What 1,788 owners told NHTSA about the 2018 Jeep Wrangler

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.

NHTSA ODI 11745854

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.

NHTSA ODI 11745688

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.

NHTSA ODI 11745771

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.

NHTSA ODI 11743278

The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel seized and the vehicle failed to accelerate. The electronic parking brake, check engine, and several other unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact shifted to park (P) and then drive (D) and was able to continue driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that coolant had leaked into the computer and damaged the battery pack control module. The mechanic related the failure to Customer Satisfaction Program: Y40 (Control Module Software Updates); however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was then towed to an unknown dealer; however, the vehicle was not yet diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

NHTSA ODI 11743143

I own a 2018 Jeep Wrangler that my 19 year old son drives for college. While driving, the vehicle jerked and became sluggish. There were no warning lights illuminated. I became aware that the front brake rotors had overheated again. I had the front right brake caliber and brake line changed back in 2024 and the issue has recurred this year. I had a local mechanic change the front brake pads and rotors for both front tires and caliber to right front side only in April/2026 and the issue has started again today. The vehicle was taken back to local mechanic to be diagnosed again. He stated that the brake fluid was unable to properly bleed through the brake line restricting air to fully purge from the hydraulic system, which can result in incomplete bleeding, reduced braking performance, uneven pad wear, brake drag, or brake fade and is part of the reason for burning smell near right front tire. He added that car isn’t safe to drive in this condition due to safety concerns of accidents due to inability to properly brake or even a fire. Vehicle hasn’t been repaired due to cost and I will attempt to contact manufacturer. The initial mileage reading when this issue occurred in 2024 was 90,000 miles. The mileage as of this complaint is 112,392.

NHTSA ODI 11742146

My electronic instrument panel went completely out. I could not tell my speed, amount of gas, mileage, or anything else. This happened suddenly and without any warning.

NHTSA ODI 11741084

I had the clutch plate recall done on my 2018 jeep wrangler unlimited 3.6 in January 2024. The first 8 months my dash lite up warning me my clutch is overheating and to reduce clutch use. This happens every time im on traffic or reversing around obstacles going up hill. The dash also lite up saying clutch performance is limited reduce clutch use. This is still happening after the recall was completed and its May 2026 currently trying to get it fixed. I have pictures of the dash lighting up with 3 different warning about the clutch plate

NHTSA ODI 11740630

Was stopping at red light. Got to about 5mph when Jeep accelerated to about 35mph. I was standing on the breaks but the Jeep kept accelerating until impact struck the car in front me which was stopped. I have video.

NHTSA ODI 11739609

Defect in the instrument panel cluster (IPC) that can cause it to go blank or fail entirely. Screen is completely blank which makes it impossible to monitor or see any warnings for vehicle with it being an electrical dash. There is a safety recall on 2018-2024 Wranglers, but for some reason my VIN does not populate on the recall when I have a 2018 Wrangler. This has caused me not to be monitor oil life, fuel, and see check engine notifications. NHTSA Recall Number: 24V‑652 for year model 2018–2024 Wranglers (and 2020–2024 Gladiators)

NHTSA ODI 11739012

I bought this vehicle used in 2022 from CarMax. According to Jeep (Stellantis) Co. multiple recalls were fixed by the previous owner, but the patch available for 2018 Jeep Wranglers was not done. In 2024 my iphone and Mac laptop were hacked and shortly after I began having problems with my 2018 Jeep Wrangler. My alarm system started going off while I was in my home without touching or being near the FOB. When I used my FOB to unlock the doors, they would lock back before I could open the door. I was unable to use the push button start for a few minutes up to 15 minutes and in 2025 I was unable to use the push button at all on most days. I had to research a work around to be able to start my Jeep and even after that depending on the day, it takes several seconds to minutes to start it this way. On 2 different occasions as I was driving, I had no control over my steering for approx. 10 seconds. I held on to the wheel and slowed down. The control returned and I was able to drive home. I researched and found out that 2014-2018 had reports of hacking and the hacker taking control of the vehicle in multiple ways including steering, brakes, alarm system, and hacking FOB. My radio has been turned off and the stations changed. One of my FOBs was tampered with, including switching the lock and unlock button's capability, panic button was disabled, and now the FOB does not work at all. There is a loud grinding noise behind my glove box that can be heard at different times including when Jeep is turned off. Loud noises that sound like a rock hitting the window happen randomly to my front windshield, driver and passenger windows happens multiple times while I am driving and when vehicle is turned off. I took Jeep to a trusted mechanic and was told there was no way to tell and it would be better to just sell it. After I moved, I didn't experience these problems for a while, but am experiencing them again. I am concerned for my safety and anyone who may be a passenger in my Jeep.

NHTSA ODI 11738632

Engine - The vehicle is available but the engine was replaced. I was able to get home however there was a potential for significant engine failure. Yes it was inspected by an independent service center. Yes it was inspected by an independent service center. A check engine light came on. Upon further inspection it was a Cylinder 6 misfire P0306. When the engine was inspected further by a mechanic it was determined that the cylinder wall was damaged and that coolant had entered the cylinder. Due to the extent of the engine damage the engine needed to be replaced.

NHTSA ODI 11738445

While driving my engine light comes on and I lose power like it won’t take gear I can switch to manual and it’s fine engine light pulls a code for oil pressure sensor but I’ve done paid for that to be fixed and it still doing the same as above but the engine light will go off after cutting the jeep off and stays off for a few days then out of nowhere while driving it comes back on and the process starts all over

NHTSA ODI 11738240

Oil cooler failure at 7 years and 90000 miles. This is a known engineering issue due to a plastic housing that is resolved by upgrading the oil cooler housing to aluminum instead of plastic. It’s a $1000 repair. Because this is an engineering issue the consumer should not have to pay the entire cost of the repair. This is a SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARD DUE TO THE LEAKAGE OF OIL CAUSED BY THIS FAILURE. It should definitely be deemed a recall and fixed at the expense of the manufacturer!

NHTSA ODI 11738326

The instrument cluster went black when I was driving. This prevents the driver from seeing warning lights, digital speedometer, the fuel gauge and the odometer. The car was examined by my private mechanic, and he stated he could not fix it. He advised me to go to the Jeep dealership. The car was then examined by the dealership, and they stated it would need a new instrument cluster at a cost of $1600, and I was charged $250 for the diagnostic. I then researched the issue and learned that Jeep has issued 2 recalls for this exact problem which included the make, model and year of my unit. The recall dates were September 2024 and April 2026. I called Jeep's help center and they stated my particular vehicle is not eligible for the recall because of where it was made. I feel this is not a valid reason and they should honor the recall for my vehicle.

NHTSA ODI 11737095

One day out of the blue, my Jeep Wrangler received a "Service Shifter" error code. The error code threw about 40 other codes at the same time. Loss of power steering, loss of abs, engine kept revving on its own, windshield wipers turned on. While in park it felt as if it was trying to shift itself into other gears. Loss of steering while driving as well as the engine revving up and down while on the interstate. Every warning light came on and stayed on. I can let it sit for awhile and it'll drive fine for a little while until it does it all again and again. I have not taken it to a dealership yet due to all the threads on being charged $2000 and it not get fixed.

NHTSA ODI 11735563

The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that while driving the vehicle or while the vehicle was parked, the instrument panel intermittently flickered and then turned blank. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V652000 (Electrical System). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.

NHTSA ODI 11734653

I own a 2018 Jeep Wrangler. The vehicle has a serious safety issue where the steering wheel shakes violently at freeway speeds, especially when driving over uneven roads or bumps. This makes the vehicle feel unsafe to operate. This issue was previously repaired under warranty with a steering damper replacement. However, the same problem has returned, indicating that the issue was not properly resolved. The dealership has recently verified the issue through a road test and confirmed the violent shaking condition. In addition, the vehicle currently has an active airbag warning light, and the dealership diagnosed a failed front right acceleration sensor. This raises concerns about the proper function of the airbag system in the event of a crash. I have contacted the manufacturer multiple times, but they have declined to provide assistance and have not been responsive. I am concerned that this vehicle has unresolved safety defects that could put the driver and passengers at risk.

NHTSA ODI 11733660

The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Wrangler. The contact’s daughter stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the instrument panel became inoperable and was blank. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 104,000.

NHTSA ODI 11733678

The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Wrangler JK. The contact stated that twice while driving approximately 40-60 MPH, the front end was violently shaking. After stopping, the vibration seized, and the vehicle was driven at slower speeds. While driving over a bump or expansion bridge, the failure recurred. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V343000 (Steering). The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the steering damper needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was contacted and confirmed that the VIN was not under recall. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 47,000.

NHTSA ODI 11733087

On March 19, 2026 I paid $5,778.87 for repairs to my 2018 Wrangler JL. Repairs included the replacement of warped cylinder head and failed head gasket with coolant getting into the combustion chamber, showing up as rough running, misfire, flashing check engine light, and burning coolant smell. On April 18, 2026, at approximately 10:30 pm, after attending the [XXX] concert at Bank of America stadium (+70,000 in attendance), the vehicle stalled and was unable to be restarted or moved to the shoulder of the highway. The vehicle failure occurred on I277 outside of Bank of America Stadium with hundreds of cars passing us as my wife and were stranded in the middle lane. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11732368

I have a 2018 Jeep Wrangler JL Sport S (2 door) with approximately 66,000 miles. On March 26th, 2026 I had a flashing check engine light come up along with the vehicle shaking in low gears. I had the vehicle towed to the Jeep dealership (Gandrud Auto Group) from which I bought it from and upon their inspection they found the left bank head gasket leaking coolant into the combustion chamber causing misfires. This repair was over $5000 and took over a week to fix. The service ticket from Grandrud will be attached which lists all parts that needed to be replaced. This vehicle is much too new to be having these kinds of issues and Gandrud even stated that many customers with JL Wranglers have been coming to them with the same issue of the head gasket failing. 1. Left bank head gasket leaking coolant into the combustion chamber causing misfires. Photos will be attached. 2. Shaking vehicle. Had vehicle towed. 3. Dealership inspected and identified the issue. Invoice attached. 4. Check engine light came on for just one day back in December of 2025, was brought into Gandrud and it was a misfire code, no noticeable issues at the time however and check engine light went away. On March 26th, 2026 I had a flashing check engine light come up along with the vehicle shaking in low gears.

NHTSA ODI 11732245

My radio cluster has shut off, screen went dark and blank while I was driving on 3 seperate occasions within the last 60 days. While driving the steering feels a little loose, the faster I go the more loose it feels. While on the interstate driving 70 mph my Jeep will not run straight, it kinda drifts back and forth and I am continuously having to correct it in order to stay in my lane. Not sure what is causing it to "drift" side to side and have heard of some Jeep Wranglers having death wobbles has me concerned of whether mine is going to do it.

NHTSA ODI 11732064

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.

NHTSA ODI 11731239

The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed or while starting the vehicle, the instrument panel was inoperable. The contact stated that the instrument panel failed to illuminate and remained blank. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with instrument cluster failure. The contact was informed that the instrument cluster needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.

NHTSA ODI 11730824