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).
The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that while her son was driving approximately 70-75 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The check engine and traction control warning lights were illuminated. Upon research, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V524000 (Electrical System). The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 138,000.
Trying to avoid a large dirt clump left in the road by the road maintenence crew I swerved to the left at 35 miles an hour and the esm/ESC light came on and the Jeep took over the car I could not apply the brakes or control the steering the speed did not deminish and the vehicle crossed an intersection rolling up an embankment so that the front of the Jeep went in the air and came down hard causing the frame to break and the front axle to bend. If I could have at least been able to control the steering I could have turned in the direction I had intended to go this could have been avoided. Jeep is now trying to fix the control system after the damage was repaired. The light remained on even after the Jeep stopped. I see others have had trouble with this system. …
I have a lemon Jeep that has caused me many accidents due to the steering issue and engine overheating and leaking oil which I almost started a wildfire in northern california mountains highway 299. Unacceptable, FCA doesnt care ....
Soon after purchasing my 2018 jl Wrangler in April I began experiencing steering issues. When veering left or right to change lanes, take a curve, etc. The steering wheel would 'lock' up and I'd need both hands to pull it back to keep the Jeep in my lane. It only lasts for a few seconds. I had received notification that it was time for my first maintenance appointment after purchasing the Jeep, so I called to schedule that and also told them about the steering issue. One day prior to the appointment, my dashboard alert notified me to "service the electronic stability control". Since I already had the appointment, I knew this could be addressed at that time. Then a few days later I received the safety recall u48 for steering intermediate shaft. I called the dealership and let them know that I had received the recall notice and that I already had an appointment scheduled. …
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. …
On 10-10-18 (15000miles) I started to experience a death wobble that was getting worse very quickly. I took it to my dealership and they had it for 31 days. They said it was a problem in one of my tires. I drove it 200 more miles and it started again. I called them back and they told me that crystler said there was no fix for it and it was still safe. As it continued to get worse, I called crystler, and they had their tech reach out to my dealership (took 3 weeks). They said they needed to install an after market stabalizer bar, which they did - and as I drove away and on to the interstate the Jeep went violently out of control and I was almost hit by 4-5 other vehicles on the interstate. I was almost killled. I drove right back to the dealership and explained as I was shaking with tears from fear. This has been almost 2 months and they are refusing to give me a loaner. …
I was driving at 45 miles per hour when my service shifter light went off. Within 1 minute I lost my power steering, and brakes. My car locked into gear and I lost all ability to accelerate. At that point the car started dinging and prompting every code in the car. Sway bar engagement, rear electronics, fuel low, tire pressure, change oil.....I can't remember every one. When I got my car to stop I could not get the car to turn off and all of the fans were blowing on high along with the motor reeving. I finally got it to turn off and called for a tow. The repair shop told me the car had thrown over 100 codes but none were active. They kept my Jeep for 10 days and told me they took it apart and checked everything. I was told because no issues were current they could not find a problem though.I picked it up and not 8 miles down the road the same exact thing happened. …
Purchased the brand new 2018 Jeep Wrangler sahara with 40 miles on November 30, 2018. Currently, this vehicle has 1,975 miles. In late December 2018 hit a bump on a highway driving the posted speed of 70mph and the vehicle vibrated a bit and had to slow down to handle the vehicle. Each week after driving the vehicle on daily commute in city conditions at the posted speed of 25-30mph, after hitting a bump in the pavement the vehicle does not handle well, as if I would lose control. On January 27, 2019 driving on a ramp at the speed of 45mph upon entering the interstate the vehicle hit a bump in the pavement, the vehicle begins an uncontrollable vibration and was shaking the steering wheel, I had to pull over. After researching this issue online with the same issue, I feel unsafe driving my only vehicle. …
My Jeep began wobbling a few months after I purchased it last July 2018.wobbling has only occurred while driving on the highway. They did a computer update last year that was suppose to fix the problem but on 10/5/19 my Jeep began to wobble uncontrollably any time I reached 50 or above. I took it in on Monday 10/13 and was told the problem was repaired but the next day while doing 50mph it began to wobble. The temperature reads 800 degrees randomly since the start and they finally told me problem was fixed. The cars stalls randomly at red lights and I need to turn it off and restart it. When this happens the gas petal locks and I am not able to do anything unless I restart the car. This also happened one time while I was reversing the car when I shift to drive the car did not move and the petal locked. …
While stepping on the brakes, the service shifter light comes on, power steering goes out, then the dashboard goes crazy with all sorts of warnings blinking and dinging: sway bar, stability control, blind spot alert, auto park, etc. Temp goes up and down, speedometer goes crazy. When the vehicle is shut off and re-started, it usually starts as normal. Most occurrences have been when slowing down (in line at a drive thru, approaching a stoplight). The Jeep has been in the shop 4 times. This service shifter late first came on June 23 and it occurred four times that day.first they repaired the power steering. The problem happened again and they replaced the module in the steering column. The problem happened again and the dealership could not duplicate the problem. It happened again and the vehicle had to be towed to the dealership where it is still sitting
Traction Control complaints in other Wrangler years
Frequently asked questions
How common are traction control problems on the 2018 Jeep Wrangler?
NHTSA has 47 complaints about the stability & traction control of the 2018 Jeep Wrangler, 3% of the model year's 1,827 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2018 Jeep Wrangler traction control problems?
No. NHTSA lists no stability & traction control 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 traction control problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 7,000 miles, and 89% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 2 fires and 1 injury to stability & traction control 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.