Pre-purchase inspection checklist — 2018 Jeep Cherokee
The 2018 Jeep Cherokee has significant concerns with the power train and electrical systems, supported by numerous complaints and recall campaigns. Other areas, while also mentioned, present less frequent issues. Prospective buyers should be cautious, particularly regarding transmission and engine concerns, and conduct detailed checks during inspection and test drives. The evidence of problems is substantial, requiring careful evaluation before purchase.
NHTSA data on file today
The 2018 Jeep Cherokee has 7 NHTSA recall campaigns and 689 owner complaints on file as of . Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
NCAP overall rating: 4.0 out of 5 stars, averaged across 2 NHTSA-tested trims.
Recall campaigns on file
- NHTSA #25V011000 Loss of Drive Power from Damaged PTU NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #18V524000 Voltage Regulator may Fail and Cause Stall NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #18V494000 Half Shaft Bearing Cage may Break NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #18V332000 Cruise Control cannot be Cancelled NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #18V282000 Fuel Leak may cause Fire NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #17V670000 Oil Pump Failure Causing Engine Stall NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #17V543000 Rim Information missing from Label/FMVSS 110 NHTSA notice
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Power Train 297 complaints
- Electrical System 190 complaints
- Unknown or Other 174 complaints
- Engine 155 complaints
- Service Brakes 34 complaints
- Steering 30 complaints
Of the 689 complaints on file, 11 report a crash and 5 a fire; across all 689 complaints, owners report 7 injuries (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Known issues to inspect
Oil pump failure
How to check: Inspect for oil leaks; check oil pressure gauge.
PTU and halfshaft failures
How to check: Test drive for smooth shifting and power delivery.
Wiring failures
How to check: Inspect underhood wiring for damage or repairs.
Service brake complaints
How to check: Check brake response and listen for noises.
Test-drive walkthrough
- 01
Cold start
What to check: Listen for any unusual engine noises.
Red flag: Persistent knocking sounds
- 02
First minute idling
What to check: Check dashboard for warning lights.
Red flag: Engine or transmission warnings
- 03
City driving
What to check: Observe any hesitation during acceleration.
Red flag: Delayed or jerky acceleration
- 04
Highway acceleration
What to check: Test for smooth gear transitions.
Red flag: Rough or hard shifting
- 05
Braking from speed
What to check: Ensure firm, smooth brake feel.
Red flag: Vibrations or grinding noises
- 06
Parking maneuver
What to check: Check steering responsiveness and ease.
Red flag: Hard or noisy steering turns
Questions for the seller
Use this exact phrasing.
- Has the powertrain been serviced?
- Have there been any electrical repairs?
- Were any recalls performed?
- Has the vehicle experienced oil leaks?
- Has the vehicle had braking issues?
Documents to request
Don't sign anything until you have these.
- Full service history
- Record of recall repairs
- Current vehicle inspection report
- Title and registration
- Warranty information
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 2018 Jeep Cherokee at the time. AI output can be wrong; confirm anything you find with a mechanic.
Next step
Looking at a specific 2018 Jeep Cherokee? Check the actual car
This checklist covers the model. From your free try.vin dashboard you can go further — paste the seller's listing for a deal score, or drop their photos for an AI condition report.