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2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee

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By Research the Car 5 min read

The 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee is a popular SUV known for its blend of on-road comfort and off-road capability. Available engines include a 3.6L Pentastar V6 (295 horsepower, 260 lb-ft of torque), a 5.7L Hemi V8 (360 horsepower, 390 lb-ft of torque), a 3.0L EcoDiesel V6 (240 horsepower, 420 lb-ft of torque) and a 6.2L Supercharged V8 (707 horsepower, 645 lb-ft of torque - Trackhawk). All engines are paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Owners often praise its comfortable ride, spacious interior, and available luxury features. Common complaints revolve around reliability issues, electronic glitches, and higher-than-average repair costs.

Engine

3.6L Pentastar V6

  • Engine Tick/Knock Noise
    • Description/Symptoms: A ticking or knocking sound emanating from the engine, often more noticeable at idle or low speeds. May indicate worn lifters or rocker arms.
    • Solution: Replacement of lifters and/or rocker arms.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,500+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Oil Cooler Housing Leak
    • Description/Symptoms: Oil leak from the oil cooler housing, often dripping onto the engine or ground. This can lead to low oil levels and potential engine damage.
    • Solution: Replacement of the oil cooler housing, typically with an updated design.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
    • Recalls: None Found

5.7L Hemi V8

  • Hemi Tick
    • Description/Symptoms: A distinct ticking noise from the engine, typically attributed to the Multi-Displacement System (MDS) or exhaust manifold bolts.
    • Solution: While some consider it normal, potential fixes include replacing the exhaust manifold bolts, lifters, or MDS solenoids.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $2,500+ (depending on the root cause and repair)
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Failed Camshaft/Lifter
    • Description/Symptoms: Rough running engine, misfires, check engine light.
    • Solution: Replacement of camshaft and lifters
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,500 - $5,000+
    • Recalls: None Found

3.0L EcoDiesel V6

  • EGR Cooler Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Check engine light, coolant loss, white smoke from the exhaust, and potential engine damage.
    • Solution: Replacement of the EGR cooler, and potentially other related components.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,500+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Turbocharger Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Loss of power, excessive black smoke, whining noise from the turbocharger.
    • Solution: Replacement of the turbocharger.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $4,000+
    • Recalls: None Found

6.2L Supercharged V8

  • No Issues Found

Transmission

8-Speed Automatic Transmission (All Engines)

  • Rough Shifting/Hesitation
    • Description/Symptoms: Harsh or delayed shifts, particularly between certain gears. Hesitation or “clunking” noises during gear changes.
    • Solution: Software update of the transmission control module (TCM). In some cases, valve body replacement or full transmission replacement may be required.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 (for software update) - $5,000+ (for transmission replacement)
    • Recalls:
      • Recall Number: S44
      • Description: The transmission may not properly shift into park after the driver presses the “Park” button, especially if the vehicle experiences a low battery voltage. This can allow the vehicle to roll away, increasing the risk of a crash. This recall affects all engines paired with the 8-speed transmission.
      • Recall Number: V01
      • Description: Certain vehicles may have a transmission park system that may not prevent the vehicle from moving after the driver exits the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash. This recall affects all engines paired with the 8-speed transmission.

Suspension

  • Air Suspension Issues (If Equipped)
    • Description/Symptoms: The air suspension may fail to maintain proper ride height, causing the vehicle to sag or lean to one side. Error messages may appear on the dashboard. Can also include a constantly running air compressor.
    • Solution: Replacement of the air struts, air compressor, or ride height sensors. Leaks in the air lines can also cause issues.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2,000+ (per strut), $500-$1,000 (air compressor)
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Front Lower Control Arm Bushing Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Clunking noise from the front suspension, especially when going over bumps.
    • Solution: Replacement of the front lower control arms.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
    • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

  • Uconnect System Freezing/Crashing
    • Description/Symptoms: The Uconnect infotainment system may freeze, become unresponsive, or crash intermittently. This can affect navigation, audio, and climate control.
    • Solution: Software update of the Uconnect system. In some cases, replacement of the Uconnect module may be necessary.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $0 (for software update) - $1,000+ (for module replacement)
    • Recalls:
      • Recall Number: 18V-749
      • Description: A software error in the radio may cause the rearview camera image to be displayed longer than 10 seconds after the vehicle is shifted out of “Reverse.” This can obscure the driver’s view, increasing the risk of a crash.
  • Battery Drain Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: The battery may drain quickly, especially if the vehicle sits for an extended period. This can result in difficulty starting the engine or a completely dead battery.
    • Solution: Identification and repair of parasitic drain. Common culprits include the Uconnect system, amplifier, or other electronic modules.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+ (depending on the source of the drain)
    • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

  • No Issues Found

Interior

  • Sunroof Leaks
    • Description/Symptoms: Water leaks into the cabin, typically around the sunroof.
    • Solution: Cleaning the sunroof drain tubes. In some cases, resealing the sunroof or replacing the sunroof seal may be necessary.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Heated Seat Malfunction
    • Description/Symptoms: Heated seats not working or heating unevenly.
    • Solution: Replacement of the heating element or control module.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+
    • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee, while a capable and comfortable SUV, has its share of common issues. The engine problems, particularly the oil cooler leak on the 3.6L and the Hemi Tick on the 5.7L, can be costly to repair. Transmission issues with the 8-speed automatic are also prevalent, with potential for expensive fixes. Electrical glitches, especially with the Uconnect system, can be frustrating. The severity of these issues ranges from minor annoyances to potential engine or transmission failure, with repair costs spanning from a few hundred dollars to several thousand. While not all vehicles will experience these problems, potential buyers should be aware of these common complaints and factor them into their purchasing decision.

Jeep, Grand Cherokee
Jeep Grand Cherokee 2018
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