What are the most common problems with the 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee?

The electrical system has the most complaints at 339 of the 855 on file. In a sample of complaints we read, owners describe the touchscreen and backup camera freezing or restarting.

Does the 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee have recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 10 recalls for this model year, including an ABS module recall (24V838) and a cruise control recall (18V332). Check the VIN to see which apply.

What is the gas mileage of a 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee?

The 3.6L 6-cylinder is rated 21 MPG combined in both 2WD and 4WD. The 3.0L diesel is rated 24 to 25 combined. The SRT is rated 15 and the TrackHawk 13.

Is the 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee safe?

NHTSA gives it 4 stars overall in both 2WD and 4WD form. Rollover is rated 3 stars for 2WD and 4 stars for 4WD.

Is 2018 a bad year for the Jeep Grand Cherokee?

It has more complaints than any year from 2016 to 2026, but fewer than 2014 and 2005. Counts are not adjusted for sales, so compare with care.

2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Problems, Recalls, MPG

The 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee has 855 owner complaints on file with NHTSA, and the electrical system is the biggest group^[1]^[2]. It also has 10 recalls, so check the VIN before you buy^[3].

855owner complaints^[1]

10recalls^[3]

13–25MPG combined (EPA)^[4]

4★NHTSA overall rating^[5]

Problems
Recalls
Fuel economy
Safety
Engine and size
By year
Verdict
FAQ

Most reported problems

NHTSA has 855 owner complaints on file for the 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee^[1]. Of those, 42 mention a crash, 10 a fire and 33 injuries, and none report a death^[1]. These are owner reports that nobody has verified, and one complaint can name more than one part.

Here are the biggest groups NHTSA lists:

Electrical system: 339 complaints, with a median mileage at failure of 28,500^[2].
Unknown or other: 267 complaints^[6].
Engine: 141 complaints^[7].
Power train: 75 complaints^[8].
Brakes: 62 complaints, 10 of them mentioning a crash^[9].
Fuel and propulsion system: 44 complaints^[10].
Seats: 43 complaints^[11].
Speed control: 38 complaints, 11 of them mentioning a crash^[12].

Small groups are not automatically minor. Speed control and brakes have far fewer complaints than the electrical system, yet they have the most crash mentions^[9]^[12].

What owners describe. We read a small sample of complaint texts for the larger groups. It is not a count of all owners.

Electrical: in a sample of complaints we read, owners describe the touchscreen or backup camera freezing, going dark or restarting on its own, and in a few cases the shifter refusing to go into reverse^[2].
Power train: owners in the sample describe trouble getting the vehicle into gear, plus jerky or lurching shifts^[8].
Brakes: owners in the sample describe the car not slowing as expected, or moving or speeding up while their foot was on the brake^[9].
Engine: some owners in the sample describe the engine shutting off while driving^[7].

Treat these as signs of what to test on a drive, not as proof of how often each problem happens.

Recalls

NHTSA lists 10 recalls for this model year^[3]. Newest first:

Antilock brake module (24V838). A fault in the ABS module can wrongly turn on the brake lights and switch off ABS and stability control. The vehicle may also start and move out of Park even when the driver is not pressing the brake. The risk is rollaway, less control and a higher chance of a crash. Dealers replace a pressure transducer and update the module software as necessary, at no charge. This replaces 22V426, and cars fixed under the old recall need the new repair^[13].
Crankshaft sensor, diesel (23V411). On certain vehicles with the 3.0L diesel, a sensor part may come apart and the engine can stall^[14]. Dealers update the powertrain control module software at no charge^[14].
High pressure fuel pump, diesel (22V406). On certain 3.0L diesel vehicles, a pump failure can send debris into the fuel system and cause a loss of drive power^[15]. Dealers replace the pump and check or replace other fuel parts at no charge^[15].
Antilock brake module, earlier recall (22V426). The same ABS module problem described above. NHTSA says this recall is replaced by 24V838^[16].
Remedy pending
EGR cooler, diesel (20V699). On certain 3.0L EcoDiesel vehicles, the cooler may crack and let coolant vapor into the intake, which can burn and raise the risk of a fire^[17]. The repair is a new cooler and a check of the intake manifold. The notice says parts were not yet available when it was written and that a second letter would follow once they were^[17]. Ask a dealer for the current status.
Floor mat (18V759). On certain 2018 SRT and Trackhawk vehicles, the driver's mat may keep the gas pedal from returning to idle. Dealers replace affected mats at no charge^[18].
Powertrain control module chip (18V524). A voltage regulator chip in the powertrain control module may fail and cause a stall or a no-start. This recall spans many Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and Ram models. Dealers replace the module at no charge^[19].
Cruise control (18V332). A short circuit in the wiring could stop cruise control from switching off, so the vehicle could hold its speed or speed up. Dealers flash the software at no charge. The notice advises owners not to use cruise control until the update is done^[20].
Park lock rod (18V280). An incorrect rod in the transmission may keep it from holding the vehicle in Park. Dealers install the correct part at no charge^[21].
Fuel line, Trackhawk (18V048). On certain Trackhawk vehicles with the 6.2L supercharged engine, a fuel line may separate, which can cause a stall or an engine fire^[22]. Dealers inspect and replace the line if needed^[22].

Recalls apply to certain vehicles only. Enter the VIN on NHTSA's recall site to see which ones apply to a specific car.

Fuel economy

EPA ratings differ a lot by engine. Annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not prices from when the car was new.

Version	City / highway / combined MPG	EPA annual fuel cost
3.6L 6-cyl, 2WD^[23]	19 / 26 / 21	$3,200
3.6L 6-cyl, 4WD^[24]	18 / 25 / 21	$3,200
3.0L turbo diesel, 2WD^[4]	22 / 30 / 25	$3,850
3.0L turbo diesel, 4WD^[25]	21 / 28 / 24	$4,000
5.7L 8-cyl, 4WD (midgrade fuel)^[26]	14 / 22 / 17	$4,450
SRT 6.4L 8-cyl, 4WD (premium fuel)^[27]	13 / 19 / 15	$5,500
TrackHawk 6.2L 8-cyl, 4WD (premium fuel)^[28]	11 / 17 / 13	$6,300

All versions use an 8-speed automatic^[23]^[24]^[27]^[26]^[28]^[4]^[25].

Safety ratings

NHTSA gives the 2WD version 4 stars overall, 4 for frontal crash, 5 for side crash and 3 for rollover, with a rollover risk of 20.4%^[5]. The 4WD version also gets 4 stars overall, 4 frontal and 5 side^[29]. Its rollover rating is 4 stars, with a risk of 16.9%^[29].

Engine and size

EPA lists these horsepower ratings for 2018 test vehicles:

3.0L 6-cylinder: 172 hp^[30]
3.6L 6-cylinder: 295 hp^[31]
6.4L 8-cylinder: 470 hp^[32]

Dimensions below are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models.

Variant	Length	Width	Height	Wheelbase	Curb weight
Laredo 4x4^[33]	190 in	76 in	69 in	115 in	4,676 lb
Limited 4x4^[34]	190 in	76 in	69 in	115 in	4,874 lb
Overland/Summit 4x4^[35]	190 in	76 in	69 in	115 in	4,985 lb
SRT^[36]	191 in	77 in	69 in	115 in	5,150 lb

How 2018 compares with other years

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for each Grand Cherokee model year. The 2018 is highlighted^[3].

Show the numbers

Model year	Complaints	Recalls
1995	719	4
1996	893	6
1997	991	5
1998	1,028	4
1999	1,638	4
2000	1,447	6
2001	883	4
2002	1,476	10
2003	762	4
2004	1,295	8
2005	2,051	3
2006	1,280	4
2007	1,109	5
2008	734	4
2009	138	2
2010	118	5
2011	1,642	6
2012	1,644	10
2013	805	9
2014	2,383	18
2015	1,367	9
2016	311	8
2017	364	5
2018	855	10
2019	370	7
2020	241	3
2021	500	16
2022	489	24
2023	593	23
2024	314	18
2025	120	5
2026	52	6

Among model years 2016 to 2026, 2018 has the most complaints at 855^[3]. The next highest is 2023 with 593, and 2017 and 2019 have 364 and 370^[3]. Some older years run higher still. For example, 2014 has 2,383 complaints and 2005 has 2,051^[3].

For recalls, 2018 has 10^[3]. That is more than 2017 (5) and 2019 (7), but fewer than 2021 (16), 2022 (24), 2023 (23) and 2024 (18)^[3].

These counts are not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold, and a recall can cover several model years, so use them as a rough guide only.

Should you buy a used 2018 Grand Cherokee?

The 2018 model year has more complaints than any other year from 2016 to 2026, led by electrical issues^[1]^[2]^[3]. It also carries 10 recalls, including a brake module recall and a cruise control recall^[13]^[20]. Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and ask for proof that the brake module work was done under the newest recall^[13]. On a test drive, try the touchscreen, backup camera, reverse and shifting, since those match what owners describe in the complaint sample^[2]^[8]. Fuel cost depends heavily on the engine, from $3,200 a year for the 3.6L 6-cylinder to $6,300 for the TrackHawk^[23]^[28].

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee?: The electrical system has the most complaints at 339 of the 855 on file^[1]^[2]. In a sample of complaints we read, owners describe the touchscreen and backup camera freezing or restarting^[2].
Does the 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee have recalls?: Yes. NHTSA lists 10 recalls for this model year, including an ABS module recall (24V838) and a cruise control recall (18V332)^[3]^[13]^[20]. Check the VIN to see which apply.
What is the gas mileage of a 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee?: The 3.6L 6-cylinder is rated 21 MPG combined in both 2WD and 4WD^[23]^[24]. The 3.0L diesel is rated 24 to 25 combined^[4]^[25]. The SRT is rated 15 and the TrackHawk 13^[27]^[28].
Is the 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee safe?: NHTSA gives it 4 stars overall in both 2WD and 4WD form^[5]^[29]. Rollover is rated 3 stars for 2WD and 4 stars for 4WD^[5]^[29].
Is 2018 a bad year for the Jeep Grand Cherokee?: It has more complaints than any year from 2016 to 2026, but fewer than 2014 and 2005^[3]. Counts are not adjusted for sales, so compare with care.

Facts and sources

NHTSA has 855 owner complaints on file for the 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee (42 mention a crash, 10 a fire, 33 injuries, 0 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
339 complaints name the electrical system component group (5 crashes, 6 fires, 3 injuries, median mileage at failure 28,500). NHTSA vehicle records
Owner complaints and recalls for every Jeep Grand Cherokee model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
EPA rating for Grand Cherokee 2WD, 3.0L 6-cyl turbo, Automatic 8-spd, Diesel, Rear-Wheel Drive: 22 city / 30 highway / 25 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,850. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, SUV 2WD: overall 4 stars, frontal 4 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 3 stars; rollover risk 20.4%. NHTSA vehicle records
267 complaints name the unknown or other component group (6 crashes, 1 fires, 5 injuries, median mileage at failure 15,327). NHTSA vehicle records
141 complaints name the engine component group (6 crashes, 4 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 22,763). NHTSA vehicle records
75 complaints name the power train component group (7 crashes, 1 fires, 2 injuries, median mileage at failure 20,005). NHTSA vehicle records
62 complaints name the brakes component group (10 crashes, 0 fires, 4 injuries, median mileage at failure 40,000). NHTSA vehicle records
44 complaints name the fuel/propulsion system component group (4 crashes, 1 fires, 2 injuries, median mileage at failure 4,500). NHTSA vehicle records
43 complaints name the seats component group (0 crashes, 1 fires, 2 injuries, median mileage at failure 46,360). NHTSA vehicle records
38 complaints name the speed control component group (11 crashes, 0 fires, 6 injuries, median mileage at failure 6,979). NHTSA vehicle records
Recall 24V838, filed November 7, 2024: Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock / Traction Control / Electronic Limited Slip › Control Unit / Module . NHTSA recall database
Recall 23V411, filed June 8, 2023: Engine And Engine Cooling. NHTSA recall database
Recall 22V406, filed June 9, 2022: Fuel System, Diesel › Delivery › Fuel Pump. NHTSA recall database
Recall 22V426, filed June 9, 2022: Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock / Traction Control / Electronic Limited Slip › Control Unit / Module . NHTSA recall database
Recall 20V699, filed November 12, 2020: Engine And Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Emission Control › Gas Recirculation Valve (Egr Valve). NHTSA recall database
Recall 18V759, filed October 29, 2018: Equipment › Accessory › Floor Mat. NHTSA recall database
Recall 18V524, filed August 9, 2018: Electrical System › Wiring › Front Underhood. NHTSA recall database
Recall 18V332, filed May 17, 2018: Electrical System › Software. NHTSA recall database
Recall 18V280, filed May 1, 2018: Power Train › Automatic Transmission. NHTSA recall database
Recall 18V048, filed January 11, 2018: Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, Lines / Piping, And Fittings. NHTSA recall database
EPA rating for Grand Cherokee 2WD, 3.6L 6-cyl, Automatic 8-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 19 city / 26 highway / 21 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,200. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Grand Cherokee 4WD, 3.6L 6-cyl, Automatic 8-spd, Regular, All-Wheel Drive: 18 city / 25 highway / 21 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,200. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Grand Cherokee 4WD, 3.0L 6-cyl turbo, Automatic 8-spd, Diesel, All-Wheel Drive: 21 city / 28 highway / 24 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,000. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Grand Cherokee 4WD, 5.7L 8-cyl, Automatic 8-spd, Midgrade, All-Wheel Drive: 14 city / 22 highway / 17 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,450. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Grand Cherokee SRT 4WD, 6.4L 8-cyl, Automatic 8-spd, Premium, All-Wheel Drive: 13 city / 19 highway / 15 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $5,500. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Grand Cherokee TrackHawk 4WD, 6.2L 8-cyl, Automatic 8-spd, Premium, All-Wheel Drive: 11 city / 17 highway / 13 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $6,300. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, SUV 4WD: overall 4 stars, frontal 4 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 16.9%. NHTSA vehicle records
EPA Test Car List, 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee with 3.0L 6-cylinder: rated 172 hp. www.epa.gov
EPA Test Car List, 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee with 3.6L 6-cylinder: rated 295 hp. www.epa.gov
EPA Test Car List, 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee with 6.4L 8-cylinder: rated 470 hp. www.epa.gov
Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, GRAND CHEROKEE 4DR SUV LAREDO 4X4: length 190 in, width 76 in, height 69 in, wheelbase 115 in, curb weight 4,676 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, GRAND CHEROKEE 4DR SUV LIMITED 4X4: length 190 in, width 76 in, height 69 in, wheelbase 115 in, curb weight 4,874 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, GRAND CHEROKEE 4DR SUV OVERLAND/SUMMIT 4X4: length 190 in, width 76 in, height 69 in, wheelbase 115 in, curb weight 4,985 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, GRAND CHEROKEE SRT 4DR SUV: length 191 in, width 77 in, height 69 in, wheelbase 115 in, curb weight 5,150 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov

Complaints submitted to NHTSA by owners; unverified reports, one complaint can name several components. Complaint counts are not normalized by sales; compare years of the same model, not different models. EPA annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the car was new. Horsepower is the rating listed for EPA test vehicles. Dimensions are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models.

2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee: problems, recalls and fuel economy