What 678 owners told NHTSA about the 2018 Jeep Cherokee

The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at 35 MPH, the vehicle shut off as several warning lights appeared on the instrument panel. The contact made multiple attempts to restart the vehicle but to no avail. The police arrived at the scene and helped to place the vehicle into neutral(N) and moved the vehicle off to the side of the road. Due to the failure, the vehicle was initially towed to the contact's home and was then towed to a dealer. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle with a failed alternator and PTU(Power Transfer Unit). The vehicle was towed back to the contact's home due to the cost of the repair. The contact called an independent mechanic who managed to replace the alternator. Although the contact managed to drive the vehicle once the alternator was replaced; the contact stated that the same warning lights including the 4WD warning message remained on the instrument panel. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V011000(Power Train); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be fully repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 118,000.

NHTSA ODI 11740839

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.

NHTSA ODI 11720255

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.

NHTSA ODI 11718720

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

NHTSA ODI 11707994

Due to the unresolved recall I have experienced alot of issues. The most terrifying is the loss of power, my jeep has just stopped moving sometimes allowing me to het to 30 mph but no more. This has happened to me 3x all of which were on the highway. I no longer have use of my 4wd, which is extremely frustrating since it was the only reason I purchased this vehicle. It has released itself from the parking position. And my "service shifter" light it constantly on. I did put my car in the shop over a year ago they "fixed" it, unfortunately it broke shortly after since it is a recalled part.

NHTSA ODI 11697520

Service 4wd came on. Has been on. Jeep dealership said the switch was bad, replaced and still on. Since then it has turned off while driving 6 times. Now all the time in traffic and when I try to park it will say service shifter. I contacted stellantis directly about this and the supposed recall they announced, but has no fix. They said it isn't their problem it is on the dealer. Not acceptable to make a car that I have to force myself daily not to be in an accident with. Most recent was today. Car died and stuttered to a stop in someone's yard. Power assist stearing goes away! And it is 2wd now.

NHTSA ODI 11659020

While driving my vehicle, the vehicle suddenly stopped accelerating. I pulled over and when I put it into park it felt like it was the transmission. However, I had the transmission inspected and there were no issues. Prior to the happening the "service 4WD" light kept coming on. After the incident, the vehicle could not be driven over 45mph, the steering was so stiff I could hardly turn it, and every time I put the vehicle into drive or park it would feel like the transmission was about to drop.

NHTSA ODI 11657620

Constant overheating , I have replace the cooling system 3 times

NHTSA ODI 11645742

The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds, the vehicle shut off unintendedly. The contact stated that while at a traffic light or while slowing down, the vehicle shut off unintendedly. The contact stated that after ten minutes, the vehicle was restarted but shut off while approaching a stop. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who determined that the failure was due to the battery. The battery was replaced, but the failure recurred. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 117,000.

NHTSA ODI 11645489

The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while driving 80 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to exceed 45 MPH without shaking violently. The 4-WD and check engine warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was stuck in 2-WD. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V011000 (Power Train); however, the VIN was not included. The local dealer was contacted, and an appointment was scheduled. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 100,651.

NHTSA ODI 11644125

2018 Jeep Cherokee has service shifter appearing multiple times in the last 2 months. It has lasted up to 3 days before resetting. My jeep has 78K miles and I'm the only owner. My jeep has randomly shut down completely while driving 65+ mph. When I restart it, the transmission makes a jerking motion and the rpms accelerate rapidly. Upon investigation I'm finding this is a HUGE problem with this model year, along with 2017 & 2019. THIS NEEDS TO BE RECALLED before someone dies from this jeep being in an accident with little to zero time to recover power!

NHTSA ODI 11642889

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

NHTSA ODI 11641734

When I take a turn or slam on my brakes sometimes my vehicle shuts off and flashes battery on the dash. Even though I’ve changed the battery I’m still having the same issue. I also have issues with my fuel level. The numbers jump around constantly and seem to not add up to the miles I drive.

NHTSA ODI 11641525

Service shifter message appears on screen over speedometer. All the gears light up red on the shifter. Unable to change gears unless you turn off the car and restart. Happens multiple times per year. When you search the internet this is a common occurrence and nothing is being done about it.

NHTSA ODI 11640249

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.

NHTSA ODI 11638100

Cracked Oil housing pump failure Fuel tube leak The car shifts while in drive it jumps like it gets stuck in a gear.

NHTSA ODI 11636080

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.

NHTSA ODI 11635743

There is an issue with the car pertaining the gear shifter and the way it effects the engine . There are currently 2k parts on back order for this same issue . Center shifter bezel Parts number 5YD27LS5AAA

NHTSA ODI 11634943

Oil leak found on driveway. 2018 Jeep Cherokee Limited taken in for an oil change and diagnosis. Jeep Cherokee has oil leaking into the oil filter housing. Oil filter housing is plastic and needs to be replaced with a metal housing and new gaskets, along with a coolant change and oil change. This appears to be a common failure. Repairs are costly.

NHTSA ODI 11630334

My jeep will stall without warning. If i turn, it stalls out, brake it stalls, turn the vehicle on hit the gas to go and step off the gas it stalls. Sometimes it won’t start or it will start then stall out. It’s without warning and has had me left on the side of the road multiple times after pushing it out of the way or trying to get it to start again. I’ve had the computer plugged up to it and even the mechanics said they haven’t seen this before. I’ve had the individual parts to the engine tested, they work just fine such as alternator. I will just randomly lose power while driving. I also have the random Gear Shifter Error that it seems every Jeep owner is going through.

NHTSA ODI 11622300

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

NHTSA ODI 11620433

The vehicle consume too much oil .it completely run out of oil after driving a 1000 mile only .the engine stop suddenly while driving which put my safety in danger .because it happened when the vehicle engine stop running in the highway in the middle of traffic. I call the manufacturer they said there is a recall (W20 )for this car regarding those issue . And they said once they update the car software those issues should be resolved. But afterwards the same issue still happenings. The car currently only has 32k miles .those problems started back on March 2024 when.the car has only 24k miles

NHTSA ODI 11600979

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.

NHTSA ODI 11591161

Fuel flooding engine and ruining catalytic converter

NHTSA ODI 11582896

This was a jeep sold to me with active recalls

NHTSA ODI 11572008