2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee · symptom sheet
Engine failure, knocking or rod bearing
- 26owner reports
- 56,000median miles
- 1involved a crash
Newest report Sep 25, 2026 · checked Oct 2, 2026
140 of the 854 complaints on this car are about the engine. 26 of those describe engine failure.
Tick what matches of 26 reports
Engine failure 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: 2015, 2016, 2017, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, 2026.
What this problem usually is
These are the reports nobody wants to file. The engine started knocking or ticking, the oil light came on, and then it seized or had to be replaced. Some owners had the replacement covered under warranty or an extension, and plenty were told they'd pay. Several narrower sheets split this group into knocking, seized engines and rod bearing failure.
What got replaced
Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the engine (23 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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
Is this a known problem?
The manufacturer has sent NHTSA 2 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.
Spark Knock/Engine Symptoms This bulletin involves cleaning the piston heads and cylinder head combustion chambersto resolve a spark knock condition being caused by oil intrusion through the PCV system.
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
“Intermittent extended crank on cold starts and developed a misfire in cylinder 3 and the developed a misfire and coolant leak in cylinder 1. The dealer told me it needs a new engine due to internal engine failure. Codes p0303 and p0300. Engine only has 62,000 on it.”
Filed Apr 20, 2024
Should you keep driving it?
This page can't tell you that. 1 of 26 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. 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
- 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
- Check engine light or misfire 46 reports
- Battery dies or the car will not start 43 reports
- Engine overheats or leaks coolant 39 reports