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: power train
295 reports, newest first. Show all
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.
Power train, Feb 17, 2026
The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Cherokee. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V011000 (Power Train). The contact stated that while driving at 60 MPH, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal, and the engine seized. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle coasted to the side of the road, where the vehicle failed to restart. The contact stated that the engine made an abnormal sound, and the transmission failed to function as intended. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the boyfriend's residence. The vehicle was then towed to a dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the power transfer unit had failed. The contact was informed that the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The vehicle remained with the dealer unrepaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately over 100,000.
Power train, Feb 16, 2026
The 4x4 system, bad PTU actuator. Yes. 2. Power loss can cause an accident at any given moment putting Not just you but other drivers at risk. 3. I took it too dealership today bad PTU actuator. Don’t have that amount of money to get it fixed. 4. Yes by the dealership. 5. Just an intermittent Svc 4wd light I just bought the car off auction about a month ago and had this issue since the very first day of buying. Read a lot about these cars and the 2018 Jeep Cherokee whole PTU should have a recall in my opinion very dangerous and Jeep needs to take it seriously.
Power train, Feb 13, 2026
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 while driving at various speeds, the transmission shifted into neutral(N) unintendedly. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact pulled over and restarted the vehicle after the failure. Additionally, while the vehicle was in park(P), the vehicle roll backwards, and the parking brake was engaged to prevent the vehicle from rolling. Several local dealers were notified of the recall and the failures and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000.
Power train, Feb 12, 2026
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 had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were not available for a year. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and provided a reference number; however, it did not provide any information on parts availability. The contact had not experienced a failure.
Power train, Feb 10, 2026
In Jan 2025 I received a recall notice regarding the PTU unit. The notice indicated that I could esperience loss of power and the inability to use park. However, when speaking to Mopar abot it they say it is safe to drive!!! What the hell is safe about driving a vehicle that can loose power?? Or one that you can't use Park??? It's been a damn year!!! I find it real hard to believe that it takes that long. What is REALLY going on??? I need my car daily!!!! It needs to safe to drive!!! PERIOD!!!
Power train, Feb 9, 2026
The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that the 4WD feature was inoperable. The contact stated that the PTU splines were worn, preventing the engagement of the 4WD feature, and potentially preventing the vehicle from remaining unmovable while shifted to park(P). The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V011000 (POWER TRAIN); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 149,000.
Power train, Feb 4, 2026
The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Cherokee. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V011000 (Power Train). The contact stated that while driving over bumps on the roadway, the transmission shifted out of gear. There was an abnormal banging sound while shifting gears. The transmission disengaged while in the park(P). There were no warning lights illuminated. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, opened a claim, and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 80,075.
Power train, Feb 1, 2026
Service 4WD indicator showing PTU issue. My vehicle is not included in the recall, but this issue seems to be the same one noted.
Power train, Jan 29, 2026
The PTU went bad and had to have replaced. And after researching, see that it is a known issue and not sure why my VIN number isn't covered when I had the exact issue that is being recalled.
Power train, Jan 29, 2026
The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact research was made aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V011000 (Power Train); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted and informed the contact that there no recall associated with the VIN. However, the contact stated that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.
Power train, Jan 28, 2026
The vehicle experienced a powertrain failure involving the Power Transfer Unit (PTU). On June 19, 2025, the vehicle was inspected at Dobbs Tire & Auto at approximately 154,548 miles after a grinding noise and drivetrain noise were observed. The shop found metal shavings in the rear differential fluid and advised the vehicle be taken to a Jeep dealership. Because the vehicle was originally purchased from Cassens Jeep, it was taken there for further diagnosis. On August 28, 2025, the vehicle was inspected at Cassens Jeep at approximately 158,011 miles. The dealership confirmed internal drivetrain noise, metal contamination, and a PTU-related fault code. The vehicle experiences knocking noises at low speeds, lurching while driving, and intermittent drivetrain and 4WD warning indicators. The dealer advised replacement of the PTU and rear drivetrain components. This condition is associated with the active PTU powertrain recall originally issued on January 23, 2025. On January 22, 2026, a representative from Cassens Jeep confirmed that there is currently no available repair remedy, no estimated timeline for completion, and that required parts remain on backorder. This creates an ongoing safety risk due to potential loss of drive power and possible unintended vehicle movement related to park function failure. Service work orders and inspection reports from both repair facilities have been attached to support this complaint.
Power train, Jan 12, 2026
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 had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that the “Service 4-WD” warning light was illuminated. While driving at various speeds and accelerating, there was a clunking sound coming from underneath the vehicle. Additionally, the mileage was flashing while the instrument panel was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but was not diagnosed. The dealer informed the contact that the remedy was not available and referred the contact tothe NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 131,021.
Power train, Electrical system, Jan 7, 2026
PTU/transfer case issues under 50,000 miles, jeep randomly shuts off 4wd in dangerous areas without any warning
Power train, Jan 6, 2026
Loss of 4x4 system, dashboard warning light
Power train, Jan 6, 2026
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 not yet available. The contact stated that while driving at 35 MPH, there was smoke coming from underneath the hood with a burning odor. The contact pulled over to the side of the road to allow the smoke to clear. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to drive to the residence. The vehicle was later towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the power transfer unit had failed and needed to be replaced; however, the recall remedy part was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 114,000.
Power train, Jan 6, 2026
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 not yet available. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the representatives at the Mopar Hotline would disconnect the call ,and the Mopar website was always down. The contact had not experienced a failure.
Power train, Jan 5, 2026
See attached document for complaint.
Power train, Dec 8, 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 not yet available. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal grinding sound coming from the front wheels. The 4-WD warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The vehicle remained at the dealer pending a diagnostic test. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that the failure persisted, and the vehicle was no longer driven. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was unknown.
Power train, Dec 3, 2025
My PTU has failed and my safety is at risk as my car could at any point loose power causing harm to me and others involved. This appears to be a manufacturing defect identical to those listed under the recall. I am requesting immediate inclusion and repair under the recall provisions
Power train, Dec 1, 2025
Car started spitting out liquid and smoking while driving. Pulled over and had it towed to a shop that confirmed the Power Transfer Unit (PTU) is broken and the part is not able to be ordered at this time. Mechanic unable to obtain the part due to the already existing recall on jeeps of the same year, make, and model. It is available for inspection upon request. safety was put at risk because the car was inoperable while driving. No warning lights or warning symptoms prior to the incident.
Power train, Dec 1, 2025
svc 4wd light came on - PTU bad confirmed at Jeep Dealership- Recall for 2017-2019 models but not my VIN.
Power train, Nov 21, 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 not yet available. The contact stated that while stopped at a traffic light, the START/STOP feature failed to function as intended. In addition, there was an abnormal grinding sound coming from the transmission. The contact stated that the floorboards vibrated and felt as if something had fallen. The contact stated that the transmission failed to shift gear. The contact was unable to drive the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the Power Transfer Unit (PTU) had failed, and an unknown item had sheared off in the process. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 158,000. The VIN was not available.
Power train, Nov 17, 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 contact stated that after shifting to park(P), the vehicle rolled unintendedly. The contact activated the parking brake to prevent the vehicle from rolling away. While driving and attempting to accelerate, the vehicle hesitated and accelerated slowly. The “Service 4WD” warning light was illuminated. The failure occurred intermittently and occurred while driving at various speeds. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic and was diagnosed with Power Transfer Unit(PTU) failure. The dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that the part was not available. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 92,500.
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.