NHTSA lists 14 safety recalls and 1,829 owner complaints for the 2018 Jeep Wrangler. It has 1 open investigation that names this model year.
Recalled components: powertrain, electrical system, body structure, backover prevention and rearview camera, and 4 more. Most-described problem: shaking, shuddering or vibration (526 complaints, 29%). Most-reported area: steering (1,117 complaints, 61%; median mileage when it happened: 5,000).
One of the Wrangler years to avoid
The 2018 drew 1,152 owner complaints in its first three years, against 257 for a typical Wrangler year: 4.4 times as many.
Years to avoid: 2018. Based on owner complaints, not adjusted for sales.
Data: NHTSA recall, complaint and investigation filesUpdated
Year to avoid
14 safety recalls for the 2018 Jeep Wrangler
Grouped by the part recalled, largest group first, newest first within each part. Summaries are NHTSA's own wording. Open a recall for what is wrong, the fix and the full notice.
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.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
The clutch pressure plate may overheat and fracture.
Fix: 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.
69,201 vehicles.
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2018-2023 Jeep Wrangler, and 2020-2023 Jeep Gladiator vehicles equipped with manual transmissions.
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.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
The clutch pressure plate may overheat and fracture.
Fix: 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.
42,887 vehicles.
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2018-2021 Jeep Wrangler and 2020-2021 Jeep Gladiator vehicles equipped with manual transmissions.
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.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
The clutch pressure plate may overheat and fracture.
Fix: 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.
33,237 vehicles.
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018-2020 Jeep Wrangler and 2020 Gladiator vehicles equipped with manual transmissions.
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.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
An incorrect transmission park lock rod may have been installed in the transmission.
Fix: 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.
71 vehicles.
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Dodge Charger, Durango and Challenger, Jeep Grand Cherokee and Wrangler, Chrysler 300, and RAM 1500 vehicles.
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.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
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."
Fix: 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.
Fails federal standard 101 (controls and displays) · 32,863 vehicles.
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2020-2024 Jeep Gladiator and 2018-2024 Jeep Wrangler vehicles.
Risk: A vehicle stall can increase the risk of a crash.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
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.
Fix: 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.
12,779 vehicles.
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.
Risk: If the vehicle maintains its speed or accelerates despite attempts to deactivate the cruise control, there would be an increased risk of a crash.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
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.
Fix: 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.
4,815,661 vehicles.
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.
Risk: An unexpected reduction in steering ability, can increase the risk of a crash.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
The front track bar brackets may be improperly welded, which can cause the bracket to separate from the frame, reducing steering capability.
Fix: 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.
18,055 vehicles.
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Jeep Wrangler vehicles.
Risk: If the floor pan strength is reduced and/or the rear seat mount becomes loose, the rear seat may detach in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
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.
Fix: 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.
106 vehicles.
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Jeep Wrangler vehicles.
NHTSA listing: WRANGLER. Components: Seats: mid/rear assembly; Body structure: frame and members. Jeep campaign U27.
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.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
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."
Fix: 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.
Fails federal standard 111 (rear visibility) · 46 vehicles.
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2018-2024 Jeep Wrangler vehicles.
Risk: If the roof top tent cover detaches from the vehicle while moving, it can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
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.
Fix: 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.
Risk: If the right rear passenger door opens unexpectedly, it can increase the risk of injury.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
The right rear passenger door latch may not be in the correct location, possibly preventing the door from latching properly.
Fix: 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.
52 vehicles.
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Jeep Wrangler four-door vehicles.
Risk: A separated or severed seat belt buckle strap will result in an inoperable seat belt, increasing the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
The driver's seat belt buckle mounting strap may fracture and separate from the seat frame.
Fix: 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.
11,463 vehicles.
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2011-2018 Jeep Wrangler right hand drive vehicles.
Risk: If the weld seam splits, the steering wheel may lose center positioning causing a loss of steering responsiveness and increasing the risk of a crash.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
The intermediate steering shaft may not have been properly welded causing a split where the external spline is formed.
Fix: 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.
539 vehicles.
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Jeep Wrangler vehicles.
NHTSA listing: WRANGLER. Jeep campaign U48.
Questions about any of these recalls: call NHTSA's Vehicle Safety Hotline at 888-327-4236 (TTY 888-275-9171) or check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
NHTSA investigations
NHTSA has opened 4 investigations that name the 2018 Jeep Wrangler; 1 is still open. An investigation means NHTSA is reviewing reports of a problem. It is not a finding that the vehicle has a defect.
Desiccated air bag inflator rupture
Engineering analysis EA21002Open since Sep 17, 2021
From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant - propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L.
NHTSA listing: WRANGLER. Component: Air bags (frontal, driver side, inflator module, passenger side). This investigation names 352 models.
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this investigation to determine if the failure of airbags to deploy during severe crashes, in certain vehicles, was the result of a safety related defect.
NHTSA listing: WRANGLER. Component: Air bags (air bag/restraint control module). This investigation names 46 models.
Frame weld deficiencies
Preliminary evaluation PE19012Closed Oct 29, 2023 (opened Sep 16, 2019)
On September 16, 2019, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) granted Defect Petition DP18-004 and opened Preliminary Evaluation PE19-012 to investigate allegations of deficient frame welds and their potential safety… NHTSA's full summary
NHTSA listing: WRANGLER. Components: Steering; Body structure.
Seat belt buckle bracket failure
Preliminary evaluation PE19008Closed Dec 12, 2019 (opened Jul 29, 2019)
On July 17, 2019, NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Preliminary Evaluation (PE) 19-008 after receiving three Vehicle Owner Questionnaire (VOQ) reports alleging the driver's side seat belt buckle… NHTSA's full summary
NHTSA ties this investigation to recall 19V-680, listed above.
A preliminary evaluation is NHTSA's first step, to gather information and decide whether to look further. An engineering analysis is a deeper review, usually opened after a preliminary evaluation. NHTSA lists investigations by make, model and model year only, so one can apply to only some versions of a model, such as one engine; its summary says which.
What owners report
Owners have filed 1,829 complaints with NHTSA about the 2018 Wrangler. Below, they are sorted by the problems owners describe and by the areas NHTSA files them under. NHTSA does not verify complaints.
Problems owners describe
Shaking, shuddering or vibration526 · 29%
Median 7,100 miles at failure, from 416 reports with mileage
Death wobble (violent front-end shaking)263 · 14%
Median 7,500 miles at failure, from 204 reports with mileage
Steering rack problems: sticking, play or pulling208 · 11%
Median 1,100 miles at failure, from 172 reports with mileage
Power steering problems or locked steering185 · 10%
Median 11,000 miles at failure, from 105 reports with mileage
Gauge cluster or speedometer failure58 · 3%
Median 57,000 miles at failure, from 22 reports with mileage
Check engine light52 · 3%
Median 54,000 miles at failure, from 15 reports with mileage
Suspension parts (struts, ball joints, control arms)51 · 3%
Median 5,000 miles at failure, from 29 reports with mileage
Rust or corrosion49 · 3%
Median 4,000 miles at failure, from 24 reports with mileage
Median 5,000 miles at failure, from 852 reports with mileage
Suspension343 · 19%
Median 7,400 miles at failure, from 268 reports with mileage
Electrical system269 · 15%
Most named: instrument cluster/panel (6) · Median 15,000 miles at failure, from 93 reports with mileage
Powertrain178 · 10%
Most named: clutch assembly (5) · Median 27,300 miles at failure, from 86 reports with mileage
Engine100 · 5%
Median 15,000 miles at failure, from 38 reports with mileage
Body structure97 · 5%
Most named: body (90) · Median 4,000 miles at failure, from 59 reports with mileage
Brakes67 · 4%
Most named: foundation components, disc, caliper (3) · Median 32,200 miles at failure, from 26 reports with mileage
Unknown or other212 · 12%
Median 6,000 miles at failure, from 104 reports with mileage
A complaint can name more than one area, so shares add up to more than 100%. Mileage is shown where at least 15 owners reported it.
Jeep Wrangler recalls and complaints by model year
The highlighted bars are the 2018 model year. Newer model years have had less time on the road, so their counts are lower. Counting complaints filed in each model year's first three years, the 2018 Wrangler drew the most (1,152).
Owner complaints
2018: 1,829 complaintsTap or drag across the chart for other years.
Show as a table
Owner complaints by model year, Jeep Wrangler
Model year
Complaints
2010
686
2011
486
2012
837
2013
657
2014
658
2015
481
2016
464
2017
312
2018
1,829
2019
749
2020
619
2021
967
2022
417
2023
381
2024
977
2025
84
2026
12
Safety recalls
2018: 14 recallsTap or drag across the chart for other years.
Show as a table
Safety recalls by model year, Jeep Wrangler
Model year
Recalls
2010
10
2011
10
2012
9
2013
6
2014
4
2015
3
2016
5
2017
5
2018
14
2019
9
2020
13
2021
17
2022
16
2023
16
2024
14
2025
6
2026
3
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for each version it tested. Rollover risk is NHTSA's estimate of the chance of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
In the 1,829 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2018 Jeep Wrangler, the problems described most are shaking, shuddering or vibration (526), the “death wobble” (263), and steering rack problems such as sticking, play or pulling (208). NHTSA does not verify complaints, and one complaint can describe several problems.
Is NHTSA investigating the 2018 Jeep Wrangler?
Yes. NHTSA has 1 open investigation that names the 2018 Jeep Wrangler: desiccated air bag inflator rupture (EA21002, opened Sep 17, 2021). It has closed 3 others. An investigation is not a finding that the vehicle has a defect.
How do I check if my Wrangler has an open recall?
Enter the 17-character VIN from your dashboard, door jamb or registration at nhtsa.gov/recalls. The lookup lists unrepaired recalls for that exact vehicle. Safety recall repairs are free at Jeep dealers.
Sources and method
NHTSA recalls file (NHTSA datasets), dated Nov 12, 2026; every campaign checked against NHTSA's recalls API.
NHTSA owner complaints file, dated Nov 11, 2026. Counted by complaint number, so a complaint naming three components counts once in the total.
NHTSA investigations file, dated Nov 12, 2026. Defect petitions, which ask NHTSA to open an investigation, are listed apart and only while open. Audit queries, which check whether a company met its recall and reporting duties rather than whether a vehicle has a problem, are not listed.
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP).
NHTSA model names covered: WRANGLER.
Complaint counts are unverified owner reports. They rise with sales volume and time on the road, so compare model years with care. How we build these pages. Spotted an error? Tell us.