2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee: hesitation when accelerating

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 16, 2025 · Transmission · MO

I own a 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland. On December 5, 2025, the vehicle received a transmission fluid exchange service at a Jeep dealership. Prior to this service, the transmission operated normally with no hesitation, harsh shifts, or warning lights. Within a few days after the service, I began noticing delayed engagement and hesitation during shifts. On December 14, 2025, while driving at highway speed, the transmission suddenly shifted harshly with a rapid increase in engine RPM followed by a hard engagement. Later the same day, when stopped at a traffic light, the vehicle hesitated to move forward, revved abnormally, then engaged abruptly. A check engine light illuminated at that time. The vehicle behavior was unpredictable and created a safety concern while driving in traffic, particularly during acceleration from a stop and at highway speeds. The vehicle was driven directly to the servicing dealership and is currently available for inspection. The issue began only after the transmission service was performed. The transmission had no prior symptoms before the service. Warning indicators: Check engine light illuminated on December 14, 2025 after the transmission exhibited harsh shifting and hesitation. Inspection status: The vehicle is currently at the dealership that performed the transmission service for diagnosis.

Filed Sep 25, 2025 · Brakes, Transmission · 95,000 miles · SC

The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 24V838000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while attempting to accelerate from a stop, the vehicle hesitated before accelerating. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact called a second dealer, Benson Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram [XXX] ); who also confirmed that the part was not yet available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 95,000. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Nov 22, 2024 · Acceleration, Engine · 25,000 miles · NY

The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, several unknown warning lights illuminated, and the vehicle started hesitating and then stalled. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, and the mechanic had the vehicle towed to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the throttle body needed to be replaced. The throttle body wiring was replaced, and the codes were reset. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, and it was suggested that the vehicle needed to be retested. The vehicle was repaired again. The contact stated that after retrieving the vehicle from the dealer, several unknown warning lights illuminated, and the vehicle accelerated independently while depressing the brake pedal. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled while coming to a stop. The contact made a left turn into a parking lot and the vehicle independently accelerated. The contact stopped the vehicle and had the vehicle towed back to the dealer where the vehicle was being repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened. The approximate failure mileage was 25,000.

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 8, 2023 · Driver assistance · 30,000 miles · GA

The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the engine revved but the vehicle hesitated while accelerating. However, the contact stated that the vehicle accelerated after removing the foot off the accelerator pedal. The contact stated that the Service Electronic Stabili-trak warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer to be diagnosed. The dealer determined that the traction control sensor needed to be replaced. The sensor was replaced; however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and determined that the part for the repair needed to be ordered. The failure mileage was approximately 30,000.

Filed Dec 28, 2022 · Fuel system · 35,000 miles · WI

The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 22V406000 (Fuel System, Diesel) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle started shaking and nearly stalled while ascending a hill. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent but had also occurred while stopped at a traffic light. The contact stated that the vehicle also hesitated while depressing the accelerator. The contact stated that she depressed the accelerator pedal with added force; however, the vehicle failed to immediately respond. The contact stated that after a while the vehicle responded and drove forward. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The failure mileage was approximately 35,000. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.