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, Jan 3, 2022
The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the front of the vehicle was wobbling violently. The contact mentioned that the steering wheel was shaking to the point the contact was unable to continue to drive the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic but was not yet diagnosed. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 45,000.
Steering, Jan 1, 2022
I bought the vehicle used in December of 2021. It has been out of warranty since July of 2021. At highway speeds, the vehicle wanders side to side and seems to pull to the right. It does it on interstates as well as local roads and it is more noticeable at speeds over 30MPH. FCA knows about the problem and has fixes available for vehicles still under warranty. I feel this is a dangerous situation, since I am unable to steer the vehicle in a straight line, and steering requires constant small adjustments just to stay in my lane.
Steering, Other or unspecified, Dec 29, 2021
I'm describing this is a steering problem, but it may easily include suspension as well. I've experienced the so-called death wobble several times since buying this Jeep. I had chalked it up as being part of having 4WD (though operating in 2WD), but I never had this problem with a much older Jeep, and it doesn't seem like it should be acceptable. Twice on this day traveling around 60 MPH, the steering began to shake with the whole vehicle wobbling. I was able to stop it after slowing down below about 40 MPH or so. I haven't found a common culprit, though it's been triggered by hitting bridge expansion joints on the highway... particularly if I'm not going perfectly straight. I'm fearful of driving over 55 MPH, and I don't think that's acceptable. While I kept control, I don't know if that will always happen. I fear losing control and possibly rolling over. It has not been reproduced or confirmed. It has not been inspected. No warning lamps or messages showed.
Steering, Dec 28, 2021
Severe death wobble at speeds above 60 mph , have had this looked at several times by dealer but problem persists
Steering, Dec 26, 2021
I have a experienced steering lockup multiple times. Normally in cold weather conditions. Twice in the driveway. About 5-6 times on the road at 30-40 mph and twice on the interstate
Steering, Dec 23, 2021
My steering on my Jeep feels stiff occasionally. Hesitation/Resistance when trying to steer. This happens once in a while. More often on cold mornings, right after a cold start.
Electrical system, Dec 21, 2021
Vehicle failed to restart at the rest area with 18,000 miles on it. I called the service truck and made a report to the dealer the vehicle started within 15 minutes of setting . Went to dealership and had the Jeep checked out. They could not find any thing that was wrong. We were told it had to be malfunctioning to find the problem. Today we were at a grocery store stopped came back in the vehicle would not start. After about 15 minutes vehicle started, while leaving the parking lot the Jeep made a bucking hesitating movement. I Called the dealer they said the Vin number was not on recall. The 2018 jk Jeep has 22,000 miles on it. Found this U 87 recall on the powertrain Control module. Thank you
Other or unspecified, Dec 18, 2021
Service axle locker system
Steering, Dec 7, 2021
2018 JLU - Sport While driving at any speed over 40 mph, when trying to turn with the road, the steering wheel locks up and will not allow me to turn it. This has almost caused me to crash into other vehicles and/or structures as I can not maintain my lane, with my *child* in the vehicle. Colder weather seems to make this worse. Also, there is excessive play and extremely loose steering while driving, the vehicle will not maintain a straight line, the driver must constantly micro manage the steering wheel. No warning lamps or messages. I have not taken it to the dealership because they want to charge over $100 for a diagnostic fee. I should not have to pay this charge as this is a known SAFETY issue. There is a recall for this issue on others with the same year, make & model but my VIN is not included in this. After speaking with MOPAR last week, I was informed that I would have to pay for any repairs out of pocket and hope that my VIN makes it on the list one day!
Steering, Dec 6, 2021
While driving 65 mph on interstate highway, Jeep front end began vibrating and violently shaking during lane change. Surrounding vehicles noticed erratic condition and yielded. Regained control as vehicle slowed below 45 mph. Issue repeated itself twice the same day. Stock vehicle, 11,600 miles on odometer. Unsafe condition.
Back over prevention, Nov 29, 2021
The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated while operating the vehicle, the backup camera was inoperable on several occasions. There were no warning lights illuminated. The backup camera would randomly work as designed. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure however, no further assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 7,800.
Steering, Nov 27, 2021
2 times now the stearing has felt as though it locked up while driving . Both times I have noticed it was a colder morning say 30f . Very scary when it happens
Electrical system, Nov 26, 2021, fire
The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that the vehicle was parked in the garage for 10 days. The contact stated that as he opened the garage door, he saw smoke. The contact looked around but he could not determine the cause of the failure. The contact stated that he opened the hood of the vehicle and noticed that the fuse box and the fuse wires had burned. There were no injuries sustained. A police report was not filed. The independent mechanic arrived at the contact's residence and diagnosed that the fuse box and the fuse wires had burned. The vehicle was towed to the dealer for diagnosis. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and sent an investigator who diagnosed the vehicle. The manufacturer sent a letter to the contact stating that based on the investigator report, no issues were found and the failure was not a manufacturer defect. The dealer informed the contact that the fuse box and fuse wires needed to be replaced and he would be responsible for the cost of the repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 1,100.
Electrical system, Nov 24, 2021
Initial problem was the auto restart stopped working when the vehicle came to a complete stop. Then noted a couple of months later the dash board electronics started displaying random screens and warning lights. Finally the car refused to start and shift out of park and the display unit showed milage at 999999 and no indication as to the problem with vehicle. All alarm lights were also on in dash display. Towed to dealer and they said they had to replace 2 batteries.
Steering, Nov 23, 2021
My Jeep has began to shake violently on two recent occasions 11/18 and 11/23 at highway speeds. I tracked back to see if something was in the road, but all I found was a small imperfection about 1 inch tall in the road seam. The vehicle began to shake so violently that it took all I could do to keep from colliding with neighboring cars. The internet calls this “death wobble “ and it was supposed to be repaired by the dealer under recall. I had the work completed over a year ago and the vehicle is still affected.
Steering, Nov 20, 2021
My Steering wheel keeps locking up and I am unable to turn the wheel. My power steering fluid is fine cause I had it checked. The only way to unlock the steering wheel is to step in the brake. I believe it has something to do with the power steering pump. I have set up an appointment with Jeep for service. I recently had my jeep inspected and it passed. No warning lights have come up. It’s a very scary experience as I almost got into an accident as I was not able to turn the wheel until I stepped on the brake.
Steering, Nov 14, 2021
Steering sticks going around a curve… Feels like someone is holding the wheel.
Other or unspecified, Nov 12, 2021
The right side sun visor broke. One month later the driver side visor broke. Both by the mounting stem.
Steering, Nov 5, 2021
I was driving to work at approximately 7:50 am when the outside ambient temperature was below freezing (approximately 30 degrees Fahrenheit). The vehicle was operating normally until I came to a long, sweeping, and gradual curve on a road that I take every day to get to work. As I entered this curve to the right, driving at approximately 60mph, my steering locked up causing the Jeep to drift into the other lane of traffic. After 2-3 seconds of steering lock, the wheel released and I was able to jerk the vehicle back into my lane. Normal operation resumed, until I came to a similar curve, just up the road, when the lockup happened again. Again, the curve was long, sweeping, and gradual, and I was driving at approximately 60mph.
Steering, Nov 3, 2021
This morning while taking my Jeep to work, the steering was locked up on me. I had roughly 15 degrees of movement on either side. I had to take a turn and use every bit of my strength to turn the Jeep until I could physically feel my steering loosen up and then drove normal. I always use my remote start and let it warm up before driving on cold mornings. It doesn't have any mods on it either that aren't from Jeep.
Steering, Oct 28, 2021
While driving around the speed of 55 or high the steering wheel seems to lock up and you can't turn it. This is extremely unsafe as it has almost caused major accidents.
Steering, Oct 27, 2021
Entire vehicle continues to shake violently about 1/3 of the time after hitting a bump at highway speeds. Shaking has become increasingly prevalent and pronounced, and it lasts for a longer duration when unable to slow down under 45 mph while driving. Vehicle shake has been noticed by other drivers, who signaled about the issue while driving. Manufacturer recall has been completed twice, but issue continues to get worse.
Service brakes, Oct 25, 2021
I have had an issue since the vehicle was 6 months old, When applying the brakes, the pedal is low (half way to the floor), not a good feeling. When I do a quick pump, the pedal comes up to safe, responsive level and I get a good safe stop. I don't tow much, but i occasionally tow a small boat, I then don't feel safe at all. I have had it in to the dealer no less than 6 times for the issue and they claim all is ok. I have also paid to have an independent shop look at it and they do find it a problem and even a fix as when they pinched off the front hoses, the pedal was right up top. The last time at the dealer I was told that Jeep does realize that they have an issue but cannot supply replacement parts as they are needed for the cars being built...PLEASE HELP!
Power train, Oct 24, 2021
Vehicle has 13,000 miles on it and manual transmission keeps popping out of second gear. This has almost cause 5 rear end collisions.
Other or unspecified, Oct 15, 2021
The Uconnect (Infotainment System) screen in our vehicle has suffered from delamination. The delamination between the two parts of the screen has resulted in persistent "ghost touching". This is where the screen acts as if it has been touched even though it has not. This ghost touching is sporadic and volatile and results in a very large distraction for the driver. On more than one instance this distraction has almost led to a collision. At one point the touch screen started to self dial SOS and would not respond to the initial attempts to hang up, causing the driver to be distracted and almost cause a collision. This is a known problem affecting multiple FCA vehicles where they have chosen to not recall or support the replacement of the faulty part. This issue can endanger the vehicle driver and others on the road way.