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, Feb 3, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled with no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was able to restart. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V011000 (Power Train); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the power transfer unit had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the part not being 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 failure. The approximate failure mileage was 28,908. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
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.
Power train, Jan 30, 2025
My "Service 4WD" light started going on and shutting off and then it would come back a few weeks later. No incident occurred when it started. A few months in, it went to a solid light. I took it to the dealership to get it diagnosed and was told the "range shaft splines had damage" and that I would need to replace my PTU. 3 days later, FCA came out with a recall for my exact car but my VIN wasn't listed in the recall. Now it's making a weird vibration noise, and I lost acceleration while driving on my lunch when I was turning left at a light. I tried to accelerate but it wouldn't go any faster than 20-30mph. So I pulled over, shut the car, off and turned it back on and it went back to normal.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Jan 29, 2025
Starting in early 2021, I had my Jeep serviced, and noted a constant banging noise and feeling while driving my car. It was inspected (for lots of money) and test driven. I was told the noise is "normal." As time went on, it progressively got louder, more vibrating, and more frequent. I noted this as a continuing concern--I was told "it is normal for this vehicle." I just spoke with the dealership again, in light of the Transfer Case recall (25V011), and when he looked at my history, he said I needed to immediately call Mopar. Because there is not one moment my car isn't banging while it's in "drive," he said it was a serious issue and I shouldn't wait for the "parts to be available." He also apologized that I was told several times that something like this is normal. I called Mopar today and spoke with "Kate" at 1:29 PST on 1/29/2025. She noted the lack of parts and a plan. When I explained that my car has active issues she said, "let me transfer you to the recall department." I thought Kate was in the recall department! She then transferred me to the original calling system, and I got nowhere. So I am emailing you to inform you that my vehicle has a constant banging noise consistent with your recall, based on a Jeep dealership's assessment and my brief call with Kate at Mopar. It was also noted by one of Jeeps' service techs, today that I should contact Mopar for immediate next steps; that he believe my vehicle could immediately become catastrophic. Mopar provided me with no additional remedies or steps. This is my sole mode of transportation and I live in a rural, hilly community. Legally, I need to document my attempts to remedy this, in the event that the vehicle does harm or kill someone--because, as noted in the recall and at the Jeep service center, even park can fail and run someone over.
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.
Power train, Dec 28, 2024
Power take off unit (PTU) failed, causing loss of power while driving.
Power train, Dec 12, 2024
# 1 PTU went out and can not get it repaired at the dealer parts not available. # 2 got stuck in snow storm on the way home and had to spent the night in a rural area as four wheel drive stopped working. #3 yes it has been confirmed by a independent Jeep etherized shop and there were no warning lights.
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, Dec 12, 2024
PTU failure.
Power train, Nov 29, 2024
Complete power failure of the vehicle occurred while driving on the highway. Vehicle stalled while in a driving lane, and the driver was not able to recover onto the shoulder. Huge safety risk. After towing vehicle to the mechanic, they confirmed it wasn’t a battery issue (battery just replaced 3 months prior). Appears to be a starter system failure - no warning provided. There have been similar issues from other owners of this make and model.
Power train, Nov 28, 2024
The component that has failed on my vehicle is the Power Transfer Unit that allows the vehicle to engage in 4 wheel drive. In some instances, I cannot safely navigate without access to my 4 wheel drive. In winter weather, I would be forced to use my Front Wheel Drive only increasing the likelihood of me getting stuck or losing control. I also use the 4 wheel drive on my farm land, and it is essential (part of why I bought it) for navigating the hills and turf safely. The problem was officially confirmed by an official Jeep dealership. No, the manufacturer of the part that failed has not inspected it, but it was inspected and deemed necessary to replace by a licensed Jeep dealership with certified technicians. There was no real warning leading up to the failure. Suddenly, one day, the Service 4 wheel drive light came on, flickered for a couple of days, then stayed on disabling my 4 wheel drive. Worth noting - I have done extensive research on this problem online. It is a very common failure that needs to be addressed or recalled. Jeep actually did do a recall for a portion of the PTU on models through 2017, but I have a 2018 and the problem persists for essentially every jeep cherokee model year since 2018. There are entire message boards online dedicated to this PTU failure issue. It is a very expensive repair to have done.
Power train, Nov 27, 2024
I was driving and the service 4wheel drive light came on
Power train, Nov 23, 2024
PTU failure repair cost 3500$ out of pocket Milage 96K Pre-owned
Power train, Nov 14, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that the service shifter message was displayed on the instrument panel. The contact stated that the shifter lights had turned red. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 17,000.
Power train, Nov 5, 2024
Service shifter engine light at 20000 miles has done it on and off for two years
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.
Power train, Sep 12, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at various speeds, or while parking, the gear selector was depressed and all the gears were highlighted on the selector, making it unclear what gear was selected. The contact also stated that the "Service Shifter" message was displayed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 52,000.
Power train, Sep 10, 2024
Service shifter alert
Power train, Equipment, Sep 3, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power with the service shifter warning light illuminated. The vehicle was steered to the side of the road and turned off. The vehicle was restarted, and the service shifter warning light disappeared. In addition, the contact stated that the dealer could not diagnose the failure; however, the navigation system was not working correctly, and requested that the driver drive through a body of water. The contact also confirmed that the navigation system was providing incorrect information. The failure reoccurred. The failure mileage was approximately 12,000.
Power train, Aug 24, 2024
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?
Power train, Aug 6, 2024
Car made a noise and the service 4wd came on. The shop I went to told me it was PTU and that when he called Jeep they told him it should’ve been a recall with how many they do daily. My Jeep is well maintained and is a 2018. Jeep should be at fault to fix this
Power train, Jul 17, 2024
Approximately 3 weeks ago had SVC 4WD light came on. I took it to my mechanic and was told they couldn't diagnose it because a special subscription has to be paid for to access what the Jeep code is. Was able to find a mechanic that could diagnose the Jeep code, turns out the PTU needs to be replaced at an estimate of $5,000. In researching it appears many others have this same problem and is a safety problem for those driving the car. Of course, part is back ordered so that indicates this is a major problem with Jeep.
Power train, Jul 8, 2024
Vehicle started to make “knocking” noises from front axle when going over bumps. Brought to a shop that stated the ball joints just needed to be greased up. The sound returned within 24 hours and become continuous while driving. The car begins to shake and feel unstable at speeds above 45/50mph. Brought vehicle in that day to a new shop, which diagnosed the problem as a faulty/broken Power Transfer Unit (aka transfer case). They advised that this piece was under a safety recall for my make and model. Upon contacting a local dealership, they informed me that the safety recall does not apply to my specific VIN, and that the part is on national back order. The second shop advised that I can still drive the car with the broken part, however I believe the car may pose a safety risk in its present form- especially considering the part in question is under safety recall for my make and model
Power train, Jun 26, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, there was a chemical odor inside the cabin of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic who diagnosed that the front passenger’s side half-shaft assembly was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V494000 (Power Train). The failure mileage was 75,000.
Power train, Jun 24, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, the message "Replace Shifter" was displayed. After restarting the vehicle, the message was no longer displayed. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent while starting the vehicle. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 67,000.