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ProblemsByVinFile / 2018-JEEP-CHEROKEENHTSA data synced 4 days ago
Jeep
2018 Jeep Cherokee problems
The 2018 Jeep Cherokee has 679 NHTSA owner complaints on file — not a small number. 4 active recall campaigns.
The 2018 Jeep Cherokee has 679 NHTSA owner complaints and 4 recalls on file (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). The most-reported system is powertrain at 278 complaints, typically surfacing around 52,356 miles (~$2,500 to repair). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.
Average for the segment. Some recurring trouble spots worth knowing about.
0
Critical
4
Severe
0
Moderate
Should you avoid this 2018 Cherokee?
Acceptable — with caveats
Worth owning if you verify the specific issues below before you buy.
Steering: 30 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 17,838–32,491 mi
Reliability score 6.0/10 — around the segment average
4 recall campaigns on file
Our read of the federal NHTSA complaint and recall record for this exact year and model —
not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. How we score.
NHTSA crash-test safety ratings
4 / 5 overall
Overall★★★★★4/5
Frontal crash★★★★★4/5
Side crash★★★★★5/5
Rollover★★★★★4/5
Driver-assist features on the tested model:
Electronic stability control: Standard · Forward collision warning: Optional · Lane departure warning: Optional
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program — tested configuration: 2018 Jeep Cherokee SUV 4WD. Stars rate crash protection in NHTSA's tests, not overall reliability — see the owner-complaint data below for what actually goes wrong.
Buying a used 2018 Jeep Cherokee? Check these first
Here's what this model is known to do — so you can inspect for it, price it in, or
make the seller fix it before you sign.
What to inspect on this specific car
powertrain — 278 owner reports
· tends to show around 52,356 mi · ~$2,500 to fix
electrical — 134 owner reports
· tends to show around 41,148 mi · ~$850 to fix
engine — 73 owner reports
· tends to show around 32,419 mi · ~$3,100 to fix
steering — 30 owner reports
· tends to show around 26,041 mi · ~$700 to fix
⚠ The one to take seriously: steering is flagged
severe on this model
, showing up around 26,041 mi.
Inspect it closely on a test drive.
Recalls to confirm are done
Run the VIN from the listing — 4 active recalls on this model. Recall repairs are always free.
Verdict for buyers: 6.0/10 model. The priciest documented failure is
engine (~$3,100) — get the
seller's service records for it or inspect closely. Otherwise an average-risk used buy at a fair price.
We tell you what this model is known for and what to inspect — a vehicle-history report
tells you what this exact car has been through. Smart buyers get both.
A noise, a warning light, a repair quote, "should I buy this?" — get an answer grounded in
this vehicle's actual NHTSA record, not generic advice.
Dash light, leak, worn part — snap it and we'll read it against this car's record.
Photo attached — type a question or just hit Ask.
Answers use this vehicle's NHTSA complaint & recall record — owner-reported and unverified, not a diagnosis. Verify anything safety-critical with a mechanic.
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When owners report each system failing, in actual miles — so you can see what's likely behind you,
what's due around now, and what to budget for next. Enter your mileage to mark where you are.
"Typical" = median owner-reported failure mileage from the NHTSA complaint record for this exact
year and model. Not a maintenance schedule — a heads-up on where this model's failures cluster.
Purchased my 2018 cherokee in feb 2018 and in october 2019 had vibration in steering wheel. Dealer said I had 4 warpped rotors that needed to be replaced at my expense. It seemed odd at only 18 months of normal driving, mostly highway.
Service shifter keeps coming on my car while I'm driving since I bought it and it lights up all red next to the p r n d and you can't see your MPH on the screen or tell what gear you are in. I have to pull over turn my car off and open my door and then restart it for it to go…
Had a problem with your 2018 Jeep Cherokee?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free and official — owner filings are what build the federal safety record behind this page.
Estimate your repair exposure
Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Jeep Cherokee all-wheel-drive vehicles
If the halfshaft bearing cage breaks, the halfshaft may not be able to transmit engine power, causing a loss of drive or it can allow the vehicle to move while in the "Park" position. Either condition may increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front right halfshaft assemblies, free of charge. The recall began September 20, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U78.
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Jeep Cherokee vehicles equipped with a 2
A fuel leak in the presence of the ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the fuel tube, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began May 24, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U39.
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Jeep Cherokee and Compass vehicles equipped with 2
If the oil pump fails, the engine will stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
It's got known weak points. With a reliability score of 6.0 out of 10 based on 679 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2018 Jeep Cherokee has a higher-than-average rate of reported issues. The areas to watch are listed above. Whether it's worth owning depends on price, condition, and how much repair exposure you can absorb.
Should you avoid the 2018 Jeep Cherokee?
The 2018 Jeep Cherokee is acceptable, with specific caveats. Worth owning if you verify the specific issues below before you buy. The record behind that call: Steering: 30 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 17,838–32,491 mi; Reliability score 6.0/10 — around the segment average; 4 recall campaigns on file. This is our read of the federal complaint and recall data — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection.
What should I check before buying a used 2018 Jeep Cherokee?
Inspect the powertrain first — it's the most-reported issue on this model, with 278 owner complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 52,356 miles. Average repair cost runs about $2,500 at an independent shop. Also confirm any open recalls have been completed by running the VIN, and ask for service records covering the problem areas listed above.
Is the 2018 Jeep Cherokee a good used car to buy?
It scores 6.0 out of 10 on our NHTSA-based read of 679 owner complaints. The main thing to watch is powertrain. Typical failure occurs around 52,356 miles. Priced fairly and clean on inspection, it's a reasonable used buy. Our data covers what this model is known for — pair it with a vehicle-history report on the VIN to see what that specific car has been through.
What's the most common problem on the 2018 Jeep Cherokee?
Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is powertrain, with 278 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 52,356 miles. Average repair cost runs about $2,500 at an independent shop.
What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?
The powertrain is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $2,500 at an independent shop. Typical failure occurs around 52,356 miles. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.
How do I check if my Jeep Cherokee has open recalls?
Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.
Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2018 Jeep Cherokee?
Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 679 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $2,500, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans are not always better value.
Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database, last synced 4 days ago. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2018/Jeep/Cherokee.
Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics.
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