2018 Jeep Wrangler

Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues

Steering is the leading concern among 1,822 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the highest complaint count among 26 Wrangler model years with reports.

Complaints by model year
  1. 1,822

Of the 2018 reports, 22 involved a crash and 25 involved a fire. 13 people were injured.

Primary concernSteering1,116 reports · 61% of complaints
Owner complaints1,822Filed with NHTSA
Recall relationship14 safety recallsNHTSA campaign records

What owners report most often

  1. Steering1,116
  2. Suspension342
  3. Electrical system267
  4. Other or unspecified212
  5. Power train176
  6. Engine99
  7. Structure97
  8. Service brakes67

Recalls and investigations

  1. Back over prevention, sensing system, cameraSep 12, 2024

    Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2018-2024 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. The wiring harness for the rearview camera and the center brake light may short circuit, which can disable the rearview camera image and center brake light. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard numbers 111, "Rear Visibility" and 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."

    A rearview camera image that does not display decreases the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash. Additionally, a center brake light that fails to illuminate can fail to indicate to other drivers that the vehicle is slowing down, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Dealers replaced the harness for the center brake light and rearview camera and/or the spare tire carrier/harness assembly, as necessary, free of charge. All vehicles were repaired by January 15, 2024. Owner notification letters were mailed September 26, 2024. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 77B.

    Campaign 24V676000 on NHTSA.gov

  2. Electrical system, instrument cluster/panelSep 5, 2024

    Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2020-2024 Jeep Gladiator and 2018-2024 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. The instrument panel cluster may experience an internal short circuit and fail. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 101, "Controls and Displays."

    An instrument panel that fails to display critical safety information, such as the speedometer or warning lights, can increase the risk of a crash.

    Dealers will replace the instrument panel cluster, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed between October 3, 2024, and January 23, 2025. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is 30B.

    Campaign 24V652000 on NHTSA.gov

  3. Power train, clutch assemblyFeb 23, 2023

    Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2018-2023 Jeep Wrangler, and 2020-2023 Jeep Gladiator vehicles equipped with manual transmissions. The clutch pressure plate may overheat and fracture.

    Overheated clutch components may increase the risk of a fire. Additionally, damage to other nearby components can result in debris falling onto the road or a loss of drive, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Dealers will replace the clutch assembly and update the software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed from November 16, 2023 through July 25, 2024. Owners may contact (FCA US, LLC) customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US LLC's number for this recall is 19A. This recall expands and replaces previous recall 21V-028. Vehicles previously repaired under recall 21V-028 will need to have the new remedy completed.

    Campaign 23V116000 on NHTSA.gov

  4. Power train, clutch assemblyJan 28, 2021

    Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2018-2021 Jeep Wrangler and 2020-2021 Jeep Gladiator vehicles equipped with manual transmissions. The clutch pressure plate may overheat and fracture.

    Overheated clutch components may increase the risk of a fire. Additionally, damage to other nearby components can result in debris falling onto the road or a loss of drive, increasing the risk of a crash.

    FCA US LLC will notify owners, and dealers will add software to reduce engine torque capability when clutch assembly temperatures rise to a level that may damage the inner pressure plate, free of charge." FCA has ordered a stop sale for the affected vehicles as of February 25, 2021. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 4, 2021.

    Campaign 21V028000 on NHTSA.gov

  5. Power train, clutch assemblyMar 3, 2020

    Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018-2020 Jeep Wrangler and 2020 Gladiator vehicles equipped with manual transmissions. The clutch pressure plate may overheat and fracture.

    The overheated clutch components may increase the risk of a fire. Additionally, damage to other nearby components can result in debris falling onto the road or a loss of drive, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will reroute a wire harness and inspect the clutch system, and replace components as needed. The recall began April 30, 2020. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is W12.

    Campaign 20V124000 on NHTSA.gov

  6. Seat belts, front, anchorageSep 26, 2019

    Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2011-2018 Jeep Wrangler right hand drive vehicles. The driver's seat belt buckle mounting strap may fracture and separate from the seat frame.

    A separated or severed seat belt buckle strap will result in an inoperable seat belt, increasing the risk of injury in the event of a crash.

    FCA US will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's seat belt buckle, free of charge. Interim notices informing owners of the safety risk were mailed November 19, 2019. Owners will received a second letter and the recall began March 26, 2020. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is VA6.

    Campaign 19V680000 on NHTSA.gov

  7. EquipmentApr 23, 2019

    Erwin Hymer Group USA LP dba American Fastbacks (EHGUSA-AF) is recalling certain 2018 Jeep Wrangler vehicles sold with a roof top tent installed. The top cover of the roof top tent may crack or break, possibly resulting in the cover detaching from the vehicle while moving.

    If the roof top tent cover detaches from the vehicle while moving, it can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.

    The remedy for this recall is still under development. The recall began May 9, 2019. Owners may contact American Fastbacks customer service at 1-844-533-7997 extension 301. Note: Vehicles in this recall are also included in recall 19V-190.

    Campaign 19V320000 on NHTSA.gov

  8. Latches/locks/linkages, doors, latchNov 8, 2018

    Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Jeep Wrangler four-door vehicles. The right rear passenger door latch may not be in the correct location, possibly preventing the door from latching properly.

    If the right rear passenger door opens unexpectedly, it can increase the risk of injury.

    Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will repair the right rear door latch reinforcement, free of charge. The recall begin December 6, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is UB6.

    Campaign 18V786000 on NHTSA.gov

  9. Structure, frame and membersSep 28, 2018

    Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. The front track bar brackets may be improperly welded, which can cause the bracket to separate from the frame, reducing steering capability.

    An unexpected reduction in steering ability, can increase the risk of a crash.

    Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and repair the track bar bracket welds, as necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin November 17, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is UA5.

    Campaign 18V675000 on NHTSA.gov

  10. Electrical system, wiring, front underhoodAug 9, 2018

    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. The powertrain control module may be equipped with a voltage regulator chip in the circuit board that may fail, causing a stall or a no start condition.

    A vehicle stall can increase the risk of a crash.

    Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the powertrain control module, free of charge. The recall began October 2, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U87.

    Campaign 18V524000 on NHTSA.gov

  11. SteeringMay 25, 2018

    Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. The intermediate steering shaft may not have been properly welded causing a split where the external spline is formed.

    If the weld seam splits, the steering wheel may lose center positioning causing a loss of steering responsiveness and increasing the risk of a crash.

    Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, as necessary, replace the intermediate steering shaft, free of charge. The recall began June 21, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U48.

    Campaign 18V343000 on NHTSA.gov

  12. Electrical system, wiringMay 17, 2018

    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. These vehicles are being recalled to address a defect that could prevent the cruise control system from disengaging. If, when using cruise control, there is a short circuit within the vehicle's wiring, the driver may not be able to shut off the cruise control either by depressing the brake pedal or manually turning the system off once it has been engaged, resulting in either the vehicle maintaining its current speed or possibly accelerating.

    If the vehicle maintains its speed or accelerates despite attempts to deactivate the cruise control, there would be an increased risk of a crash.

    Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the software, and perform a software flash on the engine or powertrain control module, free of charge. The recall began June 4, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Note: Owners are advised to stop using cruise control until the software update has been performed. In the event that cruise control cannot be disengaged while driving, owners should firmly and steadily apply the brakes and shift the transmission to neutral, placing the vehicle in park once it has stopped.

    Campaign 18V332000 on NHTSA.gov

  13. Power train, automatic transmissionMay 1, 2018

    Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Dodge Charger, Durango and Challenger, Jeep Grand Cherokee and Wrangler, Chrysler 300, and RAM 1500 vehicles. An incorrect transmission park lock rod may have been installed in the transmission.

    If the incorrect park lock rod is installed, the transmission may not shift into 'PARK' and keep the vehicle from moving, increasing the risk of unintended vehicle movement and the risk of a crash.

    Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will install the correct park lock rod, free of charge. The recall began June 28, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U43.

    Campaign 18V280000 on NHTSA.gov

  14. Structure, frame and membersApr 12, 2018

    Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. The rear under body ladder rail may corrode, possibly reducing the strength of the rear floor pan and causing the left rear seat mount to become loose.

    If the floor pan strength is reduced and/or the rear seat mount becomes loose, the rear seat may detach in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

    Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, as necessary, coat the interior and exterior of the driver's side rear underbody ladder rail with three-part rust protection. The recall began September 11, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U27.

    Campaign 18V231000 on NHTSA.gov

Representative owner complaints: engine

102 reports, newest first. Show all

  1. Electrical system, Engine, May 16, 2018

    UNINTENDED ACCELERATION: BOUGHT A 2018 JEEP WRANGLER RUBICON ON 14 MAY 2018. ON 15 MAY 2018, I BROUGHT IT TO THE CAR WASH. AFTER PULLING OUT OF THE CAR WASH ONTO TO ADJACENT ROAD, VEHICLE ACCELERATED WITHOUT ANY INTERACTION FROM MYSELF. I PRESSED THE BRAKES AND THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO REV THE ENGINE AS I RELEASED THE BRAKES, THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE. I CONTINUED TO TAP AND THEM SLAM THE BRAKES TO BRING THE VEHICLE TO A HALT. ON THE VEHICLE SCREEN, IT INDICATED SOMETHING ALONG THE LINES OF "ELECTRONIC THROTTLE REQUIRES SERVICE" AND HAD THE ICON FOR THE "STOP-START" FEATURE AS DISABLED WITH AN EXCLAMATION POINT. AFTER GETTING THE VEHICLE UNDER CONTROL AND OUT OF TRAFFIC, I WAS ABLE TO CYCLE THE ENGINE BY POWERING OFF. THE PROBLEM DID REPLICATE. BUT I BROUGHT IT DIRECTLY TO THE DEALERSHIP, WHERE THEY DIAGNOSED FAULTS (BUT UNAWARE OF THOSE FAULTS.) I RECEIVED POOR SERVICE FROM GATOR CHRYSLER JEEP WHO SAID THEY'D LOOK AT IT BUT IT WAS MOST LIKELY A CRUISE CONTROL ISSUE (NOT TRUE AS THE VEHICLE STARTED UNDER 20 MPH AND TAPPING THE BRAKES DID NOT STOP THE ACCELERATION.) VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY BEING EXAMINED AT BONIFACE-HIERS JEEP.

  2. Other or unspecified, Engine, Apr 8, 2018, fire

    AS I WAS EXITING THE HIGHWAY I NOTICED THAT FLAMES WERE COMING OUT OF THE JEEP. I MERGED TWO LANES OVER TO TRY TO TURN ON A SIDE STREET AND LOST CONTROL OF THE STEERING. I PUT THE JEEP IN PARK, TURNED IT OFF, AND EXITED THE VEHICLE. WE RAN UP A NEAR BY HILL, TURNED AROUND AND THE ENTIRE JEEP WAS ENGULFED WITH FLAMES. IT BURNED FOR AN HOUR. IT IS A COMPLETE LOSS. *TT *DT*JB