2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Owner Complaints

Sudden loss of power while driving 75mph in the fast lane on [XXX] in [XXX]. My 2018 with the 3.0ltr Eco diesel engine was involved in a sever life-threatening event That caused my engine to fail while driving and I request immediate corporate escalation! On XXX while driving in the fast lane after just fueling up not more than 15-20min prior. my vehicle suffered, for no known reason, a catastrophic engine failure. There are no codes to be found (so said the dealer) "we cant tell you what happened to your engine", the dealer has sent me in writing. All of the sudden the dashboard read, " PULL OVER AND PUT IN PARK IMMEDIATELY".... I lost all power and was fortunate to ba able to catch an off-ramp to get off of the highway. After a 350mi tow to the walnut creek chrysler/jeep dealer. They were unable to tell me what went wrong or why a simple oil/ check engine light never happened to alert the operator? I was then told it would be a $35k engine replacement? most diesel engines historically run 250,000 to 500,000 miles and up with regular maintenance... I purchased this showroom quality vehicle from a private seller... never having even been towed 1 single time in its life before this event. I need to know what recourse that may exists for me regarding this most tragic and unsafe situation... So foreign investment groups can purchase USA auto factories and turn them into horible products... and that's okay? I have driven well over 1 million miles in my lifetime. I currently own 2 trucks, an Audi A3, 8 motorcycles, and a sprinter van RV. I formerly owned an Eagle tour coach. I am an experienced rider driver of nearly 40yrs on the road. please help [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11766927

Incident

Aug 25, 2026

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

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 intermittent, it can be cold or hot, it has happened 4x in 2 years. No accidents thankfully. The engine does not stall, the transmission goes into neutral.

NHTSA ID

11756332

Incident

Jun 1, 2024

Went for an oil change and learn the cooler has a leak. Car was getting over heated. What cause this issue as I just got it in Feb.2026

NHTSA ID

11755365

Incident

Aug 6, 2026

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 to coast safely to a place so I wouldn’t be hit by traffic . My car was then brought to the local Jeep dealership and they had told me that my left camshaft needs to be replaced also the lifters rockers and oil cooler need to be replaced as well. I have not drove my vehicle since it’s been seen by the dealer , I was told that any type of Driving could completely mess up my engine, so it’s been sitting for a couple of months .

NHTSA ID

11755335

Incident

Jan 15, 2026

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

NHTSA ID

11754549

Incident

Jun 6, 2026

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 attempted diagnosis/repair for a week before directing me to take it to Bonham CDJR in Bonham, TX. Bonham CDJR cleared the codes and returned the vehicle. A couple of weeks later, while my wife was driving home, the engine suddenly and severely overheated without warning. I instructed her to pull over immediately to prevent engine destruction or stall in active traffic. My wife was stranded on the roadside in extreme Texas heat until a flatbed wrecker towed the vehicle back to Bonham CDJR. WARRANTY OBSTRUCTION & KNOWN FAILURE POINT: Upon arrival at Bonham CDJR, I informed service advisors that my third-party warranty provider (First Guard) would handle coverage. However, the dealership demanded a $1,300 upfront, out-of-pocket engine teardown fee just to "prove" the cause of failure to the warranty company. The 3.6L V6 Pentastar platform is notorious for cracking plastic oil filter/cooler housing units and failing thermostat assemblies, causing rapid coolant loss and overheating. Requiring consumers to pay massive teardown fees out-of-pocket to diagnose a known, unaddressed manufacturer design flaw creates an administrative barrier that leaves defective, dangerous vehicles on the road. SAFETY HAZARD & IMPACT: Sudden engine overheating at driving speeds causes sudden power loss, severe traffic hazards, thermal fire risks, and roadside stranding in hazardous ambient heat. This ongoing ordeal has caused severe personal distress, financial strain, and loss of wages. REQUESTED ACTION: I request NHTSA open a safety defect investigation into 3.6L Pentastar engine cooling failures and mandate a manufacturer recall with consumer repair reimbursement.

NHTSA ID

11752136

Incident

Jun 8, 2026

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 contamination was found in the fuel system, requiring replacement of the HPFP and major fuel system components. Approximately 13,000 miles later, during routine fuel filter maintenance, I suspected the failure had returned. I asked the dealership to inspect the fuel filters for metal contamination, but they declined. I then removed and cut open the filters myself and documented visible metal shavings consistent with the recall failure. This is the second occurrence of metal contamination after the recall repair. I retained the filters, saved fuel samples, and documented everything with photos and video. I provided this evidence to the dealership and Stellantis. A STAR case was opened, but the Stellantis District Manager instructed the dealership not to perform any repairs because the vehicle has no check engine light and remains operable. The recall warns that HPFP deterioration can contaminate the fuel system and cause a sudden loss of engine power, increasing the risk of a crash. It also states this failure may occur without warning lights. My concern is that Stellantis is requiring complete pump failure before authorizing repairs, despite documented evidence that the recall failure condition has returned. I still possess the contaminated filters, fuel samples, photographs, video, and service records and will provide them upon request. I respectfully request that NHTSA investigate whether the recall remedy adequately corrects this defect and whether Stellantis' refusal to repair a vehicle exhibiting the same safety-related failure condition is appropriate.

NHTSA ID

11750690

Incident

Jul 15, 2026

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 on the highway doing the speed limit and no brake lights also when it happens. I took it back to jeep and they still have no clue but my jeep is to dangerous to drive period. There are not warning signs when it happens.

NHTSA ID

11750319

Incident

Jul 11, 2026

My mother went to open the door and the plastic covering of the handle had some how chipped or melted and she sliced her pointer finger down the middle. There was a massive loss of blood and she is anemic.

NHTSA ID

11749839

Incident

Jul 12, 2026

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

* Upon normal driving the vehicle suddenly began to run rough. At that point the engine light came on and began flashing. Yes, it is available for inspection * I was traveling at highway speeds with my two young son's in the vehicle, when out of nowhere we experienced a major loss in power, Forcing us to get to the far right lane and off on the next exit. * The problem has been Confirmed (Passenger Side intake camshaft has 5 out of 6 lobes significantly worn off. .119" of material missing as well as 2 holes on cylinder 6 piston. * It was inspected by and independent mechanic who discovered the damage to the camshafts and the piston. It was suggested that I return the vehicle to the dealer as it would be needing a new motor seeing as the damages were premature and catastrophic in nature. Upon initial inspection at the dealer, they failed to identify the 2 holes in cylinder 6 piston. Suggesting that the "said holes" were nothing other than flaked carbon deposits. * There were no warning lights or any symptoms that would have indicated anything was wrong.

NHTSA ID

11744663

Incident

Feb 21, 2026

See attached document for complaint.

NHTSA ID

11743276

Incident

Apr 27, 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

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. Puts driver at risk due to constant changes and alert sounds.

NHTSA ID

11743140

Incident

Jan 20, 2002

My daughter that is [XXX], her in the passenger seat, me driving were traveling down a street. I slowed to enter a turn lane going maybe 10 mph and heard a loud bang. I said "what was that noise." I glanced at my daughter she looked dazed and said "I don't know but something slammed into the back of my head." I pulled in where we were going and looked to find the head rest was popped open behind her head. There were no bumps, no impacts and not even high speed. This headrest mechanism literally deployed for no reason slamming at high speed into the back of her head and neck. I stopped called Mopar and made a complaint because it was right at 5pm and dealers were closing. She was slurring speech, dazed and repeating herself. Took her to the urgent care that sent me to the ER out of concern. They told me she may need head and neck images. The doctors and staff were so confused as to what I was even talking about. I showed them photos so they could see the situation. I was in the ER with her for 5 hours. She has a concussion. THESE HEADRESTS ARE DANGEROUS AND JUST INJURED A MINOR. WHAT DO YOU MEAN WE ARE NOT CALLING FOR RECALL. THIS ISNT JUST ABOUT EQUIPMENT REPLACEMENT. THIS INJURY COULD HAVE BEEN WORSE AND THERE IS OBVIOUSLY SOMETHING FLAWED HERE. I HAVE SEEN MANY OF THE SAME STORY. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11741959

Incident

Jun 3, 2026

Headlight beams do not function. Beam lights come on upon starting car then turn off moments after. Then I am driving done the street in complete darkness. I have taken the Jeep to the dealership of purchase ( Elmhurst Chrysler/jeep/dodge Elmhurst Illinois 630-834-8000 ) 4 times over several months. They have confirmed the problem. Two days ago they had me replaced the battery. There was NO messages or other warnings that the lights have failed.

NHTSA ID

11741948

Incident

Nov 1, 2025

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

NHTSA ID

11741140

Incident

May 31, 2026