(Rev. A) Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) Illuminated. Service Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) System ? See Dealer Soon Message on Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) Along With Possible Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) P241D - SCR Inducement - Forced Engine Shutdown.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee airbags problems
severe Owners of the 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee have filed 15 NHTSA complaints about the airbags, typically surfacing around 34,965 miles at roughly $1,100 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of August 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See airbags across all vehicles →
| Model year | airbags complaints |
|---|---|
| 2013 Grand Cherokee | 30 |
| 2014 Grand Cherokee | 161 |
| 2015 Grand Cherokee | 99 |
| 2016 Grand Cherokee | 10 |
| 2017 Grand Cherokee (this page) | 15 |
| 2018 Grand Cherokee | 23 |
| 2019 Grand Cherokee | 11 |
| 2020 Grand Cherokee | 10 |
| 2021 Grand Cherokee | 9 |
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering airbags 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.
Transmission Oil Pan, Heater (TMU), Tube or O-ring Applies to vehicles equipped with 8 speed transmissions only; if you have a leak that appears to be at the pan the use of proper leak detection is recommended. The fluid in the 8 speeds can be detected with a black light and there are aftermarket spray on leak detection materials to help ensure that the leak is properly diagnosed and not from another location such as cooler lines, heater tubes, or case porosity. Please note that the transmission pan gasket is available for many of the 8 speed applications FCA offers. Please review the available quick connect and transfer tube parts, as replacement of the TMU may not be required. If a TOC lin
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗LATCH, Hood For the following concerns, please verify secondary plunger switch before replacing hood latch with primary switch. Please refer to service information for complete diagnostics of the secondary plunger switch which is located in the left front under hood on RU, MP, and WK/WD and left rear under hood on KL. 1) Electronic Stop Start Message on Cluster or DTC P152F without hood ajar illuminated. 2) KL Hood ajar light is on or unlatched hood due to high closing effort. (KL hood may have a higher closing effort to latch the hood as rubber bumper interference is set purposely high to prevent hood flutter at highway speeds) If stop start message or DTC P152F is present on vehicles witho
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Flash: Powertrain Diagnostic And System Enhancements This bulletin involves reprogramming the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) with the latest available software. A small number of customers may experience a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illumination. Upon further investigation the technician may find the following DTCs set in the PCM memory: U1424 - Implausible Engine Torque Signal Received (2017 MY Only). P2681 - Engine Coolant Bypass Valve Control Circuit Open (3.6L Only). P0335 - Crankshaft Position Sensor Circuit. P2299-00 - Brake Pedal Position/Accelerator Pedal Position Incompatible. B23C3 - Stop/Start Disable Switch 1/2 Correlation (3.0L and 3.6L Only).In addition, customers may ex
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners of 2017 Grand Cherokees report airbags that don't work when they should and deploy when they shouldn't. In crashes, the most serious issue: front and side airbags stay silent. One owner hit a telephone pole and tree after uncontrolled acceleration at 50 mph—no airbags. Another was broad-sided by a pickup doing 50+ mph—side airbags never fired. A third survived multiple collisions (security fences, trees) at highway speeds with zero airbag activation, leaving occupants with head blows and concussions.
On the flip side, some owners report the front passenger active head restraint deploying for no reason—while cleaning the interior or just driving on smooth roads. One passenger got hit hard enough by an unprompted restraint deployment that the owner is scheduling warranty work.
Several owners also deal with a "Service Airbag System" warning light that won't stay off. One took the vehicle to two different Jeep dealers and the light came back a third time. Another driver gets the alert every 10-20 seconds, even with the engine off. These warning lights suggest underlying sensor or wiring problems that dealerships haven't resolved.
Same Jeep Grand Cherokee airbags reports on nearby years: 2014 · 2015 · 2016 · 2018 · 2019
Failure modes owners describe
Airbag Non-Deployment in Frontal Crashes
Front airbags failed to deploy in multiple frontal impact collisions at significant speeds, leaving occupants unprotected. Owners report multiple collisions at speeds of 50+ mph with complete failure of front airbags to activate.
When: At impact during frontal collisions; speeds 50-83 mph
Symptoms owners cite: No airbag deployment despite high-speed frontal impact; Occupants sustained head, neck, and facial injuries; Vehicle damage clearly indicates impact severity warranting deployment
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Takata recall mentioned in one complaint; Chrysler inspection ordered in crash cases but no systematic recall issued
Side-Curtain Airbag Non-Deployment
Side-curtain airbags failed to deploy during side-impact collisions. Owners report vehicle struck from driver's side and passenger side in separate incidents with no airbag activation despite clear impact force.
When: At time of side impact
Symptoms owners cite: No side-curtain airbag deployment in side-impact crashes; Occupants struck and injured without airbag protection; Collision force sufficient to cause significant vehicle damage
Unintended Active Head Restraint Deployment
Front passenger seat active head restraint deployed without impact or crash. Owners report deployment while cleaning the vehicle or while driving on smooth roads with no collision, causing injury to occupants.
When: While stationary during cleaning; while driving on smooth road with no impact
Symptoms owners cite: Head restraint forcefully deployed without crash or impact; Passenger struck in head by deploying restraint; No warning lights or indicators prior to deployment; Occurred even with ignition only in accessories position
Repairs/costs cited: Active head restraint replacement cost $994 parts plus $140 labor cited in one complaint
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Warranty denied in one case due to expired warranty; dealership warranty repair scheduled in another
Airbag Warning Light Malfunction
Service Airbag System warning light remains illuminated persistently or returns repeatedly after multiple dealer repair attempts. Light comes on every 10-20 seconds even when vehicle is off, and appears in vehicle health reports without resolution.
When: Intermittent and continuous throughout ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Service Airbag System warning light illuminated; Warning light repeats every 10-20 seconds; Light appears even when vehicle is not in motion; Alert persists across multiple visits to different dealerships
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle taken to two different Jeep dealerships for airbag light issue; unresolved after third visit
Synthesized from 15 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 0 most recent
Common questions
How serious is the airbags problem on the 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee?
It's a meaningful issue. 15 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $1,100.
At what mileage does the airbags typically fail?
Across the 8 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most airbags failures cluster between 34,010 and 67,500 miles, with the median around 34,965. A quarter of owners report trouble before 34,010; a quarter make it past 67,500. 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 $1,100 for airbags 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 airbags?
No active recalls currently cover airbags 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.