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, May 22, 2023
I have a message that says service shifter
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Apr 7, 2023
My service shifter light stays on almost all the time. The gears PRND are all red lights.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Apr 6, 2023
At random times, the vehicle will notify of a "Service Shifter" message that pops up on screen. The lights that indicate which gear the car is in all light up-park, neutral, drive, etc. Every light turns on and the notification shows up on the screen where speedometer is located. This is concerning-it has happened multiple times, if I turn the car off and back on, the notification goes away. However, it always comes back a few hundred miles later. I drive a 2017 Jeep Cherokee, and bought it in 2019 with only 16,000 miles on it. The notification first came up when I hit 20,000 miles and has persisted ever since periodically. If you search "Jeep Cherokee service shifter" you can find NUMEROUS forums where people have reported the same issues. It is clearly an issue that needs to be looked into further. I have already filed a safety problem before, and nothing was done about it. I recommend looking into this issue further, and googling the issue as well-there are far too many people reporting the same problem and there has been no recall to be issued.
Other or unspecified, Mar 11, 2023
While driving and once when shifted into drive the service shifter light and warning has came on and all the lights by the shifter light up. I had to stop and shut the vehicle off and turn it back on. The most recent time I had to shut it off and turn it back on for it to go off
Other or unspecified, Feb 25, 2023
When I shifted vehicle to reverse a message of “service shifter” came on dash screen. No accident resulted but felt unsafe as to what would happen if not serviced. Mechanics that have been contacted has never heard of service shifter message. Have not been able to reproduce message, when started vehicle again message was gone. No other warning lamps, messages or no symptoms.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Feb 19, 2023
Service shifter warning comes on multiple times while driving
Electrical system, Structure, Other or unspecified, Dec 15, 2022
Every time it rains, water leaks into the rear of the vehicle through the ceiling and cracks on the side. As a result, water is soaking through the ceiling, rear speakers and trunk. This is causing mold and deterioration of all parts below the spare tire and is a safety issue.
Other or unspecified, Dec 3, 2022
Front leather dash has become separated and could potentially cause adverse effects to drivers view. Potentially harmful with airbag deployment. Previous year (2014) same make and model received a recall notice. This issue should be addressed asap.
Suspension, Power train, Other or unspecified, Dec 2, 2022
The vehicle began making a crunching/grinding sound, and lost some traction/control. It then only would go very slowly even though I was pressing the accelerator, and then the RPM meter was revving up and down even after I took my foot completely off the pedal. After turning it off on the side of the road for about 15 minutes, we were able to drive it home with no further issues. The following week when I went to have it inspected (the first time I drove it since), it made it less than 10 miles before it did the same thing and was unable to be moved this time. We towed it in to have it inspected at a jeep dealership and they confirmed it is a PTU/Transmission issue. I have a video of the second incident if needed.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Nov 19, 2022
I have a 2017 Jeep Cherokee and been experiencing service shifter error when all the lights on gear shift lights up in red and this time I was at home and it also flashed oil change on dash board which I just had a recent oil change and this has been an issue off and on and dealership says there is no recall but they have heard of this issue. Not feeling safe to drive vehicle unsure if my car will stop while out. I have an appointment with dealership to see what the issue is. I only have about 72,000 miles on my vehicle.
Other or unspecified, Oct 17, 2022
Periodically the light comes on and says "service shifter"?
Vehicle speed control, Other or unspecified, Engine, Oct 7, 2022
When accelerating the vehicle has a hard shift every now and then that’s very noticeable. Seems to be slipping or having trouble shifting occasionally when trying to get up to speed.
Other or unspecified, Oct 6, 2022
The lights on gear shift all comes on all at once and the computer says shifter needs servicing I turn the jeep off and turn back on and everything is back to normal
Exterior lighting, Other or unspecified, Sep 29, 2022
The shifter service light comes on a lot when I am driving and it scares me. I had to get off the road and turn the car off and back on for the light to go off!
Power train, Other or unspecified, Sep 10, 2022
Gear shifter errors and brings up "Service Shifter." Vehicle has to be completely shut off to clear error. Whewn the notificaion appears vehicle chages gears roughly and doesnt initiate park. Error has happend on highways, city street, or whenever the vehicle is placed into drive. It had only happend a couple times until receintly where its becomming more frequent, every other day as of now.. Dealer was unable to replicate the error, its to sporadic, and a OBDII reader shows nothing. I have pictures from a couple of the most recent times
Power train, Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Sep 4, 2022
Service shifter warning continuous for 12 months. Recalled on the 2017 Grand Cherokee but this is am issue with the Cherokee latitude. This is a very serious safety issue & needs recalled for more vehicles!
Power train, Other or unspecified, Aug 9, 2022
We first noticed the "svc fwd'' warning light. Intermittently at first and going off after driving a mile or so. We were first told it was probably a wiring problem, possibly a worn and exposed connector or a bad fuse but neither was found. Only after the ''svc fwd'' light started to remain on, did we have a diagnostic run and then were told the PTU had gone out and that this is a known common problem with Jeep Cherokee's 2014 - 2017.In fact, so bad a problem, it warranted a recall. Thousands of jeeps are having this problem but the recall is VIN specific. Ours is a 2017 and is NOT on the recall although it is now dangerous to drive. We are essentially paying for a vehicle we cannot drive and have been waiting over 5 weeks now for a replacement PTU. Even so, some of the replacement PTU's are ,themselves being recalled for being faulty. Our warranty has run out. The mileage is now just over 60,000 and now we feel we are being pushed to cover the cost even though this is a known faulty part.
Other or unspecified, Aug 3, 2022
Trouble with power transfer unit and dealer mechanic said it needs to be replaced. Noticed there has been a recall involving other vehicles and was concerned that about my jeep Cherokee and the information from the dealer mechanic today.
Other or unspecified, Aug 3, 2022
My Power Transfer Unit is bad on my 2017 Jeep Cherokee. My light came on that says service 4WD. I took it to the Jeep Dealer who states that my Jeep showed a code c14a7-97 and it said my PTU is bad.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Jul 23, 2022
Our 2017 Cherokee 46k displays “service shifter” and all lights on the shifter go red. The first time this happened (summer 2020) the dealership Hopkins, MN told me not to drive the vehicle and to bring in for service. They were not aware of this issue which I don't believe now. The appointment was 4 weeks out and once the dealership looked at vehicle as lights were off they could not diagnose. 2nd time this happened was not able to get into dealership that day. 3rd time this happened (7/22/2022) I immediately called the dealership on issue and they refused to look at vehicle the same day and told me to bring in on Monday 7/25/2022. Next day the lights did not come on. each time I call the Jeep dealership they give me a different response. Don't know if its safe to drive the vehicle in this state. There should be a recall on this issue.
Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Engine, Jun 18, 2022, crash
The incident happened in a parking lot. Backing out of the parking space, there was a delivery truck parked right behind me. Backing out of my parking space, I hit the bumper of the truck (no damage to the truck). As I pulled back into my parking space the vehicle accelerated very rapidly in a distance of approx. 25 feet; the acceleration seemed "Hell cat" like. Slamming my foot on the brake did not help. The vehicle then hit a brick retaining wall deploying multiple air bags and causing enough vehicle damage that the insurance company declared it totaled. It is amazing that the vehicle hit the brick wall with enough intensity to deploy the air bags and cause considerable front end damage after traveling such a short distance (approx 25 ft). The vehicle is in the insurance company's possession. As such, I do not have access to the vehicle. Had the brick wall not been there, the vehicle could have hit other vehicles or pedestrians and I was lucky to only have minor bruises and abrasions. There was no warning what so ever that this was about to happen.
Other or unspecified, May 6, 2022
Service shifter indicator comes on and all lights on shifter light up
Other or unspecified, Apr 27, 2022
My vehicle will not move at a stop light and the hand brake will come on by itself. Also the start/stop warning light continues to come on after driving for several miles.
Other or unspecified, Feb 22, 2022
Hello, what I am trying to find out is if the NHTSA has ever got notification or investigated what folks call the Jeep Death Wobble. We just got the Jeep and are looking to flat tow the vehicle behind our Motorhome and folks tell us that Jeep issued a Service Bulletin regarding the death wobble and would require modifications to the electrical system to resolve the problem. Is this an issue that your organization would have investigated and made Jeep/Mopar aware of the Death Wobble Issue. My second question Is that your web site shows that you have over 800 complaints regarding this vehicle and was wondering how I can read some of them. Thanks very much We have not experienced this issue yet but trying to find out more info about the Jeep Death Wobble before we proceed with any repairs etc regarding this issue.
Other or unspecified, Feb 9, 2022
Service shifter light is on but nothing can be found wrong with the car.