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, Other or unspecified, Feb 12, 2026
Car has been broken down since May 2025. My car started jerking forcefully with my child in the car. Brought it in to be assessed. They could not figure it out. After two more times bringing it back in due to the jerking worsening, the car completely broke down in the middle of the road. Apparently recall has been active since January 2025. I was never notified that there even was a safety recall on my vehicle. Vehicle still does not have a recall remedy and I have been carless for 10 months. Not drivable. Has been sitting for a long time. Very frustrating and upsetting. Need my vehicle back. Have been making car payments on a car I don’t even have. Want reimbursement/ my car back.
Power train, Feb 10, 2026
The contact owns a 2017 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the 4WD warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the vehicle was purchased, and the contact was advised to take the vehicle to the dealer. The dealer was made aware of the failure; however, the contact was informed that parts were not available to repair the vehicle. An alternate dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that parts were not available. The dealers advised the contact not to drive because the vehicle was unsafe to drive due to the unrepaired recall. The contact was informed of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V011000 (Power Train); however, parts were not available for the recall repair. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.
Power train, Feb 4, 2026
PTU failure occurred in May of 2025. This was verified by the Jeep dealer. Vehicle rolled downhill into traffic and towards a residential home upon attempting to stop at stop sign with PTU failure occurred. There were no warnings prior to this. Vehicle is still unusable 9 months later and Jeep will not provide a a timeline for PTU replacement.
Power train, Feb 3, 2026
Gear shift dash error. Getting all led lights let on my shift gear led indication. Car will run jumping or jerking movement. Then experiencing power loss when acceleration.
Power train, Feb 1, 2026
The component that failed is the PTU: part #68307402AJ. The part is still on my vehicle as the dealerships have no available replacement parts at this time. The dealer has diagnosed that the part needs replacement. The safety of continuing to drive this vehicle with the defective part is unknown. The dealer will not confirm or deny if it is safe to continue to drive the vehicle. The part is on back order with no ETA. Another vehicle with this same issue at the same dealership has currently been waiting 5 months for the part. The 4WD Service light is on at all times. Also a message displays at startup which says: "4WD System Service Required".
Power train, Jan 30, 2026
The contact owns a 2017 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while his wife was driving approximately 50 MPH, the vehicle went into an unknown mode and made abnormal sounds. The driver pulled over to the side of the road. The driver attempted to park the vehicle, but the gear shifter failed to move to park(P). The driver then turned off the vehicle and was able to shift to park(P). The vehicle was then driven to the residence. The vehicle was parked and had not been driven since the failure. The dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V011000 (Power Train); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and provided vehicle assistance for approximately a year; however, the manufacturer had recently informed the contact that vehicle rental assistance would be discontinued because NHTSA had not deemed the vehicle unsafe to drive. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.
Power train, Jan 30, 2026
The contact owns a 2017 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the message "Service 4WD" was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who diagnosed that the PTU failed to operate as designed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V011000 (POWER TRAIN). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 128,000.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Jan 29, 2026
Shifter module problems.. the car jerks hard between shifts. The car reversing on it own and wont stop. Warning light in dash "service shifter soon"
Power train, Jan 28, 2026
Had the PTU recall serviced in 2023. This week the bolts from my ptu case to the transmission sheared off. The dealership wants $2200.00 to fix it saying the recall has nothing to with the bolts shearing off. They had to remove and replace the ptu case to do the recall. They either over torqued or cross threaded the bolts. Having to get a lawyer.
Power train, Jan 22, 2026
The vehicle started to not respond when I was pressing the gas pedal. It continued to not respond. I had to pull over and do multiple restarts. It has had issues with acceleration in the past but not tomthis extent. The recall has been over a year and no one will helpmat the dealership
Power train, Other or unspecified, Engine, Jan 15, 2026
Tacoma Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram at address: 4101 S Tacoma Way, Tacoma WA 98409 The service provider (Andrew) has said his boss is telling him to have the vehicle moved and putting the responsibility on us at our own expense. We opened a case US Customer Care recall department case #[XXX] is pressuring us to move our 2017 Jeep at our own expense. It is inoperable and will not drive due to a safety recall that has been open for over 1 year without a remedy. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Other or unspecified, Jan 15, 2026
The issue involved a malfunction of the two-speed Power Transfer Unit, which is available for inspection upon request. This malfunction created a serious safety risk, as it could have caused me to crash or resulted in another vehicle crashing into me. The problem was confirmed by an auto machanic that came to my home to inspect the vehicle because I was unable to drive it to get it inspected. Before the failure, a warning message appeared on the dashboard while I was driving that read “Service 4WD.” The alert came on briefly and then turned off. This happened in February of 2025. I was told that the part would be available on December 18th, then it changed to January 8th, and there is still no notice of when I can schedule to have my vehicle fixed.
Power train, Jan 13, 2026
The contact owns a 2017 Jeep Cherokee. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V011000 (Power Train); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted, and the dealer stated that the remedy was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.
Power train, Jan 13, 2026
The contact owns a 2017 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal whining sound coming from the rear of the vehicle. The service shifter warning light was illuminated. In addition, the contact stated that when the gear shifter was shifted into park, the vehicle rolled backwards. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with PTU failure. The contact was informed that the PTU needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was made aware of the failure; however, the contact was informed that the parts were not yet available. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V011000 (Power Train); however, parts were not yet available. The contact stated that parts had not been available for almost a year. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.
Power train, Engine, Vehicle speed control, Jan 13, 2026
The contact owns a 2017 Jeep Cherokee. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V011000 (POWER TRAIN); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that the part was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. While the contact’s daughter was driving and approaching a stop light, the vehicle continued to drive forward while the brake pedal was depressed. Later, while driving the vehicle experienced reduced power with the check engine warning light and the ETC warning light illuminated. The vehicle was inspected by an independent mechanic who determined that the PTU was faulty and needed to be replaced. The failure mileage was 171,000.
Power train, Jan 13, 2026
Vehicle lost power in the middle of a busy road, in the midst of a turn, with my child in the car. Vehicle was towed to Jeep dealership and diagnostics were performed. It was determined that the PTU failed. No error was transmitted prior to failure and it happened without warning.
Other or unspecified, Jan 9, 2026
We continuously receive dashboard messaging related to this defect to replace the PTU. All lights illuminate near the shift knob, too. I'm scared I will lose motive power and cause a crash without warning or lose park function to cause injury. I received the Recall Letter a year ago in January 2025. I have checked with the dealer who sold us the Jeep and they say there isn't a fix for this. I understand that Stellantis might not have an approved fix, but is there another way this recall can be repaired? The messaging is becoming more and more frequent. It seems that the input shaft snap ring needs to be fully seated to stop uncontrolled movement of the input shaft inward. Not fixing this soon will continue to damage the range shift sleeve, or create more spline damage or range fork damage. The Drivetrain Control Module DTCM needs to be reprogrammed with new software to detect and monitor wear in the PTU. With the messaging I'm getting, I need to know, too, that the Warranty Extension terms are unlimited years/unlimited mileage per the recall notice from January 2025. I feel so unsafe driving my car and will not have my mom, kids, grandkids, husband, or other passengers with me for their own safety. Help, please!
Power train, Jan 6, 2026
The service 4WD msg. related to Manufacturer Recall Number01C / NHTSA Recall number25V-011 has been illuminating in my 2017 Jeep Cherokee for almost a year and the mfg. has known this challenge for several years. Every time I go to any dealerships & share with them the msg. & situation i.e. the softwear remedy posted the dealership says this is really not in effect & nothing happens to make the vehicle trust worthy & safe to operate. The precise recall was posted with NHTSA Jan. 2025 last year. I am forced to seek other means of transportation since I am fearful of the vehicle failing & causing an accident or incident. How long can they drag this out? When does the Lemon law take effect?
Power train, Dec 25, 2025
I am writing regarding a defective transfer case on my 2017 Jeep Cherokee. I took my car in to Firestone as I was having issues with my Heater not blowing hot air and my check engine coming on and off. I have attached a copy of Firestone's estimate of repair. Firestone informed me that my VIN was not part of the recall. Although my vehicle's VIN is not currently included in the existing recall, I am experiencing the same failure that has been widely reported and documented for this model and model year. My Jeep is only eight years old, and a transfer case should not fall under normal use at this age. This issue is a known and recurring problem with 2017 Jeep Cherokees, and the failure of such a major drivetrain component raises serious concerns about the reliability and safety of the vehicle. Given that this defect is well know and consistent with issues cover under the recall, I am requesting that my VIN be reviewed and considered for inclusion. I also ask that Jeep provide assistance or goodwill coverage for the repair, as this failure is not consistent with reasonable expectations for durability. I have been a loyal Jeep owner and chose this vehicle based on its reputation. I hope Jeep will stand behind its product and address this issue fairly. Please let me know what additional information or documentation you may need from me to move this review forward. I look forward to you response.
Power train, Dec 22, 2025
This is clarification and additional information to a previous complaint filed: 11706675. The vehicle was experiencing grinding during hard turns shortly after i purchased it off the dealership lot in 2017. I didn’t know why, I thought I should practiced not making hard turns and thats what I did. Years later, around 2021 or 2022, I needed the first service on my vehicle, outside of regular maintenance (coolant hose piece replacement) and the mechanic mentioned the grinding during test drive while turning. I told him it always did that and that was the extent of that. He said nothing else and I didn’t know any better. Tjat shop has since closed down and I’ve been going to another mechanic since then. Most recently, December 2025, the vehicle started shutting off while driving. Im going to get my regular mechanic to inspect the PTU.
Power train, Dec 22, 2025
The vehicle is experiencing a malfunction of the Power Transfer Unit (PTU), which is part of the drivetrain / power train system. The vehicle is currently available for inspection upon request. The vehicle loses power during driving and produces grinding noises when making hard turns, which creates a risk of loss of propulsion while in motion, increasing the risk of a crash. The vehicle has stopped, loss of power while driving, at lights, and while waiting in traffic to make turns. The problem has been experienced multiple times during normal driving conditions. Formal dealer confirmation is pending / not yet completed. An appointment was made at Jeep dealership for software update (free) and a charge of $240 per hour for a diagnostic test to see what is causing the vehicle to suddenly stop. Not affordable for me at this time. I also went to my regular mechanic, whom is stating no issues detected, he can’t find an issue with the vehicle. I haven’t mentioned the PTU recall issue with this make and model vehicle to my mechanic but i will be taking it back to them and mentioning the recall for the make and model for 2017 Jeep for his inspection of my vehicle. Symptoms occurred without prior warning lights and included drivetrain-related behavior consistent with PTU failure. The vehicle experienced loss of power and grinding noises during hard turning without prior warning lights or messages. Exact mileage at first occurrence is UNKNOWN. The symptoms first appeared at approximately December 7, 2025, and has continued 3 more times since. Similar PTU failures are documented in multiple recalls affecting the same vehicle model and model year range, though this VIN is not currently included.
Power train, Dec 19, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Jeep Cherokee. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V011000 (Power Train); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while parking, the transmission was shifted into park(P), but the vehicle continued to move. The 4WD, Service ABS, Service Parking Brake, and Service Shifter warning lights were illuminated. The contact attempted to turn off the vehicle, but the key fob was stuck in the ignition, in the ON position. The contact unhooked the battery to turn off the vehicle. The dealer was made aware of the failure and related the failure to the recall. The contact was informed that parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to stop driving the vehicle until the remedy was completed. The failure mileage was approximately 103,000.
Other or unspecified, Dec 18, 2025
Transfer case going out. The warning light comes on when driving.
Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Engine, Dec 17, 2025
on 11/1/25 we were driving our Jeep and it malfunctioned while at a stop light. We heard a loud "clunk" and the car would barely go and if we tried to put in park, it would continue to roll. We were on top of a hill so thankfully we didnt roll back or into traffic. We could not drive the car and had to have it towed since it was not safe to drive. Our Jeep is at an authorized Jeep dealer since 11/3/25 and we were told the issue was a power transfer unit that would be covered on the recall but the part was on backorder until 12/2. Jeep would only cover $50/day for a car rental, so we had to rely on borrowing cars from others. Once 12/2 came, we reached out to the dealership and they said the part ship date was moved to 12/18! This is not a timely manner. We have made at least 3 calls to Jeep over the past week, and they keep telling us since 12/10/25 that they will let us know in 2 days...2 days pass and they transfer our case. Another two days pass and still no call from them so I called them back and they have yet to call me. We had our Jeep in the week of 11/17 or 11/24 for inspection and it passed. We noticed some lagging when we were going up hills in the 1-2 rpm range but mechanic did not notice it. Between the inspection and when it finally broke down, no lights came on and there were no warning messages. Not until the car broke down on 11/1.
Power train, Engine, Dec 17, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that upon starting and driving the vehicle, the 4WD and engine warning lights were illuminated. While driving at 45 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and shut off. There was an abnormal grinding sound coming from the vehicle while turning. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V011000 (Power Train). The vehicle was taken to the local dealer several times, but the dealer was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact reached out to Chapman Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram Scottsdale (3800 N 89th St, Scottsdale, AZ 85251); but no assistance was provided. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that the check engine warning light illuminated was due to an issue with the PTU. The manufacturer was contacted and offered a possible rental. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.