Jeep Cherokee Complaints (2018)

688 consumer complaints on file.

#11735194May 1, 2026
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed to shift properly when the accelerator was applied. The contact was unaware of any warning lights illuminated at the time of the failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the power transfer unit and drivetrain had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a reimbursement case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 99,477.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11734305April 28, 2026
EXTERIOR LIGHTING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
When the running lights and headlights are set to Auto, moving the lever to High Beam causes the lights to go out. I have been asking the dealer and trying to find a solution since buying the car new, but no recall had been issued for my VIN and the dealer will not correct the problem with a recall specific to my VIN and year/model. There is a known issue with the Smart Lighting Module that prevents the High Beam from activating and shuts off the headlight in the Auto position, and a software update has been issued for the newer models, but not for the 2018 Cherokee with the same software.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11734310April 28, 2026
POWER TRAIN, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
While driving, often at highway speeds, all of the lights on the shifter will light up and the dash will display "Service Transmission." I took it to the dealer several times and their response has been that it is a software issue that they do not have a fix for and that I should stop the car, turn the engine off, open and close the door and then restart the car. This does temporarily reset the display but doing this on the highway poses a safety problem in trying to get to the shoulder in traffic.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11731091April 14, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ADAS:REAR OCCUPANT ALERT (ROA):CAMERA/SENSOR
Back up camera turns to static when going in reverse. Has been happening for years. No warnings. Just malfunctioning. Reported this in 2019 to Jeep.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11730663April 12, 2026
POWER TRAIN
The PTU has failed and caused damage to splines. This failure caused the engine light to come on intermittently and failure to shift. The problem has been confirmed by a dealership where the car is and has been sitting for repair for almost a year due to no repair parts available from Jeep.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11729828April 8, 2026
POWER TRAIN
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The Power Transfer Unit (PTU) has malfunctioned. Specifically, the Drivetrain Control Module (DTCM) is reporting a "TestFailed" status with active fault codes C1440-64 (Transfer Case Clutch Pressure Sensor) and C1477-4B (Transfer Case Clutch - Over Temperature). The vehicle and its diagnostic logs are available for inspection. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The failure creates a risk of sudden loss of motive power while driving or a loss of the PARK function when stationary, both of which can lead to a collision. Furthermore, internal diagnostic data has recorded clutch plate temperatures as high as 437.1°F. This extreme thermal condition represents a significant fire hazard and the potential for mechanical seizure while the vehicle is in motion. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes. The problem was confirmed by Larry H. Miller Casa Chrysler Jeep after the 01C recall software was installed, which subsequently triggered the "TestFailed" status. Additionally, an independent inspection by Universal Transmission confirmed the specific PTU fault codes and verified that the overheating issue is originating from the PTU. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? The vehicle has been inspected by a manufacturer-authorized dealership (Larry H. Miller Casa Chrysler Jeep) and an independent service center (Universal Transmission). Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? Yes, the vehicle displayed "4WD Overheating," "Temp Unavailable," and "Service 4WD" warning lamps and messages. These symptoms were formally documented in technical scan reports beginning in early March 2026.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11729963April 8, 2026
POWER TRAIN
I took [XXX] into to Auffenburg of IL for the recall. They told me the code the car is throwing is not the recall code, but that it is a failure of the PTU, which is the recalled part. I have tried since March 2nd to get straight answers from Stellantis (Case number XXX jeep Cherokee, case manager [XXX] ). But This promise to get back with me has been going on for over a month with no real movement. Stellantis [XXX] Derek XXX Ashley Mansker (Who is leaving CDJR to work for their VW dealership) Copy of the letter sent from Ashley to me: Customer brought vehicle in for the Safety Recall 01C-2 Speed PTU Failure to be completed. While technician was attempting to complete the recall, the vehicle failed to finish the wiTech Routine. Vehicle would not shift into 4 High. Vehicle has a code in system as C14A7-97 - PTU Motor Component Or System Operation Obstructed Or Blocked. Would need to diagnose the current code, before continuing the Recall. Since vehicle will not finish the wiTECH routine, We can not complete recall. After routine is completed, there is two outcomes. Check for DTC C1494-07 (PTU Fork). ➢ If C1494-07 is set, replace the PTU. ➢ If no code C1494-07 is set, return the vehicle to the customer. Unfortunately, Without vehicle completing the recall, we can not replace PTU under recall. Except of call with Stellantis: February 27th. Now um the revision was not out yet. Uh, it was released March 18th. So on March 18th, it was a while. Yeah. If the vehicle arrives at the dealership with a PTU and uh dealership diagnosed and recommends that the PTU needed to be replaced 1st prior to doing the software update, it will be covered. It's on the revision. Okay. Okay, so I just want to make sure everything is clear and straightened out, so Colleen, don't worry anymore. We guarantee and assure you that your PT will be replaced for free, INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11729414April 6, 2026
POWER TRAIN
My power train unit warning light is on. I took it to a independent licensed auto mechanic that stated there are is a open recall on this vehicle for this part. I have went to the Jeep Dealership and was told to call jeep directly. After numerous calls Jeep denies there is a open recall on this part and refuses to repair this part on the recall and I will have to pay the entire cost of repair. I also researched a Safety Recall number W47, NHTSA number 20V-343PYU Input Spine. There is also NHTSA campaign number 25V)1 1000 and a Jeep recall number is 01C.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11729016April 3, 2026
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that the 4WD warning light was illuminated. There was an abnormal clunking sound coming from the vehicle while driving approximately 55-60 MPH and shifting gears. Upon research, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V011000 (Power Train). The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who confirmed that the VIN was not associated with the recall. The vehicle was diagnosed, and it was determined that the failure was with the power train. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 180,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11727244March 26, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, VISIBILITY/WIPER
The rear defroster or related electrical wiring in the rear glass/liftgate area appears to have malfunctioned and shorted, causing a fire while the vehicle was parked, turned off, and unattended. The fire resulted in the rear glass shattering/blowing out. The incident was recorded on a residential security camera. This posed a significant safety risk because the fire started while the vehicle was off, creating danger to occupants, bystanders, nearby vehicles, and surrounding property. There were no prior warning indicators, messages, or symptoms known before the failure. A dealership has inspected the vehicle and provided a repair estimate consistent with failure in the rear defroster/rear glass area. The vehicle and damaged components should be available for inspection. Based on the observed damage and location of the fire, this appears to be an electrical short involving the rear defroster system or related wiring.
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11726328March 23, 2026
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Cherokee. The vehicle was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V011000 (POWER TRAIN); and the vehicle jerked while driving before the vehicle lost automotive power. The vehicle was coasted to the shoulder of the roadway, where only reverse(R) functioned as designed. The vehicle was restarted but failed to operate as intended. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where the failure was associated with the recall repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 130,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11724973March 17, 2026
AIR BAGS
The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while she and her children were stopped at a light and making a left turn, another vehicle accelerated through the yellow light and collided with the front of her vehicle. The air bags did not deploy in her vehicle, but they deployed in the vehicle that collided with her vehicle. The contact stated no one in her vehicle sustained any injuries, and medical attention was not needed. The police arrived, and a police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11724283March 14, 2026
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, STEERING, POWER TRAIN
My Jeep veers left and right sharply while I drive. It does not take off pulling into traffic-I have to wait for total total clearance-there is no take off. My gas tank was filled three days ago and it is already below 50%. I drive 7 miles to and from work Monday-Friday, nowhere else. I have avoided several accidents due to these problems. These problems happen everyday. I have take it in to my jeep Dealership-Hendricks at least four times over the years and they drive it, say they find nothing and return it to me to bring back if the problems arise again. HELP before this car kills me.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11721853March 3, 2026
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, POWER TRAIN
Hi I bought a Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk 2018 at GM Motors (Old Bridge), I have on open recall and I take it to the dealer, Jeep Dodge Chrysler located at Bloomfiel, I talked to Tony the supervisor and they refused to fix it,this incident happened last July he told me come back in 6 months so in December when I get there he told me they have a lot of work call them in January, and when I call them last month they told me this recall have been released that was a lie, he told me any Jeep Dodge Chrysler have this part anywhere in the country, I said Oky I can try to get it I don’t have to pay for the installation he said no cause the part should from Chrysler, when I didn’t know yet if it was a recall whe I saw the light 4wd SVC coming up on my dash board he tried to charge me 1300$ for a recall they should repair for free
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11721568March 2, 2026
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Cherokee. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V011000 (POWER TRAIN). While driving at 30 MPH, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact exited the freeway and was driving uphill when they heard a loud pop coming from the front of the vehicle. The vehicle failed to accelerate, and the contact was unable to move the gear shifter or turn off the vehicle. The vehicle rolled to the side of the road. The contact removed the foot from the brake pedal, and the vehicle rolled backward with the gear shifter in park(P). The parking brake failed to function as intended. The contact depressed the brake pedal several times, and the vehicle failed to stop. Once the vehicle was pulled over onto gravel on the side of the road, the vehicle stopped. The message “Service 4WD” was displayed, and the Power Transfer Unit (PTU) warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the Power Transfer Unit (PTU) had failed. The vehicle remained at the dealer unrepaired. The dealer informed the contact, and the manufacturer requested that the dealer release the vehicle back to the owner. The contact was informed that two fault codes were retrieved; however, another code was not displayed, and the manufacturer stated that since the other code was not displayed, the VIN was not associated with NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V011000 (POWER TRAIN), and that the recall repair would not be performed. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 143,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11720749February 26, 2026
POWER TRAIN
The PTU (Power Transfer Unit) failed on my 2018 Jeep Cherokee causing AWD system malfunction. The dealership diagnosed the failure and advised repair. However, the replacement part is on national backorder with no estimated delivery date, and I was told it may take several months. The vehicle is not reliably drivable and I am left without transportation despite a known defect. Numerous owners are reportedly waiting for the same part. This represents a safety concern and failure to provide a timely repair remedy.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11720551February 25, 2026
POWER TRAIN
- The PTU has been making a grinding noise, and the car feels different to drive. - Other issues with a different model of this PTU involve the car rolling out of park or losing driving power while in motion. I do not believe this is an isolated issue with my vehicle, due to looked at forums and communities online with people having the same issue as me. This could put other drivers and me on the road at risk. - Grinding noise identified as PTU by ASE-certified tech. - Vehicle to be inspected by dealer 3/3/26 -Do not remember the date of first hearing the noise, but it has been present for a few days. Noise varies from super loud to absent. No warning lamps prior to failure or present.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11720255February 24, 2026
ENGINE
My 2018 Jeep Cherokee suffered a Power Transfer Unit (PTU) failure in February 2025 while my family was on vacation. The vehicle was delivered to Walker Jeep in Alexandria, Louisiana and has remained there for approximately one year. I reside in Texas, approximately five hours away. The failure involves the same PTU defect covered under Safety Recall 01C (NHTSA 25V-011). Stellantis’ Part 573 filing acknowledged the defect and scheduled final remedy notification in February 2026. After holding my vehicle for approximately 12 months awaiting recall remedy availability, I was recently informed that my vehicle does not qualify for recall coverage. Stellantis is now offering either a $4,000 buyback or requiring approximately $6,000 out-of-pocket for repair. The vehicle has been undriveable for one year due to a defect covered under a federal safety recall. I am requesting investigation into recall compliance, unreasonable delay of remedy, and denial of coverage after prolonged deprivation of use.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11719821February 23, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Have 1 safety recall, have taken to jeep dealer and they have confirmed PTU not working light on dash is valid and 4x4 is not working, but they will not order new PTU. Jeep has not offered loaner vehicle or to buy back vehicle that is a lemon! It has been over a year since recall was issued without any results!
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11718720February 18, 2026
POWER TRAIN, ENGINE
1. The Power Transfer Unit (PTU) and transfer case have failed. The vehicle was initially suspected to have a wheel bearing issue due to a howling noise during the test drive. However, after purchase, the noise worsened significantly. An independent repair shop diagnosed the vehicle and confirmed that the transfer case and bearings are defective and unsafe. The vehicle is currently at the dealership and is available for inspection upon request. 2. I was informed by a certified mechanic that the vehicle is unsafe to drive and poses a significant risk of crash due to transfer case failure. Failure of the transfer case and PTU can result in sudden loss of power, drivetrain lockup, or loss of vehicle control while driving. This placed my safety, my child’s safety, and others on the road at serious risk. I was specifically instructed not to drive the vehicle due to the hazard. 3.Yes. The problem was confirmed by both an independent repair shop and the selling dealership. The dealership acknowledged there is an active recall related to the PTU/transfer case and ordered a replacement transfer case. However, they stated the part is on national backorder with no current estimated availability due to the recall. 4. The vehicle has been inspected and diagnosed by an independent repair facility and is currently at the dealership where it was purchased for further inspection and recall-related repair. The dealership has acknowledged the recall and the need for transfer case replacement. 5.Yes. The primary symptom was a loud howling or whining noise coming from the drivetrain area, which began before purchase and was reported to the dealer during the test drive. The dealer initially stated it was a wheel bearing issue. After purchase, the noise progressively worsened over several weeks, leading to the diagnosis of transfer case failure. No warning lights appeared, but the audible noise was severe and consistent.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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