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.
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
Power train, Mar 2, 2023
Ever since my transmission repair in October 6, 2022 I have had many lights on my dash and I continued to take it back to the dealer and they couldn't explain why they continued to be on. They were totally confused. The service 4wd light remained on and It was taken into another Jeep Dealer for review and it turns out the PTU assembly and actuator are in need of replacement and it is at a cost of $3500. The transmission and gear shift assembly were just replaced at a cost of $9,000 in October of 2022. Jeep has had many issues with the transmission and PTU assembly. Jeep stated they only have six dealers across the US with these and they can't get them as they are behind on the manufacturing because of all the problems. This should either be covered under the powertrain warranty or a recall process. This has been well documented of the problems.
Power train, Wheels, Mar 2, 2023
The vehicle at close to the end of the powertrain warranty of 5 year 60,000 miles had the transmission go out. The actual mileage was 55,733. There were no actual dashlights lights prior to the incident. Basically the vehicle would actually go into reverse. The vehicle was then taken to a repair shop for an expensive replacement. The transmission shifter was also needing replacement. Two wheel sensors also were a problem and were in need of repair.
Power train, Electrical system, Feb 27, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving, the vehicle was drifting. While driving approximately 20 MPH, the vehicle jumped. The service shifter warning light was illuminated and was flashing on and off. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that the thermostat, service shifter and assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 76,000.
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.
Service brakes, Feb 23, 2023
While pulling into our neighborhood the service parking brake light came on - followed by the parking brake flashing and then the electronic parking brake engaged by itself when we pulled into our driveway and would not release. We consulted a Jeep dealer and after multiple attempts to disengage the EPB it was towed to our local Jeep dealer for repair. We were advised after 2 days that they could not figure out why the EPB would not release and then after 4 days they advised that the EPB module was damaged by water and it would not be covered by warranty or our extended service agreement and the repairs would be $2497. They also said the part needed to perform the repair was on back-order and they had no idea when it would be in and provided an estimate with a delivery date 3 months away.
Power train, Feb 22, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while approaching a stop sign, the contact heard an abnormally loud sound coming from the front of the vehicle. The contact noticed that the vehicle was rolling backwards even while in park and turned off. The contact stated that an unknown software update was performed; however, the failure recurred. There was no warning light prior to the failure. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed of failure with the differential and spline. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V343000 (Power Train) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 90,200.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Feb 19, 2023
Service shifter warning comes on multiple times while driving
Engine, Feb 16, 2023
Just bought this jeep used in Nov 2022 a week ago it kept stalling just shutting down on me I could be a stop sign or just driving this is very dangerous someone could run into me. Took it to mechanic was told it was 3quarts low in oil but the oil light doesn’t come on or anything and I’ve only had the car 3 months so they would have checked oil since they do a multi point inspection
Service brakes, Feb 16, 2023
Electric Parking Brake comes on suddenly while driving. When trying to release, after several attempts, it finally disengaged. Parked the car. Got out. Returned to car and Electric Parking Brake would not release. Turned off engine and restarted several times and still would not release. Had to have car towed to dealer. When exiting the tow truck it actually released. Stopped the car, put in park and locked up again. Unable to disengage.
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Feb 16, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the transmission warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer who replaced the transmission shifter. Later while driving, there was smoke coming from under the hood. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer who diagnosed that the engine was faulty and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 97,000.
Power train, Feb 15, 2023
The service shifter light keeps coming on. It will also misfire when the start-stop system is used. Sometimes when it misfires it will cause the valves to be out of sink and then the engine runs very rough until it is fixed.
Electrical system, Feb 14, 2023
2017 Jeep Cherokee Latitude 3.2L, V6 Service Bulletin Number: 08-054-18 REV. A Dated September 13, 2018 Group-08 Electrical Code tester detected a failure of the service shifter. A warning light would come on with service shifter error. The failure could cause vehicle to stop and not restart, or it could restart after setting for a while. We had purchased an extended warranty, but our dealership it would not cover the service shifter failure under the warranty. We then took the vehicle to a repair shop, and they said both the shifter harness and bezel needed to be replaced. The mechanic said the part number had been changed for the bezel unit, indicating the part design had been changed from the original. Apparently, Chrysler was aware of the problem, but refused to do a recall. In researching our problem, it seems to be an ongoing problem. Thank goodness we had the problem fixed within a couple of weeks. We could have experienced possible harm if the shifter failed and stalled in traffic or on a busy road. We think a class action claim should be brought against Chrysler for not implementing a recall. We should be reimbursed for our repair by Chrysler. The mechanic removed the defective part and we did not save it. He could provide details if requested. Repair cost $277.31.
Power train, Electrical system, Forward collision avoidance, Jan 31, 2023
The automatic transmission shifter transmits a warning to the instrument panel display with the words SERVICE SHIFTER. All of the red shifter console lights light up at once. The vehicle will not engage the PARK safety brake at times after parking the vehicle when the warning is illuminated. While operating the vehicle no other instrument readings are available (speed, mileage, etc). The vehicle has not yet been inspected by a dealer or mechanic and is a continuing problem. This issue first appeared one month ago and there was no other indication of a problem prior to the first occurrence.
Power train, Engine, Forward collision avoidance, Jan 27, 2023
W84 Powertrain Software- July 30 2022 Jerry Seiner Casa Grande Dealership technicians inspected and reprogram the PCM and TCM software and closed the recall but 2 months later all the lights on my dashboard came on check engine light service shifter park brake etc. I went back to the dealership and the advisor told me to go to the dealership where I bought it from. I ended up going to Larry Miller Chrysler Jeep Avondale in Arizona. The vehicle was braking on its own while driving high speeds on the highway and while driving I almost crashed. My vehicle was in and out of the dealership many times and the technicians didnt seem to know what was wrong with the vehicle. Almost 6 months after the initial problem it seems its fixed. 01/13/2023 was the last time I had to return because the dashboard lights were turning on after driving the vehicle an estimate of 100 miles.
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Jan 14, 2023
Service shifter light comes on and all lights light up on shifter. This is a issue that I brought up about 2-3 years ago when I purchased the vehicle. Took it to dealership they replaced a cable and another part I believe. The issue is now happening again. My cruise control on the vehicle also does not always decelerate when it should and will speed up over the amount its set for.
Electrical system, Jan 5, 2023, fire
Issue: Burning smell in vehicle. Diagnosis: driver side visor wiring burned, potential fire hazard. Notes: We noticed a burning plastic smell several times in vehicle cabin. I searched around but couldn’t locate the smell. After the third time, the Homelink garage door opener located in the driver’s side sun visor stopped working. Also noted that the vanity mirror lights were not working either. This wiring is not on a fuse. I check the wiring to the visor with a voltmeter and noted 12 bolts to the visor. I removed the passenger visor and plugged it into the driver side. The vanity mirror lights had power and worked. Plugging the driver side visor into the passenger side showed it to not work. Therefore, the issue is the wiring burned inside the visor, breaking the connection. The visor is stitched all around and not easily accessible without cutting and thereby ruining the fabric and appearance of the visor. So wiring is not easily accessible without having to install a new liner.
Engine, Dec 31, 2022
Leaking a lot of oil to the point I had to refill every week.
Vehicle speed control, Dec 22, 2022
The following occurred at approximately 10:40 am: While traveling on our way home from grocery shopping, heading west on G Ave (Kalamazoo County, Michigan, on the north side of WalMart), cruise control was set to 53 mph (55 mph speed zone). Vehicle began to accelerate up to 59 mph, well beyond speed control setting, whereupon I pushed the “Cancel” button. Engine immediately revved up to about 6000 rpm, although drive seemed to disengage (it did not accelerate further), then RPM gradually returned to normal and normal speed control resumed but not under cruise control. We returned home a few minutes later, without incidence.
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.
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Dec 8, 2022
When driving my jeep the dashboard will randomly give me a warning to service my shifter and all of the lights on shifter will go red. I have to turn my jeep off and back on for the lights to go back to normal. I have had to replace the power transfer unit due to the 4 wheel drive not working anymore. I took my car into the dealership to the PCM W84 Recall and two weeks later my transmission fluid exploded and the engine was smoking. Had to replace the heat ignition coil and the inlet hose. Paid $2,000 to repair and a week later my check engine light came on and now my car is overheating. Took it to the dealer and they added coolant and said it was an air bubble in the coolant. A couple of days later the issue happened again, took it in two more times and they filled the coolant, but now saying that the cylinder head gasket needs to be replaced which is another $1,700.
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.
Air bags, Nov 22, 2022
The contact owns a 2017 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that on multiple occasions while driving at undisclosed speeds, the air bag warning light intermittently illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
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.