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.
Electrical system, Jul 13, 2023
Cannot put car in drive from park position. “Service Shifter” light s up along with Abs, start/stop, All lights on dash light up while driving or in park, no power steering, all displays flickering, can not move vehicle. While in park, can not engage shifter,
Engine, Jul 11, 2023
The oil housing unit has cracked and has to be replaced. The Jeep is currently in the shop and they discovered that it is made of plastic and cracked. I had oil pouring out when I took it to the shop. After doing some research, apparently this is a problem with Jeeps.
Steering, Jul 10, 2023
Vehicle has been experiencing electrical failure that dealers have been ,so far, unable to diagnose..when the electrical failure occurs we experience a loss of steering.
Steering, Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Jul 5, 2023
While driving vehicle will randomly have multiple warning lights on display suddenly appear (ABS, check engine, stability control, traction control, etc.) and speedometer would either go to 0 or read blank. In some instances power steering also cut out causing vehicle to swerve or jerk without warning. Spouse was scared to drive it when this happened and pulled over to have it towed. Did not want to have the vehicle suddenly swerve or lose control and hit cross traffic or pedestrian on side walk. This issue would then suddenly resolve itself and return to normal state. On some occasions, when vehicle was started, it would not shift out of park at first, but then would correct itself and allow it to be shifted out of park and driven. When check engine light was active, had codes checked and none were active, only stored. Indicated ABS sensor or ABS module errors. Was able to have Chrysler Dealer check into and after 5 days of troubleshooting, they worked with Chrysler Engineering to determine that there was a star CAN connector that was malfunctioning. Installed part 68321746AA for $84 and labor of $527 to resolve issue.
Steering, Electrical system, Service brakes, Jun 30, 2023
While operating the vehicle, I lost Power Steering, Stability Control, Anti-Lock Brakes and when I was able to stop, the transmission was put into park and I was unable to shift gears. Dealership informed me that this is a known issue related to the Can Bus Connector located behind the glove compartment, which apparently controls all of the safety systems. There were multiple indicators lit on the dashboard along with a check engine light. Dealership is replacing the connector.
Electrical system, Service brakes, Engine, Jun 26, 2023
All the lights on the Jeep came on. Locked up nearly had a wreck. Had to be towed. Now dealership is saying its the motor. Everything shut down. This is not the first time the jeep has shut all the way down. This is very dangerous. We had replaced the starter, and battery and spark plugs and box. The jeep worked for a day then the second starter burned up .
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Power train, Electrical system, Jun 22, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact was able to drive to the residence, where she parked and turned off the vehicle. The contact stated upon restarting the vehicle, the vehicle operated as needed. The dealer was notified of the failure and advised the contact to take the vehicle to their location for a diagnostic test. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle and attempting to shift into drive(D), the gear shifter seized. The vehicle responded as needed after several attempts. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the failure could not be duplicated. The dealer received remote assistance from Jeep engineers. Additionally, the contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the messages "4WD Disabled", "Parking System Disabled", "Park" and other unknown messages were displayed. The traction control warning light, the check engine warning light and other unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who cleared the codes, but could not duplicate the failure. The contact stated while driving 30-35 MPH, the windshield wipers engaged independently, the fuel gauge fluctuated up and down. Additionally, several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle lost power steering functionality. The brake pedal was depressed, but the vehicle hesitated to respond. The contact was able to pull into a parking lot. The vehicle was towed to the residence of the contact's daughter. The contact stated upon restarting the vehicle, the TPMS and other unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer to be diagnosed. The vehicle was not yet diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 88,000. The contact stated the vehicle couldn't be diagnosed and out of pocket for rental and repairs for the vehicle.
Power train, Jun 16, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that while driving at 45 MPH, she smelled a burning odor inside the cabin of the vehicle and the vehicle experienced abnormal clutch engagement while shifting gear. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V116000 (Power Train). The vehicle was repaired at the contact's expense. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened. The contact stated that the reimbursement claim was denied. The contact was informed that because the permanent remedy was not yet to be developed, the vehicle was possibly repaired with a defective part. The failure mileage was 33,000.
Electrical system, Forward collision avoidance, Jun 15, 2023
Driving along at highway speed. lost power steering. All lights lit on dash. center LCD screen was giving warnings that all systems had failed. Anti lock brakes, gear selector, can bus systems, audio and GPS systems. Fortunately i was driving on a straight highway. I've looked into this issue. Its called the Christmas tree event. As all problem lights on dash light up. It looks like the fix is replacing 2 CANBUS ports behind glove box.
Power train, Jun 8, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH up a highway ramp, the vehicle started to lose motive power. The contact stated that he was manually shifting the vehicle from second gear to third gear. The contact was able to shift the vehicle into fourth gear. The contact stated that he had heard an abnormal grinding sound after releasing the clutch pedal. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer who was unable to schedule a diagnostic test. The contact retrieved the vehicle from the dealer and stated that the failure had become a recurring failure. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the clutch pressure plate needed to be replaced. The mechanic advised the contact that there was a recall for the year, make and model for the pressure plate. The vehicle was repaired. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V116000 (Power Train) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact attempted to seek reimbursement but was advised by the manufacturer that reimbursement was pending a remedy being 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 failure mileage was approximately 49,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available. The contact took the vehicle to a local repair shop and it had to be repaired or incur charges. The repair shop will not repair the vehicle with a better quality transmission due to manual transmissions are no longer in demand.
Power train, Electrical system, Jun 8, 2023
My JEEP STOPPED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD, would not charge AND WOULD NOT CHANGE GEAR from park. I have less than 52,000 miles
Visibility/wiper, Jun 7, 2023
Both the Right and Left sun visors broke within a few weeks. The plastic retainer breaks allowing the sun visor to dangle in the driver’s field of vision. The visor now dangles by 12 volt visor feed lamp that could cause short. Factory price to repair - $80 for both parts. There are so many of these broken that there after market “hack” repair brackets sold on ebay and other sites to hold up the visor.
Power train, Jun 6, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Wrangler. The contact received notification of the NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V116000 (Power Train) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. An undisclosed dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were not yet available for the recall repair. The contact was advised not to drive the vehicle. 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 and the contact was provided a case number. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
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.
Steering, Jun 3, 2023
I get the "death wobble" if I hit even a small bump on a smooth highway at speeds above 50 mph. The dealer says this is normal and nothing to worry about, which is crazy. The vehicle has just over 40,000 miles and has been maintained in full compliance with the manufacturer's warranty. The dealer said they could try replacing the steering damper but that it wasn't likely that it would fix the issue, again saying it's a normal condition with this vehicle. The wobble is extremely dangerous in the rain or any kind of slick road, pretty in heavy traffic. These vehicles need to be recalled so this can be fixed.
Other or unspecified, Jun 3, 2023
Paint is bubbling causing rust-
Electrical system, Jun 2, 2023
All the warning lights turn on tachometer stops working and sometimes it looses power steering. I was driving about 45mph when all the warning lights turned on and I lost power steering. I had to pull over luckily it was when going straight. Very scary took to dealer they said they could not replicate picked up car 3days later happened again
Steering, Suspension, Jun 1, 2023
Vehicle shakes violently on Highway at about 65mph. Has happened multiple times.
Suspension, May 28, 2023
Driving at 60 mph on I-35 North Highway in Kansas City. Hit a bridge seam and the front end began to shake violently. I had to slow down to get the vibration to stop. I definitely experienced the Jeep death wobble in the front suspension.
Engine, May 25, 2023, fire
The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated after parking and turning off the vehicle, she saw smoke exiting from the hood. The contact stated she removed her two infants from the vehicle before locating the fire extinguisher she had available in the vehicle. The contact stated the fire extinguisher was broken but was able to extinguish the fire with a fire extinguisher that was provided by a school bus driver that was in the area. The fire department did arrive at the location after the fire was extinguished and filed a fire report. The contact was not aware if the police deputy at the scene filed a police report. The contact stated she burned her right middle finder while extinguishing the fire but did not seek medical attention for her injury. The vehicle was not drivable. The contact towed to the local dealer and made them aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 40,800.
Power train, May 24, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that when the gear shifter was shifted, the clutch failed to perform as intended. The contact stated that the gear shifter was stuck. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 21V028000 (Power Train). The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but was unable to confirm when parts would be available. The failure mileage was approximately 81,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
Power train, May 23, 2023
The clutch on my jeep is acting up and there is a recall for it. But Jeep states they have no fix and are not able to tell me when they will come up with one. I feel they should just let aftermarket companies replace their defective clutches since they aren't really worried about the few folks with clutch issues. So currently I am driving a ticking timebomb. Once my transmission gets hot from the clutch it will cause a fire which Jeep is all aware of. This is a major safety issue. Imagine a car catching fire while driving on the highway. That would cause a massive pile up for sure.
Steering, Suspension, May 22, 2023
excessive play/slop in steering and death wobble at highway speeds
Power train, May 17, 2023
Service Axle Locker System Keeps coming on and going off. Sometimes 4 times a min. Sometimes hours. Does not store or show any codes in the system when checked.
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, May 16, 2023
My wife was driving her Jeep to work this morning and a warning message came on the info screen stating the vehicle was shutting down soon and to safely pull over. She only had a two minute warning which was not enough time to pull over to a safe place without risking injury from being hit from another vehicle. The Jeep ended up and powered down within the two minutes of receiving the warning which caused loss of engine power, no power steering and no power brakes. This seems to be a pretty dangerous combination. It literally left her in the roadway. We had the batteries checked and they are ok. The vehicle did start back but the warning light came on again so it is parked until we can get it towed to the dealership. Researching it online it seems to be a common issue with the 2018 JLU. She currently has 117,000 miles on the Jeep.