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, Jul 26, 2022
The contact owns a 2017 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the vehicle started jerking with the service shifter message displayed. The contact stated that the gear shifter indicator lights were flashing. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer who repaired the bezel kit shifter and the jumper wiring harness. The failure reoccurred. The contact stated the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V343000 (Power Train) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 40,685.
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.
Power train, Engine, Jul 22, 2022
UNKNOWN. When driving my Jeep there will be times where I go to accelerate and my transmission will jump. Also while I’m driving all of my gears on my shifter will turn red and a message will pop up saying service shifter. It’s been happening for a few years but the last time it happened was today 7/22/2022.
Power train, Jul 19, 2022
The contact owns a 2017 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while driving approximately 25 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The service parking brake, service transmission, and check engine warning lights were illuminated. The police arrived on the scene to guide the traffic around the stopped vehicle. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed. The vehicle was then towed to a dealer and diagnosed with a power transfer unit failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V343000 (Power Train). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 81,000.
Engine, Jul 9, 2022
On numerous occasions the car engine just shuts off or loses power. This happens consistently. The car has been taken to the dealership where it was purchased and was told "could not duplicate problem". This just happened again yesterday on a main street posted at 45 mph, where engine just shut off. Making left turns has become a gamble as power response is not there. This is a dangerous situation.
Power train, Jun 28, 2022
The contact owns a 2017 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the “Service 4WD” message was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the contact was informed that the failure was caused by a faulty Power Transfer Unit (PTU). The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but no assistance was offered. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V343000 (Power Train). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 96,252.
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.
Power train, Jun 15, 2022
On our 2017 Jeep Cherokee all the red lights illuminate on the shifter console making it impossibe to know what gear you are in. The warning 'Service Shifter' appears on the dash/instrument panel. Mechanics have told us that this has become a common issue with this model and other Jeeps and can lead to a shut down of the vehicle and/or further issues with the drivetrain or electronics. It would appear from all the related issues being voiced on the internet and in Jeep forums that it involves defective parts installed at the time of manufacture. We were required to pay $500.00 to replace associated parts by the dealership as our warrranty had just expired. Given the extent of this issue, a recall should be demanded of the company and reimbursment for the cost of repairs.
Power train, Air bags, May 24, 2022
Air bag light came on at 36,500 miles Went off and on several times then stayed on reported to chrysler but out of warranty 66,000 miles 4wheel drive light come on gear shift light come on and off several times took to dealer service department they said PTU UNIT needs replacement 3,000 dollars Called chrysler no help out of warranty
Power train, Electrical system, May 20, 2022
Vehicle keeps having warning light for service shifter violently shift at time and anyone with this model is having the exact same problem
Electrical system, May 13, 2022
The contact owns a 2017 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while driving 45-50 MPH, the vehicle started to decelerate and then shut off completely. The vehicle was towed to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the starter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired however, the check engine warning light and service shifter warning light was illuminated. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.
Vehicle speed control, Forward collision avoidance, May 9, 2022
Vehicle started rapidly accelerating and was unable to turn off cruise control. Dash lights flashed on and off. Had to put the car in neutral and slow to a stop.
Power train, May 9, 2022
Hello, My vehicle is at 77,000 miles and has been intermittently flashing the Service AWD light on the dash. The dealer ran diagnostics and said it needs a new PTU at the cost of about $3000. I see there are open recalls on other 2017 Jeep Cherokees, but not my specific VIN. I have never had a PTU go bad on our prior Jeeps, even ones that were more than twice this mileage. This seems like a part defect...everything else on the vehicle is still in good condition. Please let me know if there is an open investigation on this vehicle type.
Power train, May 9, 2022
My issue is with the PTU on my 2017 Jeep Cherokee. I had barely over 60,000 miles (around 62,000 when this issue happened) and the "SVC 4WD" light was illuminated on my dash board. After doing some research, I saw that many Cherokees, within my same year era, were recalled for this same issue. The issue being that the vehicle could lose all power while being driven and also a failure to engage while the vehicle is placed into park, could mean my vehicle rolling out of park and hitting someone or crashing. This issue is a very known issue with the years 14-17, yet my 2017 doesn't fall under the recall. This is a huge liability and the dealership I went to, did not offer any type of "good will" repair on a situation that I feel really calls for it, especially being only 2,000 over my powertrain warranty. I'm reporting this issue because if other 2017 Jeep Cherokee had this issue prematurely, what separates my vehicle from that, why is my safety placed into jeopardy? I wish Jeep would do the right thing and make sure that the vehicles exhibiting the same issues of the recalled VINS would also get that recall repair, because it's literally the same issue...and it's a part that is faulty and breaking down prematurely. This is my first Jeep I've purchased brand new, I've had two others in my driving career. I thought that by purchasing new, that my vehicle could be backed by Jeep if any known issues occurred and I'd love someone to explain why my 2017 Jeep doesn't fit the criteria to have a dangerous, prematurely faulty part, replaced..when others in the same situation have had it done. Thank you, [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
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.
Power train, Electrical system, Apr 16, 2022
When I started my 2017 Jeep Cherokee Limited this morning, a "service shifter" message appeared on my instrument panel. All the lights that indicate park, reverse, neutral, and drive were illuminated red - all at one time. I turned the car off and restarted it. The message was no longer indicated. However, I scheduled the car for service with my dealer. I wanted to add my voice to the others that have experienced this same issue. The car is not currently under a recall for this issue. But it seems to be a prevalent one for this year and model Jeep.
Electrical system, Apr 4, 2022
I was driving down the road and several lights in the dash popped on. The check engine light and a few others that I was not familiar with. Everything started blinking and it said "service shifter" and "service airbag system ". I put it in park and tried to put it back in drive and it would not go into drive and started rolling backwards. I had to push it into a parking lot and have it towed.
Electrical system, Engine, Mar 27, 2022
The 'service shifter' code keeps showing up. The car shifts and drives fine when it happens but it concerns me because I've read where a few people have had the car accelerate by themselves when this happens.
Wheels, Mar 21, 2022
I was driving on route I79 Southbound. I had just entered I79 southbound via exit 152. I was accelerating to the speed limit of 70mph. There were no vehicles or objects within 1/4 mile of my location. At approximately 68Mph, the tire front passenger side blew out without cause or reason. As I maneuvered the vehicle over to the shoulder, the rear passenger tire blew out. Upon having the vehicle towed to the repair shop at my expense, I saw that the rim on the front passenger tire was completely destroyed. I believe this was was caused by a defect in the front passenger rim. It appears there was something wrong with the rim.
Engine, Mar 9, 2022
The contact owns a 2017 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH across a bridge, several unknown warning lights illuminated and the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The contact was assisted by a Police Officer to move the vehicle into a service station. After restarting the vehicle, the vehicle was driven to a dealer where the warning lights again reappeared. The vehicle received unstated repairs, but remained at the dealer. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 60,000.
Engine, Mar 8, 2022
The engine consumes a large amount of oil. I regularly have to add 1qt/ 800-100 miles. The engine will just stall if the oil level gets too low without any warning. In Alaska this poses an extreme hazard, especially in the winter.
Power train, Back over prevention, Mar 6, 2022
My 2017 Jeep Cherokee started flashing the light service 4Wd the vehicles has always been maintained and this just started about 6 monrhs ago this jeep has had recalls in the past. But now as of today these warnings began after getting back into my jeep. TO COMPLETE NEUTRAL SHIFT PUT TRANS IN NEUTRAL. THAN 4WD NEUTRAL WARNING VEHICLE MAY MOVE EVEN IN PARK and I feel this is putting my life and others in danger
Electrical system, Engine, Mar 6, 2022
The car will shut off unexpectedly while driving. This is extremely dangerous. This is the 6th time in the last 3 years that this has happened.
Suspension, Mar 2, 2022
The front struts and links have had to be replaced at 41,000 miles on a vehicle purported to have upgraded off-road build.