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2018 Jeep Cherokee problems, recalls and owner complaints
What the 2018 Jeep Cherokee has been recalled for, how often it fails the UK MOT and what owners report, from official government data. Updated October 25, 2026.
- 7safety recalls
- 688owner complaints
- 11crash reports
- 5fire reports
- 15%fail the UK MOT
688 complaints, against an average of 943 for the other 10 Jeep Cherokee model years.
Every Jeep Cherokee model year with its number of owner complaints. Pick a year to compare.
What goes wrong with the 2018 Jeep Cherokee?
The components named most often in the 688 owner complaints. One complaint can name several, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.
What symptoms do 2018 Jeep Cherokee owners describe?
Found by reading the text of all 688 owner complaints. Tap a symptom for the answer, a real owner quote and any related recall.
Has the 2018 Jeep Cherokee been recalled?
7 U.S. safety recalls. Repairs are free at a franchised dealer; some are done over the air.
Power Train 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.
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
Electrical System: Wiring: Front Underhood 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.
Risk: A vehicle stall can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
Power Train: Axle Assembly: Axle Shaft 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.
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
Electrical System: Wiring 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.
Risk: If the vehicle maintains its speed or accelerates despite attempts to deactivate the cruise control, there would be an increased risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
Fuel System, Gasoline: Delivery: Hoses, Lines/Piping, And Fittings 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.
Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of the ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
Fix: 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.
Engine And Engine Cooling: Engine 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.
Risk: If the oil pump fails, the engine will stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
Equipment: Other: Labels 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."
Risk: The missing tire and rim designation information may lead to an incorrect combination being installed on the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
Is the 2018 Jeep Cherokee recalled in the UK or Europe?
Recalls issued by the UK's DVSA and through the EU's Safety Gate system that cover this model and build period. European models can differ from U.S. ones, and "years estimated" means the recall gave no build dates, so confirm your own car with your registration or VIN.
UK DVSATwo speed power transfer unit failure.Two speed power transfer unit failure. Loss of power.
Risk: Affected vehicles may have been built with an improperly seated input shaft snap ring on the power transfer unit (PTU). An input shaft snap ring that is not fully seated may allow uncontrolled movement of the input shaft inward which can cause an unexpected loss of motive power or loss of PARK function while stationary. A loss of motive power can cause a vehicle crash without prior warning. A loss of PARK function can cause a vehicle crash without prior warning and/or injury to others outside the vehicle.
Fix: Install modified software in the Drivetrain Control Module (DTCM) and the PTU to detect and monitor for excessive wear within the PTU. If a PTU failure is confirmed by the software the PTU will be replaced.
UK DVSAReverse lamp height
Risk: On certain vehicles built with a specific suspension package the reverse lamps may be above the UN ECE 48.04 height requirement.
Fix: Install the reverse lamp in accordance with the UN ECE 48.04 height requirement.
UK DVSAA possible loss of motive power or park function due to wear in the power transfer unit
Risk: A possible loss of motive power or PARK function due to wear in the Power Transfer Unit.
Fix: Reprogram the Drive Train Control Module and Electric Park Brake.
UK DVSAVehicle short causing can-c bus to stop communicating
Risk: A short in the vehicle causing the CAN-C bus to stop communicating while the cruise control is active and the vehicle speed is below the set speed such that the cruise control system is requesting positive torque at the exact moment of the short it is possible for a positive torque request to be locked on the PCM. This may result in either the vehicle maintaining its current speed or possibly accelerating.
Fix: Inspect the software level of the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) and if necessary reprogram the PCM
EU Safety GateAn incorrectly fitted retaining ring in the Power Transfer Unit may cause an unexpected loss of traction and/or failure of the parking…An incorrectly fitted retaining ring in the Power Transfer Unit may cause an unexpected loss of traction and/or failure of the parking function, increasing the risk of an accident and injury.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Importer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: 01/07/2026
EU Safety GateThe airbag control device may lose its connection to the connected accelerometers.This could reduce the effectiveness of the airbag system, leading to delayed airbag deployment or airbag failure.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe bolts on the passenger seat may not have been tightened to the required torque.As a result, the passenger seat could detach, increasing the risk of an injury.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateIncorrect coating of the brake pistons can result in the formation of gas in the hydraulic system.This may adversely affect the functioning of the brakes on the rear-axle wheels.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
How often does the 2018 Jeep Cherokee fail its MOT?
Why they failed: the share of failed tests with at least one fault in each area (a test can fail on several). Cars first registered in 2018, tested in Great Britain in 2023; first registration is usually, but not always, the model year. Source: DVSA anonymised MOT tests and results, Open Government Licence v3.0.
What do 2018 Jeep Cherokee owners report?
12 of the 688 complaints, the most recent for the most-reported components, as the owners wrote them. NHTSA removes names and VINs; long reports are trimmed. CarHooq has not verified individual claims.
The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving 55 MPH, the 4WD warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed with PTU failure. The approximate failure mileage was 111,000.
Took my 2018 Jeep cherokee to dealership for a service appointment, a service the 4wheel drive light came on. We have experience hard transmission shifting and popping. The dealership haved checked our Jeep and told us that the replacement of the PTU had to be replaced. My wife is not driving the Jeep due to the fear of locking up and causing an accident.
I have a 2018 Jeep Cherokee. The exact component causing the problem is UNKNOWN. While driving, a “Service Shifter” warning appeared on the dashboard and all of the gear indicator lights illuminated at the same time. After I turned the vehicle off and restarted it, the warning disappeared. On a separate occasion, a “4WD Service Unavailable” message appeared along with the SVC 4WD warning light. That warning also later disappeared. I am concerned about my safety because these warnings involve the vehicle’s shifter and four-wheel-drive system, and I do not know whether either system could…
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…
The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at 35 MPH, the vehicle shut off as several warning lights appeared on the instrument panel. The contact made multiple attempts to restart the vehicle but to no avail. The police arrived at the scene and helped to place the vehicle into neutral(N) and moved the vehicle off to the side of the road. Due to the failure, the vehicle was initially towed to the contact's home and was then towed to a dealer. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle with a failed alternator and PTU(Power Transfer Unit). The vehicle was towed back to…
The steering rack failed about one week after I purchased the vehicle. The dealer replaced the steering rack once, but the same problem happened again about six months later. The vehicle has now been at the dealership for about one year waiting for another replacement steering rack. The dealer informed me the part is unavailable and must be specially manufactured. A loaner vehicle was provided while waiting. This repeated steering system failure is a serious safety concern.
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…
The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while she and her children were stopped at a light and making a left turn, another vehicle accelerated through the yellow light and collided with the front of her vehicle. The air bags did not deploy in her vehicle, but they deployed in the vehicle that collided with her vehicle. The contact stated no one in her vehicle sustained any injuries, and medical attention was not needed. The police arrived, and a police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer…
My Jeep veers left and right sharply while I drive. It does not take off pulling into traffic-I have to wait for total total clearance-there is no take off. My gas tank was filled three days ago and it is already below 50%. I drive 7 miles to and from work Monday-Friday, nowhere else. I have avoided several accidents due to these problems. These problems happen everyday. I have take it in to my jeep Dealership-Hendricks at least four times over the years and they drive it, say they find nothing and return it to me to bring back if the problems arise again. HELP before this car kills me.
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…
My 2018 Jeep Cherokee suffered a Power Transfer Unit (PTU) failure in February 2025 while my family was on vacation. The vehicle was delivered to Walker Jeep in Alexandria, Louisiana and has remained there for approximately one year. I reside in Texas, approximately five hours away. The failure involves the same PTU defect covered under Safety Recall 01C (NHTSA 25V-011). Stellantis’ Part 573 filing acknowledged the defect and scheduled final remedy notification in February 2026. After holding my vehicle for approximately 12 months awaiting recall remedy availability, I was recently informed…
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.
2018 Jeep Cherokee: questions owners ask
Is the 2018 Jeep Cherokee reliable?
NHTSA data alone cannot rate reliability, but it shows what owners reported. Owners filed 688 complaints with NHTSA about the 2018 Jeep Cherokee; the most common categories were power train (296, 43%), electrical system (190, 27.6%), engine (155, 22.5%). There are 7 safety recalls. 11 complaints mention a crash, 5 mention a fire, 7 injuries were reported.
What are the most common problems with the 2018 Jeep Cherokee?
Across 688 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the categories mentioned most often are power train (43% of complaints), electrical system (27.6% of complaints), engine (22.5% of complaints), service brakes (5.2% of complaints), steering (4.4% of complaints). One complaint can name several components.
Does the 2018 Jeep Cherokee have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 7 recalls for the 2018 Jeep Cherokee; the most recent (campaign 25V011000, 2025-01-16) concerns Power Train. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Why does my 2018 Jeep Cherokee stall, lose power or shut off while driving?
113 of the 688 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2018 Jeep Cherokee (16.4%) describe the engine stalling, losing power or shutting off while driving. 2 related recalls exist: campaign 25V011000 (power train). The fix: Dealers will update the drivetrain control module and PTU software and replace the PTU, as necessary free of charge. One owner wrote: "In Jan 2025 I received a recall notice regarding the PTU unit. The notice indicated that I could esperience loss of power and the inability to use park. However, when speaking to Mopar abot it they say it is safe to drive!!!" (NHTSA complaint 11717115, February 2026). Recall repairs are free at a dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Why is my 2018 Jeep Cherokee burning or losing oil?
41 of the 688 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2018 Jeep Cherokee (6%) describe excessive oil consumption or oil leaks. One owner wrote: "A common issue with Jeeps with plastic oil filter housing is the oil filter housing cracks leading to oil leaks and engine damage." (NHTSA complaint 11707994, December 2025). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Does the 2018 Jeep Cherokee have all-wheel-drive or 4x4 problems?
24 of the 688 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2018 Jeep Cherokee (3.5%) describe all-wheel-drive, 4x4 or transfer case faults. One owner wrote: "The PTU (Power Transfer Unit) failed on my 2018 Jeep Cherokee causing AWD system malfunction. The dealership diagnosed the failure and advised repair." (NHTSA complaint 11720749, February 2026). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Check your own Cherokee
Counts are a starting point, not a verdict: popular models collect more complaints because more of them are on the road, and NHTSA does not verify individual reports. To see whether a recall is still open on your car, enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls (U.S.) or your registration at check-vehicle-recalls.service.gov.uk (UK). Had a safety problem? Report it to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations and recalls.
Data: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation recall and complaint databases (public domain), DVSA anonymised MOT results (Open Government Licence v3.0), DVSA vehicle recalls (Open Government Licence v3.0), EU Safety Gate alerts (© European Union), retrieved October 25, 2026. Model year 2018 only.