68 complaints reported

2018 Jeep Cherokee Engine

Owner-reported problems and safety issues filed with NHTSA. Review common failures, severity levels, and complaint trends over time.

Reports
68
Crashes
0
Fires
1
Injuries
0

Complaint Timeline

Chronological view of owner reports

Feb 2026

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.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2018 JEEP CHEROKEE, Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)
Incident: Feb 2025
Dec 2025

A common issue with Jeeps with plastic oil filter housing is the oil filter housing cracks leading to oil leaks and engine damage.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2018 JEEP CHEROKEE, Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)
Incident: Feb 2025
Nov 2025

The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while stopped at a red light and upon taking her foot off of the brake pedal, a message appeared on the instrument panel that stated "shift to park or neutral plus brake plus select a gear". No warning lights were illuminated. The contact was forced to restart the vehicle in order to continue driving. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 80,899.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2018 JEEP CHEROKEE, Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)
Incident: Nov 2025
Oct 2025

While driving the vehicle the engine loses total power and says to shift to park. No engine lights come on, no warning lights. Total loss of power is a serious issue - reading on the jeep forums this is not an uncommon problem. Have to try and safely get to the side of the road, put it in park, turn car off and attempts to restart take 1 to 6 tries. This has happened four times in 1 month

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2018 JEEP CHEROKEE, Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)
Incident: Oct 2025
Apr 2025

The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the contact smelled a burning odor. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle with oil filter housing cooler unit failure. The vehicle was repaired by a mobile independent mechanic with a part that the contact had purchased on Amazon. The contact stated that recently the vehicle was taken for maintenance, and the vehicle was diagnosed with oil filter housing cooler unit failure. The vehicle was not repaired for the most recent failure. The dealer was not made aware of the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 122,000.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2018 JEEP CHEROKEE, Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)
Incident: Dec 2024
Jan 2025

I have had several times where I will be driving and the engine cuts out and you lose all power and power steering. The screen comes up and says shift to park or neutral press brake + gear. I put in park and after few minutes it usually restarts on first try. The most recent i tried about 10 times and call toe truck. I live in northern maine and below zero temps and tow truck couldn't arrive for 4-5 hrs. I live in remote area and only 1 option and they were hours away. I was in the middle of the road and was blocking traffic for bigger vehicles. After about 30 minutes and many attempts it finally restarted. I immediately drove to garage and they scan for codes and there were none. It was starting normally and running fine.bbthis has happened driving in traffic at stop light or going very slow around sharp corners or after sitting and then taking off. There has been many scenarios all could cause traffic accidents as it is out of your control and you never know when it will happen. It's gone months without doing it and then it happen multiple times. I live in very remote are and drive to the city for appts and travel alot of times after dark and after hours to even get towed . I don't feel safe driving my vehicle anymore fear of accident, bad area, temperatures, being stranded with no cell phone coverage. I live on dirt road and can't always count on help right away. It's happened too many times where I don't feel safe in a vehicle I love. I have tried oil changes, spark plugs, battery and I know there was a few others and nothing works. This has been happening since 50k miles and now 127k. I want to keep this vehicle but not feeling safe. I another garage visit scheduled next week to see if there is anything else to try.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2018 JEEP CHEROKEE, Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)
Incident: Jan 2025
Jan 2025

After period of changes in cold and hot weather swinging from 70s to 30s car began to have a small oil leak. Took vehicle in for oil change at 120,xxx miles and no leak was found, over the next weeks the leak got worse and during driving the vehicle would intermittently display low oil pressure warning. After checking the dipstick there was very little oil. Vehicle was taken in for service (123,xxx miles) and it was found that the Oil Filter Housing had cracked. The Jeep Service Advisor stated that it was a common issue for Jeep vehicles with the 3.2L V6 over 80k miles. Oil was spilling out and down the engine filling the valley between cylinders and onto the exhaust which could possibly lead to fire or catastrophic engine failure due to oil starvation.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2018 JEEP CHEROKEE, Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)
Incident: Nov 2025
Dec 2024

See attached document for complaint

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2018 JEEP CHEROKEE, Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)
Incident: Jan 2024
Dec 2024

The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the check engine warning light intermittently flashed on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where a diagnostic test was performed, and the mechanic discovered a major oil leak coming from the vehicle. The contact was informed that the oil gasket covers, and oil coolant assembly needed to be replaced. The dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 100,012.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2018 JEEP CHEROKEE, Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)
Incident: Dec 2023
Oct 2024

SVC 4WD warning. Diagnosed at Jeep Dealership (Recommend replace due to CODE C14A7-97 - PTU Motor-Component or System Operation Obstructed or Blocked. Part is on a back-order status, the only information provided from the manufacturer is they are working to obtain part status. We have no ETA on part at this time.) Part is not available, and car can't be driven

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2018 JEEP CHEROKEE, Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)
Incident: Jan 2024
May 2024

2018 Jeep Cherokee Limited, 154k miles currently. Purchased vehicle from third party with under 100k miles. Vehicle maintenance was always done per manufacturer suggestions(from third party and myself), at 152k miles I noticed vehicle overheating when driving 25-55MPH (with AC off). Also noticed a reduction in the powertrain. Vehicle diagnostic done at local mechanic and cleared(no coolant leak, no oil leak engine was in good condition.) Oil change and other regular maintenance work done as well. Then engine eventually blew a gasket, and a hose resulting in me having to replace entire engine and other damaged components due to the engine being poorly built.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2018 JEEP CHEROKEE, Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)
Incident: Jun 2024
May 2023

Please note we are religious about vehicle care, maintenance and safety. What I describe was not due to lack of maintenance and had zero warning. In early April, we were driving our Jeep on State Route 69 in Arizona and from one moment to the next went from completely normal to engine heating, smoking and alerts telling us to turn off the vehicle immediately while we were driving 50 mph with no where to pull off. We were fortunate to be close to our local Costo in Prescott and coasted into the parking lot. We quickly learned we had no engine coolant but didn't understand why since we bring our Jeep in for routine oil changes, fluid, tire and brake checks. The following week our Jeep was towed to our mechanic who discovered the coolant hose had a hole in it caused by the friction created by it laying against the air filter. This was the original design of this vehicle and should have been recalled because there is no way of knowing you have a problem until something is about to explode. We are very fortunate the engine did not blow up and cause an accident as it very well could have. Because we thought Jeep had a good reputation, we reported this to them with photos of the damage, the repair bill, the sequence of events, our mechanics contact information if they wanted to talk to him, etc.. but they did not care and are not willing to assist. Our mechanic also shared that when he called the local Jeep dealer in our area, that they had these coolant hoses well stocked as if they know it's a problem yet they don't bother to recall these vehicles because of it. We speculate any accident involving the same design where the engine exploded or caught fire, is because of this problem, and Jeep needs to do something about it. We for one would like to be reimbursed for this ridiculous repair. We have to other very old vehicles (GMC w 270k miles and a Ford w over 400k miles), never have we had to replace the engine coolant hose.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2018 JEEP CHEROKEE, Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)
Incident: Aug 2023
Mar 2023

Car stalling while driving, under all kinds of conditions, loss of power steering,brakes. Vehicle unsafe to drive.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2018 JEEP CHEROKEE, Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)
Incident: Dec 2023
Feb 2023

The car burns oil too fast. When the car is low on oil, there is NO INDICATION and the engine will stop. Even when you are driving.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2018 JEEP CHEROKEE, Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)
Incident: Jan 2022
Nov 2022

My Jeep has been randomly stalling while driving in the city. The check engine light came on. I had to tow my Jeep to the dealer. They said it was because of low oil. I just had an oil change 3 weeks ago. The oil life was at 100% when I got the oil changed. When the car started to stall, it said 50% oil life. The dealer found no oil leaks. I have read on here that this has happened to several consumers with the 2018 Jeep Cherokee. Further investigation is needed on this issue.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2018 JEEP CHEROKEE, Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)
Incident: Nov 2022
Oct 2022

The indicator came on stating the engine was running hot. Turns out there was a leak in the radiator. My car is less than 4 years old and just hit 60,000 miles. Is this the normal life for a radiator? I feel like it might be faulty and should have lasted longer than 3.5 years.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2018 JEEP CHEROKEE, Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)
Incident: Oct 2022
Jun 2022

Service shifter light comes on and stuck in whatever gear due to all the lights light up and you don't know what gear it is in , TSB has been issued for jeep cherokee and dealership wants to charge diagnostic fee , this is a manufacturer defect and needs to be a recall !!! ASAP

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2018 JEEP CHEROKEE, Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)
Incident: Jul 2022
Apr 2022

Engine shuts of while driving

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2018 JEEP CHEROKEE, Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)
Incident: Apr 2018
Apr 2022

When the car detects low oil it shuts off. The engine sputters and the car will shut off- even when driving- causing a safety issue. There is NO LOW OIL indicator light. I had pulled from my street into a busy highway and the engine sputtered and turned itself off. I could not restart it. Happened today and also happened in December 2021.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2018 JEEP CHEROKEE, Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)
Incident: Apr 2022
Apr 2022 Fire

The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, she started to smell a burning odor. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact's father inspected the vehicle and noticed that the oil level was low; he also noticed that there was an oil leak but could not determine the location of the oil. The local dealer was contacted and made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V670000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2018 JEEP CHEROKEE, Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)
Incident: Jan 2022
Dec 2021

This vehicle is a 2018 jeep with 37700 miles on it. When driving the recently it would stall in traffic. Then it was difficult to restart for a few minutes then it would start again. But yesterday it stalled in city traffic and wouldnt restart. No error message on the dashboard. So i had to have it towed to the dealer. The dealers early assessment is that their significant oil loss in the engine. The engine appears to be damaged now. From the recent oil leak. Dealer stated its not from owner neglect or abuse of the vehicle. The engine shouldnt fail for a 3 year old car with 37,000 miles on it and no neglect. Its a manufacturers issue. This vehicle is my daughters college transportation. Thank God she wasnt rear ended when the car stalled and wouldnt restart.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2018 JEEP CHEROKEE, Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)
Incident: Dec 2021
Nov 2021

CAR TURNS OFF WHILE DRIVING. NO MAINTENANCE INDICATION ON DASH. I CHECK THE OIL AND THERE IS NO OIL EVEN AFTER A RECENT OIL CHANGE. ALL MAINTENANCE HAS BEEN WITH THE SAME DEALERSHIP CAR SERVICE. THIS HAS OCURRED 5 TIMES SINCE PURCHASE. CAR SERVICE TEAM HAS CHANGED MAINTENANCE FREQUENCY TO EVERY 1300 MILES TO MONITOR OIL CONSUMPTION BUT HAVE NOT DETERMINED ROOT CAUSE. AGAIN, THIS HAS HAPPENED WHILE DRIVING (ALL 5 TIMES) ON CITY STREETS.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2018 JEEP CHEROKEE, Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)
Incident: Sep 2021
Oct 2021

When turning and/or accelerating from a stop engine stalling and won’t turn on until after a few tries. Also, oil light for a split second and battery light once stalled. Have had numerous fresh oil changes and once about 50% life on oil give or take the car starts to have these problems.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2018 JEEP CHEROKEE, Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)
Incident: Oct 2021
Oct 2021

Car turn off on its own error code P2172 U1428 maybe throttle body. Other Jeep have a recall on this but my vin isn’t included.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2018 JEEP CHEROKEE, Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)
Incident: Jun 2021
Jun 2021

In two instances, I have been driving my car and the car dies. Both times there was no oil. I take my car for regular servicing and oil changes and have also taken it to the dealership as I felt it was burning oil too rapidly. They determined there was no issue but I am having to put 3+ quarts every 3000-5000 miles even with oil changes. But when the oil is low there is no indication and the car will die WHILE DRIVING.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2018 JEEP CHEROKEE, Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)
Incident: Jun 2021

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Quick Summary

The 2018 Jeep Cherokee has 68 Engine complaints on file. Review the timeline above for detailed owner experiences.