4.7

definitely annoying
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
22,836 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2018 Jeep Cherokee drivetrain problems

drivetrain problem

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2018 Jeep Cherokee Owner Comments (Page 1 of 9)

problem #173

Jul 152024

Cherokee

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Approximately 3 weeks ago had SVC 4WD light came on. I took it to my mechanic and was told they couldn't diagnose it because a special subscription has to be paid for to access what the Jeep code is. Was able to find a mechanic that could diagnose the Jeep code, turns out the PTU needs to be replaced at an estimate of $5,000. In researching it appears many others have this same problem and is a safety problem for those driving the car. Of course, part is back ordered so that indicates this is a major problem with Jeep.

- Hayward, CA, USA

problem #172

Jul 052024

Cherokee

  • miles
Vehicle started to make -??knocking-?? noises from front axle when going over bumps. Brought to a shop that stated the ball joints just needed to be greased up. The sound returned within 24 hours and become continuous while driving. The car begins to shake and feel unstable at speeds above 45/50mph. Brought vehicle in that day to a new shop, which diagnosed the problem as a faulty/broken Power Transfer Unit (aka transfer case). They advised that this piece was under a safety recall for my make and model. Upon contacting a local dealership, they informed me that the safety recall does not apply to my specific VIN, and that the part is on national back order. The second shop advised that I can still drive the car with the broken part, however I believe the car may pose a safety risk in its present form- especially considering the part in question is under safety recall for my make and model

- Pawtucket , RI, USA

problem #171

Jun 012024

Cherokee

  • 75,000 miles
The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, there was a chemical odor inside the cabin of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic who diagnosed that the front passenger-??s side half-shaft assembly was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V494000 (Power Train). The failure mileage was 75,000.

- West Seneca, NY, USA

problem #170

Jun 212024

Cherokee

  • 67,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, the message "Replace Shifter" was displayed. After restarting the vehicle, the message was no longer displayed. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent while starting the vehicle. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 67,000.

- Manchester, IA, USA

problem #169

May 312024

Cherokee

  • miles
This car has been in the shop multiple times for engine and transmission problems. Had a new transmission installed at 19000 miles. Now at 30000 the transmission has failed again. Car has multiple TPM, ABS, and power train issues that Jeep cannot correct.

- Waxhaw, NC, USA

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problem #168

May 012024

Cherokee

  • miles
SRV 4WD. Warning lamps. PTU internal failure. Other 2018 Jeep Cherokee on recall. Driving down highway at speed 75. 4 people in car. Disengaged gear. Almost hit an 18 wheeler. Death for sure.

- Colorado Springs, CO, USA

problem #167

May 292023

Cherokee

  • 80,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while the vehicle was running, the "Parking Brake On" and "Remove Parking Brake" messages were displayed; however, the parking brake was not engaged. The contact stated that several days later while the vehicle was running, the vehicle started rolling while the gear shifter was in park(P). The contact was able to stop the vehicle and the vehicle restarted. The contact stated that while driving later that day, the vehicle was not accelerating above 20 MPH. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with transmission failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a drivetrain failure, and it was recommended that the transmission, transfer unit, and rear differential be replaced. The contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 20E037000 (Power Train), and the contact was informed that the power transfer unit serial number was included in the recall, however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

- League City, TX, USA

problem #166

Apr 042024

Cherokee

  • miles
The shift lever lights are all illuminated red, the shift Service message appears on the dashboard, the error appears and disappears.

- Monroe, NC, USA

problem #165

Jan 042024

Cherokee

  • miles
The rear differential has failed on my Jeep after 42,000 miles. I tow this this vehicle behind a motorhome and it could have locked up or thrown parts and differential oil on the highway. It would be worse if it exploded while driving at highway speeds. It was replaced but failed again after only 900 miles. There are no parts available, Jeep has also changed suppliers, again with no parts available. It is now nearly April, with no ETA for a replacement part. There should be a recall on this part, as there are multiple incidents of similar failures on various Jeep websites. I paid $1,000 to Jeep out of pocket, as my powertrain warranty was 4 months past expiration. I contacted NHTSA in January about this and have not received a response as of yet.

- Deer Park, WA, USA

problem #164

Mar 112024

Cherokee

  • miles
All lights on shifter light up red (P, R, N, D) and an error message of "SERVICE SHIFTER." Come to find a lot of people are having this same issue.

- San Marcos, CA, USA

problem #163

Mar 062024

Cherokee

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Vehicle is driving as usual with no odors or sounds. 4wd unavailable light came on. The code for this states PTU is bad and must be replaced. Dealer quote is $5270 to replace. Apparently there was a recall on these for my car just not my year. Obviously there is a huge issue with this part. This vehicle is well maintained. There should be a warranty to cover this or the very least we should get a reimbursement. Please look into this. Also read the keep forums as this is a common issue. I thought keep was supposed to be a hearty vehicle. Very disappointed. I will be happy to provide receipt once I get my car back from dealer

- Clearwater , FL, USA

problem #162

Feb 092024

Cherokee

  • miles
My 2018 Jeep Cherokee with 88K miles on it. I heard a loud popping sound, and my car was jerking. Took it into the dealership for maintenance and I need to replace the rear diff and axle shaft. This could have locked up worse and caused an accident. I see that there are more complaints about this same problem.

- Silverton, OR, USA

problem #161

Feb 282023

Cherokee

  • miles
At exactly 37000 miles my service -??shifter light-?? comes on every 4-5 days. I-??ve noticed in the warmer months it comes on more frequently. During the cold winter it came on twice. It-??s becoming warmer again and it-??s popping up often. My husband has a 2017 jeep Cherokee with the same exact issue. Our dealership gave us no answer to this problem. Not sure why, i just hope this doesn-??t cause a major issue or hopefully a recall soon to fix this!

- Elgin, IL, USA

problem #160

Feb 152023

Cherokee

  • miles
2018 Jeep Cherokee The power transfer unit malfunctioned and had to be replaced. A warning light indicated that there was an issue. It cost more than $5000 and the part was on back-order for 2 months. The dealer explained that they had so many power transfer unit replacements they could not repair my car unit the back-ordered part arrived. I also paid $2000 or more in rental car fees during that time. This all occurred only a few months after the manufacturer's warranty had expired. The repair was completed at the dealer. I am filing this complaint because Jeep Cherokees from 2017 had a recall for power transfer units. My car was built in 2017. I believe the power transfer units in some of the 2018 Jeep Cherokees are also faulty. There are many, many posts online regarding this issue. I appreciate that you are able to look into this. Best Regards

- Pasadena, CA, USA

problem #159

Feb 092024

Cherokee

  • miles
My 4 wheel drive service light came on. I took it to the dealer and they said it will cost me 4000 dollars to be fixed, I checked on the internet and this has been and on going problem for the jeep cherokee car since 2014, In fact the ptu problem has recalls on some of these cars. I called the dodge corporation and they said my car was not under warranty and has not been recalled My car need to be recalled, this is a flaw in the cars design. If problem is not addressed sudden lost of motive power can potential cause vehicle to crash without prior warning. Lost of park function is at stake and can lead to unintended vehicle rollaways. The car is at the dealership to be fixed

- Franklin Park, NJ, USA

problem #158

Feb 012024

Cherokee

  • miles
Service shifter light comes on intermittently. Have noticed a -??catch-?? that occurs at times when accelerating when the light is on but not every time.

- Ladson, SC, USA

problem #157

Jan 042024

Cherokee

  • miles
My 2018 Jeep Cherokee rear differential started making an intermittent noise at about 35,000 miles. Now at 42,000 miles the dealership I purchased it new from has determined that the differential needs replacing. It is four months past the 5 year/60,000 mile power train warranty. There are no repair parts available, it is on back order with no ETA. This condition indicates to me that there may be a part recall in order for the rear differential failures, as there are no parts available in a nationwide search by my Jeep representative. Is there a history of known failures?

- Deer Park , WA, USA

problem #156

Oct 162023

Cherokee

  • miles
Failure of PTU while driving. Seems to be the same issue with the 2016-2017 that currently has a recall

- Duncan, OK, USA

problem #155

Aug 232023

Cherokee

  • miles
Service 4WD light came on. Vehicle was diagnosed at dealership and they advised the PTU needs to be replaced. This poses a serious risk for injury.

- Waukesha , WI, USA

problem #154

Dec 152022

Cherokee

  • 80,000 miles
The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost PTU functionality. Additionally, the service footwell drive warning light was illuminated. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V302000 (Power Train). The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who replaced the front drive shaft and the rear end of the vehicle; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

- Queen Creek, AZ, USA

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