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2017 Jeep Cherokee: hesitation when accelerating

9 of the 1,342 complaints about the 2017 Jeep Cherokee describe hesitation when accelerating.

owner complaints
9
of this car's complaints
1%
typical mileage
98,000
recalls
3
Is there a fix? There are 3 recalls and 51 service bulletins for this area of the car. See below

Hesitation when accelerating by model year

What owners say

Filed Dec 1, 2025 · Transmission · 98,000 miles · NJ

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 not yet available. The contact stated that while attempting to accelerate from a stop, there was an abnormal clunking sound coming from underneath the vehicle. The “Service Shifter” warning light was occasionally illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle hesitated while the accelerator pedal was depressed. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired because parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 98,000.

Filed Oct 9, 2025 · Transmission · 127,849 miles · VA

The contact owns a 2017 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that when the vehicle was started, the message “Service Shifter” was displayed. Additionally, while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle hesitated to start, but the vehicle started after the third attempt. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the gear shifter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 127,849.

Filed Aug 4, 2025 · Transmission · 107,000 miles · PA

The contact owns a 2017 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the "Service 4WD" warning light illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact also stated that the vehicle slightly hesitated while depressing the accelerator pedal. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who retrieved an error code related to the power transfer unit. Upon investigation, the contact linked the failure to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 25V011000 (Power Train). The dealer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was referred to the federal safety agency Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 107,000.

Filed Jul 14, 2025 · Electrical, Transmission · CA

I drive a 2017 Jeep Cherokee and have experienced repeated instances of power loss while driving. The vehicle will suddenly jerk, hesitate, or feel like its struggling to maintain momentum, especially at lower speeds or when turning. On one occasion, it felt like the transmission slipped and I briefly lost acceleration, which was very alarming and could have caused a crash if I been merging or crossing traffic. I've also had the "Service 4WD" warning light appear intermittently. I took the vehicle to both a jeep dealership and an independent shop for diagnostics, but neither was able to find an active trouble code. However, the symptoms have continued and are getting worse. After reading about the recent recall (the federal safety agency Campaign 25V011) involving the Power Transfer Unit (PTU) in 2017-2019 Jeep Cherokees, I believe this may be an issue I am experiencing. At this time, Jeep has not released a fix, and I'm concerned that the vehicle is unsafe to drive until the PTU can be inspected and repaired. This seems to be a known and widespread issue that puts drivers at risk, and I'm hoping this report helps move the investigation forward.

Filed Jun 7, 2024 · Electrical · FL

Car keeps saying service shifter. The lights on the dash are now flickering on and off. The car hesitates to which gears and take off.

Filed Jul 28, 2020 · Transmission · 59,900 miles · NY

Tl* the contact owns a 2017 jeep cherokee. The contact stated that the vehicle hesitated while stopped at a stop sign. The service shift light illuminated. The contact restarted the vehicle and the light disappeared. The contact scheduled an appointment with upstate auto service & body works (469 broadway, saranac lake, ny 12983 518‑891‑1211). The contact was informed that the pin tension in the shifter needed to be reset and securely attached to the transmission. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had not been contacted. The failure mileage was 59,900.

Filed Jun 18, 2020 · Engine, Transmission · 30,000 miles · TN

Tl* the contact owns a 2017 jeep cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle hesitated while accelerating. Additionally, the service shifter message was displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 30,000. *bf

Filed Dec 26, 2018 · Electrical, Engine · IN

Tl* the contact owns a 2017 jeep cherokee. The contact stated that the vehicle hesitated and lost power without warning. Also, the instrument panel indicators and gauges failed to operate. The dealer (kahlo chrysler dodge jeep ram, 9900 pleasant st, noblesville, in 46060, (317) 773-6363) retained the vehicle and provided a loaner vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified. The VIN and failure mileage were not available.

Filed Dec 4, 2016 · Transmission · 6,200 miles · WI

Vehicle hesitates to accelerate after slowing or stopping. Delay is several seconds and posses a serious risk of being struck from behind. This happens intermittently.

Service bulletins that may apply

Related recalls

Power trainReported January 16, 2025 · 63,130 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Jeep Cherokee vehicles. The power transfer unit (PTU) may become damaged and disengage the transmission and differential, resulting in a loss of drive power and/or loss of park function.
Risk
A loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash. A loss of park function can cause an unintended vehicle rollaway, which can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
Remedy
Dealers will update the drivetrain control module and PTU software and replace the PTU, as necessary free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning February 19, 2026. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. FCA's number for this recall is 01C.

Recall number 25V011000 · Recall details

Power train: automatic transmissionReported April 27, 2023 · 25,980 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Jeep Cherokee vehicles. The power transfer unit (PTU) may become damaged and disengage the transmission and differential, resulting in a loss of drive power or loss of park function.
Risk
A loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash. A loss of park function can cause an unintended vehicle rollaway which can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
Remedy
FCA US LLC will notify owners, and dealers will perform a software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 11, 2023. Owners may contact FCA USA LLC customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. FCA's number for this recall is 45A. This recall expands previous recall number 20V‑343.

Recall number 23V302000 · Recall details

Power train: driveline: differential unitReported June 11, 2020 · 67,248 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2017 Jeep Cherokee vehicles equipped with a two-speed Power Transfer Unit (PTU). Relative movement in the Power Transfer Unit (PTU) between the differential input splines and the transmission output shaft may cause some input spline teeth to wear off, which may eventually cause a loss of engagement between the transmission and the differential inside the PTU. If this occurs, power cannot be transferred between the front wheels and the transmission which results in a loss of drive while the vehicle is in motion and a loss of the Park function while stationary.
Risk
A loss of drive can cause a vehicle crash without prior warning. A loss of the Park function can cause unintended vehicle rollaway which can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
Remedy
FCA US LLC will notify owners, and dealers will perform a software update that will maintain vehicle propulsion by engaging rear wheel drive and prevent rolling in Park by activating the electronic parking brake if a failed input spline occurs. This recall began July 14, 2020. Owners may contact FCA USA LLC customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. FCA's number for this recall is W47.

Recall number 20V343000 · Recall details

Questions about the 2017 Jeep Cherokee hesitation

Is hesitation when accelerating a common problem on the 2017 Jeep Cherokee?

9 of 1,342 owner complaints about the 2017 Jeep Cherokee (1%) mention hesitation when accelerating. The model year with the most reports is 2015.

Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 2017 Jeep Cherokee?

There are 3 recalls and 51 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 75Loss of power 73Jerking 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 9Misfire 9Brake failure 8Overheating 8Start-stop 7Water leak 7ABS 6Airbag light 6Backup camera 5Rollaway 5Seat belt 5Steering lock-up 5Transmission failure 5

All model years of the Jeep Cherokee

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