Differential Unit problems of the 2017 Jeep Cherokee

One problem related to differential unit has been reported for the 2017 Jeep Cherokee. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2017 Jeep Cherokee based on all problems reported for the 2017 Cherokee.

1 Differential Unit problem

Failure Date: 07/21/2020

While driving 40 -50 mph on highway 89 in flagstaff, az I noticed a dash message stating that the speed was too high to shift into 4 wheel low, about a minute later I noticed a dash message that stated the differential lock could not occur and I noticed that the 4 wheel low button was flashing red. A minute later dash message 4 wheel low was canceled and the 4 wheel low light stopped flashing. I stopped at about 3 lights about 1 mile apart. On the 3rd light I had to turn left and merge into oncoming traffic before entering interstate 40. As I began to accelerate the transmission bucked several times and then as I moved in front of on coming traffic the drive system disengaged and the engine revved. There was no dash message nor were there any trans axle lights flashing. As I coasted to a stop traffic was piling up behind me. I placed the the transmission into neutral and then back into drive, but it did not engage. As I was almost stopped, I hit the brakes and stopped, then turned the engine off and placed the transmission into park. I then restarted the engine and it shut off, so I started it again and placed the transmission into drive and it engaged. I took the vehicle to the dealer and they stated there was nothing they noticed or could do. Although I did not think I had pressed the 4 wheel low button, I considered that I may have inadvertently, so after leaving the dealership I tested to see if I could create the same condition and I could not. I also noticed that the buttons for the trans axle were not easy to push inadvertently. Also, when pushed the lights on the buttons would flash yellow and not red. This transmission has been slow to engage and buck at times since new. It also goes into neutral when trying to downshift before shifting to a lower gear on down slopes. I am worried that it could be dangerous if this condition occurs again at the wrong time.




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