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2018 Jeep Wrangler problems, recalls and owner complaints
What the 2018 Jeep Wrangler has been recalled for, how often it fails the UK MOT and what owners report, from official government data. Updated October 25, 2026.
- 14safety recalls
- 1,827owner complaints
- 22crash reports
- 25fire reports
- 17%fail the UK MOT
The most complained-about Jeep Wrangler year on file: 1,827 complaints, against an average of 539 for the other 14 model years.
Every Jeep Wrangler model year with its number of owner complaints. Pick a year to compare.
What goes wrong with the 2018 Jeep Wrangler?
The components named most often in the 1,827 owner complaints. One complaint can name several, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.
What symptoms do 2018 Jeep Wrangler owners describe?
Found by reading the text of all 1,827 owner complaints. Tap a symptom for the answer, a real owner quote and any related recall.
- Why does my 2018 Jeep Wrangler vibrate or shake while driving?174 owners · 9.5%
- Why does the power steering fail or feel heavy on my 2018 Jeep Wrangler?79 owners · 4.3% · Recall 18V675000
- Why does my 2018 Jeep Wrangler stall, lose power or shut off while driving?74 owners · 4.1% · Recall 18V524000
- Why are the ABS and stability control lights on in my 2018 Jeep Wrangler?56 owners · 3.1%
Has the 2018 Jeep Wrangler been recalled?
14 U.S. safety recalls. Repairs are free at a franchised dealer; some are done over the air.
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. 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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.
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.
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: Wiring 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 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.
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.
Structure: Frame And Members 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.
Is the 2018 Jeep Wrangler recalled in the UK or Europe?
Recalls issued by the UK's DVSA and through the EU's Safety Gate system that cover this model and build period. European models can differ from U.S. ones, and "years estimated" means the recall gave no build dates, so confirm your own car with your registration or VIN.
UK DVSA2018-2022 Jeep Wrangler Check Engine Malfunction Indicator Lamp Incorrect operation and warning2022 Jeep Wrangler Check Engine Malfunction Indicator Lamp Incorrect operation and warning
Risk: On affected vehicles the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) may not function as intended in the Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC). This condition will not affect emissions. However in the event of an emission issue that would require illumination of the MIL the driver may not be alerted due to the MIL not illuminating.
Fix: Install updated software.
UK DVSAThe transmission wiring harness may have insufficient clearance with the catalytic converter
Risk: Insufficient clearance for the transmission wiring harness
Fix: Inspect the harness for damage and replace if necessary.
UK DVSAThe steering intermediate shaft may contain a loose nut
Risk: The steering intermediate shaft may contain a loose foreign nut in the cardan joint boot.
Fix: Replacement of the steering intermediate shaft on the affected vehicles.
UK DVSABrake lamp switch may malfunction
Risk: The brake lamp switch may malfunction which can be identified by a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illumination an audible chime and the brake lights will be illuminated. A malfunctioning brake switch could allow the vehicle to be shifted out of PARK without the brake pedal being depressed and could cause the rear brake lamps to be continuously illuminated. Being able to shift a vehicle out of PARK when the brake pedal is not depressed (and the ignition is in the RUN mode) and/or having the rear brake lamps continuously illuminated could cause a vehicle to crash without prior warning.
Fix: Replace the brake lamp switch.
EU Safety GateFriction can cause the clutch pressure plate to overheat, which can lead the pressure plate to break unexpectedly.The breaking of a pressure plate can form cracks or holes in the transmission housing, from which heated debris can escape. Heated debris expelled from the transmission mounting can come into contact with a source of ignition in the vehicle or in the surroundings, which can cause a fire.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Other; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe clutch pressure plate cannot permanently withstand the mechanical loads.This could lead to the loss of power transmission and to increased risk of fire.Furthermore, a hydraulic hose on the gearbox may leak.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe clutch pressure plate may be defective.This could lead to the loss of power transmission and to increased risk of fire.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe clutch pressure plate may overheat and fail due to friction.This could result in a loss of power transmission or to increased risk of fire.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateA fixing nut on the steering shaft may become loose.This can impair the vehicle steerability, increasing the risk of an accident.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe welds on the front track bar bracket may not be located correctly on the seam.This may cause separation of the front track bar bracket from the frame, reducing steering control and leading to an accident without prior warning.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
How often does the 2018 Jeep Wrangler fail its MOT?
Why they failed: the share of failed tests with at least one fault in each area (a test can fail on several). Cars first registered in 2018, tested in Great Britain in 2023; first registration is usually, but not always, the model year. Source: DVSA anonymised MOT tests and results, Open Government Licence v3.0.
What do 2018 Jeep Wrangler owners report?
12 of the 1,827 complaints, the most recent for the most-reported components, as the owners wrote them. NHTSA removes names and VINs; long reports are trimmed. CarHooq has not verified individual claims.
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
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 authorized Jeep dealership inspected the vehicle at approximately 53,542 miles and determined that both front brake calipers, both front brake hoses, brake pads, and rotors required replacement, along with a brake fluid exchange. I spoke directly with the…
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.
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 were illuminated, and the vehicle failed to turn off. The contact stalled the engine and waited for the vehicle to shut off. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who determined that the instrument cluster had damaged the transmission and CAN C bus…
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 control of the vehicle, especially at highway speeds or during an emergency maneuver. I took the vehicle to an authorized Jeep dealership for diagnosis. The dealership confirmed that the steering gear is the problem and recommended replacement. I was…
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 realized that the cluster was no longer showing what gear the car is in. I called and reported to the dealer. They asked me to bring in as they though might be a software update or something, they would hook to machine. In the meantime the jeep started…
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 components. The vehicle operated under these defective parameters prior to the recall execution, subjecting the transmission internals to progressive thermal fatigue and severe structural vibration. This directly induced a premature internal…
Misfire no. 4cylinder due to head gasket leak and coolant leaking into cylinder.
The doors, hinges, hood and other places is rusted, bubbled and huge 1-2" pieces of paint are coming off the 2018 Jeep JL Rubicon Unlimited at 32-35k miles. This is absolutely unacceptable when my unrestored 1988 Jeep Comanche is rust free! Been to every dealership around and they confirm it's an issue with these, but refuse to fix.
Any time I am over the speed of about 55 mph, and hit any type of bump, the steering wheel starts to shake violently. I have to slow down to about 40 mph to make it stop. I almost got rearended by an 18-wheeler yesterday on the interstate.
Any time I get above 55 miles per hour the steering starts shaking and I feel as if I’m going to lose control of the vehicle. I have had the recalls done on it, but it continues.
I am filing this complaint due to a serious and recurring safety issue known as the “death wobble” on my 2018 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited JL. This defect causes violent front-end shaking at highway speeds when hitting bumps or making minor steering corrections. The issue began during the first week of ownership and has persisted through five separate service visits. Repairs have included steering damper replacements, track bar, alignments, and balancing, but the issue continues to return. A dealership technician confirmed the shaking on October 9, 2023, during a test drive at over 70 mph. The…
2018 Jeep Wrangler: questions owners ask
Is the 2018 Jeep Wrangler reliable?
NHTSA data alone cannot rate reliability, but it shows what owners reported. Owners filed 1,827 complaints with NHTSA about the 2018 Jeep Wrangler; the most common categories were steering (1117, 61.1%), suspension (343, 18.8%), electrical system (268, 14.7%). There are 14 safety recalls. 22 complaints mention a crash, 25 mention a fire, 13 injuries were reported.
What are the most common problems with the 2018 Jeep Wrangler?
Across 1,827 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the categories mentioned most often are steering (61.1% of complaints), suspension (18.8% of complaints), electrical system (14.7% of complaints), power train (9.7% of complaints), engine (5.4% of complaints). One complaint can name several components.
Does the 2018 Jeep Wrangler have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 14 recalls for the 2018 Jeep Wrangler; the most recent (campaign 24V676000, 2024-09-12) concerns Back Over Prevention: Sensing System: Camera. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Why does my 2018 Jeep Wrangler vibrate or shake while driving?
174 of the 1,827 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2018 Jeep Wrangler (9.5%) describe vibration or shaking while driving. One owner wrote: "I have a 2018 jeep wrangler jk unlimited sport. And it has been shaking controllably once I go over 40 mph or when I hit a bump. Sometimes it’s hard to control the vehicle when this starts to happen on the high way." (NHTSA complaint 11656547, April 2025). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why does the power steering fail or feel heavy on my 2018 Jeep Wrangler?
79 of the 1,827 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2018 Jeep Wrangler (4.3%) describe power steering failing, locking up or turning heavy. 2 related recalls exist: campaign 18V675000 (structure: frame and members). The fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and repair the track bar bracket welds, as necessary, free of charge. One owner wrote: "Suspected CAN bus failure causing multiple dash lights intermittently to include loss of power steering while driving causing an immediate safety concern." (NHTSA complaint 11760121, August 2026). Recall repairs are free at a dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Why does my 2018 Jeep Wrangler stall, lose power or shut off while driving?
74 of the 1,827 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2018 Jeep Wrangler (4.1%) describe the engine stalling, losing power or shutting off while driving. A related recall exists: campaign 18V524000 (electrical system: wiring: front underhood). The fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the powertrain control module, free of charge. One owner wrote: "Suspected CAN bus failure causing multiple dash lights intermittently to include loss of power steering while driving causing an immediate safety concern." (NHTSA complaint 11760121, August 2026). Recall repairs are free at a dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Why are the ABS and stability control lights on in my 2018 Jeep Wrangler?
56 of the 1,827 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2018 Jeep Wrangler (3.1%) describe ABS, traction or stability control warnings or faults. One owner wrote: "On Monday, XXX, my 2018 Jeep Wrangler JKU had several errors displayed on the dashboard: ABS, Brake, and Traction Control failures. I took my vehicle to an auto repair shop and they diagnosed it as a faulty ABS Module." (NHTSA complaint 11757929, August 2026). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Check your own Wrangler
Counts are a starting point, not a verdict: popular models collect more complaints because more of them are on the road, and NHTSA does not verify individual reports. To see whether a recall is still open on your car, enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls (U.S.) or your registration at check-vehicle-recalls.service.gov.uk (UK). Had a safety problem? Report it to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations and recalls.
Data: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation recall and complaint databases (public domain), DVSA anonymised MOT results (Open Government Licence v3.0), DVSA vehicle recalls (Open Government Licence v3.0), EU Safety Gate alerts (© European Union), retrieved October 25, 2026. Model year 2018 only.