake. Mcpeek’s Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM of Anaheim has done prior service. When will a remedy be available? My wife and I don't feel safe driving this vehicle but our ability to sell it is held up by the unresolved recall. Thank you.
Power train, Sep 12, 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 unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 MPH, the 4-Wheel Drive Service light illuminated. The failure was intermittent. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed that the Power Transfer Unit (PTU) had failed. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer opened a case for the vehicle. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000. .
Power train, Engine, Sep 7, 2025
Orlando Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep Dealership states there is no remedy for this issue, therefore they wanted to charge me $5,749.28 for parts and labor to fix the issue. My jeep is running hot even though there are no leaks. I cannot lock or unlock the four-wheel drive system. Alerts continually being shown on the dash to check shifter and 4x4 not available. This has been going on for almost a year.
Power train, Sep 3, 2025
Our 2017 Jeep Cherokee with 59,976 miles was diagnosed to need a new "PTU" unit in the transmission. This repair is required to avoid a potential dangerous situation where the four wheel drive unit may "lock up" as a result of a sudden loss of power. The repair is over $7,000 and is on a national back order. We have been waiting without the car for over three months due to delays in obtaining the part through the Chrysler dealer. It is an unreasonable repair charge for so few miles and completely unacceptable to be without the car for over three months. This suggests that many other car owners are having an issue. Our VIN is not part of a national recall for some reason, but there is reference that a PTU recall has occurred for other Jeep Cherokees. We request that our VIN be included in the recall.
Power train, Aug 26, 2025
An alert came up on our Jeep Cherokee that 4WD needed to be serviced. Approximately three days later, we took the car to our local Jeep dealership and they let us know that we needed to replace the PTU for the vehicle. If this isn't replaced, the car loses AWD and could potentially become inoperable. While there has been a recall for very similar models of Jeeps in the same year as ours specifically regarding the PTU, ours does not qualify for the current recall. We don't understand why there is a recall for some Jeeps but not others within the same year and model for the exact same issue.
Power train, Electrical system, Aug 25, 2025
Service Shifter warning light comes on when driving. When put in park and key is turned off will reset but periodically will reoccur. First occurred around 20,000 miles but is becoming more frequent now.
Power train, Aug 21, 2025
The "Service 4WD" light came on in my 2017 Jeep Cherokee. The nearest dealership is 56 miles away. I took the vehicle to my mechanic, who is only 7 miles away. On the way to the mechanic, the "Service Shifter" warning light came on and all the lights on my shifter lit up. Once at the mechanic, my vehicle became stuck in 4wd low and cannot be shifted out of 4wd low. My mechanic was able to confirm that the power transfer unit had failed. When my mechanic contacted the dealership to order a replacement part, he was laughed at and told that the part was on nationwide backorder with no date available as to when the part would be in stock. This is unacceptable because now I am without a vehicle. I cannot afford to rent a vehicle until this part is available. When is the manufacturer going to be held accountable for the faulty PTU unit?
Power train, Aug 15, 2025
Our vehicle started displaying a service 4x4 error and we no longer had the ability to shift into all wheel/four wheel drive. Looking up the VIN, it is not part of the NHTSA campaign 25vo11 (I think that's correct). In trying to understand the problem, I found many outside of the current recall are having issues with the PTU. This is what a local Jeep dealership told me the problem was. I also have seen several state the actuator was the issue and not the PTU itself. I would like to file this as a complaint and hope that the recall is expanded to cover other Cherokee models outside of the current recall. Thank you for your time.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Aug 12, 2025
I was driving and my service 4wd light came on. Took vehicle to dealership i bought it from and they done a test on it. It came back saying PTU , power transfer unit went out on it. This is what engages the 4 WD in it. I told them I seen Jeep had recalls on 2017 Jeep Cherokee like mine and they told me my vin number wasn't on list. I called Chrysler Jeep and was told the same story that my vin wasn't on list . I did receive a case number of [XXX]. I then contacted the Ohio Attorney General’s Office in Columbus Ohio and they contacted Chrysler Jeep and got no where with them as well and was told my vehicle vin number isnt on recall list. I was given a case number there [XXX] and then was told to contact you. The dealership ordered the part for my Jeep but they said its not available right now and they dont know when it will come in. Its gonna cost me $3989.24 + tax to repair it if or when the part comes in. IF THERES PROBLEMS GETTING THE PART TO FIX MY VEHICLE, WOULDNT IT APPEAR THAT CHRYSLER KNOWS THE PARTS ARE GOING BAD IN THE VEHICLES INCLUDING ALL VIN NUMBERS INSTEAD OF JUST A CERTAIN VIN NUMBER ??? INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Power train, Aug 12, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that the message "Service 4WD" was displayed, and the 4WD and AWD systems became inoperable. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the power transfer unit had failed and needed to be replaced; however, the part was on backorder. The contact was placed on a waiting list. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V011000 (Power Train); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 112,475.
Power train, Engine, Aug 12, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at 75 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The check engine and an unknown warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle then decelerated to 64 MPH, and the transmission sputtered. The vehicle was taken to O’Reilly’s Auto Parts and was diagnosed and DTC: P0303 (Misfire in cylinder #3); was retrieved. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 128,941.
Power train, Electrical system, Aug 9, 2025
Constantly Randomly Getting (Service Shifter) Notification and all the lights on the shifter light up on the shifter ... It Resets when i put it in Park and Stop Engine - When i ask the Jeep Dealer about it they say it must be doing it when i bring it in before the can trouble shoot the problem.... they say they cant check the computer code list and see when its happened and why ..... I believe this is a safety problem that should be a Recall and Fixed - Before it Ends up causing an Accident and Death ! And may have already cause Accidents and Deaths !
Power train, Aug 8, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to respond as needed. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the loss of power was most frequent while ascending a hill. The RPM level was low while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact stated that the failure was a recurring failure. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer who was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V011000 (Power Train); and related the failure to the recall. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.
Power train, Aug 7, 2025
THE SVC 4WD LIGHT CAME ON, IT CODED TO THE PTU. THERE IS A RECALL ON 2017 JEEPS BUT BEING TOLD MINE IS NOT AFFECTED WHICH I DON'T BELIEVE IS CORRECT.
Power train, Aug 6, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle made an abnormal sound. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V011000 (Power Train). The VIN was included; however, the contact had not yet received the recall notification. The contact was informed that parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle could be repaired out-of-pocket with a possible reimbursement. The failure mileage was approximately 115,000.
Power train, Aug 4, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the "Service 4WD" warning light illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact also stated that the vehicle slightly hesitated while depressing the accelerator pedal. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who retrieved an error code related to the power transfer unit. Upon investigation, the contact linked the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V011000 (Power Train). The dealer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 107,000.
Power train, Aug 4, 2025
Transfer case failure. Transfer case cracked and created hole no warning or indication
Power train, Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Aug 1, 2025
I purchased a used 2017 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk in March 2025 for $13,000. Four days later, the transfer case failed while driving, leaving me stranded in traffic and requiring a tow. The dealership replaced the transfer case using a used part, but did not disclose that to me at the time. Roughly four months later, the vehicle failed again, this time grinding gears and failing to shift properly out of Park or into Drive. It began rolling forward while supposedly in Park, and now requires the emergency brake to be engaged at all times to prevent it from moving. This makes the vehicle unsafe to operate or park and creates a serious safety hazard for myself and others. There were no dashboard alerts or warning lights before either failure. The most recent symptoms appeared suddenly in July 2025 and have persisted. The initial failure was confirmed by the dealership, but I have not had the second failure diagnosed due to lack of trust in the dealership's work. The issues are plainly visible and reproducible. The vehicle has not been inspected by the manufacturer or insurance representatives. I have filed complaints with the New York Attorney General, DMV, and BBB. I later discovered that an open NHTSA safety recall on the powertrain was issued before the date of sale, but the dealership had me sign a document stating there were no recalls and failed to disclose this recall entirely. I am working with a lawyer and seeking resolution through consumer protection laws and formal complaints.
Power train, Jul 29, 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 local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Power train, Jul 26, 2025
I had received the recall notice 01C about the PTU; however, it was noted that parts were not available and no action could be taken at that time. On April 30, I heard a very loud noise as if I had hit something, but nothing was in my way. The car would not go into gear or park. Fortunately this happened on my property and my husband was able to use his truck to pull my car out of the way and no one was injured and no other vehicle damage was incurred. The car was towed to a repair facility and confirmed that the transfer case had failed.