2018 Jeep Cherokee Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
CautionComplaint Index
50/100
#6 most-complained of 11 Cherokee years
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
The 2018 Jeep Cherokee has 684 owner complaints and 7 safety recalls on file with NHTSA. Its Complaint Index is 50 out of 100 — #6 highest of 11 Cherokee model years (verdict: Caution). The most reported problem area is transmission & powertrain (293 complaints, 43% of the total). Complaints report 11 crashes, 5 fires, and 7 injuries.
- Complaints
- 684
- Recalls
- 7
- Crashes / fires
- 11 / 5
- Injuries / deaths
- 7 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- 4 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 23
- 21 city / 27.5 hwy
Top 2018 Jeep Cherokee problems
NHTSA owner 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%)
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 a reliable year?
- Judged by NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2018 Jeep Cherokee ranks #6 of 11 among Cherokee model years (Complaint Index 50/100, verdict: Caution). It has 684 complaints and 7 recalls on file. This reflects reported safety-related problems, not an overall reliability rating.
- What are the most common problems with the 2018 Jeep Cherokee?
- The most reported problem areas are transmission & powertrain (293 complaints), electrical system (190 complaints), and engine (170 complaints). The median mileage at the time of failure in complaints that report it is 33,125 miles.
- Does the 2018 Jeep Cherokee have any recalls?
- Yes — NHTSA lists 7 recall campaigns for the 2018 Jeep Cherokee, most recently reported 2025, covering transmission & powertrain, electrical system, fuel system, and engine.
- What is the fuel economy of the 2018 Jeep Cherokee?
- EPA rates the 2018 Jeep Cherokee at 23 MPG combined (21 city / 27.5 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,875. Where several configurations exist, the median is shown.