2017 Jeep Cherokee electrical system problems

Updated from NHTSA data · How we count

237 owners have reported electrical system problems with the 2017 Jeep Cherokee, 26% of all complaints about this model year. The typical problem appeared around 43,180 mi.

Electrical System complaints
237
Crashes
3
Fires
2
Injuries
1
Related recalls
1
Median mileage
43,180 mi

Specific components reported

Electrical System covers: Battery, wiring, infotainment, instrument cluster, communication and software.

ComponentComplaints
Electrical system235
Electrical system: instrument cluster/panel1
Electrical system:starter assembly1

Electrical System complaints across Jeep Cherokee years

2042014177201518520162372017139201823920193520202320218202212026
Electrical System complaints by model year. The 2017 is highlighted.

Mileage when the problem appeared

3Under 10k1810k–30k6230k–60k1460k–100k3100k–150k2150k+
Complaints that list mileage, grouped by odometer reading.

Related recalls

  • Recall 18V332000May 17, 20184,815,661 vehicles
    ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE · ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING · VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CRUISE CONTROL

    Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Dodge Journey, Charger and Durango, RAM 2500, 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis (more than 10,000lb), 4500 Cab Chassis and 5500 Cab Chassis, Jeep Cherokee and Grand Cherokee and Chrysler 300, 2014-2019 RAM 1500, 2015-2018 Dodge Challenger, 2015-2017 Chrysler 200, 2016-2018 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis (less than 10,000 lb), 2017-2018 Chrysler Pacifica and 2018 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. These vehicles are being recalled to address a defect that could prevent the cruise control system from disengaging. If, when using cruise control, there is a short circuit within the vehicle's wiring, the driver may not be able to shut off the cruise control either by depressing the brake pedal or manually turning the system off once it has been engaged, resulting in either the vehicle maintaining its current speed or possibly accelerating.

    Risk: If the vehicle maintains its speed or accelerates despite attempts to deactivate the cruise control, there would be an increased risk of a crash.

    Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the software, and perform a software flash on the engine or powertrain control module, free of charge. The recall began June 4, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Note: Owners are advised to stop using cruise control until the software update has been performed. In the event that cruise control cannot be disengaged while driving, owners should firmly and steadily apply the brakes and shift the transmission to neutral, placing the vehicle in park once it has stopped.

What owners say

  1. Filed Sep 4, 2026PABody & StructureElectrical SystemSuspension
    CRITICAL VEHICLE SYSTEM SAFETY & TELEMATICS FAILURES: 1.ELECTRICAL & ELICTRICAL DEFECTS: The vehicle's primary infotainment and factory navigation display module suffers a total software and hardware failure. module suffers a total software and hardware failure. While operating on public roadway, including [XXX] entering [XXX], the tracking telemetry completely losses spatial orientation. mapping the vehicle floating deep in blue water (Shenango River Lake), dropping road…
    NHTSA complaint #11762184 · source
  2. Filed May 26, 2026MEBrakesElectrical System
    The component that failed/malfunctioned was the module that activates the EPB. It is available for inspection if requested. My safety was put at risk because the parking brake would engage every time the vehicle shut off leaving me stranded and could put other drivers at risk if my vehicle was stranded on the roadway. It would sometimes reset if the battery was disconnected and then reconnected, but eventually trying to reset it did not work. Within a week, the actuators…
    NHTSA complaint #11740133 · source
  3. Filed Apr 17, 2026IDElectrical SystemEngineTransmission & Drivetrain
    PER DIAGNOSTICS, PTU HAS BEEN COMPROMISED. I was driving on the highway and the car started to shake and make a loud, grinding noise and seemed to be stuck in gear. When I stopped it wouldn't go into park or go into drive.
    NHTSA complaint #11731764 · source
  4. Filed Apr 8, 2026MIElectrical SystemTransmission & Drivetrain
    Service 4WD drive light is on due to rear PTU failure or issue. Signaled by code: C14A7-97 Has been confirmed by Jeep dealership upon inspection. Had inspected by 2 private auto shops confirming same issue. Light came on after driving a few minutes to now being on when car is starting. According to mechanics, this indicates PTU failure of some sort. PTU has not been fully inspected only some outside electrical testing confirming that was the root of the issue.
    NHTSA complaint #11730081 · source
  5. Filed Apr 6, 2026CAElectrical SystemOther / Unknown
    Car shifts out of gear and when trying to accelerate the car won’t go any faster. Feels like it slips out of gear. Happened out of the blue, NO check engine light and no warning
    NHTSA complaint #11729541 · source
  6. Filed Mar 29, 2026COElectrical System
    When driving a message popped up to "Service Shifter" and all the red lights turned on the shifter. I was unable to switch out of thus screen to bring the digital odometer back up like when other service message appear. When I was able to pull over and turn off the car and wait and turn it back on again the message and lights appeared again. I was able to get my car into the dealership that day to be looked at. The called later and said it would be $1700 to repair. From…
    NHTSA complaint #11727733 · source
  7. Filed Mar 17, 2026MIElectrical SystemEngineTransmission & Drivetrain
    My Jeep has been cutting off while driving for the past several months. I've taken it to be serviced several times and everything, from the alternator, engine, fuel pump, battery, etc. are all fine. But the vehicle will cut of while driving or while idling at the traffic light. This is a MAJOR safety hazard. Not only for myself and the occupants of the vehicle but other drivers on the road as well. This could cause serious injury of even death. I have found dozens of reports…
    NHTSA complaint #11724924 · source
  8. Filed Nov 6, 2025IADriver Assistance & Safety TechElectrical System
    Parking brake on the jeep automatically engaged while driving. Had vehicle towed to dealership where a new parking brake switch was installed and programed and told it was ready to go. Picked it up and it did the same thing again and turned on the auto start stop light. Took it back to the dealership and they said water had gotten into the back area and corroded the parking brake module and the connector. They wanted to charge me $2500 to fix. I took the vehicle home and…
    NHTSA complaint #11697849 · source
  9. Filed Sep 18, 2025ALElectrical SystemAcceleration & Cruise Control
    A SERVICE SHIFTER message appeared out of nowhere, and now all the lights turn on regardless of which gear I'm in. After a quick internet search, it appears MANY people have experienced this exact same issue with various Jeep models. It seems this is an issue the company should take responsibility for and fix with a recall. The parts to replace this faulty design are expensive, and a repair shop cost would be exorbitant.
    NHTSA complaint #11688093 · source
  10. Filed Aug 25, 2025MOElectrical SystemTransmission & Drivetrain
    Service Shifter warning light comes on when driving. When put in park and key is turned off will reset but periodically will reoccur. First occurred around 20,000 miles but is becoming more frequent now.
    NHTSA complaint #11682836 · source
  11. Filed Aug 9, 2025OHElectrical SystemTransmission & Drivetrain
    Constantly Randomly Getting (Service Shifter) Notification and all the lights on the shifter light up on the shifter ... It Resets when i put it in Park and Stop Engine - When i ask the Jeep Dealer about it they say it must be doing it when i bring it in before the can trouble shoot the problem.... they say they cant check the computer code list and see when its happened and why ..... I believe this is a safety problem that should be a Recall and Fixed - Before it Ends up…
    NHTSA complaint #11679560 · source
  12. Filed Jul 28, 2025KSElectrical System
    I have had this vehicle since 2017. Over the years the shifter lights have flashed but I turn off the car and it’s fine. I believe there are electrical issues with these models. Yesterday my car randomly shut off. It could have been due to the heat but it was very dangerous. My brights have gone out and it could be because of an electrical issue. I’ve had to change my thermostat twice. I will be looking into trading this car out soon. It could be dangerous as I travel often.
    NHTSA complaint #11676820 · source

Other 2017 Jeep Cherokee problem areas

Back to all 2017 Jeep Cherokee problems →

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology