(Rev. A) Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) Illuminated. Service Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) System ? See Dealer Soon Message on Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) Along With Possible Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) P241D - SCR Inducement - Forced Engine Shutdown.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee airbags problems
severe Owners of the 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee have filed 23 NHTSA complaints about the airbags at roughly $1,100 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See airbags across all vehicles →
Complaints
23
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$1,100
| Model year | airbags complaints |
|---|---|
| 2014 Grand Cherokee | 160 |
| 2015 Grand Cherokee | 99 |
| 2016 Grand Cherokee | 10 |
| 2017 Grand Cherokee | 15 |
| 2018 Grand Cherokee (this page) | 23 |
| 2019 Grand Cherokee | 11 |
| 2020 Grand Cherokee | 10 |
| 2021 Grand Cherokee | 9 |
| 2022 Grand Cherokee | 9 |
10crashes
10injuries
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering airbags on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
Transmission Oil Pan, Heater (TMU), Tube or O-ring Applies to vehicles equipped with 8 speed transmissions only; if you have a leak that appears to be at the pan the use of proper leak detection is recommended. The fluid in the 8 speeds can be detected with a black light and there are aftermarket spray on leak detection materials to help ensure that the leak is properly diagnosed and not from another location such as cooler lines, heater tubes, or case porosity. Please note that the transmission pan gasket is available for many of the 8 speed applications FCA offers. Please review the available quick connect and transfer tube parts, as replacement of the TMU may not be required. If a TOC lin
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners of 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles describe three distinct airbag failure patterns. First and most serious: airbags failed to deploy during significant crashes, including rear-end collisions at highway speeds, head-on impacts into trees and poles, T-bone intersections, and off-road accidents—all resulting in vehicle total losses and occupant head injuries. In one rear-end case, Jeep investigated and claimed sufficient brake application prevented deployment, though the owner disputed the speed assessment.
Second: active headrest airbags deployed spontaneously while parked, during stops, or simply while starting the vehicle, striking occupants in the head and neck with enough force to cause severe pain and headaches. Owners report this as recurring—one individual had it happen twice, driver and passenger sides. At least one VIN was confirmed just outside a recall range.
Third: airbag warning lights appeared with diagnostic codes indicating deployment squib circuit faults and rollover sensor false activations, sometimes accompanied by cruise control and traction control loss. One case involved a passenger airbag deploying when the driver merely closed the door on a stationary vehicle. Owners report dealership diagnoses but limited repair completion in the narratives provided.
Same Jeep Grand Cherokee airbags reports on nearby years: 2015 · 2016 · 2017 · 2019
Failure modes owners describe
Airbags fail to deploy in crashes
In multiple impact events—rear-end collisions, head-on crashes into trees and poles, T-bone accidents, and off-road impacts—airbags did not deploy despite significant damage and occupant injury. Owners sustained head trauma, whiplash, and other injuries when bags remained inert during events that should have triggered deployment.
When: Mileage 12,000 to 70,000; incidents occurred across 2019–2021
Symptoms owners cite: No airbag deployment during rear-end collision at 70 mph; No airbag deployment during dual pole/building crashes from unintended acceleration; No airbag deployment during rear-impact from tractor trailer in stop-and-go traffic; No airbag deployment during head-on crash into tree at 50 mph; No airbag deployment during single-vehicle off-road accident with total vehicle loss; No airbag deployment during T-bone intersection collision into cement overpass; No deployment across multiple crash types despite heavy front-end and frame damage
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicles deemed total loss by insurance; no repairs documented; one independent mechanic did not diagnose or repair; dealership involvement noted in one case without repair completion
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Jeep investigated one rear-end case (#1) and concluded brakes were depressed so vehicle speed was insufficient for airbag deployment; no other manufacturer responses, recalls, or TSBs mentioned in narratives for non-deployment cases
Headrest airbags deploy spontaneously or without warning
Active headrest airbags in driver and passenger seats deployed suddenly while vehicles were parked, at a stop, or during normal operation with no accident or collision. Occupants reported being struck in the head and neck with sufficient force to cause pain, headaches, and concern for safety. One narrative indicated this was a recurring problem affecting multiple vehicles.
When: 2020–2021; mileage not specified for most headrest incidents
Symptoms owners cite: Passenger side headrest deployed unexpectedly while starting vehicle, striking child in back of head; Driver side headrest deployed unexpectedly in mid-2020, causing severe pain and headache; Headrest deployed while vehicle parked in lot with occupant seated, no accident; Headrest deployed at stop light with no reason, causing concern about recurrence while wife driving; Passenger headrest coming apart spontaneously with active airbag system; Active head restraint deployed while parked with occupant seated, no accident or warning signs
Repairs/costs cited: One owner reported contacting dealership for repair; another stated VIN just outside known recall range and dealership to service for diagnosis; no completed repairs documented
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: One narrative mentioned being just outside a known recall range; no TSBs, recalls, or warranty programs cited for headrest deployment issues
Airbag warning light and sensor faults
Airbag warning lamp illuminated without crash or damage history. Diagnostic testing revealed circuit faults in deployment squib wiring and seat-mounted sensors with no prior front-end damage. One case involved rollover sensor false activation when door was closed on parked vehicle.
When: At 70,000 miles and other unspecified mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Airbag warning light on, no crash history; Passenger front airbag deployment fault with open squib circuit; Rollover sensor alerted when driver closed door on parked vehicle, triggering passenger airbag deployment; ACC/FCW light on with passenger headrest airbag failure, cruise control and traction control out
Codes mentioned: ORC-B0028-13 (right side seat deployment squib 1 circuit open)
Repairs/costs cited: One case required new front seat passenger airbag; one was diagnosed but not repaired; wiring not damaged at connectors despite circuit fault code
Synthesized from 23 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 0 most recent
Had airbags trouble with your 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the airbags problem on the 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee?
It's a meaningful issue. 23 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $1,100.
At what mileage does the airbags typically fail?
Based on the 23 complaints filed, airbags issues most often appear around 24,159 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $1,100 for airbags repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to airbags?
No active recalls currently cover airbags issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2018/Jeep/Grand Cherokee.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.