Jeep Wrangler Complaints (2018)

1,827 consumer complaints on file.

#11673435July 14, 2025
ENGINE
Vehicle: 2018 Jeep Wrangler Sport Unlimited VIN: [XXX] Mileage at failure: 40,631 miles Issue Date: [XXX] Component: Engine / Cooling System / Head Gasket My 2018 Jeep Wrangler began experiencing overheating issues at approximately 40,000 miles. The engine cooling fan was frequently running on high, and I noticed an increase in coolant loss. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealership, where a hydrocarbon test was performed and failed — confirming a likely head gasket failure on the driver-side cylinder head. The technician suspected a defect in the cooling system. I was quoted $4,500 just for engine disassembly, before any repairs. The vehicle is now undrivable and is being sent to another independent shop for a second opinion, costing an additional $250. My Wrangler has been properly maintained, and there is no evidence of abuse or neglect. I have attached a dealership invoice and diagnostic notes. This kind of failure should not occur on a well-maintained vehicle with only 40,000 miles. After researching the issue, I discovered that other Jeep owners have reported similar overheating and head gasket failures, particularly in models equipped with the 3.6L Pentastar engine. Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 18-078-18 Rev A describes cooling system concerns that may contribute to this type of failure. I believe this may indicate a broader defect in the engine or cooling system. Stellantis has not responded to my repeated requests for assistance. I am filing this report to document the issue and request a formal investigation, as this may be part of a wider pattern of early engine failure affecting this vehicle model. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11672610July 10, 2025
STEERING, SUSPENSION, WHEELS
I am filing this complaint due to a serious and recurring safety issue known as the “death wobble” on my 2018 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited JL. This defect causes violent front-end shaking at highway speeds when hitting bumps or making minor steering corrections. The issue began during the first week of ownership and has persisted through five separate service visits. Repairs have included steering damper replacements, track bar, alignments, and balancing, but the issue continues to return. A dealership technician confirmed the shaking on October 9, 2023, during a test drive at over 70 mph. The vehicle was only sent to a certified Jeep service center on the fourth visit. After researching the problem, I found this is a well-documented and widespread issue among Jeep owners — especially on Wrangler models of certain years. There are numerous forums, websites, and videos where other owners describe the exact same symptoms, often with no long-term resolution. I shared this information with the dealership to help them understand the seriousness of the issue, and only then did they investigate further. I have video evidence of the defect, technician confirmation, service records, and text messages showing dealership delays. This defect creates a major safety concern, especially with children in the car, and could easily cause an accident.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11671280July 4, 2025
STRUCTURE:BODY, ENGINE, SUSPENSION
After purchasing seems the vin was updated with information I was not disclosed. The bcm has never worked correctly the instrument panel is erratic and even with a code reader showing P codes there’s no check light. The steering makes the entire vehicle jump over half a road. Blind spot monitors don’t know what to do sometimes they are unavailable, odometer has all 9s sometimes. I did all the checks on the vehicle at the time and what I was given showed I had a 2018 4 door Sahara and that was what I was led to believe. After having issues and getting my registration I started looking at everything more because the dealer registered me as a commercial passenger truck(still don’t know why) but found a report that says Moab/sahara and my seems my vehicles body chasis and motor are all over the place. I’m pretty sure the engine is failing as at one point in one of the reports I found it stated it failed emissions. But the overall worst is that the suspension looks like it came off the titanic compared to the body panels, there’s a lot of welding and rusted or “appearingly tampered” pieces in the chassis and the vehicle seems to be coming apart at every seam. I am currently not driving it because it looks to have sank down to where it could be dangerous I’m pretty sure the suspension, frame, and axles aren’t rated for what’s on it and sounded like something may be coming off at the wheel or axle area last time I did drive it. The vehicle I thought I was purchasing had safety guidelines and there is 2.0 parts, 3.6 parts on this along with random other countries parts. It was bought used “As-Is” but not under the pretense that they assembled it by hand from leftovers. It wouldn’t pass safety standards or emissions in a foreign country much less in the UNITED STATES. I am starting here but will be seeking legal counsel. No longer certain I even have a jeep frame or chassis or just some panels stuck to a rusting timebomb. I’ve only drove like 8,000 miles. Now I’m scared to
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11670910July 2, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE, STEERING
The check engine light came on in my car. I was waiting for the dealer to call me to fix it for the 3rd time. I was on my way home when every electrical option on the vehicle turned on- wipers, lights, dash lights, brake- which caused the car to brake- then it turned off and I had no brakes, the car had no steering, it accelerated and I went off the road.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11669742June 27, 2025
ENGINE
The 3.6L Pentastar engine has a know engine problem with the Cam, valves, lifters. I am a lucky enough to have the same ticking issues as millions of other unsuspecting customers. They was just quoted $6,000 dollars for the repair at our local Dodge dealer for a know defect on this particular engine. This issue should be brought up to US consumer protection and be covered by the manufacturer. My 2018 Jeep has 71,000 miles! The Engine should not have a catastrophic failure this early in its life.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11668284June 21, 2025
TIRES:SIDEWALL
Tire size LT295/55R20 123/120Q E Driving on highway in fast lane going 65/70 mph heard a pop, moved over to slow lane , car started shaking and veering to right. Pulled over and got out on shoulder to see tire wall had separated from tire. I have driven 7000 miles , had them installed professionally by Tire Choice on April 20th 2024. Date today June 20th, 2025.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11667824June 18, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL
The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the contact became aware that the instrument panel was dark. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the instrument cluster failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and informed the contact that the VIN was not under recall. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V652000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The approximate failure mileage was 61,308.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11667846June 18, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
My dash board instrument cluster stopped working. No warning signs, just stopped. How is my vehicle not part of the dashboard cluster recall for 2018-2024 Jeep Wrangler JL?
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11666710June 13, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, STEERING
The dash board stared to flash all sorts of symbols check engine light, auto start stop, sway bar disconnect unavailable, shifter problem. And then the power steering does not work, sometimes the throttle has no power, and sometimes the engine shuts off.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11666314June 11, 2025
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed, but the vehicle slid before coming to a stop. The contact stated that the traction control warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed the vehicle with ABS failure, and determined that the braking system needed to be replaced. The vehicle was taken to another independent mechanic, who related the failure to the ABS module. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 121,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11665625June 8, 2025
STEERING
The steering gear box on my Jeep Wrangler has an active technical service bulletin regarding the faulty alluminum steering gear box causing wandering in the steering of the vehicle on all 2018-2020 Jeep Wranglers. This repair is a known issue by FCA as they have a service bulletin regarding the issue. However they have not recalled the defective parts and refuse to cover replacing the defective parts unless the vehicle is still under warranty, or at a substantial cost to me. When I purchased my Jeep from Westgate Jeep in Raleigh, NC in late September 2024 at 84,000 miles the TSB had not been completed by the original owner. The Jeep is lifted but was sold to the original owner in that manner. It is a Rocky Ridge package that was sold the way it still is to the original owner. My safety and the safety of my family is at risk in the vehicle because it wanders excessively in the road. The incident consisted of passing 18 wheeler driving by in the opposite direction causing the Jeep to wander excessively to the right off of the edge of the road causing near loss of control and potential roll over. The issue has been found by my certified mechanic to be related to excessive movement/flexing in the steering gear box. The mechanic drove the vehicle and also noticed the wandering steering. FCA/Jeep should not be allowed to refuse to repair such a significant known issue with vehicles that they manufactured with defective parts they should be held accountable and made to recall and repair those defective parts. There are no active warning lights on the vehicle and a recent alignment was done by a certified mechanic when the tie rod and tie rod ends, drag link and drag link ends, ball joints and steering dampener where replaced. All tires are balanced and have equal wear the steering gear box is the only component of the steering system that has not been replaced and the issue remains. Please reference Mopar T.S.B. 08-074-20 REV. B regarding the known issue. Thank you.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11665463June 7, 2025
ENGINE
My vehicle’s cooling system continues to develop leaks in the antifreeze line/reservoir. I’ve had it repaired three times, but the problem returns each time, causing the engine to lose coolant and overheat. The coolant reservoir continuously cracks little by little my vehicle has broken down twice due to overheating. During my last oil change my mechanic informed me he has seen this issue and multiple times on other Jeep wranglers. The vehicle is available for inspection The vehicle has not been inspected by of the listed parties No warning lamps the symptoms are the car making a humming noise after driving about an miles, leaking antifreeze as soon as I add it to the compartment. I’m constantly refilling it with antifreeze due to this, and vehicle overheating.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11664385June 2, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The check engine light came on, I took it to the dealership from where I purchased it and always take for oil changes and repairs. I was told I need a right cam shaft replaced and that the part is on back order indefinitely. I was advised by one mechanic to not drive it and a different one said to go short distances and if the check engine starts flashing to immediately pull over and shut it off. I am paying a payment and insurance on a vehicle that I cannot drive while having no end in sight and no other options. There were over 12,000 people in line ahead of me a month ago.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11664199June 1, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
There is a recall for the vehicle VIN I have entered however the dealership is telling me that my vehicle doesn't qualify even though it was purchased in the US and I was not aware of recall and I just purchased it in March 2025. When I took it to a Dodge dealership regarding the pressure plate recall they would not take the vehicle.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11664004May 30, 2025
STEERING, POWER TRAIN
Vehicle loses power steering while driving and is near impossible to steer when this happens. If in a curve i'm afraid the vehicle will not respond in time and leave the roadway or cross into oncoming traffic.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11662485May 22, 2025
SUSPENSION, STEERING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I was driving about 65 MPH and was turning with the road and my Jeep started to shake violently. I just about lost control of the vehicle. I pulled over on the Interstate to check and see if I had a flat on a front tire or if the wheel was falling off of the Jeep. It was a very scary and unpleasant experience to have at 4:30 am going to work. Not sure what the problem is with the suspension or steering, but I thought for sure I was going to get in a wreck and Traffic is really heavy which would have been very bad for many drivers!
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11662641May 22, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The instrument cluster went out on the vehicle. I cannot see my speed, how much gas, temperature of the coolant, etc... The whole instrument cluster went completely blank.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11662331May 21, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The 2018 Jeep Wrangler has experienced intermittent situatuion of 999,999 appearing as the mileage on the odometer. If it appears, it usually resets to the actual mileage (approximately 58,500) after a short drive. There is an open recall to address this issue for the same year Jeep Wranglers, but doesn’t include my vehicle. I have taken the car into the dealer and had them escalate the issue, but Jeep refuses to address, as it was not part of the recall. Therefore, i am writing to have the criteria for that recall reevaluated, as my car has the issue yet is not a part of the recall. Please see recall - NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V652000 Instrument Panel Failure/FMVSS 101. Any assistance would be greatly appreciated!
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11662024May 20, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, SERVICE BRAKES, POWER TRAIN
First it was my clutch blowing up including the transmission from underneath me while I drove down a hwy. Then it was a month later before I got it back. (I'm single, and it's my only vehicle). Once I got my jeep back the start/stop button stopped working. I had to lock/unlock with the key fob for it to start. Even with both fobs in the jeep. Now every code, 101 to be exact) is being thrown out of nowhere. Every light goes off, the wipers start going off, the sway bar and traction control disconnects while I'm driving along with the steering wheel locking up while I'm driving down the hwy. The brakes are pulling very badky to the left and /or right. The entire thing is absolutely a death trap. I can't believe this was passed by someone who has the customers best interest for safety. I'd like to know if any of this is recalled because it's been every jeep from 2018-2021 that have this issues. Also 5th gear now vibrats pretty bad.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11661040May 14, 2025
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER CLOCKSPRING/SPIRAL CASSETTE, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the ABS warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with a failed clock spring. The contact was informed that the clock spring needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. In addition, the contact stated that several of the steering wheel safety features were inoperable due to the failure. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The contact was informed that a diagnostic test was needed to determine the cause of the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 35,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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