2018 Jeep Cherokee Safety Report
2018 Jeep Cherokee: Strong Crash Ratings, but Persistent Powertrain Failures and Recall Delays Raise Safety Concerns
AI Safety Analysis for the 2018 Jeep Cherokee
Reliability Score
The 2018 Jeep Cherokee receives a reliability score of 45 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates average reliability — some notable concerns exist that prospective buyers should be aware of.
Known Issues for the 2018 Jeep Cherokee
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2018 Jeep Cherokee:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Power Transfer Unit (Ptu) Failure The PTU may become damaged, leading to loss of drive power, inability to engage 4WD, grinding noises, and potential unintended vehicle rollaway. This is a widespread issue, subject to recall, but replacement parts are frequently unavailable. |
High | Common | unknown miles |
| Engine Stall Due To Oil Pump Failure Cracked oil pump housing can lead to oil pump failure, causing the engine to stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash. This is covered by a recall. |
High | Occasional | unknown miles |
| Loss Of Drive Power From Axle Shaft Defect Improperly heat-treated bearing cage for the right front halfshaft assembly can break, preventing engine power transmission and causing a loss of drive. This is covered by a recall. |
High | Occasional | unknown miles |
| Fuel Leak Increasing Fire Risk A faulty fuel tube may leak fuel into the engine compartment, increasing the risk of a fire in the presence of an ignition source. This is covered by a recall for 2.4L engines. |
High | Rare | unknown miles |
| Unintended Vehicle Stall Due To Electrical Wiring Faulty electrical system wiring can cause a vehicle stall, increasing the risk of a crash. This is covered by a recall. |
High | Occasional | unknown miles |
Common Problems Reported by Owners
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2018 Jeep Cherokee:
The most common issue, with 187 complaints, primarily involves the Power Transfer Unit (PTU) failing, leading to loss of drive, grinding noises, and 4WD malfunction. Many complaints highlight recall-related issues with part availability.
With 65 complaints, issues include engine stalls, loss of power, and problems related to oil pump failure, which is also subject to a recall.
56 complaints relate to various electrical system malfunctions, including wiring issues that can lead to vehicle stalls or cruise control problems, both of which are covered by recalls.
14 complaints mention brake issues, including instances of the parking brake engaging and freezing, preventing vehicle operation.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2018 Jeep Cherokee
Is the 2018 Jeep Cherokee safe?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2018 Jeep Cherokee received strong crash test ratings (4-star overall, 5-star side), indicating good performance in controlled collisions. However, it has 658 total complaints, 11 crashes, 4 fires, and 7 injuries reported. A significant number of these complaints relate to critical powertrain and engine failures, some of which are covered by recalls but face part availability issues, suggesting real-world safety concerns despite good crash test scores.
What are common problems with the 2018 Jeep Cherokee?
The most reported issues for the 2018 Jeep Cherokee are related to the POWER TRAIN (187 complaints), primarily concerning Power Transfer Unit (PTU) failures leading to loss of drive power and 4WD malfunction. Other common problems include ENGINE issues (65 complaints) such as stalls and oil pump failures, and ELECTRICAL SYSTEM problems (56 complaints) like wiring defects causing vehicle stalls or cruise control malfunctions.
Are there any recalls for the 2018 Jeep Cherokee?
Yes, the 2018 Jeep Cherokee has 7 recalls. Key recalls address critical issues such as Power Transfer Unit (PTU) damage leading to loss of drive (NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V011000), potential engine stalls due to electrical system wiring, improperly heat-treated axle shafts causing loss of drive, fuel leaks increasing fire risk, and cracked oil pump housings leading to engine stalls.
How does the 2018 Jeep Cherokee perform in crash tests?
The 2018 Jeep Cherokee performed well in NHTSA crash tests, receiving an overall 4-star safety rating. Specifically, it earned 4 stars for frontal crash, an excellent 5 stars for side crash, and 4 stars for rollover resistance.
What should I know about the PTU recall for the 2018 Jeep Cherokee?
The PTU recall (NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V011000) for the 2018 Jeep Cherokee addresses a critical issue where the power transfer unit may become damaged, resulting in a loss of drive power or unintended vehicle rollaway. Many complaints indicate that while the recall exists, replacement parts are often on national backorder, leaving owners with vehicles that are either inoperable or have reduced safety functionality for extended periods.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: Given the high number of powertrain complaints and challenges with recall part availability, potential buyers should proceed with caution and thoroughly investigate the vehicle's service history, especially regarding PTU and engine recalls, before purchasing a 2018 Jeep Cherokee.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2018 Jeep Cherokee
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2018 Jeep Cherokee. The data includes 658 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 7 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 11 reported crashes, 4 fire incidents, 7 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.
The NHTSA has assigned the 2018 Jeep Cherokee an overall safety rating of 4 out of 5 stars, with a frontal crash rating of 4 stars, a side crash rating of 5 stars, and a rollover rating of 4 stars. These ratings are determined through controlled crash testing conducted by the NHTSA.
All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.
Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.