Most common 2018 Jeep Wrangler problems
Share of the 1,827 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Jeep Wrangler complaints by model year
Best Wrangler years: 2017, 2015. Years to avoid: 2024, 2018, 2021, 2023, 2019. Compare all years →
2018 Jeep Wrangler recalls (14)
Back over prevention › Sensing system › Camera
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.
Remedy: 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.
Electrical system › Instrument cluster/panel
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."
Remedy: 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.
Power train › Clutch assembly
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.
Remedy: 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.
Power train › Clutch assembly
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.
Remedy: 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…
Power train › Clutch assembly
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.
Remedy: 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.
Seat belts › Front › Anchorage
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.
Remedy: 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.
Show 8 more recalls
Equipment
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.
Remedy: 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.
Latches/locks/linkages › Doors › Latch
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.
Remedy: 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.
Structure › Frame and members
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.
Remedy: 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.
Electrical system › Wiring › Front underhood
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…
Remedy: 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.
Steering
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.
Remedy: 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.
Electrical system › Software
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…
Remedy: 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.
Power train › Automatic transmission
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.
Remedy: 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.
Seats › Mid/rear assembly
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.
Remedy: 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.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into 5 possible defects involving the 2018 Jeep Wrangler:
Frame weld deficiencies
On September 16, 2019, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) granted Defect Petition DP18-004 and opened Preliminary Evaluation PE19-012 to investigate allegations of deficient frame welds and their potential safety related effects on 2018-2019 Jeep Wranglers. Due to a previous steering related recall that was caused by a misaligned weld on the front track bar (NHTSA Recall No.
Seat belt buckle bracket failure
On July 17, 2019, NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Preliminary Evaluation (PE) 19-008 after receiving three Vehicle Owner Questionnaire (VOQ) reports alleging the driver's side seat belt buckle separated from the seat frame, rendering the seat belt non-functional. The VOQs involved model year (MY) 2015 and 2016 Jeep Wrangler (JK platform) that were configured for right-hand drive (RHD) use.
Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited.
Electrical overstress
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this investigation to determine if the failure of airbags to deploy during severe crashes, in certain vehicles, was the result of a safety related defect. During the investigation a complex failure was studied that can result in non-deployment of subject vehicle air bags and other restraint system devices in severe crash events.
Frame Weld Deficiencies
In a letter received on October 24, 2018, a citizen petitioned the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to initiate a safety defect investigation into frame weld deficiencies on model year (MY) 2018 'JL' Jeep Wrangler vehicles.
What 2018 Jeep Wrangler owners say
Steering all 1,117 →
My vehicle will randomly have the check engine light come on, a service shifter light come on, and then lose the ability to steer. I have taken it to the dealership twice and told it was fixed. Now it is back at the dealership for the third time. As a result of this issue I was involved in a car accident when a van came into my lane and I was unable to avoid impact and they were able to leave the scene. This is a safety issue for not only myself and anyone in my car but also anyone on the road around me. I did not file a police report regarding the accident as my situation involves a language barrier and I was so upset I just wanted to get home and be safe. Now I am in a state of fear anytime I drive my vehicle. I did have passengers and witnesses for two different instances where our lives were put in jeopordy because of this issue. …
The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the ABS, Transmission, and ESC warning lights illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to a dealer where it was diagnosed that there were several software updates available for the engine and power train. The updates were completed, and the vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that the warning lights were illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle back to the same dealer. The dealer diagnosed the warning lights and applied other software updates. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that while turning left onto a residential street, the steering wheel was difficult to turn. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer; however, the dealer was notified of the failure. …
Suspension all 343 →
The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Wrangler. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 21V028000 (Power Train) and an unknown campaign number. The contact was informed that the part for the second recall was not available and the dealer suggested that the vehicle remain at the dealer until the part became available. The contact stated after 30 days the vehicle was returned with both recalls completed. The contact stated on May 20,2021 while driving 80 mph, the vehicle experienced the death wobble. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer however, the mechanic was unable to diagnose the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that he had taken the vehicle to the dealer a total of five times however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. …
The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated while driving approximately 10 MPH, the contact heard a cracking and popping sound coming from the rear of the vehicle. The sound was heard when the vehicle would slow to make a turn to either the right or the left. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact drove the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that there were missing welds and cracks on the spring perch on the driver's and passenger's side of the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 58,000.
Electrical system all 268 →
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 contact owns a 2018 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission slammed into park(P). The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. In addition, the temperature gauge and fuel level gauge fluctuated. The traction control warning light activated and deactivated. The instrument cluster also activated and deactivated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with instrument cluster failure. The contact was informed that the instrument cluster needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure occurred immediately after the vehicle was purchased. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer several times due to the persistent failure. In addition, the contact was informed that the repair was not covered under recall. …
2018 Jeep Wrangler engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0L 4-cyl turbo hybrid | 8-speed automatic | 4WD | 23 / 25 / 24 |
| 3.6L 6-cyl | 6-speed manual | 4WD | 17 / 25 / 20 |
| 3.6L 6-cyl | 8-speed automatic | 4WD | 18 / 23 / 20 |
| 3.6L 6-cyl | 5-speed automatic | 4WD | 17 / 21 / 18 |
EPA ratings. Class: Small SUV.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2018 Jeep Wrangler a good car?
Based on 1,827 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2018 Wrangler rates avoid: 5.2× as many complaints as a typical year of the Wrangler at the same age. It is one of the Wrangler years we suggest avoiding. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2018 Jeep Wrangler?
The steering — 1,117 complaints, 61% of all complaints for this model year, most often about column. Next are the suspension (343) and electrical system (268).
How many recalls does the 2018 Jeep Wrangler have?
There are 14 recalls for the 2018 Jeep Wrangler, the most recent from September 12, 2024 (camera). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Jeep Wrangler?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2017 and 2015. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2024, 2018, 2021, 2023 and 2019. See the full Jeep Wrangler years comparison.
At what mileage do 2018 Jeep Wrangler problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 6,000 miles; 94% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.