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, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Jul 24, 2025
Service Shifter light came on dash, all gears on shifter , red lights came on. I was driving at 55 mph and could tell the car wasn’t accelerating and was slowing down . That’s when I noticed the Service Shifter light on dash. I was in a lot of traffic and couldn’t safely pull over , I was almost rear ended by the car behind me. I coasted to the side of the road and turned car off and back on . The light went off . This was yesterday , today I start the car and it starts rough ( which it usually doesn’t ) and the service shifter light is back on. This is a very serious , dangerous and possibly deadly issue . I was so scared when it happened as I had no control of speed of the vehicle . I see many , many reports on this issue for several years and it shows past repairs have not corrected the issue. A recall should be issued ASAP before someone gets hurt or dies from this very common problem . Customers should not have to pay to repair and issue that has been reported thousands of times for many years . Please give direction on how to get this properly and fully fixed . I am afraid to drive the vehicle for fear of a traffic accident .
Power train, Jul 23, 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 while attempting to drive from a complete stop on a busy bridge, the vehicle failed to respond. The contact shifted to park(P) and exited the vehicle; however, the vehicle started to roll away, almost causing a crash. The contact immediately entered the vehicle and engaged the parking brake. The contact's new-born baby was occupying the vehicle at the time of the failure. The contact stated that a Police Officer assisted the contact in blocking traffic and pushing the vehicle to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed and parked at the residence. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the PTU had failed, and the failure was related to the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and offered partial reimbursement for a vehicle rental. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Power train, Jul 23, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with power transfer unit failure. The contact was informed that the power transfer unit needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed that the parts were on back-order. In addition, the contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V343000 (Power Train); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 84,000.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Jul 21, 2025
The vehicle has excessive clicking in the rear. Shifter service light required light on dash . Went to dealership and got diagnosis . They Found Left rear Axle at differential has excessive movement. Rear drive shaft center bearings are loose. Both recommend replacing rear differential. I have quotes from two different auto repair places including jeep dealer service . Vehicle only has 50k miles on it and is driven only around town. I am the original owner. I strongly believe that this issue is connected with the Recall 01C/W47. I feel my vehicle is unsafe to drive and the out of pocket cost is extremely high for a repair on a vehicle with such low mileage.
Power train, Jul 19, 2025
PTU issue u able to shift from or to park the shift entire panel lights up red
Suspension, Power train, Jul 18, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact stated that when the vehicle accelerated, the vehicle was shaking erratically. The vehicle was taken to two independent mechanics where the vehicle was diagnosed with a failed rear differential. The contact was informed that the rear differential needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. In addition, the contact was informed that the failure was due to a failed PTU. The vehicle was then taken to two Chevrolet dealers where the failure was diagnosed as a failed rear differential. The contact was informed that the rear differential needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. 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 manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact was informed that only parts listed in the recall were covered under the recall. The contact was informed that additional parts were not covered under the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 80,941. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Power train, Electrical system, Jul 14, 2025
I drive a 2017 Jeep Cherokee and have experienced repeated instances of power loss while driving. The vehicle will suddenly jerk, hesitate, or feel like its struggling to maintain momentum, especially at lower speeds or when turning. On one occasion, it felt like the transmission slipped and I briefly lost acceleration, which was very alarming and could have caused a crash if I been merging or crossing traffic. I've also had the "Service 4WD" warning light appear intermittently. I took the vehicle to both a jeep dealership and an independent shop for diagnostics, but neither was able to find an active trouble code. However, the symptoms have continued and are getting worse. After reading about the recent recall (NHTSA Campaign 25V011) involving the Power Transfer Unit (PTU) in 2017-2019 Jeep Cherokees, I believe this may be an issue I am experiencing. At this time, Jeep has not released a fix, and I'm concerned that the vehicle is unsafe to drive until the PTU can be inspected and repaired. This seems to be a known and widespread issue that puts drivers at risk, and I'm hoping this report helps move the investigation forward.
Power train, Jul 11, 2025
My Cherokee has a recall due to an improperly seated input shaft snap ring in the two-speed Power Transfer Unit ("PTU"). The recall came in January and all owners began receiving their recall notices on February 15th. I received mine and my truck lost drive/park power on February 27th. The recall is still not fixed and they don't have a solution after 5 months of declaring the recall and are not offering any sort of compensation, such as a loaner, rental asstance, etc.
Power train, Engine, Back over prevention, Jul 8, 2025
Lost power on thruway in 2017 jeep Cherokee, light came on reading"service electronic stability control ", followed by check engine light. Car is not drivable, been sitting at dealership for almost 3weeks now, currently no remedy for safety recall, and no timeline. I have no vehicle at moment, work fulltime, and am still making payments. Was told I can't have loaner car, both by dealership, and Mopar, and am left in disbelief. Vehicle was already inspected by jeep dealership, said their certain its related to recall. My life is upside down currently, am hopeless
Power train, Jun 25, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the “Service 4 Wheel Drive” warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who determined that the power transfer unit (PTU) was damaged and needed to be replaced. The dealer replaced the power transfer unit. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 25V011000 (Power Train) and 25E003000 (Power Train); however, the VIN was not included in the recalls. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 51,000.
Power train, Jun 21, 2025
At 38,700 miles, the PTU started to fail. 4WD service unavailable message displayed permanently as well as svc 4WD light. Sometimes while driving there is a loud buzzing sound. June 2025 Dealership found code C14A7-97 and states replacement is needed. Due to low mileage, should be considered for the warranty recall.
Steering, Power train, Vehicle speed control, Jun 17, 2025
I believe the PTU is malfunctioning and causing the transmission to slip or jerk. I am experiencing uncontrolled movement while driving. The vehicle is available at any time for inspection upon request. This puts myself and 2 small children at risk while driving, therefore my ability to use this vehicle is extremely limited and high risk. I have taken it to a jeep dealership in porterville ca who stated my transmission needed replacement. they verbally stated my ptu was ok but never confirmed it with documentation. i have taken it to private mechanics who could not find any issues saying that the problem is internal. the mechanics i have taken it to in the past year have not come to a solution other than to suggest i wait for a resolution to the recall. The service all wheel drive light came on/off about a year ago and was consistant for several months but has turned off for awhile now.
Power train, Jun 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 not yet available. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was inspected and the contact was informed that the vehicle was unsafe to drive. The vehicle remained at the dealer. 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, Electrical system, Engine, Jun 6, 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 the battery had drained quickly and failed to retain a charge. The vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was jump-started. The engine oil and check engine warning lights were illuminated. Additionally, the vehicle jolted while driving and while coming to a stop. The contact stated that the Start/Stop system was inoperable. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to take the vehicle to the dealer for a diagnostic test. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Power train, Jun 6, 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. While the contact’s daughter was pulling into the driveway there was gray colored smoke coming from underneath the body of the vehicle. The driver switched gear and the vehicle made an abnormal sound. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that there were metal shavings between the transfer shaft and transfer case. The contact stated that the PTU had failed. The mechanic referred the contact to the dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that the part was not available. The dealer referred the contact to the manufacturer. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Power train, Jun 2, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the message "Service Shifter" was displayed. The contact stated that after restarting the vehicle, the vehicle returned to normal functionality. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 95,000.
Power train, Other or unspecified, May 28, 2025
I purchased a used 2017 vehicle in late 2024, and within a few months it became inoperable due to an open safety recall. I was driving on the highway with my children in the car when the vehicle stopped accelerating, putting mine and my children’s lives at risk. It was then confirmed the PTU is faulty at falling under the recall known as 01C. Via a local dealership service department. I have not had my vehicle since February of 2025 (it is now end of May 2025) The manufacturer has acknowledged the recall but has not provided a repair timeline, and the vehicle has now been out of service for over 90 days. They have denied my buyback request despite there still being no fix/resolution. To maintain transportation, I have had to rent a vehicle out-of-pocket and wait for reimbursement which has not been timely and has resulted in significant ongoing expenses causing immense financial hardship. While I was initially told I would be reimbursed weekly, the reimbursements have been inconsistent and delayed. Recently, the manufacturer changed its reimbursement parameters, requiring weekly in-person visits to the rental provider to obtain an “official receipt” — adding more logistical and financial strain.
Power train, May 28, 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. In addition, the contact stated that the front driver’s wheel seemed weak. The contact drove the vehicle to the shoulder of the road. The vehicle was then driven to the residence. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a leaking PTU. The contact was informed that the PTU needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V011000 (Power Train); however, the part to do the recall repair was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was 118,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Power train, May 27, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the vehicle was started, and the service shifter warning light illuminated. The contact stated while reversing, several unknown warning lights illuminated, and the vehicle rolled forward. The contact turned the vehicle off and shifted the gear shifter into park. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the cause of the failure was not determined. The contact was informed that the parts for the repair were unavailable. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. In addition, the contact stated that in 2022, when the failure initially started, the dealer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact was informed that there were no recalls associated with the VIN. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact was advised to take the vehicle to the dealer for diagnostic testing and to pay for the diagnostic test out of pocket. The failure mileage was approximately 38,000.
Power train, May 27, 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 manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Power train, Other or unspecified, May 23, 2025
i was driving and making a right hand turn my car just shut off I was in Drive and it would not go. I had to shift to neutral and restart the car. This is not the first time its happened. Also my service shifter light comes on and my shifter is all lite up.
Power train, May 21, 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 message "Service 4-Wheel Drive" was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the PTU had failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was 110,262. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Power train, May 21, 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 manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Power train, May 18, 2025
In 2021 I received the diagnostic of: —MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP ON PERFORM SCAN DTCM FAULT C14A7-97 PTU MOTOR COMPONENT FAILURE PERFORM DIAG WILL NEED PTU UNIT DRIVETRAIN —VIBRATES/RATTLES AT SLOWER SPEEDS ROAD TEST VERIFY THIS VIBRATION IS CO MING FROM PTU UNIT. — FOUND DTC CODE C144797-97, ERRATIC ENGAGEMENT IN FRONT PTU, SPLINE/COLLAR FAILURE They told me an ungodly amount of money to fix this issue and was unable to complete the fix. I looked up recalls for this and there is one for this exact issue and my VIN is somehow not included?! My jeep slams into gear at low speeds and has always. The ‘Service 4WD’ light started coming on over a year ago and randomly lights up on the dash, then goes away. Today, the ‘Service Shifter’ light came on and I know that it’s going to state that the PTU/transmission is going to be needing replaced. Knowing that Jeep is currently not making the parts, and that my VIN is not associated with this recall for whatever reason, I am unsure of what I am supposed to do with this. I owe money on this vehicle still, and by reading all the complaints, it seems as if even when spending thousands of dollars on these repairs, it continues to happen. How is the manufacturer not being held accountable for this?
Power train, Other or unspecified, May 17, 2025
Rear end noise in turns.