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U.S. public vehicle records

2018 Jeep WRANGLER: complaints, problems and recalls

Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.

Key facts

1,815 owner complaints analyzed

14 distinct recall campaigns

6,200 mi median reported failure mileage

Scope: 2018 model year. Data snapshot: . 1,199 complaints include usable failure mileage.

Owner-reported patterns

Most common problems

Steering is the most frequently named component, appearing in 1,113 of 1,815 complaints (61.3%). A complaint can name multiple components.

Recurring terms in complaint narratives
TopicMatching reportsShare of complaints
Steering behavior1,00055.1%
Braking behavior1789.8%
Transmission and shifting1146.3%
Electrical and battery issues995.5%
Engine operation432.4%
Fuel system concerns90.5%

Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.

Component breakdown

Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.

Steering
1,113
Suspension
341
Electrical System
259
Unknown Or Other
210
Power Train
167
Engine
98
Structure:Body
90
Wheels
61
Component breakdown data
CategoryCount
Steering1113
Suspension341
Electrical System259
Unknown Or Other210
Power Train167
Engine98
Structure:Body90
Wheels61

Steering: 1,113; Suspension: 341; Electrical System: 259; Unknown Or Other: 210; Power Train: 167; Engine: 98; Structure:Body: 90; Wheels: 61

Reported problems by failure mileage

Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.

Under 25,000
1,010
25,000 to 49,999
121
50,000 to 74,999
39
75,000 to 99,999
16
100,000 to 149,999
12
150,000 and above
1
Reported problems by failure mileage data
CategoryCount
Under 25,0001010
25,000 to 49,999121
50,000 to 74,99939
75,000 to 99,99916
100,000 to 149,99912
150,000 and above1

Under 25,000: 1,010; 25,000 to 49,999: 121; 50,000 to 74,999: 39; 75,000 to 99,999: 16; 100,000 to 149,999: 12; 150,000 and above: 1

Under 25,000 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (1,010). 616 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.

Complaints over time

Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.

2018
463
2019
524
2020
165
2021
118
2022
127
2023
135
2024
93
2025
112
2026
78
Complaints over time data
CategoryCount
2018463
2019524
2020165
2021118
2022127
2023135
202493
2025112
202678

2018: 463; 2019: 524; 2020: 165; 2021: 118; 2022: 127; 2023: 135; 2024: 93; 2025: 112; 2026: 78

Pattern summary

Steering leads the component reports. Steering behavior appears in 1,000 complaint narratives. Braking behavior appears in 178 complaint narratives. Transmission and shifting appears in 114 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.

Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.

Examples from the source records

Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.

Owner report 11076098 · 2018-03-03 (March 3, 2018)

SENT TO TOWER IN PLYMOUTH MI TO WELD JEEP FRAMES THAT ROBOT WAS NOT WELDING CORRECTLY. TOLD TO JUST COVER THEM UP AND THEY WILL JUST PAINT FRAMES. TOLD THEY HAVE TO MEET THEIR PRODUCTION NUMBERS. I WOULD NOT DRIVE OR WANT ANYONE ELSE TO DRIVE ONE OF THESE.*DT*JB

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11076098 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 11078631 · 2018-03-12 (March 12, 2018)

WHILE THE DEFROST WAS ON HEAT, AND WITH COLD TEPERATURES OUTSIDE, THE WINDSHIELD CRACKED ON ITS OWN

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11078631 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 11080200 · 2018-03-19 (March 19, 2018)

ON 2/9/18, FLEW FROM BOSTON TO PICK UP PURCHASE OF NEW 2018 ALL-PURPLE, 2-DOOR 40K JEEP AT CANANDAIGUA NY JEEP DEALERSHIP. (NONE AVAILABLE IN MASS.) UPON DELIVERY ON LOT, DRIVER DOOR WOULD NOT CLOSE COMPLETELY. SALESMAN ROBERTS STATED TO US THAT ALL JEEPS ARE QUIRKY; DOORS MUST BE SLAMMED TO CLOSE. DURING 400-MILE HIGHWAY DRIVE HOME, DOOR AJAR LIGHT CAME ON AND HAD TO RE-CLOSE DOOR REPEATEDLY DURING DRIVE. REPORTED PROBLEM TO (ABSENTEE) OWNERS HARRY/SCOTT KESEL, CHRYSLER CORPORATE STEVE STANDER, AND 1-800-JEEP REP D. PITTMAN; ALSO BROUGHT CAR T…

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11080200 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 11083434 · 2018-04-05 (April 5, 2018)

IN MOTION OVER 45MPH, THE JEEP WILL SUDDENLY EXPERIENCE A STEERING WOBBLE THAT CAUSES ALMOST COMPLETE LACK OF CONTROL. TO FIX THE ISSUE, SPEED MUST BE DECREASED TO <10MPH WHICH CAN BE EXTREMELY DANGEROUS DUE TO TRAFFIC AND HIGH SPEEDS. THE STEERING WHEEL IS ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO CONTROL. PROBLEM IS REPRODUCIBLE ON ALL ROADS AND IN ALL CONDITIONS. I WOULD ESTIMATE THAT THE DRIVER IS LEFT WITH 10% CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, AND LEFT IN A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION.

Owner-reported narrative. 21,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 11083434 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 11083854 · 2018-04-08 (April 8, 2018)

AS I WAS EXITING THE HIGHWAY I NOTICED THAT FLAMES WERE COMING OUT OF THE JEEP. I MERGED TWO LANES OVER TO TRY TO TURN ON A SIDE STREET AND LOST CONTROL OF THE STEERING. I PUT THE JEEP IN PARK, TURNED IT OFF, AND EXITED THE VEHICLE. WE RAN UP A NEAR BY HILL, TURNED AROUND AND THE ENTIRE JEEP WAS ENGULFED WITH FLAMES. IT BURNED FOR AN HOUR. IT IS A COMPLETE LOSS. *TT *DT*JB

Owner-reported narrative. 735 miles reported. Look up ODI 11083854 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 11088501 · 2018-04-16 (April 16, 2018)

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 JEEP WRANGLER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER. IN ADDITION, THE ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO HUDSON CHRYSLER JEEP DODGE RAM (625 ROUTE 440 SOUTH, JERSEY CITY, NJ 07305) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRACK BAR FRACTURED AT THE AXLE FRAME AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 800.

Owner-reported narrative. 800 miles reported. Look up ODI 11088501 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 11088564 · 2018-04-17 (April 17, 2018)

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 JEEP WRANGLER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED A LOSS OF ENGINE POWER AND ALL THE WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER (WESTBORN CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP RAM, 23300 MICHIGAN AVE, DEARBORN, MI) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE SOFTWARE FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 2,000.

Owner-reported narrative. 2,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 11088564 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 11089322 · 2018-04-22 (April 22, 2018)

WINDSHIELD WIPERS AND HEADLIGHTS STUCK ON DESPITE CONTROLS SET TO OFF POSITION. NO TURN SIGNALS OR HIGH BEAMS EITHER. HAD TO PULL THE WINDSHIELD WIPER FUSE TO BE ABLE TO DRIVE VEHICLE HOME. TRIED TO DISCONNECT THE BATTERY AND STEP ON THE BRAKE, THEN LEAVE IT DISCONNECTED FOR 20 MINUTES, BUT THIS DID NOT RESOLVE THE ISSUE. VEHICLE IS NEW, ONLY A COUPLE OF WEEKS OF OWNERSHIP. COMPLETELY STOCK, NO MODIFICATIONS. *TT *TR

Owner-reported narrative. 2,300 miles reported. Look up ODI 11089322 at NHTSA ↗

Recall history

14 distinct campaigns affect this selection. Announcement dates below are different from vehicle model years. A campaign may cover multiple years.

18V231000 · Seats:Mid/Rear Assembly | Structure:Frame And Members

Reported: 2018-04-12 (April 12, 2018)

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.

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: 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.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
18V280000 · Power Train:Automatic Transmission

Reported: 2018-05-01 (May 1, 2018)

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.

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: 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.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
18V332000 · Electrical System:Software | Vehicle Speed Control:Cruise Control | Electrical System:Wiring

Reported: 2018-05-17 (May 17, 2018)

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.

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

Remedy: 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.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
18V343000 · Steering

Reported: 2018-05-25 (May 25, 2018)

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.

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: 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.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
18V524000 · Electrical System:Wiring:Front Underhood

Reported: 2018-08-09 (August 9, 2018)

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.

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

Remedy: 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.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
18V675000 · Structure:Frame And Members

Reported: 2018-09-28 (September 28, 2018)

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.

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

Remedy: 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.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
18V786000 · Latches/Locks/Linkages:Doors:Latch

Reported: 2018-11-08 (November 8, 2018)

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.

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

Remedy: 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.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
19V320000 · Equipment

Reported: 2019-04-23 (April 23, 2019)

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.

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

Remedy: 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.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
19V680000 · Seat Belts:Front:Anchorage

Reported: 2019-09-26 (September 26, 2019)

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.

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: 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.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
20V124000 · Power Train:Clutch Assembly

Reported: 2020-03-03 (March 3, 2020)

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.

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: 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.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
21V028000 · Power Train:Clutch Assembly

Reported: 2021-01-28 (January 28, 2021)

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.

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: 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.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
23V116000 · Power Train:Clutch Assembly

Reported: 2023-02-23 (February 23, 2023)

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.

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: 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.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
24V652000 · Electrical System: Instrument Cluster/Panel

Reported: 2024-09-05 (September 5, 2024)

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."

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

Remedy: 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.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
24V676000 · Back Over Prevention: Sensing System: Camera | Exterior Lighting:Brake Lights

Reported: 2024-09-12 (September 12, 2024)

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."

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: 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.

NHTSA campaign record ↗