2018 Jeep Cherokee power train problems
292 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the power train on the 2018 Jeep Cherokee — 43% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“My 2018 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk is subject to FCA Recall 01C/NHTSA 25V-011 for two-speed PTU failure. I have experienced 3 serious drivetrain events requiring towing. In April 2024, before the recall was announced, the vehicle suddenly lost acceleration while entering an interstate/on-ramp, with…”
filed Sep 3, 2026
“Noticed that while going slow and turning heard popping from the rear end. Had 3 different certified shops give me different answers to the cause. Had to attempt to find my wife a way to work. As stated previous We started at Becks for estimate and diagnosis. Then Daver Taylor transmission. Then I…”
filed Aug 26, 2026
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Related recalls
- Power transfer unit (PTU) may become damaged and disengage the transmission and…Campaign 25V011000 · Apr 29, 2025
- Bearing cage for the right front halfshaft assembly may not have been properly heat…Campaign 18V494000 · Jul 26, 2018
Related service bulletins
Unable to Complete 01C Recall Drive Cycle C14A7-97 Active Technicians may experience the following: SYMPTOM: ● After performing Recall 01C, the vehicle may get a 'Service AWD' message on the EVIC.
03-001-26 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jul 9, 2026Two Speed Power Transfer Unit Customers must experience a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illumination and the vehicle must SYMPTOM: exhibit/set the following Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC): ? C1494-07 - PTU Fork…
21-027-26 REV. A · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Apr 11, 2026(XX1) Two Speed Power Transfer Unit (PTU) - Select 2017 - 2019 Jeep Cherokee (KL)
14082 · Warranty Program/Extension · issued Apr 8, 2026(XX1) Two Speed Power Transfer Unit (PTU) - Select 2017 - 2019 Jeep Cherokee (KL)
14081 · Warranty Program/Extension · issued Apr 8, 2026(XX1) Two Speed Power Transfer Unit (PTU) - Select 2017 - 2019 Jeep Cherokee (KL)
14079 · Warranty Program/Extension · issued Apr 8, 2026
Power Train problems in other Cherokee years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 Cherokee | 27 | 54% |
| 2021 Cherokee | 93 | 57% |
| 2020 Cherokee | 170 | 57% |
| 2019 Cherokee | 801 | 49% |
| 2017 Cherokee | 646 | 48% |
| 2016 Cherokee | 629 | 45% |
| 2015 Cherokee | 1,002 | 56% |
| 2014 Cherokee | 1,468 | 56% |
| 2001 Cherokee | 24 | 10% |
| 2000 Cherokee | 29 | 8% |
| 1999 Cherokee | 53 | 14% |
| 1998 Cherokee | 65 | 16% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2018 Jeep Cherokee
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.