Recall 18V344 affects 14 2019 Jeep Cherokee vehicles for engine damage that can cause stalling. Repair is free at any franchised Jeep dealer.
Jeep is recalling 14 2019 Cherokee SUVs equipped with 2.0L engines because missing valve stem keepers or a reversed camshaft cap can damage the engine. Cylinder damage or camshaft failure can stall the engine and increase crash risk, and Jeep dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The cylinder head and valvetrain assembly sits at the top of the 2.0L engine in the 2019 Jeep Cherokee. Its valves let air and fuel into the cylinder and let exhaust out, while valve stem keepers hold each valve in place and camshaft caps keep the camshaft aligned as it turns.
On affected Cherokees, the engine was built with missing valve stem keepers or a reversed camshaft cap. Without the keepers, a valve can drop into the engine cylinder and damage the engine from inside. A reversed camshaft cap can damage the camshaft bearing, which can lead to camshaft failure. Either defect can cause engine failure and loss of motive power.
There is no warning sign before failure. The engine can lose power without a prior noise, light, or drivability change that gives the driver time to react.
Who's affected?
| 2019 Jeep Cherokee | Engine |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 14 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
Not every 2019 Jeep Cherokee is on the list. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific SUV is included.
What's the safety risk?
Cylinder damage or camshaft failure can stall the engine and increase the risk of a crash. There is no warning sign before failure, so treat this as a repair to schedule soon if your VIN is included. Repair is free at any franchised Jeep dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2019 Jeep Cherokee is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Jeep dealer to schedule the free engine inspection and repair.
- Tell the dealer this is recall number 18V344, involving engine components that can let a valve drop or damage the camshaft and stall the engine.
- Bring the recall notice if Jeep has mailed one. If not, use recall number 18V344 when you call.
- Drive cautiously until the repair is complete, and stop using the vehicle if the engine stalls.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Jeep technician inspects the affected engine components tied to the valve stem keepers and camshaft cap. The dealer repairs or replaces the damaged or missing parts as needed, with parts and labor covered under the recall. If you already paid out of pocket for this engine-related repair before the owner letter, Jeep's reimbursement process asks you to send the original receipt or other proof of payment to the company so the expense can be confirmed.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| May 25, 2018 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| July 14, 2018 | Dealer notification began |
| July 14, 2018 | Dealer notification ended |
| July 14, 2018 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| August 9, 2018 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 18V344?
Recall 18V344 covers 14 2019 Jeep Cherokee vehicles with 2.0L engines. The engines have valve stem keeper or camshaft cap problems that can damage the engine and cause a stall. Jeep dealers will inspect and repair or replace the affected engine parts for free.
What should I do if my 2019 Jeep Cherokee is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Cherokee is included in recall 18V344. If it is, contact a franchised Jeep dealer and ask for the engine inspection under recall U52. The dealer repair is free, including needed engine component repair or replacement.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Jeep dealers will inspect and repair or replace the affected engine components free of charge. Chrysler customer service is also listed for this recall at 1-800-853-1403.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is an engine stall. Missing valve stem keepers can let a valve drop into the engine cylinder, and a reversed camshaft cap can damage the camshaft bearing. Cylinder damage or camshaft failure can stall the engine and increase crash risk.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/18V344000 |
|---|---|
| Jeep customer service | 1-800-853-1403 |
| NHTSA recall # | 18V344 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 18V344000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 25, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →