2018 Jeep Cherokee: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2018 Jeep Cherokee? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 667 complaints, with Transmission / Drivetrain as the top reported area.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2018 Jeep Cherokee has 667 owner complaints, 11 crash-related complaints, and 7 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Transmission / Drivetrain. NHTSA reliability signal: Notable Issues.
- Make
- Jeep
- Model
- Cherokee
- Model year
- 2018
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 667
- Crash-related complaints
- 11
- Safety recall campaigns
- 7
- Top reported component
- Transmission / Drivetrain
- Reliability signal
- Notable Issues
Most Common 2018 Jeep Cherokee Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Transmission / Drivetrain
Electrical Faults
Uncategorized Issues
Complaint patterns center on Transmission / Drivetrain, Electrical Faults, Uncategorized Issues. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2018 Jeep Cherokee?
The 2018 Jeep Cherokee shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
What to Check Before Buying a Used 2018 Jeep Cherokee
Inspection Focus
- Inspect the transmission/drivetrain for any signs of issues during a test drive.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for transmission, electrical, and engine repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect the transmission/drivetrain for any signs of issues during a test drive.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for transmission, electrical, and engine repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2018 Jeep Cherokee, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
What the Complaint Data Suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Based on 667 NHTSA complaints for the 2018 Jeep Cherokee, the data suggests that transmission/drivetrain and electrical faults are the most frequently reported issues. Crash-related complaints are relatively low at 11, but the overall confidence in this analysis is low due to the single model year and consumer-submitted nature of the data.
- Transmission/drivetrain complaints account for 282 of the total 667 complaints.
- Electrical faults are the second most reported component with 188 complaints.
- Engine problems total 158 complaints, indicating a notable pattern.
- Transmission / Drivetrain issues are the most common complaint.
- Electrical faults are a recurring theme in the data.
- Engine problems appear frequently among complaints.
All 2018 Jeep Cherokee Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2018 Jeep Cherokee. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 282 | 1 | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 188 | 2 | 1 | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 171 | 2 | 3 | — | |
| Engine Problems | 158 | 1 | 2 | — | |
| Brake System | 34 | 2 | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 29 | 3 | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 26 | — | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 20 | — | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 16 | 5 | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 15 | 1 | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 8 | 1 | — | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB | 6 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 3 | — | 1 | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Parking-Brake Issues | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Back Over Prevention | 2 | — | 1 | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Hydraulic | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Equipment | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Lane Departure | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Real Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2018 Jeep Cherokee. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
When the running lights and headlights are set to Auto, moving the lever to High Beam causes the lights to go out. I have been asking the dealer and trying to find a solution since buying the car new, but no recall had been issued for my VIN and the dealer will not correct the pr…
While driving, often at highway speeds, all of the lights on the shifter will light up and the dash will display "Service Transmission." I took it to the dealer several times and their response has been that it is a software issue that they do not have a fix for and that I should…
Back up camera turns to static when going in reverse. Has been happening for years. No warnings. Just malfunctioning. Reported this in 2019 to Jeep.
The PTU has failed and caused damage to splines. This failure caused the engine light to come on intermittently and failure to shift. The problem has been confirmed by a dealership where the car is and has been sitting for repair for almost a year due to no repair parts available…
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The Power Transfer Unit (PTU) has malfunctioned. Specifically, the Drivetrain Control Module (DTCM) is reporting a "TestFailed" status with active fault codes C1440-64 (Transfer Cas…
I took [XXX] into to Auffenburg of IL for the recall. They told me the code the car is throwing is not the recall code, but that it is a failure of the PTU, which is the recalled part. I have tried since March 2nd to get straight answers from Stellantis (Case number XXX jeep C…
My power train unit warning light is on. I took it to a independent licensed auto mechanic that stated there are is a open recall on this vehicle for this part. I have went to the Jeep Dealership and was told to call jeep directly. After numerous calls Jeep denies there is a open…
The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that the 4WD warning light was illuminated. There was an abnormal clunking sound coming from the vehicle while driving approximately 55-60 MPH and shifting gears. Upon research, the contact associated the failure with NHTS…
The rear defroster or related electrical wiring in the rear glass/liftgate area appears to have malfunctioned and shorted, causing a fire while the vehicle was parked, turned off, and unattended. The fire resulted in the rear glass shattering/blowing out. The incident was recorde…
The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Cherokee. The vehicle was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V011000 (POWER TRAIN); and the vehicle jerked while driving before the vehicle lost automotive power. The vehicle was coasted to the shoulder of the roadway, where only reverse(R) funct…
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, b…
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 …
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…
The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Cherokee. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V011000 (POWER TRAIN). While driving at 30 MPH, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact exited the freeway and was driving…
The PTU (Power Transfer Unit) failed on my 2018 Jeep Cherokee causing AWD system malfunction. The dealership diagnosed the failure and advised repair. However, the replacement part is on national backorder with no estimated delivery date, and I was told it may take several months…
- The PTU has been making a grinding noise, and the car feels different to drive. - Other issues with a different model of this PTU involve the car rolling out of park or losing driving power while in motion. I do not believe this is an isolated issue with my vehicle, due to look…
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 aw…
Have 1 safety recall, have taken to jeep dealer and they have confirmed PTU not working light on dash is valid and 4x4 is not working, but they will not order new PTU. Jeep has not offered loaner vehicle or to buy back vehicle that is a lemon! It has been over a year since recall…
1. The Power Transfer Unit (PTU) and transfer case have failed. The vehicle was initially suspected to have a wheel bearing issue due to a howling noise during the test drive. However, after purchase, the noise worsened significantly. An independent repair shop diagnosed the vehi…
Service shifter message and all gear indicator lights on PRND. Seeing common problem and a Technical Bulletin on 2014-2018 Jeep Cherokees
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2018 Jeep Cherokee.
2018 Jeep Cherokee Recalls
7 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2018 Jeep Cherokee. 7 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
2018 Jeep Cherokee Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2018 Jeep Cherokee reliable?▾
Notable Issues. NHTSA currently shows 667 owner complaints, 11 crash-related complaints, and 7 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2018 Jeep Cherokee shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2018 Jeep Cherokee?▾
#1: Transmission / Drivetrain (282 complaints). #2: Electrical Faults (188 complaints). #3: Uncategorized Issues (171 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2018 Jeep Cherokee?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2018 Jeep Cherokee?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2018 Jeep Cherokee, NHTSA complaints include 11 crash-related reports and 5 fire reports out of 667 total complaints. 7 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2018 Jeep Cherokee have any recalls?▾
Yes. 7 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2018 Jeep Cherokee. A major recall area is FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS. 7 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2018 Jeep Cherokee?▾
The 2018 Jeep Cherokee shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Transmission / Drivetrain during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Jeep Cherokee reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2018 Jeep Cherokee based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Check the Exact Vehicle History Before You Buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.