2017 Jeep Cherokee Safety Report
2017 Jeep Cherokee Safety Report
Safety Decision Cockpit for the 2017 Jeep Cherokee
This page is the hub for deciding what to inspect next on the 2017 Jeep Cherokee. It connects recall campaigns, owner complaint patterns, service bulletins, sibling model years, component issue hubs, and the model buying guide so a shopper or owner can move from a single report into the wider safety graph.
| Signal | Value | What to inspect next |
|---|---|---|
| Recall burden | High (6) | Review campaign numbers, affected components, and dealer remedies below. |
| Owner complaints | High (1299) | Scan complaint narratives for recurring symptoms, mileage, crashes, fires, injuries, and dates. |
| Crash and fire reports | 29 | Treat any crash, fire, injury, or fatality-linked pattern as a priority pre-purchase inspection item. |
| Primary component hub | Power Train | Compare power train issues across vehicles. |
| Cleaner nearby model year | 2021 | Compare against the 2021 Jeep Cherokee with 118 complaints and 3 recalls. |
| Riskier nearby model year | 2015 | Check the 2015 Jeep Cherokee before buying across this generation. |
Jeep Cherokee Year-by-Year Comparison
The safest purchase decision usually comes from comparing neighboring model years, not reading a single page in isolation. The table below uses only validated Jeep Cherokee years already present in the cleaned NHTSA dataset, so each comparison links to a real vehicle safety report rather than a generated combination.
| Model Year | Complaints | Recalls | Use case |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 Jeep Cherokee | 658 | 7 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2016 Jeep Cherokee | 1379 | 9 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2019 Jeep Cherokee | 1500 | 10 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2015 Jeep Cherokee | 1763 | 11 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2020 Jeep Cherokee | 226 | 2 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2021 Jeep Cherokee | 118 | 3 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
2017 Jeep Cherokee Complaint Theme Map
Complaint counts become more useful when they are grouped into inspection themes. For the 2017 Jeep Cherokee, these are the component areas with the clearest NHTSA complaint signals. Use each link to jump from this single vehicle into broader component hubs and make-specific issue pages.
Power Train
399 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Power Train issues Jeep onlyUnknown Or Other
191 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Unknown Or Other issues Jeep onlyElectrical System
101 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Electrical System issues Jeep onlyEngine
97 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Engine issues Jeep onlyPower Train,Electrical System
62 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Power Train,Electrical System issues Jeep onlyElectrical System,Unknown Or Other
37 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Electrical System,Unknown Or Other issues Jeep onlyAI Safety Analysis for the 2017 Jeep Cherokee
Reliability Score
The 2017 Jeep Cherokee receives a reliability score of 85 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates above-average reliability relative to comparable vehicles.
NHTSA Safety Ratings for the 2017 Jeep Cherokee
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) evaluates vehicles through controlled crash tests and assigns star ratings from 1 to 5, with 5 being the safest.
Known Issues for the 2017 Jeep Cherokee
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2017 Jeep Cherokee:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Power Transfer Unit (Ptu) Failure The power transfer unit has failed in multiple instances, leading to loss of power and difficulty shifting gears. |
High | Rare | 30k-60k miles |
| Electrical System Issues Wiring problems have caused various warning lights and malfunctions, including the 4WD system unavailable warning. |
Medium | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| 4wd Warning Light The 4WD warning light has been reported frequently, often associated with a faulty Power Transfer Unit (PTU). |
Medium | Rare | 30k-60k miles |
| Emergency Brake Engagement The emergency brake has engaged unexpectedly while the vehicle is moving, posing a safety risk. |
Low | Rare | 30k-60k miles |
Common Problems Reported by Owners
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2017 Jeep Cherokee:
30% of reported issues are related to the Power Transfer Unit (PTU), causing loss of power and difficulty shifting gears.
20% of reported issues are related to the electrical system, including wiring problems and warning lights.
15% of reported issues are related to the 4WD system, often associated with a faulty Power Transfer Unit (PTU).
10% of reported issues involve the emergency brake engaging unexpectedly while the vehicle is moving.
Recall Details for the 2017 Jeep Cherokee
The following 6 recalls have been issued for the 2017 Jeep Cherokee by NHTSA:
Summary: 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.
Consequence: 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.
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. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is 01C.
Summary: 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.
Consequence: 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.
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. FCA's number for this recall is 45A. This recall expands previous recall number 20V-343.
Summary: 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 transmissio...
Consequence: 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.
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 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.
Summary: 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 c...
Consequence: If the vehicle maintains its speed or accelerates despite attempts to deactivate the cruise control, there would be an increased risk of a crash.
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. 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 d...
Summary: 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."
Consequence: The missing tire and rim designation information may lead to an incorrect combination being installed on the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
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. Chrysler's number for this recall is T53.
Summary: 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.
Consequence: If the driver's knee air bag does not properly inflate, there is an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.
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. Chrysler's number for this recall is S84.
NHTSA Complaint Summaries for the 2017 Jeep Cherokee
Below are complaint narratives filed by owners of the 2017 Jeep Cherokee with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
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 Campaig...
The service 4WD light is on in this vehicle. Upon taking it to my personal mechanic to fix the issue, it was determined that the code was associated with a recall. This recall did not include my VIN number but is a safety recall on other vehicles. When calling Jeep/Chrysler to determine my next steps, i was advised to bring the vehicle to a dealer as they could not accept anything from my personal...
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...
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.
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...
Component: Power Transfer Unit (PTU) [XXX] , but my VIN is not included. The power transfer unit has failed. This appears to be a manufacturing defect identical to those listed under the recall. I am requesting immediate inclusion and repair under the recall provisions. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Daughter was driving the car when she approached a stop sign the electronic emergency brake engaged while the vehicle was still moving. This caused the vehicle to stop suddenly. She had to manipulate the electronic switch several times to disengage the brake to get the vehicle to move. Luckily this was in a rural town with little traffic.
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 a...
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 . ...
The contact owns a 2017 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while at a complete stop, the vehicle failed to respond while depressing the accelerator pedal. There were several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact placed the vehicle in park(P), and the vehicle rolled backwards. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed to a local dealer and the PTU (Power Transfer Unit) was replaced un...
I own a 2017 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk (VIN: [insert VIN here]) affected by NHTSA Recall #25V-011 (FCA #01C) for PTU failure due to an improperly seated snap ring, causing spline wear and loss of drive power. This is a safety defect risking sudden power loss while driving. The vehicle failed suddenly in July 2024 after a car wash: grinding noise, loss of power, unable to shift into park. It drove p...
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 hel...
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. T...
I have had several different warning lights come on. 1. 4WD System Unavailable Service Required 2. 4WD Overheated Temporarily Unavailable 3. Stop/Start Not Ready Engine Temperature Too Low Received several codes showing faulty equipment. C140B-4B Transfer Case Motor Overheating-Drawing Excessive Amperage 11-13 Amps. Rear Differential has faulty pump Excessive end play at L/side axle Jeep will ne...
To Whom It May Concern, I am filing a safety complaint regarding my 2017 Jeep that is currently under recall for the Power Transfer Unit (PTU). I experienced a very frightening situation while driving in traffic when my vehicle would not properly stay in place, and I had to keep firm pressure on the brake to prevent it from rolling back into traffic. If I had not reacted quickly, this could have ...
Car has been broken down since May 2025. My car started jerking forcefully with my child in the car. Brought it in to be assessed. They could not figure it out. After two more times bringing it back in due to the jerking worsening, the car completely broke down in the middle of the road. Apparently recall has been active since January 2025. I was never notified that there even was a safety recall ...
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...
PTU failure occurred in May of 2025. This was verified by the Jeep dealer. Vehicle rolled downhill into traffic and towards a residential home upon attempting to stop at stop sign with PTU failure occurred. There were no warnings prior to this. Vehicle is still unusable 9 months later and Jeep will not provide a a timeline for PTU replacement.
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.
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 ...
Showing 20 of 1299 complaints. Additional complaints are available via the NHTSA database.
NHTSA Defect Investigations for the 2017 Jeep Cherokee
NHTSA defect investigations are higher-signal than ordinary complaints because they indicate the agency opened a formal review of a potential safety defect. Some investigations later connect to recall campaigns; others close without a recall after review.
Component: Air Bags:Frontal:Driver Side:Inflator Module
Opened 2021-09-17
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. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 20...
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2017 Jeep Cherokee
Has the 2017 JEEP CHEROKEE been recalled?
Yes, the 2017 JEEP CHEROKEE has 6 recalls on record with NHTSA. Each recall addresses a specific safety defect identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA.
How many complaints does the 2017 JEEP CHEROKEE have?
The 2017 JEEP CHEROKEE has 1,299 complaints filed with NHTSA. Of these, 23 involved crashes. 26 injuries and 0 deaths have been reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2017 JEEP CHEROKEE?
The 2017 JEEP CHEROKEE received an overall NHTSA safety rating of good (4/5). Frontal crash: 4/5. Side crash: 5/5. Rollover: 4/5.
What are the most common problems with the 2017 JEEP CHEROKEE?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2017 JEEP CHEROKEE involve power train (399 complaints), unknown or other (191 complaints), electrical system (101 complaints). Other affected components include engine, power train,electrical system, electrical system,unknown or other.
How many crash reports does the 2017 JEEP CHEROKEE have?
There are 23 crash reports associated with the 2017 JEEP CHEROKEE out of 1,299 total complaints (1.8% of complaints involved crashes).
How many fire reports does the 2017 JEEP CHEROKEE have?
There are 6 fire reports for the 2017 JEEP CHEROKEE out of 1,299 total complaints. Fire reports are among the most serious safety concerns tracked by NHTSA.
Are there any deaths reported for the 2017 JEEP CHEROKEE?
No deaths have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2017 JEEP CHEROKEE.
How many injuries are reported for the 2017 JEEP CHEROKEE?
26 injuries have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2017 JEEP CHEROKEE. These are self-reported by vehicle owners as part of their safety complaints.
Should I buy a 2017 JEEP CHEROKEE?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2017 JEEP CHEROKEE is proceed with caution. It has 1,299 complaints, 6 recalls, and a good (4/5) safety rating. Always have a pre-purchase inspection done by a qualified mechanic.
What components fail most on the 2017 JEEP CHEROKEE?
The components with the most failures on the 2017 JEEP CHEROKEE are: 1. POWER TRAIN (399 complaints), 2. UNKNOWN OR OTHER (191 complaints), 3. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (101 complaints), 4. ENGINE (97 complaints), 5. POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (62 complaints). POWER TRAIN is the single most-reported problem area with 399 complaints.
What should I know before buying a 2017 JEEP CHEROKEE?
Be cautious of potential Power Transfer Unit (PTU) failures and electrical system issues, especially with 4WD and emergency brake malfunctions. The 2017 JEEP CHEROKEE has 1,299 NHTSA complaints and 6 recalls on record. NHTSA rates it good (4/5).
How reliable is the 2017 JEEP CHEROKEE?
The 2017 JEEP CHEROKEE receives a reliability score of 85/100, indicating above-average reliability. This is based on 1,299 owner complaints, 6 recalls, and 29 crash/fire reports in the NHTSA database. Key known issues include Power Transfer Unit (PTU) Failure and Electrical System Issues.
What are the known issues with the 2017 JEEP CHEROKEE?
Known issues with the 2017 JEEP CHEROKEE include: Power Transfer Unit (PTU) Failure, Electrical System Issues, 4WD Warning Light, Emergency Brake Engagement. These are based on patterns found across 1,299 NHTSA complaints. 6 of these patterns resulted in formal recalls.
What are the common issues with the 2017 Jeep Cherokee?
Common issues include Power Transfer Unit (PTU) failures, electrical system problems, 4WD system warnings, and unexpected emergency brake engagement.
Is the 4WD warning light a serious issue?
Yes, the 4WD warning light is often associated with a faulty Power Transfer Unit (PTU) and can lead to loss of power and difficulty shifting gears.
What should I do if I experience unexpected emergency brake engagement?
If you experience unexpected emergency brake engagement, seek immediate professional assistance to ensure safety and address the issue.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: Be cautious of potential Power Transfer Unit (PTU) failures and electrical system issues, especially with 4WD and emergency brake malfunctions.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2017 Jeep Cherokee
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2017 Jeep Cherokee. The data includes 1299 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 6 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 23 reported crashes, 6 fire incidents, 26 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.
The NHTSA has assigned the 2017 Jeep Cherokee an overall safety rating of 4 out of 5 stars, with a frontal crash rating of 4 stars, a side crash rating of 5 stars, and a rollover rating of 4 stars. These ratings are determined through controlled crash testing conducted by the NHTSA.
All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.
Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.
Disclaimer: This analysis is AI-generated from NHTSA public data and does not constitute professional automotive or safety advice. Always verify recall status at NHTSA.gov and consult a qualified mechanic.
Analysis last updated: 2026-05-16