2018 Jeep Cherokee

Here’s a breakdown of common issues and complaints for the 2018 Jeep Cherokee, categorized and formatted as requested.

The 2018 Jeep Cherokee is a compact SUV offering a balance of on-road comfort and off-road capability. It was available with three engine options: a 2.4L Tigershark inline-4 producing 184 horsepower and 171 lb-ft of torque, a 3.2L Pentastar V6 producing 271 horsepower and 239 lb-ft of torque, and a 2.0L turbocharged inline-4 producing 270 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. All engines were paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission. Owners often appreciate the Cherokee’s comfortable ride, user-friendly infotainment system, and available four-wheel-drive systems. Common dislikes include the sometimes-sluggish 9-speed transmission and relatively small cargo area compared to competitors.

Category: Engine

2.4L Tigershark I4

• Excessive Oil Consumption
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners report the 2.4L engine consuming excessive amounts of oil, sometimes requiring top-offs between oil changes. This can lead to engine damage if not monitored.
  • Solution: Some dealerships may perform an oil consumption test and potentially replace piston rings or the entire engine.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $5,000+ for engine replacement. Piston ring replacement cost can be in the $1,500 - $3,000 range.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Engine Stalling
  • Description/Symptoms: Sudden stalling while driving, often without warning lights.
  • Solution: The Powertrain Control Module may need to be reprogrammed or replaced.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found

3.2L Pentastar V6

No Issues Found

2.0L Turbocharged I4

• Turbocharger Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners report premature turbocharger failure or issues with the turbocharger’s wastegate.
  • Solution: Replacement of the turbocharger or repair of the wastegate actuator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Category: Transmission

9-Speed Automatic (All Engines)

• Rough Shifting/Hesitation
  • Description/Symptoms: Hesitation when accelerating, rough or jerky shifting between gears, and occasional clunking noises.
  • Solution: Software updates to the Transmission Control Module (TCM) or, in more severe cases, transmission replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300 for software updates; $3,000 - $6,000+ for transmission replacement.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Failure to Shift/Stuck in Gear
  • Description/Symptoms: Transmission getting stuck in a gear or failing to shift at all.
  • Solution: Replacement of solenoids in the transmission, valve body replacement or full transmission replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,500 for solenoids or valve body, $3,000 - $6,000+ for transmission replacement.
  • Recalls: None Found

Category: Suspension

• Premature Wear of Suspension Components
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported needing to replace ball joints, tie rod ends, or control arm bushings sooner than expected. This is often accompanied by noises like clunking or squeaking over bumps.
  • Solution: Replacement of the worn suspension components.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+ per component, depending on labor and parts.
  • Recalls: None Found

Category: Electrical

• Uconnect Infotainment System Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Freezing, crashing, slow response times, Bluetooth connectivity problems, and issues with the navigation system.
  • Solution: Software updates or replacement of the Uconnect module.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $0 - $200 for software updates (if available); $500 - $1,500+ for module replacement.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Battery Drain
  • Description/Symptoms: The battery drains overnight or within a short period of time, leading to difficulty starting the vehicle.
  • Solution: Identifying the parasitic drain (often related to the Uconnect system or other electrical modules) and repairing or replacing the faulty component.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+ depending on the source of the drain.
  • Recalls: None Found

Category: Exterior

• Power Liftgate Problems
  • Description/Symptoms: The power liftgate may fail to open or close properly, may open or close on its own, or may make unusual noises.
  • Solution: Replacement of the liftgate motor, struts, or latch mechanism.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Category: Interior

• Sunroof Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: The sunroof may leak, fail to open or close properly, or make excessive noise.
  • Solution: Repair or replacement of the sunroof motor, seals, or tracks.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2018 Jeep Cherokee can be a comfortable and capable SUV, but potential buyers should be aware of common issues, particularly those related to the 2.4L engine’s oil consumption, the 9-speed transmission’s shifting behavior, and electrical system glitches. Repair costs can range from a few hundred dollars for software updates and minor repairs to several thousand dollars for engine or transmission replacements. While the severity of these issues varies, addressing them proactively can help prevent more costly problems down the road.