Dealer visit checklist
2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee checklist
Print it or keep it on your phone. Tick each item as you go so nothing gets missed.
This is a year to avoid
- • 2.8x more owner complaints than nearby model years
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 Grand Cherokee problems to check
- TIPM (Totally Integrated Power Module) failures can cause random electrical gremlins including stalling or no-start conditions — a known Chrysler platform issue
- Front differential and transfer case seal leaks are reported on higher-mileage examples, especially those used off-road
- Uconnect infotainment touchscreen can freeze or reboot; software updates help but older units may need replacement
- Transmission shudder or rough shifting, particularly in the 8-speed automatic at low speeds — a software recalibration or fluid flush often resolves it
- Air suspension (Quadra-Lift, if equipped) compressor failures are common after 80,000 miles and repairs can run $800-$1,500
Ask: have these recalls been fixed?
- POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Dodge Charger, Durango and Challenger, Jeep Grand Cherokee and Wrangler, Chrysler 300, and RAM 1500 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:ACCESSORY:FLOOR MAT: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Street and Racing Technology (SRT) and Trackhawk vehicles.
- EQUIPMENT:ACCESSORY:FLOOR MAT: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain Mopar Floor Mats, part numbers 6ML07TRMAA and 6GA92TRMAA, sold as accessory equipment for 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Street and Racing Technology ("SRT") and Trackhawk vehicles.
- ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:GAS RECIRCULATION VALVE (EGR VALVE): Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles equipped with the 3.0L EcoDiesel engines.
- 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.
- FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk vehicles equipped with a 6.2L Supercharged Engine.
- FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee, and 2014-2019 Ram 1500 vehicles equipped with 3.0L diesel engines.
Negotiate the price
- Know the typical price: about $26,000 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