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2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee transmission problems

75 complaints (9% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 20,005. 7 crashes reported.

owner complaints
75
of this car's complaints
9%
typical mileage
20,005
crashes
7
recalls
1

Which part fails

  • Automatic transmission: control module (TCM/PCM/tecm)
    2
  • Axle assembly: axle shaft
    1

At what mileage

Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.

0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+

Jeep Grand Cherokee transmission problems in other years

19911995200020052010201520202026

Specific symptoms reported on the 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee transmission

Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.

Jerking 11Hesitation 7Transmission failure 5

Related recalls

Power train: automatic transmissionReported May 1, 2018 · 71 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Dodge Charger, Durango and Challenger, Jeep Grand Cherokee and Wrangler, Chrysler 300, and RAM 1500 vehicles. An incorrect transmission park lock rod may have been installed in the transmission.
Risk
If the incorrect park lock rod is installed, the transmission may not shift into 'PARK' and keep the vehicle from moving, increasing the risk of unintended vehicle movement and the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will install the correct park lock rod, free of charge. The recall began June 28, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U43.

Recall number 18V280000 · Recall details

What 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

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 30, 2026 · Acceleration, Transmission · OH

I am reporting repeated drivetrain and transmission failures involving my 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT. The problems began with failure of the driveshaft carrier bearing, which was replaced with a brand-new component by an independent mechanic. The transfer case subsequently required replacement and was replaced with a brand-new unit by a reputable dealership. After these repairs, the original transmission mechanically failed at approximately 99,000 miles. I replaced it with a transmission from a 2021 model that had approximately 45,000 miles. That transmission then failed after only approximately 5,000 miles of use in my vehicle. I am now having another transmission installed, meaning my Jeep is receiving its third transmission. By the completion of these repairs, I will have spent more than $20,000 addressing drivetrain and transmission failures. I am concerned that an underlying drivetrain, transmission, electronic/control, or other vehicle-related condition may be contributing to these repeated failures. Replacing major drivetrain components has not resolved the problem, and I am concerned about the safety and reliability of the vehicle. I am also aware of a similar situation involving my niece’s 2021 Dodge Durango R/T with approximately 60,000 miles. Her vehicle is also on its third transmission, with brand-new replacement transmissions being installed under warranty. I am requesting that the federal safety agency review these repeated failures and determine whether similar transmission or drivetrain problems have been reported and whether they may indicate a safety-related defect or broader pattern.

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 Aug 11, 2026 · Electrical, Transmission · TX

The transmission goes into neutral. It has gone into neutral on the highway,local streets, also from a stop. From a stop in drive the electronic D on the instrument panel starts flashing. I turn on the hazards put transmission shifter in Park and start engine. This problem is intermittent, it can be cold or hot, it has happened 4x in 2 years. No accidents thankfully. The engine does not stall, the transmission goes into neutral.

Filed Aug 6, 2026 · Transmission · NJ

I was initially traveling at the posted speed limit of 65 when all of a sudden the engine started shaking profusely, and I lost total power of the vehicle. Therefore, I had to immediately jump onto the shoulder without being rear ended and come to a complete stop while trying to coast safely to a place so I wouldn’t be hit by traffic . My car was then brought to the local Jeep dealership and they had told me that my left camshaft needs to be replaced also the lifters rockers and oil cooler need to be replaced as well. I have not drove my vehicle since it’s been seen by the dealer , I was told that any type of Driving could completely mess up my engine, so it’s been sitting for a couple of months .

Filed May 14, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · CA

On 5/72026@app 3:14pm after picking up one grandchild, and at a stop light on the way to p/u the other, the Jeep without warning just disengaged when the gas pedal was depressed, but to no avail. While frozen, the dashboard may have displayed something that was not noted in the panic to get the car moving! The internal panel was still illuminated, however the car would not move forwards although still in "Drive" with nothing having been switched, shifted or toggled except engagement of the brake to stop at the traffic light. The Jeep had to be placed in "Park", the starter button pressed, then pressed again to completely restart the vehicle. This was a potentially huge safety issue with many cars around us honking & rushing to pick up their own children, yet fortunately no one ran into us with our precious little rider!

Filed Apr 25, 2026 · Transmission · VA

Twice I have been driving on the highway at 60 mph and the transmission had suddenly shifted into low gear and subsequently went into limp mode. The dealer is unable to find an issue with the vehicle. There were no warning lights, before, during, or after. After I pulled onto the shoulder of the road and turned the Jeep off and turned it back on it operated normally.

Filed Mar 16, 2026 · Transmission · TX

While driving on the highway I received a “SERV 4WD” light and also a traction control unavailable light. Other than that that the car appeared to drive normally other than I could feel the car gears “catching” at starts when I pressed the accelerator. I took the car to the certified dealer and they said it was a transfer case failure and was unsafe to drive as it could have caused the wheels to lock up. This issue is very similar to a recall for other Jeep VINs over the same production timeframe of my Jeep, although my VIN was not included in that recall. I am seeking the immediate inclusion of my VIN into the Jeep recall that exists for manufacturing defects of the transfer case.

Filed Mar 9, 2026 · Transmission · 44,000 miles · FL

The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at 20 MPH, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal, and the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was restarted, and a short distance later, the failure persisted. The contact stated that there were several attempts to restart the vehicle. However, the failure persisted. The message "Shift to P then Desired Gear" was displayed. The contact continued to drive and arrived at the workplace. The contact stated that prior to the failure, the vehicle jerked while driving. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 25V011000 (POWER TRAIN). However, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 44,000.

Filed Feb 25, 2026 · Transmission · WY

Front passenger side CV Axle purchased from detroit axle. They confirmed on website it would fit my make, model, and year of vehicle. Once I described that they are selling this part incorrectly and they refused to change website to continue fraud sell I asked for a full refund. They denied and said I'd be deducted shipping costs. If this part would've almost fit I'd have been a risk for life on the road for myself and others. They refuse to fix this safety and fraud violation on their website.

Questions about the 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee transmission

Does the 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee have transmission problems?

Owners have filed 75 complaints about the transmission of the 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee, 9% of all its complaints.

At what mileage do 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee transmission problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 20,005 miles.

Was there a recall on the 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee transmission?

Yes, 1 recall: 18V280000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

What year does the Jeep Grand Cherokee have bad transmission?

The Jeep Grand Cherokee model years with the most transmission complaints are 2014 (477 complaints), 1998 (425 complaints) and 1999 (385 complaints).

Other 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee problems

Electrical 339Engine 141Brakes 63Fuel system 63Seats 43Driver assistance 41Acceleration 38Airbags 24Lights 23Body 16Suspension 16Visibility 16Steering 14Seat belts 9Wheels 9Tires 1

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