2018 Jeep Cherokee · symptom sheet
Infotainment, screen or backup camera fails
- 49owner reports
- 35,500median miles
- 0involved a crash
Newest report Apr 28, 2026 · checked Oct 2, 2026
321 of the 686 complaints on this car are about the electrical system. 49 of those describe infotainment.
Tick what matches of 49 reports
Infotainment on other Cherokee years
Report counts are for each model year on its own, so a newer car has had less time to collect them. Model years with too few reports of it for a sheet: 2020, 2021, 2022.
What this problem usually is
Screen complaints read like a list of small betrayals. The display goes black or freezes, the backup camera shows nothing when you shift into reverse, CarPlay or Android Auto keeps dropping, or the radio changes volume on its own. Many owners had a software update that didn't fix it. A narrower sheet covers backup camera failures on their own, and another covers screens that freeze.
What got replaced
Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the head unit or screen (24 reports) and the camera (4 reports).
Recalls and investigations
2 recalls on the electrical system cover the 2018 model year. A recall on the same system isn't always the same failure, so read the defect text.
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.
These vehicles are being recalled to address a defect that could prevent the cruise control system from disengaging.
All 7 recalls on the 2018 Jeep Cherokee, with the owner complaints on each recalled system
NHTSA investigations into the electrical system on the Cherokee
Electronic parking brake water ingress. Closed oct 29, 2023.
Software security vulnerability. Closed jan 5, 2016, led to recall 15V-508.
Elec. rear window. Closed mar 28, 1989, led to recall 87V-178.
Electronic ignition failure and gas fume. Closed nov 3, 1976.
None of these investigations covers the 2018 model year.
When it happens
The middle half of failures fell between 24,500 and 42,500 miles, from the 25 reports that gave a mileage.
Is this a known problem?
The manufacturer has sent NHTSA 3 service bulletins or notices for the 2018 Jeep Cherokee that deal with this problem. 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.
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
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".
What owners wrote
“Back up camera turns to static when going in reverse. Has been happening for years. No warnings. Just malfunctioning. Reported this in 2019 to Jeep.”
Filed Apr 14, 2026
“All lights on the gear shift light up and a message on the display says service shifter. Happens randomly. Have to turn car off and back on to get to clear. Yesterday I had to turn car off and back on 3 times before error would reset. Found online this is happening to a lot of Jeep cherokees and most common fix is to replace the shifter bezel and wiring. So I replaced the shift bezel and wiring harness yesterday.”
Filed Jul 9, 2025
“Service shifter message appears on screen over speedometer. All the gears light up red on the shifter. Unable to change gears unless you turn off the car and restart. Happens multiple times per year. When you search the internet this is a common occurrence and nothing is being done about it.”
Filed Feb 2, 2025
“I am getting random "service shifter" fault message displayed. No apparent fault or change when driving. Contacted Jeep dealership and am told this is very common issue with no long term fix. Fix the problem please.”
Filed Sep 6, 2023
Should you keep driving it?
This page can't tell you that. 0 of 49 reports involved a crash. Owners who file are the ones who had a bad experience, and nobody checks their reports. If the problem affects steering, braking, power or a fire risk, treat it as a safety fault and have it inspected before a long or high-speed drive.
File your own report with NHTSA. Complaint counts are how a problem gets an investigation. How reports land on this sheet.
Guide Paid for this repair before a recall covered it? How recall reimbursement works
Other problems on this car
- "Shift to Park" or "Service Shifter" warning comes on 243 reports
- Engine stalls or loses power while driving 134 reports
- Multiple warning lights come on at once 102 reports
- Service 4WD light or power transfer unit (PTU) failure 98 reports
- Brakes grind, pulse or wear early 36 reports
- Burns oil or oil level rises 34 reports
- Transmission shudders, slips or shifts hard 29 reports
- Battery dies or the car will not start 28 reports