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
1,822 reports, newest first.
Steering, Electrical system, May 13, 2024
Several electrical issues, vehicle issues tying back to the CAN BUSS. The vehicle throws several codes and several components quit working. I lost powering steering at 80 M.P.H and had to fight the vehicle not to wreck out. Then the power steering comes back to function again almost causing me to wreck out. Traction control also stops working when this issue occurs, which is also incredibly dangerous. The vehicle then starts jerking and becoming unresponsive. New batteries, changed Can Buss connectors and no solution. There are hundreds of reported issues with this on the forums. Chrysler and Fiat should be held responsible. These issues are going to be the cause of someone's death. Just because this incident did not involve a "crash, fire or death" does not mean the next will not.
Service brakes, May 12, 2024
The parking brake randomly failed. It was working as designed, and then the next time I went to use it the lever had zero resistance and would not hold the vehicle. I am currently looking at getting it repaired but have to park it in gear to keep it from rolling away when parked (6mt).
Power train, May 10, 2024
VIN [XXX] Hi everyone, I’m new to the group and hoping for some guidance and support. I tried to message Jeep Cares but the message button does not appear on their profile name. I bought my 2018 Jeep wrangler JKU Rubicon December 2021 with 29k miles on it and by May 2022 my clutch blew out with only 32k miles on it! They said it was the worst they’ve seen (doubt it) and would not cover it. In fact, they wanted $4k to replace it with a mopar one. I told them where to go and bought a centerforce dual friction and had it installed at a local shop for $3,700. I chose centerforce to avoid having issues again with the mopar one. Everything was fine till the rear main seal went out and had to be replaced under warranty. When I got it back there was a ticking noise at the top of the clutch pedal and they didn’t even put the heat shield back in so the cab was hot as hell. I ended up paying a local shop to put the heat shield back in since the dealer said they were behind and would take months. Now here I am a year later. The dealer just installed a new engine under warranty after only 47k miles on the original. They just called to tell me the work is done but btw…the clutch is blown. I told them there’s no way in hell that’s possible since I just put on in on May 2022. I reminded them I reported the noise back when I got it back from the rear main seal being done. I was then told she was going to “talk to her manager “. The next call was to tell me “sorry, we can’t do anything and it’s dangerous to drive it the way it is. I had no other choice but to authorize another clutch. I can’t afford to spend another $3,700. I’ve driven a clutch since I was 12 on my grandpas farm. This is absurd. Every vehicle I’ve had has been clutch and never had a problem till I bought this one. Where do I start? Not only should they put a new one in now but they should also reimburse me for the last one! Why is this happening and how do I prevent it again? INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Electrical system, May 2, 2024
The bottom electrical panel for the fuse box went out a few months ago for the wipers we have fixed the wiper motor, wiper relay, wiper switch and still nothing was told by the jeep dealership that they had 4 other jeeps have the same issue and it was this part that went out
Visibility/wiper, Apr 29, 2024
Sun visor arm has broken multiple times and fixed by Jeep multiple times at my expense. This is a known issue by Jeep. They used a cheap plastic pin in the design. Each time the visor arm breaks the visor drops down into my line of sight blocking my view of the road. This is a hazard and Jeep should be forced to fix every sun visor with a metal pin.
Steering, Suspension, Engine, Apr 29, 2024
Track bar bracket separating from frame. Coolant leaking into engine. This has been going on for about a year since we bought it. Dealer just says there’s nothing wrong with it. But we have been taking it to mechanics since we got it.
Engine, Forward collision avoidance, Apr 29, 2024
Clutch - The Sansone Dealer located in Avenel, NJ has informed me that they did not have the part at the time and that I would receive a call. I never got a call so I decided to take the car back to them and now I'm being told they would need to hold onto the car for at least 48-hrs to diagnose the car. I don't understand why when they should be aware of the recall.
Steering, Electrical system, Service brakes, Apr 23, 2024
Every dash warning lights come on, radio cuts off, steering loss occurs, have to fight steering to get pulled over, turn it off and back on, sometimes resets but not always. Issue happens at random but the last time it occurred around a curve, nearly went off the road because of the steering loss. Had all the wires and grounds cleaned & checked, all batteries are good, alternator is good, all relays are good.
Air bags, Seat belts, Apr 18, 2024, crash
During a high-speed collision/accident the vehicle had a high speed impact and rolled several times during the accident. The airbag system did not deploy as it should have the airbags in the seats for the sides, and the back did not deploy the driver of the vehicle myself was injured severely and ejected from the vehicle due to the airbags, not deploying, I sustained multiple injuries the only airbag that deployed was from the steering wheel which cause multiple rib fractures, and no other airbags were deployed The drivers seatbelt was locked, and could not be removed, unable to open the seatbelts.
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
Engine, Apr 13, 2024
Start and Stop button light came off and vehicle stopped drive. I’m the last 2 years I have to replace battery 3 times.
Steering, Mar 18, 2024
Driving Jeep Wrangler Unlimited at posted speed of 65 mph when I hit a rough spot in the road or a seam in the pavement, or a pothole the front wheels jerk back and forth violently until I slow down to 30 mph or less and then continue driving. This is known as the Jeep "Death Wobble" the dealers know about it, it's on YOUTube many times, it is very dangerous because you have no control of the vehicle. The dealer replaced the steering stabilizer on a recall notice, but my Jeep still has the same problem.
Structure, Visibility/wiper, Mar 18, 2024
My soft top has never been unzipped, and the back plastic windshield has started to come apart. This causes water to get into my car when it rains. So much water got into my car from the exposed opening in the back window, my car jack actually rusted and cannot be used, so now I have no jack for my car. This opening also causes bugs to get in and lay eyes or make nests, putting me at potential risk to get stung. The water has also caused a build up of dirt on the back windshield, causing extreme difficulty to see out of the back windshield.
Service brakes, Mar 18, 2024
My Jeep only has 85,266 miles on it and my pistons/ calibers are locked up, resulting in my cailbers, rotors, and brake pads to all be replaced. This job is projected to cost me over $1,000. My car is currently undriveable.
Structure, Mar 18, 2024
See attached document for complaint
Power train, Mar 18, 2024
See attached document for complaint
Power train, Mar 18, 2024
Car shuts off while driving
Steering, Power train, Electrical system, Mar 17, 2024
The Wrangler will shift out of gear and into neutral and steering become very hard and difficult to maneuver while accelerating from a stopped position and at times at highway speed. On the highway one can coast to the side of the road and shut off engine and restart and move again. This can also be done at an intersection but big safety concerns when pulling onto a highway with traffic, Multiple check lights will come on including check engine, stability control and service shifter. The Jeep has been taken to the dearer for repair to no resolve. Codes are cleared and problem persists. Began at about 70k miles and has persisted since.
Power train, Mar 14, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Wrangler. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer for NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V116000 (Power Train). The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The contact stated that upon retrieval of the vehicle, the service transmission warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with a software failure, but the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, who opened a case. The failure mileage was approximately 11,600.
Electrical system, Mar 8, 2024
Began receiving hundreds of error codes. The vehicle, while operating, would have the lockers engage, disengage, wouldn't start suddenly, ABS activated, sway bar disengaging, and other things. This represented a tremendous saftey risk for any occupants and was quite frightening. We had it at the dealership several times. We spent $1000 replacing both batteries and all harnesses were checked. The problem improved but never was fully resolved. Now a year after all of that work, we are experiencing more problems again.
Power train, Mar 4, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated while at a complete stop, she noticed an abnormal overheating odor. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the recall repair of NHTSA Campaign Number: [XXX] (Power Train) was performed. The contact stated that after the repair, the message "Service Transmission" was displayed. Additionally, the vehicle failed to exceed 10 MPH while driving and depressing the accelerator pedal. The vehicle was driven back to the dealer, who informed the contact that the failure could be caused by a computer malfunction or a pre-existing issue. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and advised the contact to take the vehicle to another dealer for repair. The vehicle was towed to a second dealer, Phillips Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram (3440 S Pine Ave, Ocala, FL 34471), who informed the contact that the manufacturer had advised them to replace the clutch for a second time; however, the part was not available. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 113,010. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Steering, Mar 1, 2024
It's been characterized as the "death wobble." When I approach speeds of 60 mph or more and hit a bump in the road, the steering and front end commences to severely vibrate uncontrollably, lasting up to several seconds. This problem is well documented and pervasive. There needs to be a nationwide recall before there are resulting accidents and fatalities.
Steering, Suspension, Wheels, Feb 26, 2024
Unknown-APPARENTLY THIS IS AN ON GOING WRANGLER ISSUE BUT WAS NEVER recalled AND I SEE NO COMMENTS. I see all over the forums that this is a problem and it is driving me insane coming from the left front wheel well area not only during breaking, but both breaking and slowing down no foot on gas or break. There is a very large, creaking, loud, creaking noise, coming out of that area. It also makes the steering wheel bobble, which I think is causing what everybody is saying, the death wobble. I’ve taken it to Jeep . I have done multiple car washes. I’ve tried everything they are telling me that there’s nothing wrong with it but you can clearly hear that sound and it goes creek creek creek, creek, creek, creek, creek, over and over and over again until the car stopped, and there is also a loud grinding noise when you start the vehicle as well.
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!!!
Seats, Feb 22, 2024
I have already had this replaced, at a direct expense to me, due to the concern. Jeep has a Technical Service Bulletin (S2023000009) about the passenger seat. It began as a popping/knocking noise in the butt/inside of the seat. My dealer had to replace the lower seat frame/track completely, based on the concern and the bulletin. Before replacement, the seat was audibly broken, with great concern for the safety of the passenger in the event of a crash. Can this be looked into and why it is not a recall? If a recall, I assume I can be reimbursed for my out of pocket expense. I did not want to wait for a recall, as I was concerned for my passengers' safety, as the inside frame of the seat was broken. The dealer told me since it was just a TSB, and not a recall, it was not covered by Jeep.