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.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Jun 21, 2017
I WAS STOPPED AT THE RED LIGHT, MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE AND VEHICLE GEAR IN D, I FELT MY VEHICLE IS REVERSING (MOVING BACKWARDS), I THOUGHT MY VEHICLE GEAR WAS IN R AND FOOT ON GAS PADEL BUT THAT WAS NOT THE CASE, I DOUBLE CHECKED TO MAKE SURE THE VEHICLE GEAR WAS IN D AND FOOT ON THE BRAKE PEDAL, I PUT MY VEHICLE IN PARK (P) TO MAKE SURE IT STOPS AND THEN WHEN LIGHT TURNED GREEN, I PUT IT IN DRIVE (D) AND STARTED DRIVING. IN ALL THAT BIZZARENESS, I FELT I MISSED A GREEN LIGHT AS WELL. I THOUGHT MAY BE THE VEHICLE BESIDES ME STARTED DRIVING AND IT WAS MY VISION WHICH MADE ME THINK THAT MY VEHICLE MOVED BACKWARDS BUT I AM A LONG TIME DRIVER AND SOMETHING LIKE THAT NEVER HAPPENED WITH ME BEFORE. I WAS COMPLETELY SHAKEN UP, THINKING THAT LUCKILY NO VEHICLE WAS BEHIND ME DURING ALL THAT TIME. I ALSO NOTICED THAT MY VEHICLE WAS AT LEAST ONE VEHICLE SPACE BEHIND THE STOPPAGE LINE WHEN I STARTED DRIVING AGAIN. THIS STRENGTHENED MY BELIEF THAT MY VEHICLE MOVED BACKWARDS.
Other or unspecified, Jun 18, 2017
SUDDEN SHATTERED SUNROOF
Power train, Jun 12, 2017
THIS VEHICLE OFTEN HAS A SIGNIFICANT DELAY WHEN SHIFTING FROM REVERSE TO DRIVE. IT JUST SITS THERE WITHOUT REVVING OR STALLING DESPITE DEPRESSING THE ACCELERATOR. AFTER 1-3 SECONDS THE JEEP WILL "ROCKET" FORWARD. IT WILL SOMETIMES DO THIS AGAIN IMMEDIATELY AFTER TAKING OFF. IN ADDITION TO THIS SLOWING DOWN TO TURN A CORNER WILL CAUSE THE SAME RESULTS. THOUGH DANGEROUS, THE REVERSE TO DRIVE IS MUCH MORE DISTURBING AND MY FAMILY FEARS DRIVING IT. THIS IS THE ONLY PROBLEM I HAVE EXPERIENCED LIKE THIS IN MY DRIVING HISTORY. A "FIX" WAS DONE A MONTH AGO BUT NO CHANGE. IT'S IN THE SHOP AGAIN BUT THE TECHS SAY IT'S FINE AND FIND NOTHING WRONG. 6-12-2017
Service brakes, May 13, 2017, crash
WE JUST PURCHASED ABOVE VEHICLE WITH 13 MILES ON IT. LIKE THE CAR, BUT WE WERE CRAWLING ALONG AND THE CAR IN FRONT OF US STOPPED. MY HUSBAND TRIED TO STOP AND HIT BOTH THE GAS AND BRAKE PEDAL AT THE SAME TIME. THE BRAKE PEDAL AND GAS WERE SIDE BY SIDE AND HE HIT BOTH AT SAME TIME. NO SPACE BETWEEN THE PEDALS AT ALL. COST US OVER 3,000 JUST FOR OURS. THINKING OF GETTING ANOTHER VEHICLE JUST BECAUSE OF THE ABOVE.
Engine, May 9, 2017
I WAS PULLING AWAY FROM A STOP SIGN WHEN I RECEIVED AN ERROR MESSAGE STATING "4WD UNAVAILABLE". I THEN HEARD A LOUD CLUNKING SOUND AND LOST POWER TO ALL THE WHEELS. AFTER PULLING OVER, I SHUT THE VEHICLE OFF AND RESTARTED IT. I PLACED THE CAR IN DRIVE AND A CLUNKING SOUND PERSISTED. WHEN GIVING THE VEHICLE GAS, THE ENGINE REV'D BUT NO POWER WENT TO THE WHEELS. I THEN SHUT THE VEHICLE OFF AND HAD IT TOWED TO THE LOCAL JEEP DEALERSHIP.
Electrical system, Engine, May 3, 2017
NEW 2017 JEEP CHEROKEE HAS COMPLETELY AND RANDOMLY SHUT OFF/SHUT DOWN WHILE DRIVING THREE TIMES. EXTREMELY DANGEROUS FAILURE MODE! VEHICLE HAS LESS THAN 2000 MILES AND IS LESS THAN 3 MONTHS OLD. FIRST INSTANCE: APRIL 27, 2017. DAUGHTER DRIVING. GOING UP A HILL ON CITY ROAD AT APPROXIMATELY 45MPH. VEHICLE JUST DIED. ALMOST REAR-ENDED. PULLED OVER. PUT IT IN PARK. VEHICLE RESTARTED. SECOND INSTANCE: APRIL 28, 2017. OWNER DRIVING. ON INTERSTATE 376 GOING 65MPH. VEHICLE JUST DIED. PULLED OVER. PUT IT IN PARK. VEHICLE RESTARTED. THIRD INSTANCE: APRIL 29, 2017. OWNER DRIVING. STATE ROAD GOING 40MPH. VEHICLE JUST DIED. NOTICED A "DING" SOUND JUST BEFORE IT DIED. ALMOST REAR-ENDED. PULLED OVER. PUT IT IN PARK. VEHICLE RESTARTED. TOOK CAR TO DEALER - PRESTON MOTORS IN NEW CASTLE, PA. EXPLAINED SITUATION. TOLD THEM "WE COULD HAVE DIED!" THEY CLAIM THEY KNOW OF NO SIMILAR ISSUES OR REPORTS OF THIS PROBLEM. I PRESENTED THEM WITH PRINTOUTS OF THE NUMEROUS SIMILAR COMPLAINTS FOR 2016 MODELS ON NHTSA WEBSITE. DEALER IS CURRENTLY INVESTIGATING AND GUESSES (DOES NOT KNOW) IT MAY BE A PROBLEM WITH THE STARTER BUTTON (NOT THE STOP/START BUTTON). THEY ARE REPLACING IT AND WILL TEST DRIVE IT BEFORE GIVING IT BACK TO US.
Power train, Mar 8, 2017
THE SO CALLED, 9 SPEED TRANSMISSION ISN'T A 9 SPEED. IT NEVER, UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES, HITS 9TH GEAR. THE JEEP SERVICE TECH TOLD ME THAT THERE'S NOTHING WRONG WITH THE TRANSMISSION, BUT HE KNOWS THAT IT WILL NEVER HIT 9TH. ALSO, I HAVE EXPERIENCED A VERY SCARY MOMENT WHEN I SHIFTED FROM REVERSE TO DRIVE. I STEPPED ON THE ACCELERATOR AND THE CAR DIDN'T MOVE FOR A COUPLE OF SECONDS. I ALMOST GOT HIT IN THE DOOR BY AN ONCOMING CAR! I HAVE BEEN GOING DOWN HILL AT OVER 70MPH, AND IT WON'T SHIFT TO 9TH. WHEN MOVING THE SHIFT LEVER FROM "D" TO THE ELECTRONIC MANUAL POSITION, THE INDICATOR SHOWS THAT 8TH IS THE HIGHEST ATTAINABLE GEAR. I CAN MANUALLY SHIFT THE HIGHEST ATTAINABLE GEAR TO 9TH, BUT THE TRANSMISSION STILL WON'T UP SHIFT TO 9TH GEAR.
Engine, Dec 19, 2016
STOP/START FEATURE DANGER: I WAS MAKING A LEFT TURN, PULLING OUT FROM A DRIVEWAY IN HEAVY CROSS TRAFFIC. I WAS PULLING ONTO A FOUR LANE ROAD. JUST AS I STARTED TO LIFT MY FOOT FROM THE BRAKE, THE STOP/START FEATURE SHUT THE ENGINE OFF. THERE WAS A FULL TWO SECONDS BEFORE THE ENGINE STARTED. THE CROSS TRAFFIC HAD TO SLAM ON THE BRAKES TO AVOID HITTING ME. NORMALLY WHEN THE ENGINE THE RE-START DELAY IS SMALL, BUT BECAUSE THE ENGINE WAS SHUTTING OFF AS I TOOK MY FOOT OFF THE BRAKE, THIS ADDED A SIGNIFICANT DELAY BEFORE THE ENGINE RESTARTED AND WAS ABLE TO ACCELERATE. THIS IS ONLY AN ISSUE IF THE ENGINE HAPPENS TO SHUT OFF RIGHT AT THE MOMENT YOU INTEND TO PULL OUT INTO TRAFFIC.
Power train, Dec 4, 2016
VEHICLE HESITATES TO ACCELERATE AFTER SLOWING OR STOPPING. DELAY IS SEVERAL SECONDS AND POSSES A SERIOUS RISK OF BEING STRUCK FROM BEHIND. THIS HAPPENS INTERMITTENTLY.