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2017 Jeep Cherokee

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Cherokee years

Owner complaints for the 2017 Jeep Cherokee are substantially higher than the model-year median of 113.

About this comparison →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

834 reports with mileage · 499 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Power Train. Review the 646 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 342 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine. Review the 258 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

24 crash reports6 fire reports17 injury reports

Power Train complaints

646 reports
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17,165 miles · Nov 30, 2020
Power Train

I WAS MAKING A SHARP LEFT TURN INTO A PARKING LOT, SORT OF FAST- BETWEEN 10-15 MPH. AFTER I MADE THE SHARP LEFT TURN AND STARTED TO TURN RIGHT TO GO STRAIGHT AND PARK, THE SERVICE SHIFTER WARNING CAME ON. I WAS ABLE TO PUT MY CAR IN PARK JUST FINE. I INSTANTLY TURNED MY CAR OFF WAITED A FEW SECONDS AND STARTED MY CAR AGAIN AND T…

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I WAS MAKING A SHARP LEFT TURN INTO A PARKING LOT, SORT OF FAST- BETWEEN 10-15 MPH. AFTER I MADE THE SHARP LEFT TURN AND STARTED TO TURN RIGHT TO GO STRAIGHT AND PARK, THE SERVICE SHIFTER WARNING CAME ON. I WAS ABLE TO PUT MY CAR IN PARK JUST FINE. I INSTANTLY TURNED MY CAR OFF WAITED A FEW SECONDS AND STARTED MY CAR AGAIN AND THE WARNING WAS GONE. HASN'T COME BACK ON SINCE. THIS HAPPENED LAST NIGHT.

NHTSA ODI #11377183

126,000 miles · Nov 17, 2020
Power Train

AT SLOW SPEED WHILE ACCELERATING FROM A STOP, THE TRANSMISSION SHIFTED ABRUPTLY AND CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO JERK. IN ADDITION THERE IS A LOUD CRUNCH. BANG OR CLUNK NOISE THAT MADE ME FEEL LIKE ANOTHER CAR HAD REAR ENDED ME. THE DEALER UPDATED THE COMPUTER BUT IT DID NOT FIX THE ISSUE.

NHTSA ODI #11375083

30,470 miles · Nov 16, 2020
Power Train

WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, THE SERVICE SHIFTER LIGHT TURNED ON AS WELL AS ALL THE LIGHTS DENOTING P-R-N-D ON THE SHIFTER BEZEL ITSELF. I STOPPED THE VEHICLE AND SHIFTED FROM D TO P AND BACK TO D. VEHICLE OPERATION DID NOT FALTER AND WAS ABLE TO ARRIVE HOME WITH NO NOTED MECHANICAL ISSUE.

NHTSA ODI #11374953

51,000 miles · Nov 12, 2020
Power TrainVehicle Speed Control

GAS PEDAL WILL STOP WORKING WHILE DRIVING NOT ALLOWING ME TO ACCELERATE THE JEEP. I HAVE TO PULL OVER, POWER OFF THE JEEP, AND WAIT ABOUT 5 MINUTES. AFTER WAITING, I HAVE TO HOLD THE KEY IN THE START POSITION UNTIL THE JEEP TURNS ON WHICH RANGES ANYWHERE FROM 30-190 SECONDS TO DO. THERE IS A RECALL FOR THIS SPECIFIC ISSUE BUT MY…

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GAS PEDAL WILL STOP WORKING WHILE DRIVING NOT ALLOWING ME TO ACCELERATE THE JEEP. I HAVE TO PULL OVER, POWER OFF THE JEEP, AND WAIT ABOUT 5 MINUTES. AFTER WAITING, I HAVE TO HOLD THE KEY IN THE START POSITION UNTIL THE JEEP TURNS ON WHICH RANGES ANYWHERE FROM 30-190 SECONDS TO DO. THERE IS A RECALL FOR THIS SPECIFIC ISSUE BUT MY CAR IS NOT COVERED. I BELIEVE THAT THE RECALL SHOULD BE EXPANDED AS IT DOES NOT FULLY COVER THE VEHICLES AFFECTED. THIS HAS NOW HAPPENED 6 TIMES OVER THE LAST 2 MONTHS.

NHTSA ODI #11374220

56,000 miles · Nov 9, 2020
Power Train

LIGHT ON DASH: SERVICE SHIFTER. ALL LIGHTS ON SHIFTER ON SUCH AS:P, R, N, D, OD. LIGHTS ON IN MOTION AND STOPPED.

NHTSA ODI #11373846

50,000 miles · Nov 6, 2020
Power Train

THE NOTICE FOR SERVICE SHIFTER COME'S ON, ALL THE LIGHTS ON THE GEAR SELECTOR LIGHT UP. YOU CAN'T TELL WHICH GEAR THE CAR IS IN. THIS NOTICE SHOWS IN THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER, WHERE THE SPEED ODOMETER IS. THIS HAS HAPPENED ON AND OFF FOR 6 TO 8 MONTHS, THE DEALERSHIP FOUND NOTHING. THIS HAPPENS WHILE DRIVING AND JUST STARTING THE …

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THE NOTICE FOR SERVICE SHIFTER COME'S ON, ALL THE LIGHTS ON THE GEAR SELECTOR LIGHT UP. YOU CAN'T TELL WHICH GEAR THE CAR IS IN. THIS NOTICE SHOWS IN THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER, WHERE THE SPEED ODOMETER IS. THIS HAS HAPPENED ON AND OFF FOR 6 TO 8 MONTHS, THE DEALERSHIP FOUND NOTHING. THIS HAPPENS WHILE DRIVING AND JUST STARTING THE VEHICLE.

NHTSA ODI #11373445

55,000 miles · Nov 2, 2020
Power Train

MY CAR STOPPED ACCELERATING WHILE DRIVING AND ACTED LIKE I SHIFTED IT TO NEUTRAL. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP TODAY AND WAS TOLD I NEED A TRANSMISSION SOFTWARE UPDATE. THERE HAS BEEN A RECALL FOR THIS EXACT THING BUT MY VEHICLE WASN'T INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. ALSO, MY EXTENDED WARRANTY WOULDN'T COVER IT SO I HAD TO PAY FOR IT OUT…

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MY CAR STOPPED ACCELERATING WHILE DRIVING AND ACTED LIKE I SHIFTED IT TO NEUTRAL. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP TODAY AND WAS TOLD I NEED A TRANSMISSION SOFTWARE UPDATE. THERE HAS BEEN A RECALL FOR THIS EXACT THING BUT MY VEHICLE WASN'T INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. ALSO, MY EXTENDED WARRANTY WOULDN'T COVER IT SO I HAD TO PAY FOR IT OUT OF POCKET ALONG WITH THE DIAGNOSTIC SERVICE. NO CODES SHOWED UP EVEN THOUGH A LIGHT CAME ON WHEN IT HAPPENED TO ME TWICE THAT SAID VEHICLE MUST BE STOPPED TO SHIFT. THIS IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS AND IT SHOULD BE COVERED.

NHTSA ODI #11372757

45,000 miles · Nov 1, 2020
Electrical SystemPower Train

THE SERVICE SHIFTER WARNING CAME UP WHILE DRIVING ON A CITY STREET. THE VEHICLE HAS ROUGHLY 45000. NOTHING HAPPENED THIS TIME BUT I HAVE SEEN THIS IS A COMMON OCCURRENCE AND CAN LEAD TO THE VEHICLE SHUTTING OFF IN MOTION.

NHTSA ODI #11372517

55,000 miles · Oct 27, 2020
Power Train

I'VE HAD THE SERVICE SHIFTER LIGHT COME AND OFF SINCE I BOUGHT IT USED 15 MONTHS AGO. I TOLD THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID THEY COULDN'T FIND ANYTHING WRONG. TWO DAYS AGO, I WAS DRIVING 40 MPH AND THE CAR STOPPED ACCELERATING AND A LIGHT CAME ON THAT SAID CAR MUST BE STOPPED TO SHIFT. IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD, I PUT IT IN PARK A…

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I'VE HAD THE SERVICE SHIFTER LIGHT COME AND OFF SINCE I BOUGHT IT USED 15 MONTHS AGO. I TOLD THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID THEY COULDN'T FIND ANYTHING WRONG. TWO DAYS AGO, I WAS DRIVING 40 MPH AND THE CAR STOPPED ACCELERATING AND A LIGHT CAME ON THAT SAID CAR MUST BE STOPPED TO SHIFT. IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD, I PUT IT IN PARK AND BACK TO DRIVE BUT THE ENGINE JUST REVVED SO I TURNED IT OFF AND BACK ON BEFORE I COULD GET IT TO GO. THE NIGHT BEFORE I DROVE ON THE EXPRESSWAY AND MOST LIKELY WOULD HAVE BEEN HIT. I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY WON'T EVEN LOOK AT IT FOR A WEEK. I'M SCARED TO DEATH DRIVING IT. THEY WON'T GIVE ME A LOANER ALTHOUGH I BOUGHT AN EXTENDED WARRANTY. I STARTED RESEARCHING AND SAW MANY HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE SERVICE SHIFTER LIGHT AND TO COME HERE TO FILE A COMPLAINT. I WANT JEEP TO MAKE THIS RIGHT. I COULDN'T TRADE THIS SOON WITHOUT LOSING MONEY. I BOUGHT A NEW CAR TO HAVE A SAFE VEHICLE AND NOW I'M AFRAID OF HAVING AN ACCIDENT UNLESS THIS CAN BE FIXED.

NHTSA ODI #11366733

50,000 miles · Oct 26, 2020
Electrical SystemPower Train

EVERY TIME I START MY CAR AFTER A FEW MILES IT SAYS SERVICE SHIFTER BUT EVERYTHING IS IN SPEC. ALL THE LIGHTS ON THE SHIFTER LIGHT UP. BUT THERE IS NO ISSUE SHIFTING

NHTSA ODI #11366493

Official recalls

6

25V011000 · Power Train

Apr 29, 2025

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 & remedy

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.

23V302000 · Power Train:automatic Transmission

Apr 27, 2023

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 & remedy

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.

20V343000 · Power Train:automatic Transmission; Power Train:driveline:differential Unit

Jun 11, 2020

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 & remedy

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.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Power Train:driveline:differential Unit

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.

Power Train:automatic Transmission

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.

18V332000 · Electrical System:software; Electrical System:wiring; Vehicle Speed Control:cruise Control

May 17, 2018

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 & remedy

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.

Additional source detail variants (3)

Electrical System:software

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.

Vehicle Speed Control:cruise Control

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.

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.

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.

17V543000 · Equipment:other:labels; Wheels:rim

Aug 31, 2017

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 & remedy

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.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Equipment:other:labels

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.

Wheels:rim

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.

16V799000 · Air Bags:knee Bolster

Nov 2, 2016

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 & remedy

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.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

1

EA21002 · Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture

Opened Sep 17, 2021 · No close date supplied

Status: open (inferred from source dates) · Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module; Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module

From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.Consequently, all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substance that traps and holds moisture) in US vehicles are under recall. These "non-desiccated" inflators either have been or are required to be replaced.In some cases, the remedy part for these recalled inflators was, or will be, an inflator using either propellant 2004 or 2004L that does contain a desiccant. None of these "desiccated" remedy parts (which were installed in older model year vehicles) are currently under recall for a degradation concern. Certain subsets of desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004 for use as original equipment, however, have been recalled for a degradation concern. All Takata inflators produced with propellant 2004L contain desiccant, and none of these desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L are under recall for a degradation concern. There have been no reported field ruptures in any non-recalled desiccated PSAN inflators.It is understood that desiccants fully saturate at some threshold, at which point any additional moisture will not be captured. This means the degradation process observed in non-desiccated inflators using propellant 2004 may also occur in non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004, assuming additional moisture enters the inflator and high temperature cycling occurs. Based on available information, desiccant saturation can occur within the first five years in the worst environments, and the time required for full saturation is affected by multiple factors. While no present safety risk has been identified, further work is needed to evaluate the future risk of non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004.Three entities -- Takata (now known as TK Global), the Independent Testing Coalition, and Exponent -- have been studying the long-term behavior of Takata desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004L (as well as 2004) in the presence of moisture and temperature cycling. The research efforts, which include development of predictive modeling techniques and field sample analysis, are ongoing. To date, none of the researchers have identified field evidence showing that propellant 2004L is undergoing a degradation process that leads to aggressive deployment and potential rupture. However, the time in service of such inflators remains short compared to that of the inflators using propellant 2004. Further study is needed to assess the long-term safety of desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L.The Office of Defects Investigation is opening this investigation to examine whether a safety defect related to propellant degradation exists in non-recalled desiccated PSAN frontal inflators manufactured by Takata. This investigation will require extensive information on Takata production processes and surveys of inflators in the field. Lists of recall actions that may have used desiccated PSAN inflators as remedy parts, as well as the makes and models originally manufactured with them, is available with the downloadable version of this document (see nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=EA21002 -- note this information is subject to change/revision as the investigation proceeds). This investigation does not supersede EA15-001, which remains open.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module

From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.Consequently, all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substance that traps and holds moisture) in US vehicles are under recall. These "non-desiccated" inflators either have been or are required to be replaced.In some cases, the remedy part for these recalled inflators was, or will be, an inflator using either propellant 2004 or 2004L that does contain a desiccant. None of these "desiccated" remedy parts (which were installed in older model year vehicles) are currently under recall for a degradation concern. Certain subsets of desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004 for use as original equipment, however, have been recalled for a degradation concern. All Takata inflators produced with propellant 2004L contain desiccant, and none of these desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L are under recall for a degradation concern. There have been no reported field ruptures in any non-recalled desiccated PSAN inflators.It is understood that desiccants fully saturate at some threshold, at which point any additional moisture will not be captured. This means the degradation process observed in non-desiccated inflators using propellant 2004 may also occur in non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004, assuming additional moisture enters the inflator and high temperature cycling occurs. Based on available information, desiccant saturation can occur within the first five years in the worst environments, and the time required for full saturation is affected by multiple factors. While no present safety risk has been identified, further work is needed to evaluate the future risk of non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004.Three entities -- Takata (now known as TK Global), the Independent Testing Coalition, and Exponent -- have been studying the long-term behavior of Takata desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004L (as well as 2004) in the presence of moisture and temperature cycling. The research efforts, which include development of predictive modeling techniques and field sample analysis, are ongoing. To date, none of the researchers have identified field evidence showing that propellant 2004L is undergoing a degradation process that leads to aggressive deployment and potential rupture. However, the time in service of such inflators remains short compared to that of the inflators using propellant 2004. Further study is needed to assess the long-term safety of desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L.The Office of Defects Investigation is opening this investigation to examine whether a safety defect related to propellant degradation exists in non-recalled desiccated PSAN frontal inflators manufactured by Takata. This investigation will require extensive information on Takata production processes and surveys of inflators in the field. Lists of recall actions that may have used desiccated PSAN inflators as remedy parts, as well as the makes and models originally manufactured with them, is available with the downloadable version of this document (see nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=EA21002 -- note this information is subject to change/revision as the investigation proceeds). This investigation does not supersede EA15-001, which remains open.

Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module

From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.Consequently, all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substance that traps and holds moisture) in US vehicles are under recall. These "non-desiccated" inflators either have been or are required to be replaced.In some cases, the remedy part for these recalled inflators was, or will be, an inflator using either propellant 2004 or 2004L that does contain a desiccant. None of these "desiccated" remedy parts (which were installed in older model year vehicles) are currently under recall for a degradation concern. Certain subsets of desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004 for use as original equipment, however, have been recalled for a degradation concern. All Takata inflators produced with propellant 2004L contain desiccant, and none of these desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L are under recall for a degradation concern. There have been no reported field ruptures in any non-recalled desiccated PSAN inflators.It is understood that desiccants fully saturate at some threshold, at which point any additional moisture will not be captured. This means the degradation process observed in non-desiccated inflators using propellant 2004 may also occur in non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004, assuming additional moisture enters the inflator and high temperature cycling occurs. Based on available information, desiccant saturation can occur within the first five years in the worst environments, and the time required for full saturation is affected by multiple factors. While no present safety risk has been identified, further work is needed to evaluate the future risk of non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004.Three entities -- Takata (now known as TK Global), the Independent Testing Coalition, and Exponent -- have been studying the long-term behavior of Takata desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004L (as well as 2004) in the presence of moisture and temperature cycling. The research efforts, which include development of predictive modeling techniques and field sample analysis, are ongoing. To date, none of the researchers have identified field evidence showing that propellant 2004L is undergoing a degradation process that leads to aggressive deployment and potential rupture. However, the time in service of such inflators remains short compared to that of the inflators using propellant 2004. Further study is needed to assess the long-term safety of desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L.The Office of Defects Investigation is opening this investigation to examine whether a safety defect related to propellant degradation exists in non-recalled desiccated PSAN frontal inflators manufactured by Takata. This investigation will require extensive information on Takata production processes and surveys of inflators in the field. Lists of recall actions that may have used desiccated PSAN inflators as remedy parts, as well as the makes and models originally manufactured with them, is available with the downloadable version of this document (see nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=EA21002 -- note this information is subject to change/revision as the investigation proceeds). This investigation does not supersede EA15-001, which remains open.