How common are engine complaints on the 2018 Jeep Cherokee?

NHTSA lists 170 engine complaints for the 2018 Cherokee, which is 25% of the 684 total complaints filed for that model year.

Is there a recall for the 2018 Jeep Cherokee engine?

Yes. Recall 17V670000 covers 2.4L engines with a cracked oil pump housing that can cause oil pump failure; dealers inspect and replace the oil pump free of charge.

At what mileage do engine problems usually appear on the 2018 Cherokee?

NHTSA data shows a median mileage of 28,670 miles at the time engine failures were reported.

Do the engine complaints involve stalling while driving?

Yes, multiple owners report the engine shutting off without warning while driving, in some cases along with loss of steering or braking.

Are the 2018 Cherokee engine problems linked to fires or crashes?

NHTSA records 2 fires and 1 crash among the reports filed under the engine complaint area for the 2018 Cherokee.

2018 Jeep Cherokee Engine Problems

Engine complaints make up 170 of 684 total complaints (25%) filed on the 2018 Jeep Cherokee, with a median failure mileage of 28,670 miles. A related recall (17V670000) covers cracked oil pump housings on 2.4L engines that can cause oil pump failure.

Engine complaints: 170; 25% of 684
Crashes reported: 1
Fires reported: 2
Injuries reported: 0
Median mileage: 28,670 mi
Related recalls: 1

Typical engine symptoms owners report

Engine stalls or shuts off suddenly while driving, sometimes at highway speed, often with no warning light beforehand.
Owners report excessive oil consumption, with the engine burning through oil quickly and running low between changes.
Some vehicles lost oil pressure or leaked oil, followed by burning odors, smoke, or in one case a fire.
Stalling events are sometimes accompanied by loss of steering or braking assist immediately after the engine cuts off.
A few owners were told by dealers that low oil level intentionally triggers the engine to stop as a protective feature.

When 2018 Jeep Cherokee engine complaints were filed

First complaint Dec 14, 2017, latest May 29, 2026.

170 complaints filed with NHTSA from 2017 Q4 to 2026 Q2; peak 2020 Q1 (16).

Engine recalls for the 2018 Jeep Cherokee

NHTSA 17V670000Oct 24, 2017Engine357 vehicles
Engine and engine cooling:engine
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.
Risk: If the oil pump fails, the engine will stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
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. Chrysler's number for this recall is T65.

Engine complaints by Cherokee model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

2014652 (25%)
2015462 (26%)
2016372 (26%)
2017304 (23%)
2018170 (25%)
2019516 (31%)
202052 (17%)
202129 (18%)
20229 (18%)
20230 (0%)

Frequently asked questions

How common are engine complaints on the 2018 Jeep Cherokee?: NHTSA lists 170 engine complaints for the 2018 Cherokee, which is 25% of the 684 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a recall for the 2018 Jeep Cherokee engine?: Yes. Recall 17V670000 covers 2.4L engines with a cracked oil pump housing that can cause oil pump failure; dealers inspect and replace the oil pump free of charge.
At what mileage do engine problems usually appear on the 2018 Cherokee?: NHTSA data shows a median mileage of 28,670 miles at the time engine failures were reported.
Do the engine complaints involve stalling while driving?: Yes, multiple owners report the engine shutting off without warning while driving, in some cases along with loss of steering or braking.
Are the 2018 Cherokee engine problems linked to fires or crashes?: NHTSA records 2 fires and 1 crash among the reports filed under the engine complaint area for the 2018 Cherokee.