What 685 owners told NHTSA about the 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk

My 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland is experiencing serious electrical malfunctions related to the Uconnect radio head unit. This component appears to control or influence multiple vehicle systems beyond just audio, including climate control, backup camera, navigation, and possibly driver assistance features. The system malfunctions frequently and erratically — settings change on their own, the screen goes black or freezes, and controls become unresponsive while driving. These distractions create a serious safety hazard, as I am forced to take my attention off the road to regain control of basic functions like defrost or audio volume. I have discovered that this issue is widely reported by thousands of Jeep owners from this model year and earlier, particularly those with Uconnect systems. Jeep has refused to address or recall the problem despite it clearly impacting driving safety and vehicle usability. This malfunction significantly impairs my ability to operate the vehicle safely. I respectfully request that NHTSA investigate this issue as a potential safety defect. I have taken my car to the dealership and was advised that the whole radio unit needs to be completely replace. I have contacted Jeep and inquired about it, they told me they are aware of the issue but at this time, unless the car is under warranty, they do not offer any financial assistance. And it is a rather expensive issue to fix considering there is no fault of the car owners that the items installed in their vehicles are faulty.

NHTSA ODI 11679192

I purchased a 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee on [XXX] unaware that the vehicle was subject to a federal safety recall and stop-sale order. The recall (NHTSA 24V-838 / Manufacturer 94B) was issued on November 7, 2024, for a defect in the ABS control module that may disable the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), and cause unintended vehicle movement even while stationary. A stop-sale order (VIR 2024-11-14) was issued by Stellantis on November 14, 2024, prohibiting the sale or delivery of affected vehicles until repaired. Despite this, the dealership sold me the vehicle while the recall was still open and unrepaired. In the months following my purchase, I began experiencing issues with the Electronic Throttle Control (ETC). On June 15, 2025, I paid $770 out-of-pocket for ETC sensor repairs after a loss of throttle response. The vehicle has not yet been inspected by the manufacturer, but this defect may be linked to the broader electronic issues cited in the recall. No warning lights appeared in advance. I have been driving this vehicle daily without knowing it could malfunction in a way that puts myself and others at risk. I only learned of the recall on June 22, 2025, when I searched the VIN through NHTSA’s database. This has caused emotional distress, financial harm, and a complete loss of trust in the vehicle’s safety. I am seeking appropriate accountability for the illegal sale of this recalled vehicle and want to ensure others are not put in similar danger. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11668509

I was driving my 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 4x4 on the highway at approximately 65-70 MPH, when suddenly the car started sputtering and my check engine light came on and started blinking. The car was essentially not drivable, so I pulled over at a gas station and had the car towed. This is dangerous as I was going uphill, and could have caused an accident, or worse. I did not have a check engine light prior to this! The next day the car was inspected and diagnosed by independent service center, who said there was a cylinder 4 engine misfire, so they replaced the spark plugs and the coils. Car was fixed, or so I thought, fast forward a couple months later while driving to work, same issue (misfires and sputtering) occurs again and coolant now runs low even though there are no visible signs of coolant leakage. I spoke to the independent service center and they mentioned there might be an issue with the engine such as a head gasket or fuel system. I got the Jeep towed to get checked, it was confirmed that it was an engine issue, especially the head gasket, camshaft, pistons, and lifters, and that I was going to need a new engine and it would cost between $8500 - 13000. My Jeep has approximately 83K miles. The issues I describe here with this engine are all similar to those that have been reported.

NHTSA ODI 11668153

The 2018 grand Cherokee has issues with mother board and electrical ghosts. 1st it was headlights and dome lights. they would flicker. i had to change the front lights 2x in a year. i thought this was odd. never did this with any car before. then I was driving home from work during rush hour and it started to rain. started the wipers front and back. the back wiper started and went halfway and got stuck. what happen? the front wipers went on for several revolutions (say 10-20 ) then stopped. started again. then stopped again. the rain intensity grew. Now the -wipers would only work when turned in opposite direction (the manual 1 pass move). this happened as i was trying to get home and stuck bumper to bumper on [XXX] . on this dangerous highway in middle of now a torrential downpour the front wipers now decided it wouldn't work AT ALL. i couldn't see anything and veered off to the shoulder thank god - waiting for rain to stop and then safely proceeded home. the next day the wipers worked. no check engine or anything. this goes on for a week or so with no issue. then out of nowhere the driver seat decides it has a mind of its own and pushes me all the way to the steering column. it wouldn't return when pushing the back button. i had to drive like that for my trip and then it magically went back upon restart. i take to dealer. pump motors bad on front and back. i say not sure your correct and explain. motor changed on front. not fixed. ok we think its the BCM. changed not fixed. finally the PDM was changed and wow it worked. 2 weeks at dealer and this shows that this issue with the control module is certainly risking peoples safety. i hope Jeep does the right thing and prevents a serious catastrophic event. read on the jeep electric issues and my vehicle had a previous "corrected" recall for Electrical Cruise Control. I dont think the fireware updates or software changes fixed all the bugs. be safe out there jeep INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11666425

The main screen in the vehicle delaminated and caused quite a number of issues. Heated seats would randomly turn on and off and the temp on gbe seats would not go down, phone would call people over and over including 911, compartment heat would randomly turn on the highest setting and would not turn down, goo like substance came out of screen into the storage compartment below the screen, getting all over items stored. The radio would constantly change stations. All the issues became true safety hazards. I called their 800# and was referred to a dealer who charged me over $1000 with no remorse from Jeep. I am a 25 year owner of jeeps and not too pleased with the lack of response from Jeep. My next car will not be a Jeep!

NHTSA ODI 11662037

Uconnect 8.4" infotainment screen is delaminating. This causes the touch screen to randomly press buttons during driving. This can make calls to contacts, or emergency numbers during driving. This can change settings at random during driving like seating heat, radio stations, other vehicles settings such as drive assistant software, turning on and off, blind spot notifications, lane assist, etc. Very distracting for a driver to continue to try and drive while focusing on what just happened or what was just changed. If your phone is connected to the device, it can call 911, or other contacts change volume setting, get stuck to where you can't change them. gain very distract and a safety concern. It is a well know issue with this model. This issue is no longer being fixed by service center or dealer without a 1500-2500$ service fee. This seem like a manufacturing defect and major safety concern while driving.

NHTSA ODI 11654621

I just bought this vehicle in February. Since then, about 4 times while driving when i came to a stop the car will not accelerate and the screen tells me to put car in “P” then shift into gear. One time I had to restart the car to put into gear. Then the car drives again.

NHTSA ODI 11652673

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The infotainment system touchscreen (Uconnect) in my Jeep Grand Cherokee is experiencing delamination and ghost touch issues. The screen randomly activates functions such as adjusting the climate control temperature, changing radio stations, or toggling other system settings without any input. This component is still installed in the vehicle and available for inspection upon request. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? While driving, the infotainment system automatically and unpredictably changes settings due to ghost touches. This includes increasing or decreasing cabin temperature, activating seat heaters or defrosters, and switching media sources, all without driver input. This is a major distraction and forces me to divert my attention from the road to regain control of the system, increasing the risk of an accident. Additionally, sudden temperature changes or screen flashes could startle the driver or affect visibility and focus, especially at night. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes, the issue has been reproduced and acknowledged by the dealership during service visits. The ghost touch issue was observed in real-time by a technician. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? The vehicle has been inspected by the authorized Jeep dealership. However, the manufacturer has not provided a definitive fix or recall for the issue at the time of this report. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? There were no warning lamps or messages. The first symptoms appeared as minor screen glitches and unresponsive touch commands. Over time, the issue escalated to consistent ghost touches and screen delamination

NHTSA ODI 11650243

While driving on the expressway, traffic stopped and on the dashboard it said shift to park and the jeep completely turned off. I was in the middle of the expressway so it was scary, I’m glad we were stopped since it was rush hour. The truck turned on right away. I took it to the dealer a couple of days later and they didn’t find the issue. I’m still nervous driving my truck because I’m scared it might happen again

NHTSA ODI 11649355

Component Failure: The control screen is going through a process of delamination. It creates "ghost touches" and behaves erratically. Safety at Risk: In one instance the backup camera came on and stayed on randomly, while I was driving forward. Another time it activated the phone and began calling down the contact list. It called, then hung up. Dialed the next person and hung up. And continued through the contact list. People began "returning my call" and it got worse. I was driving on the interstate during heavy traffic and couldn't just pull over anywhere. It was distracting, alarming, and unnerving. It also randomly turns the radio on. It will randomly change heat/ac turning it on/off. Turns the heated/cooled seats on/off. All of the controls in that panel are subject to these ghost touches. It's distracting when driving but also could be dangerous. Dealership Confirmed: The dealership has looked at it, analyzed it, and confirmed the issue. They see it frequently. Jeep customer service is kicks you to the dealer and the dealer kicks you to customer service. No resolution except to pay out of pocket for this manufacturing defect. Warnings or Symptoms: There was no warning that the delamination was going to occur. And it first happened at the end of 2024. My car is a 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee.

NHTSA ODI 11647672

My Jeep began having issues with the stability control light coming on. And the my brake lights would come on. and some notification around ABS brakes. Took it to a dealer and they said they couldn't fix it was part of a recall. A couple days later, I received the recall notice. The recall states there is no remedy. I have stopped driving my car because the brake lights come on intermittently and when I park someone where the lights will stay on for a long period of time. Sometimes they go off, sometimes not. The stability control light and check engine light remain on - unknown if the light is just on or if there is an issue. Jeep is offering no remedy other than they tell me to contact the dealer who tells me Jeep has not come up with a remedy. I can't sell the car like this, or trade in without losing money. I have no idea what to do at this point.

NHTSA ODI 11646929

Shifter park select a gear and engine lights on

NHTSA ODI 11642030

This vehicle needs a new transmission. Dealership cannot locate one to fix. What should be my next steps, it's my daughters vehicle. Who needs tp get back and from HS, Collage class, cheer and work.

NHTSA ODI 11639769

UConnect screen delamination is causing "ghost touching" in system. Climate control, phone, music, vehicle controls - including air suspension settings, are all impacted depending on particular event. Some are just annoyance, some are safety concerns. Air suspension height adjustments and off road settings can be controlled in the UConnect screens. THE ONLY way to lock the air suspension for towing or jacking (tire repair, oil change, etc.) is through the UConnect screens. There are 1,000's of complaints about this system issue on Jeep forums, and I was surprised at the lack of NHTSA complaints when I logged in to see the status. I have video's of the system ghosting on several different screens on different dates if you'd like to have them please provide a link to upload or an email to send them too.

NHTSA ODI 11633709

Radio screen delaminating and causing ghost touching. Dials unwanted phone calls. Turns the AC on when its negative outside and vice versa during the summer it was turning the heat on. Very distracting and hazardous. I have children in the vehicle and it has been a hazard multiple times.

NHTSA ODI 11629212

All-wheel drive is no longer working due to messages stating "service anti-lock brake system," "service air suspension immediately," and check engine light. All lights and cautionary messages came on at the exact same moment while coming out of park over a year ago. I have had the vehicle repaired twice, and the dealership says, "It is a wiring issue," but within a month after being repaired each time, the messages and issues begin happening again.

NHTSA ODI 11629215

The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the air condition system independently turned on high regardless of the temperature the system was set to. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed that the U-connect entertainment center needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.

NHTSA ODI 11629293

The radio randomly changes every 5 seconds, the beeping will drive a person insane, blutooth will hang up or not allow me to answer or call out. The seat warmers turn on randomly as well and i’m unable to lower the temp or turn them off. A/C in the winter and heat the summer. auto start doesn’t work cuz vehicle shuts itself off after 30s - 1 min and navigation is useless cuz of this electrical gremlin. How long before it accelerates by itself or cuts the engine while I’m on the freeway. Safety HAZARD

NHTSA ODI 11628953

The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that while taking driving from a stop, the vehicle briefly began to accelerate but then suddenly lost motive power. The contact was stuck in the middle of the roadway, where the vehicle failed to restart. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, there was an audible clicking sound coming from the engine compartment. The Engine STOP/START warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the Engine STOP/START system, resulting in damages to the auxiliary battery and the starter. The contact was informed that the auxiliary battery had a damaged cell, and that the engine starter had a short circuit. The vehicle was not repaired but parts to repair the vehicle were ordered. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 90,000.

NHTSA ODI 11621524

Hello first the vehicle is stock and only has 80k miles. the battery jumper terminals become scorching hot as I got burned by touching them when I inspected the engine area because you can smell a light burn smell. So I have had a mechanic check The vehicles battery and he told me it's getting over charged by the alternator which is is regulated by the internal computer which is extremely pricey to replace. I looked into previous recalls and chrysler had defective parts in Chrysler's recall # U87. I was told by Chrysler my vin was not effected but I feel this is in error as I'm having the exact issue in the mentioned recall.

NHTSA ODI 11619667

The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the START/STOP, and check engine warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that one of the spark plugs was misfiring and the ignition coils might need to be replaced. The independent mechanic requested to perform another diagnostic test on the vehicle and discovered that there was a blown head gasket and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 95,000.

NHTSA ODI 11617583

Battery drain. Two (2) new batteries installed Aux and Main battery bought/installed February 2024. I am still having battery drainage issues.

NHTSA ODI 11610482

I was driving to work with the heated seat on. I began to feel my lower back getting extremely hot. I leaned forward and when I did I could smell something burning and my back began to burn. I quickly pulled over and jumped out of the car as quickly as possibly to see that my seat had physical flame coming from it. I contacted Jeep about the situation and was ultimately told it was somehow not a manufacturing issue. In addition to the seat fire my touch screen has completely delaminated and sometimes works and sometimes doesn’t. Making it a safety hazard with the back up camera only showing when screen is operational. The screen also does things on its own. Changing radio stations, blasting radio volume, turning on/off. This is extremely distracting while driving.

NHTSA ODI 11609997

While driving, all the light on the dashboard come on. When this happens the speedometer is not working the windshield wipers come on. The emergency brake light is on, the car shifts out of gear and the turning signals don't work and the hazard lights won't work. This is all happening at the same time. I'm unable to inform people on the road that I'm in distress because my hazard light won't work I don't know how fast or slow I'm going. I can't inform the people on the road that I want to change lanes. Then after a while all the lights on the dashboard would go out and the check engine light would remain on for maybe two days and than go out. This problem has been going on since January I have paid thousands of dollars attempting to get this problem fixed. My car has been back and forth to the same Chrysler central Ave dealership where I purchased my 2018 jeep grand Cherokee to which I'm still paying for.

NHTSA ODI 11604625

My jeep has stalled on me twice attempting to go through a stop sign at a busy intersection as soon as I slowed the jeep down and then accelerated to go through the stop sign it stalled on a major hwy. no lights come on and the automatic shutoff button is turned off And for the past month the jeep hasn’t started without either a jump or sitting a while after it was hooked to another vehicle.

NHTSA ODI 11593277