VehicleVerdict

2018 Jeep Cherokee transmission problems

The 2018 Jeep Cherokee has 289 transmission complaints filed with NHTSA — 29% of the year's total, and down from the prior model year.

289

Transmission complaints

29%

Share of year

1

Crash-involved

2

Related recalls

Transmission complaints by year

Related recalls

25V011000TransmissionApril 29, 2025 · 63,130 units

Defect

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Jeep Cherokee vehicles. The power transfer unit (PTU) may become damaged and disengage the transmission and differential, resulting in a loss of drive power and/or loss of park function.

Consequence

A loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash. A loss of park function can cause an unintended vehicle rollaway, which can increase the risk of a crash or injury.

Remedy

Dealers will update the drivetrain control module and PTU software and replace the PTU, as necessary free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning February 19, 2026. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is 01C.

18V494000TransmissionJuly 26, 2018 · 702 units

Defect

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Jeep Cherokee all-wheel-drive vehicles. The bearing cage for the right front halfshaft assembly may not have been properly heat treated, possibly resulting in the bearing cage breaking and a potential halfshaft assembly failure.

Consequence

If the halfshaft bearing cage breaks, the halfshaft may not be able to transmit engine power, causing a loss of drive or it can allow the vehicle to move while in the "Park" position. Either condition may increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front right halfshaft assemblies, free of charge. The recall began September 20, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U78.

What owners report

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 JEEP CHEROKEE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE FRONT AXLE FRACTURED CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO CRASH INTO A PARK VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · September 22, 2020 · crash

Common questions

How many transmission complaints does the 2018 Jeep Cherokee have?

NHTSA has 289 complaints about the 2018 Jeep Cherokee transmission — 29% of all complaints filed for that model year.

Are there recalls for the 2018 Jeep Cherokee transmission?

Yes — 2 NHTSA recall campaigns for this model year are tied to the transmission: 18V494000, 25V011000.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.