2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee · symptom sheet

Engine failure, knocking or rod bearing

25owner reports
56,000median miles
1involved a crash

Newest report Aug 12, 2026 · checked Sep 9, 2026

139 of the 853 complaints on this car are about the engine. 25 of those describe engine failure.

Tick what matches of 25 reports

a knocking or ticking noise first

the engine seized

oil light or low oil

the engine was replaced

it was covered by a warranty or extension

What got replaced

Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the engine (22 reports).

Recalls and investigations

2 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.

23V-411Jun 8, 2023

Engine And Engine Cooling

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2019 Ram 1500 and 2014-2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles equipped with 3.0L Diesel engines. 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.

Risk and remedy

Risk: An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the powertrain control module software to maintain vehicle propulsion, free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed August 3, 2023. Some owner notification letters were mailed October 31, 2023. The remaining owner notification letters will be mailed at a future date, anticipated July 2024. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 66A. This recall is an expansion of recall 20V-475.

20V-699Nov 12, 2020

Engine And Engine Cooling:Exhaust System:Emission Control:Gas Recirculation Valve (Egr Valve)

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles equipped with the 3.0L EcoDiesel engines. 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.

Risk and remedy

Risk: Combustion in the intake manifold can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: FCA US LLC will notify owners, and dealers will replace the EGR cooler, free of charge. Dealers will also inspect and, as necessary, replace the intake manifold. Parts are not currently available. Owners were mailed an interim notification on December 21, 2021. A second notification will be mailed when parts are available, currently expected to be around March 11, 2021. The recall began March 11, 2021. Owners may contact FCA US LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US LLC's number for this recall is W79.

NHTSA investigations into the engine on the Grand Cherokee

EA05-020opened Nov 14, 2005

Engine And Engine Cooling · model years 2000 to 2002

Fan blade failure (engine cooling fan). Closed sep 12, 2006, led to recall 06V-199.

NHTSA summary

DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION (DCC) HAS NOTIFIED THE AGENCY THAT IT WILL CONDUCT A SAFETY RECALL (06V199) OF CERTAIN JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE VEHICLES TO REPLACE THE ENGINE'S ELECTRIC MOTOR DRIVEN COOLING FAN. THE 182,875 VEHICLES INCLUDED IN THE RECALL ARE MODEL YEAR (MY) 2002 EQUIPPED WITH 4.0 LITER (SIX CYLINDER) ENGINES MANUFACTURED FROM FEBRUARY 4, 2002 THROUGH JUNE 17, 2002; AND MY 2000 EQUIPPED WITH EITHER THE 4.0 LITER (SIX CYLINDER) OR THE 4.7 LITER (EIGHT CYLINDER) ENGINE MANUFACTURED FROM JANUARY 31, 2000 THROUGH JUNE 12, 2000.DCC NOTED THAT THEIR ANALYSIS OF FAILED PARTS SHOWED EVIDENCE OF BRITTLE FRACTURE OF THE FAN BLADE.DCC FURTHER STATED, POOR BONDING BETWEEN THE RESIN MATERIAL AND THE GLASS FIBERS WAS OBSERVED, WHICH MAY BE ATTRIBUTED TO THE INJECTION MOLDING PROCESS. SINCE THE ROOT CAUSE OF FAN FAILURE COULD NOT BE CONCLUSIVELY IDENTIFIED DCC DECIDED THE RECALL SCOPE WOULD BE DETERMINED BY THE BUILD DATE RANGE OF THE COMPLAINT VEHICLES.THERE WERE 48 REPORTS FOR MY 2000, AND 196 FOR MY 2002.ODI WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR THIS ISSUE FOR REPORTS ON VEHICLES OUTSIDE OF THE RECALL SCOPE.

PE05-039opened Jul 13, 2005

Engine And Engine Cooling · model years 2002

Engine cooling fan blade failure. Closed nov 14, 2005, led to recall 06V-199.

NHTSA summary

THIS INVESTIGATION WAS OPENED ON JULY 13, 2005, BASED ON FOUR ODI CONSUMER REPORTS.ODI CONTACTED ALL OF THOSE COMPLAINANTS AND EACH OF THEM REPORTED THAT PIECES OF THE BROKEN FAN BLADE HAD DAMAGED THE RADIATOR AND PENETRATED THROUGH THE PROTECTIVE FAN SHROUD.SINCE OPENING THE INVESTIGATION, ODI HAS RECEIVED 12 NEW CONSUMER REPORTS.IN ITS RESPONSE TO ODI'S PRELIMINARY EVALUATION INFORMATION REQUEST DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION PROVIDED ADDITIONAL OWNER REPORTS AND WARRANTY DATA.THIS PRELIMINARY EVALUATION HAS BEEN UPGRADED TO ENGINEERING ANALYSIS EA05-020 TO FURTHER STUDY THE ISSUES REGARDING THE ALLEGED FAN FAILURES.

None of these investigations covers the 2018 model year.

When it happens

The middle half of failures fell between 39,680 and 95,000 miles, from the 16 reports that gave a mileage.

118

219

321

123

524

925

426

What owners wrote

“There are parts in the engine that malfunctioned and have caused fluids to leak into the engine. This is causing the engine to fail and requiring replacement. This issue started last year for me personally. The car has been to 2 mechanics and they both have diagnosed the issue , and to fix it requires full engine replacement . Itâs a safety issue because the engine can lock up and stop the car.”
Filed May 7, 2026

“My 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee suffered a sudden, catastrophic engine failure with no warning lights or alerts. Dealer confirmed the engine seized from overheating and cannot be repairedâreplacement engines are on national backorder. This is my only vehicle, Iâm 7 months pregnant, and Iâve been without transportation for 30+ days. This appears to be a widespread 3.6L Pentastar defect and a serious safety concern.”
Filed Oct 27, 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. 1 of 25 reports involved a crash and 1 people were hurt. 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.