2018 Jeep Cherokee Problems
What owners have reported about the 2018 Jeep Cherokee, which problems come up most, at what mileage, and which recalls to check.
From NHTSA owner complaints and recalls. Updated Oct 17, 2026.
Is the 2018 Jeep Cherokee a good year?
It's about average for this model. Owners have filed 687 complaints with NHTSA, the 6th most of 9 Cherokee model years. The most reported problems involve the transmission, electrical system and engine.
687 complaints 7 recalls, 1 fire risk 6th worst of 9 Cherokee years
Top 2018 Jeep Cherokee problems
Transmission problems
295 complaints (43%) name the transmission, most often the axle assembly.
Electrical problems
190 complaints (28%) name the electrical system, most often the software and 12v / 24v / 48v battery.
Engine problems
159 complaints (23%) name the engine, most often the oil / lubrication.
Brake problems
36 complaints (5%) name the brakes.
Which parts fail most
Share of complaints that name each system. One complaint can name several.
Mileage when it failed
Each dot is a complaint that gave a mileage (356 of 687). The amber line is the middle value, about 34,000 miles.
When problems were reported
Complaints by the year the problem happened.
2018 Jeep Cherokee recalls
Transmission
Can stallThe 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.
Fix: Dealers will update the drivetrain control module and PTU software and replace the PTU, as necessary free of charge.
Recall 25V011000 · Jan 2025Front underhood
Can stallThe 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.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the powertrain control module, free of charge.
Recall 18V524000 · Aug 2018Axle shaft
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.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front right halfshaft assemblies, free of charge.
Recall 18V494000 · Jul 2018Cruise control may not switch off
Crash riskA short in the wiring can keep the cruise control engaged even when you press the brake or turn the system off, so the car may hold its speed or speed up. This raises the risk of a crash, so stop using cruise control until the repair is done.
Fix: The dealer will update the engine or powertrain control software at no charge.
Recall 18V332000 · May 2018Fuel tube may leak, causing fire risk
Fire riskSome vehicles may have a fuel tube that can leak fuel into the engine compartment. Fuel near an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
Fix: The dealer will inspect the fuel tube and replace it if needed, at no cost to you.
Recall 18V282000 · May 2018Cracked oil pump housing can stall engine
Can stallThe engine's oil pump housing can crack, which can cause the oil pump to fail. If that happens, the engine can stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: The dealer will inspect the oil pump and replace it if needed, at no cost to you.
Recall 17V670000 · Oct 2017Missing tire and rim information on certification label
Crash riskThe certification label on the car leaves out required tire and rim size information, so the wrong tire and rim combination could be installed. That mismatch can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: The dealer will provide a corrected certification label at no cost to you.
Recall 17V543000 · Aug 2017Get an email when your 2018 Jeep Cherokee gets a new recall
We check NHTSA every month. If a new recall or safety investigation covers the 2018 Jeep Cherokee, you'll hear about it the same week.
One email per new recall. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
Cherokee years to avoid
Total NHTSA complaints by model year. Newer years have had less time on the road, so their totals will keep climbing. See the full comparison.
2018 Jeep Cherokee problems by system
Common questions
Is the 2018 Jeep Cherokee a reliable year?
It's about average for this model. Owners have filed 687 complaints with NHTSA, the 6th most of 9 Cherokee model years. The most reported problems involve the transmission, electrical system and engine.
What are the most common 2018 Jeep Cherokee problems?
Owners most often report problems with the transmission, electrical system, engine and brakes. 295 complaints (43%) name the transmission, most often the axle assembly.
At what mileage do 2018 Jeep Cherokee transmission problems start?
Reported mileage ranged widely, but most complaints fell between about 20,000–71,000 miles, with a middle value near 41,000 miles.
How many recalls does the 2018 Jeep Cherokee have?
7. Transmission (25V011000); Front underhood (18V524000); Axle shaft (18V494000). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if the work was done.
Should I buy a used 2018 Jeep Cherokee?
Ask for service records covering the transmission, confirm the recall work was done, and compare with the 2022, 2021 and 2020 models, which have the fewest complaints.
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls databases. Complaints are unverified owner reports. Counts include each complaint once per model year.