2018 Jeep Cherokee
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 PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1980 | 1 |
| 1981 | 1 |
| 1982 | 0 |
| 1983 | 0 |
| 1984 | 7 |
| 1985 | 17 |
| 1986 | 21 |
| 1987 | 57 |
| 1988 | 98 |
| 1989 | 191 |
| 1990 | 275 |
| 1991 | 234 |
| 1992 | 114 |
| 1993 | 418 |
| 1994 | 522 |
| 1995 | 610 |
| 1996 | 447 |
| 1997 | 390 |
| 1998 | 399 |
| 1999 | 366 |
| 2000 | 369 |
| 2001 | 229 |
| 2006 | 17 |
| 2014 | 2642 |
| 2015 | 1784 |
| 2016 | 1404 |
| 2017 | 1328 |
| 2018 | 682 |
| 2019 | 1618 |
| 2020 | 282 |
| 2021 | 153 |
| 2022 | 48 |
| 2023 | 3 |
| 2026 | 3 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
43% of complaints: power train — 291 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing axle assembly.
CRASHShow 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, 20260826
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, 20260724
28% of complaints: electrical system — 191 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing software and camera/sensor.
CRASH FIREShow 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, 20260326
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20260813
23% of complaints: engine — 155 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE5% of complaints: service brakes — 36 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic.
CRASH4% of complaints: steering — 30 distinct reports on file.
CRASHSAFETY TIMELINE
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.
Campaign 17V543000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 17V670000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 18V282000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 18V332000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 18V494000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 18V524000 — check if this car was fixed
Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
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.
Campaign 25V011000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2018 Jeep Cherokee — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for power train issues (291 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (191 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine issues (155 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 17V543000 (equipment, wheels) has been completed.
- Verify recall 17V670000 (engine and engine cooling) has been completed.
- Verify recall 18V282000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
- Verify recall 18V332000 (electrical system, vehicle speed control) has been completed.
- Verify recall 18V494000 (power train) has been completed.
- Verify recall 18V524000 (electrical system) has been completed.
- Verify recall 25V011000 (power train) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST 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 2026-09-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.