2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Common Problems & Defect Telemetry
Authoritative defect intelligence synthesized from 847 verified NHTSA owner complaints, 11 federal safety recalls, and interquartile failure mileage telemetry.
The 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee receives a 3.6/10 MazicBay Reliability Index based on 847 verified NHTSA federal complaints and 11 safety recalls. The primary reported failure mode is Electrical Parasitic Drain, Infotainment & Harness Reports with a median failure point at 36,000 miles (IQR: 13,750 – 48,000 mi). Out-of-warranty repairs benchmark at $280 – $850 .
35.3 complaints / 10k sold
Verified US federal records
Crash, fire & stall audit
11 Active / Free Remedies
Top Reported Problem Clusters (7)
Electrical Parasitic Drain, Infotainment & Harness Reports
- Unexplained battery drain after sitting overnight
- Infotainment display / instrument cluster blackouts
- Accessory malfunction / alternator fault warnings
“The transmission goes into neutral. It has gone into neutral on the highway,local streets, also from a stop. From a stop in drive the electronic D on the instrument panel starts flashing. I turn on the hazards put transmission shifter in Park and start engine. This problem is ...”
“This car seat does not click into the base properly and I cannot loosen the straps properly. This form does not let me upload videos however, I do have video evidence of both malfunctions happening”
“The Cruise control pacing/follow option does not slow down/break and will rear end/strike any vehicle. The auto breaking does not work. The touch screen constantly cycles randomly changing map directions, radio stations, heat and air conditioning, seat heating and cooling. Put...”
Engine Stalling, Oil Consumption & Cooling Defect Reports
- Engine sudden stall / hesitation while driving
- Abnormal oil burning / consumption
- Check Engine Light (MIL) flashing
- Engine overheating / coolant loss
“The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that since the vehicle was purchased, there was an abnormally strong coolant odor coming from the vehicle. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the coolant reservoir was recently re...”
“Vehicle Information: 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland 3.0L V6 EcoDiesel 4x4Component Affected: Fuel/Propulsion System (High-Pressure Fuel Pump) Safety Incident Narrative: The vehicle previously underwent a mandatory manufacturer safety recall replacement for the Bosch CP4 Hig...”
“The transmission goes into neutral. It has gone into neutral on the highway,local streets, also from a stop. From a stop in drive the electronic D on the instrument panel starts flashing. I turn on the hazards put transmission shifter in Park and start engine. This problem is ...”
Transmission Hesitation, Hard Shifting & Slipping Reports
- Hard gear shifts / delayed engagement into Drive/Reverse
- Transmission shudder / jerking under acceleration
- Transmission slipping between gears
“Vehicle Information: 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland 3.0L V6 EcoDiesel 4x4Component Affected: Fuel/Propulsion System (High-Pressure Fuel Pump) Safety Incident Narrative: The vehicle previously underwent a mandatory manufacturer safety recall replacement for the Bosch CP4 Hig...”
“The transmission goes into neutral. It has gone into neutral on the highway,local streets, also from a stop. From a stop in drive the electronic D on the instrument panel starts flashing. I turn on the hazards put transmission shifter in Park and start engine. This problem is ...”
“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 ...”
Service Brakes, ABS Actuator & Master Cylinder Reports
- Spongy or hard brake pedal travel
- ABS / Brake warning light illuminated
- Extended stopping distance / pedal vibration
“while driving the car puts itself in park, then the gear shift D starts blinking and the dashboard says put into Park. I've took it to jeep to figure it out and fix it. i got it back and while on the highway it did it again causing me to almost get hit by several cars. I was o...”
“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 hill”
“On 5/72026@app 3:14pm after picking up one grandchild, and at a stop light on the way to p/u the other, the Jeep without warning just disengaged when the gas pedal was depressed, but to no avail. While frozen, the dashboard may have displayed something that was not noted in th...”
Electric Power Steering Assist & Suspension Noise Reports
- Sudden loss of electric power steering assist
- Steering wheel pull or highway wander
- Clunking / knocking noise over bumps
“VEHICLE & PURCHASE DETAILS: 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee (3.6L V6 Pentastar Engine). Purchased on/around April 27 in agreement with my credit union. INCIDENT & DEFECT DESCRIPTION: Upon taking delivery, the vehicle immediately displayed diagnostic warning codes. The selling dealer ...”
“While driving my Jeep Grand Cherokee, the front passenger headrest suddenly deployed forward with a loud popping/exploding sound. There was no collision, no impact, and no warning before it happened. Fortunately, no one was sitting in the passenger seat at the time. If a passe...”
“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 lo...”
Airbag Occupant Detection & Inflator Defect Reports
- SRS Airbag warning lamp illuminated
- Passenger occupant classification sensor failure
- Seat belt retractor lockup
“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 o...”
“While driving my 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited 4x2, the driver side Active Head Restraint deployed without any collision, rear impact, crash, or other triggering event. There was a sudden loud bang directly behind my head, which startled me and created an immediate safety d...”
“While driving my Jeep Grand Cherokee, the front passenger headrest suddenly deployed forward with a loud popping/exploding sound. There was no collision, no impact, and no warning before it happened. Fortunately, no one was sitting in the passenger seat at the time. If a passe...”
Fuel Pump Pressure Loss & Fuel Delivery Defect Reports
- Sudden loss of propulsion power at highway speeds
- Extended engine cranking / failure to restart
- Fuel odor near fuel tank / engine bay
“Vehicle Information: 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland 3.0L V6 EcoDiesel 4x4Component Affected: Fuel/Propulsion System (High-Pressure Fuel Pump) Safety Incident Narrative: The vehicle previously underwent a mandatory manufacturer safety recall replacement for the Bosch CP4 Hig...”
“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 contaminat...”
“The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 22V406000 (Fuel System, Diesel) and 24V838000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were unavailable. The contact stated that the manuf...”
Official NHTSA Safety Recalls (11)
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Summary: 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.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
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 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.
EQUIPMENT:ACCESSORY:FLOOR MAT
Summary: 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.
EQUIPMENT:ACCESSORY:FLOOR MAT
Summary: 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.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:GAS RECIRCULATION VALVE (EGR VALVE)
Summary: 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.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD
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 or a no start condition.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
Summary: 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.
FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
Summary: 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.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE
Summary: 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.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Summary: 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.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE
Summary: 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.
Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist for 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee
Before purchasing a used 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee, perform the following targeted inspections based on reported federal defect patterns:
Scan the OBD-II port under the dash for pending freeze-frame codes (e.g. P0300 misfires, P0087 fuel rail pressure, P0420 catalytic efficiency).
Test vehicle at low-speed stop-and-go and highway merges. Check for delayed reverse engagement or gear shift shudder between 2nd and 3rd gears.
Verify that all 11 NHTSA safety recall campaigns have been performed by an authorized dealership using the VIN.
Ensure the instrument cluster, center screen, and auxiliary charging ports operate with stable 12.0V–14.4V alternator voltage.
Defect & Reliability Q&A: 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee
Is the 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee a reliable used car?
The 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee earns a 3.6/10 MazicBay Reliability Index based on 847 federal owner reports. Vehicles maintained under factory service schedules exhibit strong longevity past 150,000 miles.
What is the most frequent defect reported on the 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee?
The leading complaint category is Electrical Parasitic Drain, Infotainment & Harness Reports, with a median failure point around 36,000 miles (IQR: 13,750 – 48,000 mi).
Are there free recall repairs available for the 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee?
Yes, the NHTSA records 11 safety recall campaign(s) for this model year. All safety recalls are performed 100% free of charge by authorized franchise dealerships regardless of vehicle warranty status.