Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (accelerator pedal, throttle, sudden acceleration, cruise control).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2018 Jeep Wrangler owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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. …
Jeep JL shows various warnings about engine revs and sometimes loss of power steering while driving at all speeds. Sometimes the Jeep will not get out of park and this issue is intermittent. Have taken it to the dealership and they cannot find anything wrong. From reading forums it would appear there is a bad wiring harness that causes this but it is terrifying when it can happen randomly and then just goes away on its own like nothing happened. I have various videos of this happening while parked. This issue seems to affect many of the JLs and rubicons. It has been happening for about 3 weeks now. Jeep does not admit or see the issue and the error codes thrown would indicate literally everything is wrong with the jeep. Can provide videos of this parked but it can and does happen randomly while driving.
The clutch plate has failed on my 2018 Jeep Wrangler. I brought it into the dealer to take a look at it when I was experiencing the clutch slipping while shifting into first gear and also the "Service Auto Start Stop" indicator illuminating. Once the indicator illuminated, it also prevented by cruise control from working. After the dealer conducted troubleshooting of the issue, they told me that it was due to a safety recall on the clutch plate but that parts were unavailable. This appointment took place on August 4th, 2023. I was told that this issue could lead to a fire, so I have not been driving the vehicle since then. As of October 31st 2023, they still do not have the necessary parts to fix the issue. In the meantime, I've had to arrange for alternate transportation which cost me ~$3,700.
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, if I turn off vehicle while it's on the "fritz", vehicle might not start for some time (15-40 minutes), this has been on going since 11/22, three visits to dealership, two at an independent shop. Dealership claimed the couldn't replicate issue/"concern" Vehicle is simply not safe. I've recorded many videos documenting these safety/vehicle issues. It's been nearly 6 months of trying to get a reputable diagnosis, repair and answers. I hope this isn't a scam? I truly need help.
Power steering and digital speedometer cut out without notice. Seems to be an electrical issue as it will throw a handful of lights at once and sometimes read "no bus". Has happened numerous times. Dealership replaced the aux battery. Did not resolve. Private dealerships are afraid to even touch it. Dealership I purchased it from "can't look at it until March" (5 months from now). There are reports of this all over forums and YouTube. Reached out to Chrysler directly and they basically just said "sorry your warranty is up".
ABS module has failed and has shut off the cruse control system. The O.E. module is on national back order with no idea of it availability. The unit is still in the vehicle. Non-A.B.S. brakes work. How ever the traction control system is shut off as well as the cruse control system posing a greater risk to all. Search on several internet sites confirms that this issue has been noted to the manufacture with no resolution. Owners are left to find their own part and none are available.
The 2018 Jeep Wrangler began having problems in oct of 2019 with a racing engine and electrical issues, May of 2020 the car had severe electrical issues and the dealership could not find anything wrong. The car was at the dealership for 5 days. In June the same electrical problems occurred and it was at the dealership for 6 days. When the car was returned to us the dealership said not to drive it very far. On July 23rd. The car went rogue in reverse at 60 miles an hour backwards. No pressure to the accelerator, it just took off, it has been determined that the braking system did not work. It was in our driveway.
When turning into a parking spot on an incline, I had slowed to start the turn. I then let off the brake a bit to be able to roll into the spot. The car then accellerated into the wall at the end of the spot damaging my bumper, scratching the car next to mine and also the wall I hit.
Have had the Jeep for only 3 weeks now and on the second week the "engine light" turned on, took it to the dealership and was told it was due to not closing tight the gas cap tight when I put gas but the thing is that "I" had not even fueled it because I did not have the Jeep long enough to need to fuel it up. The "sespension", steering is very wobbly to and from any where I drive it in town or city and more so when I drive it on the freeway, it is a task and sruggle; arms and hands are sore after I get home for me to try to keep it steady , if I do not stay focus and hold tight onto the steering wheel when driving it , the Jeep will go on either to the left or right. …
Just got this Jeep used from Jeep dealership back in July. I usually don't drive over 60 because of the speed limits around here. But I just did when I went to go visit family 2 hours away and my steering wheel seemed to lock up when I went anywhere from 60/70mph. I had to jerk the steering wheel slightly to one side so I could drive on a bended portion of the road. It's not listed as a recall but this is seriously concerning to me. I thought it was just that one time but I test it out when I drove back home and the last 6 times I went to visit and the exact same thing happens every time. Most recent time it happened was yesterday and my uncle said to report it.
Acceleration complaints in other Wrangler years
Frequently asked questions
How common are acceleration problems on the 2018 Jeep Wrangler?
NHTSA has 24 complaints about the speed control & acceleration of the 2018 Jeep Wrangler, 1% of the model year's 1,827 complaints. The component named most often is accelerator pedal (2 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2018 Jeep Wrangler acceleration problems?
No. NHTSA lists no speed control & acceleration recall for the 2018 Jeep Wrangler, though it has 14 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2018 Jeep Wrangler acceleration problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 6,000 miles, and 73% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 0 fires and 1 injury to speed control & acceleration problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
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.