NHTSA (USA)Critical
At a glance
What can fail
The power transfer unit may become damaged and disconnect from the transmission and differential, causing loss of driving power and/or inability to park the vehicle.
What the fix does
This page covers 9 recalls, 673 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2018 Jeep Cherokee.
23–25 mpg combined
9.4–10.2 L/100km
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 6 tested variants for this model year.
4/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
The 2018 Jeep Cherokee draws the bulk of its complaints around the powertrain, which accounts for well over a third of all reports filed for this model year. The most common theme is transmission and transfer unit trouble, owners frequently describe the transmission failing to shift properly, warning lights cycling through, and "Service Transmission" messages appearing, often at highway speeds. A recurring workaround owners mention is cycling the ignition to temporarily clear the fault. The power transfer unit (PTU) draws its own cluster of complaints, with owners reporting 4WD system failures that drop the vehicle into rear-wheel drive, often accompanied by parts availability problems that leave vehicles sitting unrepaired for extended periods. Engine complaints are the second-largest named category, though the powertrain issues dominate the overall picture. A smaller but notable thread involves the electronic parking brake engaging unexpectedly while driving, leaving the vehicle unable to move.
673
Total Complaints
11
Crash-Related
5
Fire-Related
3
With Injuries
By System
The 2018 Jeep Cherokee has 9 recalls, the most serious being fire and drivetrain risks: a fuel tube on 2.4L-equipped vehicles can leak fuel into the engine compartment, and all-wheel drive models may lose drive power entirely or roll away while parked.
On the drivetrain side, two related issues affect AWD models: the right front half-shaft bearing can break and cause the axle to stop transmitting power, and the power transfer unit can disengage the transmission and differential, both of which can result in unexpected rollaway or loss of drive. Also on 2.4L engines, a cracked oil pump housing can cause the engine to stall without warning. Two electrical issues round out the more serious concerns: underhood wiring can fail and stall the vehicle, and a software defect in the cruise control system can prevent the driver from deactivating it, causing the vehicle to hold speed or accelerate when the driver intends to slow down. The final recall involves a missing tire and rim size label on the certification sticker, which can lead to an incorrect tire or wheel being installed during service.
At a glance
What can fail
The power transfer unit may become damaged and disconnect from the transmission and differential, causing loss of driving power and/or inability to park the vehicle.
What the fix does
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Driver Assistance
Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). Based on 2 tested variants; worst-case ratings shown.
Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
Dealers will update the drivetrain control module and PTU software and replace the PTU if needed at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A voltage regulator chip in the powertrain control module may fail, causing the engine to stall or not start.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the powertrain control module at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The right front half-shaft bearing may be defective on all-wheel drive vehicles, potentially causing the half-shaft to fail and resulting in loss of power or uncontrolled rolling.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the right front half-shaft assembly.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The bearing cage in the right front halfshaft assembly may not have been properly heat treated, which could cause it to break and fail.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the right front halfshaft assembly at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A wiring short circuit can prevent cruise control from disengaging. When engaged, you may not be able to turn it off by braking or using manual controls, causing the vehicle to maintain speed or accelerate unexpectedly.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the engine or powertrain control module software at no cost to fix the cruise control disengagement issue.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Some vehicles with 2.4L engines have a damaged fuel tube that can leak fuel. A fuel leak near an ignition source could cause a fire.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect your fuel supply tube and replace it if damaged.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The fuel tube may leak fuel into the engine compartment.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and replace the fuel tube if needed, at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The oil pump housing may crack, causing the oil pump to fail and stop circulating engine oil properly.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect your oil pump and replace it if cracked, at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The certification label on the driver's door jamb is missing tire and rim size information, which could lead to installing wrong tires or rims on your vehicle.
What the fix does
Chrysler will send you a corrected certification label with the proper tire and rim size information at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
