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Jeep Wrangler Unlimited 2018 โ Reported problems
Reported by owners to the source below. It is not a verdict on this car: it is what people wrote. ๐บ๐ธ Local data
40 owners reported problems with the 2018 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited to NHTSA, most often about electrical system.
All reports
40The front driver gauge cluster display frequently goes black. Itโs 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 isnโt covered for some reason.
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
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 connector. The dealer replaced the instrument cluster, transmission, and CAN C bus connector, but the instrument cluster again failed to display the transmission gear. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure by phone. The failure mileage was approximately 54,000.
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 quoted approximately $1,418 for the repair. FCA issued TSB 08-003-21 Rev. A, which applies to 2018โ2020 Jeep Wrangler JL vehicles. The symptoms identified by FCA include steering wander, pulling/leading left or right, and excessive steering play. The repair procedure calls for replacement of the steering gear and addressing the Electric Hydraulic Power Steering software. The bulletin also states that failure to complete the required repair steps may result in undesirable handling characteristics. I contacted Jeep/FCA requesting assistance with the repair because my vehicle has the same steering condition identified in FCA's bulletin and the Jeep dealership confirmed the steering gear requires replacement. FCA declined assistance based on the age/model year of the vehicle. There were no warning lights indicating the steering gear problem. The vehicle is currently available for inspection, and the defective OEM steering gear can be retained and made available for inspection after replacement if requested. I am reporting this because I believe a steering defect that causes excessive play and wandering presents a potential motor vehicle safety concern, and I am requesting that NHTSA evaluate this issue in 2018โ2020 Jeep Wrangler JL vehicles.
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 experiencing issues where every emergency light on cluster would go off. I would lose power steering, and I could not even turn the car off. I had to stall the car to get engine to stop. I took back to dealer (Cherry Hill Jeep) the reported the "star connector" or Can C-Bus Connector needed to be replaced. I explained that this never occurred prior to recall issue so it must be covered. they said they did not know. They replaced. I went to pick up and still the car did not show the proper gear. after further review by the dealer, they believe they received and installed the wrong cluster. This cluster now caused a problem with the Can C-Bus connector, and the car still does not show what gear it is in. All cars show what gear the car is in. this jeep currently does not. the dealer claims that the software update does not include the gear. This is not how i purchased the car or how i dropped it off prior to recall issue. Dealer is trying to charge me for labor of Can C-Bus connector and install for over $1000 and the car still does not show the gear. I have claim with Stallantis #98090202 they keep pointing to dealer. Dealer keeps pointing to Stallantis. A car must show the gear. This is safety concern to drive the car.
FCA US LLC is actively violating the intent of Safety Campaign 23V-116 by refusing to cover out-of-pocket consequential transmission damages. FCAโs 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 mechanical failure less than 9,000 miles after the recall was performed. When a reimbursement claim was submitted for this consequential damage, Jeep Customer Care explicitly denied the claim under a corporate case file, stating the transmission components "are not covered under the recall repair," completely ignoring FCA's own federal defect acknowledgments. I am requesting a federal investigation into FCAโs systemic refusal to cover consequential powertrain failures caused by this safety defect.
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
Misfire no. 4cylinder due to head gasket leak and coolant leaking into cylinder.
See attached document for complaint.
manual transmission pops out of 2nd gear during deceleration, (grinding not all the way in nuetral) untill put back in gear again. getting worse over time. found alot of same thing on internet, some getting 2 ,3, or 4 transmisions under warrenty
2018 Jeep Wrangler rubber brake lines collapsing internally, trapping hydraulic fluid pressure, and causing front brakes to overheat/lock up. Happened last year on my driver's side. It completely locked up my caliper. Ended up replacing Front Driver Hose & Caliper. And both Front Rotors and Brake Pads. Now its currently happening to my passenger side. This time its actually causing a burning smell. Last year it did not it was just grinding. Been for a few months. At first I though it was my aux battery that was dead and was causing the smell. But got that looked at and didnt even have a ln aux battery. Didnt notice the smell for a few months. But now in extreme heat and worsen driving conditions it has came back. Was told my hose is collapsing. So now I have to replace rotors and brake pads again. And new hose and caliper on my passenger side
The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal burning odor inside the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. In addition, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the contact was informed that parts for a recall repair might have been replaced with defective parts. The contact was informed that there was no failure and the vehicle was released; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where it was confirmed that the clutch was slipping. The contact was informed that the clutch needed to be adjusted. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the contact was informed that the failure was because the contact was changing gears at 2,000 RPM and the gears should be shifted at 2,500 RPM. The vehicle was taken to an alternative dealer where the contact was informed that the recall repair was completed incorrectly. The contact was informed that the recall repair needed to be performed a second time. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V116000 (Power Train). The contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing the failure prior to the recall repair, but the failure became more persistent after the recall repair was completed. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The contact was informed that a second recall repair was denied. In addition, the contact was advised to take the vehicle to the initial dealer for a diagnostic test. The failure mileage was approximately 23,050.
The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Wrangler JK. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the front windshield wipers failed to operate. An independent mechanic was contacted and reached out to the dealer to obtain a wiper power module for the repair; however, the part was unavailable. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 11,000.
Recall 19A was a full clutch assembly replacement on January 2024 at 60,000 miles. I purchased the vehicle in January 2025 with 64,000 miles. I have owned the jeep for 1 year and 8 months. I now have 78,000 miles. Service transmission light comes and goes if the vehicle cools down the light goes off and drives normal. When the service transmission light is on the clutch is overheated and slips I can not move the vehicle out of 1st gear. I drove it to a dealer and they state I have a bad clutch it is overheating. I do not believe I should pay for a clutch after a brand new clutch kit was installed 17,000 miles ago.
Suspected CAN bus failure causing multiple dash lights intermittently to include loss of power steering while driving causing an immediate safety concern.
there is open recalls for the 2018 JLU wrangler models - however mine is not included onthe recall list - but I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE CLUSTER FOR THE EXACT REASONS THAT ARE BEING RECALLED. I have the service paperwork and receipts - I just had this done a couple months ago. Please advise as I would LOVE a refund. I love my jeep but this was definitely a mandatory safety issue that could not wait for a recall. now there is one and my jeep needs the official recall add. Thanks
The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that while driving approximately 20 MPH, the instrument cluster display malfunctioned, and a solid black screen was displayed. During the failure, the speedometer and warning lights were not available. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V652000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The local dealer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 100,000.
2018 Jeep wrangler had a recall for the violently shaking front end suspension that happens while driving at high speeds of 65-70 mph and I hit a small bump. Also commonly known as the "death wobble". When this happens, I need to slow car down and pull onto the shoulder in order to get it to stop, which is very dangerous on the highway. The Repair the dealer did on this was a knowingly temporary fix. When the violent shaking returned a few thousand miles later, I was told it is not covered under the recall. They are putting a bandage on the problem instead of actually fixing. They know this wobble will return. I do not drive a lot, so it took months for this issue to come back. I had an independent service center try to fix it and was unable. I currently do not feel safe driving this Jeep on the Highway. Jeep changed the frontend suspension in 2018.
The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the instrument panel was inoperative, except for the RPM gauge and speedometer. The contact researched and became aware of an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not included. A dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not yet diagnosed. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle suddenly lost automotive power and then stalled. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was unable to be shifted into any gear and became inoperative. The San Antonio Police Department was contacted to assist with moving the vehicle out of traffic so the vehicle could be towed. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the instrument cluster had short-circuited and caused the powertrain to become unable to shift into any gear. The mechanic determined that the instrument cluster needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
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. This part is on back-order as per discussion with local Jeep dealers in [XXX]. Stellantis confirms that this part is not available as it has been deemed a systematic failure. There is currently no solution from Stellantis which is causing safety concerns and increased risk of operating my Jeep Wrangler. The error code is C2200: ANTI-LOCK BRAKE MODULE INTERNAL - STORED. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Change the ending so it is completely accurate: The electric power-steering assistance and electrical/instrument-panel systems have repeatedly malfunctioned. Power-steering assistance failed while I was driving on August 3, 2026, and again on August 8, 2026. Each time, the steering suddenly became extremely difficult. I struggled to maintain control and pull over safely without being struck or causing a collision. This placed me, my passengers, and other motorists at serious risk. The Jeep also displays numerous warning lamps and messages, the instrument cluster and odometer malfunction, the radio loses sound, and reverse sometimes will not engage. Multiple electrical systems can malfunction simultaneously. Five people have witnessed these problems. Electrical symptoms existed when I purchased the Jeep in May 2024. Federico Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram inspected it in July 2024 at 44,780 miles. The dealer documented a disappearing odometer, multiple warning lights, failure to start, required jump-starts, and inability to turn the vehicle off. Federico diagnosed an internal instrument-cluster failure and replaced the cluster. Similar problems continued intermittently afterward and became substantially worse beginning July 11, 2026. Federico recently reviewed my video. A technician considered a possible wiring problem, but the dealership requires a paid diagnostic before confirming the cause. The current failure has not been physically diagnosed. Mopar received my report and video but has not inspected the Jeep or provided a technical determination. Police, insurance representatives, and independent shops have not inspected it. The Jeep has fewer than 65,000 miles and is available for inspection upon request. I limit driving as much as possible because I believe it is unsafe, but I have no other vehicle and must occasionally drive it for essential transportation.
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.
I took it in for the Maine state inspection and it won't pass because the rotors have delaminated, the caliper is starting to shift up, and the brake hoses are going bad already. The service tech says this is a known issue with these vehicles. Unacceptable for a vehicle with 42k miles.
2018 Jeep Wangler JK experienced a brake failure due to a rusted collapsed right front brake line. Vehicle is one owner with 29,855 miles at time of repair on 08/05/26. Repaired by independent service center. Garage kept for the first 6 of 8 years of ownership, never operated off road, and no accidents. Parked in a covered car port for last two years when not in use. This is a well maintained, daily driver vehicle driven by a 79 year old male.
The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked with her son inside the vehicle, the instrument panel went blank. No warning light was illuminated. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the instrument cluster needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure had occurred several times. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V652000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 106,000.
The steering column mechanically disconnected, causing a complete loss of steering control while traveling approximately 70 mph on a highway. I was in the right lane when steering control was lost without any warning signs, including noises, vibrations, warning lights, or increased steering resistance. I immediately activated the hazard lights, informed my passenger, checked surrounding traffic, and applied the brakes. The vehicle pulled to the left under braking, crossed into the left lane, and entered the grassy median. The vehicle continued through a steep V-shaped median and came to a stop before entering opposing traffic. A collision was narrowly avoided.
When driving or upon start up the instrument panel cluster goes black not being able to see speedometer or gas gauge.
The vehicle experienced repeated braking system failures that caused the front brakes to lock up while driving, overheat, and begin smoking. The front brake calipers, rotors, and pads were replaced multiple times,not lasting more than 3weeks before failing again. the problem continued to occur. The brake booster brake line and brake fluid were also replaced while attempting to diagnose the problem. Warning lights/messages appeared, including the ABS/traction control warning and โService Electronic Stability Control.โ The vehicle would also randomly turn off at stop lights and refuse to turn back on. An independent mechanic ultimately diagnosed a failure of the ABS control module. Showing a code โc2200โ The vehicle is currently at the repair facility and is available for inspection. This failure created a serious safety risk because the brakes could engage/lock unexpectedly while the vehicle was being driven and the braking system became severely overheated and damaged multiple times. The vehicle is currently considered unsafe to drive unless I redo the whole braking system again and unplug the ABS module. I was informed that the required replacement ABS module is on national backorder with no reliable availability date and reliable refurbishes are also unable to do the repairs now. . I was also informed that obtaining a new replacement module may take an extended period of time. Because this is a safety-critical braking component, I am concerned that other vehicles with the same failure could experience unexpected brake malfunction or loss of safe braking control
I have a 2018 Jeep Wrangler JL. Both digital and analog dash gauges have stopped working. I am unable to read odometer, speedometer, gas level, RPM, temperature gauge, etc. This poses a significant risk to my safety while driving.
3 out of the 4 calipers have failed.
The abs module has failed and i have no traction control or abs function all the lights are on the dash a common issue with the jk jeep wrangler platform
1 - rear door opened while driving, door was checked closed before driving on 7/14/26, it is available for inspection 2 - safety for others were at risk, as some of contents exited vehicle on road 3 - have an appointment on 7/21/26 with original cr dealer 4 - waiting on car dealer to inspect it 5 - no warning lights or messages, first apppeared on 7/14/26
I purchased this 2018 Jeep Wrangler JK Unlimited on July 19, 2025. Since purchasing the vehicle, I have experienced repeated mechanical failures that have required multiple repairs. The most serious issue involves the engine overheating at highway speeds without any visible coolant leak or clearly identifiable cause.Despite seeking professional diagnosis, the source of the overheating could not be determined. Shortly afterward, the vehicle developed a P0302 (Cylinder 2 Misfire), raising concerns about possible internal engine damage caused by the overheating.I believe this presents a significant safety hazard. An engine that overheats unexpectedly while driving at highway speeds can lose power or fail without warning, creating a dangerous situation for the driver and surrounding traffic. The vehicle has become unreliable and unsafe to operate because I cannot predict when it may overheat or experience another engine failure.As someone who often drives alone, I no longer feel safe taking this vehicle on long trips. I am concerned that the vehicle could leave me stranded on a highway or in a remote location without warning, placing my personal safety at risk. A vehicle should provide dependable transportation, not expose its occupants to the possibility of sudden mechanical failure.This vehicle has spent more time in repair facilities than on the road. I have incurred thousands of dollars in repair expenses, and I am now being asked to pay for an engine teardown simply to determine the cause of the failure before any warranty consideration can be made. Despite multiple repair attempts, the underlying cause of the overheating and engine problems has not been resolved.I am submitting this complaint because I believe the repeated overheating, unexplained engine malfunction, and resulting cylinder misfire may indicate a safety-related defect that warrants investigation. I request that the review to determine whether similar failure whether a broader safety issu
The instrument cluster display in my 2018 Jeep Wrangler Sahara has failed. The display is either blank or nonfunctional, preventing me from viewing critical vehicle information and safety warnings while driving. This failure affects my ability to monitor engine temperature, fuel tank capacity, warning messages, fault indicators, and other important vehicle operating information. As a result, I may not be alerted to potentially dangerous conditions such as engine overheating, low oil pressure, charging system failures, or other safety-related issues. I am aware that Jeep has issued recalls involving instrument cluster defects on certain Wrangler vehicles, but my VIN is not included in the recall. The symptoms of my vehicle appear similar to those reported in recalled vehicles. Because the instrument cluster is a primary safety component used to communicate vehicle warnings and operating conditions to the driver, I believe this defect presents a safety risk. I am submitting this complaint so the issue can be investigated and to determine whether additional vehicles should be covered.
The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle the instrument panel would not illuminate, due to the failure, no warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed and the contact was advised that the instrument panel was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and offered no assistance as the vin was not allocated to a recall. The failure mileage was 50,000.
The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Wrangler JK. The contact stated that the ABS warning light was illuminated. While driving, the vehicle experienced a loss of traction, a pulsating or pumping sensation in the brake pedal, and skidded easily upon heavy brake application. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V896000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, Jeep models were not included in the recall parameters. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed with electronic control unit (ECU), electronic stability control (ESC), traction control, and ABS failures. The vehicle was not repaired because the parts were on backorder. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 42,000.
The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that while driving 20 miles away after an hour, the vehicle lost power steering and power braking functionality, and the transmission unexpectedly downshifted to a lower gear. The vehicle was turned off. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 91,300.
EGR pre conditions to pass CA state smog emissions test will not clear. Have changed entire EGR system and have drive the recommended Chrysler Drive cycle for my car with hundreds of miles on it since replacing battery with no luck. All other system checks clear.
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Jeep started on fire and is still at a tow yard in Belchertown, MA How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The Jeep started on fire while I was driving. I pulled over as the engine was smoking and then it burst into flames while I was still inside. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Not that I know of. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Yes, we gave permission for our insurance agency and Jeep to inspect the burned out vehicle. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? While I was driving, the engine temp and coolant warning lights shot way up and then the engine began to smoke. I pulled over and before I could exit the vehicle, fire was coming into the cab through the air vents.
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.
Questions
- What do owners report most on the 2018 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited?
- Problems with electrical system: 14 reports of 40 on record at NHTSA.
- How many owner reports mention a crash or a fire?
- Out of 40 reports: a crash is mentioned in 0 and a fire in 1. These are what owners wrote, not confirmed findings.