KL
2018 Jeep Cherokee
The most reported problem on the 2018 Jeep Cherokee is shift to park warning, with 243 complaints, usually around 33,000 miles.
- 686owner complaints
- 7recalls
- 11involved a crash
- 36,000median miles at failure
Newest report Sep 28, 2026 · checked Oct 2, 2026
What is your Cherokee doing?
Each one opens a sheet built from the owner reports of that problem on the 2018 model year.
Is the 2018 Jeep Cherokee reliable?
The 2018 Jeep Cherokee has 686 owner complaints on file with NHTSA, 2.1 times the median of 331 for 2018 SUVs on this site. Of the 9 Cherokee model years since 2014, it has the 6th most complaints. Complaint counts rise with sales as well as faults, so read what owners report below before deciding.
At a glance
- Next to the 2017 and 2019
- The 2018 is a low point between its neighbors: 76 complaints for each year on the road, where the 2017 has 133 and the 2019 has 206.
- Top problem
- One problem takes up much of the file: shift to park warning, named in 243 of the 686 complaints (35%). A quarter of the 168 owners who gave a mileage for shift to park warning saw it by about 22,000 miles, and half by about 33,000.
- Crash, fire and injury reports
- Only 16 of the 686 complaints (2%) report a crash, a fire or an injury, well under the 6% typical of vehicles on this site. Counted separately (one report can carry more than one), 11 reports mention a crash, 5 mention a fire and 7 people were hurt. The most crash reports, 5 of 11, fall under airbag.
- Recalls behind the top problems
- Each of shift to park warning, stalling and warning lights has a recall on the same system: shift to park warning, 18V-494 and 25V-011; stalling, 17V-670; warning lights, 18V-332 and 18V-524. A recall on the same system doesn't always cover the failure owners describe, so compare its summary with the complaints.
- When owners filed
- Filings peaked in 2020 at 144 (full calendar years only). In 2025 there were 89. So far in 2026, 58 more have come in.
When each problem shows up
Each bar covers the middle half of the mileages owners reported for that problem. A quarter saw it earlier, a quarter later. The tick is the median. Most reported: "shift to park" or "service shifter" warning comes on, 243 complaints.
middle half of reports, median tick. The heavier grey bars have 75 or more reports.
Behind you
Around your mileage
Ahead of you
How this compares
686 complaints is 2.5 times the median 2018 model on this site and 2.1 times the median 2018 SUV. Among the 9 Cherokee model years here it ranks 6th for complaints. Counts follow sales volume as much as reliability, so a truck that sells 700,000 a year draws more reports than a sedan that sells 200,000.
Service bulletins for the 2018 Jeep Cherokee
Jeep filed 211 bulletins and other notices with NHTSA that list the 2018 Jeep Cherokee. 24 of them deal with a problem owners have reported on this car. Newest first.
Federal rules make a manufacturer send NHTSA a copy of any notice about a defect that goes to more than one dealer or owner. Most of these are service bulletins, the repair instructions manufacturers send to dealers. NHTSA generally leaves safety recall bulletins out of this file, and recalls are listed separately.
"Shift to Park" or "Service Shifter" warning comes on 1 bulletin · 243 complaints
Shifter - Automatic Transmission If a 2015 - 18MY KL ONLY is brought in with a ?Service Shifter? message on the cluster and/or the following DTCs are present indicating loss of communication with the shifter: U0103, U0103-87.
Service 4WD light or power transfer unit (PTU) failure 4 bulletins · 98 complaints
Unable to Complete 01C Recall Drive Cycle C14A7-97 Active Technicians may experience the following: SYMPTOM: ● After performing Recall 01C, the vehicle may get a 'Service AWD' message on the EVIC.
Two Speed Power Transfer Unit Customers must experience a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illumination and the vehicle must SYMPTOM: exhibit/set the following Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC): ? C1494-07 - PTU Fork Position-Mechanincal Failures. Customers m
2 more on this problem
Service 4wd Light On, AWD System Service Required Message Illuminated. Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) C14A7-97 PTU Motor Component Or System Operation Obstructed Or Blocked.
Service 4wd Light On, Message AWD System Service Required
Infotainment, screen or backup camera fails 3 bulletins · 49 complaints
USB PORT Media Hub For Android Auto and Apple Carplay issues, do not replace this part. Android Auto and Apple Carplay applications may not operate with the vehicle if an aftermarket cable is being used.
Apple Carplay Inoperative Or Not Working, Phone Not Pairing, Carplay Lockup, Freeze or Audio Concerns
1 more on this problem
RADIO [RES] New and/or Service Exchange For RES radio concerns. Use the wiTECH 2.0 and inspect the radio part number and serial number under the Radio/ECU Details tab. Please verify that the radio part number and/or serial number is not "FFFF".
Brakes grind, pulse or wear early 1 bulletin · 36 complaints
A/C Pressure Transducer A/C inoperative and diagnosis leads to pressure transducer. Call Steve Rice at cell (248) 867-0061 before replacing the pressure transducer. If no response in 15 minutes, please proceed with repair.
Burns oil or oil level rises 3 bulletins · 34 complaints
2.4L Excessive Oil Consumption XB1 Warranty Extension The customer may describe one or more of the following: ● Oil pressure low indicator lamp illumination between oil changes. ● Excessive oil consumption.
2.4L Engine Oil Consumption Test The customer may comment that the vehicles engine oil level is low or they need to add oil between oil change intervals and no visible signs of oil leaking from the engine.
1 more on this problem
2.4L Engine Oil Consumption Test This bulletin involves performing an oil consumption verification test. The customer may comment that the vehicles engine oil level is low or they need to add oil between oil change intervals and no visible signs of oil ...
Transmission shudders, slips or shifts hard 1 bulletin · 29 complaints
Gear Ratio DTC?s, Transmission Shift Concerns, Does Not Shift At Times, Shudders
Battery dies or the car will not start 6 bulletins · 28 complaints
Start Stop Charging Warning Lamp Illuminated On, Intelligent Battery Sensor (IBS) State of Charge (SOC) Inaccurate, Battery Charging Message, Presence of IBS related Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), or Battery Warning Lamp On
No Start, After Flash And Or PCM Replace, DTC P0513 Invalid Skim Key Setting
4 more on this problem
Battery Drain Concern, Dual USB Port Normal Operational Draw, Extended Illumination Or Extended Operation After Key Off
No Start, Cannot Complete Module Replace, Proxi Or Module Proxi Configuration
No Start Intermittently, Vehicle Requires Multiple Keyless Push To Start Attempts To Start Vehicle, Intermittent Key Not Detected Message
No Start Intermittently, Vehicle Requires Multiple Keyless Push To Start Attempts To Start Vehicle
Check engine light or misfire 5 bulletins · 17 complaints
wiTECH Small Leak Verification Test (SLVT) - P0456-EVAP SYSTEM SMALL LEAK
No Start, After Flash And Or PCM Replace, DTC P0513 Invalid Skim Key Setting
3 more on this problem
Flash: Powertrain Control Module (PCM) Updates This bulletin involves reprogramming the PCM with the latest available software. Customers may experience a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illumination.
Customer complaint may include MIL/Check Engine lamp on. Upon further inspection, fault code P219A - Bank 1 Air-Fuel Ratio Imbalance may be found in the powertrain control module (PCM) as pending, active, or stored.
2.4L Ignition Coil Boot Replacement This bulletin involves replacing all four ignition coil insulating boots. Customers may experience a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illumination.
Complaints filed by year
144 complaints came in 2020. Owners file in waves when a problem gets press or an investigation, so a spike measures attention as much as failures.
NHTSA investigations
Desiccated air bag inflator rupture. Open.
NHTSA summary
Recalls that include the 2018 Jeep Cherokee
Whether your car is included depends on its VIN. Check yours at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Jeep Cherokee vehicles. The power transfer unit (PTU) may become damaged and disengage the transmission and differential, resulting in a loss of drive power and/or loss of park function.
Risk and remedy
Remedy: Dealers will update the drivetrain control module and PTU software and replace the PTU, as necessary free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning February 19, 2026. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is 01C.
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Jeep Renegade, Compass and Grand Cherokee, RAM 1500 and Promaster, Fiat 500x, Dodge Journey, Challenger, Charger and Durango and Chrysler 300x vehicles, 2017-2018 Jeep Wrangler, Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town and Country vehicles and 2018-2019 Jeep Cherokee and 2018 Chrysler Pacifica and Pacifica Hybrid vehicles. The powertrain control module may be equipped with a voltage regulator chip in the circuit board that may fail, causing a stall or a no start condition.
Risk and remedy
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the powertrain control module, free of charge. The recall began October 2, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U87.
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Jeep Cherokee all-wheel-drive vehicles. The bearing cage for the right front halfshaft assembly may not have been properly heat treated, possibly resulting in the bearing cage breaking and a potential halfshaft assembly failure.
Risk and remedy
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front right halfshaft assemblies, free of charge. The recall began September 20, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U78.
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Dodge Journey, Charger and Durango, RAM 2500, 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis (more than 10,000lb), 4500 Cab Chassis and 5500 Cab Chassis, Jeep Cherokee and Grand Cherokee and Chrysler 300, 2014-2019 RAM 1500, 2015-2018 Dodge Challenger, 2015-2017 Chrysler 200, 2016-2018 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis (less than 10,000 lb), 2017-2018 Chrysler Pacifica and 2018 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. These vehicles are being recalled to address a defect that could prevent the cruise control system from disengaging. If, when using cruise control, there is a short circuit within the vehicle's wiring, the driver may not be able to shut off the cruise control either by depressing the brake pedal or manually turning the system off once it has been engaged, resulting in either the vehicle maintaining its current speed or possibly accelerating.
Risk and remedy
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the software, and perform a software flash on the engine or powertrain control module, free of charge. The recall began June 4, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Note: Owners are advised to stop using cruise control until the software update has been performed. In the event that cruise control cannot be disengaged while driving, owners should firmly and steadily apply the brakes and shift the transmission to neutral, placing the vehicle in park once it has stopped.
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Jeep Cherokee vehicles equipped with a 2.4L engine. These vehicles may have been manufactured with a fuel tube that may leak fuel into the engine compartment.
Risk and remedy
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the fuel tube, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began May 24, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U39.
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Jeep Cherokee and Compass vehicles equipped with 2.4L engines. The engines may have a cracked oil pump housing that can result in oil pump failure.
Risk and remedy
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the oil pump, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began December 5, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T65.
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Jeep Cherokee vehicles. The tire and rim size information required to be on the Certification label was omitted during manufacturing, which may result in an incorrect tire and rim combination being installed on the vehicle. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
Risk and remedy
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners and will provide a corrected certification label, free of charge. The recall began October 13, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T53.
All 7 recalls on the 2018 Jeep Cherokee, with the owner complaints on each recalled system
Guide NHTSA has an open investigation on this car. What the investigation stages mean
Questions
What is the most common problem on the 2018 Jeep Cherokee?
Shift to park warning, with 243 of the 686 complaints. Owners who gave a mileage for it put the median at about 33,000 miles.
At what mileage do 2018 Jeep Cherokee problems start?
Of the 402 complaints that give a mileage, a quarter came by about 20,000 miles and half by about 36,000.
Is the 2018 Jeep Cherokee better or worse than the 2017 and 2019?
Counted per year on the road, the 2018 has fewer complaints than both the 2017 and the 2019: 76 a year against 133 and 206.
How many 2018 Jeep Cherokee complaints involve a crash, fire or injury?
16 of them (2%). The typical vehicle on this site is at 6%.
Is there a recall for shift to park warning on the 2018 Jeep Cherokee?
Yes, NHTSA lists 2 recalls on the same system: 18V-494 and 25V-011. Its summary says which failure it covers, and that isn't always the one owners describe.