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, Jun 12, 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 vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was inspected and the contact was informed that the vehicle was unsafe to drive. The vehicle remained at the dealer. 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. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Other or unspecified, Jun 7, 2025
Car lose power while driving to work gears would not change. Car rolling in highway.
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Jun 6, 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 the battery had drained quickly and failed to retain a charge. The vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was jump-started. The engine oil and check engine warning lights were illuminated. Additionally, the vehicle jolted while driving and while coming to a stop. The contact stated that the Start/Stop system was inoperable. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to take the vehicle to the dealer for a diagnostic test. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Power train, Jun 6, 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 unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. While the contact’s daughter was pulling into the driveway there was gray colored smoke coming from underneath the body of the vehicle. The driver switched gear and the vehicle made an abnormal sound. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that there were metal shavings between the transfer shaft and transfer case. The contact stated that the PTU had failed. The mechanic referred the contact to the dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that the part was not available. The dealer referred the contact to the manufacturer. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Power train, Jun 2, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the message "Service Shifter" was displayed. The contact stated that after restarting the vehicle, the vehicle returned to normal functionality. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 95,000.
Engine, Jun 1, 2025
While driving my car it loss power in the middle of the busy intersection the lights got dim in the car while I was at the stop light and the car just shut off I could not put on the hazardous lights or anything to alarm the cars behind me …I had to call a tow truck driver to move the vehicle I couldn’t even get the key out of the ignition neither could the tow truck driver …had the vehicle towed to my home when the vehicle reached my home the car then started back up …this was dangerous because some could have team into the back of me
Power train, Other or unspecified, May 28, 2025
I purchased a used 2017 vehicle in late 2024, and within a few months it became inoperable due to an open safety recall. I was driving on the highway with my children in the car when the vehicle stopped accelerating, putting mine and my children’s lives at risk. It was then confirmed the PTU is faulty at falling under the recall known as 01C. Via a local dealership service department. I have not had my vehicle since February of 2025 (it is now end of May 2025) The manufacturer has acknowledged the recall but has not provided a repair timeline, and the vehicle has now been out of service for over 90 days. They have denied my buyback request despite there still being no fix/resolution. To maintain transportation, I have had to rent a vehicle out-of-pocket and wait for reimbursement which has not been timely and has resulted in significant ongoing expenses causing immense financial hardship. While I was initially told I would be reimbursed weekly, the reimbursements have been inconsistent and delayed. Recently, the manufacturer changed its reimbursement parameters, requiring weekly in-person visits to the rental provider to obtain an “official receipt” — adding more logistical and financial strain.
Power train, May 28, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle. In addition, the contact stated that the front driver’s wheel seemed weak. The contact drove the vehicle to the shoulder of the road. The vehicle was then driven to the residence. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a leaking PTU. The contact was informed that the PTU needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V011000 (Power Train); however, the part to do the recall repair 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 failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was 118,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Power train, May 27, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the vehicle was started, and the service shifter warning light illuminated. The contact stated while reversing, several unknown warning lights illuminated, and the vehicle rolled forward. The contact turned the vehicle off and shifted the gear shifter into park. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the cause of the failure was not determined. The contact was informed that the parts for the repair were unavailable. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. In addition, the contact stated that in 2022, when the failure initially started, the dealer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact was informed that there were no recalls associated with the VIN. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact was advised to take the vehicle to the dealer for diagnostic testing and to pay for the diagnostic test out of pocket. The failure mileage was approximately 38,000.
Power train, May 27, 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 unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Other or unspecified, May 27, 2025
Power Transfer Unit 4 wheel drive system PTU Motor Component System Operation Obstructed or Blocked
Power train, Other or unspecified, May 23, 2025
i was driving and making a right hand turn my car just shut off I was in Drive and it would not go. I had to shift to neutral and restart the car. This is not the first time its happened. Also my service shifter light comes on and my shifter is all lite up.
Power train, May 21, 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 message "Service 4-Wheel Drive" was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the PTU had failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was 110,262. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Power train, May 21, 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 unavailable. 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. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Power train, May 18, 2025
In 2021 I received the diagnostic of: —MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP ON PERFORM SCAN DTCM FAULT C14A7-97 PTU MOTOR COMPONENT FAILURE PERFORM DIAG WILL NEED PTU UNIT DRIVETRAIN —VIBRATES/RATTLES AT SLOWER SPEEDS ROAD TEST VERIFY THIS VIBRATION IS CO MING FROM PTU UNIT. — FOUND DTC CODE C144797-97, ERRATIC ENGAGEMENT IN FRONT PTU, SPLINE/COLLAR FAILURE They told me an ungodly amount of money to fix this issue and was unable to complete the fix. I looked up recalls for this and there is one for this exact issue and my VIN is somehow not included?! My jeep slams into gear at low speeds and has always. The ‘Service 4WD’ light started coming on over a year ago and randomly lights up on the dash, then goes away. Today, the ‘Service Shifter’ light came on and I know that it’s going to state that the PTU/transmission is going to be needing replaced. Knowing that Jeep is currently not making the parts, and that my VIN is not associated with this recall for whatever reason, I am unsure of what I am supposed to do with this. I owe money on this vehicle still, and by reading all the complaints, it seems as if even when spending thousands of dollars on these repairs, it continues to happen. How is the manufacturer not being held accountable for this?
Power train, Other or unspecified, May 17, 2025
Rear end noise in turns.
Power train, May 15, 2025
Had no warning lights. I heard a clicking noise under the driver's side of car. Then the next day the the car started lunging forward when put in gear. Took it to mechanic and was told it was the transmission and that the car could possibly jump out if gear while driving. The mechanic looked up recalls for my vehicle and saw the transmission recall. So he told me to contact the jeep dealer so I did and the service manager told me my vin number isn't included in the recall. So I called the corporate office to report the issue and was told if the vin number isn't on the recall list even though it's the same issue as the recall for my year and model there was nothing they can do. So I went back to the mechanic and he call vendor for replacement parts and was told they no longer make new parts for my car and that it would have to be fixed with used parts that aren't guaranteed to fix the problem. Why isn't the jeep company held responsible for this issue? Isn't it possible that my vin number was left off the recall list? I have 1 car as a single mother how am I supposed to get my car safe for my self and daughter?
Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, May 13, 2025
Noticed the "Service Shifter" Light came on and lights blinking next to the shifter started flashing then the Jeep starting shaking violently and loss of power started to slow the vehicle down, pulled over and shut it off and restarted and drove home- " Service Shifter" light still comes on - we just pull over and shut engine off and restart. Jeep Dealership is no help
Service brakes, Forward collision avoidance, May 12, 2025
Electronic parking brake (EPB) module. Yes confirmed by a independent service center. Warning Park Brake indicator. This is the second time happening. First time was Sept 2024 was fixed. Taking it in tomorrow for confirmation, if same issue mechanic stated the part is on National Backorder!!!! Unable to release out of Park Brake which in turn, unable to drive car. Safety issue when driving, stops abruptly, can't disengage safety brake.
Electrical system, Service brakes, May 8, 2025
Over the past several months, I’ve experienced intermittent issues with the electronic parking brake on my 2017 Jeep Cherokee. On several occasions, the parking brake activated unexpectedly while I was driving, creating safety concerns and inconsistent vehicle behavior. As of two days ago, the issue became significantly worse. The electronic parking brake activated again while the vehicle was stationary and has since failed to disengage, rendering the vehicle undrivable. I had the vehicle examined by a certified mechanic, who performed a diagnostic test. The results indicated a water intrusion issue that has caused damage to the electronic parking brake module. The mechanic explained that moisture had likely entered the module area, leading to electrical malfunction and failure of the system to release the brake. This is now a critical mechanical and safety concern that requires immediate repair and resolution.
Power train, May 8, 2025
My two speed power transfer unit is faulty. It started with me loosing power to now when I turn my vehicle makes a loud vibration noise and won’t go. I have contacted the dealership and they tell me they don’t have a remedy yet to check back at a later time. This issue can cause me to wreck my vehicle. I have 2 kids that ride with me everyday in this vehicle and this is my only transportation to and from work.
Power train, May 2, 2025
Beginning in mid-January the vehicle we purchased new in 2017 which only has about 63,000 miles began to suddenly loose drive momentum. When in certain situations like another vehicle close behind or on a hill, the "jump" out of drive can be dangerous since speed quickly reduces until the driver can pull over. This happened several times before we were notified of the recall issued January 25th. This is May 2, 2025 and we still are not able to safely drive the vehicle depended upon for getting to work daily. We have had to park the vehicle and borrow another for approximately 3 months now and still no fix is available! What is meant by "a reasonable amount" of time for a fix to become available? What other alternatives do we have with this vehicle that is now unsafe to drive because of the manufacturer's defect, especially when we depend on it? Please advise!
Electrical system, Engine, Apr 30, 2025
I purchased a 2017 certified pre-owned Jeep Cherokee from a Jeep dealership in March 2020. Starting in late 2022/early 2023, while driving, everything electrical would shut off and stop functioning without warning (dashboard, radio, air or heat if on, lights near gear shift, could not use hazard lights, turning signal, or power windows), and shortly after the engine would die, leaving me stalled in the middle of the street. I would then have to put the car in park, turn the car off and turn it back on. I took it to 2 Jeep dealerships in Michigan where I was living at the time and they refused to look further than scanning the car to determine if any codes appeared and found no codes. This started happening more frequently in summer 2023 and I took it to a dealership in Indiana; no hard codes came up again and they were unable to replicate the issue. They found some worn wiring with the radio and replaced the radio, hoping it would resolve the issue (invoice attached). This issue started occurring again [XXX] more frequently than before (4 times in a 15-minute window) - this time I was on the highway and had no way to signal the cars behind as I could not use the turning signal or hazard lights and the electrical and engine cut off simultaneously without warning, almost causing a serious accident. The car has been at the dealership for 2 weeks now, and they are unable to replicate the issue; therefore, unable to provide a diagnosis. There was a safety recall for 2017-2018 Jeep Cherokees for the PTU (documentation attached), but my VIN doesn't fall within that recall. Therefore, I am filing a safety report to initiate an investigation for this issue, as this is a significant safety risk and has the potential to cause a fatal accident for myself as a driver and others on the road. This is happening quite often with the Jeeps ranging from 2014-2021 per Jeep forums (documentation attached), and no one has found a solution. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Power train, Apr 30, 2025
Yes. The PTU failed .the dealer has confirmed. yes recall W 47 AND OLC my car seemed to just pause when driving it The computer on my car said service 4wd .a few months before service shifter light came on and all the lights on shifter lit up. took to dealer replaced shifter bezel and today they replaced the whole shifter at my cost . then few months later service 4wd message appeared took to dealer said it was the ptu
Power train, Apr 29, 2025
I was driving and the transmission began to make loud noises during shifting. I am currently aware that my power transfer unit or PTU has failed. The transmission has been shifting at inappropriate times and not giving me the power that I need when leaving at a stop sign or stoplight, anytime that I put in demand for acceleration. The transmission doesn’t shift the way it’s supposed to and I lose power I have been in touch with the dealership often on over the last couple of weeks trying to figure out the recall status for the PTU, I was told that my Jeep Vin number is not part of the recall.