2017 Jeep Cherokee transmission problems

POWER TRAIN

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 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.

NHTSA complaint #11757770 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

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. The recall is NHTSA Recall Campain 25V-011 (jeep campaing 01C) I have a child and the fact that my car broke down with her in it is terrifying. I purchased 4 new tires because I was told it was the tread on the tires was uneven. That wasn’t it. Took it to a transmission shop and they couldn’t find the issues please we really need help with this and it is not right that it isn’t covered. We purchase this vehicle only last year.

NHTSA complaint #11757501 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

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. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and it was determined that the PTU was failing. The contact was informed that the PTU needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed of an unknown recall with a similar description; however, the VIN was not associated with the recall. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The contact stated that the failure had occurred while traveling out of state. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 107,952.

NHTSA complaint #11757025 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

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. The contact pulled over to the right side of the road, turned off, restarted the vehicle, and the vehicle operated as intended. No warning light was illuminated. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the power transfer unit needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure had occurred on several occasions. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V011000 (POWER TRAIN); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 144,131.

NHTSA complaint #11751107 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

An authorized dealership performed the federal safety (Safety Recall 01C) software update on my 2017 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk. Two days and 160 miles later, the vehicle suffered a dangerous highway loss of propulsion. This software update failed to protect the physical drivetrain components from catastrophic failure.

NHTSA complaint #11749112 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

The 4WD warning light illuminated on the dashboard of this 2017 Jeep Cherokee (only 67,000 miles). The vehicle was taken to an authorized Jeep dealership, where a technician officially diagnosed a complete mechanical failure of the Power Transfer Unit (PTU). The estimated cost to replace the failed component is approximately $4,000 out of pocket. This vehicle is experiencing the exact same mechanical PTU failure, dashboard warnings, and safety hazards outlined in the manufacturer's existing widespread PTU recalls and warranty extensions (such as campaigns 25V-011, 20V-343 and the XJ1 warranty extension). However, the manufacturer has excluded this specific VIN from coverage. Stellantis was contacted many times directly regarding this issue and stated they could do nothing to assist because the VIN is not currently tied to an active recall campaign. A sudden internal failure of the PTU presents a severe safety risk, as it can cause an unexpected loss of drive power while the vehicle is in motion or create a rollaway hazard when the vehicle is parked. Because this vehicle has the identical manufacturing defect at low mileage, the manufacturer needs to expand the recall parameters to include excluded VINs facing the exact same safety failure. A deposit of $2,700 has already been paid to order the replacement component, and the vehicle has now been waiting for the necessary part for approximately two months with no resolution.

NHTSA complaint #11748216 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

I am having a issue with my ptu on my vehicle unfortunately it’s not under the recall but I reach out to jeep customer service they were no help to get this issue and concern resolved I paid for a diagnostic from a jeep dealership and have it stating the ptu is malfunctioning and called back jeep and they said their nothing they can do I will have to pay for it to get repaired since it not under the recall which is not fair due to they knowing their this issue with these vehicles my truck only have about 57,000 miles on it

NHTSA complaint #11747328 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

The contact owns a 2017 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed uphill with a grandchild in the vehicle, the vehicle lost drive power and rolled backwards. It was unknown whether a warning light was illuminated. The driver panicked, depressed the brake pedal and shifted into park(P), but the vehicle failed to stop. The driver engaged the parking brake, and the vehicle came to a stop crossway on two opposite lanes. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with PTU failure related to an extended warranty coverage. The vehicle was later towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the PTU had mechanically failed. However, the contact was informed that the warranty could not be honored because no diagnostic trouble code was retrieved. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was 150,000.

NHTSA complaint #11745084 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

The contact owns a 2017 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 40 MPH, a service 4x4 warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed the the PTU was bad and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure was associated with a common unknown recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a complaint was filed. The failure mileage as approximately 65,000.

NHTSA complaint #11741492 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

I had my Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk fixed by Jeep per the recall notice. The PTU was replaced although no issues were apparent. The Car was fine before the work was done, but a month later started having driving issues and felt like it was skipping when turning left and wandering on the freeway. So I took it back to Jeep. They have had the car two weeks (14 days), and do not know what is wrong with it, will not give an ETA for the fix, and will not supply a rental car. So I have no idea if my car can be fixed and when. The PTU obviously failed but they will not replace it. This has caused extreme stress and cost on my end having to rent a car to commute to work. Also they are really bad at communicating. I called back to speak with the service manager and they had blocked my number.

NHTSA complaint #11736637 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

The contact owns a 2017 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, an abnormal grinding sound was coming from under the vehicle. The 4-Wheel warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with a PTU failure. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired due to the VIN not being included in any recalls. In addition, the contact related the failure to an unknown NHTSA Campaign; however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.

NHTSA complaint #11735583 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

My Active-Drive 1 PTU failed at 112k miles. This failure happened going down the highway at 65mph. It occurred via a loud clunk and mechanical grinding noise, followed by a “service 4-WD” light. In my case, the failure was not catastrophic and did not cause safety concerns. However, this part runs the risk of seizing all four wheels or losing power to the wheels when failing, which could have caused a significantly dangerous situation such as a collision with nearby vehicles or even a pile-up, had the wheels seized. I did not have the part serviced or inspected by the dealer, as in order to do so would have required a substantial fee. It can be reproduced and I would be open to doing so should the manufacturer come to their senses. Unfortunately, despite the lack of recall, this part is known for failure by the manufacturer and a similar component on other models, the AD-2 PTU, was recalled by the manufacturer for the same failure and safety concerns that this part has.

NHTSA complaint #11735395 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

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 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.

NHTSA complaint #11732781 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

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 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.

NHTSA complaint #11732478 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

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.

NHTSA complaint #11731764 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

The contact owns a 2017 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the "Service 4WD" warning light illuminated. The 4WD failed to engage as intended, and the vehicle remained in 2WD. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed with a power transfer unit (PTU) drivetrain failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 132,600.

NHTSA complaint #11731641 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

1. Svc 4wd sys intermittent. 2. Code C14A7-97 shows. 3. Loss of power.

NHTSA complaint #11730546 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

Started getting " service 4WD system" message at @ 84k miles. Took to Jeep dealer. Code C14A7-97 Internal transfer case failure. Was quoted $3627 for new transfer case and part not available. A car with low overall mileage should not be experiencing these kind of issues. Seems to me that this is a manufacturer problem.

NHTSA complaint #11729827 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

Service 4WD drive light is on due to rear PTU failure or issue. Signaled by code: C14A7-97 Has been confirmed by Jeep dealership upon inspection. Had inspected by 2 private auto shops confirming same issue. Light came on after driving a few minutes to now being on when car is starting. According to mechanics, this indicates PTU failure of some sort. PTU has not been fully inspected only some outside electrical testing confirming that was the root of the issue.

NHTSA complaint #11730081 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

The contact owns a 2017 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 MPH, the message "Service 4WD" was displayed. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the PTU had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V011000 (Power Train). The contact was informed by the manufacturer that the VIN was associated with the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 125,000.

NHTSA complaint #11728505 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

March 2026: The 2017 Jeep Cherokee Warning light appeared on the dashboard "SVC4WD" Safety issue with the four wheel drive system. A mechanics diagnosis code was determined stating a PTU failure. To resolve the warning light issue is to flush the oil from the PTU assembly and/or replace the PTU assembly. The complaint that is being filed is Chrysler has issued 3 recall on this matter with their 2017-2019 Jeep Cherokee's and my vehicle is going thru the same kind of issue. The recall 25V-011 / 01C PTU failure. I would like to understand why my vehicle is not included in this recall 25V-011. The repair cost is going to cause financial hardship. I'm hoping I can find the why to be included in the 25v-011 recall.

NHTSA complaint #11728153 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

The contact owned a 2017 Jeep Cherokee. While driving at 65 MPH, the vehicle lost automotive power. The message to shift into the intended gear was displayed even though the vehicle was already in gear. The contact was able to restart the vehicle, but the issue recurred several days later. The vehicle was driven to a dealer, where it was diagnosed, and the failure was associated with NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V011000 (Power Train); but the VIN was not included in the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 91,463.

NHTSA complaint #11727102 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

while driving the 2017 Jeep Cherokee the 4WD warning light came on. I believe this error references a faulty Power Train Unit (PTU?). This issue may cause the transmission-differential to disengage and potentially cause the vehicle to crash or cause injury to driver or others. my local mechanic stated there is a recall for this issue and said it needed to be repaired by the dealer.

NHTSA complaint #11725490 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

About 2 years ago my shifter started coming on like it was all lit up and I got a code saying to service shifter, So I took it in to have it fixed it was on recall. Then in 2024 my service 4WD light came on it was going on and off on and off--When I took it to the dealership they could not get it to come on or replicate it. I was told it could be just a sensor--Then my 4WD light came on and stayed on--I started losing power while driving and it scared me because I travel the highway a lot for work--It would also begin vibrating, I took it back in and of course they could not get it to replicate. Then the Recall for the PTU came out and my Jeep Cherokee had all the symptoms as a bad PTU--I took it in to the dealership and they ran the test and yes my PTU was bad--they contacted Jeep and was told that my Jeep's VIN was not on the recall and they argued saying it was in fact due to a faulty PTU--I have been in dispute with Jeep since then--I recently received a notice that they are closing my case but if I took my jeep in for diagnostic testing they would reopen my case so I paid another $190 to have it diagnosed and once again it is a faulty PTU--The Service Manager at the dealership said he would go to bat for me and stand with me on this--He said hands down my Jeep should be on the recall list and that there are 100's of Jeep Cherokees just in our area that should be included and that this recall should not be by VIN number but should be by model and year. This is very difficult for me because I do not have the $3500 to fix the PTU I recently became a widow and have 3 kids; but I have always taken care of my Jeep --Oil changes, tires, regular wear and tear I take care of it. I am really disappointed that as much as I paid for my car and put love and sweat into it that this recall does not cover my jeep and a lot more others who may be sitting in the same situation I am in

NHTSA complaint #11725591 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

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 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.

NHTSA complaint #11724924 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

2017 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk 80,758 miles - I began to accelerate from a stop light and heard a large clunk. Proceeded to pull over after a complete loss of power. Once away from traffic, Jeep would not be put into 'park' without hearing and feeling the grinding of gears through the shifter handle. I had to shut the car off prior to being able to place Jeep into 'park', and even then the car was able to roll. The only way to fully have the vehicle in 'park' is by using the emergency brake. Without a doubt this related to the PTU recall that so many Jeep Cherokees have been having. From what I can find from MOPAR, the vehicle had the necessary recall done to "fix" the software back in 2020, but the problem still arose. Had to tow the vehicle back 200 miles using a Uhaul and trailer in order to get home. I have very little hope that not only will it be unable to get fixed due to the inability to get parts that so many people are having, but also the fact that Jeep themselves have and will deny so many claims without proper investigation. Currently the vehicle is parked at the Jeep, Ram, Chrysler dealer in West Bend, WI waiting on inspection to truly diagnose the issue.

NHTSA complaint #11723016 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

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 .

NHTSA complaint #11722857 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

The contact owns a 2017 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while at a complete stop, the vehicle failed to respond while depressing the accelerator pedal. There were several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact placed the vehicle in park(P), and the vehicle rolled backwards. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed to a local dealer and the PTU (Power Transfer Unit) was replaced under warranty. Approximately a year later, while driving 55 MPH, there was an abnormal clunking and grinding sound coming from the vehicle with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle failed to move while depressing the accelerator pedal, and the vehicle was placed in 4WD Low and slowly driven to the dealer. The vehicle was diagnosed with a defective PTU, but the part was on backorder. The contact then received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V011000 (Power Train). The contact was informed that a test would be performed with new software to detect and monitor for excessive wear within the PTU. The test showed that there was no excessive wear within the PTU and that the PTU would not be replaced under recall. The contact stated that the PTU was being reprogrammed and test-driven to ensure that the vehicle was safe to operate. The contact stated that the recall repair was insufficient to repair the vehicle, and the contact feared that the failure would return. The contact stated that the vehicle remained with the dealer for over a year due to the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and was provided a case number. The vehicle was repaired but remained in the possession of the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.

NHTSA complaint #11722465 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

I own a 2017 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk (VIN: [insert VIN here]) affected by NHTSA Recall #25V-011 (FCA #01C) for PTU failure due to an improperly seated snap ring, causing spline wear and loss of drive power. This is a safety defect risking sudden power loss while driving. The vehicle failed suddenly in July 2024 after a car wash: grinding noise, loss of power, unable to shift into park. It drove perfectly prior—no transmission issues, smooth shifts. Diagnosed as failed PTU at Jeff Wyler Springfield Auto Mall (Springfield, OH). They confirmed recall but parts unavailable, so it’s sat undrivable for over a year, delaying repair. Parts became available ~Feb 2026. Dealer now denies free PTU replacement, claiming vehicle must be drivable for recall remedy (despite defect causing undrivability). They push out-of-pocket transmission replacement (~$4K-$6K), saying PTU failure “may have damaged” trans, but won’t confirm coverage as consequential under warranty extension #XJ1/XX1 (unlimited miles for spline wear linking PTU/trans). No documentation provided: No DTCs, inspection reports, photos of splines, or STAR Case details (called “proprietary”). They asked for trans approval without evidence, then backtracked as “miscommunication.” This delays safety fix, risks further defects, and seems like upsell tactic. Stellantis/Jeep customer care (1-800-853-1403) overrides not helping. This non-compliance endangers owners—please investigate FCA and dealer for recall evasion and improper handling. I’ve emailed Stellantis multiple times (rejected when including VIN), filed Ohio AG complaint. Impact: Vehicle unusable 1+ year, safety risk if driven or parked. Urge enforcement for free PTU/trans repair.

NHTSA complaint #11721765 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.