2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Engine Problems
NHTSA lists 171 engine complaints for the 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee, 20% of all complaints for the year, with a median failure mileage of 15,050 miles. Two related recalls cover 3.0L diesel engines: a crankshaft position sensor tone wheel issue and an EGR cooler cracking issue.
- Engine complaints
- 171
- 20% of 853
- Crashes reported
- 16
- Fires reported
- 4
- Injuries reported
- 7
- Median mileage
- 15,050 mi
- Related recalls
- 2
Typical engine symptoms owners report
- Owners describe sudden unintended acceleration while stopped or shifting into park, with the vehicle surging forward or backward into objects.
- Several drivers report the brake pedal fully depressed but unable to stop forward motion, leading to low-speed collisions with buildings, poles, or parked cars.
- One owner reported the engine compartment catching fire within days of taking delivery, with the vehicle fully engulfed.
- Multiple complaints describe the vehicle moving on its own after being placed in park, sometimes while the driver was outside the car.
- A separate diesel-engine recall addresses a crankshaft position sensor tone wheel that can delaminate and stall the engine.
- Another diesel-engine recall covers an EGR cooler that can crack and release heated coolant vapor.
When 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee engine complaints were filed
First complaint Mar 21, 2018, latest Sep 2, 2026.
Engine recalls for the 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee
- 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 20V699000Nov 12, 2020Engine28,884 vehicles
Engine and engine cooling:exhaust system:emission control:gas recirculation valve (egr valve)
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles equipped with the 3.0L EcoDiesel engines. The Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) cooler may crack and allow pre-heated vaporized coolant to enter the EGR system. This mixture may combust inside the intake manifold.
Risk: Combustion in the intake manifold can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: FCA US LLC will notify owners, and dealers will replace the EGR cooler, free of charge. Dealers will also inspect and, as necessary, replace the intake manifold. Parts are not currently available. Owners were mailed an interim notification on December 21, 2021. A second notification will be mailed when parts are available, currently expected to be around March 11, 2021. The recall began March 11, 2021. Owners may contact FCA US LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US LLC's number for this recall is W79.
Engine complaints by Grand Cherokee model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- How many engine complaints does the 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee have?
- NHTSA lists 171 engine complaints for the 2018 model year, which is 20% of the 853 total complaints filed for that year.
- Is there an engine recall for the 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee?
- Yes. NHTSA recall 23V411000 covers a crankshaft position sensor tone wheel that can delaminate on 3.0L diesel engines, and recall 20V699000 covers an EGR cooler that can crack on the same diesel engine.
- At what mileage do engine problems typically show up?
- NHTSA data shows a median mileage at failure of 15,050 miles for engine-related complaints on this model year.
- Did the 2018 Grand Cherokee engine issues cause crashes or fires?
- NHTSA records 16 crashes, 4 fires, and 7 injuries tied to engine complaints for the 2018 model year.
- What symptoms do owners report most with the 2018 Grand Cherokee engine?
- Owners most often describe sudden unintended acceleration, the vehicle failing to stop when braking, and unexpected movement after being placed in park.