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: other or unspecified
212 reports, newest first. Show all
Other or unspecified, Feb 24, 2025
Engine oil cooler - This Mopar factory part is sub par. It is made out of metal and plastic and placed in the hottest spot of the vehicle and fails at approx 50, 000 miles. After I have done some research at local garages, this item failure is very common. I think Jeep Chrysler Dodge needs to take action for a recall.
Structure, Other or unspecified, Feb 17, 2025
I have a 2018 Jeep Wrangler JL series. I was driving down the highway, and the soft top latches sheared off, causing the top to rip back off the top of the Jeep. These clips fell down inside the car and sharp plastic pieces hit my sunglasses. The place where they sheared off was not at any boat locations or latching sections. This year was at the curve where it boats on to the soft top roof frame. The flat section where the sheer occurred was about 2 1/2 inches to 3 inches by only a quarter inch thick. This thickness was not substantial enough to hold the roof locked down tight. This could have created an accident as I was going down the highway at 60 miles an hour almost losing control of the vehicle. I have visited the dealer and called Jeep. Customer care they offer no support. I feel like this is a substantial safety issue that could cause someone to lose control of the vehicle and endanger themselves and others.
Other or unspecified, Dec 19, 2024, fire
As I was driving this vehicle alone on [XXX] , I smelled a burning smell and the clutch seemed to have trouble shifting gears. I was driving approximately 40 mph, attempted to shift gears, heard a loud bang and saw fire at my feet, looked in the rear view mirror and saw fire in the back. I pulled the emergency break and jumped out of the car. It then burst into flames and incinerated the car with all my belongings in it. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Other or unspecified, Dec 15, 2024
I was driving on the freeway around 75 mph I’m not sure what happened or why but the jeep started violently shaking back-and-forth I’m not sure how to explain it. But I very easily could have lost control. Where I live there is snow and ice so I’m not sure why that happened but would like to see if there’s something I could check. Or if there’s been a recall. Nobody was hurt thank God no lights came on. I was able to slow down the Jeep safely.
Steering, Other or unspecified, Nov 13, 2024
there was a recall for death wobble on steering, took it in, supposedly fixed. a month went by and wobble came back, took back to jeep, they said i needed new tires. (of course warranty was just getting ready to expire.) bought new tires, death wobble is getting worse and worse. if you hit a bump in road and your going 45mph, you have to try and stop vehicle it is shaking sooo bad. not fair i have to pay
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Oct 27, 2024
The navigation/radio screen has delamination. At first, I thought it was just cosmetic. Starting in July of 2024, it started doing things independently, such as changing channels, the source, and switching between navigation and backup camera; on [XXX], it started turning on Bluetooth and calling 911. I can not turn it on because it continues to call 911. The vehicle only has 20,900 miles. The local dealership and Jeep are aware of the problem and have offered to repair it at a cost to me. This is a manufacture defect that needs to be fixed/recalled by Jeep. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Other or unspecified, Oct 15, 2024
Radiator overflow bottle leaks. Warning light only comes on after empty. Refill of antifreeze was necessary every two weeks or less depending on driving conditions. Also know of this happening with another vehicle of the same make/model owned by family member.
Other or unspecified, Oct 12, 2024
Been trying to get the recall fixed in Kentucky. But dealer says its a Canadian vehicle and will not repair until made endless phone calls to USA and Canada and just get the run around. This has been going on since August 23. I just want a solution. Please help!!!!!
Steering, Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Oct 4, 2024
Incident date: [XXX], electrical problems causing loss of steering, 65 miles per hour, EXTREME action required to keep on road. 2018 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Sport (4 door), 3.6L engine, bought new July 2018, Everett Washington. RPM and speedometer gauges went to zero, loss of power steering, all dashboard warning lights blinking on/off, digital speedometer only showed dashes (- - -) windshield wipers came on scraping bare hot window (outside air temperature 104 degree F), radiator fan went full on, engine kept running but miss-firing/rough, managed to get off freeway and stopped, turned off ignition for 5 minutes. On restart, all errors (except Check Engine Light) disappeared and car appeared normal, no stored warning messages. This is second occurrence. Picture is similar to my errors (it is from Jeep Forum,[XXX] Location: [XXX]. What is going to happen if I am off road and it dies? Or on a Los Angeles Freeway? I might be dead. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Suspension, Other or unspecified, Sep 20, 2024
I had the common issue with Jeep ‘18 wranglers called the “death wobble”. I read many articles saying it’s common with jeeps from the 2018 era. One day I was driving and it stopped in the middle of the road. I couldn’t accelerate or brake. I could not fully get the vehicle off a busy highway. I took it in before this to get it diagnosed and mechanics could not figure it out. After this incident I towed it to the dealership and they replaced my drive shaft because it was completely destroyed. I am now paying $2000 in repairs.
Suspension, Other or unspecified, Jul 17, 2024
Jeep wrangler jl with 23,000 miles driving 55 mph. Jeep front end started shaking violently and brake pedal pulsating so that I could not brake or steer vehicle. Did Google search and this has been a major Jeep wrangler issue. As an engineer Jeep designers did not understand harmonic frequencies when designing or specificity front end design. This happened 3 times before Wisc. Cambridge service could replace front end steering component at $600 cost. Very dangerous on highway going 55 mph with no vehicle control. I believe you are aware of this issue and have failed your duty to force mfg to fix with a recall.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Service brakes, May 31, 2024
ABS Module, confirm with dealer ship and automotive shop. Loss of power steering, lost use of drive shaft, car completely stalled on main road.
Steering, Suspension, Other or unspecified, Apr 15, 2024
my vehicle has extremely bad death wobble, only 55 thousand miles on it. its a extreme safty hazard ! i just had my tires rotated and balanced and the problem is not any better ! once i hit 65 mph its shakes uncontrollably and i have to slow down to 40mph to get it to stop! that is extremely dangersous on a highway to be driving like this ! it has been like this since i got my car at 33,000 miles in august 2021
Steering, Other or unspecified, Feb 26, 2024
Cannot drive over 65 mph without Jeep shaking uncontrollably. This is not a problem with just me but 100’s if not 1000’s of others. JEEP NEEDS TO FIX THE PROBLEM!!!
Other or unspecified, Dec 13, 2023
While driving my daughter to daycare, the rear window spontaneously exploded. The vehicle was stopped at a traffic light. Our daughter was in the backseat in a rear facing car seat and she was inconsolable after the event due to the loud sound. We had had several issues with the read window. The defroster keeps coming off despite multiple attempts by several dealerships to repair. We then the window replaced in fall 2021 but the defroster kept detaching so we gave up and just accepted it the poor design. There are several reports on Jeep forums of spontaneous explosions similar to this and rear defroster detaching. None of this issues have resulted in a safety recall.
Other or unspecified, Oct 3, 2023
There has been a recall since February 2023 that has not been handled yet. I have yet to receive any information on how they are handling this recall that is a potential fire hazard. 10 months should be sufficient time to be in touch with consumers. I was told when I called the manufacturer that I could use my warranty. I will not use a warranty on a recalled issue.
Other or unspecified, Oct 3, 2023
Paint bubbling and Rust accumulation on all 4 doors and door hinges, hood and hood hinges and varius body panels. Jeep has been taken to a Jeep dealership and no further communication from Jeep on if this is going to be corrected or not. Engineers should know not to put steel and aluminum together without proper coatings or protections.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Aug 18, 2023
Was stopped at stop light jeep still running and all sudden neutral flashing and wouldn’t shift back up into park at all. Had to disconnect battery wait 30 seconds and hook back up for it to shift into park… started it up and everything is now good. For now
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Aug 4, 2023
I get a service shifter message and then vehicle steering wheel locks mid driving. Read it is the wiring harness. And is a repeats issue with jeep wrangler. My 2018 wrangler is at the dealership.
Other or unspecified, Jun 5, 2023
When I hit a bump of any size my Jeep starts shaking uncontrollably. The first time it happened I had a panic attack because I had no idea what was going on and feared for my life. I pulled to the right side of the road and came to a complete stop for it to stop shaking. Everyone’s safety around me could me at risk including mine since sometimes I don’t know when it’ll happen and I can’t take my hand off the steering wheel to try and see to move over to the right side of the road. It happens very often. First time was I believe in March 2023.
Other or unspecified, Jun 3, 2023
Paint is bubbling causing rust-
Structure, Other or unspecified, May 15, 2023
There is a missing weld on the lower passenger rear control arm bracket that looks like a manufacture defect. I recently started hearing a clanging noise and brought it to the mechanic. I was not put at risk of safety (for the tie being). The problem has been confirmed and looked at ONLY by a mechanic. There were no warning lights. How do i get the welding fixed? the dealer will not help me repair it.
Suspension, Power train, Other or unspecified, Mar 24, 2023
At highway speeds when driving over surface imperfections, the jeep randomly and suddenly starts to wobble uncontrollably, with a significant wobble in the steering wheel. This wobbling goes away when the vehicle slows down, but pops up again in a random manner when driving over any surface imperfection / bump / road seam at highway speeds
Other or unspecified, Mar 6, 2023
Paint is bubbling on all 4 doors, starting to flake off along with rust and corrosion on all 4 door hinges.
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,