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.
Of the 2018 reports, 22 involved a crash and 25 involved a fire. 13 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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: steering
1,116 reports, newest first. Show all
Steering, Jun 20, 2018
AT RANDOM TIMES WHEN DRIVING VEHICLE IT FEELS AS IF MY JEEP IS FLOATING OVER THE ROAD AND IN AND OUT OF MY LANE. I NOTICE IT MORE AS HIGHER SPEEDS. WHEN I TRY TO COMPENSATE IT FEELS LIKE THE STEERING IS ALL OVER THE PLACE AND YOU HAVE TO OVER CORRECT TO GET IT TO RESPOND. IT CAN BE VERY SCARY. TOOK IT TO DEALER AND HAD IT CHECKED OUT. THEY HAD OVER INFLATED THE TIRES. THEY CORRECTED TIRE PRESSURE BUT IT STILL HAPPENS AT RANDOM TIMES. THEY SAID IT CHECKS OUT FINE. I FEEL LIKE IT AN ACCIDENT WAITING TO HAPPEN. OTHER JEEP OWNERS HAVE DRIVEN MY VEHICLE AND THEY AGREE THAT IT IS NOT NORMAL. I KNOW IT HAS ELECTRONIC STEERING. IT FEELS LIKE A LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL AT TIMES.
Steering, Electronic stability control (ESC), Jun 14, 2018
STEERING WANDERS RIGHT AND LEFT AND IS VERY LOOSE AND LACKS CONTROL TO BRING IT BACK WHILE IN MOTION. PARTICULARLY BAD WHEN TURNING
Steering, Jun 12, 2018
STEERING IS LOOSE AND HARD TO CONTROL ON HIGHWAY. STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP/FROZE WHILE TAKING A LEFT TURN ON HIGHWAY PREVENTING OPERATOR TO CORRECT VEHICLES DIRECTION. VEHICLE MOVED INTO OUTER LANES WHERE A COLLISION COULD HAVE OCCURRED. STEERING HAD BEAME STIFF AND USING A LARGE AMOUNT OF FORCE WOULD NOT CORRECT STEERING WHEEL. SOON AFTER, STEERING WHEEL TIGHTENED AGAIN AT LOW SPEEDS WHEN MAKING A SLOW LEFT TURN ONTO HIGHWAY CENTER LANE.
Steering, Jun 11, 2018
MY NEW JEEP WRANGLER HAS AN EXCESSIVE ABOUT OF 'PLAY' IN THE STEERING. I'M CONSTANTLY TRYING TO CORRECT IT JUST TO KEEP IT GOING THE DIRECTION INTENDED. IT'S VERY DIFFICULT TO DRIVE ANY DISTANCE. I'M WORN OUT WHEN I ARRIVE AT MY DESTINATION DUE TO STEERING ISSUE. I'M ALSO AFRAID THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE. PLEASE HELP!
Steering, Jun 8, 2018
BRAND NEW JEEP WRANGLER UNLIMITED SPORT JL EXHIBITS POOR HANDLING/STEERING ON HIGHWAYS. VEHICLE "WONDERS" ALL OVER THE LANE. IT REQUIRES CONSTANT STEERING WHEEL INPUT TO MAINTAIN A STRAIGHT LINE. I TEST DROVE 3 SEPARATE MODELS AND ALL OF THEM EXHIBITED THIS BEHAVIOR. I REPORTED MINE TO JEEP AND WAS TOLD "THERE ARE NO ISSUES OR FIXES REPORTED AT THIS TIME." I'VE OWNED SEVERAL JEEPS IN THE PAST, NONE OF WHICH WONDERED ALL OVER THE ROAD LIKE THIS. I BELIEVE THERE IS AN ISSUE WITH THESE NEW JL MODELS THAT NEEDS INVESTIGATION.
Steering, Jun 5, 2018
HAVING ISSUES WITH STEERING COMPLETELY LOCKING UP WHEN DRIVING. NOTICE THE EFFECT WHEN DRIVING FAST AND SLOW. ALSO, YOU CAN HEAR A CLICK FROM THE STEERING COLUMN WHEN TURNING PAST THE CENTER ALIGNMENT.
Steering, Jun 1, 2018
STEERING NEARLY LOCKS UP WHILE DRIVING IN HOT WEATHER. DRIVING ON WINDY ROADS THE WHEEL FIGHTS ME WHILE TURNING ONLY TO LET GO CAUSING ME TO SWERVE. IT'S THE WORST ON HOT DAYS WITH THE TRUCK FULLY WARMED UP (MID 80'S, AC ON). THE STEERING ISSUE HAPPENS IN BOTH DIRECTIONS BUT FEELS LIKE STRONGER RESISTANCE GOING LEFT. ALSO HAD A SCARE WHEN THE WHEEL GOT STUCK GOING BACK TO CENTER AFTER MAKING A RIGHT TURN. THIS ALMOST FORCED ME INTO THE WOODS WITH MY DAUGHTER IN THE TRUCK. CHANGING LANES AND GENTLE CURVES ON THE HIGHWAY ARE ALSO SCARY. I'VE HAD THE TRUCK FOR LESS THAN 2 WEEKS AND I'M GETTING INCREASINGLY MORE NERVOUS TO DRIVE IT. SUMMERS COMING, MEANING LOTS OF HOT DAYS AND THAT'S WHEN IT'S BAD. HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES ALREADY.
Steering, May 24, 2018
POWER STEERING APPEARS TO BE MOMENTARILY LOCKING UP OR FAILING WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION AT SPEEDS OVER 30 MPH. HAVE EXPERIENCED THE ISSUE NUMEROUS TIMES WHILE DRIVING ON ROADS WHICH CURVE TO THE LEFT. THE STEERING WHEEL SUDDENLY BECOMES VERY STIFF AND NEARLY IMPOSSIBLE TO TURN TO THE LEFT. THEN, ALL OF A SUDDEN, IT RELEASES CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO SWERVE TO THE LEFT. THIS HAS HAPPENED ON CITY STREETS GOING 30-50 MPH AND ON HIGHWAYS GOING 60-75 MPH. SAID OCCURRENCES HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES IN THE LAST MONTH, THE LAST ONE BEING YESTERDAY ON 5/23/18.
Steering, May 17, 2018
AFTER HAVING THE VEHICLE ONLY 300 MILES I EXPERIENCED MY STEERING LOCKING UP WHILE GOING 70 ON A SLIGHT TURN. I TOOK MY FOOT OFF THE GAS PEDAL AND APPLIED THE BRAKE AND THEN THE STEERING WENT BACK TO NORMAL. I'VE EXPERIENCE THIS ONE OTHER TIME AFTER DRIVING FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME BUT HAVE A HARD TIME RECREATING THE CONDITIONS WHERE IT HAPPENS. *TT UPDATED 9/21/18*JB
Steering, May 16, 2018
MY NEW 2018 JL MODEL JEEP WRANGLER UNLIMITED SPORT WITH LESS THAN 3,000 MILES HAS HAD THE STEERING WHEEL LOCK UP 4 TIMES NOW WHILE DRIVING AND THE WHEEL WILL NOT TURN. INCREDIBLY DANGEROUS AND SOMEONE IS GOING TO GET INTO A VERY BAD ACCIDENT. I HAVE READ ON THE JEEP FORUMS AND THIS IS HAPPENING TO OTHERS WITH THE NEW 2018 JL MODELS THIS HAS HAPPENED ALL 4 TIMES WITH VEHICLE IN MOTION AND AT DIFFERENT SPEEDS!!! 20 MPH THE LOWEST AND AT 70 MPH NOT GOOD IF YOU CAN'T TURN WHEEL IT'S ONLY A MATTER OF TIME!!!
Steering, May 16, 2018
THE CAR'S STEERING LOCKS UP AND BECOMES DIFFICULT STEER UNTIL THE DRIVER PULLS HARD TO A DIRECTION, THE STEERING ALMOST FEELS LIKE IT'S LOCKED AND THE HARD PULL BREAKS IT LOOSE. ON A FEW OCCASIONS IT FORCES THE CAR TO JOLT AS IF YOU ARE TRYING TO OVERCORRECT. THIS HAPPENS AT FREEWAY SPEEDS. HERE IS A LINK OF ANOTHER DRIVER EXPERIENCING THE SAME PROBLEM. HTTPS://YOUTU.BE/BTOLEZ3UJGI I AM TAKING MY CAR BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP TO HAVE IT LOOKED AT. *TT UPDATED 8/16/18*JB UPDATED 9/20/18*JB
Steering, May 15, 2018
AFTER TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL STRAIGHT AFTER A LEFT TURN, JUST BEFORE IT HITS THE 12 O'CLOCK POSITION, THE POWER STEERING LOCKS UP OR RESISTS. DOES NOT HAPPEN ALL THE TIME, MOSTLY WHEN THE ENGINE IS AT FULL OPERATING TEMPERATURE. SOMETIMES THE RESISTANCE IS STRONG WHERE IT CAN CAUSE YOU TO FIGHT IT AND OVER CORRECT. I CAN HERE A CLUNKING SOUND THROUGH THE STEERING WHEEL THAT ORIGINATES AT POWER STEERING MOTOR. THIS CLUNKING DOES NOT HAPPEN WHEN THE ENGINE IS COLD, ONLY WHEN THE ENGINE IS HOT AND WHEN I'M EXPERIENCING THIS PROBLEM. *TT UPDATED 9/20/18*JB
Steering, May 14, 2018
STEERING/WHEELS FREEZING WHEN TURNING (MOSTLY RIGHT), MULTIPLE DATES WITH LATEST DATE LISTED BELOW *TT VIN NOT VALID UPDATED 9/20/18*JB
Steering, May 10, 2018
NEW VEHICLE WITH 300 MILES ON ODOMETER EXHIBITED VAGUE STEERING AND WONDERED BACK AND FORTH ALL OVER THE ROAD. REQUIRES CONSTANT STEERING WHEEL INPUT TO DRIVE IN A STRAIGHT PATH DOWN THE HIGHWAY. TIRE PRESSURES ARE ALL SET TO SPECIFICATIONS. TEST DROVE TWO ADDITIONAL IDENTICAL MODELS AND HAD THE SAME EXPERIENCE. FOUND MANY REPORTS FROM OWNERS ONLINE OF THE SAME PROBLEM. THE STEERING/HANDLING IS VERY DISCONCERTING ON THE NEW WRANGLER JL MODELS. AFTER ONE MONTH WITH THE VEHICLE, DRIVABILITY HASN'T IMPROVED. HAVE NOTIFIED JEEP DIRECTLY VIA THEIR WEBSITE AND SOCIAL MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES. WILL BE DISCUSSING ISSUE WITH MY DEALERSHIP IN THE NEAR FUTURE.
Steering, Suspension, Apr 16, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 JEEP WRANGLER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER. IN ADDITION, THE ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO HUDSON CHRYSLER JEEP DODGE RAM (625 ROUTE 440 SOUTH, JERSEY CITY, NJ 07305) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRACK BAR FRACTURED AT THE AXLE FRAME AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 800.
Steering, Apr 5, 2018
IN MOTION OVER 45MPH, THE JEEP WILL SUDDENLY EXPERIENCE A STEERING WOBBLE THAT CAUSES ALMOST COMPLETE LACK OF CONTROL. TO FIX THE ISSUE, SPEED MUST BE DECREASED TO <10MPH WHICH CAN BE EXTREMELY DANGEROUS DUE TO TRAFFIC AND HIGH SPEEDS. THE STEERING WHEEL IS ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO CONTROL. PROBLEM IS REPRODUCIBLE ON ALL ROADS AND IN ALL CONDITIONS. I WOULD ESTIMATE THAT THE DRIVER IS LEFT WITH 10% CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, AND LEFT IN A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION.