2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee · symptom sheet
Check engine light or misfire
- 46owner reports
- 67,670median miles
- $5,000median quote
- 0involved a crash
Newest report Sep 25, 2026 · checked Oct 2, 2026
484 of the 854 complaints on this car are about the engine. 46 of those describe misfire.
Tick what matches of 46 reports
Misfire on other Grand 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: 2016, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, 2026.
What this problem usually is
These reports start with the check engine light. Many describe the engine running rough or shaking at idle, a P0300-series code, or a catalytic converter code. A worrying number say the light was flashing. Owners often list ignition coils or spark plugs already replaced, and the light coming back afterward.
What got replaced
Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the ignition coils (7 reports), the spark plugs (7 reports) and the sensor (3 reports).
Recalls and investigations
6 recalls on the engine cover the 2018 model year. A recall on the same system isn't always the same failure, so read the defect text.
The crankshaft position sensor tone wheel may delaminate, causing the engine to lose its ability to synchronize the fuel injector pulses and cam shaft timing, possibly resulting in an engine stall.
A high pressure fuel pump (HPFP) failure may introduce internal debris into the fuel system, potentially resulting in fuel starvation.
The Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) cooler may crack and allow pre-heated vaporized coolant to enter the EGR system. This mixture may combust inside the intake manifold.
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.
The fuel line may separate.
All 11 recalls on the 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee, with the owner complaints on each recalled system
NHTSA investigations into the engine on the Grand Cherokee
High pressure fuel pump failure. Open, led to recall 24V-957.
Pedestrian alert sounds. Closed aug 7, 2023, led to recall 22V-063.
Software security vulnerability. Closed jan 5, 2016, led to recall 15V-508.
Post 14v-391 headliner fires. Closed jul 6, 2016, led to recall 15V-879.
Totally integrated power module failure. Closed jul 24, 2015.
Air bag non-deployment. Closed dec 23, 2014, led to recall 14V-438.
Headliner fires. Closed aug 12, 2014, led to recall 14V-391.
Headliner fires. Closed jan 14, 2014.
Crash related fuel tank fires. Closed nov 14, 2014, led to recall 13V-252.
Crash related fuel tank fires. Closed jun 14, 2012.
Fuel storage system crash related fires. Closed aug 23, 2010.
Fan blade failure (engine cooling fan). Closed sep 12, 2006, led to recall 06V-199.
Engine cooling fan blade failure. Closed nov 14, 2005, led to recall 06V-199.
What owners paid
9 of the 46 reports quote a price. Each dot is one quote. The middle half runs $2,000 to $8,001.
When it happens
The middle half of failures fell between 39,680 and 86,000 miles, from the 22 reports that gave a mileage.
Is this a known problem?
The manufacturer has sent NHTSA 16 service bulletins or notices for the 2018 Jeep Grand 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.
Spark Knock/Engine Symptoms Customers may experience the following: ● Knocking or pinging noise coming from the engine upon acceleration.
Misfire Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), Rough Idle, Valvetrain Noise Customers may experience a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illumination and the vehicle may exhibit/set one or more of the following Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs): ● P0301 - Cylinder 1 ...
3.6L PSU Long Block Misfire DTC codes and/or rough idle and/or valvetrain noise. Refer to SOL # S2509000004. It is also important to confirm that the vehicle being repaired has the latest calibration/software update for oil pump operation mode (high pressure ...
Misfire DTCs, Rough Idle, Valvetrain Noise
12 more on the 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee page.
What owners wrote
“The check engine light keeps coming on. The Jeep repair shop says that it has to do with the flap on the gas tank where you put the gas in. Hence, the repair light keeps coming on so you never know if its real and needs to be addressed or if its the gas tank issue again”
Filed Jan 19, 2026
“CAM shaft and yes it is available to be looked at. The vehicle was misdiagnosed multiple times and sent back home with the same error code while fixing other items that were not the root cause of the issue. The engine light was on with the misfire code when I brought it in and was repeatedly sent home and within 20 miles the same code returned.”
Filed Aug 26, 2025
“As many others have reported, only 56K miles on this 3.6L Grand Cherokee. When I engage the passing gear an auto stop/start light comes on on the dash followed by the check engine light. Vehicle rides very rough (from a misfire). Taken to an independent shop; they changed plugs and coils but the problem persists. Also a knocking / ticking noise can be heard when accelerating.”
Filed Jul 1, 2025 · 56,000 miles
“Head gasket/engine failure. Constant check engine light. First it was for a misfire and my engine was overheating. Had oil clogging the filter even though it was changed within the appropriate mileage. I got the check engine fixed April of 2024. May 20,2025, head gasket blew, causing me to now have to replace my engine completely. Same issues as previously reported”
Filed May 23, 2025
Should you keep driving it?
This page can't tell you that. 0 of 46 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 Which lights mean pull over now? Warning lights by color and urgency
Other problems on this car
- Infotainment, screen or backup camera fails 391 reports
- Engine stalls or loses power while driving 76 reports
- Brakes grind, pulse or wear early 62 reports
- A/C blows warm or the compressor fails 60 reports
- Seat belt or seat problems 52 reports
- Battery dies or the car will not start 43 reports
- Engine overheats or leaks coolant 39 reports
- Engine failure, knocking or rod bearing 26 reports