Owners of 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokees have reported experiencing various radio issues, including:
Adjusting temperature settings instead of fan speed
Missing reset options in the hidden menu
Intermittent disconnections from Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
Unexpected freezing or rebooting of the radio
Unresponsive touchscreens
Malfunctioning steering wheel controls
Inability to recognize voice commands
Inaccurate navigation directions
FCA’s Response
FCA/Stellantis has acknowledged these issues and released a software update to address them. The update is available through dealerships and can be installed in approximately 15 minutes.
How to Reset Your Radio
In addition to the software update, FCA recommends resetting the radio to default settings. This will clear all personal data, so be sure to back up any important information before proceeding.
Steps:
Turn the ignition switch to the “ON” position.
Press and hold the “Power” button for 15 seconds.
Release the button.
The radio will reboot and display the default settings.
Additional Tips
Settings changes can only be made when the vehicle is in Run mode.
Different software versions may behave differently.
If you continue to experience radio issues after the software update and reset, contact your dealership for further assistance.
Other Common Radio Issues and Fixes
Climate control system not functioning correctly: Check the HVAC fuses and relay.
Rear entertainment system experiencing issues: Reset the system by pressing and holding the power button for 10 seconds.
Hands-free calling system not working properly: Check the microphone and ensure it’s not obstructed.
Bluetooth connection intermittent: Delete the device from the radio and re-pair it.
SiriusXM satellite radio not working properly: Contact SiriusXM customer support for assistance.
What are the common radio issues affecting 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokees?
Pressing temperature buttons adjusts temperature instead of fan speed.
Reset options missing from hidden menu.
Android Auto/Apple CarPlay may disconnect.
Radio freezing or rebooting unexpectedly.
Touchscreen unresponsiveness.
Steering wheel controls malfunctioning.
Uconnect system not recognizing voice commands.
Navigation system providing inaccurate directions.
Climate control system malfunctioning.
Various other radio issues.
How do I reset the radio settings?
Go to the default settings menu.
Choose the “Reset” option.
Note that resetting clears all personal data.
Why are there different software versions for the radio?
FCA/Stellantis makes frequent software changes, which can affect radio behavior.
What other issues are related to the radio recall?
Transmission issues (bumps/jerks while shifting).
Electrical issues (PDC replacement).
Sunroof problems (rattling).
Characteristic/Advice/Key Point
Description
Radio Issues
Some 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokees experience radio issues, such as temperature buttons adjusting temperature instead of fan speed and the reset options no longer being found in the hidden menu.
Software Changes
FCA/Stellantis is known for making software changes, which can result in different software versions behaving differently.
Resetting Settings
Resetting the settings to default also clears all personal data, so it is important to back up any important data before resetting.
Settings Changes
Settings changes can only be made when the vehicle is in Run mode.
Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
Android Auto and Apple CarPlay may disconnect intermittently.
Radio Freeze/Reboot
The radio may freeze or reboot unexpectedly.
Touchscreen Unresponsiveness
The touchscreen may become unresponsive.
Steering Wheel Controls
The steering wheel controls may not work properly.
Uconnect Voice Commands
The Uconnect system may not recognize voice commands.
Navigation Inaccuracy
The navigation system may provide inaccurate directions.
Climate Control Issues
The climate control system may not function correctly.
Rear Entertainment Issues
The rear entertainment system may experience issues.
Hands-Free Calling Issues
The hands-free calling system may not work properly.
Bluetooth Intermittency
The Bluetooth connection may be intermittent.
SiriusXM Issues
The SiriusXM satellite radio may not work properly.
Other Radio Issues
Owners may experience other various radio issues.
Transmission Shift Enhancements
Reprogramming the Transmission Control Module (TCM) may resolve issues with a “bump” or “jerk” during a park to drive or drive to park shift.
Power Distribution Center
Contact the STAR Center before replacing the Power Distribution Center (PDC) for diagnostic assistance and preauthorization.
Radio Software Updates
Radio software level updates may resolve issues with radio display screen flickering and the clock losing 6 seconds per day (JL with 5-inch cluster).
Front Hub Noise
Installing a friction disc kit on both front hub bearings and rotors may resolve a clicking noise heard during low-speed sharp turns.
Battery Drain Concern
Inspecting and replacing the sunroof fasteners may resolve a rattle coming from the sunroof.
