2018 Jeep Cherokee: What to check before buying
Owners have filed 1,468 complaints with NHTSA about this car, most about the electrical, transmission, and engine. The 8 checks below target those problems, in the order you would do them at the car.
2018- Owner complaints
- 1,468
- Recalls
- 16
- Crashes reported
- 51
- 38 injuries
Your inspection sheet
Tick items off on your phone at the car, or print it. Ticks stay on this device.
0/8 checked
2018 Jeep Cherokee: inspection sheet
Paperwork and questions
Before you go, or before you touch the car0/3
Walk-around and cabin
Engine off, key in hand0/1
Cold start, engine bay, and underside
Ask the seller not to warm the car up first0/2
Test drive
At least 20 minutes, with some highway0/2
These checks are specific to this model year. For tires, body panels, fluids, and the other basics every used car needs, use the general inspection guide.
Which Cherokee is it?
EPA figures for each version of the 2018 Jeep Cherokee. Use them to confirm you are looking at the version that was advertised, and as a yardstick on the test drive.
| Version | Drive | EPA rating |
|---|---|---|
| 2.4L 4-cylGas | 4WD, AWD, FWD | 23–25 mpg |
| 3.2L 6-cylGas | 4WD, AWD, FWD | 21–24 mpg |
| 2.4L 4-cylFlex fuel | AWD, FWD | 23–25 mpg |
- The 2018 Jeep Cherokee was sold in three versions. Confirm which one this is from the window sticker, the engine cover, or the VIN report before you compare prices.
- Reset the trip computer at the start of the drive. A Cherokee that averages well under the EPA 21 mpg combined on a mixed route may have an engine or tire problem.
Check the odometer against these mileages
Owners report these failures starting around the mileages below. A car inside one of these ranges deserves a closer look at that part, or records showing it was already fixed.
Service Shifter warning
10,000–41,000 miles
Oil loss causing stalls
28,000–37,700 miles
Why these checks: what owners reported
NHTSA complaints for the 2018 Jeep Cherokee, grouped by the part owners named. Open a row to read what goes wrong.
Electrical4325 crashes
A "Service Shifter" warning with every gear light glowing red is the most common report, seen as early as 11,000 miles. It usually clears after a restart and then comes back. Several owners say the battery under the passenger seat melted or caught fire while the car was parked and off. The touchscreen can delaminate and press buttons by itself. In one case it switched off blind spot monitoring right before a crash. Other filings describe a heated seat catching fire and the car accelerating from a stop.
Transmission3278 crashes
Failures of the power transfer unit run through this category. Owners report a Service 4WD light, grinding or knocking from the drivetrain, metal shavings in the fluid, and 4WD shutting off without warning. Some appear under 50,000 miles and others as late as 206,000. A front axle fractured at about 37,000 miles and caused a crash. The Service Shifter warning shows up here too. Many of the crash reports, where a parked vehicle rolls away in reverse or neutral, describe the Grand Cherokee rather than this model.
Engine1431 crash
Heavy oil consumption with no low-oil warning is the dominant problem. The engine stalls in traffic or at speed and may take minutes to restart. Owners describe adding a quart every 750 to 800 miles, finding an empty dipstick between changes, and dealers shortening the oil change interval to monitor it. One engine was damaged by oil loss at about 37,700 miles. Separate reports describe stalling right after refueling with a throttle warning, a radiator leak near 60,000 miles, and an engine bay fire on a car with about 300 miles.
Most of these filings come from Grand Cherokee owners who could not get a recall repair because dealers did not have parts. Some were told to expect months of waiting. Actual failures are few. For this model, owners describe a burning smell traced to a failed oil filter housing cooler, and a stall at a red light that required a restart. Grand Cherokee reports between 82,000 and 109,000 miles mention water pump leaks, an EGR valve, and metal shavings in the engine.
Brakes637 crashes
The electronic parking brake can lock on and refuse to release, leaving the car undrivable and needing a flatbed tow. A "Service Parking Brake" message usually comes with it. One owner was told the electronic brake control module needed replacing at about 8,000 miles. Other owners report ABS, traction, and parking brake warnings lighting up together at highway speed, and rear calipers sticking and wearing out pads and rotors within 50,000 miles. Most of the crash reports, with pedals sinking to the floor or wheels locking, involve the Grand Cherokee.
Steering424 crashes
Engine shutdowns in the middle of a turn can leave the steering and brakes heavy or locked. Dealers tied several of these stalls, at under 30,000 miles, to low oil with no warning light, and some ended in curb strikes. Power steering also cuts out after a battery light flickers. One rack and pinion broke at 37,000 miles, and another owner waited on back-ordered rack parts. Owners who flat tow behind a motorhome report a violent side-to-side wobble at low speed after turns. Persistent highway vibration and warped rotors also appear.
Airbags2813 crashes
Serious crashes with no deployment make up nearly the whole category, which carries the highest share of injury reports. Owners describe frontal hits into trees, poles, trucks, and overpasses, plus side and rear impacts, with nothing going off and the vehicle often totaled. Several owners also say the seatbelt did not lock. Many of these filings involve the Grand Cherokee, and one describes a headrest deploying on its own at startup.
Seats22No crashes
The active head restraint fires forward with a loud pop and no collision, striking the occupant in the back of the head. This happens while driving or sitting at a light. An internal plastic clip breaks, and the headrest stays pushed forward and cannot be reset. Owners report neck strain and near misses from the shock. Nearly every filing in this category describes the Grand Cherokee, with failures reported around 50,000 and 70,000 miles.
Acceleration and cruise control216 crashes
The engine shuts down while driving and shows "Apply brake and put in park or neutral", sometimes over and over on the same trip and sometimes on the highway. In some reports a Service Shifter warning comes first. Owners also describe hesitation from a stop followed by a sudden lurch, and cruise control downshifting and speeding up on downhill grades. The crash and injury reports, where the vehicle surges from park or a stop despite braking, mostly involve the Grand Cherokee.
In owners' own words
Excerpts from complaints Cherokee owners filed with NHTSA, as written. Listen for the same symptoms on your test drive.
I purchased the vehicle new and it now has 29500 miles on it. The screen for the navigation (which controls stereo, climate, phone, and everything else) started delaminating. When the screen starts doing phantom touches it is very distracting to the driver. Also, as the glue melts, it leaks onto the wiring of all the components under the screen including the AC, all the parking sensor and traction control off controls.
Filed with NHTSA, December 2021
CAM shaft and yes it is available to be looked at. The vehicle was misdiagnosed multiple times and sent back home with the same error code while fixing other items that were not the root cause of the issue. The engine light was on with the misfire code when I brought it in and was repeatedly sent home and within 20 miles the same code returned.
Filed with NHTSA, August 2025
SVC 4WD light and clunking noises code C14A7-97-Rear differential and ptu spline failure and replaced at 34,870 miles. Now 71,060 miles SVC 4WD light on and code is again C14A7 rear differential and spline failure. And was told this time the 48 month warranty on the parts has expired. Its been 52 months. I purchased this 2018 in 2017. Why is this not recalled like the 2017 for the ptu and differential?
Filed with NHTSA, August 2024
My 2018 Jeep Cherokee with 88K miles on it. I heard a loud popping sound, and my car was jerking. Took it into the dealership for maintenance and I need to replace the rear diff and axle shaft. This could have locked up worse and caused an accident. I see that there are more complaints about this same problem.
Filed with NHTSA, February 2024
In two instances, I have been driving my car and the car dies. Both times there was no oil. I take my car for regular servicing and oil changes and have also taken it to the dealership as I felt it was burning oil too rapidly. They determined there was no issue but I am having to put 3+ quarts every 3000-5000 miles even with oil changes. But when the oil is low there is no indication and the car will die WHILE DRIVING.
Filed with NHTSA, October 2021
The brakes are locked up and will not disengage one week after coming home from the store in the rain. I was lucky enough to have it parked in my garage when I found out. I had a mobile mechanic look it over and I was told that the electronic brake control module needs to be replaced. The vehicle only has a little over 8,000 miles on it so far. I attached a picture of the part and a screenshot of the email stating what has to be done to repair the problem.
Filed with NHTSA, August 2024
Less than 57,000 miles on vehicle. January 3, 2026. Parking brake engaged and froze. Interrupted driving. Got vehicle home. "Service Brake" came on. Attempted all recommended actions to disengage Parking Brake. Parking Brake continued engagement and the Vehicle cannot be driven.
Filed with NHTSA, January 2026
How the 2018 compares with other Cherokee years
Complaints for this year next to the average for the other model years, area by area.
The 2018 ranks second for owner complaints among 8 Cherokee years, about 2.9 times the average of the others. Newer years have had less time to collect complaints, so compare like with like.
- Electrical432104
- Transmission327143
- Engine14341
- Brakes6327
- Steering4247
- Airbags2811
Recalls to confirm (16)
Recall repairs are free at any Jeep dealer, but the seller may never have had them done. Check each campaign number against the VIN.
25V011000TransmissionApr 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.
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
24V838000BrakesNov 2024
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango vehicles. A malfunction in the antilock-brake system (ABS) module may incorrectly illuminate the brake lights and disable the ABS and electronic stability control (ESC). In addition, the vehicle operator may be able to start and shift out of Park without the brake pedal being applied.
Risk: A vehicle that can be started and shifted out of Park without applying the brake pedal can result in a vehicle rollaway. Disabled ABS and ESC systems can reduce vehicle handling and control in certain driving situations. Brake lights that incorrectly illuminate can fail to properly indicate the driver's intention to following traffic. Any of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the integrated pressure transducer and update the ABS module software, as necessary free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 16, 2025. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is 94B. This recall replaces previous recall number 22V-426. Vehicles previously remedied under 22V-426 will need to have the new remedy completed.
23V411000EngineJun 2023
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.
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. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed August 3, 2023. Some owner notification letters were mailed October 31, 2023. The remaining owner notification letters will be mailed at a future date, anticipated July 2024. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 66A. This recall is an expansion of recall 20V-475.
22V426000BrakesJun 2022
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango vehicles. A malfunction in the antilock-brake system (ABS) module may illuminate the brake lights, and allow the vehicle to start and shift out of Park without the brake pedal being applied.
Risk: A vehicle that starts and shifts out of Park without applying the brake pedal can result in vehicle rollaway, increasing the risk of a crash without prior warning and/or injury to others outside of the vehicle.
Fix: This recall is replaced by NHTSA recall number 24V838. Vehicles already repaired under this recall will need to have the new remedy completed. The remedy includes updated HCU/ABS module software that prevents the HCU/ABS module from falsely reading pressure in the primary circuit. FCA has decided to do a two-Phase Campaign remedy schedule. Phase 1 began November 17, 2022. Phase 2 begin date has not been determined yet. Interim owner notification letters explaining the safety risk were mailed July 28, 2020. Owner notification letters were mailed on November 29, 2022. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is Z48.
22V406000Fuel systemJun 2022
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.
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. Interim notification letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed July 21, 2022. Owner notification letters for were mailed for Jeep Grand Cherokee owners starting January 11, 2024. Owner notification letters for Ram 1500 owners were mailed March 7, 2024. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLS's number for this recall is Z46.
20V699000EngineNov 2020
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.
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. Dealers will also inspect and, as necessary, replace the intake manifold. Parts are not currently available. Owners were mailed an interim notification on December 21, 2021. A second notification will be mailed when parts are available, currently expected to be around March 11, 2021. The recall began March 11, 2021. Owners may contact FCA US LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US LLC's number for this recall is W79.
18E097000EquipmentOct 2018
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain Mopar Floor Mats, part numbers 6ML07TRMAA and 6GA92TRMAA, sold as accessory equipment for 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Street and Racing Technology ("SRT") and Trackhawk vehicles. These floor mats may have insufficient clearance between the mat and the accelerator pedal, possibly inhibiting the pedal from returning to an idle position.
Risk: If the floor mat prevents the accelerator pedal from returning to idle, there would be an increased risk of a crash.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace any of the affected floor mats, free of charge. The recall began November 15, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is UB5.
18V759000EquipmentOct 2018
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Street and Racing Technology (SRT) and Trackhawk vehicles. The driver's floor mat may have insufficient clearance between the mat and the accelerator pedal, possibly preventing the pedal from returning to the idle position.
Risk: If the floor mat prevents the accelerator pedal from returning to idle, there would be an increased risk of a crash.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace any of the affected floor mats, free of charge. The recall began November 15, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is UB3.
18V524000ElectricalAug 2018
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Jeep Renegade, Compass and Grand Cherokee, RAM 1500 and Promaster, Fiat 500x, Dodge Journey, Challenger, Charger and Durango and Chrysler 300x vehicles, 2017-2018 Jeep Wrangler, Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town and Country vehicles and 2018-2019 Jeep Cherokee and 2018 Chrysler Pacifica and Pacifica Hybrid vehicles. The powertrain control module may be equipped with a voltage regulator chip in the circuit board that may fail, causing a stall or a no start condition.
Risk: A vehicle stall can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the powertrain control module, free of charge. The recall began October 2, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U87.
18V494000TransmissionJul 2018
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Jeep Cherokee all-wheel-drive vehicles. The bearing cage for the right front halfshaft assembly may not have been properly heat treated, possibly resulting in the bearing cage breaking and a potential halfshaft assembly failure.
Risk: If the halfshaft bearing cage breaks, the halfshaft may not be able to transmit engine power, causing a loss of drive or it can allow the vehicle to move while in the "Park" position. Either condition may increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front right halfshaft assemblies, free of charge. The recall began September 20, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U78.
18V332000ElectricalMay 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.
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. 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.
18V280000TransmissionMay 2018
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Dodge Charger, Durango and Challenger, Jeep Grand Cherokee and Wrangler, Chrysler 300, and RAM 1500 vehicles. An incorrect transmission park lock rod may have been installed in the transmission.
Risk: If the incorrect park lock rod is installed, the transmission may not shift into 'PARK' and keep the vehicle from moving, increasing the risk of unintended vehicle movement and the risk of a crash.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will install the correct park lock rod, free of charge. The recall began June 28, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U43.
18V282000Fuel systemMay 2018
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Jeep Cherokee vehicles equipped with a 2.4L engine. These vehicles may have been manufactured with a fuel tube that may leak fuel into the engine compartment.
Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of the ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the fuel tube, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began May 24, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U39.
18V048000Fuel systemJan 2018
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk vehicles equipped with a 6.2L Supercharged Engine. The fuel line may separate.
Risk: If the fuel line separates, the engine may stall, increasing the risk of a crash. In addition, a fuel line separation increases the risk of an engine compartment fire and injury.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, as necessary, replace the fuel line, free of charge. The recall began February 23, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U02.
17V670000EngineOct 2017
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Jeep Cherokee and Compass vehicles equipped with 2.4L engines. The engines may have a cracked oil pump housing that can result in oil pump failure.
Risk: If the oil pump fails, the engine will stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the oil pump, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began December 5, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T65.
17V543000EquipmentAug 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.".
Risk: The missing tire and rim designation information may lead to an incorrect combination being installed on the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
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2018 owner complaints, side by side
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- 2018 Jeep Cherokee1,468
