2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Powertrain (other) Problems

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

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

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 the panic to get the car moving! The internal panel was still illuminated, however the car would not move forwards although still in "Drive" with nothing having been switched, shifted or toggled except engagement of the brake to stop at the traffic light. The Jeep had to be placed in "Park", the starter button pressed, then pressed again to completely restart the vehicle. This was a potentially huge safety issue with many cars around us honking & rushing to pick up their own children, yet fortunately no one ran into us with our precious little rider!

NHTSA ID

11737894

Incident

May 7, 2026

Twice I have been driving on the highway at 60 mph and the transmission had suddenly shifted into low gear and subsequently went into limp mode. The dealer is unable to find an issue with the vehicle. There were no warning lights, before, during, or after. After I pulled onto the shoulder of the road and turned the Jeep off and turned it back on it operated normally.

NHTSA ID

11733768

Incident

Apr 17, 2026

While driving on the highway I received a “SERV 4WD” light and also a traction control unavailable light. Other than that that the car appeared to drive normally other than I could feel the car gears “catching” at starts when I pressed the accelerator. I took the car to the certified dealer and they said it was a transfer case failure and was unsafe to drive as it could have caused the wheels to lock up. This issue is very similar to a recall for other Jeep VINs over the same production timeframe of my Jeep, although my VIN was not included in that recall. I am seeking the immediate inclusion of my VIN into the Jeep recall that exists for manufacturing defects of the transfer case.

NHTSA ID

11724626

Incident

Mar 8, 2026

The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at 20 MPH, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal, and the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was restarted, and a short distance later, the failure persisted. The contact stated that there were several attempts to restart the vehicle. However, the failure persisted. The message "Shift to P then Desired Gear" was displayed. The contact continued to drive and arrived at the workplace. The contact stated that prior to the failure, the vehicle jerked while driving. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V011000 (POWER TRAIN). However, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 44,000.

NHTSA ID

11723111

Incident

Mar 9, 2026

Mileage

44,000 mi

Front passenger side CV Axle purchased from detroit axle. They confirmed on website it would fit my make, model, and year of vehicle. Once I described that they are selling this part incorrectly and they refused to change website to continue fraud sell I asked for a full refund. They denied and said I'd be deducted shipping costs. If this part would've almost fit I'd have been a risk for life on the road for myself and others. They refuse to fix this safety and fraud violation on their website.

NHTSA ID

11720418

Incident

Feb 25, 2026

While driving this vehicle under normal conditions, the engine developed abnormal ticking/knocking noises, loss of power, and misfire symptoms that progressively worsened. The vehicle was frequently used to transport children. Due to the nature of the failure and unpredictability of progression, continued operation posed a serious safety risk. An authorized dealer later confirmed that the engine suffered a catastrophic internal valvetrain failure involving collapsed lifters/rocker arms and severely damaged camshafts. The dealer technician explicitly stated this failure mode is “typical” for this engine design and documented progressive internal damage affecting both cylinder banks, not an isolated component. This failure mode is not sudden; it develops gradually over tens of thousands of miles and can lead to sudden engine power loss, stalling, or seizure without warning. A loss of propulsion at highway speed, during lane changes, intersections, or while transporting children creates a clear risk of crash, injury, or worse. There was no evidence of driver abuse, lack of maintenance, lubrication failure, or misuse. The dealer confirmed oil condition and service history were appropriate. The defect appears to be internal, latent, and manufacturing-related, consistent with numerous consumer complaints, technical service bulletins, and ongoing litigation involving this engine family. Had the vehicle continued to be driven, the failure could have escalated to: •Sudden loss of engine power at speed •Inability to accelerate to avoid hazards •Engine seizure causing loss of steering assist •Increased crash risk with child passengers onboard The vehicle was removed from service due to safety concerns. This defect is repeatable, predictable, and well-documented, yet not subject to recall at this time. I am reporting this to support investigation into a systemic engine defect that presents a serious safety risk to drivers and passengers.

NHTSA ID

11718096

Incident

Nov 26, 2025

I Purchased my my vehicle from a dealer approximately two and a half months ago. While driving the transmission of the vehicle gave out. The car rpm shot up to seven thousand and only goes 30 mph. My safety was in jeopardy because the vehicle lowed down rapidly and I had to maneuver to the side of the road in order not to be struck from the rear. I had taken it to get inspected by AAMCO and was informed that the transmission failed.

NHTSA ID

11708260

Incident

Dec 26, 2025

Mileage

94,523 mi

I own a 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland. On December 5, 2025, the vehicle received a transmission fluid exchange service at a Jeep dealership. Prior to this service, the transmission operated normally with no hesitation, harsh shifts, or warning lights. Within a few days after the service, I began noticing delayed engagement and hesitation during shifts. On December 14, 2025, while driving at highway speed, the transmission suddenly shifted harshly with a rapid increase in engine RPM followed by a hard engagement. Later the same day, when stopped at a traffic light, the vehicle hesitated to move forward, revved abnormally, then engaged abruptly. A check engine light illuminated at that time. The vehicle behavior was unpredictable and created a safety concern while driving in traffic, particularly during acceleration from a stop and at highway speeds. The vehicle was driven directly to the servicing dealership and is currently available for inspection. The issue began only after the transmission service was performed. The transmission had no prior symptoms before the service. Warning indicators: Check engine light illuminated on December 14, 2025 after the transmission exhibited harsh shifting and hesitation. Inspection status: The vehicle is currently at the dealership that performed the transmission service for diagnosis.

NHTSA ID

11705244

Incident

Dec 14, 2025

My brake light light up, check engine light comes on and my Stability Control system does not work. My car won't electric start as the check engine light is illuminated. I took the vehicle to the dealership and they could not help me as there is no fix in place.

NHTSA ID

11700656

Incident

Mar 12, 2025

The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact was able to move the gear shifter without first depressing the brake pedal. In addition, the "Service 4WD" and "Service ABS" messages were displayed on the instrument panel while driving at various speeds. The vehicle was initially taken to an independent mechanic who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. While with the independent mechanic, the vehicle failed to move while shifted in reverse(R). The vehicle was then taken to a dealer and the drivetrain control module, and the transmission control module were replaced. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V838000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulics); however, the vehicle was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was filed. The vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was 88,312.

NHTSA ID

11692075

Incident

Sep 1, 2025

Mileage

88,312 mi

The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V838000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); 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 contact stated that while attempting to accelerate from a stop, the vehicle hesitated before accelerating. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact called a second dealer, Benson Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram [XXX] ); who also confirmed that the part was not yet available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 95,000. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11689715

Incident

Nov 25, 2024

Mileage

95,000 mi

While driving 2018 jeep grand cherokee the transmission will shift its self into neutral and say select desired gear. Then it will shut it self down in the middle of the road.

NHTSA ID

11672142

Incident

Jul 8, 2025

I was driving my 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 4x4 on the highway at approximately 65-70 MPH, when suddenly the car started sputtering and my check engine light came on and started blinking. The car was essentially not drivable, so I pulled over at a gas station and had the car towed. This is dangerous as I was going uphill, and could have caused an accident, or worse. I did not have a check engine light prior to this! The next day the car was inspected and diagnosed by independent service center, who said there was a cylinder 4 engine misfire, so they replaced the spark plugs and the coils. Car was fixed, or so I thought, fast forward a couple months later while driving to work, same issue (misfires and sputtering) occurs again and coolant now runs low even though there are no visible signs of coolant leakage. I spoke to the independent service center and they mentioned there might be an issue with the engine such as a head gasket or fuel system. I got the Jeep towed to get checked, it was confirmed that it was an engine issue, especially the head gasket, camshaft, pistons, and lifters, and that I was going to need a new engine and it would cost between $8500 - 13000. My Jeep has approximately 83K miles. The issues I describe here with this engine are all similar to those that have been reported.

NHTSA ID

11668153

Incident

Jun 20, 2025

I just bought this vehicle in February. Since then, about 4 times while driving when i came to a stop the car will not accelerate and the screen tells me to put car in “P” then shift into gear. One time I had to restart the car to put into gear. Then the car drives again.

NHTSA ID

11652673

Incident

Apr 3, 2025

POWER TRANSFER UNIT While driving it seems to go out of gear and revs up. Have to shift out of present drive to netural and back to drive. Happens off and on. Done it on interstate would not go with giving gas until shifted to netural and back to drive. Almost got rear ended There is a recall for same problem but mine is not on recall list. WHY THIS IS AN ACCIDENT WAITING. Also there was a recall on my type of vehicle but not mine for Suppension block which I had to just have done a week ago that cost me $4000.00 at John Hinderer Chrysler Dodge at 1290 Hebron Rd Heath Ohio 43055. Ph 740-522-1106 which can give the repair list. Why again was mine not on the list. This should have been covered.

NHTSA ID

11638699

Incident

Jan 12, 2025

Dear National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, I'm writing to report a critical safety concern regarding the 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee's water pump design. As an owner, I've experienced persistent coolant leaks, which I've found is a widespread issue affecting many others. This problem stems from a fundamental design flaw in the water pump, not typical wear and tear. The issue centers on a small "freeze plug" that leaks when the engine reaches operating temperature. This plug serves no apparent purpose and causes premature failures and coolant leaks across numerous vehicles. Key points: The leak occurs consistently when the engine is hot, indicating a design-related problem. This issue potentially leads to engine overheating and severe damage. It affects many vehicles, particularly those with the 3.6L V6 engine. Extensive research on online forums confirms this is a common problem. A YouTube video [XXX] ) provides insight into the issue. The creator states: "Upon digging into this a bit deeper, I don't believe it's the 'weep hole'. It's actually like a small 'freeze plug' that leaks on these pumps. If you look through the pulley at the opposite side of the aluminum freeze plug that leaks, you will see the weep hole. This 'freeze plug' that leaks serves no purpose as far as I see it. It's just like they slapped this plug in the front of the pump… and it leaks when it gets hot." Given this evidence of a design flaw and its widespread impact, I urge NHTSA to: Investigate the water pump design of the 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee and similar models. Assess the safety implications, including the risk of engine overheating and potential vehicle failures. Consider whether a recall or other corrective action is necessary. The fact that this is a design issue rather than wear-and-tear underscores its urgency. All vehicles with this water pump design are potentially at risk, regardless of mileage or maintenance history. Thank you INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11633694

Incident

Sep 1, 2024

Jeep uses a transmission manufactured by ZF. Jeep claims the transmission is "filled for life" and does not require any maintenance, and never requires the oil to be changed. ZF recommends the oil be changed every 50-75,000 miles. Many other car manufacturers that utilize ZF transmissions recommend that same interval. In fact, if you push Jeep to change your transmission oil, they suggest it will void your warranty. Preventative maintenance in the form of a transmission fluid change is necessary for the health and longevity of the vehicle. Jeep is negligent in this matter. When your transmission fails, you are thrust into "limp" mode, capping your speed at 15-20 mph. This occurred to me on the highway. I narrowly avoided being rear ended in traffic traveling 65+ mph. My car has been babied, all factory recommended services have been done in a timely manner, I was not having any issues with the car at the time, and there were no symptoms, warning lights, etc at the time.

NHTSA ID

11616238

Incident

Sep 20, 2024

The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that the vehicle was shuddering while idling. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving at various speeds and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle hesitated to respond. The check engine warning light was illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated while driving 25 MPH and depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle failed to restart and was towed to the residence. The contact stated that the vehicle was able to restart the following day. The check engine warning light was illuminated. Several messages indicating the air bag, the Engine Stop/Start system, the FWD system failures, and other unknown failures were displayed. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle stalled while driving on another occasion. The vehicle was towed to the residence, where a mobile independent mechanic diagnosed that the PCM had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was contacted and advised the contact to take the vehicle to their location for diagnostic testing. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V524000 (Electrical System); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 36,000.

NHTSA ID

11592647

Incident

May 5, 2024

Mileage

36,000 mi

The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that while attempting to park and exit the vehicle through the front driver’s side door, the vehicle unintendedly accelerated in reverse. As a result of the failure, the driver's side door struck her arm and leg causing injuries. The contact stated that the vehicle drove off a cliff, and one of the tires experienced a blowout and the bumper became loose. The air bags had not deployed. Medical attention was not sought. The vehicle was towed to a dealer. A police report was filed. The vehicle was not repaired and remained with the dealer. The manufacturer was notified of the failure; however, no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 36,000.

NHTSA ID

11586143

Incident

Apr 29, 2024

Mileage

36,000 mi

The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated while driving 5-10 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact was able to drive the vehicle on the shoulder of the highway. The contact cycled the gear selector and the transmission engaged as needed. Additionally, the contact stated that the failure reoccurred. The contact stated while driving on a busy highway, the engine seized. The vehicle was restarted, and the vehicle was driven to the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 96,010.

NHTSA ID

11576549

Incident

Mar 7, 2024

Mileage

96,010 mi

Multiple leaks found under the car and was brought in for emergency repair. One leak was the driveshaft, one was engine coolant and the other was the front steering column.

NHTSA ID

11575114

Incident

Feb 29, 2024

Variable valve lift solenoid failing

NHTSA ID

11550962

Incident

Oct 9, 2023

THIS VEHICLE WILL NOT MOVE (INTERMITANT PROBLEM) AT TIMES WHEN THE VEHICLE IS PLACED IN DRIVE OR REVERSE. THE GEAR SHIFT CONSOLE AND DASH WILL FLASH AND THE VEHICLE IS RENDRED USELESS. I HAVE TO TURN OFF AND RESTART THE VEHICLE TO RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. TEMPORARY FIX. IT KEEPS HAPPENING. THIS VEHICLE HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP 3 TIMES (DEALING WITH THIS ISSUE FOR OVER A YEAR). NOONE KNOWS WHAT THE PROBLEM IS. NO CODES ARE THROWN. JEEP HAS BEEN CONTACTED. SEVERAL FORUMS I HAVE LOOKED AT ONLINE STATE THIS PROBLEM WITH NO RESOLUTION. THE PROBLEM IS SOMEONE IS GOING TO BE KILLED OR SERIOUSLY INJURED. WHEN IT LEAVES ME STRANDED IN AN INTERSECTION, WHICH IT DID, I HAVE A MAJOR PROBLEM. A RESOLUTION HAS TO BE FOUND. ITS NOT ALLOWING ME TO UPLOAD VIDEO. I DO HAVE VIDEO OF THIS HAPPENING WHICH HAS BEEN SHOWN TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THE ADJUSTER OF MY EXTENDED WARRENTY COMPANY.

NHTSA ID

11545520

Incident

Sep 1, 2023