2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
CautionComplaint Index
67/100
#6 most-complained of 16 Grand Cherokee years
The 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee has a complaint index of 67 and ranks 6th worst out of 16 model years, earning a Caution verdict. NHTSA lists 853 complaints, 10 recalls, and Electrical System issues as the top problem area at 41% of complaints.
- Complaints
- 853
- Recalls
- 10
- Crashes / fires
- 42 / 10
- Injuries / deaths
- 33 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- 4 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 21
- 18 city / 25 hwy
Top 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee problems
NHTSA owner 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%)
What owners report
- Owners report brakes that fail to fully engage or stutter before the vehicle unexpectedly accelerates, sometimes at low speeds like 33-35 mph.
- Some describe traction control or automatic brake assist activating on its own and steering the vehicle off the road or into a collision.
- A few owners report engine compartment fires occurring within hours of taking delivery or driving the vehicle short distances.
- Fuel system complaints describe stalling at highway speed accompanied by a fuel odor and smoke from the passenger side.
- Multiple reports describe the vehicle lurching forward while in park and crashing into fixed objects despite the brake pedal being depressed.
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 lists 853 complaints and a complaint index of 67 for the 2018 model, ranking it 6th worst among 16 model years and giving it a Caution verdict relative to other Grand Cherokee years.
- What is the biggest problem area for the 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee?
- Electrical System complaints lead with 352 complaints, 41% of the total, including 5 crashes and 6 fires, with a median mileage at failure of 27,750 miles.
- Does the 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists 10 recalls for the 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee, covering brakes, engine, fuel system, and electrical system components, including a powertrain control module replacement and an ABS module software update.
- How does the 2018 Grand Cherokee compare to other years?
- The 2018 model's complaint index of 67 is worse than 2016 (7), 2017 (13), and 2019 (33), but better than 2014 (100) and 2012 (87), which are rated Avoid.