The power brake booster malfunctioned, losing power brakes, greatly increasing stopping distance. Vehicle has 92000 miles on it.
2017 Jeep Cherokee: sudden loss of power
73 of the 1,342 complaints about the 2017 Jeep Cherokee describe sudden loss of power.
- owner complaints
- 73
- of this car's complaints
- 5%
- typical mileage
- 47,522
- recalls
- 0
Sudden loss of power by model year
What owners say
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
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 the federal safety agency 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.
My Active-Drive 1 PTU failed at 112k miles. This failure happened going down the highway at 65mph. It occurred via a loud clunk and mechanical grinding noise, followed by a “service 4-WD” light. In my case, the failure was not catastrophic and did not cause safety concerns. However, this part runs the risk of seizing all four wheels or losing power to the wheels when failing, which could have caused a significantly dangerous situation such as a collision with nearby vehicles or even a pile-up, had the wheels seized. I did not have the part serviced or inspected by the dealer, as in order to do so would have required a substantial fee. It can be reproduced and I would be open to doing so should the manufacturer come to their senses. Unfortunately, despite the lack of recall, this part is known for failure by the manufacturer and a similar component on other models, the AD-2 PTU, was recalled by the manufacturer for the same failure and safety concerns that this part has.
Back in July of 2025, my vehicle Abruptly Stopped and lost all power on the thruway. Vehicle was towed immediately to local dealership (emerling Jeep in springville ny ), where it then sat for almost 9 months awaiting a safety recall related to the PTU, as was confirmed by dealership. Fast forward to this year, early April 2026, I finally received vehicle back, and was informed a new PTU /software program update had been performed on my 2017 Jeep Cherokee. Upon driving my car off dealership lot, I noticed my inspection sticker had expired, and my vehicle wasn't operating at a normal pace. A constant thud, transmission delay was evident almost immediately. Attempting to finally try and get my vehicle back to its normal condition, I drove to a nearby Mechanic to try and get car inspected. Not even 30min after receiving vehicle back, it started to lose power again. I was luckily able to get to mechanic, and after close inspection of Vehicle, he informed me that my car wasn't safe to drive. The rear differential was now in jeopardy. Mechanic said the constant strain from bad PTU likely damaged my rear differential, and that it needed to get replaced. When I informed emerling of what transpired, they denied my recommendation to drop car back off too them. Haven't responded to several emails asking them to take car back. In my opinion, emerlings lack of care and the need to remove me as quick as possible caused more emotional distress, and I could have gotten into accident on thruway due to their negligence. The reason emerling never preformed inspection, in my opinion, was because they already knew it wouldn't pass, yet still allowed me to leave their lot. That's complete negligence on they're part, and I'm not seeking any type of tangible request. I Merely want the dealership to be held accountable so someone else doesnt go thru what I went thru. Vehicle is now at another dealership awaiting diagnosis, that will then be forwarded to Jeep/Mopar.
1. Svc 4wd sys intermittent. 2. Code C14A7-97 shows. 3. Loss of power.
My car has randomly loss power and shut off and the SVD 4x4 light has came on.
The service 4WD light is on in this vehicle. Upon taking it to my personal mechanic to fix the issue, it was determined that the code was associated with a recall. This recall did not include my VIN number but is a safety recall on other vehicles. When calling Jeep/Chrysler to determine my next steps, i was advised to bring the vehicle to a dealer as they could not accept anything from my personal mechanic. My vehicle was dropped off at a dealer who then reached out and wanted to charge me $350 just plug the vehicle in for the code. Upon calling again, I was advised that I would have to incur the entire cost to have the issue fixed and if it was determined that my vehicle would be included in the recall at a later date i could submit receipts and be reimbursed. The code is PTU failure related and could cause possible loss of power to the wheels. This is a major safety concern as well as a huge expense to fix. The vehicle is available at any time for inspection. Please advise what my next steps and if I can be offered goodwill assistance as I do not want to incur a $2000 - $4000 expense for a known recall based on identical failure.
About 2 years ago my shifter started coming on like it was all lit up and I got a code saying to service shifter, So I took it in to have it fixed it was on recall. Then in 2024 my service 4WD light came on it was going on and off on and off--When I took it to the dealership they could not get it to come on or replicate it. I was told it could be just a sensor--Then my 4WD light came on and stayed on--I started losing power while driving and it scared me because I travel the highway a lot for work--It would also begin vibrating, I took it back in and of course they could not get it to replicate. Then the Recall for the PTU came out and my Jeep Cherokee had all the symptoms as a bad PTU--I took it in to the dealership and they ran the test and yes my PTU was bad--they contacted Jeep and was told that my Jeep's VIN was not on the recall and they argued saying it was in fact due to a faulty PTU--I have been in dispute with Jeep since then--I recently received a notice that they are closing my case but if I took my jeep in for diagnostic testing they would reopen my case so I paid another $190 to have it diagnosed and once again it is a faulty PTU--The Service Manager at the dealership said he would go to bat for me and stand with me on this--He said hands down my Jeep should be on the recall list and that there are 100's of Jeep Cherokees just in our area that should be included and that this recall should not be by VIN number but should be by model and year. This is very difficult for me because I do not have the $3500 to fix the PTU I recently became a widow and have 3 kids; but I have always taken care of my Jeep --Oil changes, tires, regular wear and tear I take care of it. I am really disappointed that as much as I paid for my car and put love and sweat into it that this recall does not cover my jeep and a lot more others who may be sitting in the same situation I am in
2017 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk 80,758 miles - I began to accelerate from a stop light and heard a large clunk. Proceeded to pull over after a complete loss of power. Once away from traffic, Jeep would not be put into 'park' without hearing and feeling the grinding of gears through the shifter handle. I had to shut the car off prior to being able to place Jeep into 'park', and even then the car was able to roll. The only way to fully have the vehicle in 'park' is by using the emergency brake. Without a doubt this related to the PTU recall that so many Jeep Cherokees have been having. From what I can find from MOPAR, the vehicle had the necessary recall done to "fix" the software back in 2020, but the problem still arose. Had to tow the vehicle back 200 miles using a Uhaul and trailer in order to get home. I have very little hope that not only will it be unable to get fixed due to the inability to get parts that so many people are having, but also the fact that Jeep themselves have and will deny so many claims without proper investigation. Currently the vehicle is parked at the Jeep, Ram, Chrysler dealer in West Bend, WI waiting on inspection to truly diagnose the issue.
My car suddenly started making a loud noise while driving and one day , I was driving to work and my car started to lose power it won’t accelerate even thoe I was trying to accelerate my car was slowing the speed down and I had to return to my house with emergency lights because my car won’t accelerate . The next day I took my car to a collision center and they changed some of the old car parts . I’m trying to submit a reimbursement for this recall but the website won’t let me submit the form along with the invoice I attached to the reimbursement request .
I own a 2017 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk (VIN: [insert VIN here]) affected by the federal safety agency Recall #25V‑011 (FCA #01C) for PTU failure due to an improperly seated snap ring, causing spline wear and loss of drive power. This is a safety defect risking sudden power loss while driving. The vehicle failed suddenly in July 2024 after a car wash: grinding noise, loss of power, unable to shift into park. It drove perfectly prior—no transmission issues, smooth shifts. Diagnosed as failed PTU at Jeff Wyler Springfield Auto Mall (Springfield, OH). They confirmed recall but parts unavailable, so it’s sat undrivable for over a year, delaying repair. Parts became available ~Feb 2026. Dealer now denies free PTU replacement, claiming vehicle must be drivable for recall remedy (despite defect causing undrivability). They push out-of-pocket transmission replacement (~$4K-$6K), saying PTU failure “may have damaged” trans, but won’t confirm coverage as consequential under warranty extension #XJ1/XX1 (unlimited miles for spline wear linking PTU/trans). No documentation provided: No DTCs, inspection reports, photos of splines, or STAR Case details (called “proprietary”). They asked for trans approval without evidence, then backtracked as “miscommunication.” This delays safety fix, risks further defects, and seems like upsell tactic. Stellantis/Jeep customer care (1‑800‑853‑1403) overrides not helping. This non-compliance endangers owners—please investigate FCA and dealer for recall evasion and improper handling. I’ve emailed Stellantis multiple times (rejected when including VIN), filed Ohio AG complaint. Impact: Vehicle unusable 1+ year, safety risk if driven or parked. Urge enforcement for free PTU/trans repair.
Service bulletins that may apply
- 2.4L Excessive Oil Consumption XB1 Warranty Extension The
- Service 4wd Light On, AWD System Service Required Message Illuminated
- Water Quality When Mixed With Engine Coolant
- WiTECH Small Leak Verification Test (SLVT)
- 2.4L Excessive Oil Consumption XB1 Warranty Extension The
- Adapter
- Adapter
- 2.4L Engine Oil Consumption Test The
Related recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
Questions about the 2017 Jeep Cherokee loss of power
Is sudden loss of power a common problem on the 2017 Jeep Cherokee?
73 of 1,342 owner complaints about the 2017 Jeep Cherokee (5%) mention sudden loss of power. The model year with the most reports is 2014.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 2017 Jeep Cherokee?
There are 0 recalls and 34 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.
Other symptoms on the 2017 Jeep Cherokee
Warning lights 171Stalling 109Check engine light 75Jerking 42Oil consumption 36Won't start 33Grinding brakes 26Adaptive cruise 22Won't shift 22Engine failure 17Harsh shifting 15Slipping 15Power steering loss 11Fire or smoke 10No deployment 9Hesitation 9Misfire 9Brake failure 8Overheating 8Start-stop 7Water leak 7ABS 6Airbag light 6Backup camera 5Rollaway 5Seat belt 5Steering lock-up 5Transmission failure 5
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