When driving on the freeway and regular street, and going uphill, my Jeep's engine will stop running, the "d" on the dashboard blinks and the center of the dashboard says "shift to park". To get the Jeep's engine to start up again, I have to put it in park and restart it. Being that the Jeep does not run when this happens I am often stuck on the freeway or in the middle of traffic and can not…
2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee electrical problems
severe 60 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $850 · see electrical across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
60
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$850
2crashes
3fires
1injury
When does it fail?
Of the 60 electrical complaints filed for the 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 50,000-75,000 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
Owners have filed 60 electrical 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.
No new NHTSA electrical complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 6 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
The failure pattern owners describe
Buyer takeaway: This 2017 Grand Cherokee has widespread electrical system problems that range from minor annoyances (radio always starts loud) to life-threatening failures (engine dying on highways with no restart, fires). Owners report spending thousands on repairs that don't stick, dealers unable to find root causes, and a pattern suggesting multiple interconnected electrical module failures—some appearing brand-new, others after just months of ownership.
Owners describe 60 separate electrical complaints spanning everything from nuisance failures to safety-critical systems shutting down while the vehicle is in motion. The most serious and recurring issue is uncontrolled engine shutdown—the engine dies at stoplights, on freeways, and during acceleration, often displaying a false "Shift to Park" message even though the driver did not change gears. Restarts require multiple attempts or complete shutdown/restart cycles. Dealerships struggle to reproduce the fault or capture it on diagnostic equipment, even with data recorders installed in the vehicle.
A second critical pattern involves simultaneous failure of multiple unrelated systems: all dashboard warning lights illuminate at once, wipers activate and won't turn off, radios blast at full volume, power windows open on their own, and brake systems lock up—all apparently controlled by the same faulty electrical module (likely BCM, TIPM, or CAN bus). Owners also report the 3.6L Pentastar engine developing loud ticking, rough running, and complete failure by 49,000 to 103,000 miles, with some correlating failure to the Start/Stop system. Additional issues include battery drain and overcharging, faulty fuel pump cutoff during refueling, heated seats igniting, liftgates opening during reverse (with no warning light), seat memory systems trapping drivers, and at least one vehicle fire while parked. Dealerships have replaced alternators, batteries, harnesses, fuel pumps, sensors, and modules without consistent resolution. Jeep customer service has been unresponsive in most accounts.
Same Jeep Grand Cherokee electrical reports on nearby years: 2015 · 2016 · 2018 · 2019 · 2020
Failure modes owners describe
Uncontrolled Engine Shutoff While Driving
Engine dies without warning during normal driving or at stops, often displaying 'Shift to Park' message on dashboard. Vehicle may become stuck in neutral or fail to restart on first attempt. Occurs randomly and unpredictably, stranding drivers in traffic or on highways.
When: Throughout vehicle ownership; narratives report incidents from under 1000 miles to 131,000 miles. Some owners experience recurring shutoffs after months or even years.
Symptoms owners cite: Engine shuts off while in motion at highway speeds or city streets; Dashboard displays 'Shift to Park' message even when driver did not shift; Vehicle jerks or hesitates before stalling; Difficult restarts requiring multiple attempts; Loss of power steering and braking assist during shutoff; Radio volume increases uncontrollably during event; Auto Start/Stop system activates unexpectedly at traffic lights
Codes mentioned: P0456, P105D, P0302
Repairs/costs cited: Owners report dealerships unable to identify root cause despite multiple visits and data recorder installation. Some shops blamed sensors, others blamed starter (replaced at $2000 cost with no resolution). Engine replacement cited at costs up to $15,000 for failed 3.6L Pentastar.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Class action pending against Stellantis for 3.6L Pentastar engine failures. No recall issued for electrical control of engine shutoff. FCA/Jeep customer service reported unreresponsive to owner complaints.
Electrical System Control Failure (BCM/TIPM/CAN Bus)
Sudden loss of communication between vehicle control modules, causing simultaneous activation or failure of multiple electrical and safety systems. All warning lights illuminate at once; unrelated systems activate without driver input. Diagnostic tests often show no codes despite obvious malfunction.
When: Occurs suddenly without prior warning. One narrative mentions August 8; another documents repeated failures in 2018-2019 and again in 2021.
Symptoms owners cite: All dashboard warning lights illuminate simultaneously; Windshield wipers activate and will not turn off; Horn sounds repeatedly without driver input; Tailgate/liftgate opens on its own; HomeLink system activates unexpectedly, opening garage doors; Radio goes to full volume uncontrollably; Power windows roll down on their own; Transmission shift interlock engages unexpectedly; Service/warning messages display for unrelated systems; Loss of power to critical functions (windows, tailgate, steering)
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers have flashed multiple modules (9 different modules in one case) with temporary relief before recurrence. Corroded wiring harness replaced twice within 6 months in one vehicle. Independent service centers confirm abnormal electrical behavior but cannot isolate cause.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall issued. One owner stated dealership acknowledged awareness of problem but noted no recall in place.
VVT/VVL Solenoid Failure
Variable Valve Timing solenoid fails prematurely, causing rough running and engine misfire. Reported as widespread issue among 3.6L owners on forums with multiple owners experiencing identical failure patterns.
When: Failure documented before 70,000 miles in multiple narratives.
Symptoms owners cite: Engine runs very rough; Check Engine Light blinks; Cylinder misfire (primarily cylinder 2); Vehicle becomes undriveable
Codes mentioned: P0456, P105D, P0302
Repairs/costs cited: Solenoid replacement required; owners report dealer costs in thousands despite being 'one little part and such an easy fix.' Parts availability and labor cited as major cost drivers.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall issued despite widespread online documentation of failure pattern. Owners allege Jeep is aware but refuses to issue recall.
Auto Start/Stop System Malfunction
Start/Stop (Eco) technology fails to automatically restart engine when driver releases brake at traffic lights or stop signs. Engine shuts off when brakes applied but fails to restart when brake is released, leaving driver stranded in intersection or traffic.
When: Throughout ownership; incidents documented from early use through multiple years of operation.
Symptoms owners cite: Engine shuts off at traffic light when brake applied (normal for system); Engine fails to restart when brake is released (abnormal); Vehicle stuck in intersection or traffic unable to proceed; Erratic restart requiring multiple attempts or manual intervention; 'Auto Stop/Start Not Available' message displays for extended periods; Random engine shutoffs unrelated to traffic lights; Cannot permanently disable feature despite repeated button presses
Repairs/costs cited: No repair found effective. Owners report disabling feature did not prevent problem in some cases. No permanent off switch available; temporary button disables feature only until next vehicle start.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No TSB or recall issued. Dealership responses range from 'no problem found' to refusing to acknowledge issue.
Alternator Failure and Fire
Alternator fails catastrophically, generating smoke and flames while vehicle is in operation. Electrical system goes dead, leaving driver without lights, power windows, or other electrical functions. Similar to recalled 160-amp alternator issue but occurring in vehicles with 180-amp unit.
When: Failure occurred after approximately 15 miles of driving in one documented case.
Symptoms owners cite: Whirring sound from alternator area; Check Battery warning light illuminates; Smoke visible from under hood; Flames visible from alternator; Complete electrical system failure (no lights, windows, radio); Burning odor
Repairs/costs cited: One owner reported having video documentation of smoke. Complete electrical system failure required alternator replacement (cost not stated).
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Owner cited MOPAR recall P60 Campaign #14V634000 for alternator failure in earlier vehicles, but 180-amp unit in 2017 model not addressed by same recall.
Memory/Seat Control System Failure
Driver memory seat system fails to store or recall settings. When activated inadvertently while vehicle is in motion, seat moves into full-forward or full-down position, trapping driver against steering wheel and preventing steering/braking. System controls extend to engine functions and safety systems including airbags and seatbelts per one owner account.
When: One documented accident occurred early in vehicle ownership (within first days). System failures reported 1-6 months after purchase in other narratives.
Symptoms owners cite: Memory seat settings do not save or recall; Seat moves unexpectedly to full-forward position while driving; Seat moves to full-down position trapping driver; Driver unable to steer or brake when pinned; Accidental button activation while driving causes uncontrolled seat movement; Memory system disables other vehicle functions and safety features
Repairs/costs cited: One driver suffered multi-vehicle collision and bridge impact resulting from trapped position. Airbags deployed during crash due to compromised seating position.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall issued. One owner noted memory system failures reported on 2015 Grand Cherokee but issue appears ongoing in 2017 model.
Parking Brake Assist Malfunction
Rear parking assist brake engages uncontrollably when reversing, preventing vehicle from moving backward. System designed to prevent collision detects trailer as obstruction when towing, automatically locking brakes during reverse maneuver.
When: Failure occurs during reverse operation; one documented case involved towing situation.
Symptoms owners cite: Parking assist brake engages while reversing without driver activation; Vehicle cannot move backward despite driver shifting to reverse; Rear sensors falsely detect obstruction (including trailers); Automatic system activates despite towing-specific disable measures
Repairs/costs cited: One owner confirmed by dealer to be factory radio internal failure. Manual parking assist button disabling did not resolve issue. Another case involved system failure during towing scenario.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer confirmed internal factory radio failure in one case but stated vehicle out of warranty despite defect being present since new. Jeep and MOPAR reported aware of issue per owner.
Transmission Shift Interlock Failure
Vehicle displays shift gear status incorrect from actual position, or refuses to shift into desired gear or Park. Dashboard shows vehicle in 'Drive' when driver selected 'Park,' or displays 'Shift to Park' demand when already in Park. Vehicle may become locked in Park or unable to shift out of Park.
When: Failures documented at various mileages from 27,000 to 131,000 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Dashboard displays incorrect gear position; 'Shift to Park then desired gear' message displays; 'Vehicle not in Park' message when in Park; Vehicle unable to shift into desired gear; Vehicle locked in Park and cannot move; Service Shifter warning light illuminates; Shifter bezel indicator light goes out
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers diagnosed shifter bezel repair needed in one case, with subsequent replacement of entire shifter unit required. One owner reported part ordered but repair unsuccessful after first attempt.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: One owner noted 2015 Grand Cherokee had shifter recall; unclear if recall addressed in 2017 model.
3.6L Pentastar Engine Knock/Ticking and Failure
Engine develops loud clicking/ticking noise early in ownership (sometimes within days of purchase). Engine progresses to hard start, rough running, and eventual complete failure requiring engine replacement. Described as widespread issue with numerous online forum posts documenting identical failure pattern.
When: Noise reported in brand-new vehicles (within days of purchase). Engine failure documented from 49,000 miles to 103,000 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Loud ticking or clicking from engine; Engine runs rough when issue develops; Difficulty starting; Rough idle; Engine eventually fails completely; Loss of cylinder compression
Repairs/costs cited: Engine replacement required in documented cases, with cost cited as $15,000. One owner noted 'mechanics bragging about how much money these engines are making them in repairs' online. Oil cooler assembly failure and head gasket failure reported in same vehicle.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Class action lawsuit against Stellantis for 3.6L Pentastar failures. Manufacturer refuses to issue recall despite documented widespread failure and online documentation explaining failure cause. Warranty does not cover failures in many cases.
Battery and Charging System Malfunction
Vehicle experiences battery drainage, failure to hold charge, or overcharging. Battery warning lights illuminate. Vehicle shuts down due to loss of electrical power. Multiple battery replacements fail to resolve issue.
When: Issues reported from early ownership (250 miles) through multiple years.
Symptoms owners cite: Check Battery warning light illuminates; Vehicle will not start despite battery replacement; Portable jumper to main battery terminals produces no power; Only auxiliary battery jumpstart allows engine to start; Battery overcharges to 21 volts; Electrical system completely loses power
Repairs/costs cited: Owners replaced both main and auxiliary batteries without resolution in multiple cases. One owner reported battery terminal disconnection issue; another required jumpstart to auxiliary battery instead of main battery.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall issued. One owner reported calling Chrysler customer service four days after purchase with 250 miles on odometer; no resolution provided.
Power Window and Door Lock Failures
Power windows malfunction, rolling down on their own without driver input even with child safety locks engaged. Door locks may fail to engage or disengage. Passenger-side window particularly affected.
When: Failures documented throughout vehicle ownership.
Symptoms owners cite: Passenger window rolls down on its own; Power window continues rolling despite driver pressing window lock/disable button; Window operates when vehicle is off; Passenger window goes down repeatedly even after being manually rolled up
Repairs/costs cited: No specific repairs noted in narratives; issue reproduces at dealer but remains unresolved.
Fuel Pump and Fuel System Issues
Fuel pump shuts off prematurely during fueling, signaling tank is full when not full. Vehicle requires manipulation of pump nozzle to complete filling. Separate from evap system issues.
When: Reported in early ownership (brand-new vehicles).
Symptoms owners cite: Fuel pump shuts off mid-fill as if tank is full; Tank not actually full when pump stops; Requires manipulation of gas pump nozzle to continue filling; Occurs repeatedly, not one-time event
Repairs/costs cited: One owner reported spending thousands on diagnosis including fuel pump replacement, but issue persisted, suggesting system-level problem rather than pump alone.
Radio and Infotainment System Failures
Radio starts at high volume on every vehicle start regardless of previous settings. Radio volume increases uncontrollably and cannot be adjusted. UConnect touchscreen experiences delamination causing phantom touches.
When: Radio issue present since day of vehicle purchase for one owner. Delamination reported around 80,000 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Radio powers on at near-full volume every startup; Radio remains at high volume regardless of previous setting; Occurs with both remote and in-vehicle start; Occurs regardless of whether radio was off when vehicle was shut down; Radio volume uncontrollably increases while driving; UConnect touchscreen delamination causes phantom touches; Touchscreen distraction hazard while driving
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer told one owner this is 'expected behavior' and design intent. No repair offered.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No TSB or recall for radio volume issue. Dealer stated no fix available.
Liftgate/Tailgate Failures
Power liftgate opens and closes unexpectedly without driver input. Liftgate may open during reverse, scraping garage ceilings or causing damage. No warning alerts driver to open liftgate status, creating safety hazard when reversing.
When: Liftgate opening documented from early ownership (within first days after purchase) through multiple years.
Symptoms owners cite: Liftgate opens on its own while vehicle parked; Liftgate opens while vehicle in motion or reversing; Liftgate stops closing midway and returns to open when front door opened; No warning indicator or alarm alerts driver to open tailgate; HomeLink system activation opens liftgate/garage doors unintentionally; Liftgate does not close fully if opened
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs documented as successful. One owner reported liftgate scraped garage ceiling during reverse, damaging both vehicle and structure.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Chrysler customer service stated 'design intent' that drivers like to operate with liftgate open, refused to add warning alert. No recall issued despite safety risk.
Wiring Harness Corrosion
Wiring harness degrades and corrodes prematurely, requiring replacement. Issue recurs shortly after repair in some cases, suggesting environmental or design flaw.
When: One documented case required two harness replacements within 6 months.
Symptoms owners cite: Smoke from under hood from corroded harness; Electrical system failures associated with corroded connections; Multiple warning lights and system failures simultaneously
Repairs/costs cited: Harness replaced twice in one vehicle within 6 months due to recurrent corrosion.
Speedometer and Dashboard Display Malfunction
Speedometer fails intermittently or continuously, displaying zero speed while vehicle in motion. Dashboard lights flicker or go completely dark during acceleration.
When: Failures reported in early ownership.
Symptoms owners cite: Speedometer does not work at all or works intermittently; Tachometer drops to zero RPM while vehicle moving; Dashboard lights flicker on and off; Dashboard goes completely dark during acceleration; Instrument cluster screen goes black (cluster display failure)
Repairs/costs cited: One owner received electrical shock when exiting vehicle during electrical malfunction, suggesting high-voltage exposure hazard.
Engine Overheating and Head Gasket Failure
Head gasket fails prematurely; white smoke emitted from engine on startup or after sitting overnight. Water pump leaks. Owner reports no prior temperature gauge warning.
When: Failure documented at 58,300 miles with warranty ending at 58,300 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: White smoke from engine; Warped cylinder head (detected post-failure); Leaking water pump; No prior high-temperature warning on gauge
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership quoted repairs but Jeep customer service refused to extend 'goodwill' warranty coverage. Catalytic converter also noted as potentially problematic.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Jeep customer service denied goodwill coverage for repairs.
Seat Heater Fire
Heated seat element ignites, creating fire visible through seat back. Owner sustained burn injury attempting to extinguish flame.
When: Incident occurred with heated seats activated in cold weather.
Symptoms owners cite: Intense heat from heated seat beyond normal operation; Visible flame through seat back; Burning odor; Seat fabric burn-through
Repairs/costs cited: Owner sustained hand burn injury. Hole burned through seat back.
Vehicle Fire - Parked in Driveway
Vehicle spontaneously caught fire while parked in driveway for two days without being driven. Fire spread to adjacent vehicle, fence, and residential structure.
When: Vehicle fire occurred after two days of parking with no operation.
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle catches fire spontaneously while parked; Fire spreads to other property
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle destroyed; battery remained live per fire report.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No prior warnings or recalls noted by owner.
Steering and Braking System Failures
Power steering loss, brake system lockup, and uncontrolled brake engagement occur during electrical system malfunctions. In one case, steering wheel locks and brakes lock simultaneously during highway operation.
When: Failures occur during electrical system events.
Symptoms owners cite: Power steering goes out while driving; Brakes lock up uncontrollably at low speeds; Brake lights stuck on continuously; Steering wheel locks; Brake system engages without driver input; Vehicle cannot shift (transmission locked)
Repairs/costs cited: One owner experienced wheel speed sensor failures requiring replacement of 2 of 4 sensors. Multiple electrical system failures occurred simultaneously.
Hood Ajar and Liftgate Control Message Malfunction
Hood ajar warning message displays continuously despite hood being closed and latched. Service auto start/stop unavailable message displays repeatedly. Hood latch replaced but issue persists or recurs.
When: Failure mode continues after repair attempt.
Symptoms owners cite: Hood ajar message displays when hood is closed; False warning requires vehicle stop and reset; Service auto start/stop unavailable message displays; Warning messages appear repeatedly
Repairs/costs cited: Hood latch replaced on first service attempt without resolution; dealership attempted different repair on second visit.
Electronic Component Interface/Communication Failures
Traction control, lane assist, blinkers, and backup guide line fail simultaneously or in clusters. Fuse blows repeatedly without clear root cause. Steering wheel adjustment causes traction control, windshield wiper, and signal light failures.
When: Failures documented throughout ownership.
Symptoms owners cite: Traction control malfunctions; Lane assist stops working; Turn signal/blinker lights do not work; Backup guide line does not function; Windshield wipers activate and will not turn off; Fuse blows repeatedly (3 times in one reported incident); Problems triggered by moving steering wheel
Repairs/costs cited: Fuse box replaced but problem persisted. Shop unable to identify root cause of repeated fuse failures.
Synthesized from 60 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
1. failure appears to involve the vehicle’s electrical control and communication systems, specifically (BCM), (TIPM), and/or CAN bus network. The malfunction caused multiple vehicle systems to activate or fail simultaneously, including windshield wipers, warning indicators, and the transmission shift interlock. The vehicle has been at a repair facility since the incident and remains available…
Had electrical trouble with your 2017 Jeep Grand 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 electrical problem on the 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee?
It's a meaningful issue. 60 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $850.
At what mileage does the electrical typically fail?
Across the 26 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most electrical failures cluster between 21,120 and 50,000 miles, with the median around 35,446. A quarter of owners report trouble before 21,120; a quarter make it past 50,000. 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 $850 for electrical 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 electrical?
No active recalls currently cover electrical 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/Grand 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.