2018 Jeep Cherokee Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Caution The 2018 Jeep Cherokee has a Complaint Index of 50 and ranks 6th worst of 11 model years, earning a Caution verdict. NHTSA lists 684 complaints, 7 recall campaigns, and a top problem area of Transmission & Powertrain (43% of complaints), with a median failure mileage of 33,125 miles.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 50/100
- #6 of 11 Cherokee years
- Verdict
- Caution
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 684
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 7
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 11
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 5
- Injuries
- 7
- Top issue
- Transmission & Powertrain
- NHTSA overall rating
- 4 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 23
- 21 city / 27.5 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 7 / 0
Top 2018 Jeep Cherokee problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Transmission & Powertrain293 (43%)
- Electrical System190 (28%)
- Other174 (25%)
- Engine170 (25%)
- Brakes52 (8%)
- Steering30 (4%)
- Fuel System26 (4%)
- Airbags16 (2%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires10 (1%)
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras8 (1%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Airbags fail to deploy in low-to-moderate speed collisions, including rear-end and frontal impacts.
- Vehicle loses power and shuts off unexpectedly while turning or driving, sometimes tied to low oil pressure sensor behavior.
- Shifter displays a 'service shifter' warning with red lights and refuses to shift properly until restarted multiple times.
- Front axle or halfshaft fractures while driving at moderate speed, in one case leading to a collision.
- Engine oil leaks out while driving, producing smoke, burning odor, and dashboard warning lights.
- Steering exhibits a 'death wobble' during towing, causing loss of control.
2018 Jeep Cherokee recalls
7 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 25V011000Apr 29, 2025Transmission & Powertrain63,130 vehicles
Power train
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.
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. FCA's number for this recall is 01C.
- NHTSA 18V524000Aug 9, 2018Electrical System12,779 vehicles
Electrical system:wiring:front underhood
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.
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.
- NHTSA 18V494000Jul 26, 2018Transmission & Powertrain702 vehicles
Power train:axle assembly:axle shaft
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.
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. Chrysler's number for this recall is U78.
2018 Jeep Cherokee fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 21 MPG
- Highway
- 27.5 MPG
- Combined
- 23 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $2,875
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2018 compared with other Cherokee years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2018 Jeep Cherokee reliable?
- Compared to other Cherokee model years, 2018 sits in the middle with a Complaint Index of 50 and a Caution verdict, ranking 6th worst out of 11 years tracked.
- What are the most common problems with the 2018 Jeep Cherokee?
- NHTSA complaints point to Transmission & Powertrain issues (43% of complaints, median 40,000 miles), Electrical System problems (28%), and Engine complaints (25%, median 28,670 miles).
- Does the 2018 Jeep Cherokee have recalls?
- Yes, NHTSA lists 7 recall campaigns covering the transmission/PTU, powertrain control module software, front halfshaft bearings, fuel tube leaks, and a cracked oil pump housing on 2.4L engines.
- How does the 2018 Cherokee compare to the 2014 or 2019 model years?
- 2018 is less problematic than 2014 (Complaint Index 100, Avoid) and 2019 (Complaint Index 90, Avoid), but worse than 2020-2022, which range from Good to Best.
- What is the fuel economy of the 2018 Jeep Cherokee?
- EPA rates it at 23 mpg combined (21 city / 27.5 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,875.