10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
6 / 2
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
9,725 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 Grand Cherokee engine problems

engine problem

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2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Owner Comments (Page 1 of 6)

problem #111

Feb 272026

Grand Cherokee

  • miles

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

1. The issue involved the engine and emissions system, specifically a cylinder 3 misfire, accompanied by illumination of the check engine light and white smoke emitted from the exhaust. The vehicle was evaluated by an authorized Jeep dealership, which confirmed the cylinder misfire through diagnostic testing. At that time, per the diagnosis, coil 3 and all spark plugs were exchanged. This did not solve the issue. When picking up the car, check engine light was still illuminated and white smoke emitted from the exhaust. The affected components are in possession of the dealership, unsure if available upon request. 2. The engine misfire and associated white exhaust smoke created a risk of engine performance degradation, including potential loss of power, observed hesitation and stalling, which could impact the ability to safely operate the vehicle in traffic. Additionally, white smoke from the exhaust can impair visibility for surrounding drivers and may indicate an underlying engine condition that could worsen without warning, increasing the risk to the driver and others sharing the roadway. The chemical smell could also nauseate the person operating their vehicle, impeding their awareness and concentration. 3. This issue was proposed by an authorized Jeep dealership, then confirmed by two other mechanics. Dealer diagnostic records document the cylinder 3 misfire and investigation related to the check engine light and exhaust condition. 4. No inspection from manufacturer, police, or insurance representative. 5. Yes, the check engine light illuminated and the vehicle exhibited white smoke from the exhaust which prompted the service visit. Auto-start was not functioning as normal, with an error displayed on screen. Engine would sometimes stall upon start up during cold temperature days. NOTE: vehicle is currently with another mechanic awaiting an engine replacement, will upload that invoice once available.

- Hawthorne, NJ, USA

problem #110

Mar 012026

Grand Cherokee

  • miles
Had the ABS Module repaired due to recall last week. Next, I have had 3 instances of the Accelerator sticking when shifting gears and, this never happened before this service.

- Bellevue, WA, USA

problem #109

Feb 012026

Grand Cherokee

  • miles
Issue with camshaft. Dealership said there has been an influx of vehicles with the same engine and the same issues.

- Glenwood, MN, USA

problem #108

Nov 262025

Grand Cherokee

  • miles

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

While driving this vehicle under normal conditions, the engine developed abnormal ticking/knocking noises, loss of power, and misfire symptoms that progressively worsened. The vehicle was frequently used to transport children. Due to the nature of the failure and unpredictability of progression, continued operation posed a serious safety risk. An authorized dealer later confirmed that the engine suffered a catastrophic internal valvetrain failure involving collapsed lifters/rocker arms and severely damaged camshafts. The dealer technician explicitly stated this failure mode is -??typical-?? for this engine design and documented progressive internal damage affecting both cylinder banks, not an isolated component. This failure mode is not sudden; it develops gradually over tens of thousands of miles and can lead to sudden engine power loss, stalling, or seizure without warning. A loss of propulsion at highway speed, during lane changes, intersections, or while transporting children creates a clear risk of crash, injury, or worse. There was no evidence of driver abuse, lack of maintenance, lubrication failure, or misuse. The dealer confirmed oil condition and service history were appropriate. The defect appears to be internal, latent, and manufacturing-related, consistent with numerous consumer complaints, technical service bulletins, and ongoing litigation involving this engine family. Had the vehicle continued to be driven, the failure could have escalated to: -??Sudden loss of engine power at speed -??Inability to accelerate to avoid hazards -??Engine seizure causing loss of steering assist -??Increased crash risk with child passengers onboard The vehicle was removed from service due to safety concerns. This defect is repeatable, predictable, and well-documented, yet not subject to recall at this time. I am reporting this to support investigation into a systemic engine defect that presents a serious safety risk to drivers and passengers.

- Zanesville , OH, USA

problem #107

Jan 212026

Grand Cherokee

  • miles
Warped cylinder head without engine overheating. Cylinder 4 misfire.

- Sacramento, CA, USA

problem #106

Jan 192026

Grand Cherokee

  • miles
The check engine light keeps coming on. The Jeep repair shop says that it has to do with the flap on the gas tank where you put the gas in. Hence, the repair light keeps coming on so you never know if its real and needs to be addressed or if its the gas tank issue again

- Dallas, TX, USA

problem #105

Sep 012025

Grand Cherokee

  • miles

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

I purchased my Jeep in 2023 and have consistently stayed up to date on all required maintenance. I had no issues with the vehicle until recently, when the check engine light and the start/stop warning appeared out of nowhere. After inspection, the mechanic determined that the entire engine needs to be replaced due to severe coolant leakage. My vehicle has now been in the repair shop for over three months because the engine is on national backorder. I contacted the dealership, but they dismissed my concerns and told me that once the car is purchased, it-??s no longer their responsibility. I then reached out to the manufacturer requesting a goodwill resolution, given the unreasonable repair delay and the national backorder of such a critical component. Lemon law mileage limits do not apply to goodwill assistance, trade-in support, or corporate escalations. Despite this, the manufacturer has refused to provide any explanation or documentation for why they cannot assist and it has been three months with no progress. There were no warnings or indicators that something was failing internally, and my mechanic confirmed there was absolutely nothing I could have done to prevent this. I-??ve also seen numerous reports of this same issue affecting my specific make and model. Stellantis needs to take accountability. It is completely unfair that I am left without reliable transportation for months over an issue that was entirely out of my control.

- Huntersville, NC, USA

problem #104

Sep 082025

Grand Cherokee

  • miles
In September 2025, the vehicle was shaking upon idle when we started it. We did a test and learned it was somehow losing coolant. We took it to a mechanic who discovered it was burning coolant in the 5th cylinder. They diagnosed the issue as blown head gaskets caused by the engine being machined incorrectly by the manufacturer. This resulted in the need for a short block removal and replacement, resurfacing the cylinder heads, replacing the head gaskets, among with many smaller repairs. The cost was over $8,000 total for a manufacturing error. If left unresolved, this could have caused further mechanical issues and potentially a crash or other safety issues.

- Richmond, UT, USA

problem #103

Sep 172025

Grand Cherokee

  • miles
My 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee suffered a sudden, catastrophic engine failure with no warning lights or alerts. Dealer confirmed the engine seized from overheating and cannot be repaired-?"replacement engines are on national backorder. This is my only vehicle, I-??m 7 months pregnant, and I-??ve been without transportation for 30+ days. This appears to be a widespread 3.6L Pentastar defect and a serious safety concern.

- San Diego, CA, USA

problem #102

Sep 242025

Grand Cherokee

  • miles
Water pump failure.

- Austin, TX, USA

problem #101

Jul 102025

Grand Cherokee

  • miles

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

CAM shaft and yes it is available to be looked at. The vehicle was misdiagnosed multiple times and sent back home with the same error code while fixing other items that were not the root cause of the issue. The engine light was on with the misfire code when I brought it in and was repeatedly sent home and within 20 miles the same code returned.

- Oriskany Falls, NY, USA

problem #100

Aug 152025

Grand Cherokee

  • miles
TURBO supply line broke causing coolant to go all over the engine.

- Tucson, AZ, USA

problem #99

Apr 082025

Grand Cherokee

  • miles
The vehicle experienced a failure of the engine lifters/rocker arms, which also caused failure of the intake camshaft. This resulted in severe misfires, loss of power, and left the vehicle completely inoperable. The failure created a hazardous situation when the vehicle lost acceleration and was unable to maintain safe driving speeds, placing my safety and the safety of others at risk of collision. The problem was confirmed by Lou-??s Car Care and multiple Stellantis dealerships, including Maguire Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram. All inspections identified failed rocker arms/lifters and the intake camshaft as the cause of the malfunction. Critically, Stellantis no longer produces replacement intake camshafts for this engine, and the part is listed as indefinitely back ordered and unavailable. This means there is no factory fix, leaving the vehicle permanently disabled. Prior to the failure, the only symptom was a faint ticking noise from the engine. No warning lights or dashboard messages appeared before the incident. The problem escalated suddenly without adequate warning, causing the vehicle to lose power unexpectedly. This failure has caused severe negative consequences for me and my family. Because the vehicle became inoperable and the repair could not be completed, I lost my job due to lack of reliable transportation. I also experienced financial hardship, including losing my vehicle to repossession. My family, including my newborn child, was left without dependable transportation, which created additional safety concerns in emergencies. The failed components remain available for inspection upon request. This issue is widespread across Stellantis vehicles yet has not been addressed through a recall, despite the fact that the defect can cause sudden stalling or total engine failure at unsafe speeds. The unavailability of replacement camshafts means affected vehicles cannot be repaired at all, leaving owners stranded and financially devastated.

- Camillus, NY, USA

problem #98

May 172025

Grand Cherokee

  • miles
Since the beginning of this year, vehicle began to misfire. So far I have spent over $2000 in repairs including replacing spark plugs, ignition coils, fuel injectors and oil cooler and vehicle continues to misfire and blow white smoke from exhaust. I have been advised that it may be a head gasket issue, which could cost anywhere from $3000 to $5000 but could cost more in the event the engine needs to be completely replaced.

- Austin, TX, USA

problem #97

May 102025

Grand Cherokee

  • miles
Rockers & cam shaft are worn and making ticking noise. I only have 86k on my 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee, and am diligent with upkeep on the maintenance. This is a very known issue and should be recalled as I have not driven it anymore to prevent further damage to the engine, and also don't have the funds to fork out almost 5k.

- Cheney, WA, USA

problem #96

Jan 312025

Grand Cherokee

  • miles
I have been without a vehicle for over 5 months. Paying on a vehicle that I cannot even get out of the garage. Paying storage insurance on a vehicle. There is a major issue with camshafts right now. I have had the spark plugs changed, coils, oil and I was waiting on the camshaft which is on back order for who knows how long. This needs to be addressed and recalled. With the amount being over 14,000 parts on back order I think this should be recalled. Even people who have had the camshaft fixed are still having engine issues with the 3.6L. Please do something about this, I have put so much money into this and I need a vehicle. At 75,000 miles this should not be happening.

- Baraga, MI, USA

problem #95

Apr 012025

Grand Cherokee

  • miles
As many others have reported, only 56K miles on this 3.6L Grand Cherokee. When I engage the passing gear an auto stop/start light comes on on the dash followed by the check engine light. Vehicle rides very rough (from a misfire). Taken to an independent shop; they changed plugs and coils but the problem persists. Also a knocking / ticking noise can be heard when accelerating.

- Wheaton, IL, USA

problem #94

Jun 202025

Grand Cherokee

  • miles
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.

- Bellflower, CA, USA

problem #93

Jun 082025

Grand Cherokee

  • miles
The Head gaskets are leaking. Cost of parts to replace is $200 and cost of LABOR is over $4000 quoted from Cross Motors Jeep.

- Crestwood, KY, USA

problem #92

May 202025

Grand Cherokee

  • miles
Head gasket/engine failure. Constant check engine light. First it was for a misfire and my engine was overheating. Had oil clogging the filter even though it was changed within the appropriate mileage. I got the check engine fixed April of 2024. May 20,2025, head gasket blew, causing me to now have to replace my engine completely. Same issues as previously reported

- Suffern, NY, USA

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