2018 Jeep Cherokee: common problems and reliability

The 2018 Jeep Cherokee has 678 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 7 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are power train and electrical system. Owners most often flag *kl generation (2014-2023):.

Safety record for the 2018 model year

678
Owner complaints
7
Recalls
11
Crash reports
5
Fire reports

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2018 Jeep Cherokee vehicles (US, public record).

Where owners report problems

power train
289
electrical system
189
engine
155
service brakes
35
steering
30

Recalls affecting the 2018 Cherokee

fuel system, gasoline:delivery:hoses, lines/piping, and fittings

Campaign 18V282000

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Jeep Cherokee vehicles equipped with a 2.4L engine. These vehicles may have been manufactured with a fuel tube that may leak fuel into the engine compartment.

power train:axle assembly:axle shaft

Campaign 18V494000

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 c…

electrical system:wiring

Campaign 18V332000

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Dodge Journey, Charger and Durango, RAM 2500, 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis (more than 10,000lb), 4500 Cab Chassis and 5500 Cab Chassis, Jeep Cherokee and Grand Cherokee and …

equipment:other:labels

Campaign 17V543000

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Jeep Cherokee vehicles. The tire and rim size information required to be on the Certification label was omitted during manufacturing, which may result in an incorrect …

What owners say across generations

Sentiment is sharply divided by generation. For the original XJ generation (produced until approximately 2001), sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, with owners praising legendary reliability, mechanical simplicity, and rugged capability. The 4.0L inline-six

  • *KL Generation (2014-2023):
  • Severe 9-speed automatic transmission problems — including bad shifting, laggy downshifts (taking 2-3 seconds), clunking noises, loss of 4x4 capability, and widespread concerns about long-term reliability. Frequency: very frequent.
  • General poor reliability and high repair frequency after 100,000 miles — vehicles become unreliable, with multiple breakdowns and expensive repairs for components like starters, water pumps, and electrical systems. Frequency: very frequent.
  • Power Transfer Unit (PTU) failure — a specific, recurrent failure in the AWD system, sometimes attributed to tire wear, requiring replacement. Frequency: recurrent.
  • Electrical issues and parasitic battery drain — causing dashboard glitches, system shutdowns, and required component replacement (e.g., PDC Assembly). Frequency: recurrent.

Owner insights cover all generations of the Cherokee.

Typical used price

Used Cherokee listings typically run $14,997–$33,998 across 2016 to 2026 model years.

Other Cherokee model years

2019 Cherokee2015 Cherokee2001 Cherokee1999 Cherokee1996 Cherokee
Full Jeep Cherokee owner reportCompare against another car