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, Engine, Apr 17, 2026
PER DIAGNOSTICS, PTU HAS BEEN COMPROMISED. I was driving on the highway and the car started to shake and make a loud, grinding noise and seemed to be stuck in gear. When I stopped it wouldn't go into park or go into drive.
Power train, Apr 16, 2026
The contact owns a 2017 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the "Service 4WD" warning light illuminated. The 4WD failed to engage as intended, and the vehicle remained in 2WD. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed with a power transfer unit (PTU) drivetrain failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 132,600.
Power train, Apr 11, 2026
1. Svc 4wd sys intermittent. 2. Code C14A7-97 shows. 3. Loss of power.
Power train, Electrical system, Apr 8, 2026
Service 4WD drive light is on due to rear PTU failure or issue. Signaled by code: C14A7-97 Has been confirmed by Jeep dealership upon inspection. Had inspected by 2 private auto shops confirming same issue. Light came on after driving a few minutes to now being on when car is starting. According to mechanics, this indicates PTU failure of some sort. PTU has not been fully inspected only some outside electrical testing confirming that was the root of the issue.
Power train, Apr 8, 2026
Started getting " service 4WD system" message at @ 84k miles. Took to Jeep dealer. Code C14A7-97 Internal transfer case failure. Was quoted $3627 for new transfer case and part not available. A car with low overall mileage should not be experiencing these kind of issues. Seems to me that this is a manufacturer problem.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Apr 6, 2026
Car shifts out of gear and when trying to accelerate the car won’t go any faster. Feels like it slips out of gear. Happened out of the blue, NO check engine light and no warning
Other or unspecified, Apr 2, 2026
My car has randomly loss power and shut off and the SVD 4x4 light has came on.
Power train, Apr 1, 2026
The contact owns a 2017 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 MPH, the message "Service 4WD" was displayed. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the PTU had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V011000 (Power Train). The contact was informed by the manufacturer that the VIN was associated with the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 125,000.
Power train, Mar 30, 2026
March 2026: The 2017 Jeep Cherokee Warning light appeared on the dashboard "SVC4WD" Safety issue with the four wheel drive system. A mechanics diagnosis code was determined stating a PTU failure. To resolve the warning light issue is to flush the oil from the PTU assembly and/or replace the PTU assembly. The complaint that is being filed is Chrysler has issued 3 recall on this matter with their 2017-2019 Jeep Cherokee's and my vehicle is going thru the same kind of issue. The recall 25V-011 / 01C PTU failure. I would like to understand why my vehicle is not included in this recall 25V-011. The repair cost is going to cause financial hardship. I'm hoping I can find the why to be included in the 25v-011 recall.
Electrical system, Mar 29, 2026
When driving a message popped up to "Service Shifter" and all the red lights turned on the shifter. I was unable to switch out of thus screen to bring the digital odometer back up like when other service message appear. When I was able to pull over and turn off the car and wait and turn it back on again the message and lights appeared again. I was able to get my car into the dealership that day to be looked at. The called later and said it would be $1700 to repair. From talking with the dealership and my own Google searches this is a very well known problem. If this is a very well known problem by Jeep why is this not being recalled? It seems that they are just profiting from this issue instead of making it right.
Power train, Mar 25, 2026
The contact owned a 2017 Jeep Cherokee. While driving at 65 MPH, the vehicle lost automotive power. The message to shift into the intended gear was displayed even though the vehicle was already in gear. The contact was able to restart the vehicle, but the issue recurred several days later. The vehicle was driven to a dealer, where it was diagnosed, and the failure was associated with NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V011000 (Power Train); but the VIN was not included in the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 91,463.
Other or unspecified, Mar 24, 2026
The service 4WD light is on in this vehicle. Upon taking it to my personal mechanic to fix the issue, it was determined that the code was associated with a recall. This recall did not include my VIN number but is a safety recall on other vehicles. When calling Jeep/Chrysler to determine my next steps, i was advised to bring the vehicle to a dealer as they could not accept anything from my personal mechanic. My vehicle was dropped off at a dealer who then reached out and wanted to charge me $350 just plug the vehicle in for the code. Upon calling again, I was advised that I would have to incur the entire cost to have the issue fixed and if it was determined that my vehicle would be included in the recall at a later date i could submit receipts and be reimbursed. The code is PTU failure related and could cause possible loss of power to the wheels. This is a major safety concern as well as a huge expense to fix. The vehicle is available at any time for inspection. Please advise what my next steps and if I can be offered goodwill assistance as I do not want to incur a $2000 - $4000 expense for a known recall based on identical failure.
Power train, Mar 19, 2026
About 2 years ago my shifter started coming on like it was all lit up and I got a code saying to service shifter, So I took it in to have it fixed it was on recall. Then in 2024 my service 4WD light came on it was going on and off on and off--When I took it to the dealership they could not get it to come on or replicate it. I was told it could be just a sensor--Then my 4WD light came on and stayed on--I started losing power while driving and it scared me because I travel the highway a lot for work--It would also begin vibrating, I took it back in and of course they could not get it to replicate. Then the Recall for the PTU came out and my Jeep Cherokee had all the symptoms as a bad PTU--I took it in to the dealership and they ran the test and yes my PTU was bad--they contacted Jeep and was told that my Jeep's VIN was not on the recall and they argued saying it was in fact due to a faulty PTU--I have been in dispute with Jeep since then--I recently received a notice that they are closing my case but if I took my jeep in for diagnostic testing they would reopen my case so I paid another $190 to have it diagnosed and once again it is a faulty PTU--The Service Manager at the dealership said he would go to bat for me and stand with me on this--He said hands down my Jeep should be on the recall list and that there are 100's of Jeep Cherokees just in our area that should be included and that this recall should not be by VIN number but should be by model and year. This is very difficult for me because I do not have the $3500 to fix the PTU I recently became a widow and have 3 kids; but I have always taken care of my Jeep --Oil changes, tires, regular wear and tear I take care of it. I am really disappointed that as much as I paid for my car and put love and sweat into it that this recall does not cover my jeep and a lot more others who may be sitting in the same situation I am in
Power train, Mar 19, 2026
while driving the 2017 Jeep Cherokee the 4WD warning light came on. I believe this error references a faulty Power Train Unit (PTU?). This issue may cause the transmission-differential to disengage and potentially cause the vehicle to crash or cause injury to driver or others. my local mechanic stated there is a recall for this issue and said it needed to be repaired by the dealer.
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Mar 17, 2026
My Jeep has been cutting off while driving for the past several months. I've taken it to be serviced several times and everything, from the alternator, engine, fuel pump, battery, etc. are all fine. But the vehicle will cut of while driving or while idling at the traffic light. This is a MAJOR safety hazard. Not only for myself and the occupants of the vehicle but other drivers on the road as well. This could cause serious injury of even death. I have found dozens of reports of the same issues online, and none have identified an issue or recall but this has to be a manufacturer defect. No one should have to drive a car that checks out as "safe" but it an accident waiting to happen, either on the freeway or main roads.
Other or unspecified, Mar 15, 2026
Component: Power Transfer Unit (PTU) [XXX] , but my VIN is not included. The power transfer unit has failed. This appears to be a manufacturing defect identical to those listed under the recall. I am requesting immediate inclusion and repair under the recall provisions. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Forward collision avoidance, Mar 10, 2026
Daughter was driving the car when she approached a stop sign the electronic emergency brake engaged while the vehicle was still moving. This caused the vehicle to stop suddenly. She had to manipulate the electronic switch several times to disengage the brake to get the vehicle to move. Luckily this was in a rural town with little traffic.
Power train, Mar 9, 2026
2017 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk 80,758 miles - I began to accelerate from a stop light and heard a large clunk. Proceeded to pull over after a complete loss of power. Once away from traffic, Jeep would not be put into 'park' without hearing and feeling the grinding of gears through the shifter handle. I had to shut the car off prior to being able to place Jeep into 'park', and even then the car was able to roll. The only way to fully have the vehicle in 'park' is by using the emergency brake. Without a doubt this related to the PTU recall that so many Jeep Cherokees have been having. From what I can find from MOPAR, the vehicle had the necessary recall done to "fix" the software back in 2020, but the problem still arose. Had to tow the vehicle back 200 miles using a Uhaul and trailer in order to get home. I have very little hope that not only will it be unable to get fixed due to the inability to get parts that so many people are having, but also the fact that Jeep themselves have and will deny so many claims without proper investigation. Currently the vehicle is parked at the Jeep, Ram, Chrysler dealer in West Bend, WI waiting on inspection to truly diagnose the issue.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Engine, Mar 8, 2026
My car suddenly started making a loud noise while driving and one day , I was driving to work and my car started to lose power it won’t accelerate even thoe I was trying to accelerate my car was slowing the speed down and I had to return to my house with emergency lights because my car won’t accelerate . The next day I took my car to a collision center and they changed some of the old car parts . I’m trying to submit a reimbursement for this recall but the website won’t let me submit the form along with the invoice I attached to the reimbursement request .
Power train, Mar 6, 2026
The contact owns a 2017 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while at a complete stop, the vehicle failed to respond while depressing the accelerator pedal. There were several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact placed the vehicle in park(P), and the vehicle rolled backwards. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed to a local dealer and the PTU (Power Transfer Unit) was replaced under warranty. Approximately a year later, while driving 55 MPH, there was an abnormal clunking and grinding sound coming from the vehicle with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle failed to move while depressing the accelerator pedal, and the vehicle was placed in 4WD Low and slowly driven to the dealer. The vehicle was diagnosed with a defective PTU, but the part was on backorder. The contact then received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V011000 (Power Train). The contact was informed that a test would be performed with new software to detect and monitor for excessive wear within the PTU. The test showed that there was no excessive wear within the PTU and that the PTU would not be replaced under recall. The contact stated that the PTU was being reprogrammed and test-driven to ensure that the vehicle was safe to operate. The contact stated that the recall repair was insufficient to repair the vehicle, and the contact feared that the failure would return. The contact stated that the vehicle remained with the dealer for over a year due to the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and was provided a case number. The vehicle was repaired but remained in the possession of the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.
Power train, Mar 3, 2026
I own a 2017 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk (VIN: [insert VIN here]) affected by NHTSA Recall #25V-011 (FCA #01C) for PTU failure due to an improperly seated snap ring, causing spline wear and loss of drive power. This is a safety defect risking sudden power loss while driving. The vehicle failed suddenly in July 2024 after a car wash: grinding noise, loss of power, unable to shift into park. It drove perfectly prior—no transmission issues, smooth shifts. Diagnosed as failed PTU at Jeff Wyler Springfield Auto Mall (Springfield, OH). They confirmed recall but parts unavailable, so it’s sat undrivable for over a year, delaying repair. Parts became available ~Feb 2026. Dealer now denies free PTU replacement, claiming vehicle must be drivable for recall remedy (despite defect causing undrivability). They push out-of-pocket transmission replacement (~$4K-$6K), saying PTU failure “may have damaged” trans, but won’t confirm coverage as consequential under warranty extension #XJ1/XX1 (unlimited miles for spline wear linking PTU/trans). No documentation provided: No DTCs, inspection reports, photos of splines, or STAR Case details (called “proprietary”). They asked for trans approval without evidence, then backtracked as “miscommunication.” This delays safety fix, risks further defects, and seems like upsell tactic. Stellantis/Jeep customer care (1-800-853-1403) overrides not helping. This non-compliance endangers owners—please investigate FCA and dealer for recall evasion and improper handling. I’ve emailed Stellantis multiple times (rejected when including VIN), filed Ohio AG complaint. Impact: Vehicle unusable 1+ year, safety risk if driven or parked. Urge enforcement for free PTU/trans repair.
Power train, Feb 25, 2026
I have not had any issues with my 2017 Jeep Trailhawk that I have owned for 6 years. A couple of days ago I was exiting off the highway and felt a loud thump and lost all power, luckily I wasn't hit and was able to maneuver over around traffic to the shoulder. No warning lights have came on. Jeep will not drive, and cannot put in park. I had to have it towed home. I cannot find a dealership to help as they have told me there is a recall on the PTU units that were never fixed and they don't know when they could get me a transmission. I have looked up my VIN and mine is not showing a recall, but I am having the same issue with that the 2017-2019 jeep recalls are having. Is there anything I can get done?
Power train, Feb 17, 2026
The contact owns a 2017 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that after stopping at a stop sign, the vehicle failed to accelerate as needed. There was an abnormal grinding sound coming from the vehicle. The vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal, and the engine seized. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact was able to coast to the side of the road. The vehicle was slowly driven to a parking lot and then towed to the residence. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with PTU failure. The contact previously received information from the manufacturer of an Extended Warranty on the vehicle. The dealer informed the contact that since a diagnostic test had not produced two specific fault codes, the vehicle could not be repaired under the Extended Warranty. The vehicle remained with the dealer unrepaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V011000 (Power Train). However, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Feb 16, 2026
I have had several different warning lights come on. 1. 4WD System Unavailable Service Required 2. 4WD Overheated Temporarily Unavailable 3. Stop/Start Not Ready Engine Temperature Too Low Received several codes showing faulty equipment. C140B-4B Transfer Case Motor Overheating-Drawing Excessive Amperage 11-13 Amps. Rear Differential has faulty pump Excessive end play at L/side axle Jeep will need a RR Differential and Transfer Case Assy I have taken vehicle to two different mechanics checking out the problems and potential repairs. It has taken a period of time to get to this point as I had the car looked at and the service light came on very intermittently and I did not drive the car much as I was unemployed during the summer. Since going back to work and using the car daily, my commute is only 1.3 miles, the light has started coming on more bringing me back to have vehicle diagnosed. At one point during this period of time, I also had to replace the oil cooler making me change the oil just after an oil change. Also, had to change the antifreeze. There are several recalls for similar problems, and I believe this is a jeep issue which should be repaired by a jeep dealer. I have serviced this vehicle and followed jeep guidelines for jeep service throughout vehicles life span. Jeep has so many different recalls and seem to minimize the outcome of affected vehicles. I am requesting jeep service for these problems that should not occur with a properly served vehicle. Thank You
Other or unspecified, Feb 16, 2026
To Whom It May Concern, I am filing a safety complaint regarding my 2017 Jeep that is currently under recall for the Power Transfer Unit (PTU). I experienced a very frightening situation while driving in traffic when my vehicle would not properly stay in place, and I had to keep firm pressure on the brake to prevent it from rolling back into traffic. If I had not reacted quickly, this could have resulted in a serious accident or injuries. I have been informed that this issue is related to a serious recall involving the PTU, which can cause loss of power and rollaway risk. However, I have been told that there are no parts available yet and no timeline for when the repair will be completed. I am extremely concerned about continuing to drive a vehicle with a known safety defect. This is my third Jeep, and I recently paid this vehicle off. I depend on it daily for my job, to get my little girl to school. I am very thankful that this situation was not worse, but it easily could have been. I should not have to worry about my vehicle rolling into traffic due to a known recall issue. I have contacted Jeep recall representatives regarding this matter and was informed that no loaner vehicle would be provided and that if I needed alternate transportation, I would have to pay out of pocket. I do not believe it is reasonable for consumers to bear additional financial burden when the vehicle has a known safety defect under recall. I respectfully request that this matter be investigated and that action be taken to ensure repairs are made available as soon as possible to protect myself and other drivers on the road. Sincerely, Whitney Phillips