Check a VIN

2018 Jeep Cherokee: hesitation when accelerating

7 of the 692 complaints about the 2018 Jeep Cherokee describe hesitation when accelerating.

owner complaints
7
of this car's complaints
1%
recalls
2
Is there a fix? There are 2 recalls and 31 service bulletins for this area of the car. See below

Hesitation when accelerating by model year

What owners say

Filed May 28, 2026 · Transmission · 99,000 miles · OR

The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, all of the warning indicators on the instrument cluster panel illuminated. Additionally, the contact noted that the parking brake occasionally felt as though it had not engaged, and while driving, the parking brake would disengage on its own. The contact also stated that the vehicle hesitated during acceleration and failed to shift smoothly into the next gear. The contact referenced the federal safety agency ID Number: 25V011000 (Power Train) to be the cause of the issue however, the VIN was not included in the recall repair. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 99,000.

Filed Nov 17, 2025 · Transmission · 92,500 miles · GA

The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Cherokee. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 25V011000 (Power Train); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that after shifting to park(P), the vehicle rolled unintendedly. The contact activated the parking brake to prevent the vehicle from rolling away. While driving and attempting to accelerate, the vehicle hesitated and accelerated slowly. The “Service 4WD” warning light was illuminated. The failure occurred intermittently and occurred while driving at various speeds. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic and was diagnosed with Power Transfer Unit(PTU) failure. The dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that the part was not available. The manufacturer referred the contact to the federal safety agency Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 92,500.

Filed Oct 8, 2025 · Transmission · NC

My Trailhawk has severe vibrations/ grinding from the PTU. When accelerating from a stop or making turn, the vehicle hesitates and vibrates from the rear which almost caused a bad accident when I was pulling out to the main road.

Filed Sep 21, 2022 · Electrical, Transmission · SC

Service shifter light randomly comes on; vehicle has stalled several times. Sometimes hesitates when pushing gas to accelerate.

Filed Aug 5, 2021 · VA

The "Service Shifter" message appeared in the display on 27 July 2021. I contacted the dealership to schedule an appointment. My appointment was 2 August 2021. My factory warranty expired in July 2021. The service advisor stated that the repairs would not be covered under the factory warranty if it was still active. The wire harness and the bevel had to be replaced. I contacted Chrysler via email to inquire as to why this repair is not covered by the manufacturer. They replied "Thank you for contacting Jeep Customer Care. I am sorry to learn that you had concerns with your Shifter and I do understand your frustration. Unfortunately, this is not an Open Recall on your vehicle at this time. If it does become an Open Recall in the future, you are able to submit for reimbursement review. At this time due to the Warranty expiring, and it not being an Open Recall we are unable to assist you with the costs. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you need any further assistance by calling us at 877‑426‑5337." There has been numerous complaints about this issue and the manufacturer has done nothing to resolve this problem. Like most Jeep owners with the same issue, we have to pay for the repairs which is about $600.00. This is a safety issue that should not be ignored. The vehicle could shift into park while driving which, according the other Jeep owners, has happened or the engine will shut off. I think the manufacturer should notify all Jeep owners of this problem and issue a Recall or Technical Bulletin to address this issue.

Filed Jul 19, 2020 · Engine · FL

In march, driving down red road - car suddenly stalled and then shut down completely. As it was shutting down, I was able to move it to the right lane as to avoid the traffic. Called tow truck and when they came, went to jump the car and there was no need - car started. Went straight to the dealer and they said it's an issue with this car that I can't wait until the oil is low. Pandemic came so didn't drive much - last thursday, 7/18, I got in the car and it didn't start again - I waited a while and it hesitated starting. Finally started and went to do groceries. Leaving the store, the same thing happened, the car did not start at all, continued to try and it finally started. Took car to the dealer 7/17/20 - still 1,000 miles to go before next oil change and again, they said I have to do the oil change now every 2500 miles. The car has synthetic oil - I should not have to change every 2500 miles as the oil is also more expensive. Today 7/18, car did not start again, shut down completely. After several attempts it started and now the check engine light is on. Read online car has issues with the engine shutting down and stalling and there is a class action suit. I am afraid to drive it as it may stop in the middle of the road and it's a safety concern. Heading to the dealer again tomorrow morning because now the check engine light is on and continue to have the issue of the car not starting, shutting down and stalling.

Filed Apr 18, 2020 · Electrical, Transmission · 30,000 miles · SC

The service shifter error has repeatedly coming on despite the shifter harness being replaced twice, the harness being replaced and computer updates. All the lights on the shifter turn red. The car randomly jumps to 5000 rpms and will go into neutral or park while driving. The car will hesitate when accelerating from a stop and is very unsafe to drive. I have contacted chrysler jeep about the issue and the car has been in the shop multiple times over the year and has recently been in there for a month.

Service bulletins that may apply

Related recalls

Power trainReported January 16, 2025 · 63,130 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Jeep Cherokee vehicles. The power transfer unit (PTU) may become damaged and disengage the transmission and differential, resulting in a loss of drive power and/or loss of park function.
Risk
A loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash. A loss of park function can cause an unintended vehicle rollaway, which can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
Remedy
Dealers will update the drivetrain control module and PTU software and replace the PTU, as necessary free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning February 19, 2026. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. FCA's number for this recall is 01C.

Recall number 25V011000 · Recall details

Power train: axle assembly: axle shaftReported July 26, 2018 · 702 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Jeep Cherokee all-wheel-drive vehicles. The bearing cage for the right front halfshaft assembly may not have been properly heat treated, possibly resulting in the bearing cage breaking and a potential halfshaft assembly failure.
Risk
If the halfshaft bearing cage breaks, the halfshaft may not be able to transmit engine power, causing a loss of drive or it can allow the vehicle to move while in the "Park" position. Either condition may increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front right halfshaft assemblies, free of charge. The recall began September 20, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U78.

Recall number 18V494000 · Recall details

Questions about the 2018 Jeep Cherokee hesitation

Is hesitation when accelerating a common problem on the 2018 Jeep Cherokee?

7 of 692 owner complaints about the 2018 Jeep Cherokee (1%) mention hesitation when accelerating. The model year with the most reports is 2015.

Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 2018 Jeep Cherokee?

There are 2 recalls and 31 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.

Other symptoms on the 2018 Jeep Cherokee

Warning lights 91Stalling 83Oil consumption 33Loss of power 28Check engine light 27Jerking 24Engine failure 11Won't start 11Grinding brakes 10Transmission failure 10Adaptive cruise 8Overheating 7Power steering loss 7Harsh shifting 6Fire or smoke 5Misfire 5

All model years of the Jeep Cherokee

VIN decoder

See the problems and recalls for an exact car

Buying a used 2018 Jeep Cherokee?

Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.

Check its history