2018 model year · 4,440+ owner reports · Updated April 2026
According to Au7o's analysis of 4,440+ owner reports, the 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee has 6 documented known issues. No issues are rated critical, indicating generally reliable ownership. The most commonly reported issue is Quadra-Lift Air Suspension Failure with 920 owner reports. Across all issues, repair costs range from $0 to $3,000. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
On the 2011-2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee, the alternator can fail prematurely, causing charging system issues. Symptoms include the battery warning light, dim lights, and eventually a no-start condition. The alternator works hard to support the Grand Cherokee's many electrical systems.
Replace alternator with OEM or quality aftermarket unit. Test battery condition as it may be damaged from undercharging. Check for excessive parasitic draw that could be overworking alternator. Higher-output alternator available for vehicles with added accessories.
Parts and tips from 520+ owners who fixed this issue
On the 2014-2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee, the Uconnect touchscreen display can develop issues including delamination (bubbling/peeling of the touchscreen layers), unresponsive touch areas, and complete screen failure. Heat exposure accelerates these issues.
Screen replacement required for physical damage or delamination. Software issues may be resolved with updates. Some owners have had screens replaced under extended warranty. Third-party screen replacements available at lower cost than dealer.
Parts and tips from 820+ owners who fixed this issue
On the 2011-2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee, the Quadra-Lift air suspension system can fail, causing the vehicle to sit low or unevenly. Air springs can leak, the compressor can fail, or height sensors can malfunction. Repairs can be expensive due to the complexity of the system.
Diagnose which component has failed - air springs, compressor, or sensors. Replace leaking air springs with OEM or quality aftermarket. Check for error codes with scan tool. Some owners convert to traditional coil springs to eliminate recurring issues.
Parts and tips from 920+ owners who fixed this issue
On the 2014-2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee, the ZF 8HP 8-speed automatic transmission can exhibit harsh shifts, hesitation, or erratic behavior. Some owners report the transmission hunting between gears or feeling like it's in the wrong gear for the driving conditions.
Update transmission software to latest calibration. Perform fluid change with ZF-approved ATF. Adaptive learning reset may improve shift quality. If issues persist, valve body inspection or replacement may be needed.
Parts and tips from 750+ owners who fixed this issue
On the 2011-2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee 3.6L Pentastar V6, the water pump on the 3.6L Pentastar V6 can fail, causing coolant leaks and overheating. The pump is internal and driven by the timing chain, making replacement labor-intensive. Failure often occurs between 80,000-120,000 miles.
Replace water pump when symptoms appear or preventatively during timing chain service. Replace thermostat at same time. Consider replacing timing chain tensioners and guides if high mileage. Ensure proper cooling system bleeding after repair.
Parts and tips from 680+ owners who fixed this issue
On the 2011-2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee, hEMI-equipped Grand Cherokees can develop the characteristic MDS lifter tick. This ticking noise is most noticeable at idle and during light throttle. While often not immediately harmful, it indicates lifter wear from the MDS cylinder deactivation system.
Use quality synthetic oil meeting Chrysler MS-6395 spec. Consider MDS delete kit for permanent solution. Some owners have replaced lifters and camshaft under extended warranty. Regular oil changes help minimize tick progression.
Parts and tips from 750+ owners who fixed this issue
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango vehicles. A malfunction in the antilock-brake system (ABS) module may incorrectly illuminate the brake lights and disable the ABS and electronic stability control (ESC). In addition, the vehicle operator may be able to start and shift out of Park without the brake pedal being applied.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2019 Ram 1500 and 2014-2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles equipped with 3.0L Diesel engines. The crankshaft position sensor tone wheel may delaminate, causing the engine to lose its ability to synchronize the fuel injector pulses and cam shaft timing, possibly resulting in an engine stall.
SUSPENSION:REAR:SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGS
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2022-2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee and 2021-2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vehicles. The rear coil springs may have been incorrectly installed and detach from the vehicle while driving.
FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee, and 2014-2019 Ram 1500 vehicles equipped with 3.0L diesel engines. A high pressure fuel pump (HPFP) failure may introduce internal debris into the fuel system, potentially resulting in fuel starvation.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango vehicles. A malfunction in the antilock-brake system (ABS) module may illuminate the brake lights, and allow the vehicle to start and shift out of Park without the brake pedal being applied.
+ 22 more recalls. Check all on NHTSA.gov
Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check recalls specific to your vehicle.
Don't see your problem? Describe your symptoms to get a diagnosis, or get a full repair guide.
According to Au7o's analysis of 4,440+ owner reports, the 2018-2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee has 6 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Quadra-Lift Air Suspension Failure, 8-Speed Transmission Shifting Issues, Water Pump Failure (3.6L Pentastar). None are rated critical, but regular maintenance is recommended.
The 2018-2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee has 6 known issues documented across 4,440+ owner reports. No issues are rated critical, suggesting generally good reliability. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
Repair costs for known Jeep Grand Cherokee issues range from $0 to $3,000, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
The Quadra-Lift air suspension system can fail, causing the vehicle to sit low or unevenly. Air springs can leak, the compressor can fail, or height sensors can malfunction. Repairs can be expensive due to the complexity of the system. Repairs typically run $400-$3,000. Severity: medium.
The ZF 8HP 8-speed automatic transmission can exhibit harsh shifts, hesitation, or erratic behavior. Some owners report the transmission hunting between gears or feeling like it's in the wrong gear for the driving conditions. Repairs typically run $150-$2,500. Severity: medium.
The water pump on the 3.6L Pentastar V6 can fail, causing coolant leaks and overheating. The pump is internal and driven by the timing chain, making replacement labor-intensive. Failure often occurs between 80,000-120,000 miles. Repairs typically run $800-$1,800. Severity: medium.
The alternator can fail prematurely, causing charging system issues. Symptoms include the battery warning light, dim lights, and eventually a no-start condition. The alternator works hard to support the Grand Cherokee's many electrical systems. Repairs typically run $300-$800. Severity: medium.
The Uconnect touchscreen display can develop issues including delamination (bubbling/peeling of the touchscreen layers), unresponsive touch areas, and complete screen failure. Heat exposure accelerates these issues. Repairs typically run $200-$1,500. Severity: low.
HEMI-equipped Grand Cherokees can develop the characteristic MDS lifter tick. This ticking noise is most noticeable at idle and during light throttle. While often not immediately harmful, it indicates lifter wear from the MDS cylinder deactivation system. Repairs typically run $0-$3,000. Severity: low.
Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.
