general problems of the 2017 Jeep Cherokee - part 1

540 problems related to power train have 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 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 03/17/2026

About 2 years ago my shifter started coming on like it was all lit up and I got a code saying to service shifter, so I took it in to have it fixed it was on recall. Then in 2024 my service 4wd light came on it was going on and off on and off--when I took it to the dealership they could not get it to come on or replicate it. I was told it could be just a sensor--then my 4wd light came on and stayed on--I started losing power while driving and it scared me because I travel the highway a lot for work--it would also begin vibrating, I took it back in and of course they could not get it to replicate. Then the recall for the ptu came out and my Jeep Cherokee had all the symptoms as a bad ptu--I took it in to the dealership and they ran the test and yes my ptu was bad--they contacted Jeep and was told that my Jeep's VIN was not on the recall and they argued saying it was in fact due to a faulty ptu--I have been in dispute with Jeep since then--I recently received a notice that they are closing my case but if I took my Jeep in for diagnostic testing they would reopen my case so I paid another $190 to have it diagnosed and once again it is a faulty ptu--the service manager at the dealership said he would go to bat for me and stand with me on this--he said hands down my Jeep should be on the recall list and that there are 100's of Jeep Cherokees just in our area that should be included and that this recall should not be by VIN number but should be by model and year. This is very difficult for me because I do not have the $3500 to fix the ptu I recently became a widow and have 3 kids; but I have always taken care of my Jeep --oil changes, tires, regular wear and tear I take care of it. I am really disappointed that as much as I paid for my car and put love and sweat into it that this recall does not cover my Jeep and a lot more others who may be sitting in the same situation I am in.

2 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 03/14/2026

My Jeep has been cutting off while driving for the past several months. I've taken it to be serviced several times and everything, from the alternator, engine, fuel pump, battery, etc. Are all fine. But the vehicle will cut of while driving or while idling at the traffic light. This is a major safety hazard. Not only for myself and the occupants of the vehicle but other drivers on the road as well. This could cause serious injury of even death. I have found dozens of reports of the same issues online, and none have identified an issue or recall but this has to be a manufacturer defect. No one should have to drive a car that checks out as "safe" but it an accident waiting to happen, either on the freeway or main roads.

3 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 03/13/2026

The contact owned a 2017 Jeep Cherokee. While driving at 65 mph, the vehicle lost automotive power. The message to shift into the intended gear was displayed even though the vehicle was already in gear. The contact was able to restart the vehicle, but the issue recurred several days later. The vehicle was driven to a dealer, where it was diagnosed, and the failure was associated with NHTSA campaign number: 25v011000 (power train); but the VIN was not included in the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 91,463.

4 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 03/09/2026

March 2026: the 2017 Jeep Cherokee warning light appeared on the dashboard "svc4wd" safety issue with the four wheel drive system. A mechanics diagnosis code was determined stating a ptu failure. To resolve the warning light issue is to flush the oil from the ptu assembly and/or replace the ptu assembly. The complaint that is being filed is Chrysler has issued 3 recall on this matter with their 2017-2019 Jeep Cherokee's and my vehicle is going thru the same kind of issue. The recall 25v-011 / 01c ptu failure. I would like to understand why my vehicle is not included in this recall 25v-011. The repair cost is going to cause financial hardship. I'm hoping I can find the why to be included in the 25v-011 recall.

5 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 03/08/2026

2017 Jeep Cherokee trailhawk 80,758 miles - I began to accelerate from a stop light and heard a large clunk. Proceeded to pull over after a complete loss of power. Once away from traffic, Jeep would not be put into 'park' without hearing and feeling the grinding of gears through the shifter handle. I had to shut the car off prior to being able to place Jeep into 'park', and even then the car was able to roll. The only way to fully have the vehicle in 'park' is by using the emergency brake. Without a doubt this related to the ptu recall that so many Jeep Cherokees have been having. From what I can find from mopar, the vehicle had the necessary recall done to "fix" the software back in 2020, but the problem still arose. Had to tow the vehicle back 200 miles using a uhaul and trailer in order to get home. I have very little hope that not only will it be unable to get fixed due to the inability to get parts that so many people are having, but also the fact that Jeep themselves have and will deny so many claims without proper investigation. Currently the vehicle is parked at the Jeep, ram, Chrysler dealer in west bend, WI waiting on inspection to truly diagnose the issue.

6 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 02/25/2026

My car suddenly started making a loud noise while driving and one day , I was driving to work and my car started to lose power it won’t accelerate even thoe I was trying to accelerate my car was slowing the speed down and I had to return to my house with emergency lights because my car won’t accelerate . The next day I took my car to a collision center and they changed some of the old car parts . I’m trying to submit a reimbursement for this recall but the website won’t let me submit the form along with the invoice I attached to the reimbursement request .

7 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 02/23/2026

I have not had any issues with my 2017 Jeep trailhawk that I have owned for 6 years. A couple of days ago I was exiting off the highway and felt a loud thump and lost all power, luckily I wasn't hit and was able to maneuver over around traffic to the shoulder. No warning lights have came on. Jeep will not drive, and cannot put in park. I had to have it towed home. I cannot find a dealership to help as they have told me there is a recall on the ptu units that were never fixed and they don't know when they could get me a transmission. I have looked up my VIN and mine is not showing a recall, but I am having the same issue with that the 2017-2019 Jeep recalls are having. Is there anything I can get done?.

8 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 02/03/2026

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.

9 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 01/26/2026

The contact owns a 2017 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that after stopping at a stop sign, the vehicle failed to accelerate as needed. There was an abnormal grinding sound coming from the vehicle. The vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal, and the engine seized. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact was able to coast to the side of the road. The vehicle was slowly driven to a parking lot and then towed to the residence. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with ptu failure. The contact previously received information from the manufacturer of an extended warranty on the vehicle. The dealer informed the contact that since a diagnostic test had not produced two specific fault codes, the vehicle could not be repaired under the extended warranty. The vehicle remained with the dealer unrepaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA campaign number: 25v011000 (power train). However, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000.

10 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 01/21/2026

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.

11 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 01/17/2026

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".

12 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 01/16/2026

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.

13 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 01/15/2026

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).

14 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 01/13/2026

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.

15 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 01/06/2026

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?.

16 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 12/31/2025

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.

17 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 12/25/2025

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.

18 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 12/24/2025

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".

19 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 12/10/2025

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.

20 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 12/06/2025

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.

21 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 12/02/2025

Component malfunctioned: power transfer unit (ptu); safety risk: failure risks loss of drive power of the vehicle, putting driver and surrounding individuals at risk; problem reproduced: yes - dealer; component inspected: yes - dealer; messages: yes - svc 4wd. Upon purchasing the vehicle, I was informed that the ptu fluid is not meant to be changed - that it is meant to be "lifetime". However, at 8 years and 56,000 miles, I am now informed that the ptu is failing because the fluid was never changed. Thus, instead of a simple, cheap fluid change service, I now need to pay around $5,000 for the dealer to change out the entire ptu. 8 years and 56,000 is far from "lifetime" but it just outside of the warranty so I have to pay for this out of pocket despite Jeep claiming that the ptu fluid is not meant to be changed. This is so common of a problem that the ptu part needed to complete this repair is not only out of stock at all dealers, there is a long queue for obtaining the part. This is costing me not just extra repair money but also impacting my daily life as I am out of a vehicle for much longer due to having to wait for an available part. I now also have to pay for other modes of transportation while also being overall limited on my ability to complete daily responsibilities. Clearly, if the ptu fluid is meant to be "lifetime", as I was informed it was meant to be when I purchased the vehicle, it is consistently defective since so many Jeep owners are dealing with this problem. Consumers should not be the one footing the bill for this Jeep defect.

22 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 12/01/2025

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 while attempting to accelerate from a stop, there was an abnormal clunking sound coming from underneath the vehicle. The “service shifter” warning light was occasionally illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle hesitated while the accelerator pedal was depressed. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired because parts were not yet available. 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 failure. The failure mileage was approximately 98,000.

23 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 10/31/2025

Car stopped working in an intersection then started rolling. Only way to stop was to put emergency brake on. Took to a mechanic and was told it was the ptu. There is a recall with no remedy as of right now since January. I need a vehicle to live. Want company to pay for a rental. Not me paying for it then being reimbursed.

24 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 10/31/2025

The contact owns a 2017 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving 5 mph and making a turn, the vehicle stalled. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was determined that the ptu was the cause of the failure. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 25v011000 (power train). The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were on backorder. The contact called another local dealer, colonial south Chrysler ram Jeep and Dodge (42 state rd, dartmouth, MA 02747), but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 144,000.

25 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 10/23/2025

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.

26 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 10/17/2025

Ptu has failed. Recal needs to include 2017 limited models. Driving while came on. Didn't know exactly if I was going to get home, out me at rush for an accident. Light it on dash, svc 4x4.

27 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 10/16/2025

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.

28 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 10/15/2025

The contact owns 2017 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while driving 25 mph, the message "service all-wheel drive" was displayed. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the power transfer unit (ptu) needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA campaign numbers: 20v343000 (power train) and 25v011000 (power train); however, the VIN was not included in the recalls. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in the recalls. The failure mileage was 119,884.

29 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 10/01/2025

While driving the 2017 Jeep Cherokee the 4wd warning light came on. I believe this error references a faulty power train unit (ptu?). This issue may cause the transmission-differential to disengage and potentially cause the vehicle to crash or cause injury to driver or others. My local mechanic stated there is a recall for this issue and said it needed to be repaired by the dealer.

30 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 10/01/2025

The service 4wd light comes on intermittently and the vehicle goes from 4wd to no wheel drive. Local dealership and independent shops indicate this is an internal error in the ptu and it must be replaced. Research indicates there were ~26,000 recalled vehicles for my year, make and model due to this very issue. However, all have confirmed my VIN was not part of the recall.

31 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 10/01/2025

The contact owns a 2017 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and attempting to make a turn, there was a loud grinding sound coming from the vehicle. No warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the drivetrain control module and power transfer unit had failed and needed to be replaced. The mechanic also informed the contact that the VIN was included in NHTSA campaign number: 25v011000 (power train); however, the part to complete the recall repair was not yet available. The mechanic referred the contact to the dealer for assistance. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. 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 failure. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000.

32 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 09/30/2025

The contact owns a 2017 Jeep Cherokee. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 25v011000 (power train); however, the parts to do the recall repair were not yet available. The contact stated that three dealers were contacted; however, the contact was informed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the vehicle was unsafe to drive, and the vehicle had been parked since the recall notification was received in February 2025. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The contact had not experienced a failure.

33 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 09/23/2025

The contact owns 2017 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that when the vehicle was started, the message “service shifter” was displayed. Additionally, while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle hesitated to start, but the vehicle started after the third attempt. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the gear shifter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 127,849.

34 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 09/04/2025

Rear diff. Tries to lock up while driving in auto mode and should not on dry pavement. Grinding noise until you slow down enough to engage with a bang. This is a known problem with Jeep, the internet has several complaints about this problem, our Jeep only has 75k miles on it and others reported with only 40k. I've been told rear diff. Needs to be replaced at 4k$.

35 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 08/23/2025

An alert came up on our Jeep Cherokee that 4wd needed to be serviced. Approximately three days later, we took the car to our local Jeep dealership and they let us know that we needed to replace the ptu for the vehicle. If this isn't replaced, the car loses awd and could potentially become inoperable. While there has been a recall for very similar models of Jeeps in the same year as ours specifically regarding the ptu, ours does not qualify for the current recall. We don't understand why there is a recall for some Jeeps but not others within the same year and model for the exact same issue.



Cherokee Service Bulletins
Cherokee Safety Recalls
Cherokee Defect Investigations