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: other or unspecified
173 reports, newest first. Show all
Power train, Other or unspecified, Sep 3, 2026
My 2018 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk is subject to FCA Recall 01C/NHTSA 25V-011 for two-speed PTU failure. I have experienced 3 serious drivetrain events requiring towing. In April 2024, before the recall was announced, the vehicle suddenly lost acceleration while entering an interstate/on-ramp, with loud grinding/revving and jerking. An independent repair facility replaced the transmission. On May 18, 2026, another drivetrain failure occurred. An authorized Jeep dealer confirmed PTU failure and performed Recall 01C. Dealer records state the PTU had “MAJOR INTERNAL DAMAGE” and document damage at the PTU/transmission interface, including a transmission-side stub shaft and damage/scored gears attributed to the old PTU gear. The vehicle remained at the dealer until approximately August 7. About 2 weeks later, the Service 4WD warning appeared, followed by loud drivetrain noise, jerking and severe loss of propulsion. The vehicle also rolled backward while in PARK unless the parking brake was applied and required another tow. The dealer diagnosed a failed left-front CV axle/halfshaft and attributes it to progressive wear, unrelated to the PTU repair. I am not claiming the PTU caused the axle failure; I am asking NHTSA to evaluate the timing and repeated loss-of-propulsion/PARK events. Additionally, the dealer performed a multipoint inspection about one week before the axle failure that marked the CV drive axle category as passing. As of Sept. 2, 2026, BOTH NHTSA and FCA/Mopar systems still listed Recall 01C as incomplete/unrepaired despite the dealer having performed the recall repair. I request review of these repeated safety failures, the recall remedy, and the continued incomplete recall status.
Other or unspecified, May 14, 2026
I am writing to escalate a safety and reimbursement concern regarding my 2018 Jeep Cherokee, VIN [Your VIN], which is subject to recall 01C / 25V‑011 (Power Transfer Unit Snap Ring Defect). Before the recall remedy was available, my vehicle experienced a sudden loss of drive power, grinding, and jerking, which led to a full transmission replacement. I was stranded on the side of an interstate ramp as a result of this loss of drive power. The PTU was not replaced and remains original. I now intermittently receive a “4WD won’t work” alert 65-80% of vehicle starts. I attempted to schedule my vehicle for the recall repair and spoke in length with the Jeep dealership in [XXX] on 2/23/26. The dealership has informed me that PTU replacement parts are unavailable and could take months to arrive. If the dealership detects a concern during inspection, they will not allow me to keep the vehicle, yet they cannot provide a loaner. This leaves me without transportation for an indefinite period, despite the recall being an active safety concern. It is important to note that the PTU is directly connected to the transmission and transfers power to the rear wheels; a PTU failure can place stress on or impair the transmission, which can cause symptoms identical to sudden transmission failure. I request escalation to a senior case manager or Tier 2 Top Car Specialist, review of my prior repair for reimbursement, and documentation of the ongoing 4WD alerts to support safety and claim review. Attachments: repair receipt. Thank you for your time, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Other or unspecified, Feb 23, 2026
Have 1 safety recall, have taken to jeep dealer and they have confirmed PTU not working light on dash is valid and 4x4 is not working, but they will not order new PTU. Jeep has not offered loaner vehicle or to buy back vehicle that is a lemon! It has been over a year since recall was issued without any results!
Other or unspecified, Jan 4, 2026
The vehicle is experiencing a malfunction involving the Power Transfer Unit (PTU), which is currently subject to an open safety recall. The vehicle has developed severe drivability issues consistent with PTU failure. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. This condition places my safety and the satety of others at risk because the PTU defect can result in loss of drive power and/or failure of the vehicle to remain securely in park, increasing the risk of a crash or unintended vehicle movement. I contacted an authorized Jeep dealership to schedule service for the safety recall. When I presented the vehicle for the recall appointment, I was informed that no remedy was available and the vehicle was not inspected. As a result, the problem has not yet been confirmed through a full dealership inspection. The vehicle has not been inspected by the manufacturer, law enforcement, or insurance representatives. Prior to seeking recall service, the vehicle exhibited drivability symptoms consistent with PTU malfunction, including: loss of drive power while moving, the Electronic Stability Control light appearing, consistent and loud shaking/clanking of the vehicle while driving, which becomes incredibly severe with speed, preventing me from driving on the interstate. These symptoms prompted me to schedule the recall appointment. I was turned away without inspection due to the lack of an available remedy.
Other or unspecified, Dec 16, 2025
My PTU actuator has failed on my Jeep. I know there is a recall for the two-speed actuator and mine is a single speed, but I have the fact same failure and think my vehicle should also be recalled. I have had many issues that I have paid out of pocket for parts failing in my Jeep that are common problems with jeeps and always recalled except mine. It makes no sense to me. How can I have all the same failures but not qualify?
Other or unspecified, Nov 24, 2025
PTU/Power transfer unit issues
Steering, Power train, Other or unspecified, Sep 24, 2025
Regarding Recall Transport Canada Recall 2025-012, also known as Safety Recall 01C and NHTSA ID Number: 25V011000 My Jeep has the service 4WD message displayed on the dash along with the noise/vibration/grinding as described in the same recall for other Jeeps for my model year. I'm not sure if this recall needs to be expanded but I'm curious to know what the process looks like as my problem is identical to the other Jeeps effected by this recall but my Jeep isn't listed.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Sep 16, 2025
I own a Jeep Cherokee 2018 ( [XXX] ) it has less then 60k miles on it. The dashboard recently - 4WD System unavailable" lit up and remains lit. I took to non dealer for diagnosis- stated it is a known issue in Jeep Cherokee, transfer case internal failure. I verified online there is a recall for faulty power transfer (25V011000.) but my VIN is not reflected. I believe my Vin should be included in the recall and was omitted. What can I do to have it reviewed and added to the recall list? I app;reciate your assistance. Thank you!!! [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Electrical system, Air bags, Other or unspecified, Sep 10, 2025
Service shifter light is on been on for a long time. When driving it takes a min to pick up speed . My dash said that there is something wrong with my air bag.
Other or unspecified, Sep 6, 2025
Received notification of a recall for my jeep called and they stated that there is no fix but if something happens while I’m driving that jeep would have to consume the cost this is unacceptable! This was 3/15/25 still no fix
Other or unspecified, Sep 5, 2025
My Jeep Cherokee is under NHTSA Recall 25V-011 / Manufacturer Recall 01C for a defect in the Power Transfer Unit (PTU) that can cause sudden loss of power while driving or loss of PARK while stationary, both posing crash risks. The recall was issued in January 2025 and as of September 2025 the remedy is still not available. The defect has not been inspected or confirmed by a dealer since FCA/Stellantis has not released the fix.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Aug 30, 2025
Vehicle: 2018 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk VIN: [XXX] Recall: Manufacturer #01C / NHTSA #25V-011 Complaint: On January 16, 2025, FCA US (Stellantis/Jeep) issued a recall (01C, NHTSA 25V-011) for 2017–2019 Jeep Cherokee vehicles due to improperly seated input shaft snap rings in the Power Transfer Unit (PTU). The recall summary itself acknowledges that this defect can cause uncontrolled input shaft movement, spline damage, and/or range fork damage, leading to loss of motive power while driving or loss of PARK function while stationary — both creating a serious crash and injury risk. The recall notice states that the remedy will be a reprogramming of the Drivetrain Control Module (DTCM) with software to detect excessive wear and replace the PTU if needed, along with a warranty extension. However, as of this filing, the recall status for my vehicle remains “Incomplete, Remedy Not Yet Available.” Owners are being left to drive vehicles with a known risk of sudden power loss or loss of PARK, and Stellantis has failed to provide a timeline for the remedy, a loaner vehicle, or interim safety protections. This constitutes an unreasonable delay in providing a remedy to a recognized safety defect under 49 U.S.C. Chapter 301. I request NHTSA investigate Stellantis for failing to make the remedy available in a timely manner, and to compel the manufacturer to expedite corrective action. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Other or unspecified, Forward collision avoidance, Aug 17, 2025
Service Shifter warning light comes on
Other or unspecified, Jul 30, 2025
My 2018 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk (VIN: [XXX] ) is affected by safety recall NHTSA #25V-011 (Recall #01C – 2017-2019 KL Two Speed PTU Failure). The recall was issued on 01/23/2025, but Jeep/Stellantis has not provided a remedy or timeline for repair. This issue poses a serious safety risk, and the manufacturer’s failure to supply a remedy in a timely manner is unacceptable. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate and require the manufacturer to provide an immediate fix or interim solution. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Other or unspecified, May 27, 2025
We received the warning light "Service 4WD" on May 21, 2025. Our mechanic scanned it on May 27, 2025 and got code C14A7-97 which is for the PTU. This problem has been recalled on certain 2017-2019 Jeep Cherokee's but our 2018 vehicle is not included in the recall, even though we are experiencing the exact same issue as the recalled vehicles. According to reports this issue can cause a loss of power and cause the vehicle to crash without warning. The NHTSA recall number is 25V011000.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Apr 8, 2025
Jeeps are currently recalled for PTU for 2017-2019 models. Symptoms in clude "Service 4WD" message on the dashboard, unusual noises, vibrations, or changes in how vehicle drive. My Jeep is a 2018. I am not sure why my VIN is registering as 0 recalls. My Jeep is stopping in mid drive. It has stopped on the expressway and street. This is dangerous.
Other or unspecified, Apr 4, 2025
At this time, the manufacture is unable to remedy the recall issues for the 2018 Jeep Cherokee that could affect the safety of the vehicle.
Other or unspecified, Mar 17, 2025
I started noticing a knocking, vibrating sound as I accelerated. I took it to several places, and they couldn’t figure it out. Then, last Saturday, I was driving on the interstate, and completely lost power. I was stranded with no shoulder to go to. I tried to put it in park, and it almost rolled away. I took it to a Jeep dealer, and they told me it was the ptu, which they can’t do anything with because there is no fix. I am stranded with no vehicle. I offered to pay out of pocket for the repair, but there is no repair.
Other or unspecified, Feb 5, 2025
Vehicle stalls when driving, will start moving again when put into park and then back into drive
Other or unspecified, Feb 1, 2025
4wd service message pops up and the car shuts on and off while driving I thought it was the battery so I replaced and the problems stop but the problems came back
Structure, Other or unspecified, Jan 29, 2025
In early 2021, the doorhandle on the driver's side of my car froze in minimal snow/freezing rain. The electronics in the doorhandle were corrupted, and broke. This cause a short in the system, making my car lock and unlock itself uncontrolled, thereby draining the battery. The car could not be jumpstarted for this reason because the battery was perpetually drained. It required being towed, and the remedy took several months. This is completely unreasonable, for a small freeze to totally "brick" an off-road vehicle because of a doorhandle issue.
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.
Other or unspecified, Oct 20, 2024
i took my jeep in august 2024 to repair a recall (W20) pcm a month later i started experiencing stalling. engine will start fine but after while driving car will stall. almost got hit from behind one of the times. car will stall in traffic and no restart itself sometimes. other times it quickly restarts and feels fine. i got an oil change today. but stil having the issue.
Other or unspecified, Oct 18, 2024
Vehicle keeps having the service shifter light come on with all of the "PRDN" lights turning red. I have to quickly try and get off of the road and see if I can get my car into "Park" and then turn the car off, let it sit for a few minutes and then turn the car back on. There is not a recall on this, but I can see that a lot of people with this same type of vehicle and same year have had this issue. The shifter wiring is faulty and also needs updates or else this can cause the vehicle to completely turn off while driving which could in turn cause an accident.
Suspension, Other or unspecified, Jul 30, 2024
A week ago, I went to my local garage that I trust for a completely different reason than I ended up leaving with. I have a 2018 Jeep Cherokee. I have less than 62,500 miles on this vehicle. I do not tow anything. I do not go off road. I do not ride down trails or do anything out of the ordinary. I live in the Boston area. What I found when I was at the garage was an issue that the garage couldn't fix. I needed a rear differential unit replace. Jeep discontinued the Jeep Cherokee this year. What a coincidence because the differential unit isn't available. It's been on back order all year based on what I see online. I spoke to someone at a service department today. He told me it has been on back order, there are 150 ish that have been requested. There are 8 ready for deployment in July. So I will have 140+ people ahead of me for this thing that doesn't exist on a vehicle they no longer make. Today I went to a Jeep dealership and they looked at the unit and said at some point it's going to break and I'll lose control of my vehicle. They've seen this issue in the past and its not pretty and told me I should trade it in immediately. I have a vehicle with 62,500 miles that is essentially totaled . It will become inoperable in a matter of months, if not weeks. Even if they get the part, they told me it would be $3,500 for the part, plus another $1,500 for labor, plus likely the axle needs to be replaced, plus another part and it's likely $8,000 to fix it all. And it could be 6-12 months before they can fix it. I get it, it's sexy to chase the airlines. The headlines are great. Vehicles is another story. That's not a sexy storyline. But Jeep is taking someone who FINALLY paid off this vehicle this month and is forcing me to buy a new vehicle. I don't get to use insurance on my totaled vehicle. Jeep is forcing me into trading this vehicle in by not producing parts. Vehicle was inspected today. No warning lamps. It was found by mistake.