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: service brakes
36 reports, newest first. Show all
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Structure, Jul 9, 2026
The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at 25–30 MPH on the highway, the brakes locked up, and the vehicle failed to move. The "Service Brakes" message illuminated on the instrument panel after the failure. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V523000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the electronic brake module had failed due to water intrusion and corrosion. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 102,000.
Electrical system, Service brakes, May 11, 2026
while i was driving my vehicle put the parking brake on and then i was unable to get it deactivated at first, after a few seconds i got it and moved forward in traffic. after a few feet the vehicle put the parking brake on and i was unable to move once again. this was in the middle of traffic and i ended up blocking the single lane road. I called a family member who was near by and they came and some how got the parking brake off and drove me and the vehicle home. my safety and everyone one around safety was jeopardized because they had to go into oncoming traffics lane to pass me until i got moving. parking wouldn't engage when we got home and service parking brake light was on.
Service brakes, Jan 6, 2026
Less than 57,000 miles on vehicle. January 3, 2026. Parking brake engaged and froze. Interrupted driving. Got vehicle home. "Service Brake" came on. Attempted all recommended actions to disengage Parking Brake. Parking Brake continued engagement and the Vehicle cannot be driven.
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.
Service brakes, Aug 24, 2024
The brakes are locked up and will not disengage one week after coming home from the store in the rain. I was lucky enough to have it parked in my garage when I found out. I had a mobile mechanic look it over and I was told that the electronic brake control module needs to be replaced. The vehicle only has a little over 8,000 miles on it so far. I attached a picture of the part and a screenshot of the email stating what has to be done to repair the problem.
Service brakes, Jun 13, 2024
Doing some investigation into this vehicle, it revealed that the current design of the rear compartment does not provide adequate protection against water intrusion. There are several points of entry through which water can seep into the electronic components, including the improperly sealed connector to the EPB. Furthermore, similar incidents involving the same make, model, and manufacturing year indicated that this is not an isolated problem. Numerous reports from owners of 2018 Jeep Cherokee have surfaced, describing similar cases of water damage leading to the malfunction of the electronic emergency brake. This suggests that there is a systemic manufacturing defect that needs to be urgently addressed. The implications of these malfunctions are significant. Not only does this defect render the vehicle immobile, but it also poses a serious safety risk to the driver and other road users. In both the March 2023 and June 2024 incidents, the affected vehicles were stranded in traffic, creating a potential hazard and increasing the likelihood of accidents. It is evident that this issue has the potential to cause harm and must be addressed without delay. Given the recurring nature of this problem and the severity of its consequences, immediate action is imperative. It is crucial that the manufacturing company identify and implement a solution that effectively prevents intrusion into the rear compartment by implementing alternative waterproofing measures. Additionally, it is essential for the company to take responsibility for the vehicles already affected by this defect. Adequate compensation and rectification measures should be provided to the affected owners. This could include financial reimbursement for as well as a recall and systematic examination of all vehicles manufactured during the same period to identify and resolve any potential issues before they escalate.The implications of these malfunctions pose serious safety risks and demand immediate attention.
Service brakes, May 13, 2024
[XXX] noticed parking brake was engaged and (P!) warning light was on, I had not turned parking brake on. I pushed brake pedal and parking brake to disengage. Next day it was on again when I started car. I went to repair shop and they added brake fluid, the warning light stayed on. When home I went to repair shop Wednesday [XXX] but when they checked it hours later the light was off and brake fluid was full so we thought the warning light reset. Next day while driving warning chime sounded and (P!) Warning Light came back on and stayed on. Friday [XXX] took it back to repair shop and they said had to take car to a Jeep dealer. Monday [XXX] made appointment and took car for hand car wash, after the wash the Red BRAKE light was flashing and the mileage was also flashing. Did not drive until my appointment on [XXX] Marino Jeep, in Chicago. Marino Jeep called me stating water leaked into control module and caused corrosion to the brake system. I will have an invoice in a week after parts come in to complete the repair. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Electrical system, Service brakes, Jan 7, 2024
The trunk has leaks coming in. It happened 1 year ago and it is now happening again. Last year jeep charged me almost 4 thousand dollars to replace the computer system because of a leak coming in and shorting the wires. It took 3 months for them to fix. I now see a similar issue was recalled in a year previous model of my car.
Electrical system, Service brakes, Engine, Jan 4, 2024
Service shifter notification comes on, all lights on shifter light up. I’ve had it “fixed” 2 times under warranty and it continues to do it. Owned since 2017 and this has happened more times than I can remember. Dealership has little answers. Eventually car will begin sputtering, all service lights come on, you lose control of brakes and steering and have to pull over. Turn off, take key out, open door. Let it sit. Turn back on and typically will drive fine until the next time. All supposedly related to service shifter.
Service brakes, Forward collision avoidance, Dec 15, 2023
Braking system engaged while driving at ~40mph. Emergency brake also appeared to engage. Once completely stopped, vehicle brakes were locked up and vehicle had to be hauled for service.
Service brakes, Dec 9, 2023
My 2018 jeep Cherokee emergency park and brake got stuck and wouldn’t release and I had to take it back to the dealer ship I got it from . We repaired it 11/20/2023 at classic Chrysler in NC had to wait almost 2 weeks because they had to order a part in . They replaced the parking brake switch/module. And it’s about 2 weeks later And the same issue is happening again .
Service brakes, Oct 16, 2023
I see no open recalls on this issue however I did find a class action lawsuit related to this issue. My emergency (Parking) brake engaged and will not disengage. I stopped to get gas yesterday and upon re-entering the vehicle two lights appeared, the service parking brake message appeared on the screen along with the brake light. The car would not move the brakes would not disengage. Several attempts to press the switch to turn off the parking brake failed. I sat for 5 hours at a gas station waiting for AAA to find me a tow truck to get home. They were unable to locate a tow because of the need to dolly the vehicle because of the engaged parking brake. A friend came to assist me and after several thousand tries the parking brake disengaged. He followed me home (5 miles). This morning I attempted to take the car in for service as the warning lights were still on the dash. The parking brake is again on and will not disengage.
Service brakes, Oct 2, 2023
Water is leaking from body seems and shorting out parking module. It has happened twice.
Service brakes, Aug 28, 2023
On two different occasions I was stopped at a red light with my foot firmly on the brake, and the car all of a sudden started moving forward. This caused me to barely be able to stop before hitting another vehicle. My foot was still on the brake even though the car was moving forward.
Service brakes, Forward collision avoidance, Aug 15, 2023
The right side emergency brake engauged on its own after stopping had to reset the emergency brake to move again
Service brakes, Nov 4, 2022
The electronic parking brake module failed due to corrosion and moisture in the rear driver side inner wheel well where it is mounted causing my parking brake to become stuck thus making the car undriveable. I had to have the car towed to my nearest repair shop, where it sat for 4 weeks due to part back order from dealer. I have had the module replaced and the computer reprogrammed which worked temporarily until the parking brake was engaged again by driving with the door slightly open and the problem came back. It is currently parked in my own driveway unusable.
Service brakes, Forward collision avoidance, Oct 19, 2022
On several separate occasions my automatic parking brake engaged without me engaging it. It will engage and will not disengage unless car is restarted. On one occasion I was travelling approximately 20 mph when the brake engage and caused the car to stall. The most recent occasion I was unable to disengage the parking brake and had to have the vehicle towed to the dealer. The dealer believes the issue is related to the EPB Module in the rear left side of the vehicle. Water has been leaking into the trunk and corroded the module and connector. I believe this is related to NHTSA investigation number PE 22-009. A technical service bulletin was issued related to this issue and it appears to be a widespread issue with this make/model.
Service brakes, Oct 12, 2022
Brake module system in rear left panel got submerged in water and corroded. Ultimately, leaving us with a locked parking brake that we can't disengage.
Service brakes, Sep 20, 2022
While driving down a major highway with speed around 55mph on a busy Friday afternoon, my check engine light came on, which caused my abs light, my traction light, and also my parking brake light to come on. I took the vehicle to the dealer on the 12th, and was told my brakes were fine, I only have 25000 miles on the vehicle at this time. After doing a diagnostic test no code was shown for why the lights are on. I was told to bring the vehicle back so they can perform a full check, which will take perhaps overnight, which is more money for a rental car, because I live over an hour from them, plus a deductible on my warranty. I noticed on reviews for 2018 and 2019 jeep latitudes several owners were having the same problems and I am wondering why there is not a recall on it. Several owners stated their car stopped in traffic, but mine did not. Please let me know if any of my expense will be covered if there is a solution to this issue from other owners' complaints. The vehicle has not been repaired yet. Thank You
Service brakes, Jul 27, 2022
while driving at about 50 miles per hour the emergency brake alarms along with several other alarms on dash came on. This happened one time before and car was service and a part replaced to correct the problem. This is less than 1000 miles before this incident.
Service brakes, Forward collision avoidance, Nov 3, 2021
The parking brake pops on when I'm driving done the road!!! Often times when I start my car and put my car in Reverse or Drive and remove my foot from the brake the parking brake pops on and I start sliding down the road until my car stops!!! The major issue is when I was driving down a HWY at 37MPH no on coming traffic or no traffic behind me thankfully my parking brake engages and I fly into the steering wheel with a seat belt on and thankfully my 5 year old was fully bucked into his car seat and left unharmed!!! Although what if my Jeep does this with other vehicles around??? It's a super big safety and hazard!!! I won't ever purchase another Jeep!!
Vehicle speed control, Service brakes, Fuel/propulsion system, May 15, 2021
I WAS DRIVING ON THE CITY STREET COMING TO A STOP SIGN. I STOPPED AT THE STOP SIGN AND WHEN I WENT TO PULL OUT, THE CAR SLOWED DOWN, PUTTERED AND THE ACCELERATED MORE THAN I GAVE IT GAS TO. THEN I GO TO THE GAS STATION & PULLIN INTO THE PARKING LOT, THE PARKING LOT HAS SOMEWHAT OF A STEEP INCLINE, WHEN I GO TO PULL IN, THE CAR PUTTERED AND THE DIES . AND THATS WHEN THE SERVICE SHIFTER CAME ON . I FOLLOWED THE DIRECTIONS OF THE SERVICE SHIFTER BUT THAT DIDNT WORK. I TURNED THE CAR OFF AND ON, IT STARTED UP FINE AND THE SERVICE SHIFTER TURNED OFF.
Suspension, Electrical system, Service brakes, Apr 4, 2021
WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AND THE PARKING BREAK CAME ON AND WOULD NOT RELEASE.
Steering, Electrical system, Service brakes, Feb 24, 2021
WHILE DRIVING ABS, CHECK ENGINE, PARKING BRAKE LIGHT UP. BRAKES START TO SHAKE LIKE IF A TIRE IS SLIPPING BUT ITS NOT. STEERING WHEEL GETS STIFF. TRANSMISSION SHIFTS VERY HARD, ALL SYMPTOMS GO AWAY IF THE CAR IS WARM SOMETIMES. ITS IMPOSSIBLE TO PREDICT WHEN IT WILL START DOING ALL OF THESE SYMPTOMS AT ONCE. WE HAVE NOT TAKEN THE VEHICLE UP TO HIGH SPEEDS UNTIL WE TAKE IT TO GET CHECKED OUT BY THE DEALER.
Other or unspecified, Electronic stability control (ESC), Service brakes, Sep 28, 2020
AFTER GETTING MY JEEP WORKED ON AT CROWN JEEP OF CHATTANOOGA FOR MY DASH BOARD SAYING 'SHIFTER SERVICE' THEY REPLACED MY SHIFTER BEZEL CLAIMING THAT WAS ALL THAT WAS WRONG WITH IT. THIS IS AFTER MY JEEP THREE THE EBRAKE IN WHILE GOING 65 DOWN A HIGHWAY. TONIGHT 9/28/2020 WHILE BACKING OUT MY DRIVEWAY MY JEEP THREW THE EBRAKE ON ITSELF AGAIN. THEN DID IT WHILE GOING IN TOWARD AT 35 MPH. CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP NEEDS TO BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE FOR THEIR MISTAKES IN THEIR CARS