2018 Jeep Wrangler: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2018 Jeep Wrangler: 14 recalls, 1824 owner complaints and up to 18 mpg combined.
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Recalls
14 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Seats, Body & structure Vehicle recall #18V231000 · 2018 · 106 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: 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.
The 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.
Transmission & drivetrain Vehicle recall #18V280000 · 2018 · 71 vehicles
What's wrong: An incorrect transmission park lock rod May have been installed in the transmission.
Why it matters: 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.
The fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will install the correct park lock rod, free of charge. The recall began June 28, 2018.
Electrical, Speed control / throttle Vehicle recall #18V332000 · 2018 · 4,815,661 vehicles
What's wrong: 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…
Why it matters: If the vehicle maintains its speed or accelerates despite attempts to deactivate the cruise control, there would be an increased risk of a crash.
The 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.
Steering Vehicle recall #18V343000 · 2018 · 539 vehicles
What's wrong: The intermediate steering shaft May not have been properly welded causing a split where the external spline is formed.
Why it matters: 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.
The 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.
Electrical Vehicle recall #18V524000 · 2018 · 12,779 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: A vehicle stall can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the powertrain control module, free of charge. The recall began October 2, 2018.
Body & structure Vehicle recall #18V675000 · 2018 · 18,055 vehicles
What's wrong: The front track bar brackets May be improperly welded, which can cause the bracket to separate from the frame, reducing steering capability.
Why it matters: An unexpected reduction in steering ability, can increase the risk of a crash.
The 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.
Latches & locks Vehicle recall #18V786000 · 2018 · 52 vehicles
What's wrong: The right rear passenger door latch May not be in the correct location, possibly preventing the door from latching properly.
Why it matters: If the right rear passenger door opens unexpectedly, it can increase the risk of injury.
The fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will repair the right rear door latch reinforcement, free of charge. The recall begin December 6, 2018.
Equipment Vehicle recall #19V320000 · 2019 · 94 vehicles
What's wrong: The top cover of the roof top tent May crack or break, possibly resulting in the cover detaching from the vehicle while moving.
Why it matters: If the roof top tent cover detaches from the vehicle while moving, it can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: The remedy for this recall is still under development. The recall began May 9, 2019.
Seat belts Vehicle recall #19V680000 · 2019 · 11,463 vehicles
What's wrong: The driver's seat belt buckle mounting strap May fracture and separate from the seat frame.
Why it matters: 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.
The 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.
Transmission & drivetrain Vehicle recall #20V124000 · 2020 · 33,237 vehicles
What's wrong: The clutch pressure plate May overheat and fracture.
Why it matters: 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.
The 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.
Transmission & drivetrain Vehicle recall #21V028000 · 2021 · 42,887 vehicles
What's wrong: The clutch pressure plate May overheat and fracture.
Why it matters: 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.
The 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…
Transmission & drivetrain Vehicle recall #23V116000 · 2023 · 69,201 vehicles
What's wrong: The clutch pressure plate May overheat and fracture.
Why it matters: 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.
The 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.
Electrical Vehicle recall #24V652000 · 2024 · 32,863 vehicles
What's wrong: 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."
Why it matters: An instrument panel that fails to display critical safety information, such as the speedometer or warning lights, can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the instrument panel cluster, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed between October 3, 2024, and January 23, 2025.
Backup camera, Exterior lights Vehicle recall #24V676000 · 2024 · 46 vehicles
What's wrong: 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."
Why it matters: 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.
The 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.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 25 mention a fire, 13 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Steering (1116): the most common themes are steering problems (920).
- Suspension (342): the most common themes are steering problems (207), noise or vibration (58).
- Electrical (268): the most common themes are electrical failure (90), warning light on (81).
- Other / unknown (212): the most common themes are electrical failure (21), warning light on (18).
The 2018 Jeep Wrangler has 1824 owner complaints, ranking #1 of 37 Wrangler model years for complaints (4.3× the average Wrangler year). Complaints peaked in 2019 (524 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 1 year old, at a median of 6,200 miles. Neighboring years: 2017 (311 complaints, 5 recalls), 2019 (742 complaints, 9 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.6 L 6-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 17 | 21 | 18 | Regular |
| 3.6 L 6-cyl | Manual 6-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 17 | 21 | 18 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2018 Jeep Wrangler.
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Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
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FAQ
Does the 2018 Jeep Wrangler have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 14 vehicle recalls for the 2018 Jeep Wrangler. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2018 Jeep Wrangler problems?
Owners have filed 1824 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are steering (1116), suspension (342), electrical (268).
What gas mileage does the 2018 Jeep Wrangler get?
EPA ratings run up to 18 mpg combined (3.6 L, Automatic 5-spd), across 2 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2018 Jeep Wrangler repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.