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Transmission and drivetrainPart report

2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Transmission and drivetrain Problems

Complaints
75about this part
Share
9%of 855 total for the year
Median mileage
20,005miles
Trend
RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.

NHTSA recorded 75 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee, 9% of the 855 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 20,005 miles. 7 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“I Purchased my my vehicle from a dealer approximately two and a half months ago. While driving the transmission of the vehicle gave out. The car rpm shot up to seven thousand and only goes 30 mph. My safety was in jeopardy because the vehicle lowed down rapidly and I had to maneuver to the side of the road in order not to be struck from the rear. I had taken it to get inspected by AAMCO and was informed that the transmission failed.”

NHTSA complaint #11708260, filed 2026-01, 94,523 miles

“After a cold start (even in warm weather), when shifting from 'park' to 'drive' the transmission shudders momentarily and shakes the whole vehicle. It does not do this when the engine is up to normal operating temp, or if you wait 10-15 seconds before putting it into drive. I have not had this problem with any other vehicles I've owned.”

NHTSA complaint #11337543, filed 2020-07, 50,000 miles

“Car would not shift out of park and check engine light came on at same time. I was parked in the post office parking lot and this happened when I started it. Had it towed to dealer. I am told I need a new electronic shift module that is not covered under the power train warranty as FCA does not consider it part of the power train.”

NHTSA complaint #11339156, filed 2020-07, 38,900 miles

“I pulled into my driveway and put the vehicle in park and as I got out it began rolling backwards. I tried to get turned around and back in or grab the emergency brake but the door knocked me down and the Jeep drove backwards about 150feet and hit a tree. 3weeks for repairs and I heard about the cherokee recall for transmission issues and this seems like what happened to me.”

NHTSA complaint #11330083, filed 2020-06, 43,583 miles

“My vehicle was purchased brand new 11/2018, when I press the button to start it, 75% of the time it won't start and takes several attempts. Also when I shift into reverse, the r just flashes and the vehicle won't reverse. It won't move until I turn it off and restart it again. These two problems occur frequently.”

NHTSA complaint #11101437, filed 2018-06, 500 miles

Related recalls

Related service bulletins

Transmission and drivetrain: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
20261238%
20251316%
20243112%
20234010%
20223714%
20215914%
20203916%
20194713%
2018759%
20178824%
20167825%
201535326%
201447520%
2013557%
20121026%
2011905%
20102219%
20092317%
20087710%
200719618%
200617314%
200525312%
2004544%
2003355%
2002584%
200110212%
200015611%
199938624%
199842641%
199725426%
199628031%
199524734%
199411820%
19939918%
1991117%
1989120%

Other parts of the 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee

Electrical system
339 complaints
Other or unknown
271 complaints
Engine
125 complaints
Fuel system
63 complaints
Brakes
62 complaints
Seats
43 complaints
Vehicle speed control
38 complaints
Air bags
24 complaints
Exterior lighting
22 complaints
Engine cooling
17 complaints
Forward collision avoidance
17 complaints
Body and structure
16 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Nov 1, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology