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.
Structure, Visibility/wiper, Mar 22, 2024
Driver and passenger floor board become wet when it rains. Soaked to the point of molding so much moisture is in the floor and vehicle. The windshield leaks from the inside from the top/outside and interferes with visibility.
Power train, Mar 18, 2024
Bolts fell out of ptu and broke housing. Vehicle right now is available for inspection. Problem confirmed by local Jeep dealer. No prior warning, just started making awful noise and vibration.
Power train, Mar 16, 2024
Power Transfer Unit failure at 73531 miles. Repaired at the dealership for a cost of $3300. Manufacturer has offered an extended warranty to cover PTU failures on SOME vehicles in my year range for failure of this part, but mine was specifically EXCLUDED by the manufacturer. In spite of their denial that I received a defective PTU, nonetheless mine failed. Service 4WD warning message appeared, and I took it the dealer for repairs which they completed.
Power train, Mar 14, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The driver was able to pull to the shoulder of the roadway, where the failure persisted. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the power transfer unit (PTU). The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V343000 (Power Train), but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 134,000.
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.
Power train, Mar 4, 2024
My 2017 Jeep Cherokee was manufactured in September of 2016. There’s no current recall on my VIN, however there is a recall regarding the PTU (power transfer unit) which ended September 23rd 2016, because cars after that date were manufactured with “stronger internal components”. My car only has 62,000 miles and I’m currently having the same issues as this recall describes. I’m getting a “service 4WD drive” alert, a “service shifter” alert, and “AWD unavailable” alert. I’ve taken it to multiple Jeep shops and the same code keeps popping up. C14A7-97. This code has a direct correlation with the power transfer unit causing the car to suddenly changed from 4WD to 2WD. I need to see if this can be replaced as a part of this recall. It’s available for inspection upon request.
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)
Power train, Engine, Mar 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while driving 20-30 MPH, an alarm sounded, and the vehicle lost motive power. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring while driving. The contact was able to pull to the side of the road on some occasions. The contact stated that the vehicle would fail to restart while turning the key in the ignition switch and would restart independently when taking her hand off the key. The contact stated that she was able to continue driving; however, the failure reoccurred several times in one day. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where engine oil was added to the vehicle; however, the failure recurred. The dealer performed a software update under an unknown recall and added oil to the vehicle; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened. The manufacturer advised the contact that they would contact the dealer and she would be contacted afterward. The failure mileage was approximately 82,000.
Power train, Feb 8, 2024
Odometer keeps giving a “service shifter warning” turn vehicle off and back on and it goes away! Came back a few days later! All of the gears were lit up when warning came on dash board!
Power train, Feb 7, 2024
I was driving and it started shuttering, then I lost forward mobility. Had to have it towed to the dealership. Dealership confirmed that it is the PTU. Now currently sitting at the dealership waiting to be fixed. The contact stated there was a warranty bulletin put out by Mopar regarding the 2016/2017 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk about the PTU needing to be replaced. The contact owns a 2017 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk with the 9speed and feels it should be included in the bulletin. The dealership is charging $3690.00 out of pocket expense but the contact can not afford to fix the vehicle.
Power train, Feb 4, 2024
The service shifter notification goes off and on intermittently. It has recently come on steadily without shutting off. It has been occurring since 74,000 miles.
Parking brake, Jan 31, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Jeep Cherokee. The contact started the vehicle and became aware that the Auto START/STOP and Parking Brake Failure messages were displayed. The contact drove to work and parked the vehicle. The contact returned to the vehicle and attempted to start the vehicle however, the emergency parking brake was activated and could not be deactivated. The emergency parking brake light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to dealer and a diagnostic test was performed. The dealer stated that the parking brake was activated, and the parking brake module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact referenced NHTSA Action Number: PE22009 (Parking Brake) as a possible solution. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 82,000.
Engine, Jan 31, 2024
While driving the suv will turn off. It has happened multiple times. Recently I was stuck in an interception after making a turn. It has happened before and a “service shifter” light came on. But this time no additional lights came on and suv would not turn back on
Power train, Jan 30, 2024
The power transfer unit, and yes it is available for inspection. I had it inspected by two auto mechanics. The problem appeared back in 2023. The issue I have been having is when turning, backing up or accelerating the back wheels are kicking in, it does not have as much power during acceleration. There is already a recall for this issue but vehicle isn't on this recall list. There is always a margin of error in manufacturing dates due to multiple possible issues it is possible that any car manufactured out side of the recall date could have been missed.
Electrical system, Jan 29, 2024
The electronic parking brake in my 2017 Jeep Cherokee became stuck in the engaged position. The car would not move backward or forward. This happened when the car was parked on a neighborhood street. Had to have the car towed to the dealer, where the problem was diagnosed as failure of the parking brake module due to a water leak from the sunroof drain. Repair bill was over $1300. Luckily, the brake became stuck while the car was parked. Had the car been in motion, safety would definitely have been an issue.
Steering, Power train, Electrical system, Jan 29, 2024
Today while driving, my vehicle’s power steering went out causing me to pull over to the side of the road. My car was running, but I was unable to move it. When I put it in drive, the lights on the shifter would flash, but the car would not change gears. The problem appears to be electrical as the battery is brand new, and the engine was running.
Electrical system, Back over prevention, Jan 27, 2024
I parked my car and went into the store came back out tried to start my car and the message Service Transmission Restart in Park With Vehicle at Zero Speed appeared on the dashboard and my car wouldn’t start
Structure, Jan 26, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that there was an abnormal odor inside the vehicle. The contact stated that while entering the vehicle after it rained, the odor worsened. The contact stated that upon inspecting the vehicle, she lifted the rear driver's side carpet, and noticed that the floorboard on the rear driver's side was soaking wet, and there was mold. The contact used a towel to soak up the water. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.
Electrical system, Engine, Jan 19, 2024
My 2017 jeep Cherokee sport vin# [XXX] suddenly stop working when I was driving since then it been 1 month I have asked several mechanics what was the issue and I was told it was the alternator it got fixed new battery was bought and it still did not turned on again I was addressed by a friend about these cars having recalls I checked and yes it has recalls please help me I’m a low income mother no other way to get to point a to point b and I live 1 hour 20 minutes away from [XXX] we’re the car stopped working INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Power train, Jan 19, 2024
THE PTU IS BAD ON MY 2017 JEEP CHEROKEE ,THERE IS ONLY 48,875 MILES ON THE CAR THERE IS A RECALL ON THIS FOR 2017 JEEP CHEROKEE BUT THEY ARE TELLING ME ITS NOT ON MY VIN ! HOW IS THAT POSSIBLE ? DO THEY NOT BUILD AND PUT THE SAME PARTS IN ALL 2017 JEEPS . THIS RECALL NEEDS TO BE REVISED TO INCLUDE ALL THAT FAIL
Electrical system, Jan 12, 2024
Saying Service Shifter. All light by PRND come on red. Have seen a lot of reports saying same thing for 2014-2018 Jeep Cherokees. Has been looked at by mechanic. Has been coming on once every week for 3 months now.
Power train, Electrical system, Jan 11, 2024
Service 4wd light turned on .. car stalled on road and almost could not pull out of the way of traffic . PTU unit ? Replacement… Jeep 2 weeks off of warranty extension… Jeep needs to recall ALL 2017 Cherokee models
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.
Power train, Fuel/propulsion system, Dec 17, 2023
THIS VEHICLE HAS INTERMITTENT NO ACCELERATION FROM A STOP GOING INTO TRAFFIC AND WILL FINALLY RESPOND BREAKING THE TIRES LOOSE AND WILL ACCELERATE SO FAST THAT THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF YOU IS IN DANGER. I am a retired shop owner and tech and this is a very dangerous situation not easily duplicated for diagnostic purposes but in following Jeep Forums hAS DEFINITELY been a problem for many and I am sure there are many of these issues and vehicles still on the road. There should definitely be a recall issued to correct this situation.