2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Electrical34237.1%
- Engine13614.7%
- Driver assistance737.9%
- Powertrain (other)707.6%
- Fuel system636.8%
- Brakes636.8%
- Interior & seats444.8%
- Airbags232.5%
- Exterior lighting212.3%
- Visibility161.7%
- Suspension161.7%
- Steering141.5%
- Body & structure141.5%
- Other / unspecified131.4%
- Seat belts121.3%
- Transmission20.2%
- Tires & wheels10.1%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
Had the ABS Module repaired due to recall last week. Next, I have had 3 instances of the Accelerator sticking when shifting gears and, this never happened before this service.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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 .
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
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
Recall on the hydraulic control unit/anti-lock brake system A brake light incorrectly resulting other drivers not receiving proper indication to stop or slow down which can cause a vehicle crash without prior warning. Call my local dealership and MOPAR and informed me that they still do not have the part to fix this recall. It has been more an an year and half without resolution. They have not inspected my vehicle as I did schedule an appointment but the dealership informed me that they is still no solution and would reach out. There has no warning lamps or messages that appears in my vehicle as of right now.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
See attached document for complaint.
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.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
See attached document for complaint.
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.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
The 2018 grand Cherokee has issues with mother board and electrical ghosts. 1st it was headlights and dome lights. they would flicker. i had to change the front lights 2x in a year. i thought this was odd. never did this with any car before. then I was driving home from work during rush hour and it started to rain. started the wipers front and back. the back wiper started and went halfway and got stuck. what happen? the front wipers went on for several revolutions (say 10-20 ) then stopped. started again. then stopped again. the rain intensity grew. Now the -wipers would only work when turned in opposite direction (the manual 1 pass move). this happened as i was trying to get home and stuck bumper to bumper on [XXX] . on this dangerous highway in middle of now a torrential downpour the front wipers now decided it wouldn't work AT ALL. i couldn't see anything and veered off to the shoulder thank god - waiting for rain to stop and then safely proceeded home. the next day the wipers worked. no check engine or anything. this goes on for a week or so with no issue. then out of nowhere the driver seat decides it has a mind of its own and pushes me all the way to the steering column. it wouldn't return when pushing the back button. i had to drive like that for my trip and then it magically went back upon restart. i take to dealer. pump motors bad on front and back. i say not sure your correct and explain. motor changed on front. not fixed. ok we think its the BCM. changed not fixed. finally the PDM was changed and wow it worked. 2 weeks at dealer and this shows that this issue with the control module is certainly risking peoples safety. i hope Jeep does the right thing and prevents a serious catastrophic event. read on the jeep electric issues and my vehicle had a previous "corrected" recall for Electrical Cruise Control. I dont think the fireware updates or software changes fixed all the bugs. be safe out there jeep INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FO
The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the rear glass fractured without impact. The contact's minor children were seated in the rear seat when the failure occurred. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 57,000.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
The front air springs, struts, and air suspension compressor failed. The dealer cannot get the right front air spring because it is backordered. It appears that 100% of these components fail creating demand that the manufacturer cannot keep up with. There should be a recall at this high failure rate on a component that makes the vehicle unsafe to drive per the warning on that dash.
They extended to far have to pull back manually Suspension creeks and sometimes lowers by itself , Radio screen is completely black cannot access any features.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
Every time the vehicle proceeds over a speed bump or a dip in the road, it feels as if something is lose and banging in the steering and suspension of the vehicle. I have taken it to the dealer on numerous occasions, and they say they can never find anything wrong nor duplicate the issue. I’m concerned that at some point something may fail and I may lose control of the vehicle.
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.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
1-Rear driver-side Power Lift-gate actuator ball bolt snapped right off while rear gate is open. 2- It came right down on my head and caused severe bump and bleeding from a 250 pound rear door. I am 6ft 1 in, but if it is someone small it can cause sever injuries and possible death from the heavy door coming down on the person. 3-problem was looked at by my mechanic and they cannot fix issue as bolt broke off inside the thread area and no room to remove such bolt. They recommended I take it to a body shop to cut the area out in order to get the broken broke removed. 4-unknown 5- There was no signs of any failures at all.
The 2018 Jeep Grand Cheeroke Uconnect/Radio screen delaminates and causes the unit to make all kinds of error calls, GPS location changes and disabling events, without being touched. This is a serious safety concern and that Jeep or Stellantis should voluntarily recall these units for replacement. The driver's attention gets constantly divided to take care of these extra things while driving.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
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 contact owns a 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at 10 MPH, the wheels locked up. The contact was unable to identify which wheels had locked up. The vehicle began spinning in circles, and the vehicle crashed into a guardrail. The ABS warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to continue to drive; the driver sustained injuries to the head and lower back, and medical attention was provided. The air bags did not deploy. There was no reported fire or police report filed. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V838000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. VIN tool confirms parts not available. The approximate failure mileage was 98,000.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
8/2023 one rear seat belt would no longer retract. The problem was reproduced by the service center and they replaced the rear seat belt. 10/2025 the same rear seat belt would no longer retract and 11/2025 the other rear seat belt would no longer retract. Brought into Jeep dealer and they verified there are no obstructions affecting the seat belt and they are no operating as intended. They replaced both rear seat belts in 12/2025.
The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that while sitting at a stoplight, there was a loud pop on the interior of the vehicle. After a visual inspection, the contact became aware that the front passenger’s side seat active head restraint had deployed unintendedly. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the active head restraint. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 70,000.
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated while coming to a stop, the vehicle lost motive power with the “Shift to Park” message displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle was restarted; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the PCM software had failed and needed to be updated. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 69,000.
The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated while starting the vehicle the PCM warning light illuminated. The dealer was contacted, and the dealer stated that the vehicle was previously serviced under NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V332000 (Electrical System, Vehicle Speed Control) and that the contact had to pay out of pocket for all future repairs. The manufacturer was contacted but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 70,000. The contact stated that the vehicle was serviced at the dealer per the recall but is experiencing issues. A warning light keeps appearing even after the vehicle's powertrain control module was reprogrammed.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
I am writing to formally report an alarming and dangerous pattern of tire failure involving the Cooper Adventurer HT 265/50R/20 tires (Product Number: 90000025718, DOT: U9UM 1HK) that were installed on my 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
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.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .