2018 Jeep Wrangler Problems: 24 Known Issues

On the 2018 Jeep Wrangler, the 2018 Jeep Wrangler is included in FCA US recall 18V332000, which covers a defect that can prevent the cruise control system from shutting off. NHTSA's record states that if a short circuit occurs in the vehicle's wiring while cruise control is engaged, the driver may not be able to cancel it — neither by pressing the brake pedal nor by switching the system off manually. The Wrangler would then hold its set speed, or possibly accelerate, despite the driver's attempts to deactivate it. NHTSA's stated consequence is an increased risk of a crash. Because 2018 was the only Wrangler model year named in this campaign, owners of a JL or a final-year JK from that year should check their VIN rather than assume the truck is clear.

On the 2007-2018 Jeep Wrangler, jK owners report the fuse and relay module (TIPM) causing electrical faults on its own: dash lights coming on, washers spraying, wipers, horn and turn signals operating, the engine running after the key is off or dying when the wipers are switched on. One owner reports the faults returned a few months after a new replacement module was fitted. Applies to: 2007-2018 Jeep Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited (JK), all engines.

On the 2017-2018 Jeep Wrangler, wrangler models built for the 2017 and 2018 model years are included in FCA US safety recall 18V524000 (Chrysler campaign number U87). The powertrain control module in these Jeeps may contain a circuit-board voltage regulator chip that can fail. When that chip fails, the Wrangler can stall while being driven or refuse to start at all. NHTSA classifies the defect under electrical system wiring, front underhood, and warns that a vehicle stall increases the risk of a crash. The campaign spans a large slice of the FCA lineup for those years, but each affected vehicle is covered individually by VIN.

On the 2018-2023 Jeep Wrangler, the automatic engine start-stop system can be problematic, with complaints about delayed restarts, aggressive shutoffs, and system deactivating in conditions where owners expect it to work. The system defaults to ON each time the vehicle starts.

On the 2007-2018 Jeep Wrangler, jK owners with power windows report windows that stop working, either all at once until the engine is restarted or one window whose motor runs one way only. Owners suspect the switch, a connector disturbed by door removal, or the window motor or regulator; the cause was not confirmed in these reports. Applies to: Only Jeep Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited (JK) with power windows. Owner reports name 2010 and 2011 JKs.

On the 2012-2018 Jeep Wrangler 3.6L Pentastar V6 (ERB), owners of 3.6L JK Wranglers report a persistent ticking from the top of the engine; dealers replaced rocker arms and lifters to cure it. Owners report that leaving it alone let a damaged rocker grind the camshaft lobe, turning a small repair into a camshaft replacement, and one owner reports the engine eventually lost compression. Applies to: 2012-2018 Jeep Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited (JK) with the 3.6L Pentastar V6. Owner reports name 2014 and 2015 JKs. Mileage when it happened, as stated in the linked owner reports: 35,000 miles on a 2014 and 167,500 miles on a 2014.

On the 2012-2018 Jeep Wrangler 3.6L Pentastar V6 (ERB), owners of 3.6L JK Wranglers report the engine using oil quickly, in one case 3.5 quarts in under two weeks with the engine going into limp mode. Some engines were replaced. Forum members report that dealers blamed some cases on dirt drawn in past aftermarket cold-air intakes, and members suspected a neglected air filter in another; the cause on any one Jeep has not been confirmed. Applies to: 2012-2018 Jeep Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited (JK) with the 3.6L Pentastar V6. Owner reports name a 2012 JKU. Mileage when it happened, as stated in the linked owner reports: 74,000 km (about 46,000 miles) and 60,000 miles on a 2012.

On the 2012-2018 Jeep Wrangler 3.6L Pentastar V6 (ERB), owners of 3.6L JK Wranglers report oil leaking from the plastic oil filter and oil cooler housing that sits in the valley between the cylinder heads. The oil pools in the valley and runs down the back of the engine onto the transmission bell housing, so it is often mistaken for a rear main seal leak; one owner reports a dealer found the housing cracked with low oil pressure. Applies to: 2012-2018 Jeep Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited (JK) with the 3.6L Pentastar V6. Owner reports name 2014 and 2015 JKs. Mileage when it happened, as stated in the linked owner reports: 60,000 km (about 37,300 miles), 52,000 miles on a 2013, 70,000 miles on a 2013 and 80,000 miles on a 2015.

On the 2007-2018 Jeep Wrangler, jK owners report the red electronic throttle control (lightning-bolt) light coming on, often with the traction control light, and the engine going into reduced-power limp mode with a raised idle and slow throttle response. The cause is hard to pin down: one owner had the throttle body, pedal sensor and engine computer replaced without a cure, and other owners point to wheel-speed or camshaft sensors, a front wheel bearing, or a connector left loose after other engine work. Applies to: 2007-2018 Jeep Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited (JK), 3.8L and 3.6L V6. Owner reports name 2008 (3.8L), 2012 and 2014 JKs. Mileage when it happened, as stated in the linked owner reports: 95,000 miles on a 2012.

On the 2007-2018 Jeep Wrangler, jK owners report engine oil on the bell housing that looked like a rear main seal leak but came from the oil pan seal, in some cases after one or more rear main seals had already been replaced. Oil from the pan seal runs back along the pan to the bell housing, which makes the source hard to see. Applies to: 2007-2018 Jeep Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited (JK), 3.8L and 3.6L V6. Owner reports name a 2010 3.8L and a 2013 3.6L JK. On the 3.6L the upper oil pan is sealed with RTV sealant rather than a gasket.

On the 2018-2023 Jeep Wrangler, nHTSA campaign 23V116000 covers certain 2018-2023 Jeep Wrangler vehicles equipped with manual transmissions. The clutch intermediate pressure plate may overheat and fracture, potentially cracking the transmission case and expelling heated debris. The debris may contact an ignition source and cause a fire; clutch odor, slippage or cluster messages may occur first.

On the 2018-2023 Jeep Wrangler, the JL Wrangler with manual transmission can experience clutch issues including premature wear, judder, and difficulty engaging gears. Some owners report clutch failures at relatively low mileage, particularly with off-road or aggressive driving.

On the 2007-2018 Jeep Wrangler, jK owners report a violent side-to-side shaking of the front end and steering wheel after hitting a bump at speed, which stops only when the vehicle slows down. Owners trace it to loose or worn front steering and suspension parts, most often the track bar and its bolts, ball joints and tie-rod or drag-link ends; it is reported most often on lifted or modified Jeeps. Applies to: 2007-2018 Jeep Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited (JK), all engines.

On the 2018-2024 Jeep Wrangler, stellantis bulletin 31-002-22 applies to 2018-current JL Jeep Wrangler aluminum panels with corrosion or paint bubbling on hoods, hinges, doors, fenders, swing gates or other exterior surfaces. The bulletin warns that ferrous-metal cross-contamination during preparation can lead to galvanic corrosion.

On the 2007-2018 Jeep Wrangler, jK owners report the tempered rear glass of the hardtop shattering with no impact, while driving or while the Jeep was being loaded with nothing against the glass. Owners suspect a defect in the glass; the cause has not been confirmed. Applies to: Only Jeep Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited (JK) with a factory hardtop. Owner reports name a 2012 Wrangler Unlimited and a 2014 Wrangler Unlimited Sahara. Soft-top Jeeps are not affected.

On the 2018-2023 Jeep Wrangler, jL Wranglers (and Gladiators) are widely reported to have windshields that crack, chip and fracture from minor road debris impacts that would not damage a typical windshield — sometimes within days or a few miles of delivery. The near-vertical windshield and apparently thin glass make it especially vulnerable. A class action alleges 2016-present Wrangler/Gladiator windshields are 'extremely prone' to cracking; NHTSA and forums hold large numbers of owner complaints. FCA began offering an optional Mopar Corning Gorilla Glass windshield as a more durable upgrade, though owners report even those can still crack.

On the 2018-2023 Jeep Wrangler, the hardtop can leak water into the cabin, particularly around the freedom panels, rear window seals, or the seal where the top meets the body. Water intrusion can wet carpets, seats, and cause electrical issues over time.

On the 2018-2023 Jeep Wrangler, the two removable 'Freedom Panel' roof sections over the front seats on hardtop JL Wranglers commonly leak water — most often at the front edge near the windshield header and at the center seam between the panels — allowing water to drip onto the headliner, sun visors, dash and even the radio/center stack. Causes include pinched or misaligned panel seals, improper reinstallation after removing the panels, and seal degradation/shrinkage from UV exposure. It is a widespread, well-documented JL complaint (carried over from JK Freedom Tops) and, while a nuisance rather than a safety defect, can lead to interior water damage and electrical issues if it reaches the radio.

On the 2007-2018 Jeep Wrangler, jK owners report factory soft tops leaking at the front corners and above the doors in heavy rain, and loud wind noise at speed where the top meets the windshield header. Owners report pinched or folded seals and a header that sits too high as causes. Applies to: Only Jeep Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited (JK) with a soft top. Owner reports name 2008 and 2009 JKs.

On the 2007-2018 Jeep Wrangler, rubicon owners report the electronic front sway-bar disconnect stopping working, with a flashing or missing indicator light, after water and corrosion get into the actuator's electrical connector or motor. One owner reports the corroded connector caused a battery drain, and another reports it brought on other warning lights at highway speed. Applies to: Only Wrangler Rubicon and Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon (JK) with the electronic front sway-bar disconnect. Owner reports name 2014 Rubicons. Sport and Sahara models do not have this system. Mileage when it happened, as stated in the linked owner reports: 67,000 km (about 41,600 miles) on a 2014.

On the 2007-2018 Jeep Wrangler, jK owners report front wheel hub bearings wearing out and needing replacement. On a 2016 Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon the ABS and traction-control lights went out only after the dealer replaced a bad left-front wheel bearing under warranty. On the JK the front wheel-speed sensor is part of the hub assembly, so a worn hub can also bring on the ABS light. Applies to: 2007-2018 Jeep Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited (JK), all engines. Owner reports name 2012 and 2016 JKs.

On the 2012-2018 Jeep Wrangler 3.6L Pentastar V6 (ERB), owners of 3.6L JK Wranglers report the electric radiator fan stopping, with code P0480 and the engine overheating at idle or low speed, especially in hot weather. The 3.6L fan has its controller built into the fan assembly and runs on a power feed from the battery plus a control signal from the fuse and relay module (TIPM), so the cause can be the fan, its power or ground connection, or the signal. Applies to: 2012-2018 Jeep Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited (JK) with the 3.6L Pentastar V6. Owner reports name a 2015 JK Unlimited and other 3.6L JKs.

On the 2007-2018 Jeep Wrangler, jK owners report check-engine lights for evaporative-system leaks (P0455, P0456) that a new gas cap did not fix. Owners report the leak at the small white leak-detection module and its seal on the black charcoal canister, the canister's fresh-air filter or check valve, or a plastic vapor line on top of the tank. The fault affects emissions testing, not how the Jeep drives. Applies to: 2007-2018 Jeep Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited (JK), all engines.

On the 2007-2018 Jeep Wrangler, jK owners report a clicking from behind the dash and heat or air conditioning stuck at one temperature, sometimes with a blinking light on the climate control. Owners trace it to the blend-door actuator, whose small plastic gears break so the motor jumps teeth instead of moving the door. Applies to: 2007-2018 Jeep Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited (JK). Owner reports name 2011 and 2013 JKs. Mileage when it happened, as stated in the linked owner reports: 14,500 miles on a 2012 and 44,000 miles on a 2011.