2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE21-021 on October 14, 2021, to investigate incidents alleging a stall/loss of motive power as a result of high-pressure fuel pump failures in certain model year (MY) 2019-2020 Ram 2500, 3500, 4500, and 5500 heavy duty trucks equipped with 6.7L Cummins turbodiesel engines. During the investigation, ODI sought to determine if the related defect allegation was limited in scope to the recalled population. After review of information request response materials from both FCA and BMW, NHTSA determined that sufficient information to identify a comprehensive recall population could not be produced by FCA and BMW.During the investigation FCA filed recalls 22V406, 22E048, 22V767, and 22E087 which include vehicles not identified in the initial subject population by ODI. ODI also received recall 21V586, involving loss of motive power due to failed CP4 fuel pumps on certain BMW manufactured vehicles. An information request letter response received from BMW indicated that failed pumps on their vehicles were caused by an interaction between pump internal components and US market diesel fuel, leading to increased slip and eventual particle-generating wear surface. Additional work will be done to identify whether a similar root cause is associated with the FCA recalled population and if similar wear dynamics occur on pumps supplied to vehicle manufacturers other than those included in the recalled population.ODI has upgraded this investigation to an EA in order to 1) determine engineering specifications of internal pump components that are correlated with pump failure leading to loss of motive power or other safety related hazards, 2) identify vehicle populations equipped with alleged defective pump variants, 3) assess if vehicles equipped with alleged defective pump variants result in an unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety and 4) gather and review any other relevant information related to high pressure fuel pump failure associated with the subject populations of recalls 21V586, 21V880, 21E094, 22V406, 22E048, 22V767, and 22E087.Review of the above information will allow NHTSA to confirm root cause and recall remedy viability, and identify and evaluate vehicle populations equipped with pump components that may pose an unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety.The ODI reports cited above can be reviewed at: http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchNHTSAID using the following complaint identification numbers: 11257550, 11351441, 11361603, 11361616, 11365300, 11365426, 11365858, 11366401, 11372337, 11373793, 11374797, 11376793, 11377871, 11378173, 11384377, 11386063, 11387018, 11399710, 11402550, 11415339, 11418868, 11418870, 11427075, 11434276, 11436807, 11437226, 11437249, 11437273, 11437292, 11437294, 11437394, 11437399, 11437403, 11437405, 11437423, 11437528, 11437565, 11437579, 11437580, 11437590, 11437679, 11437744, 11437781, 11437842, 11437993, 11438006, 11438008, 11438121, 11438138, 11438155, 11438392, 11438629, 11439359, 11439879, 11440397, 11443030, 11446542, 11448163, 11453556, 11458918, 11460558, 11469337

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 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.Consequently, all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substance that traps and holds moisture) in US vehicles are under recall. These "non-desiccated" inflators either have been or are required to be replaced.In some cases, the remedy part for these recalled inflators was, or will be, an inflator using either propellant 2004 or 2004L that does contain a desiccant. None of these "desiccated" remedy parts (which were installed in older model year vehicles) are currently under recall for a degradation concern. Certain subsets of desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004 for use as original equipment, however, have been recalled for a degradation concern. All Takata inflators produced with propellant 2004L contain desiccant, and none of these desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L are under recall for a degradation concern. There have been no reported field ruptures in any non-recalled desiccated PSAN inflators.It is understood that desiccants fully saturate at some threshold, at which point any additional moisture will not be captured. This means the degradation process observed in non-desiccated inflators using propellant 2004 may also occur in non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004, assuming additional moisture enters the inflator and high temperature cycling occurs. Based on available information, desiccant saturation can occur within the first five years in the worst environments, and the time required for full saturation is affected by multiple factors. While no present safety risk has been identified, further work is needed to evaluate the future risk of non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004.Three entities -- Takata (now known as TK Global), the Independent Testing Coalition, and Exponent -- have been studying the long-term behavior of Takata desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004L (as well as 2004) in the presence of moisture and temperature cycling. The research efforts, which include development of predictive modeling techniques and field sample analysis, are ongoing. To date, none of the researchers have identified field evidence showing that propellant 2004L is undergoing a degradation process that leads to aggressive deployment and potential rupture. However, the time in service of such inflators remains short compared to that of the inflators using propellant 2004. Further study is needed to assess the long-term safety of desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L.The Office of Defects Investigation is opening this investigation to examine whether a safety defect related to propellant degradation exists in non-recalled desiccated PSAN frontal inflators manufactured by Takata. This investigation will require extensive information on Takata production processes and surveys of inflators in the field. Lists of recall actions that may have used desiccated PSAN inflators as remedy parts, as well as the makes and models originally manufactured with them, is available with the downloadable version of this document (see nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=EA21002 -- note this information is subject to change/revision as the investigation proceeds). This investigation does not supersede EA15-001, which remains open.

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE19014 on September 9, 2019, to investigate 128 consumer complaints alleging that the Active Head Rest (AHR) inadvertently deployed without the occurrence of a crash or other rear impact event in model year (MY) 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango vehicles.When ODI opened the investigation, ODI was aware of thirteen alleged injuries.A small number of Early Warning Reports identified driver and/or passenger front seat AHR inadvertent deployments without a rear impact event.Reported safety consequences resulting from the AHR deployments include concussions, headaches, soft tissue injuries, disorientation, nausea, vomiting and/or loss of vehicle control as a result of being surprised and distracted by being struck in the head by the inadvertent AHR deployment. On September 24, 2019, ODI sent an Information Request (IR) letter to Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA).ODI requested certain detailed information from FCA related to the following subject vehicles: MY 2010-2014 Dodge Avenger 200, MY 2010-2014 Dodge Calber, MY 2010-2014 Chrysler Sebring, MY 2013-2015 Ram Tradesman, MY 2012 Ram Van, MY 2010-2019 Dodge Grand Caravan, MY 2010-2016 Chrysler Town and Country, MY 2010-2017 Jeep Compass, MY 2011-2020 Dodge Durango, MY 2011-2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee, MY 2010-2019 Dodge Journey, MY 2010-2012 Jeep Liberty, MY 2010-2011 Jeep Nitro, and MY 2010-2011 Jeep Patriot vehicles.On December 2, 2019, ODI received a response from FCA that included vehicle production data, consumer complaints, field reports, warranty claims, manufacturer actions, production changes, and other data related to the alleged defect from the start of production (2010) through September 24, 2019.On January 27, 2020, ODI received an update to the December 2, 2019, IR response from FCA.On September 22, 2020, ODI requested additional subject vehicle AHR information from FCA.ODI received FCA's response on October 21, 2020.ODI subsequently received an update to FCA's October 21, 2020, response on February 16, 2021.During the investigation, ODI requested updates to certain IR questions on two occasions.FCA provided updates to question #2 on March 5, 2021, and questions #2 and #5 on May 26, 2023. FCA’s IR response data identified approximately 7.5 million subject vehicles (with approximately 15 million AHR assemblies).Due to the large number of vehicles and failure reports, ODI focused its analysis on the FCA vehicle model with the highest failure rate to represent the worst-case scenario.For this purpose, ODI focused on MY 2012-2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles for its analysis.This population includes 710,890 vehicles that FCA manufactured between August 19, 2011, and August 8, 2015.ODI identified 2,839 alleged AHR failures within this limited population.ODI identified 263 alleged injuries that were caused by AHR failures in MY 2012-2015 Grand Cherokees vehicles.Of these alleged injuries, ODI categorized them as eighty-two (82) soft tissue (neck/whiplash, bruise) injuries, four (4) concussions, fifty-nine (59) headaches, and one hundred eighteen (118) without a specific injury description.Although complainants have alleged injuries, ODI has been unable to obtain evidence to substantiate or validate any injuries where medical treatment was required.Consumer outreach was conducted by ODI, where sixty-three (63) FCA complainants with alleged injuries were contacted.Twelve of the sixty-three FCA consumers responded and were interviewed by ODI.ODI requested medical records, however, only one response was provided. Attorneys representing the responding complainant provided a synopsis that indicated they had experienced prior neck-related injuries dating to the mid-1990s.ODI also contacted one hundred (100) consumers who submitted Vehicle Owner Questionnaires (VOQ) in an attempt to validate alleged injuries. Despite the efforts of ODI, the office has been unsuccessful at obtaining substantive documentation/evidence supporting complaints that allege serious injuries (where pre-existing medical conditions did not already exist). In addition to the low severity of alleged injuries caused by AHR deployments, there have been eleven alleged crashes and two alleged lane departures within the entire subject vehicle population that has been in the field up to sixteen years (with over 8,500 AHR inadvertent deployments).ODI was not able to validate that the alleged crashes were the result of inadvertent head rest deployments, and the crashes were minor in nature. ODI has conducted a thorough investigation of the alleged safety defect and with up to sixteen years of exposure for some vehicles and over 8,500 inadvertent AHR deployments, no serious crashes or injuries could be validated in the sub-population of focus.The lack of serious injuries validated by ODI with such large period of field exposure is consistent with thework done by NHTSA’s Human Injury Research Division and the Biodynamic Research Corporation, which support that an inadvertent AHR deployment is not likely to cause serious injury.In addition to the low risk of injury, FCA released an extended warranty program that covers inadvertent AHR deployment for ten years / unlimited mileage from the vehicle's in-service date. PE19014 is closed with the FCA extended warranty program.The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist, and the Agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by new circumstances. To review a complete closing summary, please the attached closing report. To review the ODI reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.

system works intermittently--sometimes won't engage--other times suddenly cuts off when engaged

NHTSA ID

11761680

Incident

Aug 3, 2026

In approximately early to mid-August 2026, I was driving my 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee at approximately 40 mph when the passenger-side Active Head Restraint (AHR) suddenly deployed without any collision, rear impact, or other event that should have caused it to deploy. There was no passenger in the seat at the time, so fortunately no one was struck or injured. The vehicle had approximately 55,179 miles at the time of the incident. Its current mileage is 55,279 miles. Following the unexpected deployment, the passenger-side head restraint developed a persistent rattling condition. I brought the vehicle to Naples Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram for inspection. The dealer advised that the head restraint would need to be replaced and provided an estimate of approximately $1,001.95, including parts and labor. I subsequently contacted Jeep Customer Care regarding the problem. My case was assigned Case Number 97938645 and was initially characterized as a high-priority Repair Cost Assistance matter. I was later advised that Goodwill assistance was not available for my 2018 vehicle. I am submitting this complaint because the Active Head Restraint is a safety device, and it spontaneously deployed while the vehicle was traveling approximately 40 mph, without a collision or rear impact. I am concerned that an inadvertent deployment of this safety device could strike and injure an occupant or potentially create a dangerous distraction or loss-of-control situation if it occurs while the vehicle is moving. I understand that certain 2014–2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles have been subject to FCA warranty-related action concerning Active Head Restraint inadvertent deployment. I am not asserting that my particular VIN qualifies for that coverage; I am reporting the actual safety event and asking NHTSA to consider it in evaluating this potential safety issue.

NHTSA ID

11761413

Incident

Aug 5, 2026

Subject: 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee – Sudden Loss of Power, PCM Failure, Electrical Failures, and Concern Regarding Recall-Related Symptoms I am filing this complaint because my 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee experienced a sudden and unexpected loss of power while I was driving, and I am very concerned about the safety implications and the possible connection to the recall-related electrical problems associated with this vehicle. Before the final failure, my Jeep had been experiencing electrical and starting problems. The alternator failed, the batteries went bad, and I had already paid for multiple diagnostics and repairs. At the time, we did not understand that these problems could potentially be leading to or connected with a PCM failure. I have spent approximately $800 on diagnostics and parts trying to determine and repair the cause of these issues. The most serious incident occurred when I was driving near a school and approaching a stop sign. The Jeep suddenly began losing power and would no longer operate normally. I did not receive an adequate warning that the vehicle was about to completely shut off. The dashboard/screen began flashing, electrical functions began going out, and the vehicle progressively lost power. I was able to slowly move the Jeep toward the right side of the road before it completely shut off. The Jeep then would not start again. This was extremely frightening because the vehicle lost power while I was operating it in an area where there were other vehicles and children nearby. I was concerned about my ability to safely get the vehicle off the roadway and about what could have happened if the Jeep had completely lost power in moving traffic or at a higher speed. The vehicle has since been diagnosed as having a PCM failure. I have already paid for diagnostics rather than simply bringing the vehicle in without any prior information about the problem. Despite this, the Jeep dealershiphas my vehicle now to determine if this is part of recall

NHTSA ID

11761114

Incident

Aug 19, 2026

I am reporting repeated drivetrain and transmission failures involving my 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT. The problems began with failure of the driveshaft carrier bearing, which was replaced with a brand-new component by an independent mechanic. The transfer case subsequently required replacement and was replaced with a brand-new unit by a reputable dealership. After these repairs, the original transmission mechanically failed at approximately 99,000 miles. I replaced it with a transmission from a 2021 model that had approximately 45,000 miles. That transmission then failed after only approximately 5,000 miles of use in my vehicle. I am now having another transmission installed, meaning my Jeep is receiving its third transmission. By the completion of these repairs, I will have spent more than $20,000 addressing drivetrain and transmission failures. I am concerned that an underlying drivetrain, transmission, electronic/control, or other vehicle-related condition may be contributing to these repeated failures. Replacing major drivetrain components has not resolved the problem, and I am concerned about the safety and reliability of the vehicle. I am also aware of a similar situation involving my niece’s 2021 Dodge Durango R/T with approximately 60,000 miles. Her vehicle is also on its third transmission, with brand-new replacement transmissions being installed under warranty. I am requesting that NHTSA review these repeated failures and determine whether similar transmission or drivetrain problems have been reported and whether they may indicate a safety-related defect or broader pattern.

NHTSA ID

11760723

Incident

Feb 2, 2026

I own a 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited. The driver's-side Active Head Restraint (AHR) suddenly deployed/opened without the vehicle being involved in a collision or rear impact. The head restraint separated/opened with significant force and will not remain in its normal position. I am not aware of any warning lights, warning messages, or other symptoms before the head restraint deployed. This creates a serious safety concern because the Active Head Restraint is positioned directly behind the driver's head and neck. An unexpected deployment while the vehicle is occupied or being driven could cause injury to the driver's head or neck and could also startle or distract the driver. The vehicle has not been involved in an accident that would have caused the Active Head Restraint to deploy. The failed head restraint/component is available for inspection. After researching the failure, I discovered that FCA/Stellantis has previously issued technical service and warranty information concerning inadvertent Active Head Restraint deployment, including TSB 23-018-20 and related AHR warranty-extension programs. I also learned that NHTSA investigated inadvertent Active Head Restraint deployments involving Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles, including later model-year vehicles. I contacted FCA/Stellantis regarding the failure. I was initially referred to a Jeep dealership, and I am continuing to request that Stellantis review the failure and determine whether it falls under one of its Active Head Restraint warranty-extension programs.

NHTSA ID

11760320

Incident

Aug 25, 2026

The Jeep was giving me a warning sign. It said stop slowly. Your jeep will shut off so I replaced the two batteries. As my Mechanic told me I replaced the alternator. I also replaced the ground wires. Nothing is making my jeep start. We ran the codes on the jeep and it came back as a U0100 code with the PCM system. No connection error. we looked up the recall information and a recall popped up for this 2018 jeep Grand Cherokee. I am being told that I am not affected by this recall.. the jeep was giving warning Saenz before I replaced the battery and alternator. After that. It did not give warning Saenz Anymore. It’s just completely Shut Off With no warning. Leaving me on the side of the road stranded twice. It will not start and it is reading these codes.

NHTSA ID

11759288

Incident

Aug 18, 2026

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 refilled, and the odor might be due to an overflow. The contact stated that the failure persisted, and the vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the water pump was replaced. The contact stated that the water pump had been replaced approximately nine times under warranty due to the strong coolant odor and a water pump leak; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 125,000.

NHTSA ID

11757611

Incident

Feb 18, 2025

Mileage

125,000 mi

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 High-Pressure Fuel Pump under FCA Safety Recall Z46 (NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V-406). At 111,948 miles, while operating the vehicle, the engine suffered a sudden, catastrophic mechanical failure accompanied by an immediate and total loss of engine oil pressure. This caused the engine to suddenly stall and lose all propulsion while in motion, creating an immediate and severe highway safety hazard to myself and surrounding traffic.The vehicle was towed to an authorized Jeep dealership under Repair Order #5823328. The manufacturer (Stellantis) and the dealership are currently refusing to authorize diagnostic teardown labor or a mechanical review of the internal safety recall componentry to investigate an acute internal fuel-pump shaft seal leak or residual micro-particle metallic debris from the prior campaign. An internal drive-shaft seal failure on this replacement pump architecture dumps raw diesel fuel directly into the engine's internal oil crankcase, causing severe oil dilution, an immediate collapse of structural oil pressure, and catastrophic engine seizure. The manufacturer is attempting to shift 100% of the financial burden ($25,000 engine replacement cost) onto the consumer, actively obstructing an essential safety failure investigation into a federally recalled component.

NHTSA ID

11756569

Incident

Jun 17, 2026

Qudra Lift Reman Compressor Excessive Repairs on Quadra Lift Reman Compressors Part Numbers: 68041137AF / R8572790AA / 68087233AA / 52124932AE / 52124934AE / 68064343AC Purpose The Star Parts Catalog has been updated to support component-level repair of the Quadra-Lift air suspension system. Replace only the component confirmed failed through diagnostics. Avoid replacing the complete assembly when an individual service component can correct the concern. Available Service Components Part Number Description R8572790AA Air Suspension Compressor 68087233AA Air Suspension Valve Block 52124932AE Front Air Suspension Hose Assembly 52124934AE Rear Air Suspension Hose Assembly 68064343AC Air Suspension Reservoir 68087240AA Temperature Sensor 68041137AF Compressor Assembly Diagnostic Decision Tree Customer Complaint: Service Air Suspension Message / Sagging / Unable to Adjust Ride Height / Compressor Running Continuously. Step 1: Retrieve and record all DTCs. C15D9 (Low Air Mass): Perform air mass test, complete system fill, leak-down test, and leak source identification before compressor replacement. C15A1 (Unable to Obtain Desired Ride Height): Verify ride height, perform leak-down test, inspect valve block, air lines, and air springs. C1562-98 (Over Temperature): Inspect for excessive compressor run time, leaks, low air mass, and restrictions before condemning the compressor. If a leak is found, repair the leak and verify operation before replacing the compressor. If no leak is found, perform compressor functional evaluation. If moisture is in the lines and valve block, then evacuate or replace lines. Only replace the compressor when a defect is verified (internal leak, failed solenoid, weak output, seized motor, failed functional test, or electrical failure). Service Component Selection Guide Verified Root Cause Recommended Repair Compressor Internal Failure Replace Compressor Valve Block Failure Replace Valve Block Air Line Leak Replace Air Line Air Spring Leak Replace Air Spring Temperature Sensor Failure Replace Temperature Sensor Technician Reminder Replace only the component confirmed failed through diagnostics. In many cases, compressor replacement is not required when the root cause is an air leak, valve block issue, airline concern, or sensor fault.

EVAPORATOR - AIR CONDITIONING

EVAPORATOR - AIR CONDITIONING

Qudra Lift Reman Compressor Excessive Repairs on Quadra Lift Reman Compressors Part Numbers: 68041137AF / R8572790AA / 68087233AA / 52124932AE / 52124934AE / 68064343AC Purpose The Star Parts Catalog has been updated to support component-level repair of the Quadra-Lift air suspension system. Replace only the component confirmed failed through diagnostics. Avoid replacing the complete assembly when an individual service component can correct the concern. Available Service Components Part Number Description R8572790AA Air Suspension Compressor 68087233AA Air Suspension Valve Block 52124932AE Front Air Suspension Hose Assembly 52124934AE Rear Air Suspension Hose Assembly 68064343AC Air Suspension Temperature Sensor 68041137AF Service Components Reference Diagnostic Decision Tree Customer Complaint: Service Air Suspension Message / Sagging / Unable to Adjust Ride Height / Compressor Running Continuously. Step 1: Retrieve and record all DTCs. C15D9 (Low Air Mass): Perform air mass test, complete system fill, leak-down test, and leak source identification before compressor replacement. C15A1 (Unable to Obtain Desired Ride Height): Verify ride height, perform leak-down test, inspect valve block, air lines, and air springs. C1562-98 (Over Temperature): Inspect for excessive compressor run time, leaks, low air mass, and restrictions before condemning the compressor. If a leak is found, repair the leak and verify operation before replacing the compressor. If no leak is found, perform compressor functional evaluation. If moisture is in the lines and valve block, then evacuate or replace lines. Only replace the compressor when a defect is verified (internal leak, failed solenoid, weak output, seized motor, failed functional test, or electrical failure). Service Component Selection Guide Verified Root Cause Recommended Repair Compressor Internal Failure Replace Compressor Valve Block Failure Replace Valve Block Air Line Leak Replace Air Line Air Spring Leak Replace Air Spring Temperature Sensor Failure Replace Temperature Sensor Technician Reminder Replace only the component confirmed failed through diagnostics. In many cases, compressor replacement is not required when the root cause is an air leak, valve block issue, airline concern, or sensor fault.

Backup Camera Poor Image Quality Inspection

Outside Power Fold Rearview Mirror Noise Or Loose At Pivot. Mirror Contacts Door Window Glass In The Folded Position.