Pre-purchase inspection checklist — 2017 Jeep Cherokee
The 2017 Jeep Cherokee has significant concerns, notably around the power train with multiple recalls and hundreds of complaints. Electrical issues also feature prominently in complaints. While it does well in some areas, careful inspection is advised, using the limited recall and complaint data as guidance.
NHTSA data on file today
The 2017 Jeep Cherokee has 6 NHTSA recall campaigns and 1,338 owner complaints on file as of . Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
NCAP overall rating: 4.0 out of 5 stars, averaged across 2 NHTSA-tested trims.
Recall campaigns on file
- NHTSA #25V011000 Loss of Drive Power from Damaged PTU NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #23V302000 Loss of Drive Power from Damaged PTU NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #20V343000 Power Transfer Unit Input Splines May Break NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #18V332000 Cruise Control cannot be Cancelled NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #17V543000 Rim Information missing from Label/FMVSS 110 NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #16V799000 Improper Welds on Driver's Knee Air Bag Inflator NHTSA notice
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Power Train 650 complaints
- Unknown or Other 343 complaints
- Electrical System 342 complaints
- Engine 260 complaints
- Vehicle Speed Control 60 complaints
- Service Brakes 56 complaints
Of the 1,338 complaints on file, 24 report a crash and 6 a fire; across all 1,338 complaints, owners report 27 injuries (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Known issues to inspect
PTU disengagement
How to check: Check transmission shifts smoothly and stays engaged.
Wiring issues or failures
How to check: Inspect for frayed or exposed wiring.
Performance irregularities
How to check: Look for check engine light or strange noises.
Test-drive walkthrough
- 01
Cold start
What to check: Listen for unusual noises from engine.
Red flag: Loud knocking or rattling sounds
- 02
First minute idling
What to check: Observe dashboard lights for any warnings.
Red flag: Check engine light stays on
- 03
Accelerating
What to check: Notice any delayed shifting or jerking.
Red flag: Transmission slips or jerks
- 04
Cruising at speed
What to check: Check for vibrations or noises.
Red flag: Persistent, unusual vibrations
- 05
Braking
What to check: Feel for smooth, consistent stopping power.
Red flag: Pulsating or delayed braking response
- 06
Cornering
What to check: Assess vehicle stability and steering response.
Red flag: Poor steering feedback or instability
Questions for the seller
Use this exact phrasing.
- Has the PTU been replaced or repaired?
- Have there been any electrical issues?
- Is there a history of engine problems?
- Are all recalls addressed?
- Have there been any transmission repairs?
Documents to request
Don't sign anything until you have these.
- Maintenance records
- Recall repair history
- Vehicle history report
- Title and registration
- Warranty information
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 2017 Jeep Cherokee at the time. AI output can be wrong; confirm anything you find with a mechanic.
Next step
Looking at a specific 2017 Jeep Cherokee? Check the actual car
This checklist covers the model. From your free try.vin dashboard you can go further — paste the seller's listing for a deal score, or drop their photos for an AI condition report.