2018 Jeep Cherokee
Common Problems
Ranked from 351 federal NHTSA complaints and 5 recalls. Every problem links to the complaint IDs behind it.
14 Common Problems
Ordered by how often owners reported each one to NHTSA. The bar shows how common a problem is relative to the most-reported on this vehicle. Expand any problem to see the federal complaint IDs.
- 1
Service Shifter Warning Light
169complaintsSafety riskElectricalThe service shifter warning light illuminates randomly while driving or when stationary, causing all gear shift lights to turn red.
$200–$2,500est. drivetrain diagnosis + repair · 1–8 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recalls: 18V332000, 18V524000
- 2
Engine Stalling
138complaintsHigh severityEngineThe engine randomly stalls while driving, often without warning, requiring the car to be restarted.
$150–$1,200est. stalling / shutdown diagnosis + repair · 1–5 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recall: 17V670000
- 3
Service Shifter Warning Light and Gear Indicator Malfunction
72complaintsHigh severityElectricalThe service shifter warning light and gear indicator lights up red and stay on until the vehicle is turned off.
$200–$2,500est. drivetrain diagnosis + repair · 1–8 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recalls: 18V332000, 18V524000
- 4
Random Engine Stalls
41complaintsHigh severityEngineThe engine randomly stalls while driving, often without any warning lights or signs of low oil.
$150–$1,200est. stalling / shutdown diagnosis + repair · 1–5 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recall: 17V670000
- 5
Vehicle Suddenly Shutting Off
28complaintsHigh severityFuel systemThe vehicle suddenly shuts off while driving, often requiring multiple attempts to restart, posing a safety risk.
Related recall: 18V282000
- 6
Unreliable 4WD System
14complaintsMedium severityTransmissionThe 4WD system can become unreliable, with the 'Service 4WD' light appearing and the vehicle losing power or becoming difficult to drive.
- 7
Power Transfer Unit (PTU) Failure
10complaintsHigh severityTransmissionThe PTU fails, leading to loss of 4WD functionality and potential loss of vehicle control.
- 8
Service Shifter Light and Gear Shift Issues
7complaintsMedium severityElectricalThe service shifter light and gear shift lights illuminate randomly, causing confusion and requiring frequent restarts.
$200–$2,500est. drivetrain diagnosis + repair · 1–8 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recalls: 18V332000, 18V524000
- 9
Overheating Issues
5complaintsMedium severityOtherThe vehicle experiences overheating issues, often requiring multiple repairs to the cooling system.
$150–$1,200est. cooling-system diagnosis + repair · 1–6 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recall: 17V543000
- 10
Unexplained Vehicle Movement
5complaintsHigh severityOtherThe vehicle moves unexpectedly while stopped, posing a significant safety risk to the driver and passengers.
Related recall: 17V543000
- 11
Unexplained Vehicle Shutdown
5complaintsMedium severityEngineThe vehicle unexpectedly shuts off while driving, often without warning lights, requiring multiple attempts to restart.
$150–$1,200est. stalling / shutdown diagnosis + repair · 1–5 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recall: 17V670000
- 12
Parking Brake Engages Unexpectedly
4complaintsMedium severityBrakesThe parking brake engages unexpectedly, preventing the vehicle from moving and requiring the driver to reset the brake.
$150–$1,000est. brake system diagnosis + repair · 1–4 hrs laborGet local quotes - 13
Engine Oil Consumption and Stalling
2complaintsMedium severityEngineThe engine consumes excessive oil, leading to stalling and reduced performance, especially at lower speeds.
$400–$4,500est. oil-consumption repair (rings/pcv) · 3–14 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recall: 17V670000
- 14
Parking Brake Malfunction
2complaintsMedium severityOtherThe parking brake engages unexpectedly, requiring immediate attention to prevent accidents.
$150–$1,000est. brake system diagnosis + repair · 1–4 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recall: 17V543000
Other years & sources
Data source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) owner complaints and recalls. Problems are clustered and ranked from the complaint record; occurrence counts reflect corroborating complaints, not total incidence. Vehicle image is illustrative. Repair-cost figures are typical U.S. independent-shop ranges (parts + labor) for the class of repair shown — actual quotes vary by region, engine, and diagnosis; always confirm with a local shop.