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, Jul 12, 2025
Vehicle suddenly loss power while driving and not accelerating properly. Had vehicle to stop stopped while driving and message appear where I had to put car in park before I could move again. I continue to have acceleration issues.
Other or unspecified, Jun 29, 2025
It says service shifter and then every gear lights up meaning park,drive,reverse and netural are all lit
Suspension, Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Jun 26, 2025
I BOUGHT MY CAR IN 2020, IN THAT SAME YEAR I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER BECAUSE "SERVICE SHIFTER" LIGHT KEPT COMING UP. IT WOULD COME UP IN MOMENTS WHERE I WOULD BRAKE OR GAS AND THE CAR SKIPPED BEFORE COMPLETING THE TASK. I ENDED SPENDING $600 FOR THE 'REPAIRMENTS" FOR IT TO NOT GET FIXED. I TOOK IT BACK AGAIN TO GET IT CHECKED OUT AND THE DEALER SAID IT WAS FINE. ITS 2025 NOW AND IM STILL HAVING ISSUES WITH IT AND IT ONLY GOT WORSE. ITS MORE OF A ROUGHER SKIP WHILE BRAKING AND GASING, IT ALSO DOES IT UNEXPECTEDLY AND I GET WORRY THAT IT MIGHT CAUSED A CRASHED AT SOME POINT. IT HAS ALSO AFFECTED THE INITAL ACCELERATION OF THE CAR BECAUSE I HAVE TO PUSH THE GAS ALL THE WAY FOR IT TO GAIN MOMENTUM
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Jun 17, 2025
Service shifter alert
Other or unspecified, Jun 7, 2025
Car lose power while driving to work gears would not change. Car rolling in highway.
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.
Other or unspecified, May 27, 2025
Power Transfer Unit 4 wheel drive system PTU Motor Component System Operation Obstructed or Blocked
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, Other or unspecified, May 17, 2025
Rear end noise in turns.
Other or unspecified, Apr 29, 2025
Safety Recall in January 2025, it is now almost May 2025 and still no remedy has been made.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Mar 25, 2025
Issue: Persistent “Service Shifter” Warning on 2017 Jeep Cherokee I own a 2017 Jeep Cherokee, and the “Service Shifter” warning continues to appear even after replacing both the wiring harness and bezel. Despite these repairs, the issue persists, creating safety concerns and frustration. This appears to be a recurring problem for many Jeep owners, yet no permanent fix has been provided. I am seeking further assistance or a long-term solution to resolve this issue. Jeep should address this defect to ensure customer safety and satisfaction.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Mar 24, 2025
Every so often when putting vehicle in park while running or at start up I get a dash message “service shifter” and all the gear lights light up and I’m unable to shift out of park. The dealership mechanic has now looked at it three times replacing the shifting bezel, wiring harness, and shift box. The issues still happens almost daily.
Other or unspecified, Mar 10, 2025
Notification of "Service Shifter" light came on. After reading other reviews this is a common problem and not easily diagnosed. Other vehicle owners noted that the car will just stop while in drive and moving! Is this a major safety issue. Others states this is a recall item? Please advise.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Mar 5, 2025
There are 3 things: sometimes when I go to start my jeep, it will start and cut off. Secondly: my rear back up camera keeps going in and out. I’ve had it replaced and it still goes out. Especially if it rains. Lastly, my “service shifter” light pops up randomly while I am driving and all of the lights on the gear shift will light up. It will not let me upload my videos of the screen
Other or unspecified, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Mar 5, 2025
4wd light has been on along with engine light. Took it to a mechanic but and a problem with cylinder 2 came up and they checked it and everything was fine. t'll sometimes slightly roll in park before perking to a stop. While driving it'll sputter sometimes.
Other or unspecified, Mar 3, 2025
My JEEP vehicle currently has a safety recall. My car has been in the shop for two months with no update with the recall. My vehicle currently is in the shop and is not drivable due to the PTU failure. I am currently waiting for the recall remedy. I need my vehicle for work and it is very upsetting having to wait months for repairs.
Other or unspecified, Feb 26, 2025
The "Service 4WD" light came on. Upon inspection, the dealership found a problem with the power transfer unit, which lines up with the recall. I have been informed by the dealership that the replacement part may not be in until May of 2025 due to a backorder.
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Other or unspecified, Feb 24, 2025
SERVICE SHIFTER WARNING LIGHT
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.
Other or unspecified, Feb 18, 2025, fire
I had my 2017 Jeep repaired at the mechanic on January 30. I drove it straight home from the mechanic and within five minutes the vehicle was engulfed in flames. The service provided was tires, struts control arms, and of course placing the tire sensors on the car, no electrical work and no prior incidents of electrical concerns. The car is a total loss. It started in the engine compartment. I'm sure and burned all the way through the backseat.
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.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Feb 11, 2025
My car shuts off when I go over little bumps and light comes on saying press break and shift into park. Then it doesnt start right away but eventually starts again. Also when I go over little bumps my interior lights turn on.
Other or unspecified, Nov 29, 2024
4wd not working and now the speedometer keeps blinking
Other or unspecified, Nov 26, 2024
Driving on the highway I was alerted with a warning on my dashboard display to "Service Shifter". At the same time all of the gear symbols illuminated red and stayed on. I did a web search regarding this issue and found this is happening to a very large number of Jeeps like mine and suggesting I fill out this form.
Other or unspecified, Oct 28, 2024
Service shifter light on