2018 Jeep Cherokee · symptom sheet
Transmission shudders, slips or shifts hard
- 29owner reports
- 80,075median miles
- 0involved a crash
Newest report Sep 3, 2026 · checked Sep 9, 2026
292 of the 683 complaints on this car are about the transmission and drivetrain. 29 of those describe transmission shudder.
Tick what matches of 29 reports
What got replaced
Few of these reports name the part that was replaced.
Recalls and investigations
2 recalls on the transmission and drivetrain cover the 2018 model year. A recall on the same system isn't always the same failure, so read the defect text.
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 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.
NHTSA investigations into the transmission and drivetrain on the Cherokee
Sudden acceleration. Closed sep 10, 2002.
NHTSA summary
Driveshaft/univ.joint fail. Closed nov 25, 1994.
NHTSA summary
Driveshaft/univ.joint fail. Closed oct 29, 1993.
NHTSA summary
Fires caused by cltch lk. Closed jan 28, 1988.
NHTSA summary
None of these investigations covers the 2018 model year.
When it happens
The middle half of failures fell between 30,000 and 127,000 miles, from the 22 reports that gave a mileage.
What owners wrote
“My Trailhawk has severe vibrations/ grinding from the PTU. When accelerating from a stop or making turn, the vehicle hesitates and vibrates from the rear which almost caused a bad accident when I was pulling out to the main road.”
Filed Oct 8, 2025
“SVC 4WD light and clunking noises code C14A7-97-Rear differential and ptu spline failure and replaced at 34,870 miles. Now 71,060 miles SVC 4WD light on and code is again C14A7 rear differential and spline failure. And was told this time the 48 month warranty on the parts has expired. Its been 52 months. I purchased this 2018 in 2017. Why is this not recalled like the 2017 for the ptu and differential?”
Filed Aug 24, 2024 · 34,870 miles
“My 2018 Jeep Cherokee with 88K miles on it. I heard a loud popping sound, and my car was jerking. Took it into the dealership for maintenance and I need to replace the rear diff and axle shaft. This could have locked up worse and caused an accident. I see that there are more complaints about this same problem.”
Filed Feb 28, 2024 · 88,000 miles
“Service shifter light randomly comes on; vehicle has stalled several times. Sometimes hesitates when pushing gas to accelerate.”
Filed Sep 21, 2022
Should you keep driving it?
This page can't tell you that. 0 of 29 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.
Other problems on this car
- Engine stalls or loses power while driving 133 reports
- Multiple warning lights come on at once 102 reports
- Infotainment, screen or backup camera fails 49 reports
- Brakes grind, pulse or wear early 36 reports
- Burns oil or oil level rises 34 reports
- Battery dies or the car will not start 28 reports