2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee: engine knocking or ticking

Filed Feb 15, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · OH

While driving this vehicle under normal conditions, the engine developed abnormal ticking/knocking noises, loss of power, and misfire symptoms that progressively worsened. The vehicle was frequently used to transport children. Due to the nature of the failure and unpredictability of progression, continued operation posed a serious safety risk. An authorized dealer later confirmed that the engine suffered a catastrophic internal valvetrain failure involving collapsed lifters/rocker arms and severely damaged camshafts. The dealer technician explicitly stated this failure mode is “typical” for this engine design and documented progressive internal damage affecting both cylinder banks, not an isolated component. This failure mode is not sudden; it develops gradually over tens of thousands of miles and can lead to sudden engine power loss, stalling, or seizure without warning. A loss of propulsion at highway speed, during lane changes, intersections, or while transporting children creates a clear risk of crash, injury, or worse. There was no evidence of driver abuse, lack of maintenance, lubrication failure, or misuse. The dealer confirmed oil condition and service history were appropriate. The defect appears to be internal, latent, and manufacturing-related, consistent with numerous consumer complaints, technical service bulletins, and ongoing litigation involving this engine family. Had the vehicle continued to be driven, the failure could have escalated to: •Sudden loss of engine power at speed •Inability to accelerate to avoid hazards •Engine seizure causing loss of steering assist •Increased crash risk with child passengers onboard The vehicle was removed from service due to safety concerns. This defect is repeatable, predictable, and well-documented, yet not subject to recall at this time. I am reporting this to support investigation into a systemic engine defect that presents a serious safety risk to drivers and passengers.

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 Aug 4, 2025 · Engine · 104,000 miles · CA · fire · 1 injury

The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving for approximately 10-minutes, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the vehicle while depressing the accelerator pedal. The RPM lowered and the vehicle failed to respond while depressing the accelerator pedal. There was no warning light illuminated. The failure persisted, and the contact coasted into a parking lot and there was an excessive amount of yellow-grayish smoke coming from the engine compartment. The contact exited the vehicle and became aware of an unknown liquid pouring onto the ground underneath the vehicle, with little pieces of debris and sparks igniting underneath the vehicle. While the contact was on the phone with 9-1-1 Emergency Services, there was a popping sound coming from the vehicle and underneath the hood and over the windshield became engulfed in flames. The Fire Department arrived at the scene and extinguished the fire. A fire report was filed. The contact sustained severe emotional distress because of the failure but had not sought medical attention. The vehicle was towed to an independent tow facility where the vehicle remained. Upon investigation, the contact linked the failure to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 20V699000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The contact stated that the Insurance Company had not yet determined if the vehicle was a total loss. The dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 104,000.

Filed Jul 31, 2025 · Engine · WA

Rockers & cam shaft are worn and making ticking noise. I only have 86k on my 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee, and am diligent with upkeep on the maintenance. This is a very known issue and should be recalled as I have not driven it anymore to prevent further damage to the engine, and also don't have the funds to fork out almost 5k.

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 Jun 17, 2021 · Electrical, Engine · 42,000 miles · FL

The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that several warning lights were illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact stated there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the vehicle. The vehicle will disable a message was displayed and the vehicle shut off. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer and was diagnosed that the battery and fuse block needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 42,000.

Filed Jun 16, 2020 · Electrical, Transmission · 27,500 miles · PA

Here are times when I have pulled out (with various people in the car) most recently my 13 year-old-son, who was screaming, "dad what are you doing, we are about to be hit," and the car has completely shut down. (no interior lights, or running engine) quick thinking saved us from a major disaster. We were almost t-boned last week because of this problem. This would not be the first time for this problem. Problem #3: while driving, I pulled out from my street, a red light or parking lot and the transmission did not engage, the engine revved (without moving) and again, I was almost t-boned. It happened again this morning. Problem #4: there are times when I am traveling up or downhill, the transmission will wind out, the tachometer will spike and then the jeep makes a knocking noise and then I can continue. You could drive the car for months and then all of a sudden it happens. Problem #5: I was backing into my driveway, the back up camera stopped working and my jeep completely shut down. This happens on more than one occasion and has no precursor to when it is going to happen.