Most common 2017 Jeep Cherokee problems
Share of the 1,337 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Jeep Cherokee complaints by model year
Best Cherokee years: 2022, 2021, 2020. Years to avoid: 2014, 2015, 2019, 2017, 2016. Compare all years →
2017 Jeep Cherokee recalls (6)
Power train
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.
Remedy: 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.
Power train › Automatic transmission
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.
Remedy: 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.
Power train › Driveline › Differential unit
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…
Remedy: 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…
Electrical system › Software
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…
Remedy: 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.
Equipment › Other › Labels
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.
Remedy: 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.
Air bags › Knee bolster
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.
Remedy: 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.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into a possible defect involving the 2017 Jeep Cherokee:
Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited.
What 2017 Jeep Cherokee owners say
Transmission & drivetrain all 649 →
The contact owns a 2017 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 MPH, he noticed that the temperature gauge was increasing and then it decreased. An engine heater warning was displayed as the engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the brake pedal was depressed but the vehicle failed to stop as all motive power was lost. The vehicle rolled to a stop crashing into debris on the side of the roadway. The contact stated that there was no body damage to the vehicle. The contact stated that AAA was contacted and stated that they would contact the police however, the police did not show up. The vehicle was towed by AAA to the contact's residence. The contact stated that the AAA driver informed him of a recall that was related to the failure and the vehicle's PTU. …
The contact owns a 2017 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked in his driveway, powered on, parked, and unattended, it began to roll back and crashed into his other vehicle, a 2017 GMC Sierra. The service shift message was displayed. There were no reported injuries, air bag deployment, or fire. A police report was not filed. 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. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who inspected it and determined there was no evidence of a manufacturer defect. 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 made aware of the issue. …
Electrical system all 342 →
The contact owns a 2017 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle shut off without warning. The vehicle was taken to a dealer and the contact was informed that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil and the engine was replaced. The contact stated that several years later while driving 35 MPH, the vehicle shut off without warning. The contact stated that the failure occurred for a second time soon after restarting the vehicle. The contact drove back to the dealer and the vehicle remained at the dealer for approximately 2 months. Once the vehicle was returned to the contact, the vehicle shut off again; the vehicle was towed back to the dealer. The dealer replaced the power software module and returned that vehicle back to the contact. …
The contact owns a 2017 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power. The contact stated that there was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the instrument cluster was black, and the vehicle also lost power steering functionality. The contact stated that the vehicle resumed full power function and that the instrument cluster and power steering assist returned several seconds later. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred later, and that prior to the second failure the front passenger's side window had lowered independently. The contact stated that the vehicle returned to normal operation independently. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The mechanic reset several functions and advised the contact to take the vehicle to a dealer for additional assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. …
Engine & cooling all 265 →
The contact owns a 2017 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle shut off without warning. The vehicle was taken to a dealer and the contact was informed that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil and the engine was replaced. The contact stated that several years later while driving 35 MPH, the vehicle shut off without warning. The contact stated that the failure occurred for a second time soon after restarting the vehicle. The contact drove back to the dealer and the vehicle remained at the dealer for approximately 2 months. Once the vehicle was returned to the contact, the vehicle shut off again; the vehicle was towed back to the dealer. The dealer replaced the power software module and returned that vehicle back to the contact. …
The contact owns a 2017 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power. The contact stated that there was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the instrument cluster was black, and the vehicle also lost power steering functionality. The contact stated that the vehicle resumed full power function and that the instrument cluster and power steering assist returned several seconds later. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred later, and that prior to the second failure the front passenger's side window had lowered independently. The contact stated that the vehicle returned to normal operation independently. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The mechanic reset several functions and advised the contact to take the vehicle to a dealer for additional assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. …
2017 Jeep Cherokee engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.4L 4-cyl | 9-speed automatic | FWD | 21 / 30 / 25 |
| 3.2L 6-cyl | 9-speed automatic | FWD | 21 / 29 / 24 |
| 2.4L 4-cyl | 9-speed automatic | AWD | 21 / 28 / 23 |
| 2.4L 4-cyl | 9-speed automatic | 4WD | 21 / 27 / 23 |
| 3.2L 6-cyl | 9-speed automatic | AWD | 20 / 27 / 23 |
| 3.2L 6-cyl | 9-speed automatic | 4WD | 18 / 26 / 21 |
EPA ratings. Class: Small SUV.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2017 Jeep Cherokee a good car?
Based on 1,337 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2017 Cherokee rates avoid: 3.7× as many complaints as a typical year of the Cherokee at the same age. It is one of the Cherokee years we suggest avoiding. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2017 Jeep Cherokee?
The transmission & drivetrain — 649 complaints, 49% of all complaints for this model year, most often about automatic transmission › gear position indication (prndl). Next are the electrical system (342) and engine & cooling (265).
How many recalls does the 2017 Jeep Cherokee have?
There are 6 recalls for the 2017 Jeep Cherokee, the most recent from January 16, 2025 (power train). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Jeep Cherokee?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2022, 2021 and 2020. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2014, 2015, 2019, 2017 and 2016. See the full Jeep Cherokee years comparison.
At what mileage do 2017 Jeep Cherokee problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 41,000 miles; 62% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.