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2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee: won't start

24 of the 856 complaints about the 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee describe won't start.

owner complaints
24
of this car's complaints
3%
typical mileage
13,000
recalls
2
Is there a fix? There are 2 recalls and 79 service bulletins for this area of the car. See below

Won't start by model year

What owners say

Filed Aug 31, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · AZ

Subject: 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee – Sudden Loss of Power, PCM Failure, Electrical Failures, and Concern Regarding Recall-Related Symptoms I am filing this complaint because my 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee experienced a sudden and unexpected loss of power while I was driving, and I am very concerned about the safety implications and the possible connection to the recall-related electrical problems associated with this vehicle. Before the final failure, my Jeep had been experiencing electrical and starting problems. The alternator failed, the batteries went bad, and I had already paid for multiple diagnostics and repairs. At the time, we did not understand that these problems could potentially be leading to or connected with a PCM failure. I have spent approximately $800 on diagnostics and parts trying to determine and repair the cause of these issues. The most serious incident occurred when I was driving near a school and approaching a stop sign. The Jeep suddenly began losing power and would no longer operate normally. I did not receive an adequate warning that the vehicle was about to completely shut off. The dashboard/screen began flashing, electrical functions began going out, and the vehicle progressively lost power. I was able to slowly move the Jeep toward the right side of the road before it completely shut off. The Jeep then would not start again. This was extremely frightening because the vehicle lost power while I was operating it in an area where there were other vehicles and children nearby. I was concerned about my ability to safely get the vehicle off the roadway and about what could have happened if the Jeep had completely lost power in moving traffic or at a higher speed. The vehicle has since been diagnosed as having a PCM failure. I have already paid for diagnostics rather than simply bringing the vehicle in without any prior information about the problem. Despite this, the Jeep dealershiphas my vehicle now to determine if this is part of recall

Filed Aug 24, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · AZ

The Jeep was giving me a warning sign. It said stop slowly. Your jeep will shut off so I replaced the two batteries. As my Mechanic told me I replaced the alternator. I also replaced the ground wires. Nothing is making my jeep start. We ran the codes on the jeep and it came back as a U0100 code with the PCM system. No connection error. we looked up the recall information and a recall popped up for this 2018 jeep Grand Cherokee. I am being told that I am not affected by this recall.. the jeep was giving warning Saenz before I replaced the battery and alternator. After that. It did not give warning Saenz Anymore. It’s just completely Shut Off With no warning. Leaving me on the side of the road stranded twice. It will not start and it is reading these codes.

Filed Apr 24, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · IN

had a recall done in February and 3 weeks later the car would not start randomly no warning lights illuminated on the dash prior to being shut off and once it would start it threw 3 codes for p0850, u0100, and U1267 all related to the parts replaced in February for the recall for the 2nd time now regarding the same parts. and trying to get a reinspection done for the recall bc the parts seem to have failed and its been a living nightmare. and unsure why no warning lights were illuminated prior to the car not starting randomly

Filed Apr 17, 2025 · Engine, Fuel system · VA

Three concerns: (1) the engine light is on. mechanics cannot determine why. (2) the car has trouble starting. When I park indoors, the car doesn't start. The engine turns over several times and the RPM goes all the way up, but the car will not start until the 3rd or 4th try. mechanics cannot determine why. (3) when I pump gas, the fuel pump automatically shuts off even though the gas tank is not full. So I have to hold the pump in place and use the gas gauge to determine when the tank is full. mechanics have seen this problem in other jeeps but haven't given me a reason why.

Filed Apr 3, 2025 · Fuel system · TX

I have been experiencing slow crank issues for months now. The vehicle will have a slow crank then start. If it does not start on the first try, it will start on the second attempt. This concerns me as I've read many complaints regarding high pressure fuel pump issues on Jeep Grand Cherokees. I am concerned about my safety especially being stranded at night time. I was told I need to change the fuel pump. I called the dealership and was also told that many Jeep Grand Cherokees have been experiencing the same issue which was fixed by replacing the fuel pump. If many vehicles are experiencing the same problem, why is this not considered a recall?

Filed May 24, 2024 · Engine · MA

Jeep would not start. No warning lights. Towed to the mechanic. Mechanic said starter needed to be replaced. Once the starter was replaced the mechanic noted whitish smoke from exhaust when starting the Jeep. Further diagnosis he determined the Jeep needed a head gasket replacement. As other Jeep owners have stated this came with no warning. This is a safety issue in part because the vehicle is unable to start leaving the drivers potentially started in unsafe conditions. Jeep needs to post a recall for this issue. Please advise next steps?

Filed Jan 27, 2024 · Engine · CA

I have a 2018 Jeep grand cherokee and one day it just didn't start. I had it towed to the jeep dealership and was told it was the starter. Once the job was done they service rwp said they will run a complete diagnostics on the jeep and get back to me. I got a call a few a days later saying the jeep had a blown head gasket, a leaking water pump and the coolant was leaking as well. They said the engine was a complete loss and to replace it and labor cost would be 14k. This jeep only has 40k miles on it and those are really soft miles, my wife literally works 5 minutes from our home and it's here daily driver. How is this possible, it's just plain ridiculous. Reaching out to jeep and got no help whatsoever. NEVER BUY A JEEP!

Filed Oct 13, 2023 · Electrical · 119,229 miles · MO

The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that while parked, the vehicle would not start. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where the TIPM and PCM needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 119,229.

Filed May 24, 2023 · Electrical · PA

While driving the vehicle it shut off and would not start unless the vehicle was jumped. This happened twice in the middle of the highway, extremely dangerous my children were in the vehicle and other vehicles had to swerve to avoid contact with my vehicle. I took the vehicle back to the dealer that i purchased the vehicle from and they could not figure out the issue. My vehicle is currently with another independent dealer, i changed both batteries, i changed the alternator, checked all of the fuses and checked the relay switches and the vehicle still will not start without a jump and it will only run for a day without needing a jump. No warnings, it just happened.

Filed Feb 28, 2023 · Electrical · TX

The vehicle continues to not start. Replaced both batteries (main & auxiliary) in two days later the vehicle would not start without a jump. Checked the alternator and used a voltage meter to test all fuses. Also was placed on a diagnostic machine nothing detected. The vehicle will run for a couple of days with no problems and then will not start. Took the vehicle in for the recall. The dealership fixed the recall and now the antilock brake sensor light is on and the slippery when wet light is on. I have been told by a mechanic that there has been an TSA stating the TIPM is known to be defective. I have been told the TIPM (fuse box or brain) can cost 600-1000 to replace. The vehicle only has 80000 miles on it. This problem should not be a consumer issue when it has been identified as product defect. Please help.

Filed Jan 18, 2023 · Electrical, Lights · CA

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Front left blinker failed, front right headlight failed, both at the same time. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Both failed and now there is no blinker or headlight to drive safely at night or in inclement weather. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes, the auto shop confirmed on 1/17/23. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Yes Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? No. The failure occurred on 1/14/23, car would not start at all. On 1/15/23 I went back to start it again and it started, tried to drive away and the car shut off on me while driving. The car then began to honk randomly, all the wipers went off, and the lights started flickering. I turned the car off completely and tried ot turn it back on and the car would not start again and also the front left blinker was now completely not working and the front left headlight is completely out. There is a warning on my car for the front left blinker but not for the front right headlight.

Filed Jan 17, 2023 · Electrical, Engine · CA

October 31, 2022 - Check Engine Light came on. Autozone gave me the P0456 code - Small Leak in Evap System. The check engine light went off a week later. Continued to come on/off for the next 2 months. I was able to finally get an appt on 1/9 and took it into San Diego Jeep Dealership on Camino Del Rio S. They charged $500 for diagnostic even though I had the code already and replaced the Purge Valve & Hose. On 1/14 my car engine would not start at all. On 1/15 my car engine started, I went to drive and within a block my car shut off on me and I coasted to the side of the road while it threw a bunch of different errors including electronic stability warning. I came to a stop and then all of my windshield wipers randomly started going off, my horn randomly started going off, and the lights in my car started flashing. I pressed the push start button to try to turn it all off. I then got the error meesage that my front left headlight was out, it now is, alos my left blinker now doesn't work properly. I tried to start the car again, no luck. I called a tow truck, the tow truck guy was able to get my engine to start. I explained that my car shut off and asked him to follow me for a little while. I got 2 blocks and came to an stop sign where I idled and my car engine shut off on me again. I had my car towed back to the dealership that did the work. On 1/16 they told me it would be $700 for an electrical diagnostic. I did not have any major problems or warnings before taking it to the dealership.

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 won't start

Is won't start a common problem on the 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee?

24 of 856 owner complaints about the 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee (3%) mention won't start. The model year with the most reports is 2011.

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 25Misfire 21Overheating 21ABS 20Engine failure 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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