2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Avoid The 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee has a complaint index of 75 with 853 complaints and 10 recalls, ranking 6th worst out of 21 model years, earning an Avoid verdict. Electrical System complaints dominate at 41% of reports, followed by Engine at 20%.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 75/100
- #6 of 21 Grand Cherokee years
- Verdict
- Avoid
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 853
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 10
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 42
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 10
- Injuries
- 33
- Top issue
- Electrical System
- NHTSA overall rating
- 4 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 21
- 18 city / 25 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 33 / 0
Top 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Electrical System352 (41%)
- Other275 (32%)
- Engine171 (20%)
- Transmission & Powertrain75 (9%)
- Brakes68 (8%)
- Fuel System63 (7%)
- Structure & Body59 (7%)
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras31 (4%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires25 (3%)
- Airbags24 (3%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Brakes reportedly fail to stop the vehicle fully at low speeds, sometimes stuttering before the vehicle accelerates unexpectedly into an intersection or obstacle.
- Owners describe the vehicle failing to slow with cruise control engaged, continuing forward despite full brake pedal pressure.
- Some vehicles reportedly caught fire, in one case while parked in a structure hours after being driven, with the fire originating near the engine compartment.
- Drivers report stalling at speed accompanied by a fuel odor and smoke from the passenger side before the vehicle became unresponsive.
- Traction control and automatic brake assist reportedly failed to prevent the vehicle from sliding off the road in snow or during a curve.
- Some owners report the vehicle moving on its own while in park, leading to low-speed collisions.
2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee recalls
10 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 24V838000Nov 7, 2024Brakes206,502 vehicles
Service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip:control unit/module
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango vehicles. A malfunction in the antilock-brake system (ABS) module may incorrectly illuminate the brake lights and disable the ABS and electronic stability control (ESC). In addition, the vehicle operator may be able to start and shift out of Park without the brake pedal being applied.
Risk: A vehicle that can be started and shifted out of Park without applying the brake pedal can result in a vehicle rollaway. Disabled ABS and ESC systems can reduce vehicle handling and control in certain driving situations. Brake lights that incorrectly illuminate can fail to properly indicate the driver's intention to following traffic. Any of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the integrated pressure transducer and update the ABS module software, as necessary free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 16, 2025. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is 94B. This recall replaces previous recall number 22V-426. Vehicles previously remedied under 22V-426 will need to have the new remedy completed.
- NHTSA 23V411000Jun 8, 2023Engine80,629 vehicles
Engine and engine cooling
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2019 Ram 1500 and 2014-2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles equipped with 3.0L Diesel engines. The crankshaft position sensor tone wheel may delaminate, causing the engine to lose its ability to synchronize the fuel injector pulses and cam shaft timing, possibly resulting in an engine stall.
Risk: An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the powertrain control module software to maintain vehicle propulsion, free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed August 3, 2023. Some owner notification letters were mailed October 31, 2023. The remaining owner notification letters will be mailed at a future date, anticipated July 2024. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 66A. This recall is an expansion of recall 20V-475.
- NHTSA 22V406000Jun 9, 2022Fuel System138,645 vehicles
Fuel system, diesel:delivery:fuel pump
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee, and 2014-2019 Ram 1500 vehicles equipped with 3.0L diesel engines. A high pressure fuel pump (HPFP) failure may introduce internal debris into the fuel system, potentially resulting in fuel starvation.
Risk: Fuel starvation may result in an unexpected loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the HPFP, and inspect and replace, if necessary, additional fuel system components, free of charge. Interim notification letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed July 21, 2022. Owner notification letters for were mailed for Jeep Grand Cherokee owners starting January 11, 2024. Owner notification letters for Ram 1500 owners were mailed March 7, 2024. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLS's number for this recall is Z46.
2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 18 MPG
- Highway
- 25 MPG
- Combined
- 21 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $3,950
- 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 Grand Cherokee years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee reliable?
- NHTSA data shows a complaint index of 75 for the 2018 model year, ranking 6th worst among 21 Grand Cherokee model years, which gives it an Avoid verdict relative to other years.
- What are the main problems with the 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee?
- Electrical System issues account for 41% of complaints, followed by Engine at 20% and Transmission & Powertrain at 9%. Median mileage at failure for Electrical System complaints was 27,750 miles.
- Does the 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee have recalls?
- NHTSA lists 10 recall campaigns for the 2018 Grand Cherokee, covering Brakes, Engine, Fuel System, Electrical System, and Other components. None are do-not-drive recalls.
- How does the 2018 Grand Cherokee compare to other years?
- With a complaint index of 75, 2018 ranks worse than years like 2017 (index 20, Best) and 2019 (index 30, Good), but better than 2014 (index 100, Avoid).
- What is the fuel economy of the 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee?
- EPA rates it at 21 mpg combined (18 city / 25 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,950.