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Engine & cooling

2017 Jeep Cherokee Engine problems

Owners have filed 265 complaints about the 2017 Jeep Cherokee's engine & cooling with NHTSA - 20% of all its complaints, most recently on October 15, 2026. They describe 3 crashes, 2 fires and 1 injury. Stalling, loss of power, oil consumption, overheating, head gaskets, timing chains and engine failure.

Complaints
265
Recalls
0
Crashes
3
Fires
2
Injuries
1
Deaths
0

Engine complaints

Transmission & drivetrainEngine & cooling

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...

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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 prior to these failures, I request that this matter be escalated and addressed immediately. Please let me know the next steps for resolving this issue and covering the required repairs.

Filed Incident Power train · EngineNHTSA 11771329
Transmission & drivetrainEngine & cooling

I was stopped at a red light. When the light turned green, I took my foot off the brake and pressed the accelerator. bI heard a loud cracking/crushing noise coming from underneath the vehicle. When I tried to accelerate, the Jeep would not shift properly into gear. The engine revved, but the vehicle did not accelerate normally / did not move as it should. The Jeep was essentially no longer able to transmit power normally, so I stopped driving it. The important sequence is: red light-green light-released brake-pressed accelerator-loud cracking/crushing noise underneath-Jeep wouldn't properly engage/shift- engine revved- vehicle accelerated normally.

Filed Incident Power train · EngineNHTSA 11768278
Transmission & drivetrainEngine & cooling

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....

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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 opened a case. The approximate failure mileage was 204,000.

Filed Incident Power train · EngineNHTSA 11758423
Transmission & drivetrainEngine & cooling

The contact owns 2017 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at 70 MPH the vehicle lost automotive power, and the transmission shifted into a lower gear. No warning lights were illuminated, however a message appeared on the instrument panel "Service Shifter". The contact veered off onto the side of the road in order to restart the vehicle. The contact continued to drive the vehicle when shortly after the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed, and the...

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contact was advised that no failure was found. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V011000 (POWER TRAIN) as probable cause for the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 70,801.

Filed Incident Power train · EngineNHTSA 11757770
Transmission & drivetrainEngine & cooling

The contact owns a 2017 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving 57 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated and the message to "Service Vehicle Immediately" was displayed. The contact stated that the 4WD setting switched from "Auto Mode" to "Snow Mode" independently. The contact pulled over to the right side of the road and remained there for two hours. The vehicle was turned off and restarted and the vehicle, and the vehicle operated as intended. The vehicle was then driven for seven miles...

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before shutting off unexpectedly. The vehicle was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V011000 (POWER TRAIN); but the repair failed to fix the vehicle. The contact stated that the failure had occurred two weeks after the recall repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 100,000.

Filed Incident Power train · EngineNHTSA 11732781
Transmission & drivetrainWheels & tiresEngine & cooling

Back in July of 2025, my vehicle Abruptly Stopped and lost all power on the thruway. Vehicle was towed immediately to local dealership (emerling Jeep in springville ny ), where it then sat for almost 9 months awaiting a safety recall related to the PTU, as was confirmed by dealership. Fast forward to this year, early April 2026, I finally received vehicle back, and was informed a new PTU /software program update had been performed on my 2017 Jeep Cherokee. Upon driving my car off dealership lot, I noticed my...

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inspection sticker had expired, and my vehicle wasn't operating at a normal pace. A constant thud, transmission delay was evident almost immediately. Attempting to finally try and get my vehicle back to its normal condition, I drove to a nearby Mechanic to try and get car inspected. Not even 30min after receiving vehicle back, it started to lose power again. I was luckily able to get to mechanic, and after close inspection of Vehicle, he informed me that my car wasn't safe to drive. The rear differential was now in jeopardy. Mechanic said the constant strain from bad PTU likely damaged my rear differential, and that it needed to get replaced. When I informed emerling of what transpired, they denied my recommendation to drop car back off too them. Haven't responded to several emails asking them to take car back. In my opinion, emerlings lack of care and the need to remove me as quick as possible caused more emotional distress, and I could have gotten into accident on thruway due to their negligence. The reason emerling never preformed inspection, in my opinion, was because they already knew it wouldn't pass, yet still allowed me to leave their lot. That's complete negligence on they're part, and I'm not seeking any type of tangible request. I Merely want the dealership to be held accountable so someone else doesnt go thru what I went thru. Vehicle is now at another dealership awaiting diagnosis, that will then be forwarded to Jeep/Mopar.

Filed Incident Power train · Wheels · EngineNHTSA 11732478
Transmission & drivetrainElectrical systemEngine & cooling

PER DIAGNOSTICS, PTU HAS BEEN COMPROMISED. I was driving on the highway and the car started to shake and make a loud, grinding noise and seemed to be stuck in gear. When I stopped it wouldn't go into park or go into drive.

Filed Incident Power train · Electrical system · EngineNHTSA 11731764
Transmission & drivetrainElectrical systemEngine & cooling

My Jeep has been cutting off while driving for the past several months. I've taken it to be serviced several times and everything, from the alternator, engine, fuel pump, battery, etc. are all fine. But the vehicle will cut of while driving or while idling at the traffic light. This is a MAJOR safety hazard. Not only for myself and the occupants of the vehicle but other drivers on the road as well. This could cause serious injury of even death. I have found dozens of reports of the same issues online, and none have...

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identified an issue or recall but this has to be a manufacturer defect. No one should have to drive a car that checks out as "safe" but it an accident waiting to happen, either on the freeway or main roads.

Filed Incident Power train · Electrical system · EngineNHTSA 11724924
Transmission & drivetrainEngine & cooling

My car suddenly started making a loud noise while driving and one day , I was driving to work and my car started to lose power it won't accelerate even thoe I was trying to accelerate my car was slowing the speed down and I had to return to my house with emergency lights because my car won't accelerate . The next day I took my car to a collision center and they changed some of the old car parts . I'm trying to submit a reimbursement for this recall but the website won't let me submit the form along with the invoice I attached to the reimbursement request .

Filed Incident Power train · Unknown or other · EngineNHTSA 11722857
Transmission & drivetrainEngine & cooling

Tacoma Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram at address: 4101 S Tacoma Way, Tacoma WA 98409 The service provider (Andrew) has said his boss is telling him to have the vehicle moved and putting the responsibility on us at our own expense. We opened a case US Customer Care recall department case #[[redacted]] is pressuring us to move our 2017 Jeep at our own expense. It is inoperable and will not drive due to a safety recall that has been open for over 1 year without a remedy. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Incident Power train · Unknown or other · EngineNHTSA 11711185
Transmission & drivetrainEngine & coolingAcceleration & cruise control

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...

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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.

Filed Incident Power train · Engine · Vehicle speed controlNHTSA 11710657
BrakesEngine & cooling

on 11/1/25 we were driving our Jeep and it malfunctioned while at a stop light. We heard a loud "clunk" and the car would barely go and if we tried to put in park, it would continue to roll. We were on top of a hill so thankfully we didnt roll back or into traffic. We could not drive the car and had to have it towed since it was not safe to drive. Our Jeep is at an authorized Jeep dealer since 11/3/25 and we were told the issue was a power transfer unit that would be covered on the recall but the part was on...

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backorder until 12/2. Jeep would only cover $50/day for a car rental, so we had to rely on borrowing cars from others. Once 12/2 came, we reached out to the dealership and they said the part ship date was moved to 12/18! This is not a timely manner. We have made at least 3 calls to Jeep over the past week, and they keep telling us since 12/10/25 that they will let us know in 2 days...2 days pass and they transfer our case. Another two days pass and still no call from them so I called them back and they have yet to call me. We had our Jeep in the week of 11/17 or 11/24 for inspection and it passed. We noticed some lagging when we were going up hills in the 1-2 rpm range but mechanic did not notice it. Between the inspection and when it finally broke down, no lights came on and there were no warning messages. Not until the car broke down on 11/1.

Filed Incident Unknown or other · Service brakes · EngineNHTSA 11705609
Transmission & drivetrainEngine & cooling

The contact owns a 2017 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that upon starting and driving the vehicle, the 4WD and engine warning lights were illuminated. While driving at 45 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and shut off. There was an abnormal grinding sound coming from the vehicle while turning. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V011000 (Power Train). The vehicle was taken to the local dealer several times, but the dealer was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not...

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diagnosed or repaired. The contact reached out to Chapman Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram Scottsdale (3800 N 89th St, Scottsdale, AZ 85251); but no assistance was provided. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that the check engine warning light illuminated was due to an issue with the PTU. The manufacturer was contacted and offered a possible rental. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.

Filed Incident Power train · EngineNHTSA 11705505
Transmission & drivetrainEngine & cooling

The contact owns a 2017 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving 5 MPH and making a turn, the vehicle stalled. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was determined that the PTU was the cause of the failure. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V011000 (Power Train). The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were on backorder. The contact called another local dealer, Colonial South Chrysler Ram...

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Jeep and Dodge (42 State Rd, Dartmouth, MA 02747), but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 144,000.

Filed Incident Power train · EngineNHTSA 11699231
BrakesEngine & cooling

My car is jerking when driven and enabling the park brake while driving. There is a recall on other similar models. I purchased this vehicle brand new and within the same year, had the engine replaced by the manufacturer due to mechanical issues. Please assist in getting this PTU fixed not at my expense. The dealership is telling me $3k but I feel this should be covered due to other recalls and the fact that this motor was replaced shortly after purchasing the car.

Filed Incident Unknown or other · Service brakes · EngineNHTSA 11691752
Engine & cooling

The contact owns a 2017 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds, the vehicle jerked and stalled while stopped at a traffic light. No warning light was illuminated. After several attempts the vehicle restarted; however, the vehicle drove in LIMP Mode. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but no cause for the failure was found. The contact stated that fifteen days before the failure, the vehicle had been repaired under Customer Satisfaction Notification: W84 for excessive oil...

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consumption. The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) was reprogrammed. The contact stated that the dealer did not add the quart of oil as instructed as part of the remedy. Most recently, the contact noticed that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of oil. The vehicle remained at the dealer unrepaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and advised the contact that a representative would be reaching out; however, the contact had not yet received a call back. The failure mileage was approximately 67,000.

Filed Incident Engine and engine coolingNHTSA 11689953
Engine & cooling

Engine cooler failed again 1 month out of 1 year warranty. Causes coolant to leak everywhere and engine oil. Happens due to colder outside temperatures and warming of the engine.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11688804
Engine & cooling

Engine oil cooler has cracked and failed 1 month out of 1 year warranty. Cracks due to cold temperatures and warming up engine. Leaks oil all over and engine coolant.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11688802
Transmission & drivetrainEngine & cooling

Orlando Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep Dealership states there is no remedy for this issue, therefore they wanted to charge me $5,749.28 for parts and labor to fix the issue. My jeep is running hot even though there are no leaks. I cannot lock or unlock the four-wheel drive system. Alerts continually being shown on the dash to check shifter and 4x4 not available. This has been going on for almost a year.

Filed Incident Power train · EngineNHTSA 11685547
Transmission & drivetrainEngine & cooling

The contact owns a 2017 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at 75 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The check engine and an unknown warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle then decelerated to 64 MPH, and the transmission sputtered. The vehicle was taken to O'Reilly's Auto Parts and was diagnosed and DTC: P0303 (Misfire in cylinder #3); was retrieved. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 128,941.

Filed Incident Power train · EngineNHTSA 11680044
Transmission & drivetrainAcceleration & cruise controlEngine & cooling

Service Shifter light came on dash, all gears on shifter , red lights came on. I was driving at 55 mph and could tell the car wasn't accelerating and was slowing down . That's when I noticed the Service Shifter light on dash. I was in a lot of traffic and couldn't safely pull over , I was almost rear ended by the car behind me. I coasted to the side of the road and turned car off and back on . The light went off . This was yesterday , today I start the car and it starts rough ( which it usually doesn't ) and the...

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service shifter light is back on. This is a very serious , dangerous and possibly deadly issue . I was so scared when it happened as I had no control of speed of the vehicle . I see many , many reports on this issue for several years and it shows past repairs have not corrected the issue. A recall should be issued ASAP before someone gets hurt or dies from this very common problem . Customers should not have to pay to repair and issue that has been reported thousands of times for many years . Please give direction on how to get this properly and fully fixed . I am afraid to drive the vehicle for fear of a traffic accident .

Filed Incident Power train · Vehicle speed control · EngineNHTSA 11675918
Transmission & drivetrainEngine & coolingDriver assistance

Lost power on thruway in 2017 jeep Cherokee, light came on reading"service electronic stability control ", followed by check engine light. Car is not drivable, been sitting at dealership for almost 3weeks now, currently no remedy for safety recall, and no timeline. I have no vehicle at moment, work fulltime, and am still making payments. Was told I can't have loaner car, both by dealership, and Mopar, and am left in disbelief. Vehicle was already inspected by jeep dealership, said their certain its related to recall. My life is upside down currently, am hopeless

Filed Incident Power train · Engine · Back over preventionNHTSA 11672113
Transmission & drivetrainElectrical systemEngine & cooling

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 not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that the battery had drained quickly and failed to retain a charge. The vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was jump-started. The engine oil and check engine warning lights were illuminated. Additionally,...

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the vehicle jolted while driving and while coming to a stop. The contact stated that the Start/Stop system was inoperable. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to take the vehicle to the dealer for a diagnostic test. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Filed Incident Power train · Electrical system · EngineNHTSA 11665330
Engine & cooling

While driving my car it loss power in the middle of the busy intersection the lights got dim in the car while I was at the stop light and the car just shut off I could not put on the hazardous lights or anything to alarm the cars behind me ...I had to call a tow truck driver to move the vehicle I couldn't even get the key out of the ignition neither could the tow truck driver ...had the vehicle towed to my home when the vehicle reached my home the car then started back up ...this was dangerous because some could have team into the back of me

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11664169
Transmission & drivetrainEngine & coolingFuel system

Noticed the "Service Shifter" Light came on and lights blinking next to the shifter started flashing then the Jeep starting shaking violently and loss of power started to slow the vehicle down, pulled over and shut it off and restarted and drove home- " Service Shifter" light still comes on - we just pull over and shut engine off and restart. Jeep Dealership is no help

Filed Incident Power train · Engine · Fuel / propulsion systemNHTSA 11660713

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Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data

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