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2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Airbags Problems

Owner-reported complaints naming the airbag system, filed with NHTSA

Data refreshed

Airbags reportsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
23
Latest Jun 29, 2026
Share of all reportsThis category as a share of every owner report on file for this model year. One report can name more than one component, so the categories overlap.
3%
of 846 total
Crash or fire reportedReports in this category whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. The reporter's own answer on the NHTSA form, not a verified finding.
10
Injuries or deaths reportedTotals the submitters entered on their own reports in this category. Not verified by NHTSA and not a casualty statistic.
10

What this page shows

Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights. Every record below is an owner-reported complaint about the 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee submitted to NHTSA — not a confirmed defect, not a recall and not a manufacturer bulletin. 23 reports on file name it.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Owner reports naming airbag

Shown in the owner’s own words, exactly as filed

Airbags
Filed Jun 29, 2026
Crash reported1 injury reported

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 of the air bags or side curtain airbags deployed.

NHTSA ID
11747166
Incident
Apr 4, 2024
AirbagsInterior & seats
Filed Jun 10, 2026

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 distraction while the vehicle was in motion. I did not know what had happened at the time. The head restraint remains deployed/open and cannot be reset. The vehicle was not involved in a crash, there was no rear impact, and there was no airbag deployment. FCA/Stellantis has issued an X88 Active Head Restraint warranty extension for certain Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles involving inadvertent deployment of the front Active Head Restraint where it cannot be reset due to internal damage. My vehicle appears to have experienced the same failure mode, but Jeep/Stellantis has advised that my VIN does not qualify for X88 coverage, apparently because the vehicle was built after the selected warranty extension population. My vehicle build date is January 2018, with MDH 011623. I am filing this complaint because this was a safety related head restraint failure that occurred while driving without a collision. The sudden deployment caused a loud impact immediately behind my head and created a dangerous distraction. I am concerned that vehicles outside the current X88 warranty population may still be experiencing the same inadvertent Active Head Restraint failure. The vehicle was factory ordered and delivered in February 2018, which may explain the later January 2018 build date, but it is still a 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee and appears to have experienced the same inadvertent Active Head Restraint failure mode described in FCA’s X88 warranty extension.

NHTSA ID
11743217
Incident
Jun 5, 2026
Airbags
Filed May 27, 2026

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 passenger had been seated there, the headrest could have struck them in the back of the head or neck and potentially caused serious injury. This appears to be a dangerous safety defect involving the Active Head Restraint system. Based on information I found from other Jeep Grand Cherokee owners reporting similar failures, the issue may involve a faulty plastic bracket or internal component in the Active Head Restraint that can fail under pressure and cause the headrest to deploy unexpectedly. Other owners have reported injuries such as head, neck, and concussion-type injuries from similar incidents. I am concerned that this failure happened during normal driving conditions and without any crash or trigger event. This creates a serious risk to vehicle occupants and could also startle the driver, potentially causing a crash. I am requesting that NHTSA review this issue and determine whether my vehicle is affected by an existing recall or whether additional investigation or recall action is needed.

NHTSA ID
11740448
Incident
May 1, 2026
AirbagsInterior & seats
Filed May 22, 2026

The active head restraint on my driver seat deployed and pushed my head forward suddenly. I could not push my head back into position. This happened while driving on the evening of May 3. I have a 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo. I was not able to reset the head rest position. I took the vehicle to the dealership. They said that the whole headrest needed to be replaced. It could not be reset because the molded plastic piece was degraded. From a search online this appears to be common in the 2014-2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee with active head restraints. Even though this is a failure of the equipment, and other Jeep Grand Cherokees from 2014 -2018 received a 10-year extension on their head restraints, the dealership and Jeep Customer Care said that my vehicle is not covered. Nor will they let me buy a seat from them that does not use the active head restraint. They said that because My vehicle's VIN specifies a vehicle with active head restraints, they cannot sell me otherwise. I will not be comfortable driving this vehicle again with an active head restraint that could randomly fail and punch my head forward while I am in rush hour traffic. I believe this is a safety risk as it is disorienting to not know why your head is suddenly pushed down and forward while you are driving at 45 mph. Distracting the driver in such a way endangers the driver, passengers, and other vehicles' occupants on the same roadway. It throws off your view of the roadway and your mirrors. There were no warnings ahead of time.

NHTSA ID
11739582
Incident
May 3, 2026
Airbags
Filed Feb 19, 2026

AIR BAG LIGHT LIGHT IS ON DOES NOT SHOW UP ON DIAGNOSTIC

NHTSA ID
11719086
Incident
Feb 1, 2026
AirbagsInterior & seats
Filed Oct 27, 2025

My passenger headrest is coming apart spontaneously. It has an active airbag system. Apparently my vin is just outside a known recall range. I have called Jeep and the dealership, both stated i needed to report to NHTSA. The Jeep will be serviced tomorrow at the dealership for diagnosis and repairs.

NHTSA ID
11695718
Incident
Jul 22, 2025
AirbagsDriver assistance
Filed Oct 13, 2025

My ACC/FCW LIGHT IS ON, I HAVE NOT BEEN IN A CRASH. AND WHILE DRIVING AFTER THIS LIGHT CAME ON MY PASSENGER HEADREST AIRBAG BROKE APART. AND MY CRUISE CONTROL IS OUT, ALONG WITH TRACTION CONTROL. MY CAR JUST WENT HAYWIRE.

NHTSA ID
11693209
Incident
Sep 22, 2025
AirbagsInterior & seats
Filed Aug 25, 2024

Active head restraint went off while parked in a parking lot with individual sitting in affected seat. No accident/collision happened, no warning lights or other symptoms prior.

NHTSA ID
11610723
Incident
Jun 12, 2024
Airbags
Filed Aug 15, 2024

There is a faulty connection so the airbags may not deploy

NHTSA ID
11608860
Incident
Aug 14, 2024
Airbags
Filed Jul 12, 2024
Crash reported2 injuries reported

Air Bags Failed to Deploy During An Accident Vehicle Hit A Tree No Warning Lamps Prior To Accident Vehicle Towed Due To Damage Vehicle Deemed Totaled By Insurance Company

NHTSA ID
11601592
Incident
Jun 25, 2024
AirbagsSeat belts
Filed May 10, 2024
Crash reported

Brakes failed when attempting to slow down, ABS kicked in on dry blacktop with no lights on dash before locking up and throwing the vehicle off of the road. Caused me to wreck into a tree head on at 50 mph. Seatbelt did not lock up and airbags did not deploy. Vehicle was totaled with heavy front end damage including a bent and snapped frame. Prior to incident had issues with low beam headlights not working/going out prematurely. Was told by Herrenstein Jeep in Chillicothe this was not an electrical issue. Low beam headlights failed again 2 weeks prior to incident.

NHTSA ID
11587975
Incident
May 2, 2024
Airbags
Filed Feb 6, 2024

Airbag warning light came on. Took to Jeep dealership and they did diagnostic . Their finding: Code ORC-B0028-13, right side seat diployment squib 1 circuit open dx. Found wiring is not damaged in connectors . Needs new front seat passenger air bag. Car has never had front end damage.

NHTSA ID
11570392
Incident
Oct 9, 2023
Airbags
Filed Dec 14, 2023

The contact's daughter owns a 2018 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, her daughter closed the driver's door and the passenger's side frontal air bag deployed inadvertently. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the air bag needed to be replaced due to the rollover sensor being alerted. The contact stated that the vehicle was not in an accident. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.

NHTSA ID
11560170
Incident
Oct 29, 2023
Mileage
70,000 mi
Airbags
Filed Jun 24, 2022
Crash reported2 injuries reported

The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at 70 MPH, she rear-ended another vehicle. The air bags did not deploy upon impact. The contact hit her head and her left leg on the steering wheel. The other driver was treated at the scene for unknown injuries. The contact sought medical attention at the hospital; no injuries were treated. A police report was filed. The contact was instructed by the police officer that she was able to drive the vehicle home; however, several warning lights appeared on the instrument panel. As she attempted to resume normal driving, the vehicle downshifted upon the depression of the accelerator pedal; she then pulled over and had the vehicle towed to her home. The next day, the vehicle was initially towed to an independent mechanic; but was then towed to a second independent mechanic by her insurance where the vehicle was deemed a total loss. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and an investigation was performed on the vehicle; the investigation concluded that since the brakes were depressed, the vehicle was not traveling at a rate of speed for the airbags to deploy. The failure mileage was approximately 24,000.

NHTSA ID
11470891
Incident
Apr 24, 2022
Mileage
24,000 mi
Airbags
Filed Oct 29, 2021
1 injury reported

On October 23, 2021 my daughter and I got into our vehicle a 2018 jeep grand cherokee and as I started the vehicle the passenger side headrest deployed unexpectedly striking my daughter in the back of the head causing severe pain which ultimately turn to a very bad headache , this is the second occurrence of this issue the first being back in mid 2020 on the drivers side headrest which I also sustained a very intense blow to the back unexpectedly. I also filed a report on that incident with the NHTSA. This is not acceptable and I am almost positive that their are many people out there that have experienced the same issue but have not reported it! Now being there is no recall of this issue its not right for me or anyone to have to pay out of pocket for a clearly defective issue! This repair should be the Jeep Corporation and not the consumer perhaps I should look into some Law firm for help on this matter!

NHTSA ID
11438686
Incident
Oct 23, 2021
Airbags
Filed Jun 22, 2021
Crash reported1 injury reported

In accident 2/23/21, vehicle was T- boned in intersection which sent me into cement overpass. No airbags dash or side deployed. Vehicle was total loss.

NHTSA ID
11421914
Incident
Feb 23, 2021
Airbags
Filed May 26, 2021

On May 24,2021 while in vehicle the headrest deployed for no reason at all striking me in the back of the head, had i been actively moving this i feel could have been dangerous. fortunately i was at a stop. I have since then contacted my local dealership and will be taking vehicle in for repair. My concern now is could this happen again? I had no clue this was affecting other vehicles as well until it happened to me, i went online to research headrest deployment and found this is a huge problem! I'm not comfortable with fact that when my wife is driving this vehicle that the possibility of headrest deployment exist!

NHTSA ID
11418667
Incident
May 24, 2021
AirbagsDriver assistance
Filed Aug 12, 2020
Crash reported

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2018 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED SUDDEN AND UNINTENDED ACCELERATION. WHILE SHIFTING INTO PARK, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED AND CRASHED INTO A POLE AND THE POLE ENDED UP UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE SHIFTED INTO REVERSE TO VIEW THE DAMAGE. THE CONTACT SHIFTED INTO PARK A SECOND TIME, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED AND CRASHED INTO A BUILDING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WITH THE IMPACT THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT DID NOT SUSTAIN INJURIES. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER YET. THE INSURANCE DEEMED THE VEHICLE AS TOTALED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 17,554. Consumer stated manufacturer has been notified. An independent investigator was hired, and report made.

NHTSA ID
11348779
Incident
Aug 3, 2020
Mileage
17,554 mi
AirbagsBrakesDriver assistance
Filed Jul 31, 2020

I HAVE PROBLEM AND I NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THIS VEHICLE

NHTSA ID
11342485
Incident
Jul 31, 2020
Mileage
18 mi
Airbags
Filed Jul 29, 2020
Crash reported1 injury reported

A PERSON HIT MY FRONT LEFT PANEL NEAR MY DRIVER DOOR AND I WAS THROWN AROUND LIKE A RAG DOLL EVEN THOUGH I HAD MY SEAT BELT ON. THIS IS EXTREMELY JUST AWFUL SINCE WE BOUGHT THIS BECAUSE THE NUMBER OF AIRBAGS. THIS DRIVER OF THE OTHER VEHICLE RAN A LIGHT AND PLOWED INTO ME. I WAS DRIVING 40MPH AND DON'T KNOW HOW FAST HE WAS GOING.*DT*JB

NHTSA ID
11342158
Incident
Jul 29, 2020
Mileage
18,400 mi
Airbags
Filed Apr 3, 2019
Crash reported1 injury reported

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE. WHILE THE CONTACT'S WIFE WAS STOPPED IN STOP AND GO TRAFFIC, A TRACTOR TRAILER CRASHED INTO THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS IN ECONOMY MODE AT THE TIME OF THE CRASH. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE DRIVER STRUCK HER HEAD ON THE STEERING WHEEL AND SUSTAINED HEAD INJURIES. MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS RECEIVED. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE CONTACT CALLED NORTHWEST HILLS CHRYSLER JEEP DODGE RAM (2033 E MAIN ST, TORRINGTON, CT 06790, (860) 482-0700), BUT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 12,000. *DT *DT THE CONSUMER STATED VEHICLE DEEMED A TOTAL LOSS BY THE INSURANCE COMPANY. *TR

NHTSA ID
11193676
Incident
Mar 29, 2019
Mileage
12,000 mi
Airbags
Filed Jan 14, 2019
Crash reported1 injury reported

ON 01/09/19 MY WIFE WAS INVOLVED IN A SINGLE VEHICLE ACCIDENT IN WHICH HER VEHICLE RAN OFF THE ROADWAY DOWN AN EMBANKMENT RESULTING IN THE VEHICLE SUSTAINING A TOTAL LOSS OF THE VEHICLE DUE TO DAMAGES. THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE WAS COMPLETELY DESTROYED AS IT HIT SOME TYPE OF BARRIER WHICH DESTROYED THE UNDER CARRIAGE STRIKING TWO TREES BEFORE IT CAME TO REST ABOUT 300 YARDS OFF THE ROADWAY. MY CONCERN IS THAT NONE OF THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED IN THIS HORRIFIC ACCIDENT WHICH FORTUNATELY MY WIFE ONLY SUSTAINED MINOR INJURIES.

NHTSA ID
11166806
Incident
Jan 9, 2019
Mileage
3,000 mi
AirbagsBody & structureOther / unspecified
Filed Nov 1, 2018
Crash reported

I WAS TRAVELING SOUTH ON CAMBRIDGE RD. AS I WAS APPROACHING A SHOPPING PLAZA, A VEHICLE WAS ATTEMPTING TO EXIT THE PARKING LOT OF THE PLAZA ALSO HEADING SOUTH. AS THE VEHICLE WAS ATTEMPTING TO MAKE THE LEFT HAND TURN, IT PULLED IN FRONT OF MY CAR, DRIVING ME OFF THE ROAD. I HAD TO SWERVE OUT OF THE WAY TO AVOID HITTING THAT CAR, AND WHEN I DID I CRASHED INTO AN ELECTRICAL POLE, DESTROYING THE ENTIRE FRONT END AND TOTALING THE CAR. THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AND THIS IS WHY I'M FILING THIS REPORT.

NHTSA ID
11144724
Incident
Oct 25, 2018
Mileage
195 mi

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

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Data sources

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