The 2017 Cherokee (KL platform) is notorious for the ZF 9-speed automatic transmission issues and the 2.4L Tigershark engine oil consumption problems that can lead to catastrophic internal damage. These two systems drive most of the serious repair costs.
ZF 9-Speed Transmission Shifting Problems and Failures
Common · high severity
Typical onset: 40,000-90,000 mi
Symptoms: Harsh or delayed shifts between 2nd-3rd and 8th-9th gears, Transmission hunting or lurching at low speeds (15-25 mph), Complete loss of drive or stuck in gear requiring hard restart, Transmission overheating warnings in stop-and-go traffic
Fix: Early issues may respond to software updates (TSB 21-004-18) and fluid flush, 3-5 hours labor. Severe cases require valve body replacement (8-12 hours) or full transmission rebuild/replacement (12-16 hours). Many units fail prematurely despite service.
Estimated cost: $800-7,500
2.4L Tigershark Engine Oil Consumption and Piston Ring Failure
Common · high severity
Typical onset: 60,000-120,000 mi
Symptoms: Burning one quart of oil every 500-1,000 miles with no visible leaks, Check engine light with misfire codes (P0300-P0304), Blue smoke from exhaust on startup or acceleration, Complete engine seizure if oil level drops unnoticed
Fix: Root cause is piston ring failure from inadequate oil control. Minor cases caught early may get piston ring replacement on affected cylinders (16-20 hours), but most need complete short block or engine rebuild (22-28 hours). Class action settlement covers some owners.
Estimated cost: $4,500-8,000
Active Grille Shutter Failure
Occasional · low severity
Typical onset: 50,000-100,000 mi
Symptoms: Check engine light with code P0597 (thermostat heater control circuit), Engine takes longer to reach operating temperature, Reduced fuel economy (1-3 mpg), Rattling noise from front grille area
Fix: The electric motor controlling the active grille shutters fails, leaving shutters stuck open. Replacement requires removing front fascia and replacing entire assembly, 1.5-2.5 hours labor.
Estimated cost: $400-700
Rear Differential Pinion Seal Leak
Occasional · medium severity
Typical onset: 60,000-110,000 mi
Symptoms: Gear oil dripping from rear axle area, Whining or growling noise from rear end during acceleration, Visible oil accumulation on differential housing, Low differential fluid level causing accelerated wear
Fix: Pinion seal deteriorates prematurely, especially on Active Drive II (Trail Rated) models. Requires removing driveshaft and replacing seal (2-3 hours). If caught late, differential bearings may be damaged requiring rebuild (6-8 hours).
Estimated cost: $350-1,800
Water Pump Failure on 3.2L V6
Occasional · high severity
Typical onset: 70,000-110,000 mi
Symptoms: Coolant leak visible under vehicle, Engine overheating or temperature fluctuations, Squealing or grinding noise from front of engine, Steam from engine bay
Fix: The 3.2L Pentastar water pump fails prematurely due to internal seal degradation. Replacement requires accessory belt removal and timing cover work, 3-4 hours labor. Always replace thermostat and flush system during this job.
Estimated cost: $650-1,100
Powertrain Control Module (PCM) Software Bugs
Common · medium severity
Symptoms: Electronic throttle control warning light, Vehicle enters limp mode randomly, Rough idle or stalling at stops, Fuel economy 20-30% worse than EPA estimates
Fix: Multiple software TSBs address calibration issues affecting throttle response, transmission control, and fuel mapping. Dealer reflash takes 1-2 hours. Some cases require actual PCM replacement if module memory corrupts (2 hours including programming).
Estimated cost: $150-900
Front Lower Control Arm Bushing Wear
Occasional · low severity
Typical onset: 80,000-130,000 mi
Symptoms: Clunking noise over bumps from front suspension, Steering wheel off-center after hitting potholes, Uneven or rapid front tire wear on inside edges, Wandering or loose steering feel
Fix: Control arm bushings wear out faster than expected, especially in freeze-thaw climates. Most shops replace entire control arms rather than pressing bushings (1.5 hours per side). Alignment required after replacement adds 1 hour.
Estimated cost: $500-850
Owner tips
Check oil level every 500 miles on 2.4L engines—do not trust the oil life monitor alone
Service transmission fluid at 50,000 miles regardless of 'lifetime' claims—use Mopar ZF 8&9 Speed ATF only
Install an oil catch can on 2.4L engines to reduce carbon buildup and extend engine life
Budget $200/year for PCM software updates at dealer if experiencing drivability issues
Avoid the 2.4L engine and 9-speed combo entirely; the 3.2L V6 is more reliable but still carries transmission risk—only consider if heavily discounted and with extended warranty coverage.
AI-assisted summary drawn from NHTSA recall data, our labor-times database, and platform knowledge. Not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection on a specific vehicle.
Fitment notes: H6 group also fits; AGM battery standard on models with stop-start technology
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Control Modules — 2017 Jeep Cherokee
Every control module on the 2014-2017 Jeep Cherokee — where it lives, replacement time, and what it takes to program a replacement. Modules marked dealer / factory tool won't work after a part swap alone — budget for programming.
Electric Power Steering Module (EPS)2.8 hr R&Rsecurity gateway +0.8 hr▸ programming details
📍 Steering column or rack assembly
🔧 wiTECH with Security Gateway unlock
⚠️ All KL models use EPS; calibration and steering angle sensor reset required
⚠️ Optional tow package; may be TIPM function; sway control integration
Backup Camera Module (BCM)0.8 hr R&Rrelearn only +0.3 hr▸ programming details
📍 Integrated into camera or radio head unit
🔧 wiTECH or self-relearn
⚠️ Standard on most trims; dynamic gridlines require calibration
Fuel Pump Control Module (FPCM)no coding
📍 Integrated into TIPM
⚠️ Not a separate module; function integrated into TIPM
Aftermarket tool coverage varies by software version and vehicle build — treat "aftermarket tool" rows as "usually possible" and verify against your tool maker's coverage list before promising a customer. Spot a wrong location or hour? Tell us — corrections ship fast here.
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.
Consequence: 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.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION · 23V302000
2023-04-27
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.
Consequence: 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.
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DIFFERENTIAL UNIT · 20V343000
2020-06-11
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.
Consequence: 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.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING · 18V332000
2018-05-17
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Dodge Journey, Charger and Durango, RAM 2500, 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis (more than 10,000lb), 4500 Cab Chassis and 5500 Cab Chassis, Jeep Cherokee and Grand Cherokee and Chrysler 300, 2014-2019 RAM 1500, 2015-2018 Dodge Challenger, 2015-2017 Chrysler 200, 2016-2018 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis (less than 10,000 lb), 2017-2018 Chrysler Pacifica and 2018 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. These vehicles are being recalled to address a defect that could prevent the cruise control system from disengaging. If, when using cruise control, there is a short circuit within the vehicle's wiring, the driver may not be able to shut off the cruise control either by depressing the brake pedal or manually turning the system off once it has been engaged, resulting in either the vehicle maintaining its current speed or possibly accelerating.
Consequence: If the vehicle maintains its speed or accelerates despite attempts to deactivate the cruise control, there would be an increased risk of a crash.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the software, and perform a software flash on the engine or powertrain control module, free of charge. The recall began June 4, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Note: Owners are advised to stop using cruise control until the software update has been performed. In the event that cruise control cannot be disengaged while driving, owners should firmly and steadily apply the brakes and shift the transmission to neutral, placing the vehicle in park once it has stopped.
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS · 17V543000
2017-08-31
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Jeep Cherokee vehicles. The tire and rim size information required to be on the Certification label was omitted during manufacturing, which may result in an incorrect tire and rim combination being installed on the vehicle. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
Consequence: The missing tire and rim designation information may lead to an incorrect combination being installed on the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners and will provide a corrected certification label, free of charge. The recall began October 13, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T53.
AIR BAGS:KNEE BOLSTER · 16V799000
2016-11-02
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2017 Jeep Cherokee vehicles manufactured October 13, 2016, to October 17, 2016. Improper welds on the driver's knee air bag inflator may prevent the air bag from properly inflating.
Consequence: If the driver's knee air bag does not properly inflate, there is an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's knee air bag module, free of charge. The recall began November 9, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S84.
Size-standard part numbers — verify your connector type before buying. Rear blades are model-specific; check the package's vehicle list.
Fuel economy figures are EPA data via fueleconomy.gov (median across matching trims). Performance figures are compiled estimates for the 2017 Jeep Cherokee 2.4L I4 and can vary by trim.
🔧 Built by master technician Chris Hackleman · Master Technician · 20+ years.