Problems · NHTSA complaints

2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee problems

Owners filed 364 complaints about the 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee with NHTSA between Dec 2016 and Aug 2026. The most-cited component is engine (102).

Complaints
364
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
26
Reported by owners
Fires
3
Reported by owners
Injuries
19
People reported injured
Deaths
0
Reported to NHTSA
01 —By component

Complaints by component

One complaint can cite several components
  1. Engine102
  2. Power train88
  3. Electrical system87
  4. Fuel/propulsion system31
  5. Service brakes29
  6. Vehicle speed control21
  7. Seats20
  8. Steering18
  9. Air bags15
  10. Exterior lighting14
  11. Structure10
  12. Electronic stability control (esc)10
  13. Suspension8
  14. Forward collision avoidance8

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
20161
201726
201843
201949
202046
202128
202235
202336
202432
202549
202619

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

Engine

102 reports1 fire
“On November 23, 2025, I was driving approximately 60 mph in the middle lane of I-495 near Exit 62 in Marlborough, Massachusetts, with a passenger in the vehicle. I signaled to change lanes to pass a slower vehicle, selected Sport Mode, and accelerated. The engine RPM increased sharply and, almost immediately, I heard an extremely loud bang from the engine area. Multiple warning lights began flashing on the instrument panel, the vehicle made abnormal noises, and the engine lost power. The loss of propulsion was immediate while I was traveling at highway speed. Because that section of I-495 slopes slightly downhill and I was already close to Exit 62, the vehicle's momentum allowed me to reach the exit and pull onto the shoulder. Had this occurred in heavier traffic or in a location without a safe shoulder or exit nearby, the sudden loss of propulsion could have resulted in a collision. The vehicle became inoperable and required towing. It was later inspected by an authorized Jeep dealership. The dealer documented a hole in the side of the engine with engine fluid leaking out and determined that the engine requires replacement. The vehicle had approximately 94,298…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 19, 2026Power train, EngineODI 11757968

Power train

88 reports3 crashes
“My 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee just completely lost power again and almost got hit by the car following me. Almost got hit again coasting to the side of the road! This has happened before and the repair shop tried updating software which did not fix it. Why was the 2017 not included in your recall of the Power Transfer Case? Repair shop diagnosed problem the last time it happened as the PTC! I am an Attorney and want this included in your 2019-2023 recall! Please do not force me to file a lawsuit to fix this safety issue!”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled May 12, 2026Power train, EngineODI 11737363

Electrical system

87 reports2 crashes3 fires1 related recall
“After purchasing the Jeep Cherokee Laredo 2017 in 2024, The jeep immediately in November/2024 started giving problems with the engine, I did report these issues to Belise Kia in West Springfield, Ma, after I dropped of the Jeep in July/2025, I was told that the jeep needed a new engine. In January/2026 I got the jeep back, but the issues remain. I`ve tried to do the inspection and the Jeep failed due to PO349, PO345, UO415 and P1009 sensors. I did report these issues to Belise Kia and their response was " we did what we need to do with the Jeep which it was changed the engine. But the engine does not appear to be replaced. I do not know what else to do.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 20, 2026Electrical system, EngineODI 11751590

Fuel/propulsion system

31 reports1 crash
“I was pulling into my driveway and the vehicle accelerated by itself and crashed into my house looks like vehicle is beyond repair still waiting on adjuster report”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 2, 2026Fuel/propulsion systemCrash reportedODI 11754248

Service brakes

29 reports5 crashes
“Q: What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? A: 1) Sudden loss of propulsion at highway speeds, with inability to accelerate despite throttle input. Regained propulsion only after shifting from Drive → Neutral → Drive. Repeated occurrences. Prior dealership complaint before recall awareness. 2) Unresolved drivability issues after transmission work Q: How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? A: Sudden loss of propulsion at highway speeds, with inability to accelerate despite throttle input. Q: Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? A: No, they couldn't reproduce the problem. Q: Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? A: Dealership Q: Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? A: No. They first appeared in 2023”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled May 20, 2026Service brakes, Engine, Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11739098

Vehicle speed control

21 reports3 crashes
“The contact owns a 2017 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while seated inside the vehicle with his wife, the gear shifter was shifted into drive; however, while depressing the brake pedal the vehicle accelerated independently. The check engine warning light was illuminated. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed; however, the diagnostic result was unknown. The accelerator pedal was replaced, and the vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that the failure had occurred on several occasions. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 85,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 30, 2026Vehicle speed control, EngineODI 11747367
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.