2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee transmission & drivetrain problems

Related recalls

• Recall 18V280000May 1, 201871 vehicles
  POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

  Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Dodge Charger, Durango and Challenger, Jeep Grand Cherokee and Wrangler, Chrysler 300, and RAM 1500 vehicles. An incorrect transmission park lock rod may have been installed in the transmission.

  Risk: If the incorrect park lock rod is installed, the transmission may not shift into 'PARK' and keep the vehicle from moving, increasing the risk of unintended vehicle movement and the risk of a crash.

  Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will install the correct park lock rod, free of charge. The recall began June 28, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U43.

What owners say

1. Filed Aug 31, 2026AZElectrical SystemEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   Subject: 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee – Sudden Loss of Power, PCM Failure, Electrical Failures, and Concern Regarding Recall-Related Symptoms I am filing this complaint because my 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee experienced a sudden and unexpected loss of power while I was driving, and I am very concerned about the safety implications and the possible connection to the recall-related electrical problems associated with this vehicle. Before the final failure, my Jeep had been…

   NHTSA complaint #11761114 · source
2. Filed Aug 30, 2026OHAcceleration & Cruise ControlTransmission & Drivetrain

   I am reporting repeated drivetrain and transmission failures involving my 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT. The problems began with failure of the driveshaft carrier bearing, which was replaced with a brand-new component by an independent mechanic. The transfer case subsequently required replacement and was replaced with a brand-new unit by a reputable dealership. After these repairs, the original transmission mechanically failed at approximately 99,000 miles. I replaced it with…

   NHTSA complaint #11760723 · source
3. Filed Aug 24, 2026AZElectrical SystemEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   The Jeep was giving me a warning sign. It said stop slowly. Your jeep will shut off so I replaced the two batteries. As my Mechanic told me I replaced the alternator. I also replaced the ground wires. Nothing is making my jeep start. We ran the codes on the jeep and it came back as a U0100 code with the PCM system. No connection error. we looked up the recall information and a recall popped up for this 2018 jeep Grand Cherokee. I am being told that I am not affected by this…

   NHTSA complaint #11759288 · source
4. Filed Aug 11, 2026TXElectrical SystemTransmission & Drivetrain

   The transmission goes into neutral. It has gone into neutral on the highway,local streets, also from a stop. From a stop in drive the electronic D on the instrument panel starts flashing. I turn on the hazards put transmission shifter in Park and start engine. This problem is intermittent, it can be cold or hot, it has happened 4x in 2 years. No accidents thankfully. The engine does not stall, the transmission goes into neutral.

   NHTSA complaint #11756332 · source
5. Filed Aug 6, 2026NJTransmission & Drivetrain

   I was initially traveling at the posted speed limit of 65 when all of a sudden the engine started shaking profusely, and I lost total power of the vehicle. Therefore, I had to immediately jump onto the shoulder without being rear ended and come to a complete stop while trying to coast safely to a place so I wouldn’t be hit by traffic . My car was then brought to the local Jeep dealership and they had told me that my left camshaft needs to be replaced also the lifters rockers…

   NHTSA complaint #11755335 · source
6. Filed May 14, 2026CAEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionTransmission & Drivetrain

   On 5/72026@app 3:14pm after picking up one grandchild, and at a stop light on the way to p/u the other, the Jeep without warning just disengaged when the gas pedal was depressed, but to no avail. While frozen, the dashboard may have displayed something that was not noted in the panic to get the car moving! The internal panel was still illuminated, however the car would not move forwards although still in "Drive" with nothing having been switched, shifted or toggled except…

   NHTSA complaint #11737894 · source
7. Filed Apr 25, 2026VATransmission & Drivetrain

   Twice I have been driving on the highway at 60 mph and the transmission had suddenly shifted into low gear and subsequently went into limp mode. The dealer is unable to find an issue with the vehicle. There were no warning lights, before, during, or after. After I pulled onto the shoulder of the road and turned the Jeep off and turned it back on it operated normally.

   NHTSA complaint #11733768 · source
8. Filed Mar 16, 2026TXTransmission & Drivetrain

   While driving on the highway I received a “SERV 4WD” light and also a traction control unavailable light. Other than that that the car appeared to drive normally other than I could feel the car gears “catching” at starts when I pressed the accelerator. I took the car to the certified dealer and they said it was a transfer case failure and was unsafe to drive as it could have caused the wheels to lock up. This issue is very similar to a recall for other Jeep VINs over the…

   NHTSA complaint #11724626 · source
9. Filed Mar 9, 202644,000 miFLTransmission & Drivetrain

   The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at 20 MPH, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal, and the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was restarted, and a short distance later, the failure persisted. The contact stated that there were several attempts to restart the vehicle. However, the failure persisted. The message "Shift to P then Desired Gear" was displayed. The contact continued to drive…

   NHTSA complaint #11723111 · source
10. Filed Feb 25, 2026WYTransmission & Drivetrain

    Front passenger side CV Axle purchased from detroit axle. They confirmed on website it would fit my make, model, and year of vehicle. Once I described that they are selling this part incorrectly and they refused to change website to continue fraud sell I asked for a full refund. They denied and said I'd be deducted shipping costs. If this part would've almost fit I'd have been a risk for life on the road for myself and others. They refuse to fix this safety and fraud…

    NHTSA complaint #11720418 · source
11. Filed Feb 15, 2026OHEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionTransmission & Drivetrain

    While driving this vehicle under normal conditions, the engine developed abnormal ticking/knocking noises, loss of power, and misfire symptoms that progressively worsened. The vehicle was frequently used to transport children. Due to the nature of the failure and unpredictability of progression, continued operation posed a serious safety risk. An authorized dealer later confirmed that the engine suffered a catastrophic internal valvetrain failure involving collapsed…

    NHTSA complaint #11718096 · source
12. Filed Jan 2, 202694,523 miNJTransmission & Drivetrain

    I Purchased my my vehicle from a dealer approximately two and a half months ago. While driving the transmission of the vehicle gave out. The car rpm shot up to seven thousand and only goes 30 mph. My safety was in jeopardy because the vehicle lowed down rapidly and I had to maneuver to the side of the road in order not to be struck from the rear. I had taken it to get inspected by AAMCO and was informed that the transmission failed.

    NHTSA complaint #11708260 · 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