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KLUNK
KLUNK

2018 Jeep Cherokee

The Verdict

15 Total Klunk

The 2018 Jeep Cherokee has 678 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. The most reported issues are transmission (247 complaints) and engine (168 complaints). With a Klunk Score of 15/100, it earns a "Total Klunk" rating. If you're shopping for a Jeep Cherokee, consider the 2023 model year which has 99% fewer complaints.

Safe Bet

The 2023 has 99% fewer complaints

View the 2023 Jeep Cherokee dashboard →

15

Klunk Score: Total Klunk

Among the most complained-about vehicle years on record. Strongly consider alternatives.

How is this calculated?

The Klunk Score ranks this vehicle year against all others in our database based on total owner complaints filed with NHTSA. 100 = fewest complaints (top tier), 0 = most complained-about. Scores above 60 are better than average; below 40 means more problems than most.

Recalls 3

Active safety recalls from NHTSA for this vehicle year.

17V670000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Jeep Cherokee and Compass vehicles equipped with 2.4L engines. The engines may have a cracked oil pump housing that can result in oil pump failure.

Risk

If the oil pump fails, the engine will stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the oil pump, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began December 5, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1...

Reported Apr 10, 2026

18V494000 POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY:AXLE SHAFT

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Jeep Cherokee all-wheel-drive vehicles. The bearing cage for the right front halfshaft assembly may not have been properly heat treated, possibly re...

Risk

If the halfshaft bearing cage breaks, the halfshaft may not be able to transmit engine power, causing a loss of drive or it can allow the vehicle to move while in the "Park" position. Either condi...

Remedy

Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front right halfshaft assemblies, free of charge. The recall began September 20, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-...

Reported Apr 10, 2026

18V282000 FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Jeep Cherokee vehicles equipped with a 2.4L engine. These vehicles may have been manufactured with a fuel tube that may leak fuel into the engine co...

Risk

A fuel leak in the presence of the ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy

Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the fuel tube, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began May 24, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-80...

Reported Jan 5, 2018

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Under the Hood

Each number is a complaint. Darker = bigger problem.

YearBodyBrakesElectricalEngineTransmission
2000594487241351167
2001509241103153110
20143631592396631205
201526780185388849
201625979168339551
201725642194269560
201812129113168247
201925168157477624
202049191845127
2021239142566
2022628919
202301002

By Category

Transmission
247
Engine
168
Body
121
Electrical
113
Brakes
29

By Severity

1
354
2
308
4
16

Worst Problems

Complaints

Body 1

The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the rear end of the vehicle was shaking abnormally, and the rear end of the vehicle was uncontrollable. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with two fractured bolts on the rear passenger’s side wheel. The contact was informed that the two bolts needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to another independent mechanic where it was confirmed that the two bolts were fractured on the rear passenger's side wheel. The contact was informed that the two bolts needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact was informed that the two fractured bolts were severely damaged and had been damaged for a while. The contact stated that the dealer had performed an alignment on the vehicle the day before the failure occurred. The contact stated that the dealer failed to inform the contact of the issue. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 143,790.

24d ago
Transmission 1

The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Cherokee. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V011000 (Power Train), and the part was listed as available at the time. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed to have the PTU/full transmission failure as listed in the recall notice; however, the vehicle was not repaired due to the dealer not being able to remedy the part. The part was ordered. The contact stated while driving the vehicle at an undisclosed speed on the highway, she attempted to accelerate but no power was given. She pulled off to the side, and authorities were called for traffic control. The vehicle was unable to move. When engaging into drive, the vehicle sounded like it was coming apart. The contact stated the vehicle was not able to engage its own brake. When the vehicle was towed, there was no evidence that the wheels were locked up. Shortly after that, the vehicle's PTU became fully inoperable, causing the vehicle to not be able to be placed in park or any other driver setting. The vehicle was towed to the dealer a second time. The tow company parked the vehicle at the dealer on a hill. With a failed transmission, this caused the vehicle's E-brake to disengage, causing it to roll off the hill and stopped rolling shortly after once on flat ground. The dealer declined to perform the recall repair and prompted the contact to fix the E-brake on her own, although the failure portrayed to the recall notice. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 110,000.

1mo ago
Engine 2

The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at 35 MPH, the vehicle shut off as several warning lights appeared on the instrument panel. The contact made multiple attempts to restart the vehicle but to no avail. The police arrived at the scene and helped to place the vehicle into neutral(N) and moved the vehicle off to the side of the road. Due to the failure, the vehicle was initially towed to the contact's home and was then towed to a dealer. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle with a failed alternator and PTU(Power Transfer Unit). The vehicle was towed back to the contact's home due to the cost of the repair. The contact called an independent mechanic who managed to replace the alternator. Although the contact managed to drive the vehicle once the alternator was replaced; the contact stated that the same warning lights including the 4WD warning message remained on the instrument panel. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V011000(Power Train); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be fully repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 118,000.

1mo ago
Transmission 2

The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, all of the warning indicators on the instrument cluster panel illuminated. Additionally, the contact noted that the parking brake occasionally felt as though it had not engaged, and while driving, the parking brake would disengage on its own. The contact also stated that the vehicle hesitated during acceleration and failed to shift smoothly into the next gear. The contact referenced NHTSA ID Number: 25V011000 (Power Train) to be the cause of the issue however, the VIN was not included in the recall repair. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 99,000.

1mo ago
Transmission 2

PTU failed. Service 4 WD Light is on. Jeep has a recall but my VIN isn't included. It is going to cost over $3000 to get it fixed.

1mo ago
Body 2

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)

2mo ago
Body 2

The steering rack failed about one week after I purchased the vehicle. The dealer replaced the steering rack once, but the same problem happened again about six months later. The vehicle has now been at the dealership for about one year waiting for another replacement steering rack. The dealer informed me the part is unavailable and must be specially manufactured. A loaner vehicle was provided while waiting. This repeated steering system failure is a serious safety concern.

2mo ago
Transmission 1

I am filing a safety complaint regarding Safety Recall 01C (NHTSA 25V-011) and the handling of my vehicle by both the dealership and Stellantis. My vehicle exhibited fault codes and conditions consistent with the defect described in Recall 01C, including: DTC C1477-4B (Transfer Case Clutch Over Temperature) DTC C1440-64 (Transfer Case Clutch Pressure Sensor) Documented drivetrain control module failure status (“TestFailed: True”) Excessive clutch temperature readings exceeding 400°F These are consistent with PTU-related failure conditions the recall is intended to detect and address. Despite this, the dealership concluded that the PTU was not the cause and instead replaced the rear differential. I repeatedly requested written documentation explaining how the PTU was ruled out and how the rear differential was determined to be the root cause. This was not clearly provided. Additionally, the recall remained marked as “incomplete” for over a month while the vehicle was in the dealership’s possession. Immediately after I escalated the issue to corporate, the recall was suddenly marked “complete,” without clear explanation or supporting documentation. I was also not clearly informed that the Drivetrain Control Module (DTCM) had been replaced. I do not know: When the DTCM was replaced relative to testing Whether recall testing was performed with a faulty DTCM Whether the new DTCM was properly updated under Recall 01C Whether testing was repeated after replacement If recall validation was performed using a faulty DTCM, this raises concerns that the PTU testing procedure may have been invalid. The vehicle remained at the dealership for nearly two months during this process. Throughout this time, I experienced significant difficulty obtaining clear answers, and my concerns were not fully addressed before the recall was marked complete. I am concerned that: The recall may have been improperly executed or validated

2mo ago
Brakes 1

while i was driving my vehicle put the parking brake on and then i was unable to get it deactivated at first, after a few seconds i got it and moved forward in traffic. after a few feet the vehicle put the parking brake on and i was unable to move once again. this was in the middle of traffic and i ended up blocking the single lane road. I called a family member who was near by and they came and some how got the parking brake off and drove me and the vehicle home. my safety and everyone one around safety was jeopardized because they had to go into oncoming traffics lane to pass me until i got moving. parking wouldn't engage when we got home and service parking brake light was on.

2mo ago
Transmission 2

The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the 4WD warning light illuminated, rendering the 4WD inoperable. The vehicle automatically switched to the Rear Wheel Drive mode. The vehicle was taken to both an independent mechanic and the dealer, who determined that the PTU had failed and needed to be replaced, but the part was on backorder. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V011000 (Power Train); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.

2mo ago
Transmission 1

The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed to shift properly when the accelerator was applied. The contact was unaware of any warning lights illuminated at the time of the failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the power transfer unit and drivetrain had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a reimbursement case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 99,477.

2mo ago
Electrical 1

When the running lights and headlights are set to Auto, moving the lever to High Beam causes the lights to go out. I have been asking the dealer and trying to find a solution since buying the car new, but no recall had been issued for my VIN and the dealer will not correct the problem with a recall specific to my VIN and year/model. There is a known issue with the Smart Lighting Module that prevents the High Beam from activating and shuts off the headlight in the Auto position, and a software update has been issued for the newer models, but not for the 2018 Cherokee with the same software.

2mo ago
Transmission 1

While driving, often at highway speeds, all of the lights on the shifter will light up and the dash will display "Service Transmission." I took it to the dealer several times and their response has been that it is a software issue that they do not have a fix for and that I should stop the car, turn the engine off, open and close the door and then restart the car. This does temporarily reset the display but doing this on the highway poses a safety problem in trying to get to the shoulder in traffic.

2mo ago
Electrical 1

Back up camera turns to static when going in reverse. Has been happening for years. No warnings. Just malfunctioning. Reported this in 2019 to Jeep.

3mo ago
Transmission 1

The PTU has failed and caused damage to splines. This failure caused the engine light to come on intermittently and failure to shift. The problem has been confirmed by a dealership where the car is and has been sitting for repair for almost a year due to no repair parts available from Jeep.

3mo ago
Transmission 2

I took [XXX] into to Auffenburg of IL for the recall. They told me the code the car is throwing is not the recall code, but that it is a failure of the PTU, which is the recalled part. I have tried since March 2nd to get straight answers from Stellantis (Case number XXX jeep Cherokee, case manager [XXX] ). But This promise to get back with me has been going on for over a month with no real movement. Stellantis [XXX] Derek XXX Ashley Mansker (Who is leaving CDJR to work for their VW dealership) Copy of the letter sent from Ashley to me: Customer brought vehicle in for the Safety Recall 01C-2 Speed PTU Failure to be completed. While technician was attempting to complete the recall, the vehicle failed to finish the wiTech Routine. Vehicle would not shift into 4 High. Vehicle has a code in system as C14A7-97 - PTU Motor Component Or System Operation Obstructed Or Blocked. Would need to diagnose the current code, before continuing the Recall. Since vehicle will not finish the wiTECH routine, We can not complete recall. After routine is completed, there is two outcomes. Check for DTC C1494-07 (PTU Fork). ➢ If C1494-07 is set, replace the PTU. ➢ If no code C1494-07 is set, return the vehicle to the customer. Unfortunately, Without vehicle completing the recall, we can not replace PTU under recall. Except of call with Stellantis: February 27th. Now um the revision was not out yet. Uh, it was released March 18th. So on March 18th, it was a while. Yeah. If the vehicle arrives at the dealership with a PTU and uh dealership diagnosed and recommends that the PTU needed to be replaced 1st prior to doing the software update, it will be covered. It's on the revision. Okay. Okay, so I just want to make sure everything is clear and straightened out, so Colleen, don't worry anymore. We guarantee and assure you that your PT will be replaced for free, INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

3mo ago
Transmission 2

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The Power Transfer Unit (PTU) has malfunctioned. Specifically, the Drivetrain Control Module (DTCM) is reporting a "TestFailed" status with active fault codes C1440-64 (Transfer Case Clutch Pressure Sensor) and C1477-4B (Transfer Case Clutch - Over Temperature). The vehicle and its diagnostic logs are available for inspection. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The failure creates a risk of sudden loss of motive power while driving or a loss of the PARK function when stationary, both of which can lead to a collision. Furthermore, internal diagnostic data has recorded clutch plate temperatures as high as 437.1°F. This extreme thermal condition represents a significant fire hazard and the potential for mechanical seizure while the vehicle is in motion. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes. The problem was confirmed by Larry H. Miller Casa Chrysler Jeep after the 01C recall software was installed, which subsequently triggered the "TestFailed" status. Additionally, an independent inspection by Universal Transmission confirmed the specific PTU fault codes and verified that the overheating issue is originating from the PTU. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? The vehicle has been inspected by a manufacturer-authorized dealership (Larry H. Miller Casa Chrysler Jeep) and an independent service center (Universal Transmission). Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? Yes, the vehicle displayed "4WD Overheating," "Temp Unavailable," and "Service 4WD" warning lamps and messages. These symptoms were formally documented in technical scan reports beginning in early March 2026.

3mo ago
Transmission 2

My power train unit warning light is on. I took it to a independent licensed auto mechanic that stated there are is a open recall on this vehicle for this part. I have went to the Jeep Dealership and was told to call jeep directly. After numerous calls Jeep denies there is a open recall on this part and refuses to repair this part on the recall and I will have to pay the entire cost of repair. I also researched a Safety Recall number W47, NHTSA number 20V-343PYU Input Spine. There is also NHTSA campaign number 25V)1 1000 and a Jeep recall number is 01C.

3mo ago
Transmission 2

The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that the 4WD warning light was illuminated. There was an abnormal clunking sound coming from the vehicle while driving approximately 55-60 MPH and shifting gears. Upon research, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V011000 (Power Train). The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who confirmed that the VIN was not associated with the recall. The vehicle was diagnosed, and it was determined that the failure was with the power train. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 180,000.

3mo ago
Electrical 4

The rear defroster or related electrical wiring in the rear glass/liftgate area appears to have malfunctioned and shorted, causing a fire while the vehicle was parked, turned off, and unattended. The fire resulted in the rear glass shattering/blowing out. The incident was recorded on a residential security camera. This posed a significant safety risk because the fire started while the vehicle was off, creating danger to occupants, bystanders, nearby vehicles, and surrounding property. There were no prior warning indicators, messages, or symptoms known before the failure. A dealership has inspected the vehicle and provided a repair estimate consistent with failure in the rear defroster/rear glass area. The vehicle and damaged components should be available for inspection. Based on the observed damage and location of the fire, this appears to be an electrical short involving the rear defroster system or related wiring.

3mo ago

678 total

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