2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
Model data compiled from public NHTSA records; may be incomplete, inaccurate, or out of date. General information, not professional advice — see Terms.
One honest thing before you start
We're car-data nerds, not mechanics. This checklist is general information — not professional advice — built from real recall records and thousands of owner complaints to make you a sharper shopper. Think of it as triage, not a diagnosis.
Before any money moves, get an independent inspection from a qualified mechanic (typically $100–$250). Our data comes from public sources and may be incomplete, inaccurate, or out of date — no checklist catches everything.
So here's the deal: use this to decide whether a car is worth that inspection. You're evaluating and buying the car entirely at your own risk — we're not liable for anything this checklist misses, anything it gets wrong, or any loss resulting from your purchase decision. Fair?
Known issues for the 2018 Grand Cherokee
5
Electrical System complaints Red flag
Test all electronics — lights, windows, infotainment, and driver aids — and confirm no warning lights stay on. (339 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 339 NHTSA complaints
Engine complaints Red flag
Watch the temperature gauge and warning lights on a long test drive, and look for leaks under the engine. (123 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 123 NHTSA complaints
Power Train complaints Red flag
Note any hesitation, harsh shifting, or slipping during city and highway driving. (75 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 75 NHTSA complaints
Service Brakes complaints Red flag
Check pedal feel and stopping distance on the test drive, and confirm no brake warning lights are on. (63 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 63 NHTSA complaints
Fuel/Propulsion System complaints Red flag
Note any stalling, hesitation, or fuel smell on the test drive, and verify that open fuel-system recalls were completed. (44 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 44 NHTSA complaints
Verify on NHTSA → · How we get our data →
164 additional complaints were filed without a specific component.
Open recalls
11
Power Train Red flag
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.
Electrical System Red flag
If the vehicle maintains its speed or accelerates despite attempts to deactivate the cruise control, there would be an increased risk of a crash.
Equipment Red flag
If the floor mat prevents the accelerator pedal from returning to idle, there would be an increased risk of a crash.
Equipment Red flag
If the floor mat prevents the accelerator pedal from returning to idle, there would be an increased risk of a crash.
Engine and Engine Cooling Red flag
Combustion in the intake manifold can increase the risk of a fire.
Fuel System, Gasoline Red flag
If the fuel line separates, the engine may stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fuel System, Diesel Check
Fuel starvation may result in an unexpected loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic Red flag
A vehicle that starts and shifts out of Park without applying the brake pedal can result in vehicle rollaway, increasing the risk of a crash without prior warning and/or injury to others outside of the vehicle.
Engine and Engine Cooling Red flag
An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic Red flag
A vehicle that can be started and shifted out of Park without applying the brake pedal can result in a vehicle rollaway.
The 31-point checklist
31
0 / 31 checked · 0 red flags ·
Before you go
We may earn a commission — it keeps the checklist free.
Check the VIN history on EpicVIN
Check it on CarFax (we don't earn from this)
Get an OBD2 scanner DEMO
Paperwork & history
Exterior & wheels
Interior & electronics
Under the hood
Test drive (15+ min, city + highway)
This tells you whether the car deserves a pro inspection (typically $100–$250) — it's not the inspection.
2018 Grand Cherokee–specific issues
Your verdict
Keep inspecting — you're under halfway. The red-flag items matter most.
No red flags? Nice. A pro's eyes on it before your money moves is still the play.
Two red flags just saved you the inspection fee. Plenty more cars out there.
We may earn a commission — it keeps the checklist free.
Frequently asked questions
How many recalls does the 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee have?
NHTSA lists 11 recalls for the 2018 Grand Cherokee. The most serious involve Power Train (18V280000) and Electrical System (18V332000). Ask the seller for proof each recall was completed.
What are the most common complaints about the 2018 Grand Cherokee?
The top complaint areas are Electrical System (339 complaints) and Unknown or Other (267 complaints), out of 853 total complaints.
What should I check before buying a used 2018 Grand Cherokee?
Run through the full inspection checklist below, verify any open recalls were completed, and get an independent pre-purchase inspection. Pay special attention to Electrical System, which drew 339 complaints for this model-year.