Is the 2018 Jeep CHEROKEE reliable?

The 2018 Jeep CHEROKEE has 987 complaints filed with NHTSA (0.5x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: average. Most common issue: TRANSMISSION problems.

What are common problems with the 2018 Jeep CHEROKEE?

Top problems: TRANSMISSION (289 complaints, avg repair $500); ELECTRICAL (190 complaints, avg repair $500); OTHER (175 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2018 Jeep CHEROKEE?

Yes, there are 7 recall(s): FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS, POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY:AXLE SHAFT, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING, EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE, POWER TRAIN. Contact any Jeep dealer to verify if recalls have been completed on your specific vehicle.

How much does it cost to charge a 2018 Jeep CHEROKEE?

The 2018 Jeep CHEROKEE has an EPA rating of 23 MPGe. At the current US average residential electricity rate, driving 12,000 miles per year costs roughly $3341. State rates vary significantly — see the interactive calculator on this page.

How much does it cost to insure a 2018 Jeep CHEROKEE?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2018 Jeep CHEROKEE is approximately $1,936/year (ev-mainstream class). Actual quotes vary heavily by state, driver age, driving record, and credit — see the interactive insurance estimator on this page for state-specific pricing.

Does the 2018 Jeep CHEROKEE qualify for tax credits?

The federal EV tax credit (Section 30D) expired for vehicles acquired after September 30, 2025. If purchased before that date, the 2018 Jeep CHEROKEE may still qualify on the 2025 tax return. State-level incentives remain active in 13+ states — see the incentives section on this page for details.

2018 Jeep CHEROKEE

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Average

Quick Summary

The 2018 Jeep CHEROKEE has 987 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 0.5x the segment average of 1918. The most common issue is transmission problems (29% of all complaints), specifically: tl* the contact owns a 2018 jeep cherokee. while driving 30 mph, the transmission overheated and the check engine, anti-lock brakes, and emergency warning indicators illuminated. additionally, there was an abnormal burning odor. the vehicle was taken to a local dealer (hawk chrysler dodge jeep, 7911. There are 7 recalls issued for this model year. ⚠️ 6 fire reports filed.

6 fire reports 11 crash reports 1 injury

987

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

4/5

Safety Stars

0.5x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

TRANSMISSION

289 complaints

29%

• TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 JEEP CHEROKEE. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE TRANSMISSION OVERHEATED AND THE CHECK ENGINE, ANTI-LOCK BRAKES, AND EMERGENCY WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. ADDITIONALLY, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL BURNING ODOR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL DEALER (HAWK CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP, 7911
• TRANSMISSION RANDOMLY DOES NOT WANT TO GO IN THE RIGHT GEAR. THE VEHICLE THEN FEELS LIKE IT IS ALMOST STOPPING AND JERKING HARD WHILE THE VEHICLE THEN FINDS THE CORRECT GEAR AND STARTS WORKING PROPERLY AGAIN A WEIRD NOISE ALSO SEEMS TO RANDOMLY COME FOR THE ENGINE OR TRANSMISSION. I HAVE NOT BEEN
• ENTERING I 264 VA, PRESSED ACCELERATOR RESULTING IN A LURCHING MOTION, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT ACCELERATE CAUSING OTHER VEHICLES TO SWERVE TO AVOID REAR ENDING OUR 2018 JEEP CHEROKEE LATITUDE. IT REPEATED THIS ACTION MANY TIMES AS WE LIMPED HOME UNDER 40 MPH. WE WERE AFRAID TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE AND

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500💥 1 crashes

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 JEEP CHEROKEE. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE TRANSMISSION OVERHEATED AND THE CHECK ENGINE, ANTI-LOCK BRAKES, AND EMERGENCY WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. ADDITIONALLY, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL BURNING ODOR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL DEALER (HAWK CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP, 7911”

— NHTSA complaint filing

When Problems Appear on the 2018 Jeep CHEROKEE

Based on 519 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 32K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 0-30K miles range.

Overall complaint distribution by mileage

0-30K

228

30-60K

214

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

TRANSMISSION

In line with typicalmedian 40K mi · 141 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

OTHER

In line with typicalmedian 30K mi · 96 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

ENGINE

In line with typicalmedian 28K mi · 88 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

STEERING

In line with typicalmedian 23K mi · 16 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

SPEED CONTROL

In line with typicalmedian 25K mi · 13 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

FUEL SYSTEM

In line with typicalmedian 10K mi · 10 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

Mileage figures are self-reported by owners in NHTSA complaint filings. Peak bucket = the mileage range with the most complaints for that component; it reflects when owners noticed and reported problems, not necessarily when the fault first occurred.

Recalls (7)

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS01/05/2018

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Jeep Cherokee vehicles equipped with a 2.4L engine. These vehicles may have been manufactured with a fuel tube that may leak fuel into the engine compartment.

Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of the ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.

Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the fuel tube, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began May 24, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U39.

Charging Cost Calculator for 2018 Jeep CHEROKEE

Live EIA prices

Annual miles driven: 12,000

Your state (affects local electricity price)

Per year

$3,311

Per month

$276

Per mile

27.6¢

kWh/mi

1.47

Based on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2018 Jeep CHEROKEE

Estimate only, not a quote. Modeled from NAIC + HLDI averages for a hypothetical 35-year-old driver with clean record + full coverage. Your actual quote depends heavily on your age, driving history, credit, ZIP code, and insurer.

Your state (affects local premium average)

Full coverage / year

$1,936

Full coverage / month

$161

Liability only / year

$665

vs US avg

+16%

How this estimate is calculated

US base full-coverage premium$1674

× state (US)1.00x

× vehicle class (ev-mainstream)1.18x

× theft risk1.00x

× safety rating0.98x

× vehicle age1.00x

= Full coverage estimate$1936

Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.

Maintenance & Warranty

Recommended Jeep CHEROKEE Service Intervals

Oil change

8K mi / 12 mo

Tire rotation

8K mi

Brake fluid

36 months

Transmission fluid

60K mi

Engine coolant

100K mi

Spark plugs

100K mi

Cabin air filter

24K mi

Engine air filter

30K mi

Differential (AWD/4WD)

20K mi

4WD Wrangler/Gladiator have shorter transfer case + differential intervals if off-roaded frequently.

"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.

Jeep New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage

Bumper-to-bumper (basic)

3 yr / 36K mi

Powertrain

5 yr / 60K mi

Hybrid/EV battery

8 yr / 100K mi

Corrosion (rust perforation)

5 yr / unlimited mi

Roadside assistance

5 yr / 60K mi

These are the terms for a new Jeep. If you're buying a used 2018 CHEROKEE, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Jeep dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.

EV Incentives for 2018 Jeep CHEROKEE

Updated 2026-07

Federal Tax Credit (Section 30D) — Expired 2025-09-30

Section 30D new clean vehicle credit ($7,500 max) expired for vehicles acquired after Sept 30, 2025 per Public Law (One Big Beautiful Bill Act). Vehicles acquired on or before that date remain eligible on the buyer's 2025 return. No federal purchase credit exists for post-9/30/2025 acquisitions.

State-Level Incentives (Still Active in 14 States)

CaliforniaUp to $12,000

Clean Cars 4 All

ColoradoUp to $5,000

Innovative Motor Vehicle Credit

ConnecticutUp to $4,250

CHEAPR (Connecticut Hydrogen and Electric Automobile Purchase Rebate)

DelawareUp to $2,500

Clean Vehicle Rebate

IllinoisUp to $4,000

Illinois EV Rebate Program

MarylandUp to $3,000

Excise Tax Credit for Plug-in Electric Vehicles

MassachusettsUp to $3,500

MOR-EV

New JerseyUp to $4,000

Charge Up New Jersey

New YorkUp to $2,000

Drive Clean Rebate

OregonUp to $7,500

Oregon Clean Vehicle Rebate

PennsylvaniaUp to $3,000

Alternative Fuel Vehicle (AFV) Rebate Program

Rhode IslandUp to $2,500

DRIVEEV

TexasUp to $2,500

Light-Duty Motor Vehicle Purchase or Lease Incentive

VermontUp to $5,000

Incentive Program for New Electric Vehicles

See full state-by-state EV incentive details

Source: US Department of Energy Alternative Fuels Data Center + state DOR / DEQ program pages. Program details and eligibility limits change frequently — always verify with the linked source before purchase.

Estimated Repair Costs

TRANSMISSION(~50K mi)

$500

ELECTRICAL(~50K mi)

$500

OTHER(~50K mi)

$500

ENGINE(~50K mi)

$500

BRAKES(~50K mi)

$500

Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 987 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
TRANSMISSION: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 JEEP CHEROKEE. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE TRANSMISSION OVERHEATED AND THE CHECK ENGINE, ANTI-LOCK BRAKES, AND EMERGENCY WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. ADDITIONALLY, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL BURNING ODOR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL DEALER (HAWK CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP, 7911
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
ELECTRICAL: GOING 65 IN THE HIGHWAY IN THE MIDDLE LANE, THE PARK ASSIST SUDDENLY KICKED IN WITHOUT WARNING AND SHIFTED THE VEHICLE INTO NEUTRAL. AFTER DRIFTING TO THE SHOULDER, THE CAR WOULD NOT ENGAGE INTO DRIVE AGAIN. THE CAR IS LESS THAN A MONTH OLD.
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
OTHER: THIS COMPLAINT IS NOT SPECIFIC TO MY CURRENT VEHICLE. THE HEAD RESTS IN ALL NEWER VEHICLES ARE MAKING THOSE OF US WHO ARE NOT OVERWEIGHT AND HAVE GOOD POSTURE SIT IN AN AWKWARD POSITION WITH OUR HEADS PUSHED FORWARD. THIS IS VERY UNCOMFORTABLE AND WE CAN'T TURN THE HEAD RESTS AROUND BECAUSE THEN TH
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
ENGINE: PICKED UP THE VEHICLE FROM SOUTHERN JEEP GREENBRIER VA. MARCH 17, 2018, AFTER TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED, 854 MILES ON VEHICLE. DROVE THE VEHICLE 22 MILES HOME WITHOUT INCIDENT. LEFT HOME 0800 MARCH 18, 2018 AND DROVE LESS THAN 2 MILES AND AT 55 MPH THE ENGINE QUIT WITHOUT WARNING (NO WARNING LIGHT
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
RECALLS: Verify all 7 recalls have been completed — free at any Jeep dealer
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)