FaultScore

2018 Jeep Cherokee other reported problems

172 of the 992 complaints about the 2018 Jeep Cherokee are about the other systems — 17% of everything reported for this model year. Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before 30,000 miles.

C

172

Complaints

2

Crashes

3

Fires

1

Injuries

Exactly what failed

Unknown OR Other 172 100.0%

Other & Unspecified across every Jeep Cherokee year

1996 10 0.6%
1998 15 0.9%
2000 11 0.6%
2014 284 16.6%
2015 257 15.0%
2016 312 18.2%
2017 341 19.9%
2018 172 10.0%
2019 254 14.8%
2020 34 2.0%
2021 23 1.3%

What owners said

Filed with NHTSA, in their own words.

Castle Rock, CO

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

I am writing to escalate a safety and reimbursement concern regarding my 2018 Jeep Cherokee, VIN [Your VIN], which is subject to recall 01C / 25V‑011 (Power Transfer Unit Snap Ring Defect). Before the recall remedy was available, my vehicle experienced a sudden loss of drive power, grinding, and jerking, which led to a full transmission replacement. I was stranded on the side of an interstate ramp as a result of this loss of drive power. The PTU was not replaced and remains original. I now intermittently receive a “4WD won’t work” alert 65-80% of vehicle starts. I attempted to schedule my vehicle for the recall repair and spoke in length with the Jeep dealership in [XXX] on 2/23/26. The dealership has informed me that PTU replacement parts are unavailable and could take months to arrive. If the dealership detects a concern during inspection, they will not allow me to keep the vehicle, yet they cannot provide a loaner. This leaves me without transportation for an indefinite period, despite the recall being an active safety concern. It is important to note that the PTU is directly connected to the transmission and transfers power to the rear wheels; a PTU failure can place stress on or impair the transmission, which can cause symptoms identical to sudden transmission failure. I request escalation to a senior case manager or Tier 2 Top Car Specialist, review of my prior repair for reimbursement, and documentation of the ongoing 4WD alerts to support safety and claim review. Attachments: repair receipt. Thank you for your time, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11737778 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Rapid City, SD

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Have 1 safety recall, have taken to jeep dealer and they have confirmed PTU not working light on dash is valid and 4x4 is not working, but they will not order new PTU. Jeep has not offered loaner vehicle or to buy back vehicle that is a lemon! It has been over a year since recall was issued without any results!

NHTSA complaint #11719821 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Bentonville, AR

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

The vehicle is experiencing a malfunction involving the Power Transfer Unit (PTU), which is currently subject to an open safety recall. The vehicle has developed severe drivability issues consistent with PTU failure. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. This condition places my safety and the satety of others at risk because the PTU defect can result in loss of drive power and/or failure of the vehicle to remain securely in park, increasing the risk of a crash or unintended vehicle movement. I contacted an authorized Jeep dealership to schedule service for the safety recall. When I presented the vehicle for the recall appointment, I was informed that no remedy was available and the vehicle was not inspected. As a result, the problem has not yet been confirmed through a full dealership inspection. The vehicle has not been inspected by the manufacturer, law enforcement, or insurance representatives. Prior to seeking recall service, the vehicle exhibited drivability symptoms consistent with PTU malfunction, including: loss of drive power while moving, the Electronic Stability Control light appearing, consistent and loud shaking/clanking of the vehicle while driving, which becomes incredibly severe with speed, preventing me from driving on the interstate. These symptoms prompted me to schedule the recall appointment. I was turned away without inspection due to the lack of an available remedy.

NHTSA complaint #11708621 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Howell, NJ

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

My PTU actuator has failed on my Jeep. I know there is a recall for the two-speed actuator and mine is a single speed, but I have the fact same failure and think my vehicle should also be recalled. I have had many issues that I have paid out of pocket for parts failing in my Jeep that are common problems with jeeps and always recalled except mine. It makes no sense to me. How can I have all the same failures but not qualify?

NHTSA complaint #11705264 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Burt Lake, MI

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

PTU/Power transfer unit issues

NHTSA complaint #11701191 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Lenox Twp, MI

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Regarding Recall Transport Canada Recall 2025-012, also known as Safety Recall 01C and NHTSA ID Number: 25V011000 My Jeep has the service 4WD message displayed on the dash along with the noise/vibration/grinding as described in the same recall for other Jeeps for my model year. I'm not sure if this recall needs to be expanded but I'm curious to know what the process looks like as my problem is identical to the other Jeeps effected by this recall but my Jeep isn't listed.

NHTSA complaint #11689321 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Elkhorn, NE

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

I own a Jeep Cherokee 2018 ( [XXX] ) it has less then 60k miles on it. The dashboard recently - 4WD System unavailable" lit up and remains lit. I took to non dealer for diagnosis- stated it is a known issue in Jeep Cherokee, transfer case internal failure. I verified online there is a recall for faulty power transfer (25V011000.) but my VIN is not reflected. I believe my Vin should be included in the recall and was omitted. What can I do to have it reviewed and added to the recall list? I app;reciate your assistance. Thank you!!! [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11687629 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Kenosha, WI

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Service shifter light is on been on for a long time. When driving it takes a min to pick up speed . My dash said that there is something wrong with my air bag.

NHTSA complaint #11686173 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Aurora, CO

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Received notification of a recall for my jeep called and they stated that there is no fix but if something happens while I’m driving that jeep would have to consume the cost this is unacceptable! This was 3/15/25 still no fix

NHTSA complaint #11685456 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Venice, FL

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

My Jeep Cherokee is under NHTSA Recall 25V-011 / Manufacturer Recall 01C for a defect in the Power Transfer Unit (PTU) that can cause sudden loss of power while driving or loss of PARK while stationary, both posing crash risks. The recall was issued in January 2025 and as of September 2025 the remedy is still not available. The defect has not been inspected or confirmed by a dealer since FCA/Stellantis has not released the fix.

NHTSA complaint #11685266 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Colorado Springs, CO

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Vehicle: 2018 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk VIN: [XXX] Recall: Manufacturer #01C / NHTSA #25V-011 Complaint: On January 16, 2025, FCA US (Stellantis/Jeep) issued a recall (01C, NHTSA 25V-011) for 2017–2019 Jeep Cherokee vehicles due to improperly seated input shaft snap rings in the Power Transfer Unit (PTU). The recall summary itself acknowledges that this defect can cause uncontrolled input shaft movement, spline damage, and/or range fork damage, leading to loss of motive power while driving or loss of PARK function while stationary — both creating a serious crash and injury risk. The recall notice states that the remedy will be a reprogramming of the Drivetrain Control Module (DTCM) with software to detect excessive wear and replace the PTU if needed, along with a warranty extension. However, as of this filing, the recall status for my vehicle remains “Incomplete, Remedy Not Yet Available.” Owners are being left to drive vehicles with a known risk of sudden power loss or loss of PARK, and Stellantis has failed to provide a timeline for the remedy, a loaner vehicle, or interim safety protections. This constitutes an unreasonable delay in providing a remedy to a recognized safety defect under 49 U.S.C. Chapter 301. I request NHTSA investigate Stellantis for failing to make the remedy available in a timely manner, and to compel the manufacturer to expedite corrective action. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11684083 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Conway, SC

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Service Shifter warning light comes on

NHTSA complaint #11681188 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Colorado Springs, CO

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

My 2018 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk (VIN: [XXX] ) is affected by safety recall NHTSA #25V-011 (Recall #01C – 2017-2019 KL Two Speed PTU Failure). The recall was issued on 01/23/2025, but Jeep/Stellantis has not provided a remedy or timeline for repair. This issue poses a serious safety risk, and the manufacturer’s failure to supply a remedy in a timely manner is unacceptable. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate and require the manufacturer to provide an immediate fix or interim solution. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11677140 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Roanoke, VA

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

We received the warning light "Service 4WD" on May 21, 2025. Our mechanic scanned it on May 27, 2025 and got code C14A7-97 which is for the PTU. This problem has been recalled on certain 2017-2019 Jeep Cherokee's but our 2018 vehicle is not included in the recall, even though we are experiencing the exact same issue as the recalled vehicles. According to reports this issue can cause a loss of power and cause the vehicle to crash without warning. The NHTSA recall number is 25V011000.

NHTSA complaint #11663102 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Griffith, IN

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Jeeps are currently recalled for PTU for 2017-2019 models. Symptoms in clude "Service 4WD" message on the dashboard, unusual noises, vibrations, or changes in how vehicle drive. My Jeep is a 2018. I am not sure why my VIN is registering as 0 recalls. My Jeep is stopping in mid drive. It has stopped on the expressway and street. This is dangerous.

NHTSA complaint #11653429 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Albuquerque, NM

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

At this time, the manufacture is unable to remedy the recall issues for the 2018 Jeep Cherokee that could affect the safety of the vehicle.

NHTSA complaint #11652821 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Louisville, KY

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

I started noticing a knocking, vibrating sound as I accelerated. I took it to several places, and they couldn’t figure it out. Then, last Saturday, I was driving on the interstate, and completely lost power. I was stranded with no shoulder to go to. I tried to put it in park, and it almost rolled away. I took it to a Jeep dealer, and they told me it was the ptu, which they can’t do anything with because there is no fix. I am stranded with no vehicle. I offered to pay out of pocket for the repair, but there is no repair.

NHTSA complaint #11648894 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Prospect, TN

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Vehicle stalls when driving, will start moving again when put into park and then back into drive

NHTSA complaint #11640885 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Salisbury, MD

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

4wd service message pops up and the car shuts on and off while driving I thought it was the battery so I replaced and the problems stop but the problems came back

NHTSA complaint #11640060 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Port Angeles, WA

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Starting in early 2021, I had my Jeep serviced, and noted a constant banging noise and feeling while driving my car. It was inspected (for lots of money) and test driven. I was told the noise is "normal." As time went on, it progressively got louder, more vibrating, and more frequent. I noted this as a continuing concern--I was told "it is normal for this vehicle." I just spoke with the dealership again, in light of the Transfer Case recall (25V011), and when he looked at my history, he said I needed to immediately call Mopar. Because there is not one moment my car isn't banging while it's in "drive," he said it was a serious issue and I shouldn't wait for the "parts to be available." He also apologized that I was told several times that something like this is normal. I called Mopar today and spoke with "Kate" at 1:29 PST on 1/29/2025. She noted the lack of parts and a plan. When I explained that my car has active issues she said, "let me transfer you to the recall department." I thought Kate was in the recall department! She then transferred me to the original calling system, and I got nowhere. So I am emailing you to inform you that my vehicle has a constant banging noise consistent with your recall, based on a Jeep dealership's assessment and my brief call with Kate at Mopar. It was also noted by one of Jeeps' service techs, today that I should contact Mopar for immediate next steps; that he believe my vehicle could immediately become catastrophic. Mopar provided me with no additional remedies or steps. This is my sole mode of transportation and I live in a rural, hilly community. Legally, I need to document my attempts to remedy this, in the event that the vehicle does harm or kill someone--because, as noted in the recall and at the Jeep service center, even park can fail and run someone over.

NHTSA complaint #11639445 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Port Angeles, WA

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

In early 2021, the doorhandle on the driver's side of my car froze in minimal snow/freezing rain. The electronics in the doorhandle were corrupted, and broke. This cause a short in the system, making my car lock and unlock itself uncontrolled, thereby draining the battery. The car could not be jumpstarted for this reason because the battery was perpetually drained. It required being towed, and the remedy took several months. This is completely unreasonable, for a small freeze to totally "brick" an off-road vehicle because of a doorhandle issue.

NHTSA complaint #11639448 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

San Fernando, CA

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

i took my jeep in august 2024 to repair a recall (W20) pcm a month later i started experiencing stalling. engine will start fine but after while driving car will stall. almost got hit from behind one of the times. car will stall in traffic and no restart itself sometimes. other times it quickly restarts and feels fine. i got an oil change today. but stil having the issue.

NHTSA complaint #11620891 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Ocala, FL

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Vehicle keeps having the service shifter light come on with all of the "PRDN" lights turning red. I have to quickly try and get off of the road and see if I can get my car into "Park" and then turn the car off, let it sit for a few minutes and then turn the car back on. There is not a recall on this, but I can see that a lot of people with this same type of vehicle and same year have had this issue. The shifter wiring is faulty and also needs updates or else this can cause the vehicle to completely turn off while driving which could in turn cause an accident.

NHTSA complaint #11620523 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Newton, MA

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

A week ago, I went to my local garage that I trust for a completely different reason than I ended up leaving with. I have a 2018 Jeep Cherokee. I have less than 62,500 miles on this vehicle. I do not tow anything. I do not go off road. I do not ride down trails or do anything out of the ordinary. I live in the Boston area. What I found when I was at the garage was an issue that the garage couldn't fix. I needed a rear differential unit replace. Jeep discontinued the Jeep Cherokee this year. What a coincidence because the differential unit isn't available. It's been on back order all year based on what I see online. I spoke to someone at a service department today. He told me it has been on back order, there are 150 ish that have been requested. There are 8 ready for deployment in July. So I will have 140+ people ahead of me for this thing that doesn't exist on a vehicle they no longer make. Today I went to a Jeep dealership and they looked at the unit and said at some point it's going to break and I'll lose control of my vehicle. They've seen this issue in the past and its not pretty and told me I should trade it in immediately. I have a vehicle with 62,500 miles that is essentially totaled . It will become inoperable in a matter of months, if not weeks. Even if they get the part, they told me it would be $3,500 for the part, plus another $1,500 for labor, plus likely the axle needs to be replaced, plus another part and it's likely $8,000 to fix it all. And it could be 6-12 months before they can fix it. I get it, it's sexy to chase the airlines. The headlines are great. Vehicles is another story. That's not a sexy storyline. But Jeep is taking someone who FINALLY paid off this vehicle this month and is forcing me to buy a new vehicle. I don't get to use insurance on my totaled vehicle. Jeep is forcing me into trading this vehicle in by not producing parts. Vehicle was inspected today. No warning lamps. It was found by mistake.

NHTSA complaint #11605534 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Frisco, TX

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

I keep getting an warning that my shifter needs to serviced. After much research, I've discovered that this is a known and common problem with Jeep Cherokees. It should absolutely be a safety recall and fixed at no cost to the customers.

NHTSA complaint #11601795 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Union City, GA

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

The vehicle consume too much oil .it completely run out of oil after driving a 1000 mile only .the engine stop suddenly while driving which put my safety in danger .because it happened when the vehicle engine stop running in the highway in the middle of traffic. I call the manufacturer they said there is a recall (W20 )for this car regarding those issue . And they said once they update the car software those issues should be resolved. But afterwards the same issue still happenings. The car currently only has 32k miles .those problems started back on March 2024 when.the car has only 24k miles

NHTSA complaint #11600979 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Imperial, CA

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Jeep Cherokee 2018 limited AC turns off throughout the drive. It makes the SUV vibrate to the point I can’t see out the review mirror. Had AC serviced and checked. Issue persisted shortly after.

NHTSA complaint #11591162 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Corpus Christi, TX

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

I went in to my dealership Nov. 24,2023 for a water leak to the driver side floor and to the back seat behind the driver side. It was starting to smell so I used some carpet cleaner to get rid of the smell. They replaced the panel cowl side trims on both sides of the windshield. I told them that only driver side floor and back seat behind the driver was wet. Never said that there was a water on the passenger side floor? Charged me $543.22. Had to go back a second time because it was still leaking on Dec. 20,2023. This time they put caulking to solve the problem at no charge. Now April 19,2024 I still noticed that it's leaking after I washed my vehicle. So now I have to go in a third time in less than 6 months. Never solved my water leak after paying them $543.22. I do believe that this water leak was happening possibly since day 1 having the vehicle. I bought weathertech floor mats once I purchased my vehicle. I had a liner on the floor and then the floor mat on top. So its like using 2 mats. Never thought to look underneath my mats for a water leak. I do not want this problem to persist and possibly have black mold in my vehicle. Already contacted Jeep customer service if they can help resolve this issue and If they can provide me with a rental car for my inconvenience. They did provide me a case number. Still waiting for their response. Please let me know if you need more information. Thank you.

NHTSA complaint #11585212 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Neosho, MO

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Every now & then the menu will pop up & say service shifter & won't allow you to exit that notification & all the lights on the shifter turn red at the same time. The only way to reset it is to turn the jeep off & back on again. I've gone a couple months now without it happening but for awhile it was doing it almost every day. It doesn't seem to affect the driving at all though which is odd. However there has been a pretty consistent jerking when accelerating into higher gears. Not sure if it's related or not. My dealership said there was nothing wrong with my vehicle so i just keep dealing with it.

NHTSA complaint #11581219 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Fort Mill, SC

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

The car was showing a service 4wd alert which the dealer said the PTU needs to be replaced.

NHTSA complaint #11579687 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Other 2018 Jeep Cherokee problems

← Full 2018 Jeep Cherokee report