One of the better Grand Cherokee years
Owners filed about 40% fewer complaints than a typical Grand Cherokee year. The area owners reported most is the engine and cooling, which half of owners reported by about 38,000 miles.
Based on owner complaints to NHTSA, compared with other Grand Cherokee years from 2012 to 2024. A good year can still be a bad car, so check the one you are looking at.
Owners have filed 364 complaints with NHTSA about the 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The most reported problem area is the engine and cooling (108, 30% of complaints), followed by the transmission and drivetrain and the electrical system. That ranks 9th of 13 Grand Cherokee years from 2012 to 2024 for complaints. It has 6 recalls.
2 of these complaints came from Utah owners.
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Start my car searchMost reported problems
Problem areas ranked by how many complaints mention them. One complaint can name more than one area. Open an area to see what to check on a 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee before you buy.
Engine and cooling
108 complaintsStalling, misfires, oil consumption, leaks, overheating and engine failure.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 38,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- Ask the seller not to warm the car up, and start it cold. Listen for ticking, knocking or a rough idle in the first minute.
- Pull the oil dipstick and the oil cap. Low oil, a gasoline smell or a milky film on the cap are reasons to walk away or get an inspection.
- Plug in an OBD2 scanner. Stored or pending codes matter, and so do readiness monitors that show "not ready", which usually means the codes were cleared right before the sale.
- Ask for oil change records. A gap in the records on a model known for engine complaints is a negotiating point at minimum.
Tools that help
What owners said
I was stopped at a red light and when it turned green and I proceeded to drive, my car started to hesitate and quit moving right in the middle of the road. I finally got it to the side of the road. When I attempted to reverse it hesitated again and the R symbol started flashing and the engine light came on. The engine codes are P1D97…Owner complaint, filed 2026
The contact owns a 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that the vehicle went into LIMP Mode and lost automotive power while driving 50 MPH on twelve occasions. The check engine warning light was illuminated on four occasions. There was an abnormal growling sound coming from the vehicle. There was an odor of smoke inside the…Owner complaint, filed 2026, at 78,556 miles
Transmission and drivetrain
88 complaintsHarsh or delayed shifts, slipping, shuddering, CVT whine, and drivetrain clunks.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 45,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- Drive it from cold if you can. Shifts should be smooth in every gear, including reverse.
- Feel for slipping (revs rise without the car speeding up), shudder at low speed and a delay when you put it in gear.
- Listen for whining, which is a common CVT complaint, and clunks when you go from drive to reverse.
- If it has 4WD or AWD, engage it on the test drive and ask when the transmission and differential fluids were last changed.
Tools that help
What owners said
The contact owns a 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that while attempting to shift into park(P) to exit the vehicle, the vehicle started moving backwards down the slanted driveway. The contact depressed the brake pedal, and the vehicle stopped. The contact then started the vehicle and shifted into park(P). The vehicle was not…Owner complaint, filed 2026, at 76,000 miles
The contact owns a 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 15 MPH, the vehicle made an abnormal sound and was stuck in first gear. The transmission warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed, and determined that an unknown internal…Owner complaint, filed 2025, at 74,000 miles
Electrical system
87 complaintsDead batteries, warning lights, failed screens and cameras, and electrical shorts.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 33,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- Test every switch: windows, locks, mirrors, seat heaters, the screen, the backup camera, Bluetooth and every USB port.
- Watch the dash at startup. Every warning light should come on briefly and then go out.
- Have the battery and charging system tested. A weak alternator or battery drain shows up here.
Tools that help
What owners said
Upon acceleration, the dash lights flicker or fully goes out for a few seconds, passenger side window constantly rolls down on its own, sunroof will not close fully if in an open position, car horn becomes very faint. Had car checked & explanation from the professional to all this, is that it could be the fuse box or alternator. Fuse box…Owner complaint, filed 2024
When ever i move the steering wheel neck the traction control, the windshield wiper will not turn off. The signal lights and the back up line guide line will not work. When i took it to the shop i was told i fuse blow 3 times. And they don't know why. I think this is a defective system. And needs to be recalled asapOwner complaint, filed 2022
Brakes and stability control
40 complaintsBrakes that feel soft or grab, grinding, ABS and stability control faults.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 36,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- The pedal should feel firm and the car should stop straight without pulling, grinding or a pulsing pedal.
- The ABS and stability control lights should go out after startup and stay out.
- Look through the wheels at the rotors. A deep lip on the edge means brakes are due soon, which is a fair thing to negotiate on.
Tools that help
What owners said
On [XXX], I was involved in an accident in Maryland while driving my 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee. It was raining and despite attempting to slow down, brakes performed poorly, causing my car to skid and collide with the vehicle in front of me. Fortunately, no one else was injured, but I sustained a neck injury, and my car was ended up a…Owner complaint, filed 2024
On 3 recent occasions my breaks have lost all pressure while reversing either into a parking spot or backing out of one, so fortunately I was not traveling very fast. I had to force the pedal all the way down to be able to stop and it made a very loud grinding noise. Only in 1/3 times the pavement was wet from recent rain.Owner complaint, filed 2020, at 30,000 miles
Fuel system
33 complaintsHesitation, stalling, fuel smell, fuel pump and injector failures.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 25,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- Smell around the engine bay and under the rear of the car for raw fuel.
- On the test drive, accelerate firmly from a stop and up a grade. Stumbling, surging or a flashing check engine light are red flags.
- Fuel pump recalls are common. Check this exact VIN for open recalls before you buy.
Tools that help
What owners said
I was pulling into my driveway and the vehicle accelerated by itself and crashed into my house looks like vehicle is beyond repair still waiting on adjuster reportOwner complaint, filed 2026
The contact owns a 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the vehicle failed to start. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the fuel pump needed to be replaced. The VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V406000 (Fuel…Owner complaint, filed 2024, at 100,000 miles
Seats and seat belts
22 complaintsBelts that will not latch or retract, seat adjusters and passenger occupancy sensors.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 39,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- Pull out and latch every seat belt, and let each one retract on its own.
- Try every seat adjuster, and watch for a passenger air bag "off" light when an adult is in the seat.
Tools that help
What owners said
Active head restraint deployed unexpectedly while driving at very slow speed. In addition to the immediate shock, it hit the back of my head and neck very hard. Still experiencing neck pain.Owner complaint, filed 2025
Driver's side head restraint exploded as I was pulling out of my driveway with no advance warning. Thankfully I was facing forward when it deployed, or it would have slammed into the back of my head. I found my extended warranty notice from FCA regarding this issue. Contacted my dealership and scheduled an appointment for…Owner complaint, filed 2025
Cruise control and acceleration
21 complaintsHesitation, loss of power, sudden acceleration and cruise control problems.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 21,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- On the test drive, press the gas gently and firmly. The response should be smooth with no lag or surge.
- Set the cruise control, then use resume and cancel to make sure each one works.
Tools that help
What owners said
When driving the motor starts racing and the rpm's go way up. Most times it does it when you first take off. You have to come to a stop, turn the motor off and start all over. Occasionally, this may not work. The repairman cannot find out why because it is not doing it when you take it back to the dealer. Not easy to deal with when in…Owner complaint, filed 2020, at 15,000 miles
The contact owns a 2017 jeep grand cherokee. After the contact's wife parked the vehicle in the driveway, she leaned over to get her purse and stepped on the accelerator pedal. The gear was in park; however, the vehicle sped off and crashed into the wall of the garage. The vehicle was scheduled to be repaired at the local mechanic. The…Owner complaint, filed 2019, at 26,000 miles
Steering
18 complaintsLoss of power steering assist, wandering, play in the wheel and noises when turning.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 33,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- Turn the wheel lock to lock while parked and listen for groaning, clicking or binding.
- On a straight road the car should track straight with the wheel centered and no loose feeling.
- A power steering warning on the dash, even briefly, deserves a mechanic’s look before you buy.
Tools that help
What owners said
The steering wheel locked while making a left-hand turn. A minor accident resulted. Yes, the safety of the driver was put at risk with minor injuries resulting. A complaint was filed with Jeep and a case number was assigned by FCA. Insurance was contacted however it did not cover the cost of damage that caused the accident. The component…Owner complaint, filed 2023
When being towed behind my motorhome, the jeep grand cherokee will go into an extreme "wobble" during a slow speed, sharp turn to the left or right, either from a complete stop or near stop on the road that the turn originates from. If either steering tire on the jeep hits an irregularity in the road surface (I.e. A bump, manhole cover…Owner complaint, filed 2019, at 18,000 miles
Lights, wipers and visibility
18 complaintsHeadlights that dim or fail, wiper and washer failures, and windshield cracks.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 20,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- Check every light: headlights on low and high, fog lights, brake lights, turn signals and reverse lights.
- Run the wipers on every speed with washer fluid, and run the defroster front and back.
Tools that help
What owners said
The HID headlights failed and is available for inspection. Can't drive in the dark or rain, less visible to other motorists. Yes, confirmed by dealer. No other inspections. No notices were given. My friend noticed it and we drove home from an event at night with running lights. Numerous other Jeep Grand Cherokees have the same issue and…Owner complaint, filed 2024
On Saturday, April 15, 2023 at approximately 1pm, I was driving my 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit on Texas Hwy 16. The weather was clear and traffic was light. There was not a vehicle, within 200 feet, in front of mine. The glass sun roof / panorama roof was closed. I heard a loud bang as if something had struck the roof of my Jeep. I…Owner complaint, filed 2023
Air bags
15 complaintsAir bag warning lights, air bags that did not deploy, and inflator recalls.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 35,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- The air bag (SRS) light should come on at startup and go out within a few seconds. If it stays on, the system may not work in a crash.
- Air bag recalls are some of the most serious. Check this exact VIN for open recalls and get proof any recall work was done.
Tools that help
What owners said
Continuous Alerts across dashboard for Service Airbag System” like every 10-20 seconds. Even if car is not in motion and just on.Owner complaint, filed 2023
The contact owned a 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an unknown speed, another vehicle crashed into the front driver’s side and caused the vehicle to be pushed off the road. The air bags failed to deploy. As a result, the contact’s wife was knocked unconscious, and sustained injuries to the…Owner complaint, filed 2022, at 140,000 miles
Driver assist systems
11 complaintsPhantom braking, false collision warnings, and lane keeping or backup sensors that act up.What to check before you buy
Parts named most: Warnings (5).
What to check before you buy
- Where it is safe, try the adaptive cruise and lane keeping on the test drive and watch for sudden braking or warnings with nothing there.
- Check the windshield in front of the camera and the bumper sensors for cracks, chips or poor repairs.
- Ask whether the windshield has been replaced. The camera has to be recalibrated afterward, and many shops skip it.
Tools that help
What owners said
The contact owns a 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving approximately 55 MPH with the adaptive cruise control activated, the vehicle nearly crashed into the rear of a second vehicle. The contact stated that the adaptive cruise control did not operate as needed to decelerate or stop the vehicle. The cause of the…Owner complaint, filed 2023, at 93,000 miles
My 2017 Jeep Cherokee rolled away three times in one day while in Park with the Electric Parking Brake engaged. My driveway has no flat area and slopes toward a public road, creating a serious hazard for my family and traffic. The rollaways occurred suddenly with no warning lights. I had to park the Jeep sideways in a snowbank for two…Owner complaint, filed 2025
Body, doors and structure
10 complaintsRust, doors and liftgates that will not latch, leaks, and frame or structure concerns.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 8,000 miles. Parts named most: Body (9).
What to check before you buy
- Look underneath with a flashlight. Utah road salt is hard on frames, brake lines and the bottoms of doors.
- Open and close every door, the hood and the liftgate, and lock and unlock each one.
- Use a paint thickness gauge and compare panels. A panel that reads very differently from the rest has likely been repaired.
Tools that help
What owners said
The contact owns a 2017 jeep grand cherokee. The contact stated that the rear side panels were popping out of the gasket. The vehicle was taken to federico chrysler dodge jeep ram (618-421-4180, located at 1875 e edwardsville rd, wood river, il 62095) where the panels were taken out and repaired, but the failure recurred. The vehicle was…Owner complaint, filed 2019, at 1,000 miles
I was driving along a rural highway @ 65 MPH & heard a loud explosion above my head. It sounded like a gunshot. I actually ducked down in my seat looking into my rear & sideview mirrors. There was no one around me. It was partly cloudy & 60 degrees. I began hearing wind in the vehicle. I decided to stop & check things out. Looking on top…Owner complaint, filed 2019, at 28,000 miles
Suspension
8 complaintsClunks over bumps, broken springs, worn struts and uneven tire wear.What to check before you buy
What to check before you buy
- Drive over a few bumps and potholes slowly with the radio off and listen for clunks or rattles.
- Check the tires for uneven wear on the inside or outside edges, a sign of alignment or suspension trouble.
- Look behind the wheels for oily, wet shocks or struts.
Tools that help
What owners said
On January 3, 2026, I test drove a 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee (VIN [XXX] ) from a franchised Jeep dealership in Lewiston, Idaho. After the test drive, the vehicle was placed on a lift and it was discovered that the front driver-side lower ball joint was missing a retaining bolt, allowing separation from the lower control arm. This…Owner complaint, filed 2026
Driving at approximately 20 mph on a busy highway, when accelerated to do a lane change, my vehicle did an extremely aggressive jolt and I can hear my engine struggling. I managed to move over lanes to the closest center divider and when i tried to put my car on "Park" it did not shift, it was stuck on drive. I had to apply the emergency…Owner complaint, filed 2025
Wheels and tires
6 complaintsTire failures, wheels and lug nuts, and tire pressure sensor faults.What to check before you buy
What to check before you buy
- Read the four-digit DOT date on each tire. Tires older than about six years should be replaced, whatever the tread looks like.
- Check tread depth on all four. On AWD vehicles all four tires should match.
- The tire pressure light should go out after startup.
Tools that help
What owners said
Yokohama tornate installed in 2022 plenty of tread left on tire. Driving 20 mph on back road. Driving around a person walking their dog so very slow and rear passenger tire was in the middle of the road. Tire pressure is emptied completely for no reason. Upon inspection found tire blew out at side wall. Large 4-6” crack from mid sidewall…Owner complaint, filed 2024
My jeep shakes during different speed levels I changed the tire didn't help I did an alignment didn't help they put it on the machine found nothing wrong with the engine nothing wrong with the rode cv joint everything looks fine no one can tell me why my jeep is shaking and I concern when I'm driving especially with my kidsOwner complaint, filed 2020
Jeep Grand Cherokee complaints by year
Compare the 2017 with other years before you choose one. Tap a year to see its problems.
Compare with similar 2017 midsize SUVs
Each car is rated against its own other years, since popular models always get more complaints than rare ones.
| Car | Vs. its other years | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee | One of the better years | 6 |
| 2017 Toyota Highlander | About average | 4 |
| 2017 Honda Pilot | Among the worst years | 4 |
| 2017 Ford Explorer | About average | 14 |
2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee recalls
Engine and cooling
- Risk
- An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will update the powertrain control module software to maintain vehicle propulsion, free of charge.
Full recall summary
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2019 Ram 1500 and 2014-2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles equipped with 3.0L Diesel engines. The crankshaft position sensor tone wheel may delaminate, causing the engine to lose its ability to synchronize the fuel injector pulses and cam shaft timing, possibly resulting in an engine stall.
Fuel system Fuel pump
- Risk
- Fuel starvation may result in an unexpected loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will replace the HPFP, and inspect and replace, if necessary, additional fuel system components, free of charge.
Full recall summary
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee, and 2014-2019 Ram 1500 vehicles equipped with 3.0L diesel engines. A high pressure fuel pump (HPFP) failure may introduce internal debris into the fuel system, potentially resulting in fuel starvation.
Engine and cooling Gas recirculation valve
- Risk
- Combustion in the intake manifold can increase the risk of a fire.
- Fix
- FCA US LLC will notify owners, and dealers will replace the EGR cooler, free of charge.
Full recall summary
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles equipped with the 3.0L EcoDiesel engines. The Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) cooler may crack and allow pre-heated vaporized coolant to enter the EGR system. This mixture may combust inside the intake manifold.
Electrical system Wiring
- Risk
- If the vehicle maintains its speed or accelerates despite attempts to deactivate the cruise control, there would be an increased risk of a crash.
- Fix
- 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.
Full recall summary
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.
Engine and cooling Turbo / supercharger
- Risk
- A brake fluid leak may lengthen the distance needed to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- ATI will notify owners and will replace the supercharger brackets, free of charge.
Full recall summary
Accessible Technologies, Inc. (ATI) is recalling certain ProCharger Superchargers, model numbers AB037A-100, AB037A-100P, and A037A-100B, sold for installation on 2012-2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 and SRT vehicles. The supercharger mounting bracket may contact and damage the ABS line, possibly resulting in a brake fluid leak.
Equipment
- Risk
- If the tow bracket is loose, the bracket may detach from the vehicle while being it is being driven, possibly becoming a road hazard.
- Fix
- Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will confirm both tow hook bracket bolts are properly tightened, free of charge.
Full recall summary
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee manufactured August 8, 2016 through August 16, 2016. In the affected vehicles, the rear tow hook bracket or tow eye bracket may be loose.
2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee questions
What are the most common problems with the 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee?
The most reported problem areas on the 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee are the engine and cooling (108 complaints), the transmission and drivetrain (88 complaints) and the electrical system (87 complaints).
Is the 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee a good year to buy?
One of the better Grand Cherokee years. Owners filed about 40% fewer complaints than a typical Grand Cherokee year. The area owners reported most is the engine and cooling, which half of owners reported by about 38,000 miles. Based on owner complaints to NHTSA, compared with other Grand Cherokee years from 2012 to 2024. A good year can still be a bad car, so check the one you are looking at.
How many recalls does the 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee have?
NHTSA lists 6 recalls for the 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The most recent, from Jun 2023, covers the engine and cooling. Recalls cover the whole model year, so check the VIN of the car you are looking at to see which are still open.
At what mileage do 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee problems start?
Half of the owners who reported a problem with the engine and cooling gave a mileage of about 38,000 miles or less. Half of the owners who reported a problem with the transmission and drivetrain gave a mileage of about 45,000 miles or less. Plenty of cars have these problems later or never, so ask for service records.
Which Jeep Grand Cherokee years should I avoid?
The Grand Cherokee years with the most complaints compared with the rest are 2012, 2014 and 2015. Years with clearly fewer complaints are 2016, 2017 and 2020. Years from 2022 on are too new to rate fairly yet.
Check the exact car
These problems are for the model year as a whole. Here is how to find out about the one you are looking at.
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