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2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee: start-stop system problems

15 of the 856 complaints about the 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee describe start-stop system problems.

owner complaints
15
of this car's complaints
2%
typical mileage
36,000
recalls
2
Is there a fix? There are 2 recalls and 79 service bulletins for this area of the car. See below

Start-stop system problems by model year

What owners say

Filed Jul 1, 2025 · Engine · IL

As many others have reported, only 56K miles on this 3.6L Grand Cherokee. When I engage the passing gear an auto stop/start light comes on on the dash followed by the check engine light. Vehicle rides very rough (from a misfire). Taken to an independent shop; they changed plugs and coils but the problem persists. Also a knocking / ticking noise can be heard when accelerating.

Filed Mar 31, 2025 · Brakes, Engine · 71,500 miles · NM

The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving 35 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated after the Auto/Start unavailable message was displayed and became inoperable. Upon starting the vehicle, the Auto START/STOP unavailable message was displayed. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 24V838000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the camshaft kit needed to be replaced. The dealer informed the contact that the part was on backorder. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer opened a case and attempted to expedite the parts. The failure mileage was approximately 71,500. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Filed Oct 23, 2024 · Electrical · 90,000 miles · PA

The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that while taking driving from a stop, the vehicle briefly began to accelerate but then suddenly lost motive power. The contact was stuck in the middle of the roadway, where the vehicle failed to restart. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, there was an audible clicking sound coming from the engine compartment. The Engine STOP/START warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the Engine STOP/START system, resulting in damages to the auxiliary battery and the starter. The contact was informed that the auxiliary battery had a damaged cell, and that the engine starter had a short circuit. The vehicle was not repaired but parts to repair the vehicle were ordered. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 90,000.

Filed Jul 12, 2024 · Engine · IL

Stop Start comes on and will turn the car off when stopped. I have to put the car in Park to restart the car. The deal said that there is no recall for this issue.

Filed Jun 5, 2024 · Electrical, Transmission · 36,000 miles · NY

The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that the vehicle was shuddering while idling. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving at various speeds and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle hesitated to respond. The check engine warning light was illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated while driving 25 MPH and depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle failed to restart and was towed to the residence. The contact stated that the vehicle was able to restart the following day. The check engine warning light was illuminated. Several messages indicating the air bag, the Engine Stop/Start system, the FWD system failures, and other unknown failures were displayed. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle stalled while driving on another occasion. The vehicle was towed to the residence, where a mobile independent mechanic diagnosed that the PCM had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was contacted and advised the contact to take the vehicle to their location for diagnostic testing. The contact related the failure to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 18V524000 (Electrical System); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 36,000.

Filed Sep 4, 2023 · Electrical · OH

Auto start/stop turns car off completely, requiring putting the car in park and manually restarting the car. Causing a possible rear end collision at traffic light.

Filed Jul 31, 2023 · Electrical, Engine · MD

The stop/start feature on my Jeep has just stopped working. The battery has been checked and rechecked and replaced. It doesn't work. The biggest problem now is the 8.4 touchscreen display that malfunctions. The GPS is connected to this along with the radio and backup camera. Other features include the phone, climate control, and other functions. The phone will randomly select contacts I am not trying to call, and the GPS will randomly set locations I am not trying to go. The screen will jump from one application to another which is extremely distracting while driving. I've tried turning the screen off completely but this isn't helpful if I'm actually using my navigation. It's dangerous.

Filed Jul 11, 2023 · Electrical · TN

Auxiliary battery which manages auto start/stop fails. First time battery was tested and replaced under warranty. Failed again two years later - out of warranty. Unsure about risk but depending on who you ask, the failed auxiliary battery can be a parasite to the main battery, leading to potential breakdown. Also misleading fuel consumption numbers due to auto start/stop not functioning

Filed Feb 17, 2023 · Electrical, Steering · VA

The electrical system per the on-dash guide shows a voltage of 13.8 V or less than the 14.2 V and when it is less than the 14.2 V the car drives choppy, braking causes the car to jolt around even after brake work. The radiator was recently replaced and new hoses were replaced and it still has not been remedied after new brakes and new serpentine belt. The dealer did not clean all remaining radiator fluid that spilled in the bottom of the car, as the radiator had not completely been malfunctioning prior to arrival at dealer. This has probably caused some corrosion due to faulty manufacturing and use of subpar components to where this would become an issue. The air hoses continuously make noise as there is intermittent whirring. The electrical components of the car which I assume are manifested via the voltage regulator cause the adaptive cruise control/ auto stop-start to become 'unavailable' intermittently throughout driving the car. There have been recalls issued for other Jeep Grand Cherokees for the very same issues that my car is experiencing and I want this to be remedied and not at my expense.

Filed Oct 21, 2022 · Brakes, Driver assistance · 48,000 miles · WI

The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the traction control warning light illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle would start and shift out of park without depressing the brake pedal. The brake warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the adaptive cruise control mode and the automatic Start/Stop feature were no longer operative. The contact received notification the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 22V426000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that service brake hydraulic system had failed. The vehicle was then taken to a second dealer, Bryden Jeep Ram Dodge Chrysler - Bryden Motors (548 Broad St, Beloit, WI 53511) who provided the same diagnostic result and advised the contact to not drive the vehicle as it was unsafe. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights would illuminate while driving the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 48,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Filed May 17, 2021 · Engine · CT

On 5/14/21 Stop/Start switch - Engine stalling while driving while on turnpike 65 mph. Situation could have turned to an accident easily. Afterwards engine started with warning light to service S/S-switch. No previous issues with the car (26,000 miles). After stop at the rest area, engine started normally and no warning light. Currently waiting for a service appointment to dealership

Filed Mar 8, 2021 · Engine · 33,000 miles · MI

Issue with automatic start/stop light turning on, which then leads to engine light being on. Happens when driving, and when the light turns on and alarm sounds it causes vehicle to shift which jerks the vehicle. It has been an ongoing issue and has been brought to the dealer 4 different times, several parts fixed, and I am still having the issue

Service bulletins that may apply

Related recalls

Electrical system: wiring: front underhoodReported August 9, 2018 · 12,779 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Jeep Renegade, Compass and Grand Cherokee, RAM 1500 and Promaster, Fiat 500x, Dodge Journey, Challenger, Charger and Durango and Chrysler 300x vehicles, 2017-2018 Jeep Wrangler, Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town and Country vehicles and 2018-2019 Jeep Cherokee and 2018 Chrysler Pacifica and Pacifica Hybrid vehicles. The powertrain control module may be equipped with a voltage regulator chip in the circuit board that may fail, causing a stall or a no start condition.
Risk
A vehicle stall can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the powertrain control module, free of charge. The recall began October 2, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U87.

Recall number 18V524000 · Recall details

Electrical system: softwareReported May 17, 2018 · 4,815,661 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Dodge Journey, Charger and Durango, RAM 2500, 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis (more than 10,000lb), 4500 Cab Chassis and 5500 Cab Chassis, Jeep Cherokee and Grand Cherokee and Chrysler 300, 2014-2019 RAM 1500, 2015-2018 Dodge Challenger, 2015-2017 Chrysler 200, 2016-2018 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis (less than 10,000 lb), 2017-2018 Chrysler Pacifica and 2018 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. These vehicles are being recalled to address a defect that could prevent the cruise control system from disengaging. If, when using cruise control, there is a short circuit within the vehicle's wiring, the driver may not be able to shut off the cruise control either by depressing the brake pedal or manually turning the system off once it has been engaged, resulting in either the vehicle maintaining its current speed or possibly accelerating.
Risk
If the vehicle maintains its speed or accelerates despite attempts to deactivate the cruise control, there would be an increased risk of a crash.
Remedy
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the software, and perform a software flash on the engine or powertrain control module, free of charge. The recall began June 4, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. Note: Owners are advised to stop using cruise control until the software update has been performed. In the event that cruise control cannot be disengaged while driving, owners should firmly and steadily apply the brakes and shift the transmission to neutral, placing the vehicle in park once it has stopped.

Recall number 18V332000 · Recall details

Questions about the 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee start-stop

Is start-stop system problems a common problem on the 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee?

15 of 856 owner complaints about the 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee (2%) mention start-stop system problems. The model year with the most reports is 2018.

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

There are 2 recalls and 79 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.

Other symptoms on the 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee

Backup camera 78Check engine light 53Stalling 38Screen failure 25Won't start 24Misfire 21Overheating 21ABS 20Engine failure 20Headlights 19Adaptive cruise 14Fire or smoke 12Loss of power 12Fuel pump 11Jerking 11Wipers 11No deployment 10Sudden acceleration 10Warning lights 9Seat belt 8Knocking 7Hesitation 7Grinding brakes 5Collision warning 5Power steering loss 5Transmission failure 5

All model years of the Jeep Grand Cherokee

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