2018 Jeep Cherokee Safety Report
2018 Jeep Cherokee Safety Report
Safety Decision Cockpit for the 2018 Jeep Cherokee
This page is the hub for deciding what to inspect next on the 2018 Jeep Cherokee. It connects recall campaigns, owner complaint patterns, service bulletins, sibling model years, component issue hubs, and the model buying guide so a shopper or owner can move from a single report into the wider safety graph.
| Signal | Value | What to inspect next |
|---|---|---|
| Recall burden | High (7) | Review campaign numbers, affected components, and dealer remedies below. |
| Owner complaints | High (658) | Scan complaint narratives for recurring symptoms, mileage, crashes, fires, injuries, and dates. |
| Crash and fire reports | 15 | Treat any crash, fire, injury, or fatality-linked pattern as a priority pre-purchase inspection item. |
| Primary component hub | Power Train | Compare power train issues across vehicles. |
| Cleaner nearby model year | 2021 | Compare against the 2021 Jeep Cherokee with 118 complaints and 3 recalls. |
| Riskier nearby model year | 2015 | Check the 2015 Jeep Cherokee before buying across this generation. |
Jeep Cherokee Year-by-Year Comparison
The safest purchase decision usually comes from comparing neighboring model years, not reading a single page in isolation. The table below uses only validated Jeep Cherokee years already present in the cleaned NHTSA dataset, so each comparison links to a real vehicle safety report rather than a generated combination.
| Model Year | Complaints | Recalls | Use case |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 Jeep Cherokee | 1500 | 10 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2017 Jeep Cherokee | 1299 | 6 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2020 Jeep Cherokee | 226 | 2 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2016 Jeep Cherokee | 1379 | 9 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2021 Jeep Cherokee | 118 | 3 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2015 Jeep Cherokee | 1763 | 11 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
2018 Jeep Cherokee Complaint Theme Map
Complaint counts become more useful when they are grouped into inspection themes. For the 2018 Jeep Cherokee, these are the component areas with the clearest NHTSA complaint signals. Use each link to jump from this single vehicle into broader component hubs and make-specific issue pages.
Power Train
187 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Power Train issues Jeep onlyUnknown Or Other
97 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Unknown Or Other issues Jeep onlyEngine
65 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Engine issues Jeep onlyElectrical System
56 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Electrical System issues Jeep onlyElectrical System,Unknown Or Other
23 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Electrical System,Unknown Or Other issues Jeep onlyPower Train,Electrical System
22 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Power Train,Electrical System issues Jeep onlyAI Safety Analysis for the 2018 Jeep Cherokee
Reliability Score
The 2018 Jeep Cherokee receives a reliability score of 85 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates above-average reliability relative to comparable vehicles.
NHTSA Safety Ratings for the 2018 Jeep Cherokee
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) evaluates vehicles through controlled crash tests and assigns star ratings from 1 to 5, with 5 being the safest.
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 has been making a grinding noise and causing AWD system malfunctions, leading to safety concerns. |
High | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Front Underhood Wiring Issues Wiring issues in the front underhood have been reported, potentially leading to electrical system failures. |
Medium | Common | 30k-60k 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:
PTU failures have been a common issue, causing AWD system malfunctions and safety concerns.
Electrical system issues, particularly in the front underhood wiring, have been reported.
Recall Details for the 2018 Jeep Cherokee
The following 7 recalls have been issued for the 2018 Jeep Cherokee by NHTSA:
Summary: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Jeep Cherokee vehicles. The power transfer unit (PTU) may become damaged and disengage the transmission and differential, resulting in a loss of drive power and/or loss of park function.
Consequence: A loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash. A loss of park function can cause an unintended vehicle rollaway, which can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
Remedy: Dealers will update the drivetrain control module and PTU software and replace the PTU, as necessary free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning February 19, 2026. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is 01C.
Summary: 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 o...
Consequence: A vehicle stall can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the powertrain control module, free of charge. The recall began October 2, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U87.
Summary: 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 resulting in the bearing cage breaking and a potential halfshaft assembly failure.
Consequence: 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 condition may increase the risk of a crash.
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 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U78.
Summary: 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 c...
Consequence: If the vehicle maintains its speed or accelerates despite attempts to deactivate the cruise control, there would be an increased risk of a crash.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the software, and perform a software flash on the engine or powertrain control module, free of charge. The recall began June 4, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Note: Owners are advised to stop using cruise control until the software update has been performed. In the event that cruise control cannot be d...
Summary: 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 compartment.
Consequence: 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 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U39.
Summary: 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.
Consequence: 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 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T65.
Summary: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Jeep Cherokee vehicles. The tire and rim size information required to be on the Certification label was omitted during manufacturing, which may result in an incorrect tire and rim combination being installed on the vehicle. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
Consequence: The missing tire and rim designation information may lead to an incorrect combination being installed on the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners and will provide a corrected certification label, free of charge. The recall began October 13, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T53.
NHTSA Complaint Summaries for the 2018 Jeep Cherokee
Below are complaint narratives filed by owners of the 2018 Jeep Cherokee with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 1 complaint involved crashes.
The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Cherokee. The vehicle was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V011000 (POWER TRAIN); and the vehicle jerked while driving before the vehicle lost automotive power. The vehicle was coasted to the shoulder of the roadway, where only reverse(R) functioned as designed. The vehicle was restarted but failed to operate as intended. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, whe...
The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while she and her children were stopped at a light and making a left turn, another vehicle accelerated through the yellow light and collided with the front of her vehicle. The air bags did not deploy in her vehicle, but they deployed in the vehicle that collided with her vehicle. The contact stated no one in her vehicle sustained any i...
My Jeep veers left and right sharply while I drive. It does not take off pulling into traffic-I have to wait for total total clearance-there is no take off. My gas tank was filled three days ago and it is already below 50%. I drive 7 miles to and from work Monday-Friday, nowhere else. I have avoided several accidents due to these problems. These problems happen everyday. I have take it in to my j...
Hi I bought a Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk 2018 at GM Motors (Old Bridge), I have on open recall and I take it to the dealer, Jeep Dodge Chrysler located at Bloomfiel, I talked to Tony the supervisor and they refused to fix it,this incident happened last July he told me come back in 6 months so in December when I get there he told me they have a lot of work call them in January, and when I call them la...
The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Cherokee. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V011000 (POWER TRAIN). While driving at 30 MPH, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact exited the freeway and was driving uphill when they heard a loud pop coming from the front of the vehicle. The vehicle failed to accelerate, and the conta...
The PTU (Power Transfer Unit) failed on my 2018 Jeep Cherokee causing AWD system malfunction. The dealership diagnosed the failure and advised repair. However, the replacement part is on national backorder with no estimated delivery date, and I was told it may take several months. The vehicle is not reliably drivable and I am left without transportation despite a known defect. Numerous owners are ...
- The PTU has been making a grinding noise, and the car feels different to drive. - Other issues with a different model of this PTU involve the car rolling out of park or losing driving power while in motion. I do not believe this is an isolated issue with my vehicle, due to looked at forums and communities online with people having the same issue as me. This could put other drivers and me on the ...
My 2018 Jeep Cherokee suffered a Power Transfer Unit (PTU) failure in February 2025 while my family was on vacation. The vehicle was delivered to Walker Jeep in Alexandria, Louisiana and has remained there for approximately one year. I reside in Texas, approximately five hours away. The failure involves the same PTU defect covered under Safety Recall 01C (NHTSA 25V-011). Stellantis’ Part 573 fili...
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!
Service shifter message and all gear indicator lights on PRND. Seeing common problem and a Technical Bulletin on 2014-2018 Jeep Cherokees
1. The Power Transfer Unit (PTU) and transfer case have failed. The vehicle was initially suspected to have a wheel bearing issue due to a howling noise during the test drive. However, after purchase, the noise worsened significantly. An independent repair shop diagnosed the vehicle and confirmed that the transfer case and bearings are defective and unsafe. The vehicle is currently at the dealersh...
The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Cherokee. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V011000 (Power Train). The contact stated that while driving at 60 MPH, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal, and the engine seized. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle coasted to the side of the road, where the vehicle failed ...
The 4x4 system, bad PTU actuator. Yes. 2. Power loss can cause an accident at any given moment putting Not just you but other drivers at risk. 3. I took it too dealership today bad PTU actuator. Don’t have that amount of money to get it fixed. 4. Yes by the dealership. 5. Just an intermittent Svc 4wd light I just bought the car off auction about a month ago and had this issue since the very first ...
The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Cherokee. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V011000 (Power Train); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the transmission shifted into neutral(N) unintendedly. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact pulled over and restarted the vehicle after the failu...
The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Cherokee. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V011000 (Power Train); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were not available for a year. The manufacturer was made aware...
In Jan 2025 I received a recall notice regarding the PTU unit. The notice indicated that I could esperience loss of power and the inability to use park. However, when speaking to Mopar abot it they say it is safe to drive!!! What the hell is safe about driving a vehicle that can loose power?? Or one that you can't use Park??? It's been a damn year!!! I find it real hard to believe that it takes th...
The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that the 4WD feature was inoperable. The contact stated that the PTU splines were worn, preventing the engagement of the 4WD feature, and potentially preventing the vehicle from remaining unmovable while shifted to park(P). The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V011000 (POWER TRAIN); however, the part to do the recal...
The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Cherokee. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V011000 (Power Train). The contact stated that while driving over bumps on the roadway, the transmission shifted out of gear. There was an abnormal banging sound while shifting gears. The transmission disengaged while in the park(P). There were no warning lights illuminated. The local dealer was co...
Service 4WD indicator showing PTU issue. My vehicle is not included in the recall, but this issue seems to be the same one noted.
The PTU went bad and had to have replaced. And after researching, see that it is a known issue and not sure why my VIN number isn't covered when I had the exact issue that is being recalled.
Showing 20 of 658 complaints. Additional complaints are available via the NHTSA database.
NHTSA Defect Investigations for the 2018 Jeep Cherokee
NHTSA defect investigations are higher-signal than ordinary complaints because they indicate the agency opened a formal review of a potential safety defect. Some investigations later connect to recall campaigns; others close without a recall after review.
Component: Air Bags:Frontal:Driver Side:Inflator Module
Opened 2021-09-17
From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 20...
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2018 Jeep Cherokee
Has the 2018 JEEP CHEROKEE been recalled?
Yes, the 2018 JEEP CHEROKEE has 7 recalls on record with NHTSA. Each recall addresses a specific safety defect identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA.
How many complaints does the 2018 JEEP CHEROKEE have?
The 2018 JEEP CHEROKEE has 658 complaints filed with NHTSA. Of these, 11 involved crashes. 7 injuries and 0 deaths have been reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2018 JEEP CHEROKEE?
The 2018 JEEP CHEROKEE received an overall NHTSA safety rating of good (4/5). Frontal crash: 4/5. Side crash: 5/5. Rollover: 4/5.
What are the most common problems with the 2018 JEEP CHEROKEE?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2018 JEEP CHEROKEE involve power train (187 complaints), unknown or other (97 complaints), engine (65 complaints). Other affected components include electrical system, electrical system,unknown or other, power train,electrical system.
How many crash reports does the 2018 JEEP CHEROKEE have?
There are 11 crash reports associated with the 2018 JEEP CHEROKEE out of 658 total complaints (1.7% of complaints involved crashes).
How many fire reports does the 2018 JEEP CHEROKEE have?
There are 4 fire reports for the 2018 JEEP CHEROKEE out of 658 total complaints. Fire reports are among the most serious safety concerns tracked by NHTSA.
Are there any deaths reported for the 2018 JEEP CHEROKEE?
No deaths have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2018 JEEP CHEROKEE.
How many injuries are reported for the 2018 JEEP CHEROKEE?
7 injuries have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2018 JEEP CHEROKEE. These are self-reported by vehicle owners as part of their safety complaints.
Should I buy a 2018 JEEP CHEROKEE?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2018 JEEP CHEROKEE is proceed with caution. It has 658 complaints, 7 recalls, and a good (4/5) safety rating. Always have a pre-purchase inspection done by a qualified mechanic.
What components fail most on the 2018 JEEP CHEROKEE?
The components with the most failures on the 2018 JEEP CHEROKEE are: 1. POWER TRAIN (187 complaints), 2. UNKNOWN OR OTHER (97 complaints), 3. ENGINE (65 complaints), 4. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (56 complaints), 5. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER (23 complaints). POWER TRAIN is the single most-reported problem area with 187 complaints.
What should I know before buying a 2018 JEEP CHEROKEE?
Be aware of potential Power Transfer Unit (PTU) and electrical system issues, especially in the front underhood. Regular maintenance is crucial. The 2018 JEEP CHEROKEE has 658 NHTSA complaints and 7 recalls on record. NHTSA rates it good (4/5).
How reliable is the 2018 JEEP CHEROKEE?
The 2018 JEEP CHEROKEE receives a reliability score of 85/100, indicating above-average reliability. This is based on 658 owner complaints, 7 recalls, and 15 crash/fire reports in the NHTSA database. Key known issues include Power Transfer Unit (PTU) Failure and Front Underhood Wiring Issues.
What are the known issues with the 2018 JEEP CHEROKEE?
Known issues with the 2018 JEEP CHEROKEE include: Power Transfer Unit (PTU) Failure, Front Underhood Wiring Issues. These are based on patterns found across 658 NHTSA complaints. 7 of these patterns resulted in formal recalls.
What are the common safety issues with the 2018 Jeep Cherokee?
Common safety issues include Power Transfer Unit (PTU) failures and electrical system problems, particularly in the front underhood.
How can I check if my 2018 Jeep Cherokee has a PTU issue?
Check for grinding noises and AWD system malfunctions. If you notice these, consult a mechanic.
What should I do if I experience electrical system issues in my 2018 Jeep Cherokee?
Have the vehicle inspected by a professional to identify and address the issue promptly.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: Be aware of potential Power Transfer Unit (PTU) and electrical system issues, especially in the front underhood. Regular maintenance is crucial.
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.
Disclaimer: This analysis is AI-generated from NHTSA public data and does not constitute professional automotive or safety advice. Always verify recall status at NHTSA.gov and consult a qualified mechanic.
Analysis last updated: 2026-05-16