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, Oct 26, 2024
LIGHT ON CLUSTER APPEARS "SERVICE SHIFTER". THE LIGHT COMES ON RANDOMLEY. WILL APPEAR 5 TIMES IN ONE DAY AND NOT SHOW UP FOR MONTHS. I HAVE READ ON LINE THIS IS A COMMON ISSUE WITH 2017 (AND OTHER YEAR MODELS). i HAVE TAKEN TO HAVE THIS WARNING LIGHT ADDRESSED BUT CAN NOT MAKE IT COME ON. AS I SAID, ITS RANDOM. WITHOUT LIGHT BEING ON REPAIR SHOP DOES NOT KNOW HOW TO ADDRESS IT. THIS "SERVICE SHIFTER LIGHT" HAS BEEN SHOWING UP FOR OVER 2 YEARS.
Other or unspecified, Sep 20, 2024
I need to replace the power transfer unit already on a vehicle with 70,000 cost $3500 there are 850 PTU on backorder with no ETA this is not acceptable I’m told to drive my vehicle until I can’t or buy a new vehicle. I READ ONLINE THERE WAS A SAFETY RECALL W47 / NHTSA 20V-343 but I received no notification. Any help would be appreciated. Thank you.
Air bags, Other or unspecified, Aug 20, 2024, crash
UNKNOWN Airbags did not deploy when struck by a semi that crossed the median and hit me then pinned me against guardrail that was also damaged/destroyed.
Other or unspecified, Aug 15, 2024
Service shifter light goes on just put a lot of money in this car and nothing but a problem
Other or unspecified, Jul 19, 2024
I closed the trunk door but the indicator on the dashboard is still saying that the lift gate is open. I checked to make sure that nothing was blocking it's way. There was no prior indications.
Other or unspecified, Jul 5, 2024
After starting my Jeep and driving it down the road for about 10 minutes the dashboard gave a warning to(service the shifter) all lights illuminated red. I pulled over and turned the Jeep off and it went away but has done it several times since and also happened multiple times before. I bought the car used and no warranty’s. Multiple people have stated online that they are having the same issues. Along with transmission having problems also. Please help us out and put out a recall. Apparently it’s a concern due to all the people reporting it online.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Jun 11, 2024
Service shifter light displays randomly with PRND all light up. Goes away if you turn the car off remove key and restart. Have taken it to a technician in the past, they said they couldn't tell us anything.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Engine, May 31, 2024
I was driving up bridge in morning rush traffic suddenly without warning lost drive cv axel on passegner side broke and had to be towed. I called 911 and the police tried to put car in drive and car would just roll back and it almost went into the unit. when the car suddenly stopped I was just lucky no one ran into me, I was in the middle of the road & could not move the car.
Other or unspecified, May 29, 2024
Not sure
Other or unspecified, May 16, 2024
A message appears on the gauge panel stating "SERVIVE SHIFTER." This started happening intermittently since November 2020. It is now happening every time the Jeep is driven. I am unsure if this will cause a safety issue at some point or not as the car seems to drive normal even with the message.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, May 10, 2024
This past year my 2017 Jeep Cherokee has started to randomly turn on the Service Shifter light and at the same time all the shifter lights turn red. The transmission starts acting differently as well when it comes on. If I pull over and shut the car off and then turn it back on it will be normal again. I cannot bring this into the dealership as my warranty is no longer available and I will not pay loads of money for them to tell me nothing.
Other or unspecified, Mar 22, 2024
I have a 2017 JEEP Cherokee North edition. All of the lights lit up on my gear shifter console and then a warning displayed on the dashboard saying SERVICE SHIFTER. I have never heard of this nor has any dealer or mechanic. My car just shut off mid drive, luckily I was pulling into a parking lot. I parked the car and shut it off. After a few minutes I turned the key and no lights were displayed and I drove it home. This was very concerning. If I had been on the highway it could have been dangerous to myself and others. I am afraid of this happening again.
Other or unspecified, Mar 12, 2024
Occasionally when driving vehicle will receive alert to “service shifter” all lights on shifter turn red. I was advised by dealer they have never heard of issue but when I look online there is hundreds of people with the same issue. It is possibility that shifting function can be compromised at any time with this issue.
Other or unspecified, Mar 2, 2024
My service 4wd light came on 6/22 and I had it replaced m. The dealership where it was done said only a 1 year warranty. Now as of yesterday light is on again with same code so once again PTU needs to be replaced again. I can’t afford this twice in less than 2 years why can’t Jeep help solve this or do recall. A lot of Jeep’s are recalled for this problem except mine why yes I file a complaint back in 6/2022 also this is crazy and I want a call back [XXX] I I’m out to much money in this piece of [XXX] u sale 2 oil coolers, drive shaft, wiring harness 2 times , popping in the front in since 2018 and got fix then 2 months after the pets warrant expired since popping. I get no help and someone is going to help with this PTU replacement or I will call an attorney INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Electrical system, Air bags, Other or unspecified, Dec 31, 2023, crash
I slide off the road and went into a ditch then rolled a dew times no airbags denied I was upside-down Bach shoulder head injury and left leg all on the left side .y mirror wouldn't call 911 I have photos
Other or unspecified, Dec 29, 2023
I keep getting a “service shifter” message on my dash board and ask the great lights light up. When taken to get inspected or fixed, the message disappears and nothing can be done. When they check the car , no error codes pop up. But I keep getting this message and I’m not the only one.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Nov 10, 2023
Service shifter notification/warning comes on randomly. When this warning is on, all of the lights on the gear shift light up (p,r,n,d). The engine feels like it is slipping, and the vehicle will drive slowly & is very loud. The gas pedal can be pressed completely to the floor and the car will not accelerate fast enough. The airbag and parking braking notification flash as well. Check engine light comes too.
Other or unspecified, Nov 6, 2023
A few months ago, I was at a slow speed, looking for a parking space, when I set the car in parking it made a weird noise and did not stop. After that issue, an indicator light appeared on the board: SVC-4WD. After this, the indicator light came on almost every day. I took the Jeep to the auto repair shop where I usually go, they ordered the piece and had to wait for weeks. I saw on this website that this issue has a recall in several units. I just hope I can get a refund. I'm attaching the invoice.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Nov 2, 2023
As I was driving all the lights on my [XXX] gear lit up. On my dashboard, it said service shifter. Well, I continued driving. My truck started to slow down a D kept flashing on my dashboard. I had to pull over to the side as the truck was coming to a complete stop. I turned off the ignition waited a few minutes. Turn my truck back on and I was back on the road. I’ve heard lots of complaints in regards to the shifter, but there’s no recall for this. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Other or unspecified, Sep 3, 2023
I purchased 2017 Jeep Cherokee from Jim Riehls Friendly dealership 2/2022. On 5/2023, the parking brake engaged while I was pulling out of my driveway and I blocked on coming traffic in my neighborhood. Called a tow truck and took to my mechanic (Kay's Auto Shop). They recommended taking to Jeep dealership as needed "a code check for electronic park brake failure". Jeep was able to drive to dealership. Dealership evaluated Jeep and asked if I had "driven into a lake"? There was water under the rear mat in spare tire area from unknown leak. I have never seen or heard a leak from sunroof or rear hatch. Dealership offered to fix problem but would be charging me to find leak. Representative said up to $4,000 and not guaranteed. I drove Jeep home. When I went to drive to doctor's appt., parking brake was engaged again. I am a 58 y/o new widow and I don't trust this vehicle. I believe it to be unsafe and unreliable. I have documentation and pictures for your review. Thank you for your careful consideration.
Power train, Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Aug 19, 2023
Shifter Service message appears on dash while operating vehichle. All lights for transmission position are lit up at the same time. This occurred during "normal" operation of vehicle.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Jul 8, 2023
Service shifter light keeps going on after having shifter replaced 1 year ago
Other or unspecified, Jun 30, 2023
Service shifter light
Other or unspecified, Jun 29, 2023
Service shifter
Other or unspecified, Jun 12, 2023
When starting my jeep my service shifter light comes on. I shut my engine of and the light goes off. Next morning start my engine service shifter light come on. I have to restart my jeep 5 times before the light goes off. I've called a jeep dealership and they inform me that I'm the third person within the last week to inquire about this information.