Dealer visit checklist
2018 Jeep Cherokee checklist
Print it or keep it on your phone. Tick each item as you go so nothing gets missed.
Inspect the car
- Check every panel gap and look for mismatched paint (signs of past accident repair)
- Look at the tires: even wear, matching brands, at least 4/32" tread
- Check under the car and engine bay for oil, coolant or other leaks
- Start the engine cold; listen for knocks, ticks or squeals and watch for smoke
- Test every window, lock, seat, light, the A/C, heat and infotainment
- Test drive on city streets and highway: straight braking, smooth shifts, no pulling
- Ask for the service records and a vehicle history report
- Have an independent mechanic do a pre-purchase inspection (about $100–$200)
Known 2018 Jeep Cherokee problems to check
- The 9-speed ZF automatic transmission (standard on most trims) is widely reported to hesitate, shudder, and hunt for gears — a known chronic issue that may require software updates or valve body replacement
- The 2.4L Tigershark four-cylinder engine has documented oil consumption problems; check levels regularly and budget for potential top-end repairs
- Rear differential and transfer case seals can develop leaks, particularly on 4WD models driven in variable climates
- Electrical gremlins including UConnect infotainment freezes and TPMS sensor failures are frequently reported on this generation
- Front wheel bearing wear tends to occur earlier than average, often before 80,000 miles, adding an unexpected $300-$500 repair cost
Ask: have these recalls been fixed?
- FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Jeep Cherokee vehicles equipped with a 2.4L engine.
- POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY:AXLE SHAFT: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Jeep Cherokee all-wheel-drive vehicles.
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Dodge Journey, Charger and Durango, RAM 2500, 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis (more than 10,000lb), 4500 Cab Chassis and 5500 Cab Chassis, Jeep Cherokee and Grand Cherokee and Chrysler 300, 2014-2019 RAM 1500, 2015-2018 Dodge Challenger, 2015-2017 Chrysler 200, 2016-2018 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis (less than 10,000 lb), 2017-2018 Chrysler Pacifica and 2018 Jeep Wrangler vehicles.
- EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Jeep Cherokee vehicles.
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Jeep Renegade, Compass and Grand Cherokee, RAM 1500 and Promaster, Fiat 500x, Dodge Journey, Challenger, Charger and Durango and Chrysler 300x vehicles, 2017-2018 Jeep Wrangler, Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town and Country vehicles and 2018-2019 Jeep Cherokee and 2018 Chrysler Pacifica and Pacifica Hybrid vehicles.
- ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Jeep Cherokee and Compass vehicles equipped with 2.4L engines.
- POWER TRAIN: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Jeep Cherokee vehicles.
Negotiate the price
- Know the typical price: about $19,500 for this model year
- Negotiate the out-the-door price, not the monthly payment
- Get the full price with every fee listed in writing before you sign
- Bring your own loan pre-approval so the dealer has a rate to beat
- Say no to add-ons you didn't ask for (paint protection, VIN etching, nitrogen tires)
- Negotiate your trade-in separately, after the car's price is agreed
- Be ready to walk away; another listing is usually a click away