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, Suspension, Jan 27, 2023
death wobble at 70MPH Steering dampener had been replaced by Jeep a couple of years ago. Death wobble is back. this must be addressed
Steering, Suspension, Jan 19, 2023
This vehicle is not safe due to the "death wobble". My 2018 Jeep Wrangler with only 36,000 miles has become unsafe to drive. Anytime it's driven over 30 mph there is an almost uncontrollable, violent shaking that occurs. What is being done about this? Is it going to take serious injury or death to happen for this to be recalled?
Steering, Electrical system, Service brakes, Jan 17, 2023
As I was driving, the ABS failed then multiple warning lights displayed and the power steering failed completely. Initially, I could not get the car to turn off.
Steering, Jan 6, 2023
My car steering started shaking and rattling when I would accelerate above 30 mph. I felt like I was losing control of my car. Upon taking it to a jeep dealership for inspection, they said that my steering dampener needs to be replaced. There’s also a nationwide shortage of this part and so the waiting list could take over two months plus time to get the replaced part. It’s like several jeeps are experiencing this and it’s unsafe conditions to drive under there needs to be a recall.
Steering, Suspension, Jan 6, 2023
I purchased my 2018 Jeep Wrangler 4 door Saharah Unlimited summer of 2022. The vehicle had less than 10k miles on it when I purchased the vehicle. Vehicle runs really well and alignment seems to be perfect. But occasionally at freeway speeds, usually anytime above 40mph. If I hit a bum (even road reflectors), either on a straight road or in a turn. I'll get a really violent shaking. I can get the shaking to stop by slowing down and applying gentle braking with reducing speed. Checked all the suspension connections and seemed tight. But again at speeds usually above 40mph, if I hit a bump or in a tight turn the violent shaking will occur. I've put less than 5k on the vehicle since purchase and the problem still exists. The vehicle is stock, stock tires, and never been offroad. I have changed out the steering dampener and track bar (heard most common problem). But still have this death wobble. Were nervous to take the vehicle on any long road trips with this issue. I saw online possible issues with possible weak welds for the steering mounts (track bar). We really love our Jeep, but not trust taking any long trips out side of where we live.
Steering, Dec 22, 2022
Steering Dampening system keeps failing causing the known effect called the "Death Wobble" as the Jeep Wrangler will violently shake at certain speeds or after hitting a bump int he road. The dealer has fixed the problem Twice and now the vehicle is back in the dealer with being fixed for the third time. The dealer is telling us that it is out of the warranty period and will cost $3,200 to repair. This is unacceptable for jeep to have failed the first 2 times to repair the issue. This is a big safety issue as when we are driving down a highway the jeep will start to violently shake and we have to slow down to under 40 mph to gain control which is a major hazard to other driver safety as well as our own safety. The steering damper was replaced at 5,000 miles and then again at 18,000 miles. The car currently has 30,300 miles on it.
Steering, Dec 22, 2022
when going over rough road or bumps, potholes etc there is a loud noise under the front of the Jeep. Steering is effect at times by shaking. Upon inspection by mechanic was told the tie rods were the culprit and would need to be replaced. Was also told that these parts are not lasting long on the newer Jeeps. 2018 Jeep Wrangler JK Sport with 36000 miles. Was told by mechanic that it will take 1.5 - 2 months to get parts due to there already being over 2300 orders for the parts.
Steering, Dec 15, 2022
I took my jeep in to have the oil changed, and the tires rotated. When I left the dealership and got on the highway going around 70 mph, the jeep begin to shake. I had to pull over to the side of the road. I’m being told it is the steering damper. According to some research I’ve done online, there was a period of time. The dampers were being replaced for free if you had an issue. I am having an issue now. What do I do? V41?
Steering, Suspension, Other or unspecified, Dec 5, 2022
I own a 2018 Jeep Wrangler JL (4-Door) that I bought new. It only has 7,522 miles on it and has never been off-road. On 12/3/22, I was driving on the interstate at the speed of 70 mph when my jeep began shaking vigorously and the steering became almost uncontrollable. I had to take evasive action, move over to the far right lane and slow my speed rapidly. Once my speed was under 30 mph, my jeep began driving normally again. This occurred when I drove over the beginning of a small bridge where there was a minimum change of the driving surface. As I continued driving on the interstate, the same action occurred when I drove over the next change in the surface road. This time I was only traveling at 50 mph and had to slow down to 20 mph to get the vigorous shaking to stop. I took it to my local Jeep Dealership today (12/5/22). After they inspected my jeep, I was advised that the steering damper was weak and outdated. I was also advised that they had already replaced the steering damper once due to the "customer satisfaction note" issued by FCA. The dealership then stated that FCA has revised the steering damper since the one that was replaced under the note but that I would have to pay for this repair because FCA hasn't issued a recall or safety notice regarding this known issue. At the low miles of 7,522 on a Jeep Wrangler that I bought brand new, I am going to have to pay for a repair to a known safety issue. Even after replacing the steering damper that they knew was defective once, I am going to have to pay for a 3rd steering damper that has been revised because the 2nd one put on by FCA was defective. This is a serious safety issue and is known by FCA but they are refusing to admit the issue and are making their customers pay for their defects. I will include a copy of my service report from the Jeep Dealership.
Steering, Nov 30, 2022
I had experienced the "death wobble" when I first bought my 2018 Jeep Wrangler JL in 2018. A recall repair was done replacing the dampener. Here we are in 2022 and I am beginning to experience the death wobble again. The dealership says the dampener is bad and Chrysler will not replace it. I don't think the "dampener" is the issue. It will be at my expense to fix.
Steering, Nov 18, 2022
Vehicle goes into death wobble on highway, you must slow down below 30 miles an hour to get to stop. Very dangerous on busy interstate. Vehicle had less than 40,000 miles, took it back to Jeep dealer where they inspected it and said they now have upgraded parts, I felt if they new they had a problem and had re-engineered parts for a fix the fix should have been on them. Cost for parts and labor exceeded $1200.00
Steering, Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Nov 9, 2022
Power steering and digital speedometer cut out without notice. Seems to be an electrical issue as it will throw a handful of lights at once and sometimes read "no bus". Has happened numerous times. Dealership replaced the aux battery. Did not resolve. Private dealerships are afraid to even touch it. Dealership I purchased it from "can't look at it until March" (5 months from now). There are reports of this all over forums and YouTube. Reached out to Chrysler directly and they basically just said "sorry your warranty is up".
Steering, Power train, Electrical system, Nov 8, 2022
When driving steering stops working transmission won’t shift wipers come on speedometer stops working radio gets loud engine cooling fan turns on fast and loud warning lights come on in dash abs, trac control, air bag, and service shifter. Have to restart vehicle and tap on small electrical connector behind the glove box to return to normal. Sometimes the vehicle won’t start or shift out of park. Problem is ongoing happens when idling sitting still or driving down the road
Steering, Suspension, Nov 4, 2022
Severe "Death Wobble" occurred on the highway at 70 mph after running over a bump in the road (bridge seam), let off the accelerator and the wobble increased. I experience "Death Wobble" routinely with this vehicle but, never this bad. Stock, no lift or modifications, 45K miles, properly inflated newer tires and steering damper replaced. Vehicle steering feels consistently unstable and cannot drive more than 65 mph.
Steering, Suspension, Oct 28, 2022
While driving the 2018 Jeep Wrangler JL, the vehicle began to shake violently along with the steering wheel. I had to pull over and slow to a stop to make it stop. I was running at a speed of about 70mph.
Steering, Oct 25, 2022
The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH and turning the steering wheel in either direction, the vehicle failed to respond. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact continued driving to his destination. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the steering gearbox to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact called a second local dealer: Gupton Motors, Inc (3450 Tom Austin Hwy, Springfield, TN 37172:(615) 380-7226), and made an appointment to service the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 24,409.
Steering, Suspension, Other or unspecified, Oct 24, 2022
This started out intermittently after hitting a bump in the road, but now the vehicle shakes uncontrollably at 50 mph and above. The vehicle feels like it is falling apart. I need to put my hazzards on and move slowly to the side of the road and come to a stop to get the shaking to stop. I have several videos of the condition, but they are too large to upload (11MB and 33MB). I am taking my vehicle to the dealership in hopes they can fix this. There is an open class action lawsuit with Jeep over a similar issue. I also have already had the steering stabilizer recall performed.
Steering, Oct 19, 2022
In cold weather the Jeep is very hard to steer at highway speeds. While driving at highway speeds below 40 F and coming around a curve the steering feels like its locked up (will not turn). It has to be forced to get over the locked up spot (hump). This happens a few times until the engine and system warms up, then works fine. This seems to be a well known issue on the Jeep JL Wrangler forums.
Steering, Wheels, Other or unspecified, Oct 10, 2022
Vehicle violently shakes after hitting a bump or other imperfection on the freeway.
Steering, Suspension, Wheels, Oct 9, 2022
I purchased my 2018 Jeep wrangler and has less than 13k miles. I been having alot of front shaking (death wobble) since purchasing the vehicle. I have heard of complaints about the front end shaking violently and have had this problem a few times. Especialy at highway speeds if I hit a pothole as such. I can get it to stop if i am able to slow down and apply light brake pressure. I have checked all the steering for tight ess and even had the track bar replaced (as per other owners). But still have the problem occasionally. As for alignment, the jeep runs really well and straight without problems. I hear theres possible problems with the aluminum steeringg box (which I do have) vs. the steel steering box (I hear has a recall??). Is there any other issues as this is really scarry. Other than the replacement track bar everything is stock on this vehicle. Behicle was purchased from Cascade Auto in Wenatchee Washington 22 July 2022 with 10,893 miles.
Steering, Suspension, Wheels, Oct 8, 2022
This Jeep has the notorious “Death Wobble”. It has been inspected numerous times, there was a recall on a part ~May be a sway bar or a stabilizer bar etc- that did absolutely nothing to fix it. I’ve had the entire suspension replaced and it still does it constantly when driving over bumps in the road -specifically when the front right tire goes over a bump, around the 30+ mph. The entire front end of the Jeep jumps all over the road, the steering wheel shakes violently back and forth and you lose control of the vehicle. It’s terrifying when it happens, especially on the freeway. My two teenagers have both experienced this while driving and they were terrified trying to control it, had no idea what to do and almost lost control of the car because of how violently this one shakes. They both are anxious about driving the vehicle all together. I purchased this new and it started right away. Took it to the dealer and they new exactly what I was talking about but had no idea how to fix it. There is no warning, it’s just happens suddenly amen going over a bump in the road. It’s SO SCARY!
Steering, Oct 5, 2022
Going over a bridge at 55mph my vehicle went into a vigorous shaking in the front end making it uncontrollable to steer. I had to decrease speed right away to avoid going into another vehicle or the side of the bridge. Once, on the other side, I pulled over to come to a complete stop and was able to continue to my destination about 1-2 miles away at reduced speed. This is commonly known as “The Death Wobble” at the dealerships and Jeep community. It was taken in that day and returned the next day as they replaced the Steering Damper, which I’ve been told will not fix this problem. We will just have to see what happens next.
Steering, Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Sep 23, 2022
All warning lights on the dash lit up. All gauges (tach, speed, fuel) fell to zero while I was traveling at 55 mph. Engine stayed running. Power steering failed but would engage intermittently causing over steering when it caught. Found a safe place to get off the road and turned vehicle off for 1/2 hour. The vehicle ran fine afterward. Limped it to the dealer a day later and they diagnosed it as a "star connector" problem. They said they've seen it before. There's much discussion on the internet about it occurring with the 2018 Wranglers. Jeep said that the replacement connector is just the same as the one which failed so this could happen again if the connector is not improved. Loss of steering is life threatening especially when it goes on and off intermittently.
Steering, Electrical system, Service brakes, Sep 20, 2022
1. On numerous occasions my Jeep has suffered an electrical issue that renders the power steering, power brakes and other components in-operable. My dash goes blank, then restarts showing just about every system feature as needing serviced. The dealer has tried twice to fix it stating that a Star Connector has overheated and is the cause for the problem. This is a huge safety issue and I no longer feel I can trust it to not happen again. 2. The vehicle is impossible to drive without the power steering and brakes. The wipers stick on along with the electronic radiator fan. 3. Yes, The dealer has reproduced this and stated so on the repair invoice. Stating multiple codes in multiple modules for loss communication. 4. No, the vehicle or component has not been inspected by anyone other than the dealer. 5. No warning whatsoever! It has now happened for a fourth time and is back at the dealer.
Steering, Power train, Service brakes, Sep 14, 2022
The dash board lights all came on, The steering wheel lost power, the ABS light came on, with check shifter, could not control Jeep.