2017 Jeep Cherokee Problems

What owners have reported about the 2017 Jeep Cherokee, which problems come up most, at what mileage, and which recalls to check.

From NHTSA owner complaints and recalls. Updated Oct 17, 2026.

Is the 2017 Jeep Cherokee a good year?

It's about average for this model. Owners have filed 1,336 complaints with NHTSA, the 5th most of 9 Cherokee model years. The most reported problems involve the transmission, electrical system and engine.

1,336 complaints 6 recalls, 2 crash risk 5th worst of 9 Cherokee years

Which parts fail most

Share of complaints that name each system. One complaint can name several.

Transmission 49%

Unknown or Other 26%

Electrical 26%

Engine 20%

Acceleration 5%

Brakes 4%

Steering 3%

Stability Control 3%

Airbags 2%

Fuel System 1%

Mileage when it failed

Each dot is a complaint that gave a mileage (820 of 1,336). The amber line is the middle value, about 41,000 miles.

0k25k50k75k100k125k150k

When problems were reported

Complaints by the year the problem happened.

869

158

2017 Jeep Cherokee recalls

Transmission

Can stall

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.

Fix: Dealers will update the drivetrain control module and PTU software and replace the PTU, as necessary free of charge.

Recall 25V011000 · Jan 2025

Automatic transmission

Can stall

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.

Fix: FCA US LLC will notify owners, and dealers will perform a software update, free of charge. This recall expands previous recall number 20V-343.

Recall 23V302000 · Apr 2023

Differential unit, Automatic transmission

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.

Fix: 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.

Recall 20V343000 · Jun 2020

Cruise control may not switch off

Crash risk

A short in the wiring can keep the cruise control engaged even when you press the brake or turn the system off, so the car may hold its speed or speed up. This raises the risk of a crash, so stop using cruise control until the repair is done.

Fix: The dealer will update the engine or powertrain control software at no charge.

Recall 18V332000 · May 2018

Missing tire and rim information on certification label

Crash risk

The certification label on the car leaves out required tire and rim size information, so the wrong tire and rim combination could be installed. That mismatch can increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: The dealer will provide a corrected certification label at no cost to you.

Recall 17V543000 · Aug 2017

Knee bolster

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.

Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's knee air bag module, free of charge.

Recall 16V799000 · Nov 2016

Check your VIN for open recalls

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We check NHTSA every month. If a new recall or safety investigation covers the 2017 Jeep Cherokee, you'll hear about it the same week.

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Cherokee years to avoid

Total NHTSA complaints by model year. Newer years have had less time on the road, so their totals will keep climbing. See the full comparison.

2014 Cherokee 2,650

2015 Cherokee 1,789

2019 Cherokee 1,661

2016 Cherokee 1,409

2017 Cherokee 1,336

2018 Cherokee 687

2020 Cherokee 324

2021 Cherokee 173

2022 Cherokee 51

2017 Jeep Cherokee problems by system

Transmission (648)Electrical (342)Engine (264)

Common questions

Is the 2017 Jeep Cherokee a reliable year?

What are the most common 2017 Jeep Cherokee problems?

Owners most often report problems with the transmission, electrical system, engine and acceleration and speed control. 648 complaints (49%) name the transmission, most often the gear position indication (PRNDL) and transfer case (4-WHEEL DRIVE).

At what mileage do 2017 Jeep Cherokee transmission problems start?

Reported mileage ranged widely, but most complaints fell between about 26,000–73,000 miles, with a middle value near 47,000 miles.

How many recalls does the 2017 Jeep Cherokee have?

6. Transmission (25V011000); Automatic transmission (23V302000); Differential unit, Automatic transmission (20V343000). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if the work was done.

Should I buy a used 2017 Jeep Cherokee?

Ask for service records covering the transmission, confirm the recall work was done, and compare with the 2022, 2021 and 2020 models, which have the fewest complaints.

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls databases. Complaints are unverified owner reports. Counts include each complaint once per model year.