Is the 2017 Jeep Cherokee's electrical system a common complaint?

Yes. NHTSA lists 347 Electrical System complaints for the 2017 Cherokee, which is 26% of all 1,334 complaints filed for that model year, the highest share among the years listed in the data.

Are there fires linked to the 2017 Jeep Cherokee's electrical system?

NHTSA records show 3 fires and 3 crashes associated with complaints in this area, including a report of a vehicle catching fire while driving and another of burned wiring behind the driver's visor.

Is there a recall for the 2017 Jeep Cherokee's electrical problems?

There is one related recall, campaign 18V332000, covering the Cherokee among other Chrysler models; it involves a dealer software flash and is not marked do-not-drive or park-outside.

At what mileage do 2017 Cherokee electrical problems typically show up?

NHTSA data shows a median mileage of 40,000 miles at the time of failure for Electrical System complaints on the 2017 Cherokee.

2017 Jeep Cherokee Electrical System Problems

NHTSA lists 347 Electrical System complaints for the 2017 Jeep Cherokee, 26% of all 1,334 complaints filed for that year. Owners reported issues including engine shutdowns, fires, and shifter malfunctions, with a median failure mileage of 40,000. A related electrical recall (18V332000) exists but covers a software flash, not fire risk.

Electrical System complaints: 347; 26% of 1,334
Crashes reported: 3
Fires reported: 3
Injuries reported: 1
Median mileage: 40,000 mi
Related recalls: 1

Typical electrical symptoms owners report

Vehicles randomly shut off or stall while driving, sometimes at highway speed, forcing owners to pull over or nearly causing a rear-end collision.
Some vehicles caught fire or produced a burning smell, in one case with flames consuming the front end while driving and in another involving burned wiring behind the driver's side visor.
Owners describe the shifter or transmission failing to engage after backing up or stopping, requiring the battery to be disconnected to clear the electronics before drive would work again.
Several owners reported the vehicle would not start, or the key would not come out of the ignition, along with battery and check-engine warning lights.
Touch screen presets and infotainment settings were reported to erase themselves without explanation.

When 2017 Jeep Cherokee electrical complaints were filed

First complaint May 3, 2017, latest Sep 4, 2026.

347 complaints filed with NHTSA from 2017 Q2 to 2026 Q3; peak 2019 Q4 (30).

Electrical System recalls for the 2017 Jeep Cherokee

NHTSA 18V332000May 17, 2018Electrical System4,815,661 vehicles
Electrical system:wiring
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.
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.
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.

Electrical System complaints by Cherokee model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

2014480 (18%)
2015358 (20%)
2016313 (22%)
2017347 (26%)
2018190 (28%)
2019346 (21%)
202034 (11%)
202122 (14%)
202212 (24%)
20230 (0%)

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2017 Jeep Cherokee's electrical system a common complaint?: Yes. NHTSA lists 347 Electrical System complaints for the 2017 Cherokee, which is 26% of all 1,334 complaints filed for that model year, the highest share among the years listed in the data.
Are there fires linked to the 2017 Jeep Cherokee's electrical system?: NHTSA records show 3 fires and 3 crashes associated with complaints in this area, including a report of a vehicle catching fire while driving and another of burned wiring behind the driver's visor.
Is there a recall for the 2017 Jeep Cherokee's electrical problems?: There is one related recall, campaign 18V332000, covering the Cherokee among other Chrysler models; it involves a dealer software flash and is not marked do-not-drive or park-outside.
At what mileage do 2017 Cherokee electrical problems typically show up?: NHTSA data shows a median mileage of 40,000 miles at the time of failure for Electrical System complaints on the 2017 Cherokee.