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: vehicle speed control
20 reports, newest first. Show all
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Mar 3, 2026
Hi I bought a Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk 2018 at GM Motors (Old Bridge), I have on open recall and I take it to the dealer, Jeep Dodge Chrysler located at Bloomfiel, I talked to Tony the supervisor and they refused to fix it,this incident happened last July he told me come back in 6 months so in December when I get there he told me they have a lot of work call them in January, and when I call them last month they told me this recall have been released that was a lie, he told me any Jeep Dodge Chrysler have this part anywhere in the country, I said Oky I can try to get it I don’t have to pay for the installation he said no cause the part should from Chrysler, when I didn’t know yet if it was a recall whe I saw the light 4wd SVC coming up on my dash board he tried to charge me 1300$ for a recall they should repair for free
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Nov 4, 2025
Due to the unresolved recall I have experienced alot of issues. The most terrifying is the loss of power, my jeep has just stopped moving sometimes allowing me to het to 30 mph but no more. This has happened to me 3x all of which were on the highway. I no longer have use of my 4wd, which is extremely frustrating since it was the only reason I purchased this vehicle. It has released itself from the parking position. And my "service shifter" light it constantly on. I did put my car in the shop over a year ago they "fixed" it, unfortunately it broke shortly after since it is a recalled part.
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Apr 29, 2025
While driving my vehicle, the vehicle suddenly stopped accelerating. I pulled over and when I put it into park it felt like it was the transmission. However, I had the transmission inspected and there were no issues. Prior to the happening the "service 4WD" light kept coming on. After the incident, the vehicle could not be driven over 45mph, the steering was so stiff I could hardly turn it, and every time I put the vehicle into drive or park it would feel like the transmission was about to drop.
Suspension, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Jun 23, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start. The contact placed the gear shifter in the park and the restart message was displayed. While driving at unknown speeds, the vehicle failed to accelerate as needed. While making a turn, the vehicle was difficult to steer. Additionally, the key fob was inoperable. There was an abnormal rattling sound detected. While driving, the vehicle was swaying. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were flashing. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that a wiring harness was loosened. The vehicle was repaired but the failure persisted. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Dec 20, 2022
I believe TSB 08-054-18 does not take seriously enough the danger of an automatic car shutting off mid drive. Only by luck did I avoid being hit on a small road. This has happened pretty much every year of owning the car but I thought it was a fuel/oil issue related to weather until the shifter messages popped up this year.
Vehicle speed control, Aug 4, 2021
While engaged in cruise control at 63mph, going up a hill, upon desending hill car unexpectedly starts to down shift and accelerate to 70+ before I disengage cruise control through brake pedal usage. This has happened repeatedly while desending hills in a mountain terrian area, Does not repeat while driving on flat roads.
Air bags, Vehicle speed control, Jul 16, 2021
Service shifter light on and air bag light on
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.
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Dec 23, 2020
SERVICE SHIFTER LIGHT, R,P,N,D, ALL LIGHTS TURN RED. HAPPENED MONTHS AGO AT 36,300 MILES, DIDN'T HAPPEN FOR A MONTH THEN CAME BACK. NOW COMES ON EVERY COUPLE WEEKS, SOMETIMES MULTIPLE TIMES IN A ROW. TURN CAR OFF AND BACK ON THE LIGHTS GO OFF. HAPPENS AT INTIAL START UP AND WHILE DRIVING.
Vehicle speed control, Electronic stability control (ESC), Engine, Jul 27, 2020
WHILE DRIVING, THE VEHICLE SHUTS DOWN, I LOST ALL CONTROL. A MESSAGE POPPED UP THAT SAID 'APPLY BRAKE AND PUT IN PARK OR NEUTRAL' THE ENGINE SLOWLY LOST ALL ACCELERATION AND CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP. THE CAR BEEPS AND SAID 'LOW BATTERY' BUT ALL LIGHTS AND VOLTAGE READING WAS COMPLETELY NORMAL. I TURNED CAR OFF, RESTARTED CAR, AND IT WAS FINE, I DRIVE IT ANOTHER 100 METERS AND IT REPEATS THIS EXACT CYCLE ALL THE WAY HOME.
Vehicle speed control, Electronic stability control (ESC), Engine, Jun 18, 2020
AS DRIVING VEHICLE SHUTS DOWN LOOSE ALL CONTROL. MESSAGE POPS UP THAT SAYS. APPLY BRAKE AND PUT IN PARK OR NEUTRAL. ENGINE SHUTS DOWN. IN MOTION ON HIGHWAY. VERY DANGEROUS. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Other or unspecified, Jan 31, 2020
THE JEEP COMES WITH THE FEATURE OF WHEN U COME TO A STOP SIGN OR STOP FOR ANY TIME THE MOTOR SHUTS OFF AND RESUMES WHEN THE GAS PEDAL IS PRESSED. MY WIFE VEHICLE'S HAD A EXCLAMATION POINT LIGHT COME ON SO SHE TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY PUT IT ON A COMPUTER AND FOUND NOTHING WRONG. THAT'S SAME VERY NIGHT SHE WAS DRIVING AND SUDDENLY HER MOTOR JUST SHUTS OFF AL.OST CAUSING A ACCIDENT. SHE HAD TO PULL OFF THE ROAD AND AFTER MULTIPLE TRIES OF TURNING THE KEY ON AND OFF IT FINALLY RESTARTED
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Other or unspecified, Sep 24, 2019
SINCE ABOUT 18K MILES ON VEHICLE I HAVE BEEN REPORTING ISSUES WITH THE SHIFTING, TRANSMISSION. NOW THAT THE VEHICLE IS NOT UNDER WARRANTY THEY SUDDENLY THINK THEY KNOW WHAT WILL FIX IT. BUT I NOW HAVE TO PAY ALMOST $800 TO GET IT FIXED.
Vehicle speed control, Engine, Jun 19, 2019
THE LIGHT TURNED GREEN AT AN INTERSECTION. THE VEHICLE WAS IN DRIVE, I PRESSED THE GAS AND THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT RESPOND. WHEN IT DID RESPOND THE VEHICLE JERKED INTO GEAR AND RPM'S ROSE QUICKLY.
Vehicle speed control, Nov 26, 2018
SERVICE SHIFTER LIGHT CAME ON.. 2 DAYS LATER CAR TURNED OFF WHILE IN DRIVING SAYING CHANGE GEAR BUT I WAS CURRENTLY IN THE CORRECT GEAR . VERY DANGEROUS I WAS DROPPING MY SON OFF TOO SCHOOL AND CAR STOPED IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC
Steering, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Oct 28, 2018
WHILE IN MOTION WITH CRUISE CONTROL SET AT 65 MPH THE TRANSMISSION JERKED TWICE AND THE ENGINE REVVED UP AND AS IF IT WAS IN NEUTRAL, STAYED THAT WAY AS IF THE ACCELERATOR WAS STUCK. I HIT MY BRAKES BECAUSE WE WAS LOSING SPEED AND WHEN STOPPED I TRIED TO PUT IN PARK BUT IT SOUNDED AS IF GEARS WAS GRI. DING I HAD TO SHUT OFF THE JEEP TO MAKE IT STOP REVVING. I WAS IN THE MIDDLE OF THE 4 LANE AND COULD ONLY SHIFT TO NEUTRAL AND ROW BACKWARDS INTO THE MEDIAN. I WAS UNABLE TO PUT BACK IN DRIVE WITH PUT GEARS GRINDING. I HAD BEEN DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MINS AT A SPEED OF 60-70 WHEN THIS HAPPENED. NO WARNING LIGHTS AND NOTHING ON THE DASH AT TIME OF ISSUE.
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Jun 15, 2018
CRUISE CONTROL KEEPS COMING ON AND OFF. 2.4ML ENGINE STALLS A LOT HARD TO STOP CAR WITH CRUISE CONTROL ON AND IT'S GOES IN AND OUT ON ITS OWN
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Engine, May 26, 2018
FIRST STARTED WITH JERKING AS YOU'RE DRIVING AT ONE TIME WE WERE AT A STOPLIGHT AS AND IT THE CAR JUST WANTED TO TAKE OFF BY ITSELF AND WE ALMOST GOT INTO A CAR ACCIDENT THE CAR IS ALWAYS LOW ON OIL I MEAN WE BOUGHT THE CAR WITH 3 MILES WITHIN WEEKS IT WOULD ACTUALLY HAD NO OIL MY HUSBAND THOUGHT OUT MAYBE THE MANUFACTURER JUST DIDN'T FILL IT UP ALL THE WAY BY MISTAKE DIDN'T CHECK IT OUT SO HE WENT AND PURCHASED WILL PUT OIL IN IT TWO WEEKS LATER TOOK IT FOR AN OIL CHANGE AND WE ALREADY A QUART LOW CAR WASTE IS GAS LIKE CRAZY WE ARE CONSTANTLY FILLING UP EVERY 2 DAYS AND THEN CAR DOESN'T REALLY GO ANYWHERE BUT FROM WHAT 15 MILES A DAY ON OUR WAY TO KANSAS SO WE WERE COMING TO A CURVE AND MY HUSBAND TRY TO HIT THE BRAKES AND THE CAR DID NOT BREAK IT ACTUALLY ACCELERATED AND HE HAD TO PUT THE CAR IN NEUTRAL AS HE WAS DRIVING JUST TO SLOW IT DOWN TO AVOID GETTING INTO AN ACCIDENT I MEAN WE'VE ALWAYS HAD TROUBLE WITH THIS CAR SINCE DAY ONE I BOUGHT THE CAR IN OCTOBER AND WE'VE HAD MULTIPLE ISSUES THEN I HEAR RECALL ABOUT A HOSE FOR THE GAS LINE THAT WE'RE GOING TO HAVE TO TAKE IT IN FOR SOMETHING DEFINITELY WRONG WITH THESE CARS
Vehicle speed control, Apr 24, 2018
I GOT ON I-95 FROM THE LANTANA EXIT HEADING WEST AND I NOTICED THAT THE DASHBOARD SPEEDOMETER ACCELERATED TO 119 MILE PER HOUR BUT THE VEHICLE ITSELF WAS NOT MOVING AT THAT SPEED. I EXITED TWO EXIT'S LATER ONTO GATEWAY BLVD AND THE DASHBOARD SPEEDOMETER WAS STILL SHOWING THAT I WAS GOING AT A DANGEROUS SPEED THAN I WAS ACTUALLY GOING. I CALLED SCHUMACHER DELRAY WHERE I NOW LEASE THE VEHICLE FROM AND I WAS GIVEN AN APPOINTMENT FOR FRIDAY 4/27/2018. I ALSO EMAILED THE MANAGER KEN CADMENS AND EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR SAL DELGRECO AND I AM STILL AWAITING A RESPONSE. I OBTAINED THIS VEHICLE APPROXIMATELY ONE MONTH AGO WHERE I GAVE BACK A 2016 JEEP PATRIOT WHICH HAD DANGEROUS WHEEL BEARING ISSUES THAT CAUSED THE TIRES TO WEAR AS THOUGH THEY WERE 10 YEARS OLD. ABOUT (3)THREE WEEKS AFTER, LEASING THIS NEW 2018 JEEP CHEROKEE ON MARCH 14, 2018, I WAS INFORMED THROUGH CREDIT KARMA THAT MY 2018 JEEP CHEROKEE MAY (NOT FOR CERTAIN) HAVE DANGEROUS SAFETY ISSUES THAT CAN CAUSE A CRASH AND FATALITY AND THAT I SHOULD GET IT CHECKED OUT. I CONTACTED THE SAME TWO ABOVE INDIVIDUALS PREVIOUSLY MENTIONED IMMEDIATELY BY EMAIL TO INQUIRE ABOUT THIS CREDIT KARMA REPORT REGARDING THE VEHICLE SAFETY. HOWEVER, TO DATE APRIL 24, 2018 THEY NOR ANYONE ELSE HAS GOTTEN BACK TO ME. FAST FORWARD TO TODAY, I AM NOW BEGINNING TO HAVE THIS SERIOUS PROBLEM OF AN EXCESSIVE SPEED READING OF THE VEHICLE SPEEDOMETER SHOWING ON THE DASHBOARD. I CAN ONLY HOPE AND PRAY THAT THE VEHICLE DOES NOT ACCELERATE IT SELF TO THE ACTUAL EXCESSIVE SPEEDS THAT IT IS SHOWING ON THE DASHBOARD.
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Other or unspecified, Feb 14, 2018
GOING 65 IN THE HIGHWAY IN THE MIDDLE LANE, THE PARK ASSIST SUDDENLY KICKED IN WITHOUT WARNING AND SHIFTED THE VEHICLE INTO NEUTRAL. AFTER DRIFTING TO THE SHOULDER, THE CAR WOULD NOT ENGAGE INTO DRIVE AGAIN. THE CAR IS LESS THAN A MONTH OLD.