2018 Jeep Cherokee engine problems

Related recalls

• Recall 17V670000Oct 24, 2017357 vehicles
  ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

  Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Jeep Cherokee and Compass vehicles equipped with 2.4L engines. The engines may have a cracked oil pump housing that can result in oil pump failure.

  Risk: If the oil pump fails, the engine will stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

  Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the oil pump, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began December 5, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T65.

What owners say

1. Filed May 29, 2026118,000 miKSTowedEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at 35 MPH, the vehicle shut off as several warning lights appeared on the instrument panel. The contact made multiple attempts to restart the vehicle but to no avail. The police arrived at the scene and helped to place the vehicle into neutral(N) and moved the vehicle off to the side of the road. Due to the failure, the vehicle was initially towed to the contact's home and was then towed to a…

   NHTSA complaint #11740839 · source
2. Filed Feb 24, 2026TXEngine

   My 2018 Jeep Cherokee suffered a Power Transfer Unit (PTU) failure in February 2025 while my family was on vacation. The vehicle was delivered to Walker Jeep in Alexandria, Louisiana and has remained there for approximately one year. I reside in Texas, approximately five hours away. The failure involves the same PTU defect covered under Safety Recall 01C (NHTSA 25V-011). Stellantis’ Part 573 filing acknowledged the defect and scheduled final remedy notification in February…

   NHTSA complaint #11720255 · source
3. Filed Feb 18, 2026MIEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   1. The Power Transfer Unit (PTU) and transfer case have failed. The vehicle was initially suspected to have a wheel bearing issue due to a howling noise during the test drive. However, after purchase, the noise worsened significantly. An independent repair shop diagnosed the vehicle and confirmed that the transfer case and bearings are defective and unsafe. The vehicle is currently at the dealership and is available for inspection upon request. 2. I was informed by a…

   NHTSA complaint #11718720 · source
4. Filed Dec 31, 2025MEEngine

   A common issue with Jeeps with plastic oil filter housing is the oil filter housing cracks leading to oil leaks and engine damage.

   NHTSA complaint #11707994 · source
5. Filed Nov 13, 2025150,000 miFLTowedBrakesEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Cherokee. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V011000 (Power Train); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The “Check 4WD” warning light was illuminated, and the Auto START/STOP system failed to restart the vehicle. The contact would disengage the parking brake, place the vehicle in park, and restart…

   NHTSA complaint #11699133 · source
6. Filed Nov 4, 2025DEEngineAcceleration & Cruise ControlTransmission & Drivetrain

   Due to the unresolved recall I have experienced alot of issues. The most terrifying is the loss of power, my jeep has just stopped moving sometimes allowing me to het to 30 mph but no more. This has happened to me 3x all of which were on the highway. I no longer have use of my 4wd, which is extremely frustrating since it was the only reason I purchased this vehicle. It has released itself from the parking position. And my "service shifter" light it constantly on. I did put…

   NHTSA complaint #11697520 · source
7. Filed May 5, 2025NCEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   Service 4wd came on. Has been on. Jeep dealership said the switch was bad, replaced and still on. Since then it has turned off while driving 6 times. Now all the time in traffic and when I try to park it will say service shifter. I contacted stellantis directly about this and the supposed recall they announced, but has no fix. They said it isn't their problem it is on the dealer. Not acceptable to make a car that I have to force myself daily not to be in an accident with.…

   NHTSA complaint #11659020 · source
8. Filed Apr 29, 2025OHEngineAcceleration & Cruise ControlTransmission & Drivetrain

   While driving my vehicle, the vehicle suddenly stopped accelerating. I pulled over and when I put it into park it felt like it was the transmission. However, I had the transmission inspected and there were no issues. Prior to the happening the "service 4WD" light kept coming on. After the incident, the vehicle could not be driven over 45mph, the steering was so stiff I could hardly turn it, and every time I put the vehicle into drive or park it would feel like the…

   NHTSA complaint #11657620 · source
9. Filed Apr 11, 202580,999 miNVEngine

   The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while stopped at a red light and upon taking her foot off of the brake pedal, a message appeared on the instrument panel that stated "shift to park or neutral plus brake plus select a gear". No warning lights were illuminated. The contact was forced to restart the vehicle in order to continue driving. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the…

   NHTSA complaint #11654130 · source
10. Filed Apr 4, 2025122,000 miVAEngine

    The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the contact smelled a burning odor. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle with oil filter housing cooler unit failure. The vehicle was repaired by a mobile independent mechanic with a part that the contact had purchased on Amazon. The contact stated that recently the vehicle was taken for maintenance, and the…

    NHTSA complaint #11652878 · source
11. Filed Feb 28, 2025117,000 miNVElectrical SystemEngine

    The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds, the vehicle shut off unintendedly. The contact stated that while at a traffic light or while slowing down, the vehicle shut off unintendedly. The contact stated that after ten minutes, the vehicle was restarted but shut off while approaching a stop. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who determined that the failure was…

    NHTSA complaint #11645489 · source
12. Filed Feb 21, 2025100,651 miMIEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

    The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while driving 80 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to exceed 45 MPH without shaking violently. The 4-WD and check engine warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was stuck in 2-WD. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V011000 (Power Train); however, the VIN was not included. The local dealer was contacted,…

    NHTSA complaint #11644125 · source

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology