Unable to Complete 01C Recall Drive Cycle C14A7-97 Active Technicians may experience the following: SYMPTOM: ● After performing Recall 01C, the vehicle may get a 'Service AWD' message on the EVIC.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2017 Jeep Cherokee powertrain problems
moderate Owners of the 2017 Jeep Cherokee have filed 621 NHTSA complaints about the powertrain, typically surfacing around 46,728 miles at roughly $2,500 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
621
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
| Model year | powertrain complaints |
|---|---|
| 2014 Cherokee | 1,399 |
| 2015 Cherokee | 958 |
| 2016 Cherokee | 606 |
| 2017 Cherokee (this page) | 621 |
| 2018 Cherokee | 278 |
| 2019 Cherokee | 727 |
| 2020 Cherokee | 138 |
| 2021 Cherokee | 73 |
5crashes
3injuries
When does it fail?
Of the 621 powertrain complaints filed for the 2017 Jeep Cherokee, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Powertrain accounts for 47% of every owner complaint on file for this vehicle — the dominant problem area across 12 categories tracked.
Owners have filed 621 powertrain complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering powertrain on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
Two Speed Power Transfer Unit Customers must experience a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illumination and the vehicle must SYMPTOM: exhibit/set the following Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC): ? C1494-07 - PTU Fork Position-Mechanincal Failures. Customers m
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Two Speed Power Transfer Unit Customers must experience a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illumination and the vehicle must SYMPTOM: exhibit/set the following Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC): ? C1494-07 - PTU Fork Position-Mechanincal Failures. Customers m
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗D-26-10 (XX1) Two Speed Power Transfer Unit (PTU) - Select 2017 - 2019 Jeep Cherokee (KL)
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗ID-26-19 (XX1) Two Speed Power Transfer Unit (PTU) - Select 2017 - 2019 Jeep Cherokee (KL)
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2017 Jeep Cherokee has a documented pattern of critical powertrain failures that owners describe as safety hazards. The most common and severe issue is Power Transfer Unit (PTU) failure—the component that delivers engine power to the front wheels in all-wheel-drive mode. Owners report sudden total loss of propulsion at highway speeds, during turns, and while stationary, often accompanied by grinding noises and loss of park function. Some vehicles roll backward despite being in Park, creating collision risk. According to the narratives, Jeep issued recalls (W47 and NHTSA 25V011000) addressing spline wear in the PTU, but many 2017 model-year vehicles are excluded despite exhibiting identical failure modes. Dealers cite manufacturing date ranges to deny recall coverage to out-of-range VINs, even when production dates fall within the affected window.
The shifter control system also fails repeatedly. Owners report a "Service Shifter" warning light and illuminated gear lights, which disable manual transmission control and block access to essential dashboard information (oil life, tire pressure, transmission temperature). These repairs involve bezel and harness replacement costing $535–$1,200, yet failures recur on the same vehicles multiple times. Some owners have had the repair done three or more times in rapid succession.
Transmission issues include harsh shifting, bucking, slipping into neutral unexpectedly, and complete failure to engage. One owner's transmission failed catastrophically at 89,440 miles, and replacement parts are on national backorder with no delivery timeline.
PTU replacement typically costs $3,500–$6,000 out-of-pocket when not covered by recall. Vehicles remain out of service for weeks or over a year waiting for parts. Owners also report excessive oil consumption, premature spark plug failure, and differential damage allegedly caused by prolonged PTU problems. Dealership responses range from denying known issues to offering only temporary software updates that do not address root mechanical failure. Safety concerns are substantial: multiple owners describe near-accidents when power was lost during highway merges or turns.
Same Jeep Cherokee powertrain reports on nearby years: 2014 · 2015 · 2016 · 2018 · 2019
Failure modes owners describe
Power Transfer Unit (PTU) Failure – Loss of Motive Power
PTU fails catastrophically, causing total loss of engine power to the wheels while driving. Vehicle either stops completely or loses ability to accelerate. Owners report sudden power loss at highway speeds, during turns, or while stationary. The root cause cited in safety recall W47 is relative movement between differential input splines and transmission output shaft due to improper tolerance, leading to spline wear and loss of engagement. Subsequent failures in some vehicles occur even after PTU replacement or software-only repairs.
When: Mileage ranges 50,000–100,000 miles; some failures occur within 1–2 years of ownership. Some owners report recurrence months or years after warranty-covered replacement.
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden complete loss of propulsion while driving; Vehicle stops and will not move when accelerator is pressed; Loud grinding or clunking noise from drivetrain during turns or acceleration; Vibration and high-frequency whining noise from PTU area; Service 4WD light illuminates on dashboard; Vehicle rolls backward when placed in Park, loss of park hold function; Transmission slips into neutral involuntarily during driving; Engine revs but wheels do not receive power
Codes mentioned: C14A7-97, C140B-4B
Repairs/costs cited: PTU replacement costs $3,500–$6,000 out-of-pocket when not covered by recall. Parts are chronically on national backorder with no estimated time of arrival, leaving vehicles out of service for months or over a year. Some dealers initially attempt spark plug replacement or fuel injection cleaning before PTU diagnosis. Some vehicles receive software update or reprogram of Drive Train Control Module (DTCM) and Electric Park Brake (EPB) as 'fix' under recall W47, which does not address root cause and failures recur.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Safety Recall W47 (2016–2017 MY Cherokees, limited VIN range) programs DTCM and EPB software to maintain rear wheel drive engagement if PTU spline fails and prevent rolling in Park via electric brake. Does not replace or repair defective PTU. NHTSA Campaign 25V011000 (Recall 01C) issued for 2016–2017 MY Cherokees with PTU failure risk, but many 2017 model year VINs are excluded from recall despite identical failure mode. Owners report dealerships deny recall coverage for out-of-range VINs despite matching failure symptoms and production dates. Warranty extension XJ1/XX1 cited for spline wear linkage to transmission, but dealers often deny consequential transmission damage claims. Technical Service Bulletin TSB 21-014-23 describes issue but applies only to vehicles manufactured April 14, 2014–October 10, 2016, excluding later 2017 units with identical failures.
Shifter Control System Failure – Loss of Manual Gear Selection and Electrical Faults
Shifter bezel and wiring harness repeatedly fail, displaying 'Service Shifter' warning light and illuminating all gear position lights (P, R, N, D, +, −) on the shifter panel. Failures prevent manual transmission control (tiptronic/manual shift mode) and disable key dashboard display functions. Electrical harness loose connections, cracked female connectors, or internal wiring faults are the suspected causes. Repairs are repeated, sometimes three or more times on the same vehicle.
When: First occurrence often within 1–2 years or under 50,000 miles. Subsequent failures occur at irregular intervals (months to 1–2 years after repair). Failures may be intermittent (light comes on and off during driving) or persistent.
Symptoms owners cite: Service Shifter warning light appears on dashboard; All shifter position lights (P, R, N, D, +, −) illuminate in red; Manual/tiptronic transmission control disabled; vehicle locks into automatic mode; Shifter becomes difficult or immobile to move; may not respond to gear selection; Loss of power/transmission malfunction often accompanies shifter light; Vehicle loses acceleration or stalls unexpectedly when Service Shifter message appears; Permanent Service Shifter message on display blocks access to secondary vehicle features (tire pressure, coolant temperature, transmission temperature, oil life, fuel economy, trip info, screen customization)
Codes mentioned: Shifter harness electrical fault (not specified in narratives)
Repairs/costs cited: Shifter bezel and harness replacement typically $535–$1,200 per repair. Repairs are performed multiple times on same vehicle within warranty and after warranty expiration. Parts replacement is described as 'reconfigured' by manufacturer, implying design acknowledgment of fault. Some repairs covered under powertrain warranty (36,000 miles / 3 years); subsequent failures often out-of-warranty. One owner was charged a $240/hour diagnostic fee. Another was denied warranty coverage because Service Shifter is classified as non-powertrain by dealership despite disabling transmission control and causing loss of motive power.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No formal recall issued for shifter system failure as of complaint dates, though owners note recalls were issued for other Jeep models (Grand Cherokee) with identical issue. Dealers acknowledge 'known issue' and that parts have been 'reconfigured,' but deny recall status. When repaired under warranty, bezel and harness replacement is covered. Out-of-warranty repairs are owner's responsibility. Dealerships have stated repeatedly that Service Shifter is 'safe to drive' despite disabling manual transmission control and blocking dashboard information screens.
Transmission Shift Malfunction – Failure to Engage, Harsh Shifts, and Jerking
9-speed transmission exhibits harsh upshifts and downshifts, jerking, bucking, and hesitation during acceleration. Vehicle may shift into neutral unprompted or fail to engage into Drive from Park. Transmission may not respond to gear selection commands, requiring vehicle restart to re-engage. Valve body and coil pack replacements attempt repair but issues persist. One owner reports transmission failure requiring complete replacement at 89,440 miles.
When: Early in vehicle life (10,000–50,000 miles). Some failures intermittent and recurring; others sudden and catastrophic.
Symptoms owners cite: Harsh, jerky upshifts and downshifts; Vehicle bucking or shuddering during acceleration or gear changes; Transmission slips into neutral unexpectedly while driving; Failure to engage into Drive after selection from Park; Delayed engagement response, requiring multiple attempts or vehicle restart; Vehicle revs but does not move forward; Sluggish acceleration, especially from stops; Loss of power during highway acceleration
Codes mentioned: U0402, TCM fault codes (not fully specified)
Repairs/costs cited: Valve body replacement, spark plug replacement, fuel induction cleaning, coil pack replacement, and TCM relearn attempted but issues recur. One transmission failure required complete replacement; parts on national backorder with no ETA. Dealerships initially recommend unnecessary maintenance (spark plugs at 50,000 miles, fuel induction cleaning) not covered under extended warranty, costing owner ~$650 out-of-pocket. Subsequent diagnostics show valve body and coil pack were the actual issue.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Transmission Control Module (TCM) relearn performed repeatedly but does not resolve issue. Dealers state transmission issues are safe to drive but offer no permanent fix. Chrysler warranty service denies coverage for maintenance-type repairs, even when repairs are in response to transmission malfunction.
Excessive Engine Oil Consumption
Engine burns more than 1 quart of oil per 1,000 miles (normal is near-zero to trace). Oil level drops to critically low levels between maintenance intervals, causing engine strain, misfiring, and rough running. Dealership confirms consumption but offers no remedy, attributing it to 'Jeep standard' despite being well outside normal engine behavior.
When: Consistent from approximately 25,000 miles onward. Owner reports checking and adding oil every 1,000 miles by 51,000 miles total.
Symptoms owners cite: Low oil warning light or message at regular intervals; Oil level drops rapidly between changes; Engine shaking and rough running at idle and during acceleration; Check Engine light illuminates; Vehicle struggles to maintain power and acceleration
Codes mentioned: Check Engine (general; specific codes not provided)
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership cannot identify cause and denies problem, stating this consumption rate is within 'Jeep standard.' No repair attempted. Owner manually checks and adds oil every 1,000 miles at significant ongoing cost and inconvenience.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Jeep dealership performs consumption tests after every 1,000 miles but offers no resolution or warranty coverage. Manufacturer provides no explanation or repair plan.
Spark Plug Premature Failure and Misfiring
Spark plugs require replacement every 50,000 miles instead of the typical 100,000+ mile lifespan. Misfiring causes Check Engine light, engine shake, and reduced power. Issue recurs after replacement, requiring second plug change within a short period.
When: Approximately 50,000 miles for first replacement; pattern repeats thereafter.
Symptoms owners cite: Check Engine light illuminates or flashes; Engine misfiring and shaking, especially under acceleration; Reduced power and acceleration; Rough idle and stumbling
Codes mentioned: Misfire codes (not specified)
Repairs/costs cited: Spark plug replacement at ~50,000 miles; requires second replacement shortly after. Dealership initially recommends replacement as owner-cost maintenance, later covers under warranty when actual transmission/coil pack issue identified.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No explanation provided for premature failure. Dealership initially denies warranty coverage as maintenance issue.
Transfer Case and Differential Failures
Transfer case (PTU) and rear differential deteriorate and fail, often as secondary damage from PTU failure or due to manufacturing defect. One owner reports transfer case failure within 4 days of purchasing used vehicle; dealership replaced with undisclosed used part. Differential end play, pump failure, and overheating codes appear.
When: Transfer case failure as early as 4 days after purchase (used vehicle); differential issues appear after prolonged PTU problems or around 56,000 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Grinding noise from differential; Transfer case motor overheating warning; Excessive end play at differential axle; Rear differential pump failure; Vehicle rolling forward while in Park without brakes engaged; Inability to engage 4WD properly
Codes mentioned: C140B-4B (Transfer Case Motor Overheating)
Repairs/costs cited: Rear differential and transfer case assembly replacement costs ~$5,000+. One owner's used transfer case failed again within months of dealer replacement with undisclosed used part. Mechanics advise limiting high-speed and long-distance driving until repair completed to prevent further damage.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall for transfer case or differential failures. Dealers deny goodwill coverage despite known defect pattern.
Electrical and Communication System Faults
Battery drain, lost communication messages, and electrical faults prevent vehicle start. Batteries are replaced, and codes are cleared, but root cause remains undiagnosed.
When: Intermittent; occurs alongside shifter and transmission faults.
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle will not start; Shifter will not move (locked); Low tire warning light illuminates despite proper tire pressure; Instrument panel goes blank and vehicle shuts off without warning
Codes mentioned: Lost communication faults (specific codes not provided)
Repairs/costs cited: Battery replacement and code clearing performed; no permanent repair identified.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership replaces battery and clears codes but offers no explanation or long-term solution.
Synthesized from 621 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 8 most recent
At 9000 miles the service shifter message came on while driving from carthage to galveston texas contacted a local dealer and was told dont place in park to take it to the dealership drove it back to marshall texas to dealership and they said they were having problems with the shifter so replaced the entire shifter.. At 40,000 miles shifter light again took to dealership in carthage and said they…
Transmission will not upshift and engine check light on. Vehicle has 13,000 miles. Second time this has happened. First time no resolution at 6500 miles. Problems related to wiring harness this time according to dealer, apparent common problem but no recalls..
Vehicle had PTU and Transmission replaced in May 2020 for both components failing. Was repaired at dealership under warranty. On [XXX] the car front wheels locked up and would not move. Luckily, this failure occurred during a lower speed turn. At highway speed this incident would have certainly caused an accident with catastrophic results. The car was towed to the dealership and the PTU and…
A service shifter message appeared on the dashboard. The gears (pdnr) light up all red. This occurred while driving on the highway. This also occurred on christmas day while traveling on the highway.
I am writing regarding a defective transfer case on my 2017 Jeep Cherokee. I took my car in to Firestone as I was having issues with my Heater not blowing hot air and my check engine coming on and off. I have attached a copy of Firestone's estimate of repair. Firestone informed me that my VIN was not part of the recall. Although my vehicle's VIN is not currently included in the existing…
Message "service shifter" pops up on the instrument panel, and a series of red alert lights appear next to every gear on the automatic transmission shifter lever. This problem is rampant among 2017-2018 Jeep cherokees!! The dealers are unable to fix the problem! They replace the wiring harness, they replace the shifters themselves, they reset the computers ' and the problem always returns! The…
The vehicle is experiencing a malfunction of the Power Transfer Unit (PTU), which is part of the drivetrain / power train system. The vehicle is currently available for inspection upon request. The vehicle loses power during driving and produces grinding noises when making hard turns, which creates a risk of loss of propulsion while in motion, increasing the risk of a crash. The vehicle has…
This is clarification and additional information to a previous complaint filed: 11706675. The vehicle was experiencing grinding during hard turns shortly after i purchased it off the dealership lot in 2017. I didn’t know why, I thought I should practiced not making hard turns and thats what I did. Years later, around 2021 or 2022, I needed the first service on my vehicle, outside of regular…
Had powertrain trouble with your 2017 Jeep Cherokee?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the powertrain problem on the 2017 Jeep Cherokee?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 621 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $2,500 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Across the 383 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 26,500 and 72,000 miles, with the median around 46,728. A quarter of owners report trouble before 26,500; a quarter make it past 72,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $2,500 for powertrain repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2017/Jeep/Cherokee.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.