2017 Jeep Cherokee

From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.Consequently, all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substance that traps and holds moisture) in US vehicles are under recall. These "non-desiccated" inflators either have been or are required to be replaced.In some cases, the remedy part for these recalled inflators was, or will be, an inflator using either propellant 2004 or 2004L that does contain a desiccant. None of these "desiccated" remedy parts (which were installed in older model year vehicles) are currently under recall for a degradation concern. Certain subsets of desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004 for use as original equipment, however, have been recalled for a degradation concern. All Takata inflators produced with propellant 2004L contain desiccant, and none of these desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L are under recall for a degradation concern. There have been no reported field ruptures in any non-recalled desiccated PSAN inflators.It is understood that desiccants fully saturate at some threshold, at which point any additional moisture will not be captured. This means the degradation process observed in non-desiccated inflators using propellant 2004 may also occur in non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004, assuming additional moisture enters the inflator and high temperature cycling occurs. Based on available information, desiccant saturation can occur within the first five years in the worst environments, and the time required for full saturation is affected by multiple factors. While no present safety risk has been identified, further work is needed to evaluate the future risk of non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004.Three entities -- Takata (now known as TK Global), the Independent Testing Coalition, and Exponent -- have been studying the long-term behavior of Takata desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004L (as well as 2004) in the presence of moisture and temperature cycling. The research efforts, which include development of predictive modeling techniques and field sample analysis, are ongoing. To date, none of the researchers have identified field evidence showing that propellant 2004L is undergoing a degradation process that leads to aggressive deployment and potential rupture. However, the time in service of such inflators remains short compared to that of the inflators using propellant 2004. Further study is needed to assess the long-term safety of desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L.The Office of Defects Investigation is opening this investigation to examine whether a safety defect related to propellant degradation exists in non-recalled desiccated PSAN frontal inflators manufactured by Takata. This investigation will require extensive information on Takata production processes and surveys of inflators in the field. Lists of recall actions that may have used desiccated PSAN inflators as remedy parts, as well as the makes and models originally manufactured with them, is available with the downloadable version of this document (see nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=EA21002 -- note this information is subject to change/revision as the investigation proceeds). This investigation does not supersede EA15-001, which remains open.

I am reporting a serious safety concern involving my 2017 Jeep Cherokee, VIN [XXX], involving suspected Power Transfer Unit (PTU) failure. The vehicle has experienced drivetrain-related issues, fluid leakage underneath the front/middle of the vehicle, and an illuminated Service 4WD warning light. The vehicle has been evaluated by multiple repair facilities in [XXX], and PTU replacement has been identified as necessary. I am concerned about the potential for drivetrain binding, wheel locking, and loss of vehicle control. Other Jeep Cherokee owners have reported similar PTU failures, including incidents involving wheels locking while driving. These reports raise concerns about a potentially widespread safety defect. I contacted Jeep Customer Care on XXX, under case numbers XXX and XXX, requesting assistance with PTU replacement. Jeep denied coverage based on my vehicle’s VIN, despite the reported symptoms and safety concerns. On XXX, Firestone provided a repair estimate of $7,143. I was also informed that the replacement PTU is on manufacturer backorder due to high demand. I have incurred more than $500 in rental vehicle expenses while attempting to address this issue. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate whether premature PTU failure in 2017 Jeep Cherokee vehicles presents a safety defect, particularly concerning potential wheel locking and loss of vehicle control. I am also requesting review of existing recalls, manufacturer knowledge, and whether additional safety action is warranted. I can provide repair estimates, diagnostic reports, photographs, and Jeep correspondence. Contact: [XXX] Phone: [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11776681

Incident

Oct 20, 2026

The power brake booster malfunctioned, losing power brakes, greatly increasing stopping distance. Vehicle has 92000 miles on it.

NHTSA ID

11776524

Incident

Oct 28, 2026

The contact owns a 2017 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving, the message “Service 4WD” was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the power transfer unit (PTU) failed and needed to be replaced. In addition, the contact was informed that during a previous recall repair, an incorrect part number part was installed on the vehicle. The contact was informed that the repair was covered under warranty. The contact stated that the dealer and the manufacturer were in discussion on how to resolve the issue. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.

NHTSA ID

11776281

Incident

Sep 24, 2026

Mileage

110,000 mi

Service 4 wheel drive light came on vehicle loss of power unsafe to drive. Vehicle is currently at Westbrook Jeep dealership i. WESTBROOK MAINE waiting on new PTU part on backorder

NHTSA ID

11775391

Incident

Jul 7, 2026

The contact owns a 2017 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at 45 MPH, the “Service 4WD” warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with PTU failure. The contact was informed that the PTU needed to be replaced. The dealer was contacted and made aware of the failure. The contact was informed that the failure was a known issue with the vehicle. In addition, the contact was informed by the independent mechanic and the dealer that the parts were on back order. The manufacturer was contacted and made aware of the failure. The contact was informed of an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not under recall. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.

NHTSA ID

11772955

Incident

Sep 22, 2026

Mileage

75,000 mi

Hello, I am writing to follow up on an issue I reported a month ago regarding an unaddressed recall on my 2017 Jeep Cherokee. The vehicle is currently not drivable due to significant consequential damage to the transmission caused by a failed Power Transfer Unit (PTU). I purchased this vehicle nine months ago at 51,000 miles and have driven it fewer than 5,000 miles since. The PTU failure has led to the following severe mechanical issues: - Stripped Transmission Output Shaft: Due to wear on the differential input splines (associated with NHTSA Recall 20V343 / Manufacturer Recall W47), the transmission's output shaft has been stripped. Consequently, replacing the PTU alone will not resolve the issue, and the transmission requires repair or replacement. - Debris Contamination: Metallic shavings from the damaged PTU gears have entered the interconnected mechanical linkages of the gearbox. - Loss of Power and Park Function: The internal break caused the transmission to disengage from the differential, resulting in a loss of motive power and a complete failure of the PARK function, creating a roll-away hazard. Given that this critical recall was never performed prior to these failures, I request that this matter be escalated and addressed immediately. Please let me know the next steps for resolving this issue and covering the required repairs.

NHTSA ID

11771329

Incident

Sep 18, 2026

There was a leak in my trunk that completely shorted out my electric parking break module. My safety and others safety were put at risk because the emergency break was turning on automatically and I could not control it. I noticed it blinking and quickly pulled into a parking lot where the brake went on. I couldn't move the car at that time it took me a couple attempts to get the emergency brake off. I managed to get the car moving and went right back home where then the emergency brake turned on again. I ended up having to call a tow truck. This easily could've been worse if I made the decision to continue on my route that day because the emergency brake was turning on automatically. I took my car to an auto shop who determined with photo evidence that my electric parking brake module was filled with water. They noted "Shorted module Full of water due to trunk water leak. Needs module replacement and connector repair with reprogram. Trunk leak needs to be addressed." A small warning light appeared on my dashboard when the issue started. There was no prior warning lights or problems with the car. I had just gotten my car inspected a few days prior and passed inspection with no issues. I didn't notice the leak until after my emergency brake stopped working. That's when I began to investigate my car and found water in my spare tire compartment.

NHTSA ID

11769104

Incident

Sep 28, 2026

I was stopped at a red light. When the light turned green, I took my foot off the brake and pressed the accelerator. bI heard a loud cracking/crushing noise coming from underneath the vehicle. When I tried to accelerate, the Jeep would not shift properly into gear. The engine revved, but the vehicle did not accelerate normally / did not move as it should. The Jeep was essentially no longer able to transmit power normally, so I stopped driving it. The important sequence is: red light-green light-released brake-pressed accelerator-loud cracking/crushing noise underneath-Jeep wouldn't properly engage/shift- engine revved- vehicle accelerated normally.

NHTSA ID

11768278

Incident

Sep 18, 2026

ID-26-40 Addition of Power Transfer Unit (PTU) for All Model Years Jeep Cherokee (KL) to the Powertrain Service Center (PTSC) Pre-Approval

D-26-20 Addition of Power Transfer Unit (PTU) for All Model Years Jeep Cherokee (KL) to Powertrain Service Center (PTSC) Pre-Approval

Unable To Clear C1494-07 And C14A9-00 After 45A Recall Technicians may experience the following: SYMPTOM: ● wiTECH displays a mismatch error after performing recall 45A.

Stop/Start Illuminated, 0x22 During Fork Wear Routine Technicians may experience the following: SYMPTOM: ● Negative response 0X22 after Recall 01C flash triggers one or more communication codes with controllers.

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.

Door Latch, Handle And Ajar Additional Service Information.