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Jeep · NHTSA safety record

2017 Jeep Cherokee

Every safety complaint, recall and defect investigation the US government holds on this vehicle.

Owners have filed 1,334 safety complaints about the 2017 Jeep Cherokee with the US government. Of those, 24 describe a crash, 6 mention a fire, 27 people were injured and no death is recorded. 6 recall campaigns are open against it.

The most complained-about system is the power train, named in 647 complaints, 49% of the total. The typical failure was reported at 40,947 miles, the median across the 834 complaints that gave an odometer reading.

Compiled from NHTSA's complaint, recall and investigation files · Covers December 2016 to September 2026 · How this is counted

What is on file

1,334 complaints on file

1,334

Complaints

24

Describe a crash

6

Mention fire

27

People injured

0

Deaths

A complaint is an unverified account by the person who filed it, not a finding of fault. One complaint is one ODI number, which is how NHTSA counts them.

A recall is the manufacturer conceding a defect, and the repair is free. Whether one covers your particular car is a question only its VIN can answer, because a campaign covers a production range rather than a model year. A further 1 defect investigation is open and unresolved.

Which system owners named

Complaints naming each system
POWER TRAIN 647 · 49%
UNKNOWN OR OTHER 343 · 26%
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 342 · 26%
ENGINE 258 · 19%
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL 60 · 4%
SERVICE BRAKES 55 · 4%
STEERING 45 · 3%
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) 42 · 3%
AIR BAGS 26 · 2%
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 18 · 1%
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE 17 · 1%
SUSPENSION 16 · 1%
0 262 523

Red marks a system with a recall campaign against it. One complaint can name several systems, so these add up to more than 1,334.

When the complaints arrived

By the year NHTSA received them

By the year NHTSA received them, which is not the year the failures happened. They peaked in 2020 at 311.

328 246 164 82
16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26

This is the year the complaint was filed, not the year the failure happened. The range runs from 2016 to 2026, the last of them a part year, which is why its column is drawn faint.

Crash test ratings

NHTSA New Car Assessment Program

NHTSA crashes a car into a barrier and a pole and measures what happens to the dummies inside. This is what it awarded the 2017 Jeep CHEROKEE, and it is a separate question from what owners report going wrong later.

Test SUV 2WD SUV 4WD
Overall
Frontal crash
Frontal, driver
Frontal, passenger
Side crash
Side barrier
Side pole
Rollover
Chance of rollover 17.4% 16.9%
Stability control standard Forward collision warning standard Lane departure warning standard

A rating belongs to a tested body style and drivetrain, not to the model as a whole, which is why more than one is listed. A dash means NHTSA did not rate that test for this vehicle.

Recall campaigns

6 on file

POWER TRAIN

25V011000 · April 29, 2025

The defect
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.
The risk
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.
The 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.

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) · up to 63,130 vehicles across all model years covered

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

23V302000 · April 27, 2023

The defect
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.
The risk
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.
The 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.

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) · up to 25,980 vehicles across all model years covered

POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DIFFERENTIAL UNIT

20V343000 · June 11, 2020

The defect
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.
The risk
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.
The 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.

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) · up to 67,248 vehicles across all model years covered

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING

18V332000 · May 17, 2018

The defect
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 cruise control system from disengaging. If, when using cruise control, there is a short circuit within the vehicle's wiring, the driver may not be able to shut off the cruise control either by depressing the brake pedal or manually turning the system off once it has been engaged, resulting in either the vehicle maintaining its current speed or possibly accelerating.
The risk
If the vehicle maintains its speed or accelerates despite attempts to deactivate the cruise control, there would be an increased risk of a crash.
The 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 disengaged while driving, owners should firmly and steadily apply the brakes and shift the transmission to neutral, placing the vehicle in park once it has stopped.

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) · up to 4,815,661 vehicles across all model years covered

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

17V543000 · August 31, 2017

The defect
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."
The risk
The missing tire and rim designation information may lead to an incorrect combination being installed on the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The 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.

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) · up to 22,242 vehicles across all model years covered

AIR BAGS:KNEE BOLSTER

16V799000 · November 2, 2016

The defect
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.
The risk
If the driver's knee air bag does not properly inflate, there is an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.
The 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.

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) · up to 88 vehicles across all model years covered

Defect investigations

1 on file

An investigation means NHTSA has decided a pattern is worth examining. A preliminary evaluation is often closed with no action; an engineering analysis is the stage that usually precedes a recall.

Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture

EA21002

Still open engineering analysis · opened September 17, 2021

the air bags

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 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.Consequently, all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substance that traps and holds moisture) in US vehicles are under recall. These "non-desiccated" inflators either have been or are required to be replaced.In some cases, the remedy part for these recalled inflators was, or will be, an inflator using either propellant 2004 or 2004L that does contain a desiccant. None of these "desiccated" remedy parts (which were installed in older model year vehicles) are currently under recall for a degradation concern. Certain subsets of desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004 for use as original equipment, however, have been recalled for a degradation concern. All Takata inflators produced with propellant 2004L contain desiccant, and none of these desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L are under recall for a degradation concern. There have been no reported field ruptures in any non-recalled desiccated PSAN inflators.It is understood that desiccants fully saturate at some threshold, at which point any additional moisture will not be captured. This means the degradation process observed in non-desiccated inflators using propellant 2004 may also occur in non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004, assuming additional moisture enters the inflator and high temperature cycling occurs. Based on available information, desiccant saturation can occur within the first five years in the worst environments, and the time required for full saturation is affected by multiple factors. While no present safety risk has been identified, further work is needed to evaluate the future risk of non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004.Three entities -- Takata (now known as TK Global), the Independent Testing Coalition, and Exponent -- have been studying the long-term behavior of Takata desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004L (as well as 2004) in the presence of moisture and temperature cycling. The research efforts, which include development of predictive modeling techniques and field sample analysis, are ongoing. To date, none of the researchers have identified field evidence showing that propellant 2004L is undergoing a degradation process that leads to aggressive deployment and potential rupture. However, the time in service of such inflators remains short compared to that of the inflators using propellant 2004. Further study is needed to assess the long-term safety of desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L.The Office of Defects Investigation is opening this investigation to examine whether a safety defect related to propellant degradation exists in non-recalled desiccated PSAN frontal inflators manufactured by Takata. This investigation will require extensive information on Takata production processes and surveys of inflators in the field. Lists of recall actions that may have used desiccated PSAN inflators as remedy parts, as well as the makes and models originally manufactured with them, is available with the downloadable version of this document (see nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=EA21002 -- note this information is subject to change/revision as the investigation proceeds). This investigation does not supersede EA15-001, which remains open.

In owners’ own words

Quoted from the complaint file

Quoted from NHTSA's complaint file. These are unverified accounts by the people who filed them, not findings of fault.

AIR BAGS

6 injured · crash · towed

UNKNOWN Airbags did not deploy when struck by a semi that crossed the median and hit me then pinned me against guardrail that was also damaged/destroyed.

NHTSA complaint 11609579. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

AIR BAGS

4 injured · crash · towed

The vehicle didn’t have any warning lights or messages on dashboard. Someone ran a red light and hit my car while we were both going over 40mph and my airbags didn’t deploy but there’s did.. my car got towed as it wasn’t drivable anymore and was told the airbags where suppose to deploy but they didn’t.

NHTSA complaint 11421756. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

AIR BAGS

2 injured · crash · towed · 28,000 miles

MY HUSBAND AND I WERE INVOLVED IN A 4 CAR PILE UP ON THE 3 LANE HIGHWAY. TRAFFIC ABRUPTLY STOPPED SEVERAL CARS IN FRONT OF US ON THE HIGHWAY AND CARS WERE SWERVING TO MISS THE TRAFFIC STOPPED. THE 2 CARS IN FRONT OF US AND OUR CAR WERE ALL ABLE TO GET STOPPED WITHOUT HITTING EACH OTHER. WE WERE STATIONARY (STOPPED) WHEN WE HEARD SQUEALING TIRES AND WERE REAR ENDED BY A F250 HAULING A TRAILER FULL OF FIREWOOD AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED. THIS TRUCK THEN PUSHED US FORWARD INTO THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF US. WHICH THEN PUSHED THAT CAR INTO THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF IT. SO, OUR VEHICLE WAS HIT FROM BEHIND AND THEN IN THE FRONT. THERE IS SEVERE DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE, AND IT HAS BEEN DEEMED A TOTAL LOSS

NHTSA complaint 11218276, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

AIR BAGS

2 injured · crash · towed

My vehicle was in 2 MAJOR wrecks. One in dec 2021, where I t boned someone who turned in front of me at a green light. $19k in damages. Should have totaled it. But how in the hell the air bags didn’t go off is amazing. Bc my chest hit the steering wheel so hard i had to be treated for it. Not only that but the wreck destroyed my lower vertebrae. After it took the shop 6 months to fix and taken back for problems multiple times. I had it 2 weeks, and the brakes failed. Due to something the shop did I’m sure but I rear ended a lady with no brakes at 45-50 mph. Slamming directly into her even though I saw her. I broke my toe I hit the brakes so hard. But again I hit her directly where all the

NHTSA complaint 11541200, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

POWER TRAIN
PTU failed on my 2017 Cherokee Jeep. It should be involved in a recall BUT it is not and I’m paying out of pocket to this repair.

NHTSA complaint 11765803. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

STRUCTURE:BODY
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

NHTSA complaint 11762184, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I’m trying to get my car fixed the diagnostic result was that I need a new transfer case as a right now the the waiting time for that part is 8 months and over 700 on backup orders the more I dig in to this part it seems that is an issue with this model, probably should have been a recall on this. Please help me out to see if jeep can help with this problem Thank you [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint 11761339. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I was stopped at a red light and once the light turned green my vehicle made a grinding noise and would not go faster than about 15 miles per hour. I pulled through the intersection and over to the side of the road and put my hazard lights on and put the vehicle in park but it wanted to roll while in park so i put the parking brake on. There was no warning lights or messages or other symptoms prior to this failure. I managed to get the vehicle checked at a corner shop and was told the PTU recall is the issue and that it failed and to tow it to the dealership. I towed it to Luther Brookdale Jeep and Dodge in Brooklyn Park, MN and they claim to not know how to fix or even diagnose the problem

NHTSA complaint 11761365, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

POWER TRAIN

89,117 miles

The contact's mother owns a 2017 Jeep Cherokee. While the owner was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle vibrated, and the vehicle was shaking erratically. The “Service 4WD” message was displayed. The contact stated that the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to exceed 30 MPH. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with PTU failure. The contact was informed that the PTU needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed that parts were ordered for the repair. The contact was scheduled a new appointment; however, parts were still not available. The owner received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V011000

NHTSA complaint 11759147, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

POWER TRAIN

204,000 miles

The contact owns a 2017 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. There was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle and the contact pulled over to the side of the road. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who discovered that the skid plate was cracked, and after further inspection, the contact was informed about the PTU recall and referred the contact to the dealer for assistance. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer for NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V011000 (Power Train). The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and

NHTSA complaint 11758423, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

Compare

Other years of the Jeep Cherokee

Model year Complaints Recalls Deaths
2026 5 4 —
2022 51 3 —
2021 166 4 —
2020 306 3 —
2019 1,649 11 —
2018 686 7 —
2016 1,406 9 —
2015 1,787 11 —
2014 2,647 13 —

Other 2017 Jeep models

Renegade 565 Grand Cherokee 364 Wrangler 309 Compass 229 Patriot 59

Complaints on file, same model year.

Every Jeep on this site — 108 vehicles.

If this is your car and a dealer keeps failing to fix it, your state's lemon law may require the manufacturer to replace it or buy it back. How many repair attempts it takes, and how long you have to file, is set by the state you bought in and by nothing on this page.

Where these numbers come from

A complaint is one owner's account and has not been verified by NHTSA or by us. A vehicle with more complaints is not necessarily worse: models that sold in larger numbers collect more of them. How this is counted.

Compiled and maintained by
Independent developer and analyst