2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee · symptom sheet
Engine overheats or leaks coolant
- 39owner reports
- 80,000median miles
- $5,000median quote
- 0involved a crash
Newest report Aug 18, 2026 · checked Oct 2, 2026
140 of the 854 complaints on this car are about the engine. 39 of those describe overheating.
Tick what matches of 39 reports
Overheating 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, 2017, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, 2026.
What this problem usually is
Most owners in this group notice the coolant before they notice the heat: a reservoir that keeps dropping, a sweet smell, or a bright puddle under the front of the car. Across the vehicles on this site, about four in five of these complaints mention coolant, a leak or a puddle, and roughly two in five mention the temperature gauge or overheating.
What got replaced
Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the head gasket (16 reports), the water pump (12 reports) and the coolant hose or reservoir (4 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.
What owners paid
11 of the 39 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 52,000 and 90,000 miles, from the 19 reports that gave a mileage.
Is this a known problem?
The manufacturer has sent NHTSA 6 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.
Water Pump & Chain Case Cover
Suspected Engine Coolant Leak
PUMP WATER For 2016-2024MY 3.6L Pentastar Upgrade with suspected coolant leak. PRIOR TO PERFORMING ANY WATER PUMP REPLACEMENT, PROCEED WITH INSPECTION INSTRUCTIONS FROM THE LATEST VERSION OF STAR ONLINE PUBLICATION S2307000002.
Water Quality When Mixed With Engine Coolant
2 more on the 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee page.
What owners wrote
“Cylinder Misfires OBD-II code P0303 Engine Overheats after changed thermometer Fuel in the coolant system Coolant leaking from exhaust”
Filed May 28, 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
“The Head gaskets are leaking. Cost of parts to replace is $200 and cost of LABOR is over $4000 quoted from Cross Motors Jeep.”
Filed Jun 10, 2025
“The head gasket blows around 80,000 miles. This is a known problem consumers have with this vehicle. My estimate to have this fixed is over $6,000.00.”
Filed May 13, 2025 · 80,000 miles
Should you keep driving it?
This page can't tell you that. 0 of 39 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
- Check engine light or misfire 46 reports
- Battery dies or the car will not start 43 reports
- Engine failure, knocking or rod bearing 26 reports