2018 Jeep Wrangler Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Avoid The 2018 Jeep Wrangler has a complaint index of 95, the second-worst of 21 model years, with 1,820 complaints and 14 recalls. Steering problems dominate, making up 61% of complaints, with a median failure mileage of just 5,000 miles.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 95/100
- #2 of 21 Wrangler years
- Verdict
- Avoid
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 1,820
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 14
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 22
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 25
- Injuries
- 13
- Top issue
- Steering
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 18
- 16.5 city / 21 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 13 / 0
Top 2018 Jeep Wrangler problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Steering1,115 (61%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires364 (20%)
- Electrical System273 (15%)
- Other212 (12%)
- Transmission & Powertrain176 (10%)
- Engine123 (7%)
- Structure & Body112 (6%)
- Brakes111 (6%)
- Visibility & Wipers43 (2%)
- Fuel System20 (1%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Owners report loose or excessive steering play that lets the vehicle wander or bounce side to side in the lane at highway speed.
- Some describe sudden loss of steering control accompanied by hard pulling to one side, in one case leading to a crash after hitting a utility pole.
- Several complaints describe fires starting near the fuse box or battery area with smoke and burning odor while driving at low speed.
- Owners report brake failures, including a vacuum booster failure that left the brakes unresponsive during a stop.
- One owner reported a wheel coming off shortly after leaving a dealership, linked to rust, which caused a crash.
- Multiple complaints describe engine compartment fires that fully engulfed the vehicle within minutes of a burning smell being noticed.
2018 Jeep Wrangler recalls
14 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 24V676000Sep 12, 2024Collision Avoidance & Cameras46 vehicles
Back over prevention: sensing system: camera
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."
Risk: 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 24V652000Sep 5, 2024Electrical System32,863 vehicles
Electrical system: instrument cluster/panel
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."
Risk: 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 23V116000Feb 23, 2023Transmission & Powertrain69,201 vehicles
Power train:clutch assembly
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.
Risk: 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.
2018 Jeep Wrangler fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 16.5 MPG
- Highway
- 21 MPG
- Combined
- 18 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $3,600
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2018 compared with other Wrangler years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2018 Jeep Wrangler reliable?
- Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2018 Wrangler ranks 2nd worst out of 21 model years with a complaint index of 95, so it carries an Avoid verdict relative to other Wrangler years.
- What is the main problem with the 2018 Jeep Wrangler?
- Steering issues dominate, accounting for 61% of complaints (1,115 complaints), with owners reporting loose steering and loss of control at a median mileage of 5,000 miles.
- Does the 2018 Jeep Wrangler have recalls?
- NHTSA lists 14 recall campaigns tied to the 2018 Wrangler, covering areas including transmission/clutch, electrical system, seat belts, and structure/body.
- How does the 2018 Wrangler compare to other years?
- With a complaint index of 95, the 2018 model trails nearly every other Wrangler year; the 2017 model, by contrast, is rated Best with an index of only 10.
- Were there any fires reported in the 2018 Jeep Wrangler?
- NHTSA records 25 fire-related complaints for the 2018 Wrangler, with some sample complaints describing fires starting near the electrical system or engine compartment.