2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Engine10722.1%
- Electrical8718.0%
- Powertrain (other)8617.8%
- Driver assistance418.5%
- Fuel system336.8%
- Brakes296.0%
- Steering183.7%
- Interior & seats183.7%
- Airbags153.1%
- Exterior lighting142.9%
- Body & structure102.1%
- Suspension81.7%
- Other / unspecified61.2%
- Visibility51.0%
- Seat belts40.8%
- Tires & wheels30.6%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
After purchasing the Jeep Cherokee Laredo 2017 in 2024, The jeep immediately in November/2024 started giving problems with the engine, I did report these issues to Belise Kia in West Springfield, Ma, after I dropped of the Jeep in July/2025, I was told that the jeep needed a new engine. In January/2026 I got the jeep back, but the issues remain. I`ve tried to do the inspection and the Jeep failed due to PO349, PO345, UO415 and P1009 sensors. I did report these issues to Belise Kia and their response was " we did what we need to do with the Jeep which it was changed the engine. But the engine does not appear to be replaced. I do not know what else to do.
The contact owns a 2017 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while seated inside the vehicle with his wife, the gear shifter was shifted into drive; however, while depressing the brake pedal the vehicle accelerated independently. The check engine warning light was illuminated. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed; however, the diagnostic result was unknown. The accelerator pedal was replaced, and the vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that the failure had occurred on several occasions. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 85,000.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
After purchasing the Jeep Cherokee Laredo 2017 in 2024, The jeep immediately in November/2024 started giving problems with the engine, I did report these issues to Belise Kia in West Springfield, Ma, after I dropped of the Jeep in July/2025, I was told that the jeep needed a new engine. In January/2026 I got the jeep back, but the issues remain. I`ve tried to do the inspection and the Jeep failed due to PO349, PO345, UO415 and P1009 sensors. I did report these issues to Belise Kia and their response was " we did what we need to do with the Jeep which it was changed the engine. But the engine does not appear to be replaced. I do not know what else to do.
The Hood Ajar message stays on and then the service auto start/stop unavailable message comes on. Hood is actually closed and this warning is incorrect but will have to stop car to try and reset it. Hood latch was replaced. First time did not fix it. Took it back and dealership did something else to fix.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
My 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee just completely lost power again and almost got hit by the car following me. Almost got hit again coasting to the side of the road! This has happened before and the repair shop tried updating software which did not fix it. Why was the 2017 not included in your recall of the Power Transfer Case? Repair shop diagnosed problem the last time it happened as the PTC! I am an Attorney and want this included in your 2019-2023 recall! Please do not force me to file a lawsuit to fix this safety issue!
The contact owns a 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that while attempting to shift into park(P) to exit the vehicle, the vehicle started moving backwards down the slanted driveway. The contact depressed the brake pedal, and the vehicle stopped. The contact then started the vehicle and shifted into park(P). The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. On another occasion, while driving at an undisclosed speed or while the vehicle was stopped, the vehicle hesitated and jerked while shifting from a lower to a higher gear. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V011000 (Power Train). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 76,000.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2017 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while seated inside the vehicle with his wife, the gear shifter was shifted into drive; however, while depressing the brake pedal the vehicle accelerated independently. The check engine warning light was illuminated. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed; however, the diagnostic result was unknown. The accelerator pedal was replaced, and the vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that the failure had occurred on several occasions. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 85,000.
My 2017 Jeep Cherokee rolled away three times in one day while in Park with the Electric Parking Brake engaged. My driveway has no flat area and slopes toward a public road, creating a serious hazard for my family and traffic. The rollaways occurred suddenly with no warning lights. I had to park the Jeep sideways in a snowbank for two weeks to prevent further rollaways, creating added risks for my family in winter conditions. The vehicle remains at the dealership. During the first two days of the evaluation, the dealer confirmed brake shoe thickness (4mm), verified the EPB software was current, and found no diagnostic codes. They could not recreate the rollaway or identify a cause. No mechanical or electronic faults were found. FCA communication has been inconsistent. I experienced dropped calls, long holds, contradictory statements, and repeated refusals to provide written documentation of the inspection authorization. FCA said they could not escalate the safety case unless the vehicle was already at the dealership, yet still refused written confirmation of the purpose of the inspection, and I was not willing to bring the vehicle in without documentation. After the evaluation, when I attempted to relay the required findings per the RO instructions, FCA informed me the safety case had already been closed, leaving no record of the defect. FCA said only the rental authorization remained open and they could no longer escalate my case. I then had to re-explain the entire rollaway incident. FCA and the dealer now disagree on whether the RO is open or closed, and FCA has not explained who is responsible for the ongoing loaner or what the next steps are. The defect remains unresolved and the Jeep is unsafe to operate or park at my home.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
I was pulling into my driveway and the vehicle accelerated by itself and crashed into my house looks like vehicle is beyond repair still waiting on adjuster report
Q: What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? A: 1) Sudden loss of propulsion at highway speeds, with inability to accelerate despite throttle input. Regained propulsion only after shifting from Drive → Neutral → Drive. Repeated occurrences. Prior dealership complaint before recall awareness. 2) Unresolved drivability issues after transmission work Q: How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? A: Sudden loss of propulsion at highway speeds, with inability to accelerate despite throttle input. Q: Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? A: No, they couldn't reproduce the problem. Q: Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? A: Dealership Q: Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? A: No. They first appeared in 2023
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
Q: What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? A: 1) Sudden loss of propulsion at highway speeds, with inability to accelerate despite throttle input. Regained propulsion only after shifting from Drive → Neutral → Drive. Repeated occurrences. Prior dealership complaint before recall awareness. 2) Unresolved drivability issues after transmission work Q: How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? A: Sudden loss of propulsion at highway speeds, with inability to accelerate despite throttle input. Q: Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? A: No, they couldn't reproduce the problem. Q: Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? A: Dealership Q: Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? A: No. They first appeared in 2023
My 2017 Jeep Cherokee rolled away three times in one day while in Park with the Electric Parking Brake engaged. My driveway has no flat area and slopes toward a public road, creating a serious hazard for my family and traffic. The rollaways occurred suddenly with no warning lights. I had to park the Jeep sideways in a snowbank for two weeks to prevent further rollaways, creating added risks for my family in winter conditions. The vehicle remains at the dealership. During the first two days of the evaluation, the dealer confirmed brake shoe thickness (4mm), verified the EPB software was current, and found no diagnostic codes. They could not recreate the rollaway or identify a cause. No mechanical or electronic faults were found. FCA communication has been inconsistent. I experienced dropped calls, long holds, contradictory statements, and repeated refusals to provide written documentation of the inspection authorization. FCA said they could not escalate the safety case unless the vehicle was already at the dealership, yet still refused written confirmation of the purpose of the inspection, and I was not willing to bring the vehicle in without documentation. After the evaluation, when I attempted to relay the required findings per the RO instructions, FCA informed me the safety case had already been closed, leaving no record of the defect. FCA said only the rental authorization remained open and they could no longer escalate my case. I then had to re-explain the entire rollaway incident. FCA and the dealer now disagree on whether the RO is open or closed, and FCA has not explained who is responsible for the ongoing loaner or what the next steps are. The defect remains unresolved and the Jeep is unsafe to operate or park at my home.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
Car lost power while driving. Related to recall notice received Feb 2025 with no update still. recall 01C related to PTU power transfer unit. Recall is past due solution and available parts from Chrysler and POSES A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE!
System said car will shut off soon. All system lights started blinking and the car turned off. Car would not restart and would not go into neutral.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
It was cold out and my sister was driving my car with the heated seats on when she started to smell fire as well as her back got really hot. She pulled over and leaned forward and discovered a flame/fire coming through the seat back. She burned my hand and had visible ash on it trying to put the fire out. There is now a hole in the seat back from where the fire burned through.
Active head restraint deployed unexpectedly while driving at very slow speed. In addition to the immediate shock, it hit the back of my head and neck very hard. Still experiencing neck pain.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
We were in an accident with heavy front end and right corner panel damage and none of my airbags deployed.
The front passenger seat Active Head Restraint activated while driving on a smooth, rural road, with no traffic, and no impact with anything. My wife was in the passenger seat and was forcefully hit when the headrest deployed. There were no warning lights and no issues which would have warned us of this deployment. The vehicle has been maintained by the dealership since new. I have an appointment with the dealership for the warranty repair. on June 12 2025.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
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 for inspection upon request. Nothing has been removed/discarded w/o documentation. 2. The malfunction created a serious safety risk while the vehicle was in operation. All warning lights illuminated at once, the windshield wipers activated without driver input and would not turn off, and the vehicle experienced difficulty shifting and limited drivability. The unpredictable activation and loss of control over critical systems impaired the driver’s ability to safely operate the vehicle and created a risk of becoming stranded or disabled in traffic, posing a danger to both the driver and other road users. 3. Yes. The vehicle was taken immediately to an independent service center following the incident and has remained there due to the severity of the malfunction. The service center confirmed abnormal electrical behavior and initiated further diagnostic evaluation. 4. The vehicle has been inspected by an independent service center. The manufacturer has not yet conducted a direct inspection. No police inspection was performed, as no collision occurred. 5. No warning symptoms were observed prior to the failure. The malfunction occurred suddenly and without warning on August 8. At the time of the incident, all warning lights illuminated simultaneously, and abnormal vehicle behavior began immediately.
The HID headlights failed and is available for inspection. Can't drive in the dark or rain, less visible to other motorists. Yes, confirmed by dealer. No other inspections. No notices were given. My friend noticed it and we drove home from an event at night with running lights. Numerous other Jeep Grand Cherokees have the same issue and do have the recall and repair available, but for some reason the Summit was overlooked and should be placed in the recall ASAP. Clearly, this is a Jeepwide problem and not limited by VIN number.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
The Hood Ajar message stays on and then the service auto start/stop unavailable message comes on. Hood is actually closed and this warning is incorrect but will have to stop car to try and reset it. Hood latch was replaced. First time did not fix it. Took it back and dealership did something else to fix.
The contact owns a 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the "Liftgate Cannot Be Opened While Vehicle Is In Motion" message was displayed. Additionally, there was a burning odor detected after pressing the Auto Start/Stop button to start up the vehicle, with smoke coming from underneath the hood. The power liftgate was intermittently inoperable and also inadvertently opened while parked in the garage. The dealer was made aware of the failure and confirmed there was no recall associated with the VIN. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V338000 (Electrical System, Structure); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
On January 3, 2026, I test drove a 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee (VIN [XXX] ) from a franchised Jeep dealership in Lewiston, Idaho. After the test drive, the vehicle was placed on a lift and it was discovered that the front driver-side lower ball joint was missing a retaining bolt, allowing separation from the lower control arm. This condition created an immediate risk of suspension failure and loss of control while driving on public roads. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The PTU (transfer case) is not working. It started as more of a transmission issue. I would be driving at times and my transmission would not shift up. I had to manually shift my car to get it into gear. Now, it lead to knocking noises when I turn my steering wheel.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle experienced unknown electrical failures. Additionally, the vehicle lost power steering functionality, and stalled. The contact stated that the instrument panel was flickering, and the speedometer and gauges became inoperable. The contact stated that the windows randomly rolled down and the headlights would flash off and on. The contact stated that the traction control warning light was illuminated, and the vehicle was difficult to steer. The contact stated that the failure usually occurred after 30 minutes of driving. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who replaced the battery and window switch; however, the failure persisted. The local dealer was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was not yet notified. The approximate failure mileage was 58,000.
The contact owns a 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee equipped with a Thule removable roof rack. The model name was not provided. The contact stated while driving at 55 mph, the J-bar, kayak, and the rack holder detached from the vehicle and flew onto the highway. A police report was filed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure by voicemail. The contact was awaiting a callback. The Vin was unavailable. Consumer stated while driving on the Interstate (I-990) Highway…. everything that was strapped on the roof of the SUV blew off and shattered (items involved: Thule Roof Rack, Foldable J-Bar (2Pairs), & (2) Kayaks) into 3-Lane Highway. Prior to this, (@ approx 1211p) consumer called 9-1-1 to report the incident to Amherst Police, incident no.: [XXX], 07/05/2021, 12:16p). It has also caused Post Traumatic Stress Symptoms (PTSD) for the consumer. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)."
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
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 for inspection upon request. Nothing has been removed/discarded w/o documentation. 2. The malfunction created a serious safety risk while the vehicle was in operation. All warning lights illuminated at once, the windshield wipers activated without driver input and would not turn off, and the vehicle experienced difficulty shifting and limited drivability. The unpredictable activation and loss of control over critical systems impaired the driver’s ability to safely operate the vehicle and created a risk of becoming stranded or disabled in traffic, posing a danger to both the driver and other road users. 3. Yes. The vehicle was taken immediately to an independent service center following the incident and has remained there due to the severity of the malfunction. The service center confirmed abnormal electrical behavior and initiated further diagnostic evaluation. 4. The vehicle has been inspected by an independent service center. The manufacturer has not yet conducted a direct inspection. No police inspection was performed, as no collision occurred. 5. No warning symptoms were observed prior to the failure. The malfunction occurred suddenly and without warning on August 8. At the time of the incident, all warning lights illuminated simultaneously, and abnormal vehicle behavior began immediately.
On Saturday, April 15, 2023 at approximately 1pm, I was driving my 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit on Texas Hwy 16. The weather was clear and traffic was light. There was not a vehicle, within 200 feet, in front of mine. The glass sun roof / panorama roof was closed. I heard a loud bang as if something had struck the roof of my Jeep. I then heard glass cracking and wind noise. I did not see anything strike my Jeep or bounce off of my Jeep. I did not see anything lying in the roadway behind my vehicle. I stopped my Jeep and saw the stationary portion of the glass panorama roof was shattered. The movable glass sun roof was not damaged. I did not see any marks or damage to the painted metal roof or metal trim around the glass panel. The worst of the damage appeared to be located at the front corners of the panel, nearest the front of the vehicle. There was not a visible area of impact. I am currently trying to locate a repair shop to replace the glass. I have not made an insurance claim. I do not believe the glass was damaged by an object. It appears the glass shattered due to stress on the glass, possibly caused by an incorrect installation by the manufacturer or defective safety glass. My Jeep has not been involved in a collision, nor have I altered any portion of the vehicle. I believe that had the glass completely shattered and dropped into the passenger compartment of my Jeep, I ,and other occupants of my vehicle, would have been exposed to flying glass particles.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the front passenger's seat headrest deployed. The contact's minor child was seated in the rear seat was struck by fragments. The contact stated that the fragments landed in the minor child's lap. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 166,455.
back seat outer seat belt stopped working / no retracting on its own.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
Yokohama tornate installed in 2022 plenty of tread left on tire. Driving 20 mph on back road. Driving around a person walking their dog so very slow and rear passenger tire was in the middle of the road. Tire pressure is emptied completely for no reason. Upon inspection found tire blew out at side wall. Large 4-6” crack from mid sidewall to tread. Driving back from beach in Maine. Drove up to Maine from NH then half way back when this happened.
The contact owns a 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated while driving 25-35 MPH, the messages "Service Electronic Stability Control" and "Service 4Wheel Drive" were displayed. The contact was able to continue driving; however, the vehicle lost 4-WD functionality. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred while driving and the vehicle was shuddering significantly. The contact was able to drive to his residence. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the power transfer unit (PTU) had failed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened. The manufacturer referred the contact to the dealer for a diagnostic test. The dealer was contacted, and an appointment was scheduled. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 61,050.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .