2018 Jeep Wrangler Problems, Complaints & Recalls

Source: NHTSA · Updated Oct 4, 2026 · 1,824 owner complaints analyzed

Compared with other Wrangler years
Far more complaints than other years 1st of 32 for complaints
NHTSA crash rating
Not rated

Owners have filed 1,824 complaints with NHTSA about the 2018 Jeep Wrangler. That is the most of any Wrangler model year in the database (32 years). The most reported problem area is steering (1,116 complaints, 61%), typically at around 5,000 miles. Complaints mention 22 crashes, 25 fires, 13 injuries. There are 14 safety recalls covering this model year. NHTSA has opened 5 defect investigations involving it.

Jeep Wrangler
Jeep_Wrangler_Rubicon_(JL)_4xe at Retro Classics 2022. Representative photo; appearance varies by model year. Photo: Alexander Migl, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Complaints are unverified owner reports and are not adjusted for sales volume.

Compare with another car

Most common 2018 Jeep Wrangler problems

Complaints grouped by the part of the car owners reported, with the median mileage when the problem happened.

Steering1,116 · ~5,000 mi
Suspension342 · ~7,350 mi
Electrical System268 · ~15,000 mi
Unknown or Other212 · ~6,000 mi
Power Train177 · ~27,294 mi
Engine99 · ~15,050 mi
Structure97 · ~4,000 mi
Wheels61 · ~7,200 mi
Service Brakes53 · ~8,000 mi
Electronic Stability Control (esc)46 · ~7,000 mi
Problem areaComplaintsShareMedian milesOwners mention mostTypical repair cost
Steering problems1,11661%5,000“death wobble” (19%)$1,400
Suspension problems34219%7,350“death wobble” (37%)—
Electrical System problems26815%15,000“instrument panel” (11%)—
Unknown or Other21212%6,000——
Power Train problems17710%27,294“service shifter” (6%)—
Engine problems995%15,050“head gasket” (10%)$4,650
Structure problems975%4,000“frame welds” (14%)—
Wheels problems613%7,200“death wobble” (43%)—
Service Brakes problems533%8,000“traction control” (19%)—
Electronic Stability Control (esc)463%7,000——
Visibility/wiper412%11,000——
Vehicle Speed Control241%5,700——
Fuel/propulsion System181%7,000——
Seats141%12,000——
Air Bags131%23,500——
Service Brakes, Hydraulic131%79,588——
Exterior Lighting90%6,350——
Forward Collision Avoidance90%———
Lane Departure90%4,000——
Seat Belts90%18,000——
Engine and Engine Cooling40%81,000——
Back Over Prevention30%3,950——
Fuel System, Gasoline20%19,390——
Visibility20%63,400——
Equipment10%17,503——
Latches/locks/linkages10%29,500——
Service Brakes, Air10%40,000——
Tires10%———
Traction Control System10%138,000——

One complaint can list several problem areas, so shares can add up to more than 100%.

Complaints by year received

Peak: 2019, with 524 complaints
2018: 46320184632019: 52420195242020: 16520201652021: 11820211182022: 12720221272023: 13520231352024: 932024932025: 11220251122026: 87202687

n = 1,824 complaints · Source: NHTSA

2018 Jeep Wrangler recalls (14)

Tap a recall to see the problem, the risk and the fix.

Back over prevention: sensing system: camera; exterior lighting:brake lightsSep 12, 2024 · NHTSA campaign 24V676000 · 46 vehicles

Problem: 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."

Risk: 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.

Fix: 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.

Electrical system: instrument cluster/panelSep 5, 2024 · NHTSA campaign 24V652000 · 32,863 vehicles

Problem: 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."

Risk: An instrument panel that fails to display critical safety information, such as the speedometer or warning lights, can increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: 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.

Power train:clutch assemblyFeb 23, 2023 · NHTSA campaign 23V116000 · 69,201 vehicles

Problem: 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.

Risk: 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.

Fix: 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.

Power train:clutch assemblyJan 28, 2021 · NHTSA campaign 21V028000 · 42,887 vehicles

Problem: 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.

Risk: 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.

Fix: 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.

Power train:clutch assemblyMar 3, 2020 · NHTSA campaign 20V124000 · 33,237 vehicles

Problem: 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.

Risk: 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.

Fix: 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.

Seat belts:front:anchorageSep 26, 2019 · NHTSA campaign 19V680000 · 11,463 vehicles

Problem: 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.

Risk: 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.

Fix: 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.

EquipmentApr 23, 2019 · NHTSA campaign 19V320000 · 94 vehicles

Problem: 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.

Risk: If the roof top tent cover detaches from the vehicle while moving, it can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: 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.

Latches/locks/linkages:doors:latchNov 8, 2018 · NHTSA campaign 18V786000 · 52 vehicles

Problem: 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.

Risk: If the right rear passenger door opens unexpectedly, it can increase the risk of injury.

Fix: 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.

Structure:frame and membersSep 28, 2018 · NHTSA campaign 18V675000 · 18,055 vehicles

Problem: 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.

Risk: An unexpected reduction in steering ability, can increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: 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.

Electrical system:wiring:front underhoodAug 9, 2018 · NHTSA campaign 18V524000 · 12,779 vehicles

Problem: 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.

Risk: A vehicle stall can increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: 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.

SteeringMay 25, 2018 · NHTSA campaign 18V343000 · 539 vehicles

Problem: 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.

Risk: 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.

Fix: 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.

Electrical system:software; vehicle speed control:cruise control; electrical system:wiringMay 17, 2018 · NHTSA campaign 18V332000 · 4,815,661 vehicles

Problem: 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.

Risk: If the vehicle maintains its speed or accelerates despite attempts to deactivate the cruise control, there would be an increased risk of a crash.

Fix: 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.

Power train:automatic transmissionMay 1, 2018 · NHTSA campaign 18V280000 · 71 vehicles

Problem: 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.

Risk: 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.

Fix: 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.

Seats:mid/rear assembly; structure:frame and membersApr 12, 2018 · NHTSA campaign 18V231000 · 106 vehicles

Problem: 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.

Risk: 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.

Fix: 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.

To see whether a specific car still has an open recall, enter its VIN on NHTSA's official recall lookup. You can also decode a VIN here.

NHTSA defect investigations

  • Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture (EA21002) — opened Sep 17, 2021, still open.
  • Frame weld deficiencies (PE19012) — opened Sep 16, 2019, closed Oct 29, 2023.
  • Seat belt buckle bracket failure (PE19008) — opened Jul 29, 2019, closed Dec 12, 2019, led to recall 19V680000.
  • Electrical overstress (EA19001) — opened Apr 19, 2019, closed Sep 19, 2024, led to recall 20V024.
  • Frame Weld Deficiencies (DP18004) — opened Nov 16, 2018, closed Sep 17, 2019.

Recent owner reports

Short excerpts of the latest complaints filed with NHTSA, with personal details removed. Full reports can be searched on NHTSA.gov.

The front driver gauge cluster display frequently goes black. It’s done this for a while, but recently the display stays off a lot longer, making the vehicle less safe to drive. There is a recall for other Jeeps that do this, but my 2018 Jeep Wrangler JLU isn’t covered for some reason.

Electrical System · received Oct 4, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11768875

The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V116000 (Power Train); however, the failure persisted after the recall repair. While driving 15 MPH, the instrument cluster failed to display the gear that the…

Power Train · received Sep 28, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11767371

Jeep Chrysler is refusing reimbursement of recall expenses incurred due to the recall. The dealership (Cutter Honolulu) arranged alternate transport while the vehicle was being repaired, as per their documentation, but had the customer bear all expenses, contrary to the " at no cost" stipulation of…

Unknown or Other · received Sep 28, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11767585

My 2018 Jeep Wrangler JL has excessive play in the steering and wanders while driving, requiring frequent steering corrections to maintain the vehicle's direction, particularly at highway speeds. I have been dealing with the steering issue for over a year. I am concerned that the excessive play and…

Steering · received Sep 25, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11766875

I had Recall issue occur on my 2018 Jeep Wrangler JLU #19A Clutch Assembly. The issue also damaged the Transmission as stated possible in the recall. Additionally the dealership reported that recall required replacement of the cluster (Instrument cluster with all gauges). This was all done…

Electrical System · received Sep 24, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11766720

Other Jeep Wrangler years

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Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2018 Jeep Wrangler?

Owners most often report steering, suspension, electrical system problems. The top one, steering, accounts for 1,116 complaints.

Was there a recall on the 2018 Jeep Wrangler?

Yes, 14 safety recalls. Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check whether the repairs were done on your car.

Was the 2018 Jeep Wrangler a good year?

Complaint data can't fully answer that, because counts aren't adjusted for sales. Compared with other Wrangler model years, the 2018 has far more complaints than most years. Always get a pre-purchase inspection and check the VIN for open recalls.