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, Feb 22, 2022
Hello, what I am trying to find out is if the NHTSA has ever got notification or investigated what folks call the Jeep Death Wobble. We just got the Jeep and are looking to flat tow the vehicle behind our Motorhome and folks tell us that Jeep issued a Service Bulletin regarding the death wobble and would require modifications to the electrical system to resolve the problem. Is this an issue that your organization would have investigated and made Jeep/Mopar aware of the Death Wobble Issue. My second question Is that your web site shows that you have over 800 complaints regarding this vehicle and was wondering how I can read some of them. Thanks very much We have not experienced this issue yet but trying to find out more info about the Jeep Death Wobble before we proceed with any repairs etc regarding this issue.
Latches/locks/linkages, Feb 22, 2022
The contact owns a 2017 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that the rear hatch failed to open as needed. The contact had not taken the vehicle to the dealer. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000. On April 19, 2022 the vehicle was taken to the Landmark Dodge Chrysler Jeep at 6850 Mount Zion Blvd, Morrow GA 30260 for software recall update. The customer service rep was asked to check the locked rear liftgate that would not open. He stated it would be $195 just diagnose it. Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram customer service was called prior to the recall appointment and provided no corrective measure. I was advised to ask the dealer when I went in for the software recall update. I cannot access emergency roadside equipment without opening the rear liftgate which makes the vehicle unsafe. I have read several other similar complaints online.
Other or unspecified, Feb 9, 2022
Service shifter light is on but nothing can be found wrong with the car.
Other or unspecified, Feb 9, 2022
The service shifter light came on and the mechanics cannot find any logical reason why but it does not allow me to see what speed I am going when it is on.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Feb 8, 2022
Engine and car was not warming up with remote start. Finally check engine light comes on. Code P0128 thermostat. Repaired 1/28/2021 @ 85762 miles. All antifreeze replaced. $600+ repair. 2/1/2022 same observed failure of engine to warm up during remote starts. 2/6/2022 check engine light comes on with code P0128. Again, thermostat failure. Miles 111,000. This appears to be a repetitive symptom of cherokees 2014+ with 2.4L engines. This can cause serious engine damage.
Engine, Feb 4, 2022
The contact owns a 2017 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle inadvertently stalled without warning. The vehicle was not taken to a local dealer to be diagnosed. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 63,000.
Engine, Jan 27, 2022
Heater hose broke while on the freeway causing all of the antifreeze to leak out and car to overheat with no warnings signs. Car started shaking and I pulled over and it shut off. Turns out the heater hose is made with two tubes connected toghether and the hose broke where the connect.
Electrical system, Jan 25, 2022
SERVICE SHIFTER, SERVICE 4WD, SHIFTER GETS PUT INTO GEAR IN ANY WEATHER UNDER 32 DEGREES F AND THE SHIFTER WILL NOT SHIFT INTO A PARTICULAR GEAR. ALL LIGHTS ON THE SHIFTER WILL LIGHT UP. THE CAR WILL FREE REV. IF YOU LEAVE THE CAR RUNNING FOR 15 TO 30 MINUTES. THE ENGINE/TRANS/SERVOS WARM UP, AND THE CAR IS NOW ABLE TO SHIFT INTO GEAR. THIS ISSUE ONLY HAPPENS IN COLD WEATHER. WE HAVE LOST ALL CONVIDENCE IN DRIVING OUR CAR IN THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST. WE'VE BROUGHT THE CAR TO JEEP, THEY REPLACED PARTS, REPLACED SHIFTER WIRING, ITS BEEN BACK TO JEEP DEALER 3 TIMES. THEY CANNOT FIX THE ISSUE. THERE SHOULD BE A ELECTRICAL SHIFTER OR WIRING HARNESS RECALL OF SOME KIND.
Electrical system, Service brakes, Forward collision avoidance, Jan 25, 2022
the electronic emergency brake engaged on its own. The car would not move and there was nothing I could do to get it out of park.
Other or unspecified, Jan 22, 2022
Message came up saying Service Shifter and all lights on shifter turned red. Happened several times. Made appointment to have it checked. Was told I needed new shifter and the part would take 7 to 10 days (took 10) and that I should not drive it as it could lock up in gear. After researching on line it appears this is a problem for many people and does not appear to be a recall item with so many complaints. It has been repaired costing nearly $1,000. I think this should be reviewed with so many others having the same problem.
Electrical system, Jan 21, 2022
Vehicle shifter service light keeps coming on causing vehicle to light up all of its shifter lights at the same time keeping it from engaging into gear any gear had to turn off and on for it to work
Power train, Jan 18, 2022, crash
The contact owns a 2017 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 MPH, he noticed that the temperature gauge was increasing and then it decreased. An engine heater warning was displayed as the engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the brake pedal was depressed but the vehicle failed to stop as all motive power was lost. The vehicle rolled to a stop crashing into debris on the side of the roadway. The contact stated that there was no body damage to the vehicle. The contact stated that AAA was contacted and stated that they would contact the police however, the police did not show up. The vehicle was towed by AAA to the contact's residence. The contact stated that the AAA driver informed him of a recall that was related to the failure and the vehicle's PTU. The contact stated that the dealer was contacted to verify if the vehicle was included in a recall. The dealer informed the contact that the VIN was not included in a recall. The failure has not been diagnosed or repaired. The contact was relating the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V343000 (Power Train). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 75,000.
Other or unspecified, Jan 14, 2022
While driving down the street, my vehicle has started to automatically shift into neutral and the warning message, "must brake before shifting into gear" appears on my dash. I have to coast over to the side of the road in neutral, shift into park and turn my vehicle off before trying to restart. This has happened 4 or 5 times while I am actually driving down the road. When it is appearing to drive "normal" it has a warning message of "gear shift error" on the dash. So I paid a local mechanic to replace the entire gear shift component and my vehicle switched into neutral while I was driving again the next day. I am so nervous I will get into a wreck from this continuing to happen while driving my toddler around. I have not driven it since this happened right after picking it up from the shop. I then found a website listing a recall for my same year and make/model describing exactly what is currently happening with my vehicle. I called a local Jeep dealership about the recall and they told me since there was not a recall attached to my VIN number, they could not honor the recall. I am reporting this to you now to try and get my vehicle acknowledged and repaired under the recall. Here is the website where I found the recall: https://www.carscoops.com/2020/06/2014-2017-jeep-cherokee-recalled-over-serious-transmission-issues/
Steering, Electrical system, Jan 13, 2022
While driving at approximately 50 mph, the vehicles steering wheel locked, all lights on the dash came on and the car shut completely off. My daughter was able to slowly pump the breaks to stop because there was no traffic but had there been she could have been in a serious accident since the car completely shut down. This is a huge safety concern.
Power train, Jan 11, 2022
The contact owns a 2017 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the transmission would stall and rev loudly upon the depression of the accelerator pedal without warning. The contact had taken the vehicle to a dealer where a software update was performed on the vehicle; however, upon returning home from the dealer, the failure returned without warning. After multiple start-ups, the contact was able to drive the vehicle home. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was filed. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 55,000.
Other or unspecified, Jan 5, 2022
Service shifter message. Shifter lites turn all red. Screen on dash won't change when message is on.
Electrical system, Jan 1, 2022
When I turned the car off, the lights on the dashboard and ceiling stayed longer than the appropriate time. I went back to check and the dashboard went off but the ceiling stayed on. Next both lights were off but the dashboard came back on when I shut the door. It also randomly messages that the license plate light is out but works fine.
Other or unspecified, Dec 17, 2021
The gear shifter bezel and wiring all malfunctioned while I was driving. After reading up on the issues seems like this is a very common problem for jeeps. All lights on the shifter were lit up and I was unsure as to what gear I was in. This can be a major issue for any driver and should be recalled nationwide for fixing.
Power train, Dec 16, 2021
Car needs a whole new PTU Input Spline system. It has worn down. Is a known issue in other sales models.
Other or unspecified, Dec 14, 2021
As I am driving, the "service shifter" comes on and every gear on my vehicle lights up.
Power train, Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Dec 9, 2021
I bought a 2017 Jeep Cherokee latitude two weeks ago by the time I drove it home the service shifter light came on. I bought this car and it was certified free of defects this has happened a half a dozen times now I called the dealer and told them about it and I saw what the fix was online. The fixe is to put in a new shifter bezel and a new wiring harness. The dealer refuses to do this and the vehicle is certified what can I do?
Engine, Dec 8, 2021
When stopping to turn the engine cut out while we were attempting to turn left. The car then alerted us to put the car into neutral to start ( Shift To Park Or Neutral Press Break + Select Gear.) We attempted to do as much in the middle of the intersection we were stuck in, posing a safety risk since we were in the middle of a left hand turn with on coming traffic. The lights, radio and dash were working at this point. We put the car into neutral and pushed it safely out of intersection and attempted to restart the engine, at this point the engine wouldn't turn over and there were no alerts. I called AAA for assistance. The service man who came out jumped my battery and got the car started. He informed me he gets many calls about Jeep Cherokees doing this and if a jump doesn't work he ends up towing the vehicle. I was able to drive the Jeep Cherokee back home since I didn't live too far away but as soon as I turned off my vehicle and tried to restart it the engine refused to turn over again and I got a check engine light. I attempted to start the Jeep Cherokee the next morning and was given a change oil soon message but nothing else, the engine wouldn't turn over, I called AAA for a tow to the mechanic. The next day the mechanic called me letting me know the car started right up for him and he changed my oil. He then ran diagnostics to see if anything came up. Nothing did, he also test drove it three times and started it six times to make sure it was running and told me that everything seemed OK but he read online that low oil levels will make Cherokee engines abruptly stop working. He advised me to check my oil before starting my car every time and report the issues here.
Electrical system, Nov 29, 2021
Service Shifter Light on at 50,000 miles
Power train, Nov 16, 2021
Vehicle would not shift into drive after backing out of driveway. Had to stop after rolling down hill and shift to park, then back to drive again to get the vehicle in gear. Service shifter light was repaired at the dealership 6 or 7 months ago. That problem has returned as well.
Other or unspecified, Nov 15, 2021
Service Shifter at approx. 27000 - all my gear lights red and the screen was locked to Service Shifter