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, Electrical system, Service brakes, Jun 30, 2023
While operating the vehicle, I lost Power Steering, Stability Control, Anti-Lock Brakes and when I was able to stop, the transmission was put into park and I was unable to shift gears. Dealership informed me that this is a known issue related to the Can Bus Connector located behind the glove compartment, which apparently controls all of the safety systems. There were multiple indicators lit on the dashboard along with a check engine light. Dealership is replacing the connector.
Steering, Jun 3, 2023
I get the "death wobble" if I hit even a small bump on a smooth highway at speeds above 50 mph. The dealer says this is normal and nothing to worry about, which is crazy. The vehicle has just over 40,000 miles and has been maintained in full compliance with the manufacturer's warranty. The dealer said they could try replacing the steering damper but that it wasn't likely that it would fix the issue, again saying it's a normal condition with this vehicle. The wobble is extremely dangerous in the rain or any kind of slick road, pretty in heavy traffic. These vehicles need to be recalled so this can be fixed.
Steering, Suspension, Jun 1, 2023
Vehicle shakes violently on Highway at about 65mph. Has happened multiple times.
Steering, Suspension, May 22, 2023
excessive play/slop in steering and death wobble at highway speeds
Steering, Electrical system, Forward collision avoidance, May 5, 2023
Electrical going haywire. While in drive it just wouldn’t do anything the gear shift “D” was blinking so I rolled to a safe place (thank god I was not on the freeway) turned it off then back on again apparently this is now a known problem not only for 2018 some were 2019 & 2020…… please investigate
Steering, Electrical system, May 3, 2023
For the last year on several occasions the power steering locks up and I am unable to control the vehicle. The lights on my dash start flickering and the vehicle starts stuttering like it is out of gas. It seems like an electrical issue where the vehicle is getting mixed signals so the power steering locks up. On 2 occasions while in motion I tried to turn off the road causing the vehicle to stall into oncoming traffic. My jeep has been at the dealership at least 4 times for the same issue and I have had 3 active cases through Chrysler. This happened again a few days ago and the Jeep is currently at the dealership. This is a real concern, and I’m scared for my safety while driving. This is an issue that happens at random times and then the vehicle returns to normal function.
Steering, May 3, 2023
When the vehicle hits a bump at highway speeds, the steering begins to shake violently until the vehicle speed is lowered to below 50 mph +/- 5 mph. I have hear this being referred to as the Jeep death wobble. It will cost a small fortune to have the tie-rods and bushings replaced by the dealer and I've heard that may not fix the problem. This is very scary when driving at 70 mph on the highway and causes safety issues when you have to quickly reduce speed to get the issue to stop. Please get Jeep to fix this very common problem with their vehicles.
Steering, Power train, Electrical system, Apr 21, 2023
I'll be driving the jeep it's a 2018 rubicon jl and all of a sudden all the dash lights come on and if I stop the vehicle the D on the shifter will keep flashing and the jeep.wont move have taken into same dealership 7 times and it's continues to do the same thing they've changed abs module cleaned off grounds checked all plugs and connections and they keep saying it's fine. It's currently at the dealership for the same issue. It's been over a year of going to the dealership. Also one time.they told me it's ready came to pick it.up and it wouldn't go into drive.
Steering, Electrical system, Lane departure, Apr 19, 2023
2018 Jeep Wrangler (JL) Sahara Safety features all disable with this issue: Power steering (this could happen on the highway) Stability (STC), Antilock Braking, Blind spot, etc. While driving their appears to be an electrical short. The steering wheel locks up and all lights on dashboard come on. Several error messages "Auto Park Disabled", "Speed Control Messaging Unavailable", "Service Antilock Brake System", "Service Transmission Continue in DRIVE. Do Not Shift or Turn Off Engine" - to name a few. Dealers turn me way with simple computer reboot solutions only for issue to reoccur. Issue presents itself intermittently. Dealer has regularly turned me away for being unable to replicate in non driving conditions.
Steering, Suspension, Apr 16, 2023
Car started shaking uncontrollable after driving 45 mph over a small pothole. Carmax (ca care) replaced steering damper but steering wheel stills vibrates when driving over 45 mph.
Steering, Suspension, Apr 11, 2023
My husband was driving down the road and the trac bar bracket arm separated from the weld causing the steering wheel to move freely and made him feel like the jeep was.falling apart.
Steering, Apr 5, 2023
At 60 miles an hour if you hit a bump jeeps starts the death wobble til you slow to 45 miles an hour. Jeep has claimed recall was completed 1/14/20 at 4840 miles, we purchased used and has 22041 miles now and same issue. Their alleged fix is not fixed. I spoke with Chrysler about this and they stated I must pay for diagnostic and then they would maybe do something.
Steering, Electrical system, Mar 24, 2023
Service start stop warning light comes on then service traction control then all dash warning lights come on then you lose power steering This all happens in seconds
Steering, Mar 22, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed over a pothole, the steering wheel shuddered and vibrated violently. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V343000 (Steering). The dealer and the manufacturer were not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.
Steering, Power train, Electrical system, Mar 12, 2023
Displays, "Service Shifter". Often followed by many, mostly random warnings, gauges fluctuate wildly, and disabled stop/start, traction and stability control; and sometimes loses power steering, and stalls and won't restart. The stereo volume, wipers, and cabin fan speed also can fluctuate wildly; worst case. This issue first appeared after going through a puddle, and seems to be exacerbated by high EMF areas; this is only corollary. This vehicle has never been used roughly or off road. The obvious dangers are, spontaneous maniacal warnings are a significant distraction to driving; if stop/start is not disabled vehicle will not start after stop at intersection, causing disruption to traffic; if power steering randomly stops working, which occurs while stopped or driving, the vehicle is nearly impossible to drive, and can only practically be driven by a strongman athlete. The coup de grâce where everything goes berserk, is usually when parked and attempting to reset the condition. The problem has not been reproduced by a dealer or service center; I have spent days inspecting grounds, harnesses, and inspecting, cleaning and replacing connectors. There's also a long list of mostly random codes for nearly everything, including the persistent lost communication with TCM. Up to October 2022 and 66,000 miles the only warnings or codes were for, wheel sensor (rep under warrantee), and "Small Leak In Vapor Recovery System" (leaky gas cap). A month+ after the warrantee expired, at about 66,000 mi, the vehicle began to generate random warnings and codes, and became unbearable (and dangerous) to drive. My observations and inspections and limited testing (haven't probed system circuits directly) lead to an assertion that the problem is system wide; many wildly various, mostly non repeatable, codes are recorded, systems that shut down are wildly various and not always repeatable; like there's nothing specifically or consistently wrong-but everything is failing. 5V reg in TCM?
Steering, Suspension, Mar 10, 2023
Steering wheel shakes horribly. I feel every bump in the streets. Sometimes it feels as if I am about to lose control of my truck due to the lack of control. I have replaced the suspension, I have replaced the lower control arm, the ball joints twice and the same thing keeps happening.
Steering, Mar 9, 2023
About a year ago, my vehicle began experiencing the know defect of death wobble - at highway speeds the car begins to shake uncontrollably and feels like it may flip. About a year ago, Lafontaine Jeep in Lansing MI replaced the steering stabilizer as part of the recall. The problem is occurring again. I have had the vehicle back to Lafontaine Jeep in Lansing MI which they said the replacement of the steering stabilizer would be covered under the 2 year part warranty however Lafontaine can't get the part in and has no estimate when the part will be available. I spoke with Myah at FCA Customer Car and she said there are no parts available as well, no eta for when the parts will be available, and that there is no help available. I'm confident that new Jeeps are being manufactured with this part while my family is driving in a car with the death wobble.
Steering, Feb 26, 2023
THIS IS THE 4TH TIME I AM EXPERIENCING THE DEATH WOBBLE ON THIS VEHICLE. I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE USED IN 2020. ITS A JEEP WRANGLER JK 2018. I NEVER NEW THERE WERE THE POSSIBILITY THAT THIS VEHICLE WILL START GOING OUT OF CONTROL AT ANY MOMENT. 1. I EXPERIENCED IT ON THE 10 FRWY WEST AT 65MPH. THEN 6 MONTHS LATER, COMING DOWN ON ICY ROAD ON HWY 2 AT NIGHT AT 35MPH IN DEC 2022. THEN AGAIN IN SANTA BARBARA IN JAN 2023 ON THE MAIN FRWY AT 60 MPH. THEN AGAIN TODAY IN FEB 2023 ON LINCOLN BLVD ON THE WAY TO LAX AT 30MPH.
Steering, Electrical system, Service brakes, Feb 20, 2023
Driving on highway at 75MPH, chime followed by all warning lights. Speedometer falls to zero and a series of system failures scrolls through on message board. While taking the exit ramp, power steering fails halfway through the loop. Speedometer returns to normal momentarily, then jumps back and forth until destination. Power steering does not return.
Steering, Feb 13, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated while turning out of a driveway, the steering wheel became stiff. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but no cause for the failure was found. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was 200.
Steering, Suspension, Other or unspecified, Feb 12, 2023
On August 3,2022. I was driving on the city street crossing the railroad track on 40 speed zone. As soon as it passed, the jeep starts shaking for a minute or so then it stopped. So I thought it was weird but I though it might have been just the railroad on October 22, My sis and are on the freeway, about to merge to the left lane to a different freeway, I felt the jeep was hitting a pump. Then immediately the jeep starts wobbling and shaking that I wasn't able to hold on the steering wheel. I was soo scare that I'm going to hit the other cars and cause accidents. I took the foot off the gas paddle , just let it be while I'm still holding the wheel. Trying to move to the right lane , it was just impossible. The jeep was like jumping around. The wheel was so stiff just cannot move. Finally after awhile the wobbling stopped. I slowly move the jeep to the right lane and drive to the nearest exit. Then I called the dealership right away and told them what happened. Will get back to you soon, that was the answer I got each time I called that day. Which I had called at least 4 times. Next day my friend told me to take this dependable car dealer shop, it has lots of good review and highly recommended. Left the jeep there for couple of days> It was tested with high speed with high bumps. No problem was found. Since then I tried to avoid the freeway, I got nervous driving on the freeway with these bad experience Nov13,22 meeting a friend because of the distance I have to get on the freeway. I was more conscious, I'm holding steering wheels with both hands. after 7 to 8 miles , sure enough the wobbling starts but since i have both hands holding it , I was as frightened as the precious time. After the wobbling stopped, I drove slowly to the destination. With all these scarcely experience. Every time I drive , I'm really nervous. Finally i took it to the dealership. It was diagnosis the steering damper. Unfortunately, it was back order till march or April this year. So,
Steering, Feb 8, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated while driving approximately 70 MPH, the steering wheel started shaking and vibrating violently. The contact stated that the entire vehicle had begun to shake violently. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the vehicle needed the steering dampers to be replaced. The mechanic stated that the failure was related to Manufacturer Service Campaign: V41. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 51,409.
Steering, Suspension, Feb 2, 2023
Steering stabilizer defective, causes severe wobble when you his any type of bump (like a bridge seam) when traveling over 30mph. Wobble makes the car uncontrollable and only goes away if you slow down to under 30mph. This makes the vehicle unsafe to drive on anything except city streets. The wobble shook the vehicle enough to cause secondary problems with the alternator and suspension/bearings.
Steering, Suspension, Jan 31, 2023
The contact leased a 2018 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated while driving approximately 60-70 MPH, the vehicle experienced death wobble. While riding over a bump in the roadway, the vehicle vibrated and shook abnormally. The contact was able to pull over. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer however, the mechanic was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to another dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 17,000.
Steering, Suspension, Power train, Jan 30, 2023
Unknown, I received a notice in the mail this week from Reynolds, et Al. V. FCA Us LLC, [XXX] for 2018 Jeep wrangler recall for front end/suspension dampening defect that causes the steering wheel and front suspension to shake at highway speeds. I just had this repaired on 12/17/2022. The notice in the mail states if I paid out of pocket for these repairs I will get reimbursed www.FCA recall reimbursement.com I have provided documentation of the receipt from the dealership and recall notice I received in the mail about the reimbursement. I just want reimbursement please. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).