How common are transmission problems in the 2018 Jeep Cherokee?

NHTSA lists 293 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2018 model year, making up 43% of the 684 total complaints filed for that year.

Is there a transmission recall for the 2018 Jeep Cherokee?

Yes. Recall 25V011000 covers a power transfer unit (PTU) that can disengage the transmission and differential, and recall 18V494000 covers a front right halfshaft bearing issue on all-wheel-drive models.

At what mileage do transmission issues typically show up?

NHTSA data shows a median mileage of 40,000 miles at the time of the reported failure.

Do transmission problems in the 2018 Cherokee cause crashes?

NHTSA records one crash and no fires or injuries linked to Transmission & Powertrain complaints for this model year.

How does 2018 compare to other Cherokee years for transmission complaints?

The 43% share for 2018 is lower than 2014 (56%), 2015 (56%), 2020 (57%), and 2021 (57%), though the 2019 model year had more raw complaints (803) in this category.

2018 Jeep Cherokee Transmission & Powertrain Problems

NHTSA lists 293 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2018 Jeep Cherokee, 43% of all 684 complaints filed for the year. Median mileage at failure is 40,000, and two related recalls (25V011000 and 18V494000) cover PTU and front halfshaft failures.

Transmission & Powertrain complaints: 293; 43% of 684
Crashes reported: 1
Fires reported: 0
Injuries reported: 0
Median mileage: 40,000 mi
Related recalls: 2

Typical transmission symptoms owners report

Owners report the "service shifter" warning lighting up all gear indicators at once, forcing a stop, shutdown, and restart to regain control of the shifter.
Some drivers describe sudden lurching or hesitation when accelerating, with the vehicle refusing to move normally before jerking into the correct gear.
Several complaints describe the transmission shifting into neutral or park unexpectedly at highway speed, requiring the engine to be turned off and restarted to get back into drive.
One owner reported a front axle fracture at approximately 30 mph that led to a crash into a parked vehicle.
A transmission overheating event at low speed was reported along with a burning odor and dashboard warning lights coming on simultaneously.

When 2018 Jeep Cherokee transmission complaints were filed

First complaint Nov 16, 2017, latest Sep 22, 2026.

293 complaints filed with NHTSA from 2017 Q4 to 2026 Q3; peak 2026 Q1 (24).

Transmission & Powertrain recalls for the 2018 Jeep Cherokee

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 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.

Transmission & Powertrain complaints by Cherokee model year

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

20141,469 (56%)
20151,002 (56%)
2016629 (45%)
2017647 (49%)
2018293 (43%)
2019803 (49%)
2020174 (57%)
202193 (57%)
202228 (55%)
20232 (67%)

Frequently asked questions

How common are transmission problems in the 2018 Jeep Cherokee?: NHTSA lists 293 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2018 model year, making up 43% of the 684 total complaints filed for that year.
Is there a transmission recall for the 2018 Jeep Cherokee?: Yes. Recall 25V011000 covers a power transfer unit (PTU) that can disengage the transmission and differential, and recall 18V494000 covers a front right halfshaft bearing issue on all-wheel-drive models.
At what mileage do transmission issues typically show up?: NHTSA data shows a median mileage of 40,000 miles at the time of the reported failure.
Do transmission problems in the 2018 Cherokee cause crashes?: NHTSA records one crash and no fires or injuries linked to Transmission & Powertrain complaints for this model year.
How does 2018 compare to other Cherokee years for transmission complaints?: The 43% share for 2018 is lower than 2014 (56%), 2015 (56%), 2020 (57%), and 2021 (57%), though the 2019 model year had more raw complaints (803) in this category.