2018 Jeep Cherokee Problems: 9 Known Issues
2018 model year · 16,100+ owner reports · Updated November 2026
According to Au7o's analysis of 16,100+ owner reports, the 2018 Jeep Cherokee has 9 documented known issues, with 4 rated critical. The most serious are Excessive Oil Consumption (2.4L Tigershark) ($0-$8,500 repair), ZF 9-Speed Transmission Shifting Problems ($0-$6,500 repair), Engine Stalling (Multiple Causes) ($0-$2,500 repair) and Jeep Cherokee Cruise Control May Not Disengage — Recall 18V332000 (2014-2018). The most commonly reported issue is Excessive Oil Consumption (2.4L Tigershark) with 4,500 owner reports. Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $150 to $8,500. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
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All 9 Known Issues
NHTSA Recalls16 recalls
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2020 Jeep Gladiator and Jeep Cherokee, 2019-2020 Ram 1500 Pickup, Ram 2500 Pickup, Ram 3500 Pickup, Chrysler Pacifica, Dodge Durango, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Jeep Wrangler, and Jeep Renegade and 2019 Dodge Challenger vehicles equipped with 8.4" or 12" radio displays. A software error can cause the rearview camera image to remain displayed after the vehicle has been shifted out of reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rearview Mirrors."
STEERING:RACK AND PINION:RACK
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Jeep Cherokee vehicles. The steering rack gear may break, possibly causing a loss of steering control.
POWER TRAIN
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2023 Jeep Cherokee vehicles. The power transfer unit (PTU) may fail.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2022 Jeep Cherokee vehicles. The turn signal self-canceling feature may not function properly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Jeep Cherokee vehicles. An improperly secured connector for the right-side curtain air bag may prevent the air bag from deploying as intended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard numbers 214, "Side Impact Protection" and 226, "Ejection Mitigation."
+ 11 more recalls. Check all on NHTSA.gov
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common Jeep Cherokee problems?
According to Au7o's analysis of 16,100+ owner reports, the 2018 Jeep Cherokee has 9 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Excessive Oil Consumption (2.4L Tigershark), ZF 9-Speed Transmission Shifting Problems, Engine Stalling (Multiple Causes). Of these, 4 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
Is the Jeep Cherokee reliable?
The 2018 Jeep Cherokee has 9 known issues documented across 16,100+ owner reports. 4 issues are rated critical: Excessive Oil Consumption (2.4L Tigershark) and ZF 9-Speed Transmission Shifting Problems and Engine Stalling (Multiple Causes) and Jeep Cherokee Cruise Control May Not Disengage — Recall 18V332000 (2014-2018). Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
How much does it cost to fix common Jeep Cherokee problems?
Repair costs for known Jeep Cherokee issues range from $0 to $8,500, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, Excessive Oil Consumption (2.4L Tigershark), typically costs $0-$8,500 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
What is the 2014-2019 Jeep Cherokee Excessive Oil Consumption (2.4L Tigershark)?
The 2.4L Tigershark MultiAir engine suffers from defective piston rings allowing oil to burn in combustion chamber. Owners report consuming 1 quart per 1,000 miles. Engine can stall when oil falls below 3.5 quarts without warning light. Repairs typically run $0-$8,500. Severity: high.
What is the 2014-2019 Jeep Cherokee ZF 9-Speed Transmission Shifting Problems?
The ZF 948TE 9-speed automatic transmission exhibits harsh shifting, delayed engagement, and unexpected shifting into neutral. Early models (2014-2015) experienced the most severe issues. The transmission can unexpectedly shift into neutral while driving, creating a crash risk. Repairs typically run $0-$6,500. Severity: high.
What is the 2014-2023 Jeep Cherokee Engine Stalling (Multiple Causes)?
Several factors can cause sudden engine stalling, including low oil level (2.4L), VVT issues, faulty sensors, fuel system problems, and transmission-related stalling (2019 9-speed). Stalling typically emerges after ~1,000 miles. Repairs typically run $0-$2,500. Severity: high.
What is the 2014-2018 Jeep Cherokee Jeep Cherokee Cruise Control May Not Disengage — Recall 18V332000 (2014-2018)?
Recall 18V332 includes selected 2014–2018 Jeep Cherokee vehicles built November 5, 2012–December 17, 2017 with affected controller software. Controller software can retain a torque request if a short interrupts CAN-C communication while cruise control requests acceleration. Cance… Severity: high.
What is the 2014-2023 Jeep Cherokee Oil Filter Housing Leak (Pentastar V6)?
The plastic oil filter housing and cooler assembly on Pentastar V6 engines develops leaks due to thermal cycling. The plastic warps, becomes brittle, and cracks over time from constant engine heat exposure. Repairs typically run $700-$1,500. Severity: medium.
What is the 2014-2023 Jeep Cherokee CAN Bus Communication Failures?
The Cherokee's Controller Area Network (CAN bus) can lose communication between modules, triggering multiple warning lights and system failures at the same time. Common codes are U0001 and U0131, which point to wiring harness breaks or connector corrosion. Repairs typically run $150-$2,000. Severity: medium.
What is the 2014-2023 Jeep Cherokee Sunroof Drain Clogs and Water Leaks?
Sunroof drain tubes become clogged with debris, causing water to overflow into cabin. Drain hoses can become kinked or detached, allowing water into headliner. Leads to water damage, mold, electrical issues. Repairs typically run $0-$900. Severity: medium.
What is the 2014-2023 Jeep Cherokee Premature Brake Wear?
Front brake rotors warp prematurely (often around 25,000 miles) due to heat management issues. Soft rotors combined with harder pads and thermal cycling cause excessive wear. Corroded caliper slide pins make the problem worse. Repairs typically run $250-$800. Severity: medium.
What is the 2014-2023 Jeep Cherokee Headlight Condensation?
Moisture accumulates inside headlight housings when hot lamps are rapidly cooled (rain, car wash) or after warm, humid days followed by cool nights. While FCA considers minor condensation normal, excessive moisture or water droplets indicate seal failure. Repairs typically run $0-$1,200. Severity: low.
Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.