Model year record

2018 Jeep Cherokee recalls & problems

The 2018 Jeep Cherokee has 7 safety recalls and 688 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is power train (296 complaints).

Recalls7safety recalls

Complaints688filed by owners

Crashes · fires11 · 5reported in complaints

NHTSA overall4 ★crash-test stars

2018 Jeep Cherokee in an NHTSA crash test — NHTSA crash test

Safety recalls

Power trainJan 16, 2025

Power train

Recall 25V01100063,130 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

Problem: 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 systemAug 9, 2018

Wiring › Front underhood

Recall 18V52400012,779 vehicles

Problem: 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 trainJul 26, 2018

Axle assembly › Axle shaft

Recall 18V494000702 vehicles

Problem: 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 systemMay 17, 2018

Software

Recall 18V3320004,815,661 vehicles

Problem: 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.

Components: Electrical system › Software; Vehicle speed control › Cruise control; Electrical system › Wiring

Fuel system, gasolineMay 1, 2018

Delivery › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings

Recall 18V28200048,990 vehicles

Problem: 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 coolingOct 24, 2017

Engine

Recall 17V670000357 vehicles

Problem: 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.

EquipmentAug 31, 2017

Other › Labels

Recall 17V54300022,242 vehicles

Problem: 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.

Components: Equipment › Other › Labels; Wheels › Rim

Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.

Crash test ratings

2018 Jeep Cherokee SUV 4WD

Overall★★★★★

Frontal crash	★★★★★
Side crash	★★★★★
Rollover	★★★★★
Rollover risk	16.9%

Forward collision warning: Optional · Lane departure warning: Optional

2018 Jeep Cherokee SUV 2WD

Overall★★★★★

Frontal crash	★★★★★
Side crash	★★★★★
Rollover	★★★★★
Rollover risk	17.4%

Forward collision warning: Optional · Lane departure warning: Optional

2018 Jeep Cherokee NHTSA side crash test — NHTSA side barrier crash test

2018 Jeep Cherokee NHTSA side pole crash test — NHTSA side pole crash test

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (New Car Assessment Program). Ratings are comparable only between vehicles of similar size and weight, and ratings from 2011 on use tougher tests than earlier years. Photos: NHTSA.

Fuel economy

Cherokee FWD

25mpg combined

City / highway	21 / 30 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

2.4 L · 4 cyl · Automatic 9-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $2,700/year to fuel

Cherokee FWD FFV

25mpg combined

City / highway	21 / 30 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

2.4 L · 4 cyl · Automatic 9-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $2,700/year to fuel

Cherokee FWD

24mpg combined

City / highway	21 / 29 mpg
Fuel	Midgrade Gasoline

3.2 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 9-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $3,150/year to fuel

Cherokee 4WD

23mpg combined

City / highway	21 / 28 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

2.4 L · 4 cyl · Automatic 9-spd · All-Wheel Drive · about $2,900/year to fuel

Cherokee 4WD FFV

23mpg combined

City / highway	21 / 28 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

2.4 L · 4 cyl · Automatic 9-spd · All-Wheel Drive · about $2,900/year to fuel

Cherokee 4WD

23mpg combined

City / highway	20 / 27 mpg
Fuel	Midgrade Gasoline

3.2 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 9-spd · All-Wheel Drive · about $3,300/year to fuel

Cherokee 4WD Active Drive II

23mpg combined

City / highway	21 / 27 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

2.4 L · 4 cyl · Automatic 9-spd · 4-Wheel Drive · about $2,900/year to fuel

Cherokee Trailhawk 4WD

22mpg combined

City / highway	19 / 25 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

2.4 L · 4 cyl · Automatic 9-spd · 4-Wheel Drive · about $3,050/year to fuel

Cherokee 4WD Active Drive II

21mpg combined

City / highway	18 / 26 mpg
Fuel	Midgrade Gasoline

3.2 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 9-spd · 4-Wheel Drive · about $3,600/year to fuel

Cherokee Trailhawk 4WD

21mpg combined

City / highway	18 / 24 mpg
Fuel	Midgrade Gasoline

3.2 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 9-spd · 4-Wheel Drive · about $3,600/year to fuel

EPA estimates from fueleconomy.gov for each engine and transmission sold. Annual cost is the EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year at its current fuel and electricity price assumptions. Your results will vary.

What owners report

Problem area	Complaints	Crashes	Fires	Injuries	Typical mileage*
Power trainAxle assembly	296	1	0	0	41,000 mi
Electrical systemSoftware; 12v/24v/48v battery	191	2	1	0	35,250 mi
Unknown or other	174	2	3	1	30,000 mi
Engine	155	1	2	0	28,000 mi
Service brakes	34	2	0	0	36,050 mi
Steering	30	3	0	0	23,264 mi
Fuel/propulsion system	26	0	0	0	10,061 mi
Vehicle speed control	20	0	0	0	25,000 mi
Air bags	16	5	0	6	—
Electronic stability control (esc)	15	1	0	0	31,436 mi
SuspensionFront › Control arm › Upper ball joint	10	1	0	0	45,000 mi
Forward collision avoidanceAutomatic emergency braking; Adaptive cruise control	6	0	0	0	—

*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.

Recent owner complaints

Power train
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.
Oct 21, 2026 · 111,000 miles
Unknown or other
CAR INDICATING SERVICE 4WD MESSAGE. I HAD A SCAN DONE ON THE VEHICLE AND IT WAS DETERMINED THAT IT IS A POWER TRANSFER UNIT ISSUE WHICH THERE HAVE BEEN RECALLS FOR YET PER MY VIN NUMBER, MINE IS NOT INCLUDED. I HAVE HAD THIS MESSAGE EVERY TIME I DRIVE THE VEHICLE AND IT HAS BEEN PRESENT SINCE 03/26.
Mar 26, 2026
Power train
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.
Sep 9, 2026
Suspension
The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving 5 MPH, there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle and the transmission failed to shift into gear properly. The contact stated that the vehicle nearly stalled. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with rear differential failure. The contact was informed that the rear differential needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that the 4WD warning light was later illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with PTU failure. The contact was informed that the PTU needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was…
Nov 14, 2023 · 90,000 miles
Power train
The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that on a rainy day while driving 45 MPH, the vehicle almost spun out of control due to a lack of traction. The message "4WD System Service Required" was displayed. The dealer was contacted and diagnosed the vehicle with a power transfer unit failure. The DTC: C14a7-97, associated with TSB: S1721000016 and NHTSA ID: 102247452 for the 4WD, was displayed. The manufacturer was contacted by phone about the failure and stated that the cost of the repair was not covered because the VIN was not under recall. The failure mileage was approximately 84, 400.
Mar 13, 2026 · 84,400 miles
Unknown or other
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 âMAJOR INTERNAL DAMAGEâ and document damage at the PTU/transmission interface, including a transmission-side stub shaft and damage/scored gears…
Aug 26, 2026
Power train
Noticed that while going slow and turning heard popping from the rear end. Had 3 different certified shops give me different answers to the cause. Had to attempt to find my wife a way to work. As stated previous We started at Becks for estimate and diagnosis. Then Daver Taylor transmission. Then I called Jeep Customer Care. Also dropped off our Jeep at Dealership. The day we picked it up from Dave Taylor and went to the dealership the SVC4x4 light came on. We not have it all together again. However we retained every parts that they said was faulty and replaced. Started our own research. Found it odd that our jeep had the same mechanical issues as stated in the previous campaigns. NHTSA…
Jul 6, 2026
Electrical system
I have a 2018 Jeep Cherokee. The exact component causing the problem is UNKNOWN. While driving, a âService Shifterâ 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 â4WD Service Unavailableâ 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 vehicleâs shifter and four-wheel-drive system, and I do not know whether either system could malfunction while I am driving. The vehicle has not been inspected or diagnosed by a Jeep…
Jun 16, 2026

Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.

NHTSA defect investigations

Desiccated Air Bag Inflator RuptureOpen
From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.Consequently, all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substance that traps and holds moisture) in US vehicles are under recall. These "non-desiccated" inflators either have been or are required to be replaced.In some cases, the remedy part for these recalled…
EA21002 · opened Sep 17, 2021