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.
Power train, Aug 30, 2023
My recently purchased Jeep Wrangler (certified pre-owned) [XXX] was included in the NHTSA recall #23V-116 which can result in a fire arising from a fractured clutch plate. Due to this significant safety risk, FCA has prohibited all dealers from selling manual transmission Wranglers models from 2018 to 2023. Therefore, it then comes as a total surprise that the dealer which sold the vehicle as Certified Pre-Owned declined to take the SUV back despite being still within warranty, driven for less than 3.000 miles and still with an opened unfixed safety recall. Attempting to remediate the situation I offered them the option of having the vehicle repaired - at their cost - with quality aftermarket parts, such as the CenterForce clutch assembly kit for Jeeps, but was also denied. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Power train, Aug 29, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the vehicle decelerated unintendedly. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact attempted to shift gear however, the vehicle failed to respond. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V116000 (Power Train) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer scheduled an appointment however when the contact took the vehicle to the dealer for the recall competition it was confirmed that the parts were still not available. The dealer rescheduled the recall appointment in hopes the parts would be available by that date. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 40,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
Steering, Power train, Service brakes, Aug 28, 2023
On occasion while driving several dashboard error lights will go on. These include ABS, Traction Control, electronic stability control, air bag and brake light. When these lights come on the power steering is typically lost and making it extremely difficult to steer the Jeep. It takes everything my wife to turn the steering wheel and get off the road. The brakes also tend to be applied which further makes it difficult to turn as the vehicle is slowed down. This issue not only endangers the driver and passengers in my vehicle but also those around me due to the inability to properly control my vehicle. I have had the vehicle at the dealers service center and they are not sure what the issue is. They have been able to reproduce but are still trying to discover root cause. This seems to be a widespread problem as both my 2018 Jeep Wrangler and 2020 Jeep Gladiator have the identical issues. Seems like a long shot that both of my vehicles would have the same issue at the same time if it wasn't a common issue. When Googling the problem, I find a lot of articles and video's but no solid cause.
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 26, 2023
there is a recall, 19A, that has no fix yet. the "this-might-happen" happened to me. clutch plate hot, hole through transmission, near melted fuel lines. got it fixed, major work $6000. Chrysler won't reimburse me because "there is no fix for the recall yet." that is the point. my car sustained major damage due to the recall issue with no fix. when they do find a fix, the replacement parts that i have now will still have to be fixed. nothing, including 3 weeks rental, covered under extended warranty because it is a recall issue. recall reimbursement documentation not processed because there is no fix. they have been running me around for almost 2 weeks. i am not someone who can drop $6000 without major pain. i paid with what cash i had, financed what i could at 23%, and had to have a friend use her credit card for the rest. i have nowhere left to turn.
Steering, Aug 26, 2023
2018 Jeep Wrangler. Driving at 30-35 MPH, the ABS warning light, the check engine warning light, the traction control warning light, service, the four-wheel-drive, and other unknown warn lights are illuminated. The odometer became inoperable. The vehicle lost power steering functionality and shifted into Accessory Mode. I was able to veer to the side of the road. . Additionally, the vehicle failed to shut off as needed. The vehicle remained in Accessory Mode for 15 minutes and restarted independently. The failure has been reoccurring. The vehicle was taken several times to the Jeep dealer; the dealer was able to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired because I can’t get an appointment for over two months. The failure mileage was approximately 45000.
Steering, Aug 24, 2023
when traveling highway speeds at ~55 MPH if the car hits a pot hole or bump in the road the steering pulls left and right aggressively and will not cease until the car is stopped. this is very dangerous at high speeds, as the car is vibrating so badly control of the car is very difficult. The car has been inspected by the dealership and we were informed they could only make adjustments based on manufacture recommendations, which included alignment and tire balancing, and the car was returned to us in the same condition. The steering damper was replaced by another service center at our own costs and the problem persists. The dealership suggested "selling the car" as they are unable to resolve the problem. The problem continues to persist which is a great concern, that it can not be resolved or corrected.
Power train, Aug 23, 2023
Clutch is making unexpected burning smell (after normal driving). Clutch pops out of gear while at highway speeds, and when in 4-wheel drive. Sometimes grinds during shift for no apparent reason. FCA says there is a recall effecting my vehicle, but part is still not available. FCA sends me to dealership for assessment. Dealership says there is nothing they can do as part is not available and they are..."at the mercy of Jeep." I'm afraid to drive the vehicle. It is my only vehicle.
Electrical system, Aug 23, 2023
Uconnect system started to control the HVAC, Sound, Phone, any other buttons that are available in the system. 8/22/23 I was traveling to my destination with the windows up when I noticed my Uconnect screen starting to click buttons without my input, I attempted to turn it off, but was unable to do so. I pulled over and turned the vehicle off and made sure to open and close door. When I turned the vehicle back on the issue stopped and I drove away. Approximately 1 mile later the music started blasting at full volume and HVAC system blowing hot air (84 degrees) all the way up. It caused me to almost lose control of my vehicle and required me to pull over on the side of the road. I was able to record approximately 10 seconds as proof of the concern. I turned off the vehicle and contacted Arrigo jeep and explained what had happened. They advised me to bring the vehicle in, which I did the same day. I explained what had happened and was advised by [XXX] and a service advisor that this has happened to many vehicles and It can be a software issue or delaminating of the screen. I left the vehicle with them to check. I went online and researched the concern I was having and what the service advisor had told me. Upon further research I found this is a problem plaguing Uconnect system like Arrigo confirmed with me. I was contacted on 8/23/23 by Arrigo who advised me that they could not replicate the problem, and since they couldn’t replicate it or find any codes there was nothing that they could do. This is a dangerous situation that could have caused me to crash the vehicle. Arrigo Jeep should be responsible for further researching and correcting this issue as soon as possible. There was NO warning that this concern would happen, and the dealer response is unacceptable. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Steering, Vehicle speed control, Service brakes, Aug 22, 2023
The power steering with no warning, just quits, working, get warning signs that the ABS is not working, included with the traction control.
Power train, Aug 22, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Wrangler. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V116000 (Power Train) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Structure, Aug 21, 2023
Paint bubbling up all over due to aluminum usage for the body.
Engine, Aug 21, 2023
Told I need a new engine, never over did anything. An, used only as a daily driver. No extreme use.
Steering, Electrical system, Forward collision avoidance, Aug 21, 2023
Vehicle starts throwing codes and power steering quits working...
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, Aug 15, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated while driving 55-60 MPH, the check engine warning light and several unknown warning lights illuminated, and the vehicle lost power steering and braking functionality. Additionally, the vehicle lost motive power, and went into LIMP Mode. The windshield wipers also disengaged. The contact was able to veer to the side of the road. The contact was able to turn off the vehicle after several attempts. The contact stated that he restarted the vehicle after 30 minutes, and the vehicle responded as needed. The warning lights were no longer illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the failure was related to the computer system. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring while driving. The dealer and the manufacturer were notified of the failure and informed the contact that they could not assist because the VIN was not included in any recalls. The failure mileage was approximately 87,000.
Steering, Aug 13, 2023
This vehicle at around 65 miles an hour and hit a bump in the road It will start a death wobble, shaking the steering wheel and vehicle uncontrollably out of your hand once you slow down you can get it back under control and continue on I have had this vehicle at two dealers and all they wanna do is change the steering damper. This has not corrected the problem and basically now I have a vehicle I can no longer drive safely.
Steering, Service brakes, Air, Engine, Aug 10, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated driving 30-35 MPH, the ABS warning light, the check engine warning light, the traction control warning light, and other unknown warning lights were illuminated. The odometer became inoperable. The vehicle lost power steering functionality and shifted into Accessory Mode. The contact was able to veer to the side of the road. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to respond while attempting to drive. Additionally, the vehicle failed to shut off as needed. The contact stated that the vehicle remained in Accessory Mode for 15 minutes and restarted independently. The contact stated that the failure had been reoccurring. The vehicle was taken several timed to the Ford dealer where it was purchased; however, the dealer could not duplicate the failure. The Jeep dealer was notified of the failure and advised the contact to take the vehicle in to their location for a diagnostic test. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000.
Power train, Aug 10, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Wrangler. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V116000 (Power Train) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted, and the contact was informed that the part for the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
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.
Steering, Suspension, Aug 3, 2023
Experienced what people are calling the "death wobble"
Steering, Electrical system, Jul 25, 2023
After several warning lights appeared, the power steering stopped working while I was driving the car on the highway.
Steering, Electrical system, Engine, Jul 21, 2023
ALL KINDS OF CODES CAME ON JEEP LOCKED UP COULDNT STEER ALMOST WRECKED. HAD TO TOLL NOW DEALERSHIP SAYS ITS THE ENGINE AFTER SAYING IT WAS THE STARTER
Power train, Jul 17, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated while driving 25 MPH, the transmission was slipping. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the transmission clutch had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was then taken to a second mechanic where it was diagnosed that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V116000 (Power Train). The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, who informed the contact that the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and provided temporary vehicle rental assistance. The contact stated that the failure persisted while driving the vehicle. The failure mileage was approximately 46,000. VIN tool confirm parts not available.
Steering, Electrical system, Lane departure, Jul 16, 2023
Recurring issue with my Jeep where seemingly every light on the dash, as well as the blind spot detectors, illuminates. The lights are accompanies by warning messages that indicate that electronic stability control and parking sense are unavailable. ABS lights, Traction Control, stability control, the brake light, and prompts to service 4WD are present. The impact varies based on whether or not the car is in motion. When it is not, as in the case of a cold start, the transmission is locked in Park. When the car is in motion, power steering intermittently goes out. If you pull over and put the vehicle in park while the lights are illuminated (i.e. if they don't clear), the car will get stuck in park until the lights clear. I have had the vehicle towed to the Jeep dealership in Natick, MA twice and, while they've charged me nothing, they've been unable to help due to the issue clearing and a lack of persistent diagnostic logs. Aside from the inconvenience, the sudden loss of power steering presents a safety issue. This has been going on for months, though the safety concern with steering only presented yesterday.
Service brakes, Jul 14, 2023
My local Jeep dealership in Hampton, Va (Winners Circle) believes the ABS control module has failed. While in drive my Jeep would not move forward, the hazard lights would not turn on, the analog speedometer failed to display speed, and power steering is lost. Several lights are illuminated: check engine light, service electronic stability control, and service shifter. The shop foreman (Ryan) and the service manager (Wesley Ward) have confirmed these issues via diagnostics and during multiple test drives. To my knowledge my ABS control module has not been inspected by anyone.