Problems · NHTSA complaints

2017 Jeep Cherokee problems

Owners filed 1,338 complaints about the 2017 Jeep Cherokee with NHTSA between Dec 2016 and Oct 2026. The most-cited component is power train (650).

Complaints
1,338
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
24
Reported by owners
Fires
6
Reported by owners
Injuries
27
People reported injured
Deaths
0
Reported to NHTSA
01 —By component

Complaints by component

One complaint can cite several components
  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
  10. Forward collision avoidance17
  11. Suspension16
  12. Structure12
  13. Wheels12
  14. Exterior lighting8

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

Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 3, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Trend

When complaints were filed

Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
View as table
Model yearComplaints filed per calendar year
20162
201732
201890
2019284
2020311
2021123
202275
202395
202484
2025170
202672

Mileage at failure isn’t a structured field in NHTSA complaint data, so we don’t chart it. Some owners mention it in their reports below.

03 —Owner reports

Top problems in owners’ words

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first

Power train

650 reports5 crashes3 related recalls
“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 fires1 related recall
“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

Vehicle speed control

60 reports2 crashes
“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 unavailable. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that the part was not 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. While the contact’s daughter was driving and approaching a stop light, the vehicle continued to drive forward while the brake pedal was depressed. Later, while driving the vehicle experienced reduced power with the check engine warning light and the ETC warning light illuminated. The vehicle was inspected by an independent mechanic who determined that the PTU was faulty and needed to be replaced. The failure mileage was 171,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jan 13, 2026Power train, Engine, Vehicle speed controlODI 11710657

Service brakes

56 reports4 crashes
“There was a leak in my trunk that completely shorted out my electric parking break module. My safety and others safety were put at risk because the emergency break was turning on automatically and I could not control it. I noticed it blinking and quickly pulled into a parking lot where the brake went on. I couldn't move the car at that time it took me a couple attempts to get the emergency brake off. I managed to get the car moving and went right back home where then the emergency brake turned on again. I ended up having to call a tow truck. This easily could've been worse if I made the decision to continue on my route that day because the emergency brake was turning on automatically. I took my car to an auto shop who determined with photo evidence that my electric parking brake module was filled with water. They noted "Shorted module Full of water due to trunk water leak. Needs module replacement and connector repair with reprogram. Trunk leak needs to be addressed." A small warning light appeared on my dashboard when the issue started. There was no prior warning lights or problems with the car. I had just gotten my car inspected a few days prior and passed…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 5, 2026Structure, Service brakesODI 11769104

Steering

45 reports1 crash
“Vehicle has a known safety Bulletin out from Stellantis for the PTU but this model does not fall under it. I am having issues with the PtU and concerns with safety of driving and others. Will need repaired. Frustration that my certain subsection of this model is not covered under the safety bulletin despite known problems and significant safety risk.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 12, 2025Steering, Vehicle speed controlODI 11680180
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 3, 2026

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