2018 Jeep Wrangler reliability

Is it reliable?

The 2018 Jeep Wrangler has 1,820 complaints with NHTSA after 9 years, or 384 per year. That is the most complaints per year among the 13 Wrangler years on this site. NHTSA has 14 recalls on file, including Camera, Instrument cluster, and Clutch.

2012 Jeep Wrangler — Photo by Koenigseggvibes, resized from the original. Wikimedia Commons CC BY-SA 4.0

Complaints

1,820

Per year

384

Recalls

Years on the road

What owners report

The complaints owners file most often name Steering (1,115 of 1,820), then Suspension (342) and Electrical system (267). Those filings include 22 that report a crash, 25 that report a fire, and 13 that report an injury.

Next to 2017 and 2019

The 2017 Wrangler has 309 complaints, 34 per year, and the 2019 has 741 complaints, 135 per year. The 2018 has more complaints per year than the 2017. The 2018 has more complaints per year than the 2019.

The complaint rate is complaints filed in this year’s first 3 years on the road, divided by however many of those years have passed. Recalls are a separate count. The numbers are for the US-market 2018 Jeep Wrangler. How we count. Data as of 2026-10-16.

Recalls (14)

Recall back-over prevention, sensing system, camera 2024-09-12 · NHTSA campaign 24V676000

Summary 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."

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.

Recall electrical system, instrument cluster 2024-09-05 · NHTSA campaign 24V652000

Summary 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."

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.

Recall powertrain, clutch 2023-02-23 · NHTSA campaign 23V116000

Summary 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.

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.

Recall powertrain, clutch 2021-01-28 · NHTSA campaign 21V028000

Summary 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.

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.

Recall powertrain, clutch 2020-03-03 · NHTSA campaign 20V124000

Summary 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.

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.

Recall seat belts, front, anchorage 2019-09-26 · NHTSA campaign 19V680000

Summary 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.

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.

Recall Equipment 2019-04-23 · NHTSA campaign 19V320000

Summary 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.

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.

Recall latches, locks, and linkages, doors, latch 2018-11-08 · NHTSA campaign 18V786000

Summary 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.

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.

Recall structure, frame 2018-09-28 · NHTSA campaign 18V675000

Summary 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.

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.

Recall electrical system, wiring, front underhood wiring 2018-08-09 · NHTSA campaign 18V524000

Summary 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.

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.

Recall Steering 2018-05-25 · NHTSA campaign 18V343000

Summary 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.

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.

Recall electrical system, wiring 2018-05-17 · NHTSA campaign 18V332000

Summary 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.

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.

Recall powertrain, automatic transmission 2018-05-01 · NHTSA campaign 18V280000

Summary 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.

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.

Recall structure, frame 2018-04-12 · NHTSA campaign 18V231000

Summary 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.

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.

Complaints by component (1820 total)

Steering

1115

Suspension

342

Electrical system

267

Powertrain

176

Engine

Structure

Wheels

Service brakes

Electronic stability control (ESC)

Visibility and wipers

Speed control

Fuel and propulsion system

Seats

Air bags

Hydraulic brakes

Exterior lighting

Forward collision avoidance

Lane departure

Seat belts

Engine and engine cooling

Back-over prevention

Fuel system, gasoline

Visibility

Air brakes

Equipment

Latches, locks, and linkages

Tires

Traction control

Show 20 more Show less

Crash-flagged

Fire-flagged

Injury reports

Death reports

Complaints filed per year

Excerpts from recent NHTSA complaint filings

"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…"
Electrical system, Unknown or other · filed 2026-09-24
"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…"
Powertrain · filed 2026-09-23
"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…"
Powertrain · filed 2026-09-21
"Misfire no. 4cylinder due to head gasket leak and coolant leaking into cylinder."
Engine · filed 2026-09-18
"See attached document for complaint."
Engine and engine cooling · filed 2026-09-17

NHTSA crash ratings

Version	Overall	Front	Side	Rollover
2018 Jeep Wrangler 2 DR 4WD Later Release	Not rated	Not rated	Not rated	3 stars
2018 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited 4 DR 4WD Later Release	Not rated	Not rated	Not rated	3 stars
2018 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited JK 4 DR 4WD Early release	Not rated	3 stars	Not rated	3 stars

Stars are how this vehicle did in NHTSA crash tests. They are a safety result, separate from the complaint record. Not rated means that test was not run for this version.

Fuel economy

Trim	Engine	Transmission	Drive	City	Hwy	Combined	Annual fuel cost
Wrangler four-wheel drive	3.6L, 6-cyl	Automatic 5-speed	Four-wheel drive	17	21	18 MPG	$3600
Wrangler four-wheel drive	3.6L, 6-cyl	Manual 6-speed	Four-wheel drive	17	21	18 MPG	$3600
Wrangler Unlimited four-wheel drive	3.6L, 6-cyl	Automatic 5-speed	Four-wheel drive	16	20	18 MPG	$3600
Wrangler Unlimited four-wheel drive	3.6L, 6-cyl	Manual 6-speed	Four-wheel drive	16	21	18 MPG	$3600

Specs and fitment

JL generation, 2018–present

Body styles SUV

Oil 0W-20 (2.0L turbo and 3.6L Pentastar) , 6 qt capacity

Tire size 245/75R17 to 255/70R18 (trim dependent)

Towing capacity 3,500 lbs

Known issues for this generation

Owner complaints for early JL years concentrate on steering. Safety recall 18V-343 (Chrysler U48) covers certain 2018 Jeep Wrangler vehicles whose intermediate steering shaft may not have been properly welded, so a split at the external spline can cause loss of steering-wheel center positioning and reduced steering responsiveness; dealers inspect and replace the shaft as needed. Safety recall 18V-675 (Chrysler UA5) covers certain 2018-2019 Wranglers whose front track-bar brackets may be improperly welded and separate from the frame, reducing steering capability; dealers inspect and repair the welds. Safety recall 20V-191 covers certain 2019-2020 Wranglers (among other FCA models) with 8.4" or 12" radios where software can leave the rearview camera image on after shifting out of reverse, failing FMVSS 111; dealers update radio software, with an optional OTA update.

Compare

Previous year 2017 Jeep Wrangler Next year 2019 Jeep Wrangler See every Jeep Wrangler model year →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2018 Jeep Wrangler reliable?

What are common problems with a 2018 Jeep Wrangler?

Is the 2018 Jeep Wrangler more reliable than the years next to it?

Has the 2018 Jeep Wrangler been recalled?

The 2018 Jeep Wrangler has 14 recalls on file with NHTSA. See the recalls table on this page for dates, components, and remedies.

How many complaints have owners filed about the 2018 Jeep Wrangler?

Owners have filed 1820 complaints about the 2018 Jeep Wrangler with NHTSA.

What mpg does a 2018 Jeep Wrangler get?

EPA-rated combined fuel economy for the 2018 Jeep Wrangler is 18 MPG. See the fuel economy table on this page for city and highway figures by engine and transmission.

What oil does a Wrangler take?

5W-20 (3.6L Pentastar); 5W-30 (3.8L V6)

What does NHTSA recall 19V-018 cover on the Jeep Wrangler?

Safety recall 19V-018 (Chrysler V01) covers certain 2010-2016 Jeep Wrangler vehicles among other FCA models: upon frontal air-bag deployment, excessive internal pressure may cause the passenger frontal inflator to explode, and metal fragments can strike occupants.

What generation is the 2013 Jeep Wrangler?

JK generation (2012-2017).