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
1,334 reports, newest first.
Power train, Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Jul 23, 2024
The shifter turns all red lights and service shifter appears in the warnings. There was a recall for this on certain vin #s for the same make and model but Chrysler refuses to acknowledge the wider problem effecting others. They advise you to pay out of pocket and I can’t afford that. This is clearly an issue that is wide spread and the danger is unknown what can happen but I don’t feel safe driving my [XXX] in a vehicle with all these warning lights. The issue started apparently 2 years ago but hadn’t been addressed by my wife because she was out of work and not driving it much. We need both our vehicles safe and Chrysler needs to fix the issues that their manufacturers caused. There are so many articles and complaints about this same issue and Chrysler refusing to fix it. Please help us ensure the safety of our family until we can afford another car. Our mechanic was able to replicate the issue and now it’s just constantly on. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
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.
Power train, Jul 17, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the 4-WD unavailable warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the PTU (Power Transfer Units). The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to Technical Service Bulletin: 21-017-21. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was 71,076.
Power train, Jul 16, 2024
Service shifter keeps popping out and I know thousands of other people have that issue and they still haven’t issued a recall or anything to fix it
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.
Power train, Jul 5, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The contact was able to pull to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle was able to be restarted. After restarting the vehicle, the vehicle briefly returned to normal functionality, but the failure reoccurred. The low oil pressure warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the transmission mount. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but the vehicle was not yet diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000. The VIN was not available.
Steering, Power train, Jul 5, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while her husband was driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact's husband struck a curb. The contact's husband depressed the brake pedal and attempted to make a turn, but the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The "Service Shifter" message was displayed, and the vehicle made an abnormal sound and stalled while driving. The steering wheel was firm while making the turn. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle, and the failure was self-corrected. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic; however, the failure was unable to be duplicated. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the independent mechanic that the gear shifter needed to be replaced. The failure mileage was approximately 127,000.
Power train, Jul 4, 2024
vehicle jolted while driving, then lost all power to wheels. grinding noise coming from front end. rolled backwards when placed in park.
Power train, Jul 3, 2024
The vehicle jerks or jumps while driving on the highway. I took the dealership twice to get it fixed and paid out of my pocket but problem is not resolved. Now the issue leads to the power transfer case (PTU) failure. I went to the dealership for diagnosis and they told it will cost me $3900 out of pocket to fixed the vehicle.
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.
Electrical system, Jun 7, 2024
Car keeps saying service shifter. The lights on the dash are now flickering on and off. The car hesitates to which gears and take off.
Service brakes, Jun 7, 2024
Parking brake has automatically engaged twice while at intersection, during the 1 week I have owned this used vehicle. This is an obvious and critical safety risk, causing a possible wreck from behind, or even worse, getting t-boned in an intersection. This is a know issue, and very irresponsible for Jeep OR NHTSA not to list as a recall. Does someone have to die in a wreck for this OBVIOUS safety issue to be addressed?
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.
Power train, May 10, 2024
SHIFTER GEAR HARNESS PTU REPLACEMANT. Driving down the road and the shifter light all light up and a message comes on saying service shifter the car has 45000 miles . take to dealer they say need a new shifter gear 535.00 . I google it to find out there is a recall on 2017 Jeep Cherokee but not on my vin ! really? have it fixed 3 months later a message appears on my dash again saying service 4wd . so I take it in and now the put is bad 3600.00 really ? jeep no help because original warranty expired .had a extended warranty also it read 75000 mils or 7 years guess what came first 7 years 2months after it expired this happen .I believe jeep is putting cars on the road they know has these problems also just two ago the shifter g service light came on again this time they said it was a cracked female cap on wire harness . they said as a courtesy they temp fixed no charge this time but if it happens again I would have to replace both shifter and harness 1200.00 cost really of course its going to happen again this car is lemon! they also told me that it was safe to drive while they order the Parts which takes weeks to get ! really safe to drive ? I don't think so as you read hundreds of people have the same problem . jeep has put their customer in unsafe vehicle where is the protection for the consumer? they say my vin is not on recall because of the factory it was produced in . that is crap its the parts that are bad and they are in all jeep Cherokee 2014 -2018!
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.
Steering, Service brakes, Engine, Apr 16, 2024
I was driving my 2017 Jeep Cherokee Latitude 2.4L, car won't start, I have oil pressure sensor to warn me when low doesn't alert me at all, only time is when I realized a beep when I made turns and would indicate oil pressure low! I can't get my car to stop and it stalled on me while driving with no indication of low oil, and I have two kids and could have been very bad, since no power no breaks no steering!
Electrical system, Apr 14, 2024
Indicated service shifter changed , yet still never used only had 65k . Change the shifter and still shows on my screen .
Steering, Suspension, Apr 14, 2024
My Jeep Cherokee(vin [XXX] ) was being flat towed behind a class a motorhome. On 4 separate occasions the front wheels of the jeep started bucking right to left and back to opposite side causing the whole motorhome to violently vibrate. 1) The first time it happened was at about 15 mph while turning left onto a connecting road. It started vibrating so I pulled to side of street and stopped. After getting out and discovering nothing of note I started off and the wobble was gone. 2) Second time was while driving at around 50 mph. There was a bump and grade change in the road and the wobble started. Much more violent than the first. I had to stop while in the traffic lane, with no place to pull over. This time I could see the wobble in the rear camera of the motorhome. Jeep was violently bucking back and forth as before but much stronger. 3) Slower speed at about 20 mph it happended again. Had to come to a stop before it corrected. 4) 40 mph and a very subtle road surface change caused wobble. I disconnected Jeep and drove it by itself to home. Never had an incident other than while being towed. This has happened 4 times in the past 5 trips of around 300 miles each. Since then I have discovered articles about "Jeep Death Wobbles" and have not found any evidence where Jeep has even acknowledged there is an issue. Until I see user manual that mentions a "Mopar Wiring Kit" that needs to be installed. I do not know if this is considered a recall or if is an after thought mentioned in the manual. At any rate the Jeep was sold as a flat towable vehicle and Jeep should stand behind it and install the Mopar fix as a safety fix at no charge to customers who bought it as a flat tow vehicle. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
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)
Electrical system, Engine, Mar 30, 2024
When driving my vehicle going 30 miles per hour the car stopped by itself and gave error message “ Shift to park or neutral Press brake or select gear” . I have to put my car in park and try and restart the vehicle. This has happened 4 times with in the last week.
Electrical system, Service brakes, Engine, Mar 26, 2024
On [XXX] my 2017 Jeep Cherokee Latitude experienced full power failure while driving, resulting in an uncontrolled stopped with lack of power brakes, steering or other electrical assistance while in middle of road with traffic traveling 20 mph just avoiding impact with car in front of me. Had I been on highway or traveling faster I may have encountered a deadly impact to rock walls on road or surrounding traffic or oncoming traffic. There is a recall listed [XXX] Campaign number [XXX]. I have made a complaint to JEEP 800-853-1403 who noted my vin with case number [XXX]. My jeep vin is not included in recall notice but clearly should be and covered for repair under [XXX] . My Jeep regained power 5 min later and I drove it knowing unsafe to repair shop where it sits. My Vin should be added to the already listed appx 67k jeeps 2014-2017 year. I also have MOPAR extended warranty. I will not drive my jeep for obvious reasons until the repair is made. This is a potential deadly issue that needs to be extended to the currant recall listing. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
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.