CarBrief

NHTSA has 1,337 owner complaints on file for the 2017 Jeep Cherokee, and the power train group leads with 649[1][2]. Several recalls involve loss of drive power, so ask for proof that the power transfer unit recalls were done[3][4][5].

1,337owner complaints[1]
6recalls[6]
21–25MPG combined (EPA)[7]
4★NHTSA overall rating[8]

Most reported problems

NHTSA lists 1,337 owner complaints for this model year[1]. They include 24 that mention a crash, 6 that mention a fire and 27 injuries, with no deaths reported[1]. These are unverified owner reports, and one complaint can name more than one component group.

Component group Complaints
Power train[2] 649
Unknown or other[9] 343
Electrical system[10] 342
Engine[11] 265
Brakes[12] 62
Speed control[13] 60
Steering[14] 45
Electronic stability control[15] 42

The power train group has the most complaints. Its median mileage at failure is 46,683[2]. In the sample of 12 power train complaints we read, 6 describe a delay or no response from the car when accelerating after a stop or when shifting from reverse to drive[2]. Three describe a service shifter warning or a shifter failure, and some say the problem came back after a dealer visit[2].

In the sample of 12 engine complaints we read, 5 describe the engine stalling or shutting off while driving[11]. In the sample of 12 electrical complaints, 6 describe the car shutting off, stalling or not starting[10]. Owners in the brakes sample describe a few different things. In 3 of 12, the engine shut off and the driver lost power steering and braking, and in 3 of 12 the parking brake applied itself or a shifter warning appeared[12].

A sample this small cannot show how common any one problem is. It does show what owners report when something goes wrong.

Recalls

NHTSA lists six recalls for this model year, newest first[6].

The three power transfer unit recalls name the same type of failure. A buyer should confirm with a dealer that each one that applies to the car was completed.

Fuel economy

EPA lists several versions of the 2017 Cherokee. Combined mileage runs from 21 to 25 MPG[7][19]. The 2.4L 4-cylinder with front-wheel drive is the best at 25 combined[7]. The 3.2L 6-cylinder Active Drive II and Trailhawk versions are the lowest at 21 combined[19][20].

Version City / highway / combined MPG Annual fuel cost
FWD, 2.4L, regular[7] 21 / 30 / 25 $2,700
FWD, 2.4L, gasoline or E85[21] 21 / 30 / 25 $2,700
FWD, 3.2L, midgrade[22] 21 / 29 / 24 $3,150
4WD, 2.4L, regular[23] 21 / 28 / 23 $2,900
4WD, 2.4L, gasoline or E85[24] 21 / 28 / 23 $2,900
4WD, 3.2L, midgrade[25] 20 / 27 / 23 $3,300
4WD Active Drive II, 2.4L, regular[26] 21 / 27 / 23 $2,900
Trailhawk 4WD, 2.4L, regular[27] 19 / 25 / 22 $3,050
4WD Active Drive II, 3.2L, midgrade[19] 18 / 26 / 21 $3,600
Trailhawk 4WD, 3.2L, midgrade[20] 18 / 24 / 21 $3,600

The annual cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the car was new.

Safety ratings

NHTSA gives the 2WD version 4 stars overall, 4 stars in the frontal test, 5 stars in the side test and 4 stars for rollover[8]. Its rollover risk is 17.4%[8]. The 4WD version has the same star ratings, with a rollover risk of 16.9%[28].

Engine and size

EPA lists two engines for this model year. The 2.4L 4-cylinder is rated 184 hp[29]. The 3.2L 6-cylinder is rated 271 hp[30].

Dimensions below are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models.

Version Length Width Height Wheelbase Curb weight
4DR SUV AWD[31] 182 in 73 in 67 in 106 in 3,942 lb
4DR SUV FWD[32] 182 in 73 in 67 in 106 in 3,680 lb

How 2017 compares with other years

1995: 608 complaints, 6 recalls19951996: 447 complaints, 6 recalls1997: 390 complaints, 4 recalls19971998: 399 complaints, 5 recalls1999: 366 complaints, 2 recalls19992000: 369 complaints, 1 recalls2001: 229 complaints, 2 recalls20012014: 2,650 complaints, 13 recalls2015: 1,792 complaints, 11 recalls20152016: 1,411 complaints, 9 recalls2017: 1,337 complaints, 6 recalls1,33720172018: 687 complaints, 7 recalls2019: 1,669 complaints, 11 recalls20192020: 328 complaints, 3 recalls2021: 176 complaints, 4 recalls20212022: 51 complaints, 3 recalls2023: 3 complaints, 1 recalls20232026: 8 complaints, 4 recalls
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for each Cherokee model year. The 2017 is highlighted[6].
Show the numbers
Model yearComplaintsRecalls
19956086
19964476
19973904
19983995
19993662
20003691
20012292
20142,65013
20151,79211
20161,4119
20171,3376
20186877
20191,66911
20203283
20211764
2022513
202331
202684

NHTSA lists 1,337 complaints and 6 recalls for the 2017 model year[6]. Among the 18 Cherokee model years listed, that is the fifth highest complaint count[6]. Only 2014 (2,650), 2015 (1,792), 2019 (1,669) and 2016 (1,411) have more[6]. The 2018 model year has 687 complaints, and every year from 2020 on has fewer than 2017[6].

For recalls, 2017 has fewer than 2014 (13), 2015 (11), 2019 (11), 2016 (9) and 2018 (7)[6]. It matches 1995 and 1996, which have 6 each[6].

Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so treat the comparison as a rough guide.

Should you buy a used 2017 Cherokee?

The 2017 Cherokee has the fifth highest complaint count of the 18 Cherokee model years listed, and the power train group leads it with 649 complaints[6][2]. In the sample we read, owners describe delays after stops, shifter warnings and stalling[2][11]. Three recalls cover the power transfer unit, and the failure they describe can mean a loss of drive power or park[3][4][5]. Ask for service records and a dealer check that every recall that applies was done. The car earns 4 stars overall from NHTSA, with 5 stars for side impact[8][28].

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2017 Jeep Cherokee?
NHTSA lists 1,337 complaints, and the power train group has the most with 649[1][2]. In a sample we read, owners describe delays after stops, shifter warnings and stalling[2][11].
Does the 2017 Jeep Cherokee have recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists six, including three about the power transfer unit (25V011, 23V302 and 20V343), one about cruise control (18V332), one about the certification label (17V543) and one about a knee air bag (16V799)[3][4][5][16][17][18].
How many miles per gallon does the 2017 Jeep Cherokee get?
EPA combined ratings run from 21 to 25 MPG depending on engine and drive[7][19]. The 2.4L front-wheel drive is rated 25 combined[7].
What are the safety ratings for the 2017 Jeep Cherokee?
NHTSA gives both the 2WD and 4WD versions 4 stars overall and 5 stars for side impact[8][28].
Is 2017 a bad year for the Jeep Cherokee?
It has the fifth highest complaint count of the 18 years listed, at 1,337[6]. 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2019 have more[6]. Counts are not adjusted for sales.

Facts and sources

  1. NHTSA has 1,337 owner complaints on file for the 2017 Jeep Cherokee (24 mention a crash, 6 a fire, 27 injuries, 0 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
  2. 649 complaints name the power train component group (5 crashes, 0 fires, 3 injuries, median mileage at failure 46,683). NHTSA vehicle records
  3. Recall 25V011, filed January 16, 2025: Power Train. NHTSA recall database
  4. Recall 23V302, filed April 27, 2023: Power Train › Automatic Transmission. NHTSA recall database
  5. Recall 20V343, filed June 11, 2020: Power Train › Driveline › Differential Unit. NHTSA recall database
  6. Owner complaints and recalls for every Jeep Cherokee model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
  7. EPA rating for Cherokee FWD, 2.4L 4-cyl, Automatic 9-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 21 city / 30 highway / 25 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,700. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  8. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, SUV 2WD: overall 4 stars, frontal 4 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 17.4%. NHTSA vehicle records
  9. 343 complaints name the unknown or other component group (4 crashes, 2 fires, 9 injuries, median mileage at failure 38,415). NHTSA vehicle records
  10. 342 complaints name the electrical system component group (3 crashes, 3 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 40,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  11. 265 complaints name the engine component group (3 crashes, 2 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 39,250). NHTSA vehicle records
  12. 62 complaints name the brakes component group (4 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 45,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  13. 60 complaints name the speed control component group (2 crashes, 0 fires, 2 injuries, median mileage at failure 35,522). NHTSA vehicle records
  14. 45 complaints name the steering component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 39,176). NHTSA vehicle records
  15. 42 complaints name the electronic stability control (esc) component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 45,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  16. Recall 18V332, filed May 17, 2018: Electrical System › Software. NHTSA recall database
  17. Recall 17V543, filed August 31, 2017: Equipment › Other › Labels. NHTSA recall database
  18. Recall 16V799, filed November 2, 2016: Air Bags › Knee Bolster. NHTSA recall database
  19. EPA rating for Cherokee 4WD Active Drive II, 3.2L 6-cyl, Automatic 9-spd, Midgrade, 4-Wheel Drive: 18 city / 26 highway / 21 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,600. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  20. EPA rating for Cherokee Trailhawk 4WD, 3.2L 6-cyl, Automatic 9-spd, Midgrade, 4-Wheel Drive: 18 city / 24 highway / 21 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,600. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  21. EPA rating for Cherokee FWD, 2.4L 4-cyl, Automatic 9-spd, Gasoline or E85, Front-Wheel Drive: 21 city / 30 highway / 25 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,700. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  22. EPA rating for Cherokee FWD, 3.2L 6-cyl, Automatic 9-spd, Midgrade, Front-Wheel Drive: 21 city / 29 highway / 24 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,150. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  23. EPA rating for Cherokee 4WD, 2.4L 4-cyl, Automatic 9-spd, Regular, All-Wheel Drive: 21 city / 28 highway / 23 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,900. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  24. EPA rating for Cherokee 4WD, 2.4L 4-cyl, Automatic 9-spd, Gasoline or E85, All-Wheel Drive: 21 city / 28 highway / 23 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,900. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  25. EPA rating for Cherokee 4WD, 3.2L 6-cyl, Automatic 9-spd, Midgrade, All-Wheel Drive: 20 city / 27 highway / 23 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,300. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  26. EPA rating for Cherokee 4WD Active Drive II, 2.4L 4-cyl, Automatic 9-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel Drive: 21 city / 27 highway / 23 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,900. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  27. EPA rating for Cherokee Trailhawk 4WD, 2.4L 4-cyl, Automatic 9-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel Drive: 19 city / 25 highway / 22 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,050. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  28. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, SUV 4WD: overall 4 stars, frontal 4 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 16.9%. NHTSA vehicle records
  29. EPA Test Car List, 2017 Jeep Cherokee with 2.4L 4-cylinder: rated 184 hp. www.epa.gov
  30. EPA Test Car List, 2017 Jeep Cherokee with 3.2L 6-cylinder: rated 271 hp. www.epa.gov
  31. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, CHEROKEE 4DR SUV AWD: length 182 in, width 73 in, height 67 in, wheelbase 106 in, curb weight 3,942 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  32. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, CHEROKEE 4DR SUV FWD: length 182 in, width 73 in, height 67 in, wheelbase 106 in, curb weight 3,680 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov

Complaints submitted to NHTSA by owners; unverified reports, one complaint can name several components. Complaint counts are not normalized by sales; compare years of the same model, not different models. EPA annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the car was new. Horsepower is the rating listed for EPA test vehicles. Dimensions are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models.