2018 Jeep Cherokee recalls, problems & safety ratings
NHTSA lists 7 recalls for the 2018 Jeep Cherokee and 687 owner complaints. The most-reported problem areas are power train (295), electrical system (190), unknown or other (174). It earned a 4-star overall NHTSA safety rating. EPA-rated fuel economy is 21–23 mpg combined, depending on engine.
The 2018 ranks #5 of 10 Cherokee model years for fewest complaints (2014–2023), with fewer complaints than the average year (1,010). It has 7 recalls vs. an average of 6.8 per model year.
Recalls 7
Every recall NHTSA lists for the 2018 Jeep Cherokee. Not every recall applies to every vehicle, so check your VIN. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer.
Power train
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 system · wiring · front underhood
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 train · axle assembly · axle shaft
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 system · wiring
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.
Fuel system, gasoline · delivery · hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
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 cooling · engine
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.
Equipment · other · labels
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.
Common problems
From complaints owners filed with NHTSA. Complaints aren't verified, but patterns across hundreds of owners point to known weak spots.
Most-reported problem areas
By the numbers
Recent owner reports
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.
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.
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 t…
Safety ratings
2018 Jeep Cherokee SUV 4WD
2018 Jeep Cherokee SUV 2WD
Fuel economy
EPA ratings for common configurations of the 2018 Jeep Cherokee.
Cherokee 4WD
Auto 9-spd · 4 cyl · 2.4 L
Regular
Cherokee 4WD
Auto 9-spd · 4 cyl · 2.4 L · FFV
Gasoline or E85
Cherokee 4WD Active Drive II
Auto 9-spd · 4 cyl · 2.4 L
Regular
Cherokee 4WD Active Drive II
Auto 9-spd · 6 cyl · 3.2 L
Midgrade
Other model years
Questions
How many recalls does the 2018 Jeep Cherokee have?
NHTSA lists 7 recalls for the 2018 Jeep Cherokee, most recently for power train (01/16/2025). Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer. Enter your VIN to check whether a recall applies to your vehicle.
What are the most common problems with the 2018 Jeep Cherokee?
Based on 687 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are power train (295), electrical system (190), unknown or other (174).
Is the 2018 Jeep Cherokee safe?
The 2018 Jeep Cherokee earned a 4-star overall rating in NHTSA's 5-star safety ratings.
Is the 2018 a good year for the Jeep Cherokee?
The 2018 ranks #5 of 10 Cherokee model years for fewest complaints (2014–2023), with fewer complaints than the average year (1,010). It has 7 recalls vs. an average of 6.8 per model year.
What gas mileage does the 2018 Jeep Cherokee get?
EPA ratings for the 2018 Jeep Cherokee range from 21 to 23 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain.
Own a 2018 Jeep Cherokee in South Carolina?
Our mobile mechanics diagnose and fix the problems above at your home, office or fleet lot in Lexington, Columbia and the Midlands, with dealer-grade scan tools.
Related vehicles
Sources: NHTSA recalls, complaints and 5-Star Safety Ratings APIs; EPA fueleconomy.gov. Data retrieved October 21, 2026. NHTSA model names used: CHEROKEE, Cherokee.