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: engine
159 reports, newest first. Show all
Power train, Engine, May 29, 2026
The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at 35 MPH, the vehicle shut off as several warning lights appeared on the instrument panel. The contact made multiple attempts to restart the vehicle but to no avail. The police arrived at the scene and helped to place the vehicle into neutral(N) and moved the vehicle off to the side of the road. Due to the failure, the vehicle was initially towed to the contact's home and was then towed to a dealer. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle with a failed alternator and PTU(Power Transfer Unit). The vehicle was towed back to the contact's home due to the cost of the repair. The contact called an independent mechanic who managed to replace the alternator. Although the contact managed to drive the vehicle once the alternator was replaced; the contact stated that the same warning lights including the 4WD warning message remained on the instrument panel. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V011000(Power Train); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be fully repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 118,000.
Engine, Feb 24, 2026
My 2018 Jeep Cherokee suffered a Power Transfer Unit (PTU) failure in February 2025 while my family was on vacation. The vehicle was delivered to Walker Jeep in Alexandria, Louisiana and has remained there for approximately one year. I reside in Texas, approximately five hours away. The failure involves the same PTU defect covered under Safety Recall 01C (NHTSA 25V-011). Stellantis’ Part 573 filing acknowledged the defect and scheduled final remedy notification in February 2026. After holding my vehicle for approximately 12 months awaiting recall remedy availability, I was recently informed that my vehicle does not qualify for recall coverage. Stellantis is now offering either a $4,000 buyback or requiring approximately $6,000 out-of-pocket for repair. The vehicle has been undriveable for one year due to a defect covered under a federal safety recall. I am requesting investigation into recall compliance, unreasonable delay of remedy, and denial of coverage after prolonged deprivation of use.
Power train, Engine, Feb 18, 2026
1. The Power Transfer Unit (PTU) and transfer case have failed. The vehicle was initially suspected to have a wheel bearing issue due to a howling noise during the test drive. However, after purchase, the noise worsened significantly. An independent repair shop diagnosed the vehicle and confirmed that the transfer case and bearings are defective and unsafe. The vehicle is currently at the dealership and is available for inspection upon request. 2. I was informed by a certified mechanic that the vehicle is unsafe to drive and poses a significant risk of crash due to transfer case failure. Failure of the transfer case and PTU can result in sudden loss of power, drivetrain lockup, or loss of vehicle control while driving. This placed my safety, my child’s safety, and others on the road at serious risk. I was specifically instructed not to drive the vehicle due to the hazard. 3.Yes. The problem was confirmed by both an independent repair shop and the selling dealership. The dealership acknowledged there is an active recall related to the PTU/transfer case and ordered a replacement transfer case. However, they stated the part is on national backorder with no current estimated availability due to the recall. 4. The vehicle has been inspected and diagnosed by an independent repair facility and is currently at the dealership where it was purchased for further inspection and recall-related repair. The dealership has acknowledged the recall and the need for transfer case replacement. 5.Yes. The primary symptom was a loud howling or whining noise coming from the drivetrain area, which began before purchase and was reported to the dealer during the test drive. The dealer initially stated it was a wheel bearing issue. After purchase, the noise progressively worsened over several weeks, leading to the diagnosis of transfer case failure. No warning lights appeared, but the audible noise was severe and consistent.
Engine, Dec 31, 2025
A common issue with Jeeps with plastic oil filter housing is the oil filter housing cracks leading to oil leaks and engine damage.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Nov 13, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Cherokee. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V011000 (Power Train); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The “Check 4WD” warning light was illuminated, and the Auto START/STOP system failed to restart the vehicle. The contact would disengage the parking brake, place the vehicle in park, and restart the vehicle to continue driving. The failure was intermittent. The contact stated that water was leaking into the cabin from the sunroof, causing a shortage in the electrical system. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who had repaired the electrical system, including systems with the starter. The dealer confirmed that parts for the repair of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V011000 (Power Train) were unavailable. The contact was able to start the vehicle; however, the Auto START/STOP system needed to be disengaged to drive the vehicle. Additional repairs were made; however, the contact was unable to confirm what the additional repairs were. Some repairs were performed by another dealer, Jacksonville Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Arlington (9600 Atlantic Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32225). The contact stated that there was a rattling noise coming from the front end, and the vehicle would surge forward and take an extensive amount of time to come to a complete stop. The failures were intermittent. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic who repaired the front suspension, ball joints, and steering knuckle on both sides of the vehicle. The mechanic advised the contact to return the vehicle if an oil leak occurred. The contact stated that approximately a month after the repairs were performed, there was liquid on the ground underneath where the engine compartment and the vehicle were taken to a certified mechanic, who had diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the engine filter housing and filter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Nov 4, 2025
Due to the unresolved recall I have experienced alot of issues. The most terrifying is the loss of power, my jeep has just stopped moving sometimes allowing me to het to 30 mph but no more. This has happened to me 3x all of which were on the highway. I no longer have use of my 4wd, which is extremely frustrating since it was the only reason I purchased this vehicle. It has released itself from the parking position. And my "service shifter" light it constantly on. I did put my car in the shop over a year ago they "fixed" it, unfortunately it broke shortly after since it is a recalled part.
Power train, Engine, May 5, 2025
Service 4wd came on. Has been on. Jeep dealership said the switch was bad, replaced and still on. Since then it has turned off while driving 6 times. Now all the time in traffic and when I try to park it will say service shifter. I contacted stellantis directly about this and the supposed recall they announced, but has no fix. They said it isn't their problem it is on the dealer. Not acceptable to make a car that I have to force myself daily not to be in an accident with. Most recent was today. Car died and stuttered to a stop in someone's yard. Power assist stearing goes away! And it is 2wd now.
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Apr 29, 2025
While driving my vehicle, the vehicle suddenly stopped accelerating. I pulled over and when I put it into park it felt like it was the transmission. However, I had the transmission inspected and there were no issues. Prior to the happening the "service 4WD" light kept coming on. After the incident, the vehicle could not be driven over 45mph, the steering was so stiff I could hardly turn it, and every time I put the vehicle into drive or park it would feel like the transmission was about to drop.
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 11, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while stopped at a red light and upon taking her foot off of the brake pedal, a message appeared on the instrument panel that stated "shift to park or neutral plus brake plus select a gear". No warning lights were illuminated. The contact was forced to restart the vehicle in order to continue driving. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 80,899.
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 4, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the contact smelled a burning odor. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle with oil filter housing cooler unit failure. The vehicle was repaired by a mobile independent mechanic with a part that the contact had purchased on Amazon. The contact stated that recently the vehicle was taken for maintenance, and the vehicle was diagnosed with oil filter housing cooler unit failure. The vehicle was not repaired for the most recent failure. The dealer was not made aware of the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 122,000.
Electrical system, Air bags, Engine, Mar 1, 2025
Constant overheating , I have replace the cooling system 3 times
Electrical system, Engine, Feb 28, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds, the vehicle shut off unintendedly. The contact stated that while at a traffic light or while slowing down, the vehicle shut off unintendedly. The contact stated that after ten minutes, the vehicle was restarted but shut off while approaching a stop. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who determined that the failure was due to the battery. The battery was replaced, but the failure recurred. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 117,000.
Power train, Engine, Feb 21, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while driving 80 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to exceed 45 MPH without shaking violently. The 4-WD and check engine warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was stuck in 2-WD. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V011000 (Power Train); however, the VIN was not included. The local dealer was contacted, and an appointment was scheduled. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 100,651.
Power train, Engine, Feb 15, 2025
2018 Jeep Cherokee has service shifter appearing multiple times in the last 2 months. It has lasted up to 3 days before resetting. My jeep has 78K miles and I'm the only owner. My jeep has randomly shut down completely while driving 65+ mph. When I restart it, the transmission makes a jerking motion and the rpms accelerate rapidly. Upon investigation I'm finding this is a HUGE problem with this model year, along with 2017 & 2019. THIS NEEDS TO BE RECALLED before someone dies from this jeep being in an accident with little to zero time to recover power!
Engine, Feb 10, 2025
While driving the vehicle the engine loses total power and says to shift to park. No engine lights come on, no warning lights. Total loss of power is a serious issue - reading on the jeep forums this is not an uncommon problem. Have to try and safely get to the side of the road, put it in park, turn car off and attempts to restart take 1 to 6 tries. This has happened four times in 1 month
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 8, 2025
When I take a turn or slam on my brakes sometimes my vehicle shuts off and flashes battery on the dash. Even though I’ve changed the battery I’m still having the same issue. I also have issues with my fuel level. The numbers jump around constantly and seem to not add up to the miles I drive.
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Feb 2, 2025
Service shifter message appears on screen over speedometer. All the gears light up red on the shifter. Unable to change gears unless you turn off the car and restart. Happens multiple times per year. When you search the internet this is a common occurrence and nothing is being done about it.
Engine, Jan 23, 2025
I have had several times where I will be driving and the engine cuts out and you lose all power and power steering. The screen comes up and says shift to park or neutral press brake + gear. I put in park and after few minutes it usually restarts on first try. The most recent i tried about 10 times and call toe truck. I live in northern maine and below zero temps and tow truck couldn't arrive for 4-5 hrs. I live in remote area and only 1 option and they were hours away. I was in the middle of the road and was blocking traffic for bigger vehicles. After about 30 minutes and many attempts it finally restarted. I immediately drove to garage and they scan for codes and there were none. It was starting normally and running fine.bbthis has happened driving in traffic at stop light or going very slow around sharp corners or after sitting and then taking off. There has been many scenarios all could cause traffic accidents as it is out of your control and you never know when it will happen. It's gone months without doing it and then it happen multiple times. I live in very remote are and drive to the city for appts and travel alot of times after dark and after hours to even get towed . I don't feel safe driving my vehicle anymore fear of accident, bad area, temperatures, being stranded with no cell phone coverage. I live on dirt road and can't always count on help right away. It's happened too many times where I don't feel safe in a vehicle I love. I have tried oil changes, spark plugs, battery and I know there was a few others and nothing works. This has been happening since 50k miles and now 127k. I want to keep this vehicle but not feeling safe. I another garage visit scheduled next week to see if there is anything else to try.
Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jan 15, 2025
Cracked Oil housing pump failure Fuel tube leak The car shifts while in drive it jumps like it gets stuck in a gear.
Engine, Jan 13, 2025
After period of changes in cold and hot weather swinging from 70s to 30s car began to have a small oil leak. Took vehicle in for oil change at 120,xxx miles and no leak was found, over the next weeks the leak got worse and during driving the vehicle would intermittently display low oil pressure warning. After checking the dipstick there was very little oil. Vehicle was taken in for service (123,xxx miles) and it was found that the Oil Filter Housing had cracked. The Jeep Service Advisor stated that it was a common issue for Jeep vehicles with the 3.2L V6 over 80k miles. Oil was spilling out and down the engine filling the valley between cylinders and onto the exhaust which could possibly lead to fire or catastrophic engine failure due to oil starvation.
Electrical system, Engine, Jan 8, 2025
There is an issue with the car pertaining the gear shifter and the way it effects the engine . There are currently 2k parts on back order for this same issue . Center shifter bezel Parts number 5YD27LS5AAA
Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Dec 12, 2024
Oil leak found on driveway. 2018 Jeep Cherokee Limited taken in for an oil change and diagnosis. Jeep Cherokee has oil leaking into the oil filter housing. Oil filter housing is plastic and needs to be replaced with a metal housing and new gaskets, along with a coolant change and oil change. This appears to be a common failure. Repairs are costly.
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Oct 28, 2024
My jeep will stall without warning. If i turn, it stalls out, brake it stalls, turn the vehicle on hit the gas to go and step off the gas it stalls. Sometimes it won’t start or it will start then stall out. It’s without warning and has had me left on the side of the road multiple times after pushing it out of the way or trying to get it to start again. I’ve had the computer plugged up to it and even the mechanics said they haven’t seen this before. I’ve had the individual parts to the engine tested, they work just fine such as alternator. I will just randomly lose power while driving. I also have the random Gear Shifter Error that it seems every Jeep owner is going through.
Engine, Oct 17, 2024
SVC 4WD warning. Diagnosed at Jeep Dealership (Recommend replace due to CODE C14A7-97 - PTU Motor-Component or System Operation Obstructed or Blocked. Part is on a back-order status, the only information provided from the manufacturer is they are working to obtain part status. We have no ETA on part at this time.) Part is not available, and car can't be driven
Other or unspecified, Engine, Jul 10, 2024
The vehicle consume too much oil .it completely run out of oil after driving a 1000 mile only .the engine stop suddenly while driving which put my safety in danger .because it happened when the vehicle engine stop running in the highway in the middle of traffic. I call the manufacturer they said there is a recall (W20 )for this car regarding those issue . And they said once they update the car software those issues should be resolved. But afterwards the same issue still happenings. The car currently only has 32k miles .those problems started back on March 2024 when.the car has only 24k miles