2018 Jeep Cherokee

◆ Worse than typical
2018 Jeep Cherokee
BUILT 2026-10-10

This year had 30% to 100% more complaints than this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

Complaints
685
Recalls
7

Campaigns on file for 2018

Investigations
1

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Power train

43% of complaints

Complaints per year

1980: 1 complaint 1980 1981: 1 complaint 1982: 0 complaints 1983: 0 complaints 1984: 7 complaints 1985: 17 complaints 1985 1986: 21 complaints 1987: 57 complaints 1988: 98 complaints 1989: 191 complaints 1990: 275 complaints 1990 1991: 234 complaints 1992: 114 complaints 1993: 418 complaints 1994: 522 complaints 1995: 610 complaints 1995 1996: 447 complaints 1997: 390 complaints 1998: 399 complaints 1999: 366 complaints 2000: 369 complaints 2000 2001: 229 complaints 2006: 17 complaints 2014: 2,648 complaints 2015: 1,787 complaints 2016: 1,408 complaints 2017: 1,334 complaints 2018: 685 complaints 2018 685 2019: 1,642 complaints 2020: 307 complaints 2021: 166 complaints 2022: 49 complaints 2023: 3 complaints 2026: 7 complaints
1980: 1 complaint 1980 1981: 1 complaint 1982: 0 complaints 1983: 0 complaints 1983 1984: 7 complaints 1985: 17 complaints 1986: 21 complaints 1986 1987: 57 complaints 1988: 98 complaints 1989: 191 complaints 1989 1990: 275 complaints 1991: 234 complaints 1992: 114 complaints 1992 1993: 418 complaints 1994: 522 complaints 1995: 610 complaints 1995 1996: 447 complaints 1997: 390 complaints 1998: 399 complaints 1998 1999: 366 complaints 2000: 369 complaints 2001: 229 complaints 2001 2006: 17 complaints 2014: 2,648 complaints 2015: 1,787 complaints 2015 2016: 1,408 complaints 2017: 1,334 complaints 2018: 685 complaints 2018 685 2019: 1,642 complaints 2020: 307 complaints 2021: 166 complaints 2021 2022: 49 complaints 2023: 3 complaints 2026: 7 complaints 2026
1980: 1 complaint 1980 1981: 1 complaint 1982: 0 complaints 1982 1983: 0 complaints 1984: 7 complaints 1984 1985: 17 complaints 1986: 21 complaints 1986 1987: 57 complaints 1988: 98 complaints 1988 1989: 191 complaints 1990: 275 complaints 1990 1991: 234 complaints 1992: 114 complaints 1992 1993: 418 complaints 1994: 522 complaints 1994 1995: 610 complaints 1996: 447 complaints 1996 1997: 390 complaints 1998: 399 complaints 1998 1999: 366 complaints 2000: 369 complaints 2000 2001: 229 complaints 2006: 17 complaints 2006 2014: 2,648 complaints 2015: 1,787 complaints 2015 2016: 1,408 complaints 2017: 1,334 complaints 2018: 685 complaints 2018 685 2019: 1,642 complaints 2020: 307 complaints 2021: 166 complaints 2021 2022: 49 complaints 2023: 3 complaints 2023 2026: 7 complaints

2018: 685 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
19801
19811
19820
19830
19847
198517
198621
198757
198898
1989191
1990275
1991234
1992114
1993418
1994522
1995610
1996447
1997390
1998399
1999366
2000369
2001229
200617
20142,648
20151,787
20161,408
20171,334
2018685
20191,642
2020307
2021166
202249
20233
20267

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Power train

43% · 293 reports

Most commonly citing axle assembly.

CRASH
Show complaint excerpts

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 2026-08-26

The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, several unknown warning lights were illuminated on the instrument panel, and the transmission was shifting very roughly.

NHTSA ODI report, 2026-07-24

Electrical system

28% · 191 reports

Most commonly citing software and camera/sensor.

CRASHFIRE
Show complaint excerpts

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 2026-03-26

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 2026-08-13

Engine

23% · 155 reports
CRASHFIRE

Service brakes

5% · 36 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic.

CRASH

Steering

4% · 30 reports
CRASH

Safety timeline

7 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. R
    2017-10-13Equipment, wheels17V543000 Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Jeep Cherokee vehicles.

    Remedy: 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.

  2. R
    2017-12-05Engine and engine cooling17V670000 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.

    Remedy: 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.

  3. ▮
    2018Complaint volume 685 complaints filed for this model year.
  4. R
    2018-05-24Fuel system, gasoline18V282000 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.

    Remedy: 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.

  5. R
    2018-06-04Electrical system, vehicle speed control18V332000 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...

    Remedy: 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.

  6. R
    2018-09-20Power train18V494000 Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Jeep Cherokee all-wheel-drive vehicles.

    Remedy: 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.

  7. R
    2018-10-02Electrical system18V524000 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...

    Remedy: 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.

  8. I
    2021-09-17Engineering analysisOpen Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
  9. R
    2026-02-19Power train25V011000 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.

    Remedy: 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.

Buy-smart checklist

2018 Jeep Cherokee — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Power train: 293 reports on file for this year.
  • Electrical system: 191 reports on file for this year.
  • Engine: 155 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 17V543000 · Equipment, wheels
  • Recall 17V670000 · Engine and engine cooling
  • Recall 18V282000 · Fuel system, gasoline
  • Recall 18V332000 · Electrical system, vehicle speed control
  • Recall 18V494000 · Power train
  • Recall 18V524000 · Electrical system
  • Recall 25V011000 · Power train

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 2018 Jeep Cherokee reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2018 Jeep Cherokee is rated "worse than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2018 Jeep Cherokee?
The most-reported component is power train, accounting for 43% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2018 Jeep Cherokee have?
7 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.