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: other or unspecified
343 reports, newest first. Show all
Other or unspecified, Sep 1, 2026
I was stopped at a red light and once the light turned green my vehicle made a grinding noise and would not go faster than about 15 miles per hour. I pulled through the intersection and over to the side of the road and put my hazard lights on and put the vehicle in park but it wanted to roll while in park so i put the parking brake on. There was no warning lights or messages or other symptoms prior to this failure. I managed to get the vehicle checked at a corner shop and was told the PTU recall is the issue and that it failed and to tow it to the dealership. I towed it to Luther Brookdale Jeep and Dodge in Brooklyn Park, MN and they claim to not know how to fix or even diagnose the problem and are not being forthcoming with any information.
Other or unspecified, Sep 1, 2026
I’m trying to get my car fixed the diagnostic result was that I need a new transfer case as a right now the the waiting time for that part is 8 months and over 700 on backup orders the more I dig in to this part it seems that is an issue with this model, probably should have been a recall on this. Please help me out to see if jeep can help with this problem Thank you [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Other or unspecified, Jul 23, 2026
I dropped off my Jeep at Chris Crain Jeep Hot Springs AR on 7/15/26 due to a recall. At the time I dropped the vehicle off, the 4 wheel drive system was working properly and I had no warning lights on the dash. I always kept the 4 wheel drive in AUTO mode. They called on 7/16/2026 and said they completed the PTU update. I took possession of the Jeep but before I left Cris Crain parking lot I started getting a SERVICE 4 WHEEL DRIVE and noticed the 4WD selector was in SNOW mode. I immediately returned the Jeep to service. They cleared the error and I left again. Within 2 miles the SERVICE 4 WHEEL DRIVE light came on and the selector shifted back to SNOW mode. The selector will no longer work and it is stuck in Snow mode. I immediately returned to their service and left the Jeep. They refuse to fix the problem and the Jeep is undrivable
Power train, Other or unspecified, May 8, 2026
I had my Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk fixed by Jeep per the recall notice. The PTU was replaced although no issues were apparent. The Car was fine before the work was done, but a month later started having driving issues and felt like it was skipping when turning left and wandering on the freeway. So I took it back to Jeep. They have had the car two weeks (14 days), and do not know what is wrong with it, will not give an ETA for the fix, and will not supply a rental car. So I have no idea if my car can be fixed and when. The PTU obviously failed but they will not replace it. This has caused extreme stress and cost on my end having to rent a car to commute to work. Also they are really bad at communicating. I called back to speak with the service manager and they had blocked my number.
Other or unspecified, Apr 22, 2026
Service Shifter message has been persistent. Has been checked at multiple independent locations for diagnostic check. Each location has said that it should be a lifetime product and in no need of replacement per Jeep standards. I have therefore been unable to get the service shifter diagnosed and fixed.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Apr 6, 2026
Car shifts out of gear and when trying to accelerate the car won’t go any faster. Feels like it slips out of gear. Happened out of the blue, NO check engine light and no warning
Other or unspecified, Apr 2, 2026
My car has randomly loss power and shut off and the SVD 4x4 light has came on.
Other or unspecified, Mar 24, 2026
The service 4WD light is on in this vehicle. Upon taking it to my personal mechanic to fix the issue, it was determined that the code was associated with a recall. This recall did not include my VIN number but is a safety recall on other vehicles. When calling Jeep/Chrysler to determine my next steps, i was advised to bring the vehicle to a dealer as they could not accept anything from my personal mechanic. My vehicle was dropped off at a dealer who then reached out and wanted to charge me $350 just plug the vehicle in for the code. Upon calling again, I was advised that I would have to incur the entire cost to have the issue fixed and if it was determined that my vehicle would be included in the recall at a later date i could submit receipts and be reimbursed. The code is PTU failure related and could cause possible loss of power to the wheels. This is a major safety concern as well as a huge expense to fix. The vehicle is available at any time for inspection. Please advise what my next steps and if I can be offered goodwill assistance as I do not want to incur a $2000 - $4000 expense for a known recall based on identical failure.
Other or unspecified, Mar 15, 2026
Component: Power Transfer Unit (PTU) [XXX] , but my VIN is not included. The power transfer unit has failed. This appears to be a manufacturing defect identical to those listed under the recall. I am requesting immediate inclusion and repair under the recall provisions. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Power train, Other or unspecified, Engine, Mar 8, 2026
My car suddenly started making a loud noise while driving and one day , I was driving to work and my car started to lose power it won’t accelerate even thoe I was trying to accelerate my car was slowing the speed down and I had to return to my house with emergency lights because my car won’t accelerate . The next day I took my car to a collision center and they changed some of the old car parts . I’m trying to submit a reimbursement for this recall but the website won’t let me submit the form along with the invoice I attached to the reimbursement request .
Power train, Other or unspecified, Feb 16, 2026
I have had several different warning lights come on. 1. 4WD System Unavailable Service Required 2. 4WD Overheated Temporarily Unavailable 3. Stop/Start Not Ready Engine Temperature Too Low Received several codes showing faulty equipment. C140B-4B Transfer Case Motor Overheating-Drawing Excessive Amperage 11-13 Amps. Rear Differential has faulty pump Excessive end play at L/side axle Jeep will need a RR Differential and Transfer Case Assy I have taken vehicle to two different mechanics checking out the problems and potential repairs. It has taken a period of time to get to this point as I had the car looked at and the service light came on very intermittently and I did not drive the car much as I was unemployed during the summer. Since going back to work and using the car daily, my commute is only 1.3 miles, the light has started coming on more bringing me back to have vehicle diagnosed. At one point during this period of time, I also had to replace the oil cooler making me change the oil just after an oil change. Also, had to change the antifreeze. There are several recalls for similar problems, and I believe this is a jeep issue which should be repaired by a jeep dealer. I have serviced this vehicle and followed jeep guidelines for jeep service throughout vehicles life span. Jeep has so many different recalls and seem to minimize the outcome of affected vehicles. I am requesting jeep service for these problems that should not occur with a properly served vehicle. Thank You
Other or unspecified, Feb 16, 2026
To Whom It May Concern, I am filing a safety complaint regarding my 2017 Jeep that is currently under recall for the Power Transfer Unit (PTU). I experienced a very frightening situation while driving in traffic when my vehicle would not properly stay in place, and I had to keep firm pressure on the brake to prevent it from rolling back into traffic. If I had not reacted quickly, this could have resulted in a serious accident or injuries. I have been informed that this issue is related to a serious recall involving the PTU, which can cause loss of power and rollaway risk. However, I have been told that there are no parts available yet and no timeline for when the repair will be completed. I am extremely concerned about continuing to drive a vehicle with a known safety defect. This is my third Jeep, and I recently paid this vehicle off. I depend on it daily for my job, to get my little girl to school. I am very thankful that this situation was not worse, but it easily could have been. I should not have to worry about my vehicle rolling into traffic due to a known recall issue. I have contacted Jeep recall representatives regarding this matter and was informed that no loaner vehicle would be provided and that if I needed alternate transportation, I would have to pay out of pocket. I do not believe it is reasonable for consumers to bear additional financial burden when the vehicle has a known safety defect under recall. I respectfully request that this matter be investigated and that action be taken to ensure repairs are made available as soon as possible to protect myself and other drivers on the road. Sincerely, Whitney Phillips
Power train, Other or unspecified, Feb 12, 2026
Car has been broken down since May 2025. My car started jerking forcefully with my child in the car. Brought it in to be assessed. They could not figure it out. After two more times bringing it back in due to the jerking worsening, the car completely broke down in the middle of the road. Apparently recall has been active since January 2025. I was never notified that there even was a safety recall on my vehicle. Vehicle still does not have a recall remedy and I have been carless for 10 months. Not drivable. Has been sitting for a long time. Very frustrating and upsetting. Need my vehicle back. Have been making car payments on a car I don’t even have. Want reimbursement/ my car back.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Jan 29, 2026
Shifter module problems.. the car jerks hard between shifts. The car reversing on it own and wont stop. Warning light in dash "service shifter soon"
Power train, Other or unspecified, Engine, Jan 15, 2026
Tacoma Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram at address: 4101 S Tacoma Way, Tacoma WA 98409 The service provider (Andrew) has said his boss is telling him to have the vehicle moved and putting the responsibility on us at our own expense. We opened a case US Customer Care recall department case #[XXX] is pressuring us to move our 2017 Jeep at our own expense. It is inoperable and will not drive due to a safety recall that has been open for over 1 year without a remedy. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Other or unspecified, Jan 15, 2026
The issue involved a malfunction of the two-speed Power Transfer Unit, which is available for inspection upon request. This malfunction created a serious safety risk, as it could have caused me to crash or resulted in another vehicle crashing into me. The problem was confirmed by an auto machanic that came to my home to inspect the vehicle because I was unable to drive it to get it inspected. Before the failure, a warning message appeared on the dashboard while I was driving that read “Service 4WD.” The alert came on briefly and then turned off. This happened in February of 2025. I was told that the part would be available on December 18th, then it changed to January 8th, and there is still no notice of when I can schedule to have my vehicle fixed.
Other or unspecified, Jan 9, 2026
We continuously receive dashboard messaging related to this defect to replace the PTU. All lights illuminate near the shift knob, too. I'm scared I will lose motive power and cause a crash without warning or lose park function to cause injury. I received the Recall Letter a year ago in January 2025. I have checked with the dealer who sold us the Jeep and they say there isn't a fix for this. I understand that Stellantis might not have an approved fix, but is there another way this recall can be repaired? The messaging is becoming more and more frequent. It seems that the input shaft snap ring needs to be fully seated to stop uncontrolled movement of the input shaft inward. Not fixing this soon will continue to damage the range shift sleeve, or create more spline damage or range fork damage. The Drivetrain Control Module DTCM needs to be reprogrammed with new software to detect and monitor wear in the PTU. With the messaging I'm getting, I need to know, too, that the Warranty Extension terms are unlimited years/unlimited mileage per the recall notice from January 2025. I feel so unsafe driving my car and will not have my mom, kids, grandkids, husband, or other passengers with me for their own safety. Help, please!
Other or unspecified, Dec 18, 2025
Transfer case going out. The warning light comes on when driving.
Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Engine, Dec 17, 2025
on 11/1/25 we were driving our Jeep and it malfunctioned while at a stop light. We heard a loud "clunk" and the car would barely go and if we tried to put in park, it would continue to roll. We were on top of a hill so thankfully we didnt roll back or into traffic. We could not drive the car and had to have it towed since it was not safe to drive. Our Jeep is at an authorized Jeep dealer since 11/3/25 and we were told the issue was a power transfer unit that would be covered on the recall but the part was on backorder until 12/2. Jeep would only cover $50/day for a car rental, so we had to rely on borrowing cars from others. Once 12/2 came, we reached out to the dealership and they said the part ship date was moved to 12/18! This is not a timely manner. We have made at least 3 calls to Jeep over the past week, and they keep telling us since 12/10/25 that they will let us know in 2 days...2 days pass and they transfer our case. Another two days pass and still no call from them so I called them back and they have yet to call me. We had our Jeep in the week of 11/17 or 11/24 for inspection and it passed. We noticed some lagging when we were going up hills in the 1-2 rpm range but mechanic did not notice it. Between the inspection and when it finally broke down, no lights came on and there were no warning messages. Not until the car broke down on 11/1.
Other or unspecified, Nov 6, 2025
Need new transfer case. Why isn’t my jeep under a recall for this problem - when so many other 2017 jeeps are ?
Power train, Other or unspecified, Oct 15, 2025
I've owned this vehicle for about four years now. The car has been good up until JUST after my warranty expired and now I have a "Service 4WD" light on now. This light will come on most times when I'm driving. Sometimes not right away. But when it does light up it will say lit for the remainder of the drive. I belong to an online jeep group and I'm seeing a lot of the same issue. This light will come on most of the time. Any way I really hope you can help. Thank you.
Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Engine, Oct 6, 2025
My car is jerking when driven and enabling the park brake while driving. There is a recall on other similar models. I purchased this vehicle brand new and within the same year, had the engine replaced by the manufacturer due to mechanical issues. Please assist in getting this PTU fixed not at my expense. The dealership is telling me $3k but I feel this should be covered due to other recalls and the fact that this motor was replaced shortly after purchasing the car.
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, 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, 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.