Jeep›Cherokee›2018›3.2L/jeep/cherokee/2018/3-2l/

KL platform

2018 Jeep Cherokee — 3.2L

Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 2018 Cherokee 3.2L.

Body SUVEngine 3.2LTransmission Automatic 9-spd

The 2018 Jeep Cherokee is a KL-platform SUV powered by a 3.2L engine paired to a 9-speed automatic transmission, delivering an EPA-rated 23 combined mpg from a 5.5-quart, 0W-20 oil capacity. That same powertrain, however, stands out as the vehicle's primary trouble spot, driving the 679 total owner complaints alongside seven recalls for the model year. Contextualized within the Cherokee's 1990-2026 complaint history, this places the 2018 model in a moderate reliability tier—significantly distanced from the problematic 2014 peak of 2,636 complaints, yet still carrying enough powertrain baggage to fall well short of the model's strongest baseline of just three complaints in 2023.

Model year2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014

Quick specs

Fluid capacities, tune-up values and fuel economy at a glance.

Engine oil capacity5.5 qtOEM · verified

Engine oil type0W-20OEM · verified

Lug nut torque100 ft-lbsOEM · verified

EPA fuel economy20/27/23 mpgEPA · verified

Fitment & sizes

Replacement part sizes and factory part numbers — battery, bulbs, filters and belts.

From the factory this vehicle uses a BCI 94R · 730 CCA battery, OE oil filter 04892339BE. Each part links to every other vehicle that shares it, so a part you already stock may fit more of your fleet than you'd expect.

Battery groupBCI 94R · 730 CCAOEM · verified

Tire sizeP225/55R18OEM · verified

Wheel / rim8.0 inOEM · verified

OE service part numbers OEM · verified

Engine oil filter	04892339BE alt 68191349AC
Engine air filter	52022378AB
Spark plug	SP149125AF alt SP148183AD
Battery	BBH6F001AA alt BBH7F001AA
Front wiper blades	68197139AA alt 68197138AC
Serpentine belt	04627166AC alt 04627534AA
Thermostat	05047264AB alt 04893377AA
Cabin air filter	68535619AA

Full specifications

Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.

Engine & drivetrain NHTSA vPIC

Transmission

Automatic 9-spd

Dimensions & weight NHTSA vPIC

Overall length	181.9 in
Overall width	73.2 in
Overall height	66.5 in
Wheelbase	106.3 in
Curb weight	3942 lb
Track (front / rear)	61.8 / 61.8 in
Weight distribution (front / rear)	57/43

Ratings & economy EPA / vPIC

EPA city / highway / combined	20 / 27 / 23 mpg
Drivetrain	All-Wheel Drive
Recommended fuel	Midgrade Gasoline

Performance & power Independent road tests

0–60 mph, quarter-mile, horsepower and torque from independent road tests.

No 2018 road test on record; the results below are same-engine tests from nearby model years, each shown under its own year.

6.8–8.3 sec0–60 mph (tested)quickest 6.80 sec — 2016 Latitude V6

271 hpHorsepower (as tested)

239 lb-ftTorque (as tested)

Year	Trim / engine	0–60	¼ mile	HP	Drivetrain
2017	Overland V6 3.2L V6	7.50 sec	15.80 sec	271 hp	4x4
2019	Overland V6 3.2L V6	7.20 sec	15.50 sec	271 hp	4x4
2019	Trailhawk V6 3.2L V6	8.30 sec	16.40 sec	271 hp	4x4
2016	Latitude V6 3.2L V6	6.80 sec	15.30 sec	271 hp	4x4
2021	Trailhawk V6 3.2L V6	7.60 sec	15.80 sec	271 hp	4x4
2014	Limited V6 3.2L V6	6.90 sec	15.30 sec	271 hp	4x4
2014	Trailhawk V6 3.2L V6	7.20 sec	15.70 sec	271 hp	4x4
2014	Trailhawk V6 3.2L V6	7.60 sec	15.90 sec	271 hp	4x4

Service quick specs OEM factory data

Capacities, torques and tune-up values from the factory service manual.

This engine holds 5.5 qt of 0W-20 engine oil, 70W-80 · MS-2395 · MS-2155 in the differential, DOT 3 brake fluid. Torque lug nuts to 100 ft-lbs. The firing order is 1-2-3-4-5-6.

Lubricants & capacities

Automatic Transmission Fluid	Mopar ZF Automatic transmission fluid
Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity	6.4
Brake Fluid	DOT 3
Differential Gear Oil	70W-80 · MS-2395 · MS-2155
Engine Coolant	MS-12106
Engine Coolant Capacity	7.2
Engine Coolant	MS-12106
Engine Coolant Capacity	10.0

Engine torques

Crankshaft Position (CKP) Sensor Bolt(s)	8.8 ft-lbs
Camshaft Position (CMP) Sensor Bolt(s)	6.6 ft-lbs
Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) Sensor Bolt(s)	22.0 ft-lbs
Oxygen (O2S) Sensor Bolt(s)	37.0 ft-lbs
Knock Sense (KS) Bolt(s)	16.0 ft-lbs
Intake Manifold to Engine Bolts	9 ft-lbs
Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts	25 ft-lbs
Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts	17 ft-lbs

Chassis torques

Lug Nuts	100 ft-lbs
Lug Nuts	100 ft-lbs
Front Wheel Hub	148.0
Rear Wheel Hub	148.0

Ignition

Cylinder Firing Order	1-3-4-2
Cylinder Firing Order	1-2-3-4-5-6
Spark Plug Manufacturer	Jeep
Spark Plug Gap	.043 in
Spark Plug Torque	20 ft-lbs

Battery & A/C

Refrigerant Capacity	R134a
Standard BCI Group Number	94R
Standard BCI Cranking Performance	730 cca

Service checks

Fuel Pump Pressure Minimum	53.0 psi
Fuel Pump Pressure Maximum	63.0 psi
Regulated Fuel System Pressure (With Vacuum)	53.0-63.0 psi
Engine Compression	100

Brakes

Brake Caliper Bolt to Carrier Torque	32
Brake Caliper Carrier to Hub Bolt Torque	Front: 129; Rear: 89
Vented Rotor Minimum Thickness after Refinish	Front: 1.024; Rear: .315
Variation from Parallelism Thickness Variation	Front: .0003; Rear: .0004
Maximum Rotor Runout	.0008

Multi-step torque procedures OEM · verified

Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages

30.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: 105

30 ft. lbs

Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 1 stages

22.0 ft. lbs. Step 2: 33.0 ft. lbs. Step 3: 75 degrees CAUTION: Do not use a torque wrench for this step. Step 4: 50 degrees CAUTION: Do not use a torque wrench for this step. Step 5: Loosen bolts in reverse sequence Step 6: 22.0 ft. lbs. Step 7: 33.0 ft. lbs. Step 8: 70 degrees CAUTION: Do not use a torque wrench for this step. Step 9: 70 degrees CAUTION: Do not use a torque wrench for this step. Bolts should be checked for stretching using a straight edge. Ay bolts that show stretching should be replaced.

22 ft. lbs

Factory maintenance schedule OEM · verified

Normal service, condensed from the factory interval matrix.

Under the factory schedule, replace the engine oil and filter every 10,000 mi; spark plugs every 100,000 mi; coolant every 10,000 mi. The big-interval services (every 10,000 mi for coolant, and the transmission fluid) are the ones owners most often skip — on a lower-mileage example, assume the original fluids are still in it and check them first.

Every 10,000 mi	Battery (inspect) · Brake System (inspect) · Engine Coolant System (inspect fluid level) · Engine Coolant System Hoses (inspect) · Engine Oil (drain & refill) · Engine Oil Filter (replace)
Every 20,000 mi	Brake Linings (inspect) · CV Joint Boot (inspect) · Cabin Air Filter (replace) · Parking Brake System (inspect) · Suspension System (inspect) · Tie Rod (inspect)
Every 30,000 mi	Engine Air Filter Element (replace)
Every 100,000 mi	PCV Valve (inspect) · Spark Plugs (replace)
At 150,000 mi	Accessory Drive Belt (inspect) · Drive Belt Tensioner (inspect) · Engine Coolant System (drain, flush & refill)

Owner how-tos

Condensed service procedures for routine maintenance. Procedures that require dealer diagnostic equipment are identified and summarized only.

Common procedures

Key fob — remote (RKE) programming programming new fob buttons Dealer tool OEM · verified

Tool required	DRBIII scan tool (dealer / locksmith)
Why	Transmitter codes are written into the receiver in the passenger door module

Anti-theft (SKIS) — module initialization after immobilizer module replacement Dealer tool OEM · verified

When needed	After Sentry Key Immobilizer Module (SKIM) replacement
Tool required	DRBIII scan tool
Also required	The vehicle's four-digit PIN code

Reliability & federal safety record

Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.

Among the 2014-and-later sequence in the federal record, the 2018 Cherokee sits at the low point of a steady downward trajectory in owner complaints, with 679 filings—less than half the 1,323 recorded for 2017 and far below the 2,636 peak seen in 2014. That decline reversed abruptly in 2019, when complaints jumped to 1,588 and recalls rose to 11, before falling sharply to 259 complaints by 2020. The 2018 model itself carried 7 recalls and 209 technical service bulletins, continuing the general reduction from the double-digit recall counts and higher TSB volumes of 2014 and 2015. The data shows 2018’s leading complaint areas as Power Train with 198 reports, Unknown or Other with 98, Engine with 65, and Electrical System with 57, alongside 11 crash and 5 fire complaints, though no root causes are specified. Given that 2018 represents the lowest-complaint year in its immediate cohort while maintaining a comparatively modest recall footprint, it emerges as one of the more favorable used-market options in this sequence, provided any open recalls have been closed.

Open recalls

NHTSA campaigns

209

Service bulletins

Manufacturer communications

ODI investigations

Office of Defects Investigation

679

Owner complaints

11 involved a crash · 5 a fire

NHTSA crash-test rating federal NCAP · out of 5 stars

Overall★★★★★

Frontal★★★★★

Side★★★★★

Rollover★★★★★

Owner complaints by model year NHTSA · this generation & adjacent

’90 ’91 ’92 ’93 ’94 ’95 ’96 ’97 ’99 ’00 ’01 ’14 ’15 ’16 ’17’18’19 ’20 ’21 ’22 ’23 ’26

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component

All 679 complaints on record, top 8 components.

Power Train198

Unknown Or Other98

Engine65

Electrical System57

Power Train,Electrical System23

Electrical System,Unknown Or Other23

Power Train,Engine14

Service Brakes14

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.

Recalls NHTSA · verified

Showing 2 of 7 campaigns on record for this vehicle.

18V282000Fuel System, Gasoline:Delivery:Hoses, Lines/Piping, And FittingsReported 01/05/2018

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Jeep Cherokee vehicles equipped with a 2.4L engine. These vehicles may have been manufactured with a fuel tube that may leak fuel into the engine compartment. Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the fuel tube, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began May 24, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer…

18V494000Power Train:Axle Assembly:Axle ShaftReported 26/07/2018

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Jeep Cherokee all-wheel-drive vehicles. The bearing cage for the right front halfshaft assembly may not have been properly heat treated, possibly resulting in the bearing… Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front right halfshaft assemblies, free of charge. The recall began September 20, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler…

Technical service bulletins NHTSA · verified

Showing 5 of 209 bulletins on record with NHTSA.

Bulletin	Date	Component	Summary
S2208000045 REV.D	2026-06-26	Structure	Backup Camera Poor Image Quality Inspection
S2523000003 REV.A	2026-04-22	Structure	Door Latch, Handle And Ajar Additional Service Information.
21-027-26 REV. A	2026-04-11	Power Train	Two Speed Power Transfer Unit Customers must experience a Malfunction Indicator Lamp…
21-027-26	2026-04-08	Power Train	Two Speed Power Transfer Unit Customers must experience a Malfunction Indicator Lamp…
111432	2026-04-08	Power Train	D-26-10 (XX1) Two Speed Power Transfer Unit (PTU) - Select 2017 - 2019 Jeep Cherokee (KL)

Common OBD-II trouble codes

The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.

P0420

Catalyst system efficiency below threshold — Bank 1

P0300

Random / multiple cylinder misfire detected

P0171

System too lean — Bank 1

P0455

Evaporative emission system leak detected — large leak

P0128

Coolant thermostat below regulating temperature

P0442

Evaporative emission system leak detected — small leak

VIN tools

Decode factory build data for a specific vehicle by VIN.

VIN

Decode a VIN to confirm the transmission and build data for a specific Cherokee. OEM

Build data

Plant, GVWR class, engine and body data for any 17-character VIN.

Recalls

Check open recall campaigns against a specific vehicle by VIN.

Vehicles with shared specs

Find every vehicle that shares this one's battery, bulbs, oil capacity, platform or parts.

Group 94R battery Vehicles taking 5.5 qt KL-platform vehicles Engine oil filter 04892339BE Engine air filter 52022378AB Spark plug SP149125AF Battery BBH6F001AA

Reference guides

Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.

Vehicle recalls & TSBs OBD-II trouble codes Torque specifications Maintenance schedules Fluid capacities & specs

Frequently asked

How much oil does the 2018 Cherokee 3.2L take?

5.5 qt of 0W-20 Use oil meeting Chrysler specification MS-10725 or equivalent, per the factory manual.

Does the 2018 Cherokee have open recalls?

NHTSA lists 7 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.

What gas mileage does the 3.2L get?

EPA figures are 20 city / 27 highway / 23 combined mpg.