2017 Jeep Cherokee

■ Significantly worse — known issue year
2017 Jeep Cherokee
BUILT 2026-09-02

This year had more than double the complaints of this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Jeep Cherokee Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 2017 highlighted. 1980: 1 complaints 1980 1981: 1 complaints 1982: 0 complaints 1983: 0 complaints 1984: 7 complaints 1985: 17 complaints 1985 1986: 21 complaints 1987: 57 complaints 1988: 98 complaints 1989: 191 complaints 1990: 275 complaints 1990 1991: 234 complaints 1992: 114 complaints 1993: 418 complaints 1994: 522 complaints 1995: 610 complaints 1995 1996: 447 complaints 1997: 390 complaints 1998: 399 complaints 1999: 366 complaints 2000: 369 complaints 2000 2001: 229 complaints 2006: 17 complaints 2014: 2642 complaints 2015: 1784 complaints 2016: 1404 complaints 2016 2017: 1328 complaints 2017 2018: 682 complaints 2019: 1618 complaints 2020: 282 complaints 2021: 153 complaints 2021 2022: 48 complaints 2023: 3 complaints 2026: 3 complaints 2026
2017: 1328 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
19801
19811
19820
19830
19847
198517
198621
198757
198898
1989191
1990275
1991234
1992114
1993418
1994522
1995610
1996447
1997390
1998399
1999366
2000369
2001229
200617
20142642
20151784
20161404
20171328
2018682
20191618
2020282
2021153
202248
20233
20263

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.

POWER TRAIN 49%

49% of complaints: power train — 647 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing transfer case (4-wheel drive) and gear position indication (prndl).

CRASH INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

The vehicle unprompted shifted into 4wd and lost all propulsion. Revved high, but didn’t move. There is a recall that outlines the exact issues I experienced, but my VIN is not covered for a free fix.

NHTSA ODI report, 20260817

The contact owns a 2017 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal whining sound coming from the vehicle. Additionally, the “Service 4-WD” warning light was illuminated.

NHTSA ODI report, 20260814

The contact owns a 2017 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving 30 MPH and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to respond as needed, and the vehicle shut off unexpectedly.

NHTSA ODI report, 20260717

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 26%

26% of complaints: electrical system — 341 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing starter assembly and instrument cluster/panel.

CRASH FIRE INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

There was already a recall on the make and model of my car, Jeep Cherokee Latitude; however, when I search by VIN it shows zero unrepaired recalls.

NHTSA ODI report, 20231127

Also filed under ENGINE and FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

CAR CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE DRIVING. ENTIRE FRONT END WAS IN FLAMES AND BURNED COMPLETELY. *TT *TR *BF VIN IS INVALID UPDATED 11/26/18*JB

NHTSA ODI report, 20180903

Also filed under ENGINE

ENGINE 19%

19% of complaints: engine — 257 distinct reports on file.

CRASH FIRE INJURY
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL 5%

5% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 60 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing throttle.

CRASH INJURY
SERVICE BRAKES 4%

4% of complaints: service brakes — 58 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic.

CRASH INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

WE JUST PURCHASED ABOVE VEHICLE WITH 13 MILES ON IT. LIKE THE CAR, BUT WE WERE CRAWLING ALONG AND THE CAR IN FRONT OF US STOPPED. MY HUSBAND TRIED TO STOP AND HIT BOTH THE GAS AND BRAKE PEDAL AT THE SAME TIME.

NHTSA ODI report, 20170513

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 20161109 — air bags

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.

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.

Campaign 16V799000 — check if this car was fixed

2017 — complaint volume: 1328
R 20171013 — equipment, wheels

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Jeep Cherokee vehicles.

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.

Campaign 17V543000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20180604 — electrical system, vehicle speed control

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...

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.

Campaign 18V332000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20200714 — power train

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2017 Jeep Cherokee vehicles equipped with a two-speed Power Transfer Unit (PTU).

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.

Campaign 20V343000 — check if this car was fixed

I 20210917 — EA (open)

Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture

R 20230511 — power train

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.

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.

Campaign 23V302000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20260219 — power train

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.

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.

Campaign 25V011000 — check if this car was fixed

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

2017 Jeep Cherokee — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for power train issues (647 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for electrical system issues (341 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for engine issues (257 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 16V799000 (air bags) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 17V543000 (equipment, wheels) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 18V332000 (electrical system, vehicle speed control) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 20V343000 (power train) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 23V302000 (power train) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 25V011000 (power train) has been completed.

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 2022 ▲ 1987 ▲ 1988

WORST YEARS

■ 2014 ■ 2015 ■ 2019

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 2017 Jeep Cherokee reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2017 Jeep Cherokee is rated "significantly worse".

What are the most common problems with the 2017 Jeep Cherokee?

The most-reported component is power train, accounting for 49% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2017 Jeep Cherokee have?

6 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-09-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.