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, Mar 14, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the 4WD warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure had occurred several times in one day. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The dealer was made aware of the failure; however, the contact was informed that parts to repair the vehicle were not available. The contact had 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 failure. The failure mileage was 40,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Power train, Mar 9, 2025
Service shifter message comes on can't change gears.
Power train, Mar 7, 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 stated that while driving at approximately 40 MPH the vehicle was losing motive power. The contact depressed the accelerator pedal; however, the vehicle was losing motive power. The contact pulled over and turned off the vehicle, but the vehicle failed to move while shifting to drive(D). The contact had the vehicle towed to an independent mechanic. The vehicle was diagnosed, and it was determined that a snap ring had failed and caused the transmission to fail. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Feb 22, 2025
I am not sure what is failing but I was driving on the highway when all the sudden it lost power and when I pressed the gas to try and get back up to speed it acted like there was no power at all the started to kick in very slowly. This was extremely dangerous and when I got off the highway it did it more again. I believe this would fall under the PTU recall but I've looked, and it's not listed as my vehicle is included in the recall.
Power train, Feb 22, 2025
4WD Unavailable Service 4WD. Vehicle has approximately 118,000 miles. Based on several forums this is a known issue by manufacturer.
Power train, Feb 21, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that the park(P), reverse(R), and neutral(N) warning lights were illuminated with the “Service Shifter” message was displayed. The message to depress the brake pedal to shift to neutral(N) was displayed while driving. The vehicle lost motive power while driving at undisclosed speeds or while stopped. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who determined that the power transfer unit (PTU) needed to be replaced. The contact called the local dealer, who confirmed that there were no recalls on the VIN. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 171,491.
Power train, Electrical system, Forward collision avoidance, Feb 20, 2025
I was driving my vehicle and it lost power going down the highway about 65 mph maybe 70. The power shut off on my vehicle and then it came back on but it was very dim and it say that way for till I got out of it and it was very scary my My cruise control keeps shutting off okay I'm having major problems with my transmission it slips a lot I need to know what to do about that.
Power train, Feb 18, 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 part not available.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Feb 17, 2025
I was driving on the highway and I lost the ability to accelerate after getting a pop noise and was forced to pull over. The car had begun to rev up on its own then I wasn't able to accelerate at all, I could hear the engine moving but the wheels weren't getting power. I had the vehicle towed to a dealership ship and authorized payment on all the necessary inspections to determine if the incident had to due with the ptu recall. The service department said it's most likely the recall but I'm out of luck because they can't officially say it is because then they works have to provide me a rental. They then tricked me into going to the dealership to look at cars that weren't there and tell me I need to call there customer service line, after almost a month of trying to get any information out of them I finally got an email back saying nothing and thanking me for being a loyal customer! The car has been out of commission for almost a month now and it's effecting my ability to do my job and live my life. I'd appreciate a rental until this is resolved but would prefer for them to buy out the pre-incident value of the car so I can move on with my life. The incident is very clearly what is stated in the recall notice for my 2017 Jeep Cherokee.
Power train, Feb 17, 2025
We experienced a loss of motive power while on the interstate in busy high speed traffic [XXX] . We had to attempt to maneuver the constantly slowing vehicle to the shoulder while being passed by tractor trailer drivers who were driving at full speed. Luckily 2 of them in the right lane were paying attention and swerved aggressively to avoid hitting my family and I. This very easily could have resulting in multiple fatalities. It was extremely terrifying to not be in control of the vehicle. This experience sounds exactly like the issues referenced in the recent safety recall 01C, but the FCA website doesn't show my VIN as being affected. They need to expand the VIN list to cover this vehicle and fix it. My family and I are terrified to drive this thing now, not knowing when this event will happen again. Thank you for your help. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Power train, Feb 12, 2025
I originally reported the issue in October 2023. Repairs had recently been completed to the transmission and I have still had ongoing issues. I have seen quite a few reports of the same problem I am having. The problem is while driving, the vehicle seems to drop out of gear without warning. Most recently about 2 weeks ago it happened on a 55mph highway going uphill. I was almost rear-ended while trying to coast to the shoulder to pull off. When this happens the engine stutters and cuts off. I sometimes get the "service transmission" or "service engine soon" or "service shifter" warning after this. It looks like there is a recall for this issue for 2017-2019 model years but i have checked using my VIN and it says there is no active recall for my specific vehicle. I am fairly certain this issue is related to the recall.
Power train, Feb 5, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while driving 15 MPH, the “Service 4-WD” message was displayed. The contact drove the vehicle to a Hyundai dealer for the vehicle to be diagnosed. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the transmission had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V343000 (POWER TRAIN). The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was 132,000.
Power train, Electrical system, Feb 5, 2025
I financed a brand new 2017 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk from a local dealership in July of 2017 that I now own due to a recent payoff in November of 2024. However, for the past 3 years, I’ve been getting a ‘Service Shifter’ message appearing with all P-R-N-D gear shift lights illuminated.
Power train, Feb 4, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the rear end of the vehicle suddenly seized, causing the vehicle to spin off the road. The contact was able to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway. The vehicle was towed to Modern Day Automotive, where it was diagnosed with PTU failure. The mechanic replaced the part with a refurbished part; however, the failure recurred while driving. The contact was able to pull to the side of the road. The contact stated that upon turning off and restarting the vehicle, the vehicle became drivable. The contact was able to drive to the residence, where the parking brake warning light and an unknown warning light illuminated. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle and shifting to reverse(R); the vehicle made an abnormally loud popping sound. The dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V011000 (Power Train); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000.
Power train, Feb 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, a warning message displayed reading "Service the shifter and 4WD." The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The Critical Fault detected warning light was illuminated. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V343000 (Power Train), but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 86,000.
Power train, Jan 31, 2025
Went to go through a busy intersection and power transfer unit failed, almost causing an accident. A second accident almost happened when car started rolling away due to park not working. Car had no warning, it is well maintained and I had 0 indication of a looming failure. This could have been a very bad accident (intersection and when it started rolling away)
Power train, Jan 30, 2025
While driving less than 5 MPH in a school parking lot, the vehicle went over a speed bump and the "Service 4WD" light came on. This occurred in November of 2024. It was intermittent at first and then stayed on. At times, note some transient loss of power after this occurred while driving on freeway or on city streets. Took to the Jeep dealer to be evaluated. The vehicle was diagnosed with power transfer unit failure. The vehicle was not repaired because of the significant cost and the vehicle was not under recall. Was going to take to a local transmission repair shop and noted the recall instead that just came through on the vehicle. Have not had a recall before and was unsure if reporting this was required or not.
Power train, Jan 28, 2025
PTU engagement failure while driving. ‘4WD overheated’ message erroneously; PTU will not engage rear wheels. FWD worked. Happened around November 2024, brought into shop, they said I need a complete new PTU.
Power train, Jan 23, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the vehicle started to lose motive power. The contact stated that the power transfer unit warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The vehicle was diagnosed with power transfer unit failure. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not repaired because the vehicle was not under recall. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 149,000.
Power train, Electrical system, Jan 15, 2025
Service shifter code being thrown, with check engine light. Code is showing the tcm malfunctioning and an impossible driver shift request. Has been happening for over a year and now a check engine light has illuminated. Dealer won’t fix due to it not being a recall
Power train, Jan 15, 2025
June 16, 2023 We were driving down the interstate with cruise control on and the jeep just shifted out of gear and stopped operating. It was still running, but was not operational. July 13, 2023 We towed it to the dealership in our hometown and were told that it was one month out of recall for the exact same problem. On the bill the dealership listed that the dog clutch failed and we were billed $5,563.95 to replace the PTU unit and told there was nothing Jeep would do for us. 1/15/2025 I took the Jeep back to the same dealership and now it is throwing codes for Transfer Case Motor Current- Performance or INcorrect Operation and Transfer Case Clutch Pressure Sensor-Signal Plausibility Failure. The soonest they can get it in is one month from now for further diag. Our safety was put at risk when the Jeep shifted out of gear and just stopped on the interstate with no other warning. The problem was confirmed by the dealer. I am not aware if anyone inspected the component when it was repaired in August 2023. No, there were no warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms in 2023, but now there is a Service 4WD light on, until i took it to the service department. Then it was off, but came back on the minute the sales manager drove it off the lot.
Power train, Jan 14, 2025
2016-17 have multiple recalls for the PTU defects. I have had the exact same problem with mine. While driving i lost all power to the vehicle after making a turn and I was unable to keep the car from rolling while in park without the aid of the parking brake. Upon inspection and removal of my PTU that I preformed myself I was able to ascertain that the splines of my PTU input shaft were almost completely warn away. I tried to reach out to FCA but they said my car was not one of those effected by the recall. Even while having the exact same problem as listed in said recall
Power train, Jan 10, 2025
started receiving 4 wd unstable notification. Took jeep to dealership who advised that my PTU Component was at fault. the cost is $3700 to repair. Only certain VIN numbers are eligible for repair through Jeep. I have read many complaints from other Jeep Cherokee customers that also were not covered by 2017 PTU recall. This jeep only has 71 K miles and 4wd barely used mostly highway driving.
Power train, Jan 10, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while driving at approximately 40 MPH, the "4 Wheel Drive Unstable" warning illuminated. The contact was able to continue driving. The contact stated that the failure was recurring and at any speed and the warning was always illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the PTU needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The contact had researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V302000 (Power Train). The failure mileage was approximately 71,000.
Power train, Dec 29, 2024
Vehicle had PTU and Transmission replaced in May 2020 for both components failing. Was repaired at dealership under warranty. On [XXX] the car front wheels locked up and would not move. Luckily, this failure occurred during a lower speed turn. At highway speed this incident would have certainly caused an accident with catastrophic results. The car was towed to the dealership and the PTU and Transmission were bad once again. PTU has been received at the dealership but not yet installed. The car is now out of warranty and will cost about $10,000 to fix. There is a Technical Service Bulletin, TSB 21-014-23, that describes the exact issue we have. This TSB applies to cars manufactured between April 14 2014 until October 10 2016. Our car was manufactured in January of 2017. So, the dealer would not honor the TSB and fix the car. Here is a link to moparinsiders that describes the issue. [XXX] There is info in this link that indicates the manufacturing date ranges past October 2016 have experienced the same failure. Here is a small excerpt: Recall Chronology: On March 7th, 2023, the FCA US LLC (“FCA US”) Technical Safety and Regulatory Compliance (“TSRC”) organization opened an investigation into 2016-2017 MY Jeep Cherokee vehicles for potential PTU failures that experience a loss of motive power (“LOMP”) and/or park function. During March 2023, FCA US TSRC conducted an analysis of LOMP and/or loss of park function patterns associated with two-speed PTU replacements. As of April 20th, 2023, FCA US is aware of two customer assistance records, 17 warranty claims, zero field reports, and six other service records potentially related to this issue for all markets with dates of receipt ranging from January 13th, 2017, through August 7th, 2022. Can you please assist in getting the TSB updated to include the additional failures? These mechanical failures can result in fatalities. Thank you! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)