2017 Jeep Cherokee · symptom sheet
Driveshaft, axle or transfer case problems
- 29owner reports
- 80,941median miles
- $4,500median quote
- 0involved a crash
Newest report Apr 20, 2026 · checked Oct 2, 2026
647 of the 1,334 complaints on this car are about the transmission and drivetrain. 29 of those describe drivetrain problems.
Tick what matches of 29 reports
Drivetrain problems on other Cherokee years
Report counts are for each model year on its own, so a newer car has had less time to collect them. Model years with too few reports of it for a sheet: 2018, 2020, 2021, 2022.
What this problem usually is
Drivetrain reports describe the parts between the transmission and the wheels. Owners hear a clunk or bang from underneath, feel a vibration that rises and falls with speed, find fluid leaking under the differential, or get a 4WD or AWD warning. Some say it only happens turning or at low speed. A smaller group describes a driveshaft or axle that let go.
What got replaced
Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the transfer case (15 reports), the differential (13 reports) and the CV joint or axle (6 reports).
Recalls and investigations
3 recalls on the transmission and drivetrain cover the 2017 model year. A recall on the same system isn't always the same failure, so read the defect text.
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.
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.
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…
All 6 recalls on the 2017 Jeep Cherokee, with the owner complaints on each recalled system
NHTSA investigations into the transmission and drivetrain on the Cherokee
Sudden acceleration. Closed sep 10, 2002.
Driveshaft/univ.joint fail. Closed nov 25, 1994.
Driveshaft/univ.joint fail. Closed oct 29, 1993.
Fires caused by cltch lk. Closed jan 28, 1988.
None of these investigations covers the 2017 model year.
What owners paid
5 of the 29 reports quote a price. Each dot is one quote. The middle half runs $3,900 to $5,563.
When it happens
The middle half of failures fell between 61,000 and 91,000 miles, from the 11 reports that gave a mileage.
What owners wrote
“while driving the 2017 Jeep Cherokee the 4WD warning light came on. I believe this error references a faulty Power Train Unit (PTU?). This issue may cause the transmission-differential to disengage and potentially cause the vehicle to crash or cause injury to driver or others. my local mechanic stated there is a recall for this issue and said it needed to be repaired by the dealer.”
Filed Mar 19, 2026
“The PTU failed and needs a new transfer case, per the dealership in Blue Ridge, GA. According to them, there is no repair; however, I have inquired about acquiring a refund / replacement vehicle. I am in touch with my lender regarding this matter.”
Filed Nov 12, 2025
“Transfer case failure. Transfer case cracked and created hole no warning or indication”
Filed Aug 4, 2025
“I brought car in for oil change and was told the R front axle was leaking. Brought it to dealer for repair and told Both that both front and rear axles needed to be replaced along with PTU. Was informed that the that was ordered was cancelled b/c 800 people across the country were looking for the same part. There were no safety warnings. I was told very unsafe to drive b/c front axle came out of PTU.”
Filed Jul 19, 2023
Should you keep driving it?
This page can't tell you that. 0 of 29 reports involved a crash. Owners who file are the ones who had a bad experience, and nobody checks their reports. If the problem affects steering, braking, power or a fire risk, treat it as a safety fault and have it inspected before a long or high-speed drive.
File your own report with NHTSA. Complaint counts are how a problem gets an investigation. How reports land on this sheet.
Guide Paid for this repair before a recall covered it? How recall reimbursement works
Other problems on this car
- "Shift to Park" or "Service Shifter" warning comes on 592 reports
- Engine stalls or loses power while driving 227 reports
- Multiple warning lights come on at once 196 reports
- Service 4WD light or power transfer unit (PTU) failure 186 reports
- Infotainment, screen or backup camera fails 92 reports
- Brakes grind, pulse or wear early 56 reports
- Transmission shudders, slips or shifts hard 50 reports
- Check engine light or misfire 45 reports
- Traction control or StabiliTrak light comes on 42 reports
- Burns oil or oil level rises 41 reports
- Battery dies or the car will not start 36 reports
- Airbag warning light or recall 26 reports