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, Apr 30, 2024
Just bought a used 2017 jeep cherokee limited with 102,000 miles on it and within days started getting "service shifter" dash warnings. Looked up issues on jeep forms and similar jeep models between 2015-2018 experience this issue apparently.
Power train, Apr 11, 2024
This is a well known issue, and apparently the manufacturer is not doing anything bout it. You can read many many complaints here: [XXX] My problem began a few weeks ago. The "Service Shifter" message. Disappeared after I turned car off. Now it's back. Of course I'm sure the dealer will be happy to see me and apply a $500 bandaid that won't fix the problem. Obviously a manufacturing defect that will only get addressed when someone is killed. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Power train, Mar 18, 2024
Bolts fell out of ptu and broke housing. Vehicle right now is available for inspection. Problem confirmed by local Jeep dealer. No prior warning, just started making awful noise and vibration.
Power train, Mar 16, 2024
Power Transfer Unit failure at 73531 miles. Repaired at the dealership for a cost of $3300. Manufacturer has offered an extended warranty to cover PTU failures on SOME vehicles in my year range for failure of this part, but mine was specifically EXCLUDED by the manufacturer. In spite of their denial that I received a defective PTU, nonetheless mine failed. Service 4WD warning message appeared, and I took it the dealer for repairs which they completed.
Power train, Mar 14, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The driver was able to pull to the shoulder of the roadway, where the failure persisted. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the power transfer unit (PTU). The vehicle was not repaired. 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 not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 134,000.
Power train, Mar 4, 2024
My 2017 Jeep Cherokee was manufactured in September of 2016. There’s no current recall on my VIN, however there is a recall regarding the PTU (power transfer unit) which ended September 23rd 2016, because cars after that date were manufactured with “stronger internal components”. My car only has 62,000 miles and I’m currently having the same issues as this recall describes. I’m getting a “service 4WD drive” alert, a “service shifter” alert, and “AWD unavailable” alert. I’ve taken it to multiple Jeep shops and the same code keeps popping up. C14A7-97. This code has a direct correlation with the power transfer unit causing the car to suddenly changed from 4WD to 2WD. I need to see if this can be replaced as a part of this recall. It’s available for inspection upon request.
Power train, Engine, Mar 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while driving 20-30 MPH, an alarm sounded, and the vehicle lost motive power. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring while driving. The contact was able to pull to the side of the road on some occasions. The contact stated that the vehicle would fail to restart while turning the key in the ignition switch and would restart independently when taking her hand off the key. The contact stated that she was able to continue driving; however, the failure reoccurred several times in one day. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where engine oil was added to the vehicle; however, the failure recurred. The dealer performed a software update under an unknown recall and added oil to the vehicle; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened. The manufacturer advised the contact that they would contact the dealer and she would be contacted afterward. The failure mileage was approximately 82,000.
Power train, Feb 8, 2024
Odometer keeps giving a “service shifter warning” turn vehicle off and back on and it goes away! Came back a few days later! All of the gears were lit up when warning came on dash board!
Power train, Feb 7, 2024
I was driving and it started shuttering, then I lost forward mobility. Had to have it towed to the dealership. Dealership confirmed that it is the PTU. Now currently sitting at the dealership waiting to be fixed. The contact stated there was a warranty bulletin put out by Mopar regarding the 2016/2017 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk about the PTU needing to be replaced. The contact owns a 2017 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk with the 9speed and feels it should be included in the bulletin. The dealership is charging $3690.00 out of pocket expense but the contact can not afford to fix the vehicle.
Power train, Feb 4, 2024
The service shifter notification goes off and on intermittently. It has recently come on steadily without shutting off. It has been occurring since 74,000 miles.
Power train, Jan 30, 2024
The power transfer unit, and yes it is available for inspection. I had it inspected by two auto mechanics. The problem appeared back in 2023. The issue I have been having is when turning, backing up or accelerating the back wheels are kicking in, it does not have as much power during acceleration. There is already a recall for this issue but vehicle isn't on this recall list. There is always a margin of error in manufacturing dates due to multiple possible issues it is possible that any car manufactured out side of the recall date could have been missed.
Steering, Power train, Electrical system, Jan 29, 2024
Today while driving, my vehicle’s power steering went out causing me to pull over to the side of the road. My car was running, but I was unable to move it. When I put it in drive, the lights on the shifter would flash, but the car would not change gears. The problem appears to be electrical as the battery is brand new, and the engine was running.
Power train, Jan 19, 2024
THE PTU IS BAD ON MY 2017 JEEP CHEROKEE ,THERE IS ONLY 48,875 MILES ON THE CAR THERE IS A RECALL ON THIS FOR 2017 JEEP CHEROKEE BUT THEY ARE TELLING ME ITS NOT ON MY VIN ! HOW IS THAT POSSIBLE ? DO THEY NOT BUILD AND PUT THE SAME PARTS IN ALL 2017 JEEPS . THIS RECALL NEEDS TO BE REVISED TO INCLUDE ALL THAT FAIL
Power train, Electrical system, Jan 11, 2024
Service 4wd light turned on .. car stalled on road and almost could not pull out of the way of traffic . PTU unit ? Replacement… Jeep 2 weeks off of warranty extension… Jeep needs to recall ALL 2017 Cherokee models
Power train, Fuel/propulsion system, Dec 17, 2023
THIS VEHICLE HAS INTERMITTENT NO ACCELERATION FROM A STOP GOING INTO TRAFFIC AND WILL FINALLY RESPOND BREAKING THE TIRES LOOSE AND WILL ACCELERATE SO FAST THAT THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF YOU IS IN DANGER. I am a retired shop owner and tech and this is a very dangerous situation not easily duplicated for diagnostic purposes but in following Jeep Forums hAS DEFINITELY been a problem for many and I am sure there are many of these issues and vehicles still on the road. There should definitely be a recall issued to correct this situation.
Power train, Dec 11, 2023
The service light was coming on and off. It would reset on startup but would come on after driven for a few miles. I experienced the car kicking into gear when I went from park to drive. The first time I brought it in, they said that they didn't see anything and cleared the codes and I drove it off the lot not even 1/2 mile and the light came back on and as I was leaving the lot, I noted that the car abruptly took off when I put my foot lightly on the gas pedal. When I questioned that there was a recall a few years ago, the dealership said that this car had no recalls related to my problem. A few months after I got the car repaired, there was a recall for the 2017 Cherokee for the PTU but not for my VIN #. This car was manufactured Sept 2016 and is a 2017 Jeep Cherokee High Altitude.
Power train, Dec 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that the transmission was slipping while driving. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact stated that it seemed as if the transmission had slipped into neutral (N) before the vehicle lost motive power. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the road. The contact attempted to shift from park(P) to drive (D), but the vehicle failed to respond. The contact shifted into reverse (R) and the vehicle responded. The contact stated that he continually moved the gear shifter until the vehicle responded and shifted into drive (D). The contact then drove to the nearby residence. The contact stated that the failure recurred several times while driving. The local dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in a recall. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 113,000.
Power train, Nov 29, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that it had snowed, and the transmission mode was shifted to "Snow”. The contact stated while driving approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle was losing forward momentum and there was an abnormal sound coming from underneath the vehicle. The contact depressed the accelerator pedal and the vehicle revved but lost motive power. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact pulled over and stopped the vehicle and turned off the vehicle. The contact restarted the vehicle and returned to regular drive mode however, the vehicle would not shift into drive (D). The contact had the vehicle towed to the residence. The vehicle was not taken to a local dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle had not been diagnosed and was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 83,000.
Power train, Nov 28, 2023
We was running and because was a lot of snow we put the 4X4 and then after we turning that function on the car start making weird sounds and we decided to stop the car. Then when we took the 4X4 out, the car doesn’t move anymore. Just the reverse move but not to the front. Never turn any lights transmission on and nothing. Just the transmission got stock.
Power train, Nov 22, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the message "Service 4-Wheel Drive, Unavailable" was displayed. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving at various speeds and depressing the accelerator pedal, there was vibration underneath the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the power transfer unit (PTU) had failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 23V302000 (Power Train) and 20V343000 (Power Train); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 122,000.
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Nov 16, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle shut off without warning. The vehicle was taken to a dealer and the contact was informed that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil and the engine was replaced. The contact stated that several years later while driving 35 MPH, the vehicle shut off without warning. The contact stated that the failure occurred for a second time soon after restarting the vehicle. The contact drove back to the dealer and the vehicle remained at the dealer for approximately 2 months. Once the vehicle was returned to the contact, the vehicle shut off again; the vehicle was towed back to the dealer. The dealer replaced the power software module and returned that vehicle back to the contact. Soon after retrieving the vehicle, the instrument panel went blank, and the vehicle shut off again without warning. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and then back to the dealer; however, neither the independent mechanic nor the dealer could determine the cause of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a complaint was filed. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 26,000.
Power train, Nov 9, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while her husband was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle locked up. While attempting to accelerate, the vehicle failed to exceed 25 MPH. The contact pulled over and restarted the vehicle, but the vehicle failed to move forward or operate in reverse. The check engine light was flashing. The vehicle was towed to her residence. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer however, the mechanic was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was towed to a transmission specialist and the contact was informed that the failure was due to the differential and TCM module and referred her to a dealer. The manufacturer was contacted and referred her to the dealer. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V302000 (Power Train). The failure mileage was 68,177.
Power train, Nov 7, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the service shifter warning message had appeared on the instrument panel and the light on the gear shifter appeared in red. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where the contact was given an estimate for a diagnostic test. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 25,000.
Power train, Nov 6, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. The contact shut off and restarted the vehicle and the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the power transfer unit (PTU) needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.
Power train, Nov 4, 2023
I started the vehicle and a warning came up on the dash stating that I need to service my shifter. All lights on the shifter column are red, and remain red when shifting gears. After shutting off and restarting, the warning and red lights disappear. Recurs randomly.