Problems · NHTSA complaints
2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee problems
Owners filed 855 complaints about the 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee with NHTSA between Dec 2017 and Oct 2026. The most-cited component is electrical system (339).
Complaints
855
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
42
Reported by owners
Fires
10
Reported by owners
Injuries
33
People reported injured
Deaths
0
Reported to NHTSA
Complaints by component
One complaint can cite several components
- Electrical system339
- Engine125
- Power train75
- Fuel/propulsion system44
- Seats43
- Vehicle speed control38
- Service brakes, hydraulic32
- Service brakes29
- Air bags24
- Exterior lighting22
- Engine and engine cooling17
- Forward collision avoidance17
- Structure16
- Suspension16
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 3, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
When complaints were filed
Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
1
60
65
42
110
161
167
95
98
56
View as table
| Model year | Complaints filed per calendar year |
|---|---|
| 2017 | 1 |
| 2018 | 60 |
| 2019 | 65 |
| 2020 | 42 |
| 2021 | 110 |
| 2022 | 161 |
| 2023 | 167 |
| 2024 | 95 |
| 2025 | 98 |
| 2026 | 56 |
Mileage at failure isn’t a structured field in NHTSA complaint data, so we don’t chart it. Some owners mention it in their reports below.
Top problems in owners’ words
Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
Electrical system
339 reports5 crashes6 fires2 related recalls
“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…”
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.”
Power train
75 reports7 crashes1 fire1 related recall
“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…”
Fuel/propulsion system
44 reports4 crashes1 fire
“Vehicle Information: 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland 3.0L V6 EcoDiesel 4x4Component Affected: Fuel/Propulsion System (High-Pressure Fuel Pump) Safety Incident Narrative: The vehicle previously underwent a mandatory manufacturer safety recall replacement for the Bosch CP4 High-Pressure Fuel Pump under FCA Safety Recall Z46 (NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V-406). At 111,948 miles, while operating the vehicle, the engine suffered a sudden, catastrophic mechanical failure accompanied by an immediate and total loss of engine oil pressure. This caused the engine to suddenly stall and lose all propulsion while in motion, creating an immediate and severe highway safety hazard to myself and surrounding traffic.The vehicle was towed to an authorized Jeep dealership under Repair Order #5823328. The manufacturer (Stellantis) and the dealership are currently refusing to authorize diagnostic teardown labor or a mechanical review of the internal safety recall componentry to investigate an acute internal fuel-pump shaft seal leak or residual micro-particle metallic debris from the prior campaign. An internal drive-shaft seal failure on this replacement pump architecture dumps raw…”
Seats
43 reports1 fire
“In approximately early to mid-August 2026, I was driving my 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee at approximately 40 mph when the passenger-side Active Head Restraint (AHR) suddenly deployed without any collision, rear impact, or other event that should have caused it to deploy. There was no passenger in the seat at the time, so fortunately no one was struck or injured. The vehicle had approximately 55,179 miles at the time of the incident. Its current mileage is 55,279 miles. Following the unexpected deployment, the passenger-side head restraint developed a persistent rattling condition. I brought the vehicle to Naples Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram for inspection. The dealer advised that the head restraint would need to be replaced and provided an estimate of approximately $1,001.95, including parts and labor. I subsequently contacted Jeep Customer Care regarding the problem. My case was assigned Case Number 97938645 and was initially characterized as a high-priority Repair Cost Assistance matter. I was later advised that Goodwill assistance was not available for my 2018 vehicle. I am submitting this complaint because the Active Head Restraint is a safety device, and it…”
Vehicle speed control
38 reports11 crashes
“Had the ABS Module repaired due to recall last week. Next, I have had 3 instances of the Accelerator sticking when shifting gears and, this never happened before this service.”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 3, 2026
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.