Research · Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD

2017 Jeep CherokeeRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 6 safety recalls and 1,338 owner complaints for the 2017 Jeep Cherokee. Most complaints involve power train (650) and electrical system (342). The EPA rates it 21–25 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 4 stars overall.

Combined MPG
21–25mpg
EPA · 10 versions
NHTSA overall
4of 5 stars
NCAP crash tests
Safety recalls
6campaigns
Latest Jan 2025
Owner complaints
1,338
Top: power train
Fuel cost / yr
$2,550est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

6 NHTSA campaigns · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN

Power train

Free remedy

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.

Power trainReported Jan 16, 2025NHTSA 25V011000

Power train: automatic transmission

Free remedy

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.

Power trainReported Apr 27, 2023NHTSA 23V302000

Power train: differential unit

Free remedy

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 transmission which results in a loss of drive while the vehicle is in motion and a loss of the Park function while stationary.

Power trainReported Jun 11, 2020NHTSA 20V343000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 3, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

1,338 complaints filed with NHTSA · Dec 2016 – Oct 2026
  1. Power train650
  2. Electrical system342
  3. Engine260
  4. Vehicle speed control60
  5. Service brakes56
  6. Steering45
  7. Electronic stability control (esc)42
  8. Air bags26
  9. Fuel/propulsion system18

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

By model year

Complaints for each Cherokee model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
1996450
19971,380
19992,004
20001,829
20011,111
20142,651
20151,794
20161,413
20171,338
2018688
20191,673
2020334
2021177
202252
20233
20260
Crashes reported
24
Fires reported
6
Injuries reported
27
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 3, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Power train

650 reports5 crashes
“The contact owns a 2017 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at 45 MPH, the “Service 4WD” warning light illuminated. 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 dealer was contacted and made aware of the failure. The contact was informed that the failure was a known issue with the vehicle. In addition, the contact was informed by the independent mechanic and the dealer that the parts were on back order. The manufacturer was contacted and made aware of the failure. The contact was informed of an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not under recall. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 22, 2026Power trainODI 11772955

Electrical system

342 reports3 crashes3 fires
“CRITICAL VEHICLE SYSTEM SAFETY & TELEMATICS FAILURES: 1.ELECTRICAL & ELICTRICAL DEFECTS: The vehicle's primary infotainment and factory navigation display module suffers a total software and hardware failure. module suffers a total software and hardware failure. While operating on public roadway, including [XXX] entering [XXX], the tracking telemetry completely losses spatial orientation. mapping the vehicle floating deep in blue water (Shenango River Lake), dropping road names, and issuing false audible "entering restricted area" alarms furthermore, the screen suffers a total hardware lock that prevents it from engaging automatic night-dimming code, creating a blinding cabin glare that severely obscures forward visibility during night-driving hours ( I must shut screen off). Certified factory diagnostics at [XXX] confirmed the unit is frozen on an obsolete version (version 10) that cannot be updated per manufacturer parameters due to legacy 3G lines. 2. BODY & COSMETIC DEFECTS: Extensive, undisclosed road paint slurry/overspray is baked into the wheel wells and lower molding, masking structural trim deterioration. A certified inspection by Tri-City Collision…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 4, 2026Suspension, Electrical system, StructureODI 11762184

Engine

260 reports3 crashes2 fires
“Hello, I am writing to follow up on an issue I reported a month ago regarding an unaddressed recall on my 2017 Jeep Cherokee. The vehicle is currently not drivable due to significant consequential damage to the transmission caused by a failed Power Transfer Unit (PTU). I purchased this vehicle nine months ago at 51,000 miles and have driven it fewer than 5,000 miles since. The PTU failure has led to the following severe mechanical issues: - Stripped Transmission Output Shaft: Due to wear on the differential input splines (associated with NHTSA Recall 20V343 / Manufacturer Recall W47), the transmission's output shaft has been stripped. Consequently, replacing the PTU alone will not resolve the issue, and the transmission requires repair or replacement. - Debris Contamination: Metallic shavings from the damaged PTU gears have entered the interconnected mechanical linkages of the gearbox. - Loss of Power and Park Function: The internal break caused the transmission to disengage from the differential, resulting in a loss of motive power and a complete failure of the PARK function, creating a roll-away hazard. Given that this critical recall was never performed…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 15, 2026Power train, EngineODI 11771329
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 3, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

10 versions rated by the EPA
EPA class
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD, Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
Engines
2.4L 4-cyl · 3.2L 6-cyl
Transmissions
Automatic 9-spd
Drive
Front-Wheel Drive · All-Wheel Drive · 4-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Regular Gasoline · Midgrade Gasoline

Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.

Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 3, 2026EPA listing
05 —Fuel economy

EPA fuel economy by version

City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
VersionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Cherokee FWD
Auto 9-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L · Front-Wheel Drive
213025$2,550361
Cherokee FWD
Auto 9-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L, FFV · Front-Wheel Drive
213025$2,550361
Cherokee FWD
Auto 9-spd, 6 cyl, 3.2 L · Front-Wheel Drive
212924$3,100377
Cherokee 4WD
Auto 9-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L · All-Wheel Drive
212823$2,800378
Cherokee 4WD
Auto 9-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L, FFV · All-Wheel Drive
212823$2,800378
Cherokee 4WD
Auto 9-spd, 6 cyl, 3.2 L · All-Wheel Drive
202723$3,200388
Cherokee 4WD Active Drive II
Auto 9-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L · 4-Wheel Drive
212723$2,800385
Cherokee Trailhawk 4WD
Auto 9-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L · 4-Wheel Drive
192522$2,900412
Cherokee 4WD Active Drive II
Auto 9-spd, 6 cyl, 3.2 L · 4-Wheel Drive
182621$3,500416
Cherokee Trailhawk 4WD
Auto 9-spd, 6 cyl, 3.2 L · 4-Wheel Drive
182421$3,500432
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 3, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

2 tested variants
Overall rating
4/ 5
4 of 5
Jeep Cherokee SUV 4WD
Frontal crash
4 of 5
Side crash
5 of 5
Side pole
5 of 5
Rollover
4 of 5
Rollover risk
16.9%
Overall
4 / 5
Jeep Cherokee SUV 2WD
Frontal crash
4 of 5
Side crash
5 of 5
Side pole
5 of 5
Rollover
4 of 5
Rollover risk
17.4%
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 3, 2026Vehicle 11348Vehicle 11347
07 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi6–12 monthsFollow the oil-life monitor if fitted
Tire rotation5,000–7,500 miEvery oil changeCheck pressure monthly
Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi1–2 yearsSooner in dusty areas
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–3 yearsAbsorbs moisture over time
Coolant60,000–100,000 mi5–10 yearsLong-life coolants last longer
Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi—Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end
12V battery—3–5 yearsHeat shortens battery life
  • Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
    6–12 months
  • Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
    Every oil change
  • Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Brake fluid—
    2–3 years
  • Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
    5–10 years
  • Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
    —
  • 12V battery—
    3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
09 —FAQ

2017 Cherokee questions

How many recalls does the 2017 Jeep Cherokee have?

6 safety recalls as of Nov 3, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.

What are the most common 2017 Jeep Cherokee problems?

Owners filed 1,338 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are power train (650), electrical system (342), engine (260). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2017 Jeep Cherokee get?

The EPA rates the 2017 Jeep Cherokee at 21–25 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (10 versions rated).

How safe is the 2017 Jeep Cherokee?

NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2017 Jeep Cherokee 4 out of 5 stars overall.

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 3, 2026