Research · Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD

2018 Jeep Grand CherokeeRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 11 safety recalls and 855 owner complaints for the 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee. Most complaints involve electrical system (339) and engine (125). The EPA rates it 17–25 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 4 stars overall.

Combined MPG
17–25mpg
EPA · 5 versions
NHTSA overall
4of 5 stars
NCAP crash tests
Safety recalls
11campaigns
Latest Nov 2024
Owner complaints
855
Top: electrical system
Fuel cost / yr
$3,050est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

11 NHTSA campaigns · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN

Service brakes

Free remedy

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango vehicles. A malfunction in the antilock-brake system (ABS) module may incorrectly illuminate the brake lights and disable the ABS and electronic stability control (ESC). In addition, the vehicle operator may be able to start and shift out of Park without the brake pedal being applied.

Service brakes, hydraulicReported Nov 7, 2024NHTSA 24V838000

Engine and engine cooling

Remedy pending

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2019 Ram 1500 and 2014-2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles equipped with 3.0L Diesel engines. The crankshaft position sensor tone wheel may delaminate, causing the engine to lose its ability to synchronize the fuel injector pulses and cam shaft timing, possibly resulting in an engine stall.

Engine and engine coolingReported Jun 8, 2023NHTSA 23V411000

Fuel system

Remedy pending

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee, and 2014-2019 Ram 1500 vehicles equipped with 3.0L diesel engines. A high pressure fuel pump (HPFP) failure may introduce internal debris into the fuel system, potentially resulting in fuel starvation.

Fuel system, dieselReported Jun 9, 2022NHTSA 22V406000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 3, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

855 complaints filed with NHTSA · Dec 2017 – Oct 2026
  1. Electrical system339
  2. Engine125
  3. Power train75
  4. Fuel/propulsion system44
  5. Seats43
  6. Vehicle speed control38
  7. Service brakes, hydraulic32
  8. Service brakes29
  9. Air bags24

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

By model year

Complaints for each Grand Cherokee model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
19961,342
19971,380
19981,429
19992,004
20001,829
20011,111
20021,476
2003761
20041,295
20052,052
20061,297
20071,109
2008734
2009138
2010118
20111,640
20121,644
2013805
20142,388
20151,369
2016312
2017364
2018855
2019370
2020241
2021410
2022377
2023408
2024254
202580
202632
Crashes reported
42
Fires reported
10
Injuries reported
33
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 3, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Electrical system

339 reports5 crashes6 fires
“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 experiencing electrical and starting problems. The alternator failed, the batteries went bad, and I had already paid for multiple diagnostics and repairs. At the time, we did not understand that these problems could potentially be leading to or connected with a PCM failure. I have spent approximately $800 on diagnostics and parts trying to determine and repair the cause of these issues. The most serious incident occurred when I was driving near a school and approaching a stop sign. The Jeep suddenly began losing power and would no longer operate normally. I did not receive an adequate warning that the vehicle was about to completely shut off. The dashboard/screen began flashing, electrical functions…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 31, 2026Power train, Electrical system, EngineODI 11761114

Engine

125 reports6 crashes3 fires
“The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that while taking the vehicle to a service center for an oil change, the oil filter plastic housing unexpectedly warped after the oil change. The contact stated that after the failure, smoke was coming from the vehicle, and an oil odor was coming from the vents when the heat was activated. The contact stated that after the vehicle was parked at the residence, there was a trail of oil coming from the vehicle. The failure mileage was 96,685.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 2, 2026EngineODI 11768504

Power train

75 reports7 crashes1 fire
“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 a transmission from a 2021 model that had approximately 45,000 miles. That transmission then failed after only approximately 5,000 miles of use in my vehicle. I am now having another transmission installed, meaning my Jeep is receiving its third transmission. By the completion of these repairs, I will have spent more than $20,000 addressing drivetrain and transmission failures. I am concerned that an underlying drivetrain, transmission, electronic/control, or other vehicle-related condition may be contributing to these repeated failures. Replacing major drivetrain components has not resolved the problem, and I am concerned about the safety and reliability of the vehicle. I am also aware of…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 30, 2026Power train, Vehicle speed controlODI 11760723
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 3, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

5 versions rated by the EPA
EPA class
Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD, Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
Engines
3.0L 6-cyl turbo diesel · 3.6L 6-cyl · 5.7L 8-cyl
Transmissions
Automatic 8-spd
Drive
Rear-Wheel Drive · All-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Diesel · Regular Gasoline · Midgrade Gasoline

Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.

Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 3, 2026EPA listing
05 —Fuel economy

EPA fuel economy by version

City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
VersionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Grand Cherokee 2WD
Auto 8-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Diesel, Turbo · Rear-Wheel Drive
223025$3,750408
Grand Cherokee 4WD
Auto 8-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Diesel, Turbo · All-Wheel Drive
212824$3,900432
Grand Cherokee 2WD
Auto 8-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L · Rear-Wheel Drive
192621$3,050414
Grand Cherokee 4WD
Auto 8-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L · All-Wheel Drive
182521$3,050427
Grand Cherokee 4WD
Auto 8-spd, 8 cyl, 5.7 L · All-Wheel Drive
142217$4,350533
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 3, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

2 tested variants
Overall rating
4/ 5
4 of 5
Jeep Grand Cherokee SUV 2WD
Frontal crash
4 of 5
Side crash
5 of 5
Side pole
5 of 5
Rollover
3 of 5
Rollover risk
20.4%
Overall
4 / 5
Jeep Grand Cherokee SUV 4WD
Frontal crash
4 of 5
Side crash
5 of 5
Side pole
5 of 5
Rollover
4 of 5
Rollover risk
16.9%
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 3, 2026Vehicle 12449Vehicle 12448
07 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi6–12 monthsFollow the oil-life monitor if fitted
Tire rotation5,000–7,500 miEvery oil changeCheck pressure monthly
Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi1–2 yearsSooner in dusty areas
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–3 yearsAbsorbs moisture over time
Coolant60,000–100,000 mi5–10 yearsLong-life coolants last longer
Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi—Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end
12V battery—3–5 yearsHeat shortens battery life
  • Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
    6–12 months
  • Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
    Every oil change
  • Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Brake fluid—
    2–3 years
  • Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
    5–10 years
  • Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
    —
  • 12V battery—
    3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
09 —FAQ

2018 Grand Cherokee questions

How many recalls does the 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee have?

11 safety recalls as of Nov 3, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.

What are the most common 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee problems?

Owners filed 855 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are electrical system (339), engine (125), power train (75). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee get?

The EPA rates the 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee at 17–25 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (5 versions rated).

How safe is the 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee?

NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4 out of 5 stars overall.

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 3, 2026