2017 Jeep Cherokee acceleration problems

Filed Nov 9, 2026 · Acceleration, Transmission · TX

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 the federal safety agency 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)

Filed Jan 13, 2026 · Acceleration, Engine · 171,000 miles · OH

The contact owns a 2017 Jeep Cherokee. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 25V011000 (POWER TRAIN); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that the part was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. While the contact’s daughter was driving and approaching a stop light, the vehicle continued to drive forward while the brake pedal was depressed. Later, while driving the vehicle experienced reduced power with the check engine warning light and the ETC warning light illuminated. The vehicle was inspected by an independent mechanic who determined that the PTU was faulty and needed to be replaced. The failure mileage was 171,000.

Filed Sep 18, 2025 · Acceleration, Electrical · AL

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.

Filed Aug 12, 2025 · Acceleration, Steering · MT

Vehicle has a known safety Bulletin out from Stellantis for the PTU but this model does not fall under it. I am having issues with the PtU and concerns with safety of driving and others. Will need repaired. Frustration that my certain subsection of this model is not covered under the safety bulletin despite known problems and significant safety risk.

Filed Jul 24, 2025 · Acceleration, Engine · MI

Service Shifter light came on dash, all gears on shifter , red lights came on. I was driving at 55 mph and could tell the car wasn’t accelerating and was slowing down . That’s when I noticed the Service Shifter light on dash. I was in a lot of traffic and couldn’t safely pull over , I was almost rear ended by the car behind me. I coasted to the side of the road and turned car off and back on . The light went off . This was yesterday , today I start the car and it starts rough ( which it usually doesn’t ) and the service shifter light is back on. This is a very serious , dangerous and possibly deadly issue . I was so scared when it happened as I had no control of speed of the vehicle . I see many , many reports on this issue for several years and it shows past repairs have not corrected the issue. A recall should be issued ASAP before someone gets hurt or dies from this very common problem . Customers should not have to pay to repair and issue that has been reported thousands of times for many years . Please give direction on how to get this properly and fully fixed . I am afraid to drive the vehicle for fear of a traffic accident .

Filed Jun 26, 2025 · Acceleration, Electrical · IL

I submitted a complaint about the service shifter that I been having since 2020 right after I finance the car with dealership. The problem continued and it hasnt been resolved even after taking it back for repairing. Recently on 6/24/2025 my car stopped on the expressway, the service shifter came on and also electrical throttle service control. My car started trembling and it would turn on but I couldnt drive it. The expressway road assistance was able to push me out the expressway and in the process my car started to run but shaky still and I was able to get it back home.

Filed Jun 17, 2025 · Acceleration, Steering · CA

I believe the PTU is malfunctioning and causing the transmission to slip or jerk. I am experiencing uncontrolled movement while driving. The vehicle is available at any time for inspection upon request. This puts myself and 2 small children at risk while driving, therefore my ability to use this vehicle is extremely limited and high risk. I have taken it to a jeep dealership in porterville ca who stated my transmission needed replacement. they verbally stated my ptu was ok but never confirmed it with documentation. i have taken it to private mechanics who could not find any issues saying that the problem is internal. the mechanics i have taken it to in the past year have not come to a solution other than to suggest i wait for a resolution to the recall. The service all wheel drive light came on/off about a year ago and was consistant for several months but has turned off for awhile now.

Filed Feb 24, 2025 · Acceleration, Electrical · MI

Service shifter warning light

Filed Jan 25, 2025 · Acceleration, Engine · CO

My 2017 has experienced multiple loss of power events( two on the highway!). The vehicle’s transmission will disengage and I will have to coast to the side of the road. My ignition is still on but have been told previously that my PTU needs replacing. I will have the amber service transmission light illuminated but only after having transmission disengage. This power failure is a extremely serious safety issue- now the local Jeep dealers have “no fix” and I am having to rent a car because of this safety issue.

Filed Nov 3, 2024 · Acceleration, Engine · SD

Due to the limit on text characters I have attached the 17-page document explaining the safety issues.