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, Jul 18, 2018
THIS IS IN REFERENCE A DEAD SPOT WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL IS CENTERED AND I'M GOING OR TRYING TO GO STRAIGHT ON THE ROAD. IT IS NOTICEABLE AT ALL TIMES BUT BECOMES UNSTABLE AT 50+MPH. IT IS DIFFICULT TO DRIVE STRAIGHT BECAUSE THE STEERING WHEEL HAS PLAY IN IT BEFORE THE WHEELS ACTUALLY TURN. MY JLUR WAS LIFTED AT THE DEALERSHIP BEFORE DELIVERY USING THE MOPAR 2" LIFT KIT. I BROUGHT THE JEEP TO THE SHOP AND WAS TOLD I NEEDED AN UPGRADED STEERING STABILIZER BECAUSE OF THE LIFT. THEY ADDED PART NUMBER 77072360 AT A COST OF $461.80. I HAVE DRIVEN THE JEEP SINCE THEN AND THE STEERING PLAY IS STILL THERE. A WEEK LATER I PUT NEW TIRES ON MY JEEP THINKING IT MAY HELP REDUCE THE DEAD SPOT CONDITION ON THE STEERING BUT IT DID NOTHING, IT FEELS EXACTLY THE SAME. THE NEW TIRES ARE 35 X 12.5 R17. STOCK TIRES WERE 33.
Engine, Jul 18, 2018
CONSTANT STALLING A ANY SPEEDS DEALERS CANNOT FIX PROBLEM
Steering, Jul 16, 2018
THERE IS EXCESSIVE PLAY IN THE STEERING WHEEL, WHICH PROGRESSES AS THE SPEED INCREASES. IT BECOMES VERY DIFFICULT TO KEEP IN THE LANE ON THE HIGHWAY. THE VEHICLE "WANDERS" AND REQUIRES CONSTANT STEERING CORRECTIONS. EXACT VEHICLE IS A JEEP UNLIMITED WRANGLER (JLU) SAHARA 2018
Steering, Jul 14, 2018
THIS IS A BRAND NEW VEHICLE. THE STEERING IS LOOSE. THERE'S A DEAD SPOT WHEN THE WHEEL IS CENTERED. IT IS VERY DIFFICULT TO DRIVE ESPECIALLY SPEEDS OVER 50 MILES PER HOUR BECAUSE THE STEERING WHEEL HAS PLAY IN IT BEFORE THE WHEELS ACTUALLY TURN.
Structure, Jul 13, 2018
I NOTICE WHEN DRIVING ON 2 LANE HIGHWAYS AND MEETING BIGGER VEHICLES THE HOOD COMES UP AND IT APPEARS AS IF THE RUBBER LATCHES ARE GOING TO SNAP. IT WILL ABSOLUTELY STARTLE YOU AND I COULD SEE IT CAUSING AN ACCIDENT. THERE IS NO WAY A HOOD SHOULD LIFT UP AS MUCH AS IT DOES. THIS OCCURS AT ANY SPEED OVER 50MPH WHEN MEETING OTHER VEHICLES AND IS WORSE THE BIGGER THE OTHER VEHICLE IS.
Steering, Jul 11, 2018
THERE IS SOMETHING WRONG WITH THE STEERING ON THIS NEW JEEP WRANGLER. THERE IS 2-3 INCHES OF PLAY IN THE STEERING WHEEL AND IT IS VERY DIFFICULT TO STAY IN MY LANE ON THE HIGHWAY. THIS IS A VERY UNSAFE VEHICLE OVER 55MPH. THIS IS NOT NORMAL.
Steering, Jul 11, 2018
THERE IS A LOT OF PLAY IN THE STEERING. IT IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE OVER 55MPH. YOU HAVE TO TURN THE WHEEL 2 INCHES TO THE RIGHT AND BACK TO THE LEFT TO STAY STRAIGHT ON THE HIGHWAY.
Power train, Electrical system, Jul 10, 2018
I WAS STOPPED AT A 4 WAY LIGHT IN MARION ILLINOIS, HAD MY JEEP IN NEUTRAL WITH FOOT ON THE BRAKE. THE LIGHT TURNED GREEN, I PUSHED THE CLUTCH IN AND THE ENGINE DIDN'T COME BACK ON. I TRIED FOR OVER FIFITEEN MIN. TO GET IT ON. FINALLY CALLED A TOW AND HAD IT TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP THAT I ORDERED IT THROUGH NOT EVEN 30 DAYS AGO. THEY DIDN'T LOOK AT IT UNTIL 4 DAYS LATER AND SAID THEY COULDN'T RECREATE THE ISSUE. THE ISSUE IS WITH THE PUSH START ENGINES. I HAVE A MANUAL W/O ELECTRIC DOORS SO NO AUTO START ON A KEY FOB. I ONLY HAD 204 MILES ON IT!! THE DEALERSHIP TOLD ME THEY'VE HAD SEVERAL PEOPLE TAKE IT OUT FOR DRIVES TO RECREATE THE ISSUE TO NO AVAIL. I BOUGHT /ORDERED AND FULLY PAID FOR A BRAND NEW 2018 JEEP TO NOT HAVE ANY ISSUES ARISE. NOW I'M SCARED TO DRIVE IT ANYWHERE!
Steering, Structure, Jul 10, 2018
TRACK BAR BRACKET AND OTHER WELDS ARE VERY POORLY DONE, WHICH CAN LEAD TO SERIOUS MALFUNCTION OR INJURY. WELDS HAVE POOR POROSITY WITH PINHOLES, SLAG INCLUSIONS, LACK OF FUSION, UNDERFILL, ETC. THE WELDS ON MY NEW 2018 JEEP RUBICON JLU THAT COST $52,000 ARE ALL MALFORMED. I DON'T SEE HOW THERE COULD HAVE BEEN AN INSPECTION PASS ON THESE WELDS, AS THEY ARE DANGEROUS. I'VE HAD THEM INSPECTED BY TWO PROFESSIONAL WELDERS WITH A COMBINED 45 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE AND THEY BOTH IMMEDIATELY AGREED. ONE USER ON THE JL WRANGLER FORUMS WITH VERY SIMILAR WELDS HAD A COMPLETE FAILURE OF THE TRACK BAR BRACKET AT A HIGHER RATE OF SPEED (HIGHWAY POSTED SPEEDS) AND WAS SOMEHOW ABLE TO GET THE VEHICLE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD WITHOUT KILLING HIMSELF OR ANYONE ELSE. THIS POST CAN BE FOUND ON JL WRANGLER FORUMS DOT COM, SEARCH FOR "TRACK BAR SHEARED OFF AT THE WELD" THE TRACK BAR BRACKET WELD ON MY JEEP DOESN'T COVER THE TOP OF THE BRACKET BUT INSTEAD THE WELD SITS ALMOST ON TOP OF THE BRACKET EDGE AS YOU CAN SEE FROM THE ADDED PICTURES. THE SIDE WELDS ARE SIMPLY WELD BLOBS AND DO NOT FOLLOW ANY WELD STANDARDS. THIS IS SIMPLY DANGEROUS AND SHOWS THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED WHEN LEAVING THIS STAGE OF THE BUILD FROM FCA. JUST TO NOTE, MOST ALL OTHER WELDS THAT WERE VISUALLY INSPECTED ARE JUST AS POORLY DONE. *TR
Steering, Jul 10, 2018
PURCHASED MY 2018 BILLET SILVER, 4-DOOR WRANGLER RUBICON JL ON JULY, 2 2018. BUILD DATE IS 2/2018 FOR THE VEHICLE. I NOTICED THE EXCESSIVE NEED TO OVERCORRECT THE STEERING WHEEL WHEN I DROVE IT HOME FROM THE DEALERSHIP. I TEST DROVE IT EARLIER IN THE DAY ON A 4 LANE, SPLIT HIGHWAY AND IT WAS ALMOST ENTIRELY A STRAIGHT HIGHWAY DRIVE, SO I DIDN'T NOTICE IT MUCH ON THE VERY SHORT TEST DRIVE AS I DID DRIVING THE JEEP HOME LATER IN THE EVENING ON A MUCH MORE NARROW, TWO LANE COUNTRY ROAD. THE ISSUE IS EXACTLY LIKE MANY WHO HAVE DESCRIED THE ISSUE IN THE JL WRANGLER FORUMS ONLINE (OVER 570 POSTS AS OF THIS COMPLAINT FILING) WHO'VE DESCRIBED THE WHEEL BEING UNRESPONSIVE WITH LOTS OF LEFT/RIGHT MICRO CORRECTING TO STAY IN CENTER LANE. WHILE DRIVING STRAIGHT AND ON EVEN PAVEMENT I CAN MOVE THE STEERING WHEEL APPROXIMATELY 5-7 DEGREES AND THE WHEELS AND DIRECTION IS UNRESPONSIVE. THERE WAS A TIME OR TWO DRIVING HOME WHEN I WOULD COME OUT OF A SLIGHT DIP OR BUMP IN THE ROAD AND THE JEEP WOULD COME OUT OF THE DIP, START TRACKING TOWARDS AN ONCOMING CAR OR CENTER LANE, AND CORRECTING THE WHEEL BACK TO THE RIGHT AND AWAY FROM ONCOMING TRAFFIC REALLY TOOK A LOT OF EFFORT. TIRE PRESSURE IS TO SPEC AT 37PSI IN ALL FOUR TIRES. THIS VEHICLE HAS A DANGEROUS "BOBBLE" OR SWAY AND DRIVING AT FASTER POSTED SPEEDS, ESPECIALLY ON MORE NARROW ROADS IS QUITE DANGEROUS. THE AMOUNT OF FORCE TO CORRECT TO STAY IN CENTER LANE IS UNLIKE ANY VEHICLE IN MY ALMOST 30 YEARS OF DRIVING.
Steering, Power train, Engine, Jul 10, 2018
WHILE STARTING THE VEHICLE FOR THE THIRD TIME IN TWO DAYS AFTER PICKING UP THE CAR FOLLOWING A PCM FLASH FOR A CRUISE CONTROL RECALL, I NOTICED THE PRND LIGHTS FLASHING ON THE SHIFTIER APPROXIMATELY 10 SECONDS AFTER VEHICLE START. I SUBSEQUENTLY RECEIVED A CEL AND A "SERVICE SHIFTER' MESSAGE. I SHUT OFF THE VEHICLE, LET ALL DISPLAYS GO DARK, AND RESTARTED; THE CEL WENT AWAY. I PROCEEDED TO CONTINUE MY DRIVE HOME. ABOUT 10/15 MIN LATER, I NOTICED THE LIGHTS FLICKERING ONCE AGAIN ON THE SHIFTER. I ONCE AGAIN ELECTED TO CONTINUE HOME AS IT WAS LATE AT NIGHT. APPROXIMATELY 2/3 MILES LATER, I RECEIVED ERRORS ON THE START/STOP AND TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEMS. THE VEHICLE APPEARED TO GO INTO A "LIMP MODE" - I IT WOULD NOT SHIFT OUT OF 8TH GEAR AND I EXPERIENCED REDUCED POWER AND AN INABILITY TO MAINTAIN THE POSTED 70 MPH. I DECIDED TO EXIT AT THE NEXT OFF-RAMP AS I COULD MAINTAIN 65MPH. WHILE EXITING, I NOTICED THE GAUGE NEEDLES (SPEEDO AND TACH) SWEEP AND GOT AIRBAG WARNINGS. I HEARD THE ELECTRIC FAN GO 100% HIGH (VERY LOUD) AND I LOST POWER STEERING. I PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND SHUT OFF THE VEHICLE. AFTER LETTING IT SIT FOR APPROXIMATELY 5 MIN, I RESTARTED THE VEHICLE AND WHILE THE CEL REMAINED NO OTHER ERRORS WERE ILLUMINATED OR PRESENTED. I WAS LESS THAN 2 MILES FROM A JEEP DEALER AND DECIDED TO TRY TO CONTINUE THERE ON ACCESS ROADS. ABOUT 1/8 MILE DOWN THE ROAD, I ONCE AGAIN LOST POWER STEERING AND SAY VARIOUS ERROR MESSAGES LIKE BEFORE. I PULLED INTO A PARKING LOT AND ABORTED MY ATTEMPTS AND CALLED FOR A TOW TO THE DEALER LESS THAN A MILE AWAY. POSTED ARE PICTURES OF THE ERRORS READ USING AN OBD-2 SCANNER I HAD IN THE GLOVE COMPARTMENT. WHILE I HAVE DRIVEN CARS WITHOUT POWER STEERING IN THE PAST, IT WAS RATHER DIFFICULT WITH THE LARGER ~32" TIRES AND I AM NOT SURE A CRASH COULD BE PREVENTED IF A SMALLER PERSON WAS DRIVING.
Steering, Jul 9, 2018
JEEP STEERING HAS A DEAD SPOT, WHICH ALLOW THE JEEP TO WANDER BACK AND FORTH IN A LANE. IF IT HAS ANY SIDE WIND THE JEEP BECOME VERY DIFFICULT TO CONTROL. SEEM LIKE TO MUCH PLAY IN THE STEERING BOX. THIS IS NOT A JEEP THING AS THE DEALER STATES, ITS A REAL PROBLEM THAT FCA SEEM TO NOT WANT TO ADDRESS.
Steering, Jul 9, 2018
STEERING ON THE FREEWAY AT HIGHER SPEEDS (60 MPH+) HAS A DEAD ZONE AND THE JEEP WANDERS BACK AND FORTH, MAKING IT DIFFICULT TO KEEP IN A STRAIGHT LINE AND VERY DANGEROUS/FEELS AS IF I COULD LOSE CONTROL. SEVERAL COMPLAINTS FOR SAME ISSUE ON NHTSA FROM OTHER 2018 JL OWNERS. NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED AND A SAFETY RECALL INITIATED TO CORRECT AS NO DEALERSHIPS ARE FIXING THE ISSUE. COULD CAUSE ACCIDENT AND FATALITY AND EXTREME LIABILITY FOR FCA.
Steering, Jul 7, 2018
VEHICLE WANDERS. DEAD SPOT IN STEERING. SIGNIFICANT INPUT REQUIRED TO KEEP VEHICLE UNDER CONTROL AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS.
Steering, Jul 6, 2018
THE JEEP WANDERS AND DRIFTS AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS...STEERING IS BAD!!! I GET THE WANDERING AND THE DEAD SPOT AND FLOATING FEEL WHEN ON LONG STRAIGHT AWAYS DOING 50+ MPH. IT'S A CAUSE AND EFFECT BECAUSE OF THE UNRESPONSIVENESS OF THE STEERING, SO YOU OVERCORRECT CAUSING YOU TO GO SIDE TO SIDE IN THE LANE. THUS MAKING IT ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO KEEP IT GOING STRAIGHT AND REQUIRING YOU TO DRIVE WITH TWO HANDS ON THE WHEEL. MY TIRES WERE AT 44 PSI. AIRED THEM DOWN TO 38 PSI. DID NOT HELP BECAUSE THE STEERING AT HIGHER SPEEDS IS JUST SLOPPY AND UNRESPONSIVE WITH A GOOD 1 INCH PLUS OF PLAY IN THE WHEEL. I ALSO TRIED THE ROUGH COUNTRY STEERING STABILIZER. IT DID NOTHING TO HELP THE WANDERING. IT WAS ACTUALLY WORSE THEN STOCK. IN FACT I GOT A LOT MORE BOUNCE ON THE TIRES WHEN I HIT A BUMP OR HOLE IN THE ROAD, SO I PUT THE STOCK STEERING STABILIZER BACK ON. IT SEEMS THAT IT TAKES THE COMPUTER A FEW SECONDS TOO LONG TO RECEIVE THE INPUT FROM THE STEERING WHEEL. I'M NO ENGINEER OR MECHANIC AND I'M NOT TOO SMART (LOL) BUT I CAN TELL YOU THERE IS AN ISSUE WITH THE SOFTWARE AND STEERING BOX (GEAR). LIKE I SAID, I HAVE HAD NUMEROUS JEEPS AND TRUCKS AND I HAVE BEEN A POLICE OFFICER FOR OVER 20 YEARS, SO HAVE A TON OF DRIVING EXPERIENCE AND I HAVE NEVER HAD ANY VEHICLE WITH THIS STEERING ISSUE. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE ESPECIALLY AT HIGHER SPEEDS ON MAJOR HIGHWAYS, WHERE YOU FEEL IT AND DEAL WITH IT MOST. JEEP AND FCA NEED TO GET THERE [XXX] IN GEAR AND FIX THIS ISSUE ASAP BEFORE THERE IS A FATALITY. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Steering, Jul 6, 2018
STEERING GEAR BOX LOCKS UP OCCASIONALLY WHILE TRYING TO TURN, INHIBITING A TURN FROM BEING MADE WHILE MOVING. SEEMS TO ONLY HAPPEN WHEN IT IS HOT.
Steering, Jul 6, 2018
WHEN THIS DANGEROUS INCIDENT OCCURRED, I HAD MY DAUGHTER AND TWO GRANDCHILDREN IN THE VEHICLE WITH ME AND WE WERE TRAVELING ON A FOUR-LANE, DIVIDED HIGHWAY. I WAS PREPARING TO MOVE FROM THE INSIDE TO THE OUTSIDE LANE OF TRAVEL IN ANTICIPATION OF MAKING A RIGHT-HAND TURN. WHEN I BEGAN TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL TO THE RIGHT, IT FELT LIKE THE STEERING WAS LOCKED AND IT WAS ONLY WITH A GOOD DEAL OF FORCE THAT I WAS ABLE TO COMPLETE MY LANE CHANGE. IT WAS VERY DIFFICULT TO APPLY ENOUGH FORCE TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL WHILE SIMULTANEOUSLY NOT APPLYING TOO MUCH SO AS TO CAUSE MYSELF TO OVERSTEER AND POTENTIAL LEAVE THE ROADWAY. WHEN I GOT TO THE INTERSECTION WHERE I NEEDED TO MAKE MY RIGHT-HAND TURN, I AGAIN HAD TO APPLY A GOOD DEAL OF FORCE TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL AND COMPLETE MY TURN. THIS CONDITION CONTINUED UNTIL I ARRIVED HOME SOME FIVE TO TEN MILES AWAY. I WOULD LIKE TO NOTE THAT IT WAS VERY HOT THAT AFTERNOON (APPROXIMATELY 95F). I HAVE READ THAT JEEP IS AWARE OF THIS ISSUE AND THAT THE PRIME SUSPECT IN THE CAUSE OF THIS SAFETY ISSUE IS THE NEW ALUMINUM STEERING GEAR BOX THEY INTRODUCED ON THIS MODEL. THE FACT THAT ALUMINUM HAS A GREATER THERMAL EXPANSION RATE THAN THE PREVIOUSLY USED STEEL STEERING GEARBOXES CERTAINLY WARRANTS THIS SUSPICION. I HAVE ALSO READ THAT THE MANUFACTURER HAS HAD SEVERAL "CONFIRMED REPAIRS" OF THIS "STEERING LOCKUP" ISSUE BY REPLACING THE STEERING GEARBOX WITH A RUMORED NEW, MODIFIED ONE. WITH THESE CONSIDERATIONS IN MIND, I BELIEVE THE HIGH TEMPERATURES OF THAT DAY CONTRIBUTED TO THE EXPANSION OF MY JEEP'S ALUMINUM GEARBOX CAUSING IT TO BIND UP AND LOCK THE STEERING. A FURTHER INDICATION THAT THIS MIGHT BE THE CASE IS THE FACT THAT HOURS LATER AFTER BOTH THE VEHICLE AND THE AMBIENT TEMPERATE HAD COOLED, THE STEERING RETURNED TO NORMAL.
Electrical system, Jul 6, 2018
2018 JEEP WRANGLER JLU SPORT. THE RECENT 5 INCH RADIO FIRMWARE UPDATE HAS CAUSED THE RADIOS TOUCHSCREEN TO BECOME UNCOMFORTABLY HOT TO THE TOUCH. AFTER THE UPDATE THE RADIO REFUSES TO SHUT OFF. IT WILL ALSO UNEXPECTEDLY SHUT OFF AND THE BACKUP CAMERA WILL STOP FUNCTIONING TEMPORARILY. THERE ARE ALSO MANY OTHER NON SAFETY ISSUES THAT JEEP SEEMS TO WANT TO IGNORE WITH THIS RADIO LIKE THE LACK OF RECEPTION BOTH TERRESTRIAL AND SATALLITE, THE LACK OF DISPLAYABLE CHARACTERS, THE FREEZING OF THE RADIO TO BLUE SCREEN, AND THE LAG IN THE TOUCH SCREEN AND VOLUME. JEEP REFUSES TO DO ANYTHING TO RESOLVE THE ISSUE AND HAS SAID THAT THERE WILL NOT BE ANOTHER UPDATE UNTIL OCTOBER. SEEMS TO ME THAT WHEN YOU BUY A VEHICLE YOU SHOULDN'T HAVE TO WAIT SIX MONTHS FOR A WORKING RADIO.
Other or unspecified, Jul 6, 2018
2018 JEEP WRANGLER JLU SPORT. DURING DRIVING AT 75MPH, COLD AIR WAS FOUND COMING OUT OF GLOVE BOX SEAMS. OPENED GLOVEBOX AND COLD AIR IS POURING OUT. THIS IS WHEN THE HEATER IS ON. JEEP DOESN'T SEEM TO WANT TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT.
Other or unspecified, Jul 6, 2018
2018 JEEP WRANGLER JLU SPORT. THE AC/HEATER IS OUTPUTTING A STRANGE MOLDY SMELL THAT SMELLS LIKE ROTTING SHOES. THIS HAPPENS EVERY TIME THE VEHICLE IS STARTED AND STATIONARY AND AGAIN APPROXIMATELY EVERY 30 MINUTES OF DRIVING. THIS IS A BIG ISSUE FOR ME AS I AM ALLERGIC TO MOLDS. JEEP SEEMS TO BE BLOWING OFF THE ISSUE AND REFUSES TO DO MUCH ABOUT IT.
Other or unspecified, Jul 6, 2018
WELDS ON 2018 JEEP WRANGLER JLU SPORT FRAME ARE BAD IN MANY WAYS. PROBLEMS INCLUDE: -INCOMPLETE WELD IF TRACK BAR WELD WHICH COULD CAUSE FAILURE AND LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL -POROUS WELDS - MANY OF THE WELDS ARE POROUS -LACK OF PENETRATION -OVERWELD AKA WELD DRIP -NEARLY 90% OF THE WELDS HAVE WELD SLAG THAT WAS NOT CLEANED OFF BEFORE PAINTING. RESULTING IN PARTS OF THE WELD NOT BEING PAINTED AND PRONE TO RUST AND EVENTUAL FAULURE -THERE IS ALSO A GREAT DEAL OF WELD SPRAY THAT SHOULD HAVE BEEN CLEANED OFF -THERE ARE ALSO WELDS THAT WERE NOT COMPLETED...FOR INSTANCE THERE IS ONE ON EACH SIDE IN THE REAR WHERE THEY ONLY WELDED HALF OF THE TUBING THAT SHOULD HAVE RECEIVED A COMPLETE WELD AROUND ITS CIRCUMFERENCE. WELDS WERE EXAMINED BY PRESTIGE JEEP AND A DISTRICT REP WHO SAID THEIR WERE FINE HOWEVER THIS WAS NOT A CERTIFIED WELDING INSPECTOR. CASE WAS BROUGHT TO THE ATTENTION OF JEEP CARES/JEEP WAVES WHO LOOKED OVER SOME 160 PHOTOS I SENT OF THE WELDS AT WHICH POINT THEY SAID THIS ISN'T A CONCERN. IRREGARDLESS OF THE SAFETY ISSUES...AT MINIMUM THERE SHOULD BE PAINT ON THE WELDS ON MY FRAME. THE SAFETY ISSUES THEMSELVES ARE FRIGHTENING AS ONE OTHER OWNER OF THE SAME VEHICLE HAS ALREADY HAD HIS TRACK BAR BRACKET BREAK OFF WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE FREEWAY. HE IS LUCKY TO BE ALIVE. I HAVE MANY PHOTOS THAT I AM HAPPY TO SEND IN HOWEVER, YOUR SITE ONLY ALLOWS 5. THIS JEEP IS 3 WEEKS OLD AT THE TIME OF THESE PHOTOS AND HAS SEEN RAIN 4 TIMES. AS YOU CAN SEE IN THE PICTURES THERE ARE HOLES AND POROSITY IN THESE WELDS. THE COPPER SPOTS ON THE WELDS ARE SLAG THAT SHOULD HAVE BEEN CLEANED OFF BEFORE PAINT AS PAINT WILL NOT ADHERE STRONGLY TO SLAG AND WHEN THE SLAG FALLS OFF IT WILL LEAVE THE WELDS UNCOVERED. JEEP IS REFUSING TO TAKE CARE OF THE ISSUE AND I AM NOW SEARCHING FOR A CERTIFIED WELDING INSPECTOR TO EXAMINE BEFORE BRING IT TO THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
Steering, Jul 6, 2018
THE 2018 JEEP JL HAVE ELECTRONIC STEERING CONTROL AND PAST 60MPG, IT MAKES IT DIFFICULT TO STEER TO THE RIGHT. THE STEERING STICKS AND I HAVE TO MUSCLE IT TO GET IT TO STEER TO THE RIGHT WHICH HAS MADE ME ALMOST GET INTO SEVERAL ACCIDENTS.
Steering, Jul 6, 2018
THE STEERING IS EXTREMELY LOOSE AND VAGUE ON CENTER. THERE IS NO MOVEMENT WITH THE WHEELS IN RELATION TO STEERING INPUT FOR 1.5 INCHES ON EITHER SIDE OF CENTER. THIS RESULTS IN CONSTANT CORRECTION AND OVER-CORRECTION CYCLES TO TRY TO MAINTAIN LANE POSITION. THE PROBLEM IS NOTICEABLE AT 45MPH, AND IS SIGNIFICANTLY WORSE AT HIGHWAY AND INTERSTATE SPEEDS (70MPH). BUMPY OR WINDY CONDITIONS MAKE THE CONTROL PROBLEMS WORSE. THE PROBLEM BECOMES MORE UNSAFE ON CURVY ROADS WITH HEAVY TRAFFIC WHERE I AM UNABLE TO MAINTAIN SPEED WITH OTHER VEHICLES AND IT'S VERY DIFFICULT TO REMAIN WITHIN LANE MARKINGS.
Steering, Jul 6, 2018
STEERING HAS BIG DEADSPOT IN MIDDLE WHERE YOU TURN THE WHEEL AND IT DOESN'T ACTUALLY TURN THE TIRES/VEHICLE. IT'S MORE NOTICEABLE ABOVE 60MPH. IT CAUSES THE VEHICLE TO BE ALL OVER THE LANE AND CAN BE SCARY AT TIMES AS IT WILL SOMETIMES CAUSE ME TO GET TOO CLOSE TO OTHER VEHICLES IN NEXT LANE OVER. THIS IS NOT FOR A SINGLE DATE. IT HAPPENS ALL THE TIME.
Steering, Jul 6, 2018
THE STEERING AT SPEEDS OVER 50 MPH HAS 2-3" OF PLAY WITH THE STEERING WHEEL GOING STRAIGHT. SO I AM CONTINUALLY FIGHTING TO KEEP IT STRAIGHT. THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON SINCE I PURCHASED IT.