2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee: What to check before buying
Owners have filed 804 complaints with NHTSA about this car, most about the electrical, engine, and transmission. The 9 checks below target those problems, in the order you would do them at the car.
2018- Owner complaints
- 804
- Recalls
- 11
- Crashes reported
- 41
- 31 injuries
Your inspection sheet
Tick items off on your phone at the car, or print it. Ticks stay on this device.
0/9 checked
2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee: inspection sheet
Paperwork and questions
Before you go, or before you touch the car0/4
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 first0/3
Test drive
At least 20 minutes, with some highway0/1
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 Grand Cherokee is it?
EPA figures for each version of the 2018 Jeep Grand 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 |
|---|---|---|
| 3.6L 6-cylGas | AWD, RWD | 21 mpg |
| 5.7L 8-cylGas | AWD | 17 mpg |
| 6.2L 8-cylGas | AWD | 13 mpg |
| 6.4L 8-cylGas | AWD | 15 mpg |
| 3.0L 6-cylDiesel | AWD, RWD | 24–25 mpg |
- The 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee was sold in five 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 Grand Cherokee that averages well under the EPA 13 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.
Uconnect screen delamination
41,000–50,000 miles
Head gasket failure
50,000–100,000 miles
Active headrest self-deployment
50,000–70,000 miles
Overheating and internal engine damage
82,000–109,000 miles
ABS and stability control faults
88,000–125,000 miles
Why these checks: what owners reported
NHTSA complaints for the 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee, grouped by the part owners named. Open a row to read what goes wrong.
Electrical3015 crashes
The touchscreen delaminates and starts pressing itself. It changes radio stations, switches climate settings, turns heated seats on and off, and places calls. Reports put the onset near 50,000 miles, often just past the 36,000-mile warranty, and dealers quote an owner-paid replacement. One complaint links a lane-change crash to the screen switching off blind spot detection. The battery under the passenger seat melts or catches fire in some reports, including parked cars with the engine off. Crash reports also describe the vehicle moving on its own from park or surging at a stop.
Engine691 crash
Head gaskets and cylinder heads fail. The result is overheating, coolant in the cylinders, and misfires, often on cylinder 4. Owners report it anywhere from 50,000 to 100,000 miles, with repair quotes over $6,000. The plastic oil filter adapter leaks, and at least one engine seized after losing oil. EGR coolers crack again after the 20V-699 fire-hazard recall repair. Some engines stall at highway speed with a stop/start warning. EcoDiesel owners wait more than a year for high-pressure fuel pump recall parts, and replacement engines are on backorder.
Most of these complaints are about recall parts rather than failures. Owners notified of campaigns 20V699000, 23V411000 and the diesel fuel recall 22V406000 say parts are not available, and one dealer quoted about 7 months before an order could be placed. Real failures include overheating, coolant leaking into the engine around 82,000 miles, metal shavings in the engine, EGR valve no-starts, and stalling at 55 mph that ended in engine replacement. One fire report describes knocking, power loss, smoke and sparks under the car.
Transmission607 crashes
Vehicles roll away after the driver selects park, usually while the engine is running and the driver is stepping out. These rollaways end in crashes into trees, cars and pillars, and some drivers are knocked down or hit by the open door. Owners compare it to recall 18V280000 even when their vehicle is not covered. Other reports describe hard shifts, lurching at stops with auto stop/start, weak acceleration after a restart, and limp mode capping speed at 15-20 mph. Some owners object that Jeep calls the transmission fluid filled for life.
Brakes447 crashes
ABS, stability control, 4WD and traction control warnings come on, with longer stopping distances, brakes that do not respond in reverse, and stalls. These reports cluster between 88,000 and 125,000 miles. Many complaints are about recall 24V838000: dealers say parts are unavailable and give no date. Crash reports describe pedals sinking to the floor, brakes that only partly engage, and wheels locking at low speed. Seized rear calipers with pads worn away appear as early as 28,120 miles.
Seats21No crashes
Front active head restraints fire forward with a loud pop, with no collision. It happens while driving, parked, or starting the car. Internal plastic clips break, so the headrest cannot be reset and keeps pushing the occupant's head forward. Drivers report being struck in the back of the head and nearly swerving into traffic. Failures appear around 50,000 to 70,000 miles. A warranty extension covers 2014-2018 models, but several owners say their VIN is excluded and the dealer charges for diagnosis and repair.
Airbags189 crashes
No bags deploy in serious crashes, according to most of these reports, including head-on hits into trees and poles, a T-bone into an overpass, a tractor trailer rear impact, and a run down an embankment. The category has 9 crash-related complaints and 9 injuries, and several of the cars were totaled. Some drivers say the seatbelt also failed to lock. Other reports describe active head restraints deploying on their own, and a warning light traced to an open circuit in the passenger seat air bag.
Steering141 crash
Power steering cuts out while driving and leaves a heavy wheel. One dealer-confirmed rack and pinion repair sat waiting on back-ordered parts. Other reports describe a sudden pull to the left at highway speed, traction control dragging the car toward the road edge on a curve, and clunks over bumps that dealers cannot reproduce. Owners who flat tow behind a motorhome report a violent wobble after slow turns that stops only when the rig stops. Stuck shifters and no-start problems also appear here.
Acceleration and cruise control126 crashes
The vehicle accelerates on its own: from park, at a stop with the brake held, or when cruise control should disengage. Of 12 complaints, 6 involve crashes into buildings, an ATM, a garage and other cars, with 3 injuries. Several drivers say the brakes could not overcome the engine. Cruise control surges again once the brake is released. The throttle can also stick wide open, and one owner stopped it by removing the floor mat. Stalls followed by throttle body replacement also appear.
In owners' own words
Excerpts from complaints Grand 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
On 5/14/21 Stop/Start switch - Engine stalling while driving while on turnpike 65 mph. Situation could have turned to an accident easily. Afterwards engine started with warning light to service S/S-switch. No previous issues with the car (26,000 miles). After stop at the rest area, engine started normally and no warning light. Currently waiting for a service appointment to dealership
Filed with NHTSA, May 2021
The EGR Valve, Diesel Particulate Filter, and Intake Manifold failed at 88k miles. The EGR was replaced at 49k miles on October 4, 2021. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for MIL. The estimated repair cost is $11k. All components are filled with carbon deposits. The emissions system should provide a longer life than 88k miles. Is there a possible design defect with the emission ?
Filed with NHTSA, October 2024
Just purchased 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee from bulk dealer. The engine consistently stalls while in drive (at red lights, stop signs, intersections) causing safety issues and near MVAs. During stall, the AC continues to blow but air is not cold. The VIN# shows no unrepaired recalls, but the vehicle is behaving exactly as described in recall U87. It still has some time on warranty but I'm not sure how to proceed here. This is certainly unsafe.
Filed with NHTSA, May 2021
Starting around February 23 after about 10 minutes into driving. The hot temperature lamp would show up . I pull over an it was always empty of coolant I had done that few times within one week. I also didn’t use air conditioning for a few weeks left . An it was ok for few weeks. Then I noticed smoke coming out back pipes . Send to first reipair shop. They found Coolant in a combustion chamber They told me I should send to Jeep shop .
Filed with NHTSA, July 2023
Car was parked on a slight hill and was turned off, car then rolled about 2 feet down the driveway. Car did stop on it own luckily. Incident was captured on home surveillance camera. Vehicle has not been checked by a mechanic.
Filed with NHTSA, March 2022
How the 2018 compares with other Grand Cherokee years
Complaints for this year next to the average for the other model years, area by area.
The 2018 has the most owner complaints of the 8 Grand Cherokee years we cover, about 3.1 times the average of the others. Newer years have had less time to collect complaints, so compare like with like.
- Electrical30178
- Engine6916
- Transmission6032
- Brakes4419
- Seats211
- Airbags186
Where the 2018 fits in the Grand Cherokee's history
Redesigns and mid-cycle updates change what can go wrong.
The 2018 is the eighth model year of the Grand Cherokee's fourth generation (2011–2022).
Recalls to confirm (11)
Recall repairs are free at any Jeep dealer, but the seller may never have had them done. Check each campaign number against the VIN.
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.
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.
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.
Also looking at these instead of a Grand Cherokee?
Cars shoppers compare with the Jeep Grand Cherokee, with their own 2018 checklists.
2018 owner complaints, side by side
- Toyota 4Runner56
- Nissan Pathfinder74
- Toyota Highlander242
- Honda Pilot408
- Chevrolet Traverse416
- Ford Explorer651
- 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee804
