2018 Jeep Cherokee
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Power train is the leading concern among 686 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 8th highest complaint count among 12 Cherokee model years with reports.
Of the 2018 reports, 11 involved a crash and 5 involved a fire. 7 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Power trainApr 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.
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.
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.
Campaign 25V011000 on NHTSA.gov
Electrical system, wiring, front underhoodAug 9, 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.
A vehicle stall can increase the risk of a crash.
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.
Campaign 18V524000 on NHTSA.gov
Power train, axle assembly, axle shaftJul 26, 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.
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.
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.
Campaign 18V494000 on NHTSA.gov
Electrical system, wiringMay 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.
If the vehicle maintains its speed or accelerates despite attempts to deactivate the cruise control, there would be an increased risk of a crash.
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.
Campaign 18V332000 on NHTSA.gov
Fuel system, gasoline, delivery, hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsMay 1, 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.
A fuel leak in the presence of the ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
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.
Campaign 18V282000 on NHTSA.gov
Engine and engine cooling, engineOct 24, 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.
If the oil pump fails, the engine will stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
Campaign 17V670000 on NHTSA.gov
Equipment, other, labelsAug 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."
The missing tire and rim designation information may lead to an incorrect combination being installed on the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
Campaign 17V543000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: electrical system
190 reports, newest first. Show all
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Sep 9, 2022
SERVICE SHIFTER WARNING -takes up full screen on vehicle cannot see any other specs of the vehicle -safety, service shifter recalls in past day to not operate vehicle. This warning randomly comes on when no problem is present. -the problem has been recreated on multiple occasions for dealer, mechanics, and friends -has not been inspected. States not sure what causes this -no other warning lamps came on and none can come on since this takes up the entire screen and places the MPH in smaller lettering at the top
Power train, Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Jul 26, 2022
Shifter failure. All lights on shifter control panel lit (park, reverse, neutral, drive). Service Shifter message on dash cluster and message stating “must be in park to shift gears” or similar. Shifter must be replaced.
Electrical system, Air bags, Other or unspecified, Jul 12, 2022
With in a month of purchasing and many times after the dealership supposedly did a update to the shift shaft but always returned I turn car off have to wait and it goes away now it is staying more than usual and appearing more also with in a month my air bags had faulty wiring Thomson dodge only fixed one under driver seat bc their dx only showed one default a month after that the passengers air bag wiring went bad they refused to fix it so with in first year my passenger air bag needs to be repaired I am driving w two faulty car issues that I practically bought this is dangerous after review many complaints from other same make and model jeep owners shift shaft message and air bag message to replace
Electrical system, Jun 11, 2022
Floor shifter jumper wiring harness. Manufacturer Part Number: 68413957AA. This is a common issue with these vehicles. This happens out of nowhere and is not something that happens due to wear or old age. This should be a recall due to the safety of the driver.
Electrical system, Air bags, Jun 2, 2022
Service Air Bag Light came on three different times when turning left. The third time it came on the vehicle died in the middle of an intersection and dashboard lights lit up. Took vehicle to Dealer, they said there were codes and a star case S1808000180, they tore apart center console. Did not find a problem, they test drove car and said no more codes. I picked up vehicle and after driving approx. 30 miles home, service air bag light came on again while stopped at light and car died. Car was towed to second dealer, codes popped up U0103, U11DE, U0002, U1465, C10CD. Dealer did not know how to fix. Called Jeep customer cares. Car has been out of service since May 13, 2022. Going to a third dealer on June 9, 2022.
Electrical system, May 13, 2022
Gear Shifter says servicer gear shift and does not recognize the car is in park.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Mar 27, 2022
While driving, vehicle shuts off without warning, this has happened 3 times even though the car was supposedly repaired with a new battery and a new alternator.
Electrical system, Feb 14, 2022
Service shifter message comes on while reversing the car and all the lights on shifter come on and car suddenly stops.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Jan 8, 2022
My Jeep Cherokee with only 43,000 started to randomly give me error messages that says "service shifter". This has happened multiple times when I am driving and all my lights on the shifter light up red and I am unable to determine what gear I am in. I have to stop driving turn my engine off and back on to get this to correct itself. In addition, one day I was driving and all of my headlights flickered and all of my dashboard lights went out for 5 seconds then came back on. My battery has died twice now recently and there was nothing left on. Due to these issues and the fact that I do not have a check engine light on, I called Jeep to see if there have been any recalls or other complaints, I was informed that there have not been. I have been doing some research online to find multiple forums where people with 2018 are having the exact same issue. This is posing a safety risk and I would like to see what steps can be taken since I am not the only one.
Electrical system, Dec 21, 2021
Service shifter error
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Dec 20, 2021
service shifter warning light and It seems like it's happening to a lot of jeep. I believe it should be a recall.
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Dec 3, 2021
Engine stall, shuts down while driving
Power train, Electrical system, Nov 25, 2021
The other day yet again, a “service shifter” error showed up on my jeeps dashboard shortly after I started to the vehicle. The error showed on the dash and all of the lights on my shifter turned solid red. This is a big safety issue and seems as if there could be some electrical or power train components malfunctioning internally in my Jeep. After turning the car of and then on again, the error did not come back on. This happens repeatedly every few months or so and is very concerning. I took it to my hero dealer and they stated they could find any faulty codes when running diagnostics and they was nothing they can do. This issue needs to be addressed with Jeep and a recalled needs to be issued immediately before this leads to serious malfunctioning while operating.
Power train, Electrical system, Nov 17, 2021
All of the lights came on on the shifter while driving and the dash warning stated there was a shifter problem. The check engine light was also illuminated. This issue put my child's safety at risk as she had to pull over on the side of the interstate not knowing if the car would continue to operate in drive. The car had previous problems that resulted in a sudden engine stall making her fear it was too risky to continue to drive. This problem is not rare, and Jeep should be required to fix it.
Electrical system, Nov 10, 2021
I HAVE ONLY HAD MY CAR 3 YEARS AND MY CAR IS ASKING FOR A SHIFTER SERVICE. THE 4 LIGHTS TURN ON. MY CAR SHUTS OFF WHEN I DRIVE AND MESSAGE SAID IT WENT FROM DRIVE TO PARK AND SHUTS OFF. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE BECAUSE IT JUST SHUTS OFF WHEN I AM DRIVING. IT CAN CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. I HAVE LET THE DEALER SHIP KNOW OF THE ISSUE. I SHOULD NOT HAVE TO PAY FOR A DEFECT. I TRULY BELIEVE THAT THIS A MANUFACTURE DEFECT AND I SHOULD NOT BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE REPAIRS. I HAVE NEVER HAD AN ISSUE WITH A SHIFTER AND ITS ONLY BEEN 3 YEARS THAT I HAD MY CAR. I ONLY HAVE 60,088 MILES. THIS STARTED ABOUT A MONTH AGO.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Nov 7, 2021
A message stating service shifter continues to come up and car has now started to stop/stall in the middle of driving now. Car dealership has no clue what it is and I am seeing online many others having the same issue. Very dangerous when the car just starts to stop out of nowhere even without the message not on as it can cause accidents.
Power train, Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Oct 15, 2021
Twice so far on this particular Jeep, all of the lights on the shifter light up and on the display above the steering wheel it displays the message “Service Shifter”. The issue will go away once the Jeep is shut off and turned back on. I have researched this online and a ton of people are having the same exact issue with low mileage. This needs resolved ASAP. I would hate to see what happens if we’re driving or to get left stranded somewhere.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Sep 28, 2021
When driving, car completely turns off with no warning. No icons are lit to possibly tell of issue. Car has done this numerous times
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 4, 2021
Had a recall fixed recently. Now showing three Errors. P2122, P0123, P0222
Power train, Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Aug 10, 2021
All lights on shifter console light up red and light which says "Service Shifter" shows up on dash. Reviews of this problem online is showing it to be a common problem.
Steering, Electrical system, Engine, Jul 29, 2021
Made a right turn onto a street and heard a single ding(the same ding it makes if seatbelt is off) then the car turned off, the red battery light briefly came on and then turned off. I rolled out of traffics way onto the shoulder and placed my car in park and tried to restart it. Car would not restart initially. After 3 tries the vehicle restarted and I was able to make it back onto the road. - the engine shut off and the power steering went out. these are available for inspection upon request. -The vehicle stalled in the middle of traffic so not only my safety but the safety of other drivers was at risk as my vehicle was turning a corner and not able to accelerate as other drivers came up behind me causing them to swerve. -the problem has not been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center however my wife and I have experience the same issue at two different times. -The vehicle has been inspected by the dealership where the vehicle was purchased brand new and they were not able to provide an answer to the problem. -There were no warning lamps or other symptoms prior to the failure.
Power train, Electrical system, Jun 9, 2021
I was getting a service shifter light and called the dealer and the said it was a recall it needed a system reboot to bring it in. I did. But that did not fix the problem the light is still on and after doing research it really is the wiring for the shifter. Which can cause the vehicle to not signal what gear it is in. My car had failed to to indicate which gear it has been in multiply times.
Electrical system, Jun 6, 2021
Everytime we drive our vehicle for longer than 10 minutes a warning indicator light comes on which says "service shifter". All the lights on the shifter come on and you can no longer tell when you are in drive, park, etc. When you turn the vehicle off the system resets, but it will come back on again. The dealership inspected it and found no fix for the issue. To me, this seems highly irresponsible and reckless to allow something like this to occur in a vehicle. Numerous people with Jeep Cherokees have experienced the same thing and I believe there needs to be a recal related to the shifting/electrical system.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, May 13, 2021
"SERVICE SHIFTER" WARNING COMES UP ON THE DASH AT DIFFERENT TIMES. IT MAY BE AT START UP OR WHILE DRIVING. IT'S A SERIOUS PROBLEM. YOU HAVE A MINIMUM OF 400 COMJLAINTS ALREADY. JUST BOUGHT THIS 2018 JEEP CHEROKEE ON 5/8/2021 AND WE ARE HAVING PROBLEMS ALREADY. I CALLED THE DEALER AND THEY SAID THEY NEVER HEARD OF THIS PROBLEM, OR IS IT THAT THEY DON'T KNOW WHAT THE FIX IS? MANY OF THE OWNERS OF THESE CAR ARE STUCK IN A CIRCLE JERK...DEALER SAYS IT DOESNT EXSIST AND YET IT KEEPS HAPPENING. PLEASE INVESTAGATE THIS PROBLEM AND FORCE THE MANUFACTURE TO FIND THE FIX. I KNOW MY DEALER KNEW OF THE PROBLEM BUT ELECTS NOT TO ADMIT IT. THE PROBLEM IS THAT IT DOES NOT THROW A CODE SO NOTHING SHOWS UP. I CHECKED MINE TWICE WITH MY OBD READER AND I EVEN DROVE AROUND WITH IT CONNECTED TO SEE IF IT WAS A DRIVABLITY PROBLEM BUT THAT PRODUCED NOTHING. VERY SORRY THAT I PURCHASED THIS CAR! NEVER OWN A CHRYS. PRODUCT AGAIN.....AND I WILL NEVER PURCHASE ANOTHER CAR FROM THIS DEALER.
Electrical system, May 7, 2021
MY JEEP WOULDNT START(05/04/2021) SO I BOUGHT A NEW BATTERY (05/05/2021).BUT I NOTICE TODAY (05/06/2021)THAT THE CLOCK HAD RESET ON IT OWN( SO I GOT TO NE LOSING POWER) AND MY SERVICE SHIFTER CAME ON AA WELL WHILE IN MOTION