What owners reported to NHTSA about the 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee, its recalls, and what to check before you buy one.

Owners filed about 1.4 times as many complaints as a typical Grand Cherokee year. The main thing to watch is the electrical system, which half of owners reported by about 28,000 miles. Years with fewer complaints: 2016, 2017 and 2020.
Based on owner complaints to NHTSA, compared with other Grand Cherokee years from 2012 to 2024. A good year can still be a bad car, so check the one you are looking at.
Owners have filed 855 complaints with NHTSA about the 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The most reported problem area is the electrical system (339, 40% of complaints), followed by the engine and cooling and the transmission and drivetrain. That ranks 4th of 13 Grand Cherokee years from 2012 to 2024 for complaints. It has 11 recalls.
8 of these complaints came from Utah owners.
Add it to My Garage, free. We email you when a new recall is issued for it, plus service reminders and what it is worth each month.
Add it to My GarageTell us what you want in a 2018 Grand Cherokee and your budget. We review every request and show you how we can help you find a good one and skip the bad years.
Start my car searchProblem areas ranked by how many complaints mention them. One complaint can name more than one area. Open an area to see what to check on a 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee before you buy.
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 28,000 miles.
The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the “Service air Suspension” warning light was illuminated. In addition, the contact stated that the headlights independently turn on and off, the doors independently locked and unlocked, and the radio independently changes…Owner complaint, filed 2026, at 80,000 miles
Upon vehicle start-up, the Uconnect screen will freeze up. Placing the vehicle into reverse, the back-up camera is not shown. During the issue, the screen could be frozen/not responsive, or a blue screen. This concern has been an ongoing issue for some time now. It seems to be getting more frequent recently.Owner complaint, filed 2026
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 25,000 miles.
The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that while taking the vehicle to a service center for an oil change, the oil filter plastic housing unexpectedly warped after the oil change. The contact stated that after the failure, smoke was coming from the vehicle, and an oil odor was coming from the vents when the heat…Owner complaint, filed 2026, at 96,685 miles
Sudden loss of power while driving 75mph in the fast lane on [XXX] in [XXX]. My 2018 with the 3.0ltr Eco diesel engine was involved in a sever life-threatening event That caused my engine to fail while driving and I request immediate corporate escalation! On XXX while driving in the fast lane after just fueling up not more than 15-20min…Owner complaint, filed 2026
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 20,000 miles.
I was initially traveling at the posted speed limit of 65 when all of a sudden the engine started shaking profusely, and I lost total power of the vehicle. Therefore, I had to immediately jump onto the shoulder without being rear ended and come to a complete stop while trying to coast safely to a place so I wouldn’t be hit by traffic .…Owner complaint, filed 2026
Twice I have been driving on the highway at 60 mph and the transmission had suddenly shifted into low gear and subsequently went into limp mode. The dealer is unable to find an issue with the vehicle. There were no warning lights, before, during, or after. After I pulled onto the shoulder of the road and turned the Jeep off and turned it…Owner complaint, filed 2026
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 33,000 miles.
I was backing up my trailer and placed the jeep in park and set emergency brake while on an incline. I got out of the jeep and the vehicle proceeded to roll away approximately 3 feet. I jumped back towards the drivers seat to press the brake to stop it from rolling down the hillOwner complaint, filed 2026
The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V838000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had…Owner complaint, filed 2026, at 88,000 miles
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 6,000 miles.
I own a 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee EcoDiesel that has experienced repeated high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) failures despite completion of the NHTSA HPFP safety recall. After the recall was performed, my vehicle developed the exact failure described in the recall. Metal contamination was found in the fuel system, requiring replacement of the…Owner complaint, filed 2026
I have been experiencing slow crank issues for months now. The vehicle will have a slow crank then start. If it does not start on the first try, it will start on the second attempt. This concerns me as I've read many complaints regarding high pressure fuel pump issues on Jeep Grand Cherokees. I am concerned about my safety especially…Owner complaint, filed 2025
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 50,000 miles.
In approximately early to mid-August 2026, I was driving my 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee at approximately 40 mph when the passenger-side Active Head Restraint (AHR) suddenly deployed without any collision, rear impact, or other event that should have caused it to deploy. There was no passenger in the seat at the time, so fortunately no one…Owner complaint, filed 2026
To Whom It May Concern, I am writing to formally report a serious safety defect regarding the Active Head Restraint (AHR) system in my vehicle. On 11/28/25 the headrest deployed spontaneously while I was operating the vehicle. Incident Details: • No Collision: There was no impact, collision, or sudden braking event that would trigger a…Owner complaint, filed 2026
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 7,000 miles.
Afternoon 28/11/2022. On I275 North near Exit 50. Tha cruise control turned on and the car started speeding up. I almost ran into the back of a truck in Front of me. I applied the brake and the cruise control turned off. Also the radio won't stay on station and occasionally the seat heaters come on by without touching any controls.Owner complaint, filed 2021
Vehicle unexpectedly accelerated on its own while I was braking. Had I not been breaking, I would’ve gotten in a car accident. Even letting off the brake slightly caused the vehicle to jerk forward quickly and aggressively until I slammed on the brake again. This is the 2nd time this has happened now.Owner complaint, filed 2021
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 31,000 miles.
This applies to ALL vehicles not just this one. The bulbs should be designed and able to be changed in the lot of a store not only by a dealer. I will be forwarding this to my rep and the White House. This BS has been going on for decades and this department has allowed this extreme safety concern to continue. Lights can burn out…Owner complaint, filed 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the rear glass fractured without impact. The contact's minor children were seated in the rear seat when the failure occurred. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was not…Owner complaint, filed 2024, at 57,000 miles
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 34,000 miles. Parts named most: Warnings (15), Automatic emergency braking (7), Adaptive cruise control (5).
Sensors that activate when objects are close to vehicle and are supposed to warn collision do not work at all. Sometimes they activate when there are no obstacles at all and the vehicle is stationary. Pedestrians are not noticed nor are objects/vehicles that are in the way as the vehicle is in motion (and even stationary). Also the…Owner complaint, filed 2025
The Jeep Uconnect System control screen has delaminated form normal use which is a well documented issue on thousands of jeeps from online research. The delamination now has the vehicle pushing buttons on the screen by itself and changing safety parameters while driving. I have a video showing that while I am driving and not pushing any…Owner complaint, filed 2025
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 15,000 miles.
I own a 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited. The driver's-side Active Head Restraint (AHR) suddenly deployed/opened without the vehicle being involved in a collision or rear impact. The head restraint separated/opened with significant force and will not remain in its normal position. I am not aware of any warning lights, warning messages…Owner complaint, filed 2026
I was traveling south on Lee Jackson hwy in Staunton Va at about 40 to 45 mph and was t-boned on the right passenger side with the impact just in front of the passenger door and front quarter panel. The damage ended up being all the way to the right rear passenger door. None of the air bags or side curtain airbags deployed.Owner complaint, filed 2026
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 28,000 miles.
The front air springs, struts, and air suspension compressor failed. The dealer cannot get the right front air spring because it is backordered. It appears that 100% of these components fail creating demand that the manufacturer cannot keep up with. There should be a recall at this high failure rate on a component that makes the vehicle…Owner complaint, filed 2026
I was the first owner to my jeep grand cherokee purchased in 2018. Within a few months I started getting a warning message to service the suspension system right away. The car would then get stuck in four wheel drive or other mode and would not rise or lower stating I needed to slow down (I was already driving below the speed limit)…Owner complaint, filed 2021, at 55 miles
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 40,000 miles. Parts named most: Body (12).
The glue of the dashboard has caused the leather on the dashboard to bubble on my 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee. I brought it to the jeep dealership, and they said it happens all the time from the sun. Its a known defect, but its not covered by the extended warranty. They said they have had recalls on this in the past with other years and…Owner complaint, filed 2024
The bolt that holds the liftgate motor on top snapped in half with trying to open. I used the button on the remote to open the lift gate. I heard a loud pop noise as it was trying to open then when I finally got it open I noticed the bolt was snapped in half. Luckily the bolt broke going up not down. If it had broken going down it could…Owner complaint, filed 2023
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 14,000 miles.
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? - Power steering failed while driving with family in vehicle including pregnant wife and toddler. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The power steering turned off while driving and has been deemed defective. Has the…Owner complaint, filed 2023
We tow our vehicle and it is having a real bad wobble. This happens when we make sharp turns while in tow only. After the turn it usually corrects itself. We are concerned that this may be the same problems they are having with the earlier make jeeps which is referred to as the dearth wobble. We have an appointment with a dodge dealer to…Owner complaint, filed 2019, at 20,000 miles
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 17,000 miles.
I am writing to formally report an alarming and dangerous pattern of tire failure involving the Cooper Adventurer HT 265/50R/20 tires (Product Number: [VIN], DOT: U9UM 1HK) that were installed on my 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee.Owner complaint, filed 2025
ABS light/Traction light comes on when I break or reverse. When I start up the car it is never on. The car jerks as it shifts to 2wd and I am informed that park sensor is off as well.Owner complaint, filed 2022
Compare the 2018 with other years before you choose one. Tap a year to see its problems.
Each car is rated against its own other years, since popular models always get more complaints than rare ones.
| Car | Vs. its other years | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee | Worse than most years | 11 |
| 2018 Toyota Highlander | About average | 5 |
| 2018 Honda Pilot | About average | 7 |
| 2018 Ford Explorer | One of the better years | 7 |
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.
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.
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.
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 illuminate the brake lights, and allow the vehicle to start and shift out of Park without the brake pedal being applied.
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.
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Street and Racing Technology (SRT) and Trackhawk vehicles. The driver's floor mat may have insufficient clearance between the mat and the accelerator pedal, possibly preventing the pedal from returning to the idle position.
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain Mopar Floor Mats, part numbers 6ML07TRMAA and 6GA92TRMAA, sold as accessory equipment for 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Street and Racing Technology ("SRT") and Trackhawk vehicles. These floor mats may have insufficient clearance between the mat and the accelerator pedal, possibly inhibiting the pedal from returning to an idle position.
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Jeep Renegade, Compass and Grand Cherokee, RAM 1500 and Promaster, Fiat 500x, Dodge Journey, Challenger, Charger and Durango and Chrysler 300x vehicles, 2017-2018 Jeep Wrangler, Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town and Country vehicles and 2018-2019 Jeep Cherokee and 2018 Chrysler Pacifica and Pacifica Hybrid vehicles. The powertrain control module may be equipped with a voltage regulator chip in the circuit board that may fail, causing a stall or a no start condition.
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Dodge Journey, Charger and Durango, RAM 2500, 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis (more than 10,000lb), 4500 Cab Chassis and 5500 Cab Chassis, Jeep Cherokee and Grand Cherokee and Chrysler 300, 2014-2019 RAM 1500, 2015-2018 Dodge Challenger, 2015-2017 Chrysler 200, 2016-2018 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis (less than 10,000 lb), 2017-2018 Chrysler Pacifica and 2018 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. These vehicles are being recalled to address a defect that could prevent the cruise control system from disengaging. If, when using cruise control, there is a short circuit within the vehicle's wiring, the driver may not be able to shut off the cruise control either by depressing the brake pedal or manually turning the system off once it has been engaged, resulting in either the vehicle maintaining its current speed or possibly accelerating.
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Dodge Charger, Durango and Challenger, Jeep Grand Cherokee and Wrangler, Chrysler 300, and RAM 1500 vehicles. An incorrect transmission park lock rod may have been installed in the transmission.
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk vehicles equipped with a 6.2L Supercharged Engine. The fuel line may separate.
The most reported problem areas on the 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee are the electrical system (339 complaints), the engine and cooling (141 complaints) and the transmission and drivetrain (75 complaints).
Worse than most Grand Cherokee years. Owners filed about 1.4 times as many complaints as a typical Grand Cherokee year. The main thing to watch is the electrical system, which half of owners reported by about 28,000 miles. Years with fewer complaints: 2016, 2017 and 2020. Based on owner complaints to NHTSA, compared with other Grand Cherokee years from 2012 to 2024. A good year can still be a bad car, so check the one you are looking at.
NHTSA lists 11 recalls for the 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The most recent, from Nov 2024, covers the control unit / module. Recalls cover the whole model year, so check the VIN of the car you are looking at to see which are still open.
Half of the owners who reported a problem with the electrical system gave a mileage of about 28,000 miles or less. Half of the owners who reported a problem with the engine and cooling gave a mileage of about 25,000 miles or less. Plenty of cars have these problems later or never, so ask for service records.
The Grand Cherokee years with the most complaints compared with the rest are 2012, 2014 and 2015. Years with clearly fewer complaints are 2016, 2017 and 2020. Years from 2022 on are too new to rate fairly yet.
These problems are for the model year as a whole. Here is how to find out about the one you are looking at.
We inspect the car with a scan tool and paint gauge, read the history report and tell you whether it is worth the asking price, before you hand over any money.