2017 Jeep Cherokee UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Owner-reported problems and safety issues filed with NHTSA. Review common failures, severity levels, and complaint trends over time.
Complaint Timeline
Chronological view of owner reports
We continuously receive dashboard messaging related to this defect to replace the PTU. All lights illuminate near the shift knob, too. I'm scared I will lose motive power and cause a crash without warning or lose park function to cause injury. I received the Recall Letter a year ago in January 2025. I have checked with the dealer who sold us the Jeep and they say there isn't a fix for this. I understand that Stellantis might not have an approved fix, but is there another way this recall can be repaired? The messaging is becoming more and more frequent. It seems that the input shaft snap ring needs to be fully seated to stop uncontrolled movement of the input shaft inward. Not fixing this soon will continue to damage the range shift sleeve, or create more spline damage or range fork damage. The Drivetrain Control Module DTCM needs to be reprogrammed with new software to detect and monitor wear in the PTU. With the messaging I'm getting, I need to know, too, that the Warranty Extension terms are unlimited years/unlimited mileage per the recall notice from January 2025. I feel so unsafe driving my car and will not have my mom, kids, grandkids, husband, or other passengers with me for their own safety. Help, please!
To Whom It May Concern, I am filing a safety complaint regarding my 2017 Jeep that is currently under recall for the Power Transfer Unit (PTU). I experienced a very frightening situation while driving in traffic when my vehicle would not properly stay in place, and I had to keep firm pressure on the brake to prevent it from rolling back into traffic. If I had not reacted quickly, this could have resulted in a serious accident or injuries. I have been informed that this issue is related to a serious recall involving the PTU, which can cause loss of power and rollaway risk. However, I have been told that there are no parts available yet and no timeline for when the repair will be completed. I am extremely concerned about continuing to drive a vehicle with a known safety defect. This is my third Jeep, and I recently paid this vehicle off. I depend on it daily for my job, to get my little girl to school. I am very thankful that this situation was not worse, but it easily could have been. I should not have to worry about my vehicle rolling into traffic due to a known recall issue. I have contacted Jeep recall representatives regarding this matter and was informed that no loaner vehicle would be provided and that if I needed alternate transportation, I would have to pay out of pocket. I do not believe it is reasonable for consumers to bear additional financial burden when the vehicle has a known safety defect under recall. I respectfully request that this matter be investigated and that action be taken to ensure repairs are made available as soon as possible to protect myself and other drivers on the road. Sincerely, Whitney Phillips
The issue involved a malfunction of the two-speed Power Transfer Unit, which is available for inspection upon request. This malfunction created a serious safety risk, as it could have caused me to crash or resulted in another vehicle crashing into me. The problem was confirmed by an auto machanic that came to my home to inspect the vehicle because I was unable to drive it to get it inspected. Before the failure, a warning message appeared on the dashboard while I was driving that read “Service 4WD.” The alert came on briefly and then turned off. This happened in February of 2025. I was told that the part would be available on December 18th, then it changed to January 8th, and there is still no notice of when I can schedule to have my vehicle fixed.
Transfer case going out. The warning light comes on when driving.
Vehicle suddenly loss power while driving and not accelerating properly. Had vehicle to stop stopped while driving and message appear where I had to put car in park before I could move again. I continue to have acceleration issues.
Notification of "Service Shifter" light came on. After reading other reviews this is a common problem and not easily diagnosed. Other vehicle owners noted that the car will just stop while in drive and moving! Is this a major safety issue. Others states this is a recall item? Please advise.
Car lose power while driving to work gears would not change. Car rolling in highway.
It says service shifter and then every gear lights up meaning park,drive,reverse and netural are all lit
Need new transfer case. Why isn’t my jeep under a recall for this problem - when so many other 2017 jeeps are ?
Power Transfer Unit 4 wheel drive system PTU Motor Component System Operation Obstructed or Blocked
Safety Recall in January 2025, it is now almost May 2025 and still no remedy has been made.
My JEEP vehicle currently has a safety recall. My car has been in the shop for two months with no update with the recall. My vehicle currently is in the shop and is not drivable due to the PTU failure. I am currently waiting for the recall remedy. I need my vehicle for work and it is very upsetting having to wait months for repairs.
The "Service 4WD" light came on. Upon inspection, the dealership found a problem with the power transfer unit, which lines up with the recall. I have been informed by the dealership that the replacement part may not be in until May of 2025 due to a backorder.
I had my 2017 Jeep repaired at the mechanic on January 30. I drove it straight home from the mechanic and within five minutes the vehicle was engulfed in flames. The service provided was tires, struts control arms, and of course placing the tire sensors on the car, no electrical work and no prior incidents of electrical concerns. The car is a total loss. It started in the engine compartment. I'm sure and burned all the way through the backseat.
Occasionally when driving vehicle will receive alert to “service shifter” all lights on shifter turn red. I was advised by dealer they have never heard of issue but when I look online there is hundreds of people with the same issue. It is possibility that shifting function can be compromised at any time with this issue.
4wd not working and now the speedometer keeps blinking
Driving on the highway I was alerted with a warning on my dashboard display to "Service Shifter". At the same time all of the gear symbols illuminated red and stayed on. I did a web search regarding this issue and found this is happening to a very large number of Jeeps like mine and suggesting I fill out this form.
Service shifter light on
LIGHT ON CLUSTER APPEARS "SERVICE SHIFTER". THE LIGHT COMES ON RANDOMLEY. WILL APPEAR 5 TIMES IN ONE DAY AND NOT SHOW UP FOR MONTHS. I HAVE READ ON LINE THIS IS A COMMON ISSUE WITH 2017 (AND OTHER YEAR MODELS). i HAVE TAKEN TO HAVE THIS WARNING LIGHT ADDRESSED BUT CAN NOT MAKE IT COME ON. AS I SAID, ITS RANDOM. WITHOUT LIGHT BEING ON REPAIR SHOP DOES NOT KNOW HOW TO ADDRESS IT. THIS "SERVICE SHIFTER LIGHT" HAS BEEN SHOWING UP FOR OVER 2 YEARS.
I need to replace the power transfer unit already on a vehicle with 70,000 cost $3500 there are 850 PTU on backorder with no ETA this is not acceptable I’m told to drive my vehicle until I can’t or buy a new vehicle. I READ ONLINE THERE WAS A SAFETY RECALL W47 / NHTSA 20V-343 but I received no notification. Any help would be appreciated. Thank you.
Service shifter light goes on just put a lot of money in this car and nothing but a problem
I closed the trunk door but the indicator on the dashboard is still saying that the lift gate is open. I checked to make sure that nothing was blocking it's way. There was no prior indications.
Not sure
A message appears on the gauge panel stating "SERVIVE SHIFTER." This started happening intermittently since November 2020. It is now happening every time the Jeep is driven. I am unsure if this will cause a safety issue at some point or not as the car seems to drive normal even with the message.
After starting my Jeep and driving it down the road for about 10 minutes the dashboard gave a warning to(service the shifter) all lights illuminated red. I pulled over and turned the Jeep off and it went away but has done it several times since and also happened multiple times before. I bought the car used and no warranty’s. Multiple people have stated online that they are having the same issues. Along with transmission having problems also. Please help us out and put out a recall. Apparently it’s a concern due to all the people reporting it online.
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Quick Summary
The 2017 Jeep Cherokee has 189 UNKNOWN OR OTHER complaints on file. Review the timeline above for detailed owner experiences.