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2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee: engine failure

20 of the 856 complaints about the 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee describe engine failure.

owner complaints
20
of this car's complaints
2%
typical mileage
13,500
recalls
2
Is there a fix? There are 2 recalls and 79 service bulletins for this area of the car. See below

Engine failure by model year

What owners say

Filed Sep 25, 2026 · Engine · CA

Sudden loss of power while driving 75mph in the fast lane on [XXX] in [XXX]. My 2018 with the 3.0ltr Eco diesel engine was involved in a sever life-threatening event That caused my engine to fail while driving and I request immediate corporate escalation! On XXX while driving in the fast lane after just fueling up not more than 15-20min prior. my vehicle suffered, for no known reason, a catastrophic engine failure. There are no codes to be found (so said the dealer) "we cant tell you what happened to your engine", the dealer has sent me in writing. All of the sudden the dashboard read, " PULL OVER AND PUT IN PARK IMMEDIATELY".... I lost all power and was fortunate to ba able to catch an off-ramp to get off of the highway. After a 350mi tow to the walnut creek chrysler/jeep dealer. They were unable to tell me what went wrong or why a simple oil/ check engine light never happened to alert the operator? I was then told it would be a $35k engine replacement? most diesel engines historically run 250,000 to 500,000 miles and up with regular maintenance... I purchased this showroom quality vehicle from a private seller... never having even been towed 1 single time in its life before this event. I need to know what recourse that may exists for me regarding this most tragic and unsafe situation... So foreign investment groups can purchase USA auto factories and turn them into horible products... and that's okay? I have driven well over 1 million miles in my lifetime. I currently own 2 trucks, an Audi A3, 8 motorcycles, and a sprinter van RV. I formerly owned an Eagle tour coach. I am an experienced rider driver of nearly 40yrs on the road. please help [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Aug 12, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · CA

Vehicle Information: 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland 3.0L V6 EcoDiesel 4x4Component Affected: Fuel/Propulsion System (High-Pressure Fuel Pump) Safety Incident Narrative: The vehicle previously underwent a mandatory manufacturer safety recall replacement for the Bosch CP4 High-Pressure Fuel Pump under FCA Safety Recall Z46 (the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 22V‑406). At 111,948 miles, while operating the vehicle, the engine suffered a sudden, catastrophic mechanical failure accompanied by an immediate and total loss of engine oil pressure. This caused the engine to suddenly stall and lose all propulsion while in motion, creating an immediate and severe highway safety hazard to myself and surrounding traffic.The vehicle was towed to an authorized Jeep dealership under Repair Order #5823328. The manufacturer (Stellantis) and the dealership are currently refusing to authorize diagnostic teardown labor or a mechanical review of the internal safety recall componentry to investigate an acute internal fuel-pump shaft seal leak or residual micro-particle metallic debris from the prior campaign. An internal drive-shaft seal failure on this replacement pump architecture dumps raw diesel fuel directly into the engine's internal oil crankcase, causing severe oil dilution, an immediate collapse of structural oil pressure, and catastrophic engine seizure. The manufacturer is attempting to shift 100% of the financial burden ($25,000 engine replacement cost) onto the consumer, actively obstructing an essential safety failure investigation into a federally recalled component.

Filed May 7, 2026 · Engine · PA

There are parts in the engine that malfunctioned and have caused fluids to leak into the engine. This is causing the engine to fail and requiring replacement. This issue started last year for me personally. The car has been to 2 mechanics and they both have diagnosed the issue , and to fix it requires full engine replacement . It’s a safety issue because the engine can lock up and stop the car.

Filed Mar 16, 2026 · Engine · NJ

1. The issue involved the engine and emissions system, specifically a cylinder 3 misfire, accompanied by illumination of the check engine light and white smoke emitted from the exhaust. The vehicle was evaluated by an authorized Jeep dealership, which confirmed the cylinder misfire through diagnostic testing. At that time, per the diagnosis, coil 3 and all spark plugs were exchanged. This did not solve the issue. When picking up the car, check engine light was still illuminated and white smoke emitted from the exhaust. The affected components are in possession of the dealership, unsure if available upon request. 2. The engine misfire and associated white exhaust smoke created a risk of engine performance degradation, including potential loss of power, observed hesitation and stalling, which could impact the ability to safely operate the vehicle in traffic. Additionally, white smoke from the exhaust can impair visibility for surrounding drivers and may indicate an underlying engine condition that could worsen without warning, increasing the risk to the driver and others sharing the roadway. The chemical smell could also nauseate the person operating their vehicle, impeding their awareness and concentration. 3. This issue was proposed by an authorized Jeep dealership, then confirmed by two other mechanics. Dealer diagnostic records document the cylinder 3 misfire and investigation related to the check engine light and exhaust condition. 4. No inspection from manufacturer, police, or insurance representative. 5. Yes, the check engine light illuminated and the vehicle exhibited white smoke from the exhaust which prompted the service visit. Auto-start was not functioning as normal, with an error displayed on screen. Engine would sometimes stall upon start up during cold temperature days. NOTE: vehicle is currently with another mechanic awaiting an engine replacement, will upload that invoice once available.

Filed Dec 3, 2025 · Engine · NC

I purchased my Jeep in 2023 and have consistently stayed up to date on all required maintenance. I had no issues with the vehicle until recently, when the check engine light and the start/stop warning appeared out of nowhere. After inspection, the mechanic determined that the entire engine needs to be replaced due to severe coolant leakage. My vehicle has now been in the repair shop for over three months because the engine is on national backorder. I contacted the dealership, but they dismissed my concerns and told me that once the car is purchased, it’s no longer their responsibility. I then reached out to the manufacturer requesting a goodwill resolution, given the unreasonable repair delay and the national backorder of such a critical component. Lemon law mileage limits do not apply to goodwill assistance, trade-in support, or corporate escalations. Despite this, the manufacturer has refused to provide any explanation or documentation for why they cannot assist and it has been three months with no progress. There were no warnings or indicators that something was failing internally, and my mechanic confirmed there was absolutely nothing I could have done to prevent this. I’ve also seen numerous reports of this same issue affecting my specific make and model. Stellantis needs to take accountability. It is completely unfair that I am left without reliable transportation for months over an issue that was entirely out of my control.

Filed Oct 27, 2025 · Engine · CA

My 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee suffered a sudden, catastrophic engine failure with no warning lights or alerts. Dealer confirmed the engine seized from overheating and cannot be repaired—replacement engines are on national backorder. This is my only vehicle, I’m 7 months pregnant, and I’ve been without transportation for 30+ days. This appears to be a widespread 3.6L Pentastar defect and a serious safety concern.

Filed Aug 16, 2025 · Engine · NY

The vehicle experienced a failure of the engine lifters/rocker arms, which also caused failure of the intake camshaft. This resulted in severe misfires, loss of power, and left the vehicle completely inoperable. The failure created a hazardous situation when the vehicle lost acceleration and was unable to maintain safe driving speeds, placing my safety and the safety of others at risk of collision. The problem was confirmed by Lou’s Car Care and multiple Stellantis dealerships, including Maguire Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram. All inspections identified failed rocker arms/lifters and the intake camshaft as the cause of the malfunction. Critically, Stellantis no longer produces replacement intake camshafts for this engine, and the part is listed as indefinitely back ordered and unavailable. This means there is no factory fix, leaving the vehicle permanently disabled. Prior to the failure, the only symptom was a faint ticking noise from the engine. No warning lights or dashboard messages appeared before the incident. The problem escalated suddenly without adequate warning, causing the vehicle to lose power unexpectedly. This failure has caused severe negative consequences for me and my family. Because the vehicle became inoperable and the repair could not be completed, I lost my job due to lack of reliable transportation. I also experienced financial hardship, including losing my vehicle to repossession. My family, including my newborn child, was left without dependable transportation, which created additional safety concerns in emergencies. The failed components remain available for inspection upon request. This issue is widespread across Stellantis vehicles yet has not been addressed through a recall, despite the fact that the defect can cause sudden stalling or total engine failure at unsafe speeds. The unavailability of replacement camshafts means affected vehicles cannot be repaired at all, leaving owners stranded and financially devastated.

Filed Jun 20, 2025 · Electrical, Engine · CA

I was driving my 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 4x4 on the highway at approximately 65-70 MPH, when suddenly the car started sputtering and my check engine light came on and started blinking. The car was essentially not drivable, so I pulled over at a gas station and had the car towed. This is dangerous as I was going uphill, and could have caused an accident, or worse. I did not have a check engine light prior to this! The next day the car was inspected and diagnosed by independent service center, who said there was a cylinder 4 engine misfire, so they replaced the spark plugs and the coils. Car was fixed, or so I thought, fast forward a couple months later while driving to work, same issue (misfires and sputtering) occurs again and coolant now runs low even though there are no visible signs of coolant leakage. I spoke to the independent service center and they mentioned there might be an issue with the engine such as a head gasket or fuel system. I got the Jeep towed to get checked, it was confirmed that it was an engine issue, especially the head gasket, camshaft, pistons, and lifters, and that I was going to need a new engine and it would cost between $8500 - 13000. My Jeep has approximately 83K miles. The issues I describe here with this engine are all similar to those that have been reported.

Filed May 23, 2025 · Engine · NY

Head gasket/engine failure. Constant check engine light. First it was for a misfire and my engine was overheating. Had oil clogging the filter even though it was changed within the appropriate mileage. I got the check engine fixed April of 2024. May 20,2025, head gasket blew, causing me to now have to replace my engine completely. Same issues as previously reported

Filed Jan 23, 2025 · Engine · CO

Grandfather bought the car for me in December 2024. It was sold and wasn’t told there were any issues with the car. It was bought in Texas. I drove it to Colorado. Two and a half weeks into driving the car, it was leaking a lot of oil. Had it looked at and was told The oil housing unit was dumping oil out of it bc it was made of plastic not aluminum. I was trying to go through extended warranty not knowing the severity of the issues of the car. I was going to have it looked at by jeep instead of Midas. They were booked out for over 2 weeks. I was trying to keep oil in the engine while waiting to get it looked at by Jeep. The engines ended up seizing on me. I had put more oil in it the day it seized up on [XXX]. I had to have it towed to pep boys just find out the engine got messed up by the crack in f he coolant and housing unit. The oil lamp came on 2 days before New Year’s Eve. I was trying to find a place to schedule to be looked at and couldn’t get it looked at until after the New Year. I had called Greg May Honda back in Texas to double check to see if they changed the oil before they sold it and said they did. I barely put over 1200 miles on the car since it was bought off the lot. I started doing research on it after the car engine seized up. Come to find out that there is a recall on the oil issue. I also found out that it would lead to the engine seizing up. I believe Pep boys might have reported the issue as of today for a safety recall on it. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Dec 27, 2024 · Engine · OK

Please see ALL the reports of the same exact issue. There is an issue with the 2018 Grand Cherokee Engines. This blown head gasket is now going to cost me $13,000 to get a new engine. Every report listed in this link IS THE SAME ISSUE. Please address the issues and reimburse owners of this Jeep having to replace their engines. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Jul 20, 2024 · Engine · CA

Car dealer said that they already fixed the recalled issue. But we took car to the dealer also for car overheating in very short distances and the car only has about 67,300 miles. The dealer said that they "found stored DTC in PCM" P0304(Cylinder #4 Misfire). "There are combustion gases in cooling system." They said the car needed cylinder head replacement and engine replacement quoting me $8001.88 for repairs which I could not pay. The car has only been driven locally. We also suspect that this car may have been damaged by hurricane Michael in Florida in 2018 and damage may have not been reported. Car was bought in Florida in approx. September 2018 by owner 1 who sold the car to owner 2 with only approx. 2500mi after Hurricane Michael (Oct 9-10th). The car was sold to owner 2 in November 2018 in Florida then brought to California in 2021 and sold to owner 3 who is making this report. Or car may have already presented mechanical issues that may not been reported. Car has only been driven locally.

Service bulletins that may apply

Related recalls

Engine and engine coolingReported June 8, 2023 · 80,629 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Risk
An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will update the powertrain control module software to maintain vehicle propulsion, free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed August 3, 2023. Some owner notification letters were mailed October 31, 2023. The remaining owner notification letters will be mailed at a future date, anticipated July 2024. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 66A. This recall is an expansion of recall 20V‑475.

Recall number 23V411000 · Recall details

Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: emission control: gas recirculation valve (EGR valve)Reported November 12, 2020 · 28,884 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles equipped with the 3.0L EcoDiesel engines. The Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) cooler may crack and allow pre-heated vaporized coolant to enter the EGR system. This mixture may combust inside the intake manifold.
Risk
Combustion in the intake manifold can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy
FCA US LLC will notify owners, and dealers will replace the EGR cooler, free of charge. Dealers will also inspect and, as necessary, replace the intake manifold. Parts are not currently available. Owners were mailed an interim notification on December 21, 2021. A second notification will be mailed when parts are available, currently expected to be around March 11, 2021. The recall began March 11, 2021. Owners may contact FCA US LLC customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. FCA US LLC's number for this recall is W79.

Recall number 20V699000 · Recall details

Questions about the 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee engine failure

Is engine failure a common problem on the 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee?

20 of 856 owner complaints about the 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee (2%) mention engine failure. The model year with the most reports is 2014.

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 20Headlights 19Start-stop 15Adaptive 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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