🚗 AutoDefect IQ

2018 Jeep Wrangler problems, complaints & recalls

Most-reported problem areas: Steering (772) · Suspension (270) · Power Train (110)

🧭 Reliability snapshot

53 /100
⚠ Known trouble spots — research carefully

Compared against other Jeep Wrangler model years — complaint volume vs the model's median year, recalls and severity. How we score →

🛣️ Complaints by mileage

<25k miles: 1,010 complaints 1,010 <25k 25–50k miles: 121 complaints 25–50k 50–75k miles: 41 complaints 50–75k 75–100k miles: 16 complaints 75–100k 100–125k miles: 9 complaints 100–125k 125–150k miles: 3 complaints 125–150k 150k+ miles: 1 complaints 150k+

1,201 NHTSA complaints that reported an odometer reading.

1,827
Complaints
14
Recalls
717
Service bulletins
22
Crashes reported
25
Fires reported
0
Deaths

Safety recalls (14)

Back Over Prevention: Sensing System: Camera 2024-09-12 · campaign 24V676000 · 46 vehicles

Defect: 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/Panel 2024-09-05 · campaign 24V652000 · 32,863 vehicles

Defect: 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 Assembly 2023-02-23 · campaign 23V116000 · 69,201 vehicles

Defect: 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 Assembly 2021-01-28 · campaign 21V028000 · 42,887 vehicles

Defect: 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 Assembly 2020-03-03 · campaign 20V124000 · 33,237 vehicles

Defect: 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:anchorage 2019-09-26 · campaign 19V680000 · 11,463 vehicles

Defect: 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.

Equipment 2019-04-23 · campaign 19V320000 · 94 vehicles

Defect: 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:latch 2018-11-08 · campaign 18V786000 · 52 vehicles

Defect: 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 Members 2018-09-28 · campaign 18V675000 · 18,055 vehicles

Defect: 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 Underhood 2018-08-09 · campaign 18V524000 · 12,779 vehicles

Defect: 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 o

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.

Steering 2018-05-25 · campaign 18V343000 · 539 vehicles

Defect: 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 2018-05-17 · campaign 18V332000 · 4,815,661 vehicles

Defect: 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 c

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 transmissi

Power Train:automatic Transmission 2018-05-01 · campaign 18V280000 · 71 vehicles

Defect: 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 2018-04-12 · campaign 18V231000 · 106 vehicles

Defect: 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.

Service bulletins (717)

Technical service bulletins are repair instructions manufacturers send dealers for known issues. Unlike recalls, the fix is not automatically free — but naming the bulletin at the service desk can save diagnosis time and support goodwill repairs.

Electrical System 2026-10-17 · 08-298-26 REV. B · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions

instrument panel cluster (ipc) blank xz1 warranty extension customers may experience the following: symptom: ● a blank electronic vehicle information center (evic) in the ipc. no information is displayed for the fuel level, temperature gauge, odometer, outside temperature, prndl and optional digital

Electrical System 2026-10-09 · 08-363-26 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions

flash: drivetrain control module (dtcm) updates customers must experience a malfunction indicator lamp (mil) illumination and the vehicle must symptom: exhibit/set the following diagnostic trouble code (dtc): ● c147b-92 - front axle disconnect sensor performance or incorrect operation customers may

Electrical System 2026-10-09 · 08-363-26 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions

flash: drivetrain control module (dtcm) updates customers must experience a malfunction indicator lamp (mil) illumination and the vehicle must symptom: exhibit/set the following diagnostic trouble code (dtc): ● c147b-92 - front axle disconnect sensor performance or incorrect operation customers may

Power Train 2026-09-30 · S2621000004 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions

the customer may complain about a popping noise, grinding noise, or an intermittent no reverse or forward transmission engagement. the tech may find damaged and/or worn transmission output shaft splines (850re transmission only)

Structure:body 2026-09-08 · 9100900 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions

passive entry o/s dr handle prior to replacing an inoperative passive entry door handle, perform star online s2623000040.

Engine 2026-08-26 · 9100363 Rev 3 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions

turbocharger kit please note that many turbo components are serviceable separately and full turbo replacement may not be required. if the turbo is being inspected for: noise/rattle: inspect heat shield fasteners for looseness and check the wastegate actuator/linkage for binding. the actuator kit is

Showing the 6 most recent of 717 bulletins. Search all of them free at nhtsa.gov.

What owners report

2026-10-14 · Service Brakes

“my 2018 jeep wrangler unlimited rubicon developed an abnormal braking condition in which the vehicle felt as though the brakes were being applied without driver input, particularly when releasing the accelerator pedal. the vehicle experienced noticeable resistance and deceleration consistent with the brakes remaining partially engaged. an authoriz…”

2026-10-14 · Suspension

“death wobble dealer states was repaired by a bushing, lakeland chrysler dodge selling and servicing dealer. they can not duplicate but no one is ever available to road test. spoke with general manager and was told to trade in not we want to fix …”

2026-10-13 · Fuel System, Gasoline · 53,000 mi

“the contact’s wife owns a 2018 jeep wrangler. the contact’s wife stated that while driving at 25 mph, the vehicle made an unusual sound. the vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the skid plate had failed and needed to be replaced. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure by telephone. the failure mileage was approximat…”

2026-10-04 · Electrical System

“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. …”

2026-09-28 · Power Train · 54,000 mi

“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 transmission was shifted to. several unknown warning lights …”

2026-09-28 · Unknown Or Other

“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 an nhtsa recall order repair…”

2026-09-25 · Steering

“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 wandering could result in difficulty maintaining c…”

2026-09-24 · Unknown Or Other

“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. however, upon picking up the jeep and driving home, i …”

2026-09-23 · Power Train

“fca us llc is actively violating the intent of safety campaign 23v-116 by refusing to cover out-of-pocket consequential transmission damages. fca’s own part 573 defect report explicitly admits that the defective clutch pressure plate causes extreme friction, overheating, and fracturing capable of damaging the transmission case and nearby internal c…”

2026-09-21 · Power Train:clutch Assembly

“report to the dealer that my 2018 jeep has recall for clotch overheating and vehicle can catch on fire , and it has been 3 years with no respond or completion or the job been done , feel kind of scared for the safety of me and my family every day driving ah vehicle can catch on fire . please help us to resolve this situation thanks…”

Excerpts of consumer complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly truncated. They are owner statements, not verified findings.

Other Jeep Wrangler years