2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Srt
Common Problems
Ranked from 251 federal NHTSA complaints. Every problem links to the complaint IDs behind it.
55 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
Touchscreen Delamination and Malfunction
61complaintsHigh severityElectricalThe UConnect touchscreen delaminates, causing random button presses, screen changes, and malfunctions, leading to distracted driving and potential safety hazards.
$200–$1,500est. infotainment unit service · 0.5–3 hrs laborGet local quotes - 2
Infotainment Screen Delamination and Malfunction
21complaintsHigh severityElectricalThe infotainment screen delaminates, causing random touches, changes in settings, and malfunctions that distract the driver and pose safety hazards.
$200–$1,500est. infotainment unit service · 0.5–3 hrs laborGet local quotes - 3
Touchscreen Delamination and Phantom Touches
20complaintsHigh severityElectricalThe touchscreen delaminates, causing phantom touches that activate various vehicle functions, creating a serious safety hazard.
$200–$1,500est. infotainment unit service · 0.5–3 hrs laborGet local quotes - 4
Random Function Activation Without User Input
19complaintsMedium severityElectricalThe touchscreen activates functions without user input, such as changing radio stations, making phone calls, and adjusting climate controls, causing distraction and potential safety hazards.
- 5
Uncontrolled Seat Heater Activation
19complaintsMedium severityElectricalThe seat heaters activate and deactivate uncontrollably, causing discomfort and distraction for the driver.
- 6
Automatic Emergency Calls
16complaintsHigh severityElectricalThe infotainment system automatically dials emergency services, posing a significant safety risk and distraction.
- 7
Random Function Activation
16complaintsHigh severityElectricalThe infotainment system randomly activates features like heated seats, radio, and navigation, causing distraction and safety concerns.
- 8
Infotainment System Delamination
13complaintsMedium severityElectricalThe infotainment screen delaminates, causing random button presses and screen malfunctions.
$200–$1,500est. infotainment unit service · 0.5–3 hrs laborGet local quotes - 9
Unreliable and Erratic UConnect System
11complaintsHigh severityElectricalThe UConnect system frequently malfunctions, causing erratic behavior and requiring constant attention from the driver, posing a significant safety risk.
$200–$1,500est. infotainment unit service · 0.5–3 hrs laborGet local quotes - 10
Brake System Malfunction
10complaintsHigh severityBrakesThe brake system malfunctions, including brake warning lights, unintended vehicle movement, and brake failure.
$150–$1,000est. brake system diagnosis + repair · 1–4 hrs laborGet local quotes - 12
Fuel System Issues
9complaintsMedium severityFuel systemIssues with the fuel system, including coolant leaks and abnormal noises, require recall repairs.
- 13
Head Gasket Issues
9complaintsHigh severityEngineHead gasket failures lead to engine overheating, misfires, and the need for expensive repairs.
$1,400–$2,800est. head gasket replacement · 8–15 hrs laborGet local quotes - 15
Random Phone Calls and Unwanted Function Activations
8complaintsHigh severityElectricalThe UConnect system makes random phone calls, changes radio stations, and activates features without user input, causing distraction and potential safety issues.
- 16
Electrical Delamination of UConnect Screen
6complaintsHigh severityElectricalThe UConnect screen delaminates, causing ghost touches and system malfunctions, including climate control and phone operations.
$200–$1,500est. infotainment unit service · 0.5–3 hrs laborGet local quotes - 17
Engine Stall at Idle Due to Stop-Start System Failure
6complaintsMedium severityEngineThe stop-start system intermittently turns off the engine at idle, requiring the driver to manually restart the vehicle.
$150–$900est. stop-start system diagnosis · 1–4 hrs laborGet local quotes - 18
Electrical System Malfunction
5complaintsMedium severityElectricalThe infotainment system and other electrical functions intermittently fail, causing loss of functionality.
- 19
Engine Stall and Random Messages
5complaintsHigh severityEngineThe engine stalls while driving and displays random messages, potentially causing accidents.
$150–$1,200est. stalling / shutdown diagnosis + repair · 1–5 hrs laborGet local quotes - 20
Infotainment System Malfunction
5complaintsHigh severityElectricalThe infotainment system malfunctions, causing the radio to change channels automatically and the navigation system to fail, leading to distraction and potential accidents.
$200–$1,500est. infotainment unit service · 0.5–3 hrs laborGet local quotes - 21
Vehicle Acceleration Without Throttle Input
5complaintsSafety riskOtherThe vehicle accelerates on its own without throttle input, posing a significant safety risk.
- 22
Service Brake Hydraulics Failure
4complaintsMedium severityBrakesThe service brake hydraulics fail, leading to reduced braking performance and potential loss of vehicle control.
$150–$1,000est. brake system diagnosis + repair · 1–4 hrs laborGet local quotes - 23
Unintended Acceleration
4complaintsHigh severityElectricalThe vehicle accelerates unexpectedly without driver input, leading to potential loss of control and accidents.
- 24
Unintended Vehicle Movement
4complaintsSafety riskOtherThe vehicle unexpectedly moves in park, posing a significant safety risk, especially in driveways or parking lots.
- 25
Active Head Restraint Malfunction
3complaintsSafety riskOtherThe active head restraint deploys unexpectedly, posing a safety risk to passengers.
- 26
Backup Camera Malfunction
3complaintsLow severityElectricalThe backup camera does not work properly, sometimes failing to turn on or display images.
$250–$800est. backup camera replacement · 1–3 hrs laborGet local quotes - 27
Brake System Issues
3complaintsMedium severityBrakesThe brake system malfunctions, causing the car to unexpectedly accelerate or apply brakes without warning.
$150–$1,000est. brake system diagnosis + repair · 1–4 hrs laborGet local quotes - 28
Electrical System Glitches
3complaintsMedium severityElectricalRandom glitches in the electrical system, including screen malfunctions and unexpected system changes.
- 29
Engine Stall During Operation
3complaintsHigh severityEngineThe engine stalls while being driven, causing loss of power and control.
$150–$1,200est. stalling / shutdown diagnosis + repair · 1–5 hrs laborGet local quotes - 30
Faulty SOS Feature
3complaintsLow severityElectricalThe SOS feature does not connect to emergency services and stays engaged until a fuse is pulled, requiring manual intervention.
- 31
Malfunctioning Infotainment System
3complaintsHigh severityElectricalThe infotainment system malfunctions, causing random changes in settings and distracting the driver.
$200–$1,500est. infotainment unit service · 0.5–3 hrs laborGet local quotes - 32
Recall Non-Resolution
3complaintsMedium severityOtherOpen recalls are not resolved in a timely manner, leaving owners at risk.
- 33
Transmission Failure
3complaintsMedium severityTransmissionThe transmission shifts incorrectly or fails to engage properly, leading to difficulty in driving.
$2,500–$5,500est. transmission rebuild/replacement · 8–16 hrs laborGet local quotes - 34
Unreliable Recall Repair Parts
3complaintsMedium severityOtherParts for certain recalls are not available, causing delays in repairs.
- 35
Brake Failure During Traffic
2complaintsHigh severityBrakesThe brakes fail suddenly while driving in traffic, leading to loss of control and potential collisions.
$150–$1,000est. brake system diagnosis + repair · 1–4 hrs laborGet local quotes - 36
Brake Light Illumination After Turning Off Vehicle
2complaintsMedium severityBrakesThe brake lights remain illuminated after the vehicle is turned off, posing a risk to other drivers.
$150–$1,000est. brake system diagnosis + repair · 1–4 hrs laborGet local quotes - 37
Electrical System Battery Drain and Alternator Issues
2complaintsMedium severityElectricalThe vehicle experiences battery drain and alternator issues, leading to frequent battery replacement and charging problems.
$400–$1,000est. alternator replacement · 1.5–4 hrs laborGet local quotes - 38
Electrical System Dashboard Glitch
2complaintsMedium severityElectricalThe dashboard displays random warning lights and malfunctions, affecting the vehicle's operational safety.
- 39
Engine and Fuel System Recalls Not Addressed
2complaintsHigh severityOtherMultiple recalls related to the engine and fuel system have not been addressed, leaving the vehicle at risk.
- 40
Engine Misfire and Check Engine Light
2complaintsMedium severityEngineThe engine misfires and triggers the check engine light, often accompanied by a ticking noise.
$200–$900est. ignition service (coils/plugs) · 1–4 hrs laborGet local quotes - 41
Engine Misfire and Cylinder Failure
2complaintsHigh severityEngineThe engine experiences misfires and cylinder failures, leading to intermittent cranking and misfires.
$200–$900est. ignition service (coils/plugs) · 1–4 hrs laborGet local quotes - 42
Engine Stall and Unusual Behavior
2complaintsMedium severityEngineThe engine stalls unexpectedly and exhibits unusual behavior, such as changing radio stations and settings without user input.
$150–$1,200est. stalling / shutdown diagnosis + repair · 1–5 hrs laborGet local quotes - 43
Engine Stalls During Stop-Start Operation
2complaintsMedium severityEngineThe engine stalls or restarts unexpectedly during stop-start operation, causing difficulty in starting the vehicle.
$150–$900est. stop-start system diagnosis · 1–4 hrs laborGet local quotes - 44
Forward Collision Avoidance System Failure
2complaintsSafety riskOtherThe forward collision avoidance system malfunctions, causing the system to activate incorrectly or fail to function, potentially leading to accidents.
- 45
Fuel Tank Stopping Gas Flow Prematurely
2complaintsLow severityFuel systemThe fuel tank stops taking gas prematurely, requiring the driver to hold the gas hose handle in a specific position.
$300–$1,200est. fuel line/tank repair · 2–6 hrs laborGet local quotes - 46
Head Rest Explodes Without Impact
2complaintsMedium severityOtherThe headrest suddenly deploys without any impact, potentially causing injury to passengers.
- 47
Passenger Side Seat Headrest Deployment Without Impact
2complaintsMedium severityOtherThe passenger side headrest deploys unexpectedly without any impact, posing a risk to passengers.
- 48
Service Air Suspension Immediately Warning
2complaintsMedium severitySuspensionThe air suspension system frequently issues a warning to service immediately, indicating ongoing issues with the suspension.
$150–$1,200est. suspension diagnosis + repair · 1–5 hrs laborGet local quotes - 49
Severe Fuel Tank Overflow Issues
2complaintsMedium severityFuel systemFuel tanks overflow when attempting to fill up, causing spillage and potential safety hazards.
$300–$1,200est. fuel line/tank repair · 2–6 hrs laborGet local quotes - 50
Steering Issues During Towing
2complaintsMedium severitySteeringThe steering becomes unstable or wobbles violently when towing, posing a risk of loss of control.
- 51
Suspension and Steering Issues
2complaintsMedium severitySuspensionSuspension and steering issues, including unexpected changes in vehicle behavior and air suspension malfunctions, impact driving safety.
$150–$1,200est. suspension diagnosis + repair · 1–5 hrs laborGet local quotes - 52
Transmission Jerking and Jumpiness
2complaintsLow severityTransmissionThe transmission shifts are pronounced, causing the SUV to jerk and feel jumpier, especially in different driving modes.
$200–$2,500est. drivetrain diagnosis + repair · 1–8 hrs laborGet local quotes - 53
Uncontrolled Rear Headrest Deployment
2complaintsSafety riskElectricalThe rear headrest deploys unexpectedly, potentially causing injury in a collision.
- 54
Unintended Acceleration During Parked State
2complaintsHigh severityOtherThe vehicle experiences unintended acceleration while in parked state, potentially leading to accidents.
- 55
Unreliable UConnect System Causing Random Malfunctions
2complaintsMedium severityElectricalThe UConnect system malfunctions randomly, causing issues with radio control, backup camera, and navigation.
$200–$1,500est. infotainment unit service · 0.5–3 hrs laborGet local quotes
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.