2018 Jeep Wrangler Transmission & Powertrain Problems
NHTSA lists 176 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2018 Jeep Wrangler, 10% of all complaints that year, with a median failure mileage of 27,000 miles. Four related recalls cover clutch pressure plate overheating/fracture and an incorrect transmission park lock rod.
- Transmission & Powertrain complaints
- 176
- 10% of 1,820
- Crashes reported
- 2
- Fires reported
- 13
- Injuries reported
- 2
- Median mileage
- 27,000 mi
- Related recalls
- 4
Typical transmission symptoms owners report
- Owners report a burning clutch smell followed by loss of acceleration while the vehicle is in motion.
- Some describe a loud pop or bang from underneath the vehicle, followed by smoke and in several cases fire, tied to the clutch pressure plate assembly failing.
- Several complaints describe transmission parts or fluid falling from underneath the vehicle while shifting gears, sometimes on a nearly new vehicle.
- Some owners report the vehicle shutting down while driving, with service transmission and service engine warning lights illuminating.
- A number of complaints describe the transmission or clutch failure leading to underhood fire, including cases where the vehicle was destroyed.
When 2018 Jeep Wrangler transmission complaints were filed
First complaint May 9, 2018, latest Sep 23, 2026.
Transmission & Powertrain recalls for the 2018 Jeep Wrangler
- 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.
- NHTSA 21V028000Jan 28, 2021Transmission & Powertrain42,887 vehicles
Power train:clutch assembly
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.
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: 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.
- NHTSA 20V124000Mar 3, 2020Transmission & Powertrain33,237 vehicles
Power train:clutch assembly
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.
Risk: 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.
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.
- NHTSA 18V280000May 1, 2018Transmission & Powertrain71 vehicles
Power train:automatic transmission
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.
Risk: 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.
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.
Transmission & Powertrain complaints by Wrangler model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- How many 2018 Jeep Wrangler owners reported transmission problems?
- NHTSA lists 176 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2018 Jeep Wrangler, which is 10% of all complaints filed for that model year.
- Is there a transmission recall for the 2018 Jeep Wrangler?
- Yes. Four recalls cover 2018 Wranglers with manual transmissions, three addressing the clutch pressure plate overheating and fracturing (campaigns 20V124000, 21V028000, and 23V116000) and one addressing an incorrectly installed transmission park lock rod (18V280000).
- At what mileage do 2018 Wrangler transmission problems usually occur?
- NHTSA data shows a median failure mileage of 27,000 miles for Transmission & Powertrain complaints on the 2018 Jeep Wrangler.
- Are the 2018 Wrangler transmission failures dangerous?
- NHTSA data tied to this problem area includes 13 fires, 2 crashes, and 2 injuries reported for the 2018 Jeep Wrangler.
- Which Jeep Wrangler years have the most transmission complaints?
- Among the years listed, 2012 and 2013 have the highest share of transmission complaints at 34% and 35% respectively, compared to 10% for the 2018 model year.