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, Jun 10, 2024
This car has been in the shop multiple times for engine and transmission problems. Had a new transmission installed at 19000 miles. Now at 30000 the transmission has failed again. Car has multiple TPM, ABS, and power train issues that Jeep cannot correct.
Power train, May 17, 2024
SRV 4WD. Warning lamps. PTU internal failure. Other 2018 Jeep Cherokee on recall. Driving down highway at speed 75. 4 people in car. Disengaged gear. Almost hit an 18 wheeler. Death for sure.
Power train, Apr 19, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while the vehicle was running, the "Parking Brake On" and "Remove Parking Brake" messages were displayed; however, the parking brake was not engaged. The contact stated that several days later while the vehicle was running, the vehicle started rolling while the gear shifter was in park(P). The contact was able to stop the vehicle and the vehicle restarted. The contact stated that while driving later that day, the vehicle was not accelerating above 20 MPH. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with transmission failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a drivetrain failure, and it was recommended that the transmission, transfer unit, and rear differential be replaced. The contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 20E037000 (Power Train), and the contact was informed that the power transfer unit serial number was included in the recall, however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.
Power train, Electrical system, Apr 6, 2024
The shift lever lights are all illuminated red, the shift Service message appears on the dashboard, the error appears and disappears.
Power train, Mar 25, 2024
The rear differential has failed on my Jeep after 42,000 miles. I tow this this vehicle behind a motorhome and it could have locked up or thrown parts and differential oil on the highway. It would be worse if it exploded while driving at highway speeds. It was replaced but failed again after only 900 miles. There are no parts available, Jeep has also changed suppliers, again with no parts available. It is now nearly April, with no ETA for a replacement part. There should be a recall on this part, as there are multiple incidents of similar failures on various Jeep websites. I paid $1,000 to Jeep out of pocket, as my powertrain warranty was 4 months past expiration. I contacted NHTSA in January about this and have not received a response as of yet.
Power train, Electrical system, Mar 11, 2024
All lights on shifter light up red (P, R, N, D) and an error message of "SERVICE SHIFTER." Come to find a lot of people are having this same issue.
Power train, Mar 6, 2024
Vehicle is driving as usual with no odors or sounds. 4wd unavailable light came on. The code for this states PTU is bad and must be replaced. Dealer quote is $5270 to replace. Apparently there was a recall on these for my car just not my year. Obviously there is a huge issue with this part. This vehicle is well maintained. There should be a warranty to cover this or the very least we should get a reimbursement. Please look into this. Also read the keep forums as this is a common issue. I thought keep was supposed to be a hearty vehicle. Very disappointed. I will be happy to provide receipt once I get my car back from dealer
Power train, Feb 28, 2024
My 2018 Jeep Cherokee with 88K miles on it. I heard a loud popping sound, and my car was jerking. Took it into the dealership for maintenance and I need to replace the rear diff and axle shaft. This could have locked up worse and caused an accident. I see that there are more complaints about this same problem.
Steering, Power train, Electrical system, Feb 22, 2024
At exactly 37000 miles my service “shifter light” comes on every 4-5 days. I’ve noticed in the warmer months it comes on more frequently. During the cold winter it came on twice. It’s becoming warmer again and it’s popping up often. My husband has a 2017 jeep Cherokee with the same exact issue. Our dealership gave us no answer to this problem. Not sure why, i just hope this doesn’t cause a major issue or hopefully a recall soon to fix this!
Power train, Electrical system, Feb 19, 2024
2018 Jeep Cherokee The power transfer unit malfunctioned and had to be replaced. A warning light indicated that there was an issue. It cost more than $5000 and the part was on back-order for 2 months. The dealer explained that they had so many power transfer unit replacements they could not repair my car unit the back-ordered part arrived. I also paid $2000 or more in rental car fees during that time. This all occurred only a few months after the manufacturer's warranty had expired. The repair was completed at the dealer. I am filing this complaint because Jeep Cherokees from 2017 had a recall for power transfer units. My car was built in 2017. I believe the power transfer units in some of the 2018 Jeep Cherokees are also faulty. There are many, many posts online regarding this issue. I appreciate that you are able to look into this. Best Regards
Power train, Feb 15, 2024
My 4 wheel drive service light came on. I took it to the dealer and they said it will cost me 4000 dollars to be fixed , I checked on the internet and this has been and on going problem for the jeep cherokee car since 2014, In fact the ptu problem has recalls on some of these cars. I called the dodge corporation and they said my car was not under warranty and has not been recalled My car need to be recalled, this is a flaw in the cars design . If problem is not addressed sudden lost of motive power can potential cause vehicle to crash without prior warning. Lost of park function is at stake and can lead to unintended vehicle rollaways. The car is at the dealership to be fixed
Power train, Electrical system, Feb 1, 2024
Service shifter light comes on intermittently. Have noticed a “catch” that occurs at times when accelerating when the light is on but not every time.
Power train, Jan 25, 2024
My 2018 Jeep Cherokee rear differential started making an intermittent noise at about 35,000 miles. Now at 42,000 miles the dealership I purchased it new from has determined that the differential needs replacing. It is four months past the 5 year/60,000 mile power train warranty. There are no repair parts available, it is on back order with no ETA. This condition indicates to me that there may be a part recall in order for the rear differential failures, as there are no parts available in a nationwide search by my Jeep representative. Is there a history of known failures?
Power train, Oct 19, 2023
Failure of PTU while driving. Seems to be the same issue with the 2016-2017 that currently has a recall
Power train, Aug 24, 2023
Service 4WD light came on. Vehicle was diagnosed at dealership and they advised the PTU needs to be replaced. This poses a serious risk for injury.
Power train, Aug 11, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost PTU functionality. Additionally, the service footwell drive warning light was illuminated. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V302000 (Power Train). The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who replaced the front drive shaft and the rear end of the vehicle; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.
Power train, Aug 6, 2023
The Service Shifter message comes on replacing the speedometer display on the dash. All of the LED's on the shifter bezel light up when it occurs, so you can't tell the gear you are in. It has been happening more frequently lately and began around 3 years ago. The only way to reset it is to put it in PARK and shut the car off and restart it. I am on the Jeep Cherokee Club and see this quite often on their forums. It happens now every 2nd or 3rd time I drive it. Thanks.
Power train, Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Jul 28, 2023
I believe the shifter bezel is faulty. When pulling out of my drive way backwards a service shifter light came on and caused me to get stuck sideways and having multiple cars nearly tbone be because the hazard lights wouldn’t turn on after. I can’t even drive because of this incident I don’t feel safe in this jeep!!! I called jeep in Elk Grove California and they never heard of it, however I’ve found over 500 issues on Reddit and other forum sites of people having the same issue but more at 16,000 miles! No because I don’t have the money to fix their faulty product. The light “service shifter” appeared right when I put it into drive then everything went to [XXX].
Power train, Jul 25, 2023
It is my understanding that the PTU systems in Jeep Cherokee latitudes is an ongoing issue with them. If this fails I could lose power of my vehicle, which in my opinion is a safety issue. I found out today that mine is going bad and there isn’t a recall on the 2018 models. This could cost me thousands for an issue that Jeep should’ve fixed with past models that have had the same problems. I bought this vehicle a few years ago with 78,000 miles and it now has around 124,700 miles. I would think if Jeep cared about the customers that are buying these vehicles then they would want to make sure they’re safe. So basically the complaint is that there isn’t a recall on the 2018 models. Please help!!!
Power train, Jun 7, 2023
My Jeep has started to massively consume oil. I can only go roughly 1500-2000 miles before needing to add oil to my vehicle. I’ve taken it into my mechanic’s shop twice and they’ve been unable to fix it. Once was Nov of 2022 where they just did an oil change. I brought it back on Feb 13, 2023 because it was completely dry/devoid of oil and had to be towed to their shop. The car would not turn on due to no oil. They replaced the crankcase ventilation valve to attempt to fix the oil consumption issue and did another oil change. They also advised I bring it to the dealership for the oil consumption issue because there was an open recall on it, which I did on Feb 23, 2023. Chrysler reprogrammed the Powertrain Control Module. Still consumes oil at an alarming rate. My last oil change I had 77,218 miles on my car and I had to add two quarts of oil before my current oil change at 80,700 It was already extremely low at 78,500. My concern is that there’s no telling when it runs outs of oil and it just dies in the middle of traffic. On freeways. In turn lanes. There’s no warning. One second it’s running and the next it’s just DOA despite proper maintenance on the vehicle. That’s dangerous when you’re on a busy freeway like I-45 in Houston at 5pm. Or at a red light and suddenly you have a dead car. Being a week overdue on an oil change is one thing but for it to be bone dry to the point that the vehicle cannot even operate is alarming.
Power train, Jun 6, 2023
Transmission seemed to go into neutral momentarily while driving at highway speed, causing engine to rev and loss of power to drive wheels. Problem occurred on four separate occasions on approximately 300 mile drive. There were no warning lights except a notice that cruise control was automatically turned off on the one occasion that it was active when the failure occurred. I was towing a trailer weighing approximately 3200-3300 lbs. and in semi-manual shift mode in 5th and 6th gear when problem occurred. Vehicle has not yet been taken to dealer.
Power train, Jun 5, 2023
The shifter service came one
Power train, May 16, 2023
Power transfer unit went out. While I was driving lost power to all wheels and luckily I was able to avoid a wreck and have no parking on trans mission.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Engine, Feb 25, 2023
Since the car hit 20,000 miles, the "Service shifter" light will come on randomly. The dealership has had to "replace" the shifter components twice. And now it will come on when you put the car into reverse. This is a faulty part which needs to be replaced.
Power train, Feb 25, 2023
The SERVICE SHIFTER light comes on when the vehicle is put in DRIVE. The first time it happened was about 1 year after purchase (March 2019). I found out there was a recall for a part (the bezel on the shifter) associated with this and the dealer replaced it. Now the SERIVCE SHIFTER light is coming on EVERY time the car is used(at least this week)--when I back out of the driveway and shift to DRIVE. I called the dealership and they told me that most of the time, turning the car off and restarting it will clear the problem. It hasn't and I asked what they can do to fix it. They told me to bring the car in for a $200 computer diagnosis and they will go from there. I have only owned the car for a couple months shy of 5 yrs and it only has 35,000 miles on it. I informed them that since it is part of the POWER TRAIN it should be covered under warranty--they told me it's not. This is also a known problem with this year and model. I would like for JEEP to stand by their product and remedy the problem at no cost. Our household also owns a 2017 Jeep Cherokee and has NEVER had any issues with it.