10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
1 / 11
Injuries / Deaths:
2 / 0
Average Mileage:
15,152 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2018 Jeep Wrangler drivetrain problems

drivetrain problem

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2018 Jeep Wrangler Owner Comments (Page 1 of 7)

problem #139

Jun 132024

Wrangler

  • 93,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact became aware of a failure with the transmission while attempting to shift into reverse(R). The contact state that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where a diagnostic test was undetermined, and the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 93,000. The VIN was not available.

- Excelsior Springs, MO, USA

problem #138

Mar 022024

Wrangler

  • 69,000 miles
The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the service transmission warning light illuminated, and the vehicle was unable to exceed 45 MPH. The contact stated that the failure occurred after the vehicle was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V116000 (Power Train) was performed. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer however, the cause of the failure was not yet determined because the dealer could not retrieve a DTC code. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and several cases were opened. The failure mileage was approximately 69,000.

- Fort Worth, TX, USA

problem #137

May 102024

Wrangler

  • miles
VIN [XXX] Hi everyone, I-??m new to the group and hoping for some guidance and support. I tried to message Jeep Cares but the message button does not appear on their profile name. I bought my 2018 Jeep wrangler JKU Rubicon December 2021 with 29k miles on it and by May 2022 my clutch blew out with only 32k miles on it! They said it was the worst they-??ve seen (doubt it) and would not cover it. In fact, they wanted $4k to replace it with a mopar one. I told them where to go and bought a centerforce dual friction and had it installed at a local shop for $3,700. I chose centerforce to avoid having issues again with the mopar one. Everything was fine till the rear main seal went out and had to be replaced under warranty. When I got it back there was a ticking noise at the top of the clutch pedal and they didn-??t even put the heat shield back in so the cab was hot as hell. I ended up paying a local shop to put the heat shield back in since the dealer said they were behind and would take months. Now here I am a year later. The dealer just installed a new engine under warranty after only 47k miles on the original. They just called to tell me the work is done but btw-??the clutch is blown. I told them there-??s no way in hell that-??s possible since I just put on in on May 2022. I reminded them I reported the noise back when I got it back from the rear main seal being done. I was then told she was going to -??talk to her manager -??. The next call was to tell me -??sorry, we can-??t do anything and it-??s dangerous to drive it the way it is. I had no other choice but to authorize another clutch. I can-??t afford to spend another $3,700. I-??ve driven a clutch since I was 12 on my grandpas farm. This is absurd. Every vehicle I-??ve had has been clutch and never had a problem till I bought this one. Where do I start" Not only should they put a new one in now but they should also reimburse me for the last one! Why is this happening and how do I prevent it again" INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT

- Coventry, RI, USA

problem #136

Sep 132023

Wrangler

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

See attached document for complaint

- Framingham, MA, USA

problem #135

Mar 142024

Wrangler

  • miles
Car shuts off while driving

- Navarre, FL, USA

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problem #134

Mar 172024

Wrangler

  • miles
The Wrangler will shift out of gear and into neutral and steering become very hard and difficult to maneuver while accelerating from a stopped position and at times at highway speed. On the highway one can coast to the side of the road and shut off engine and restart and move again. This can also be done at an intersection but big safety concerns when pulling onto a highway with traffic, Multiple check lights will come on including check engine, stability control and service shifter. The Jeep has been taken to the dearer for repair to no resolve. Codes are cleared and problem persists. Began at about 70k miles and has persisted since.

- Lingle, WY, USA

problem #133

Oct 012023

Wrangler

  • 11,600 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Wrangler. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer for NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V116000 (Power Train). The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The contact stated that upon retrieval of the vehicle, the service transmission warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with a software failure, but the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, who opened a case. The failure mileage was approximately 11,600.

- Moneta, VA, USA

problem #132

Feb 052024

Wrangler

  • 113,010 miles
The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated while at a complete stop, she noticed an abnormal overheating odor. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the recall repair of NHTSA Campaign Number: [XXX] (Power Train) was performed. The contact stated that after the repair, the message "Service Transmission" was displayed. Additionally, the vehicle failed to exceed 10 MPH while driving and depressing the accelerator pedal. The vehicle was driven back to the dealer, who informed the contact that the failure could be caused by a computer malfunction or a pre-existing issue. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and advised the contact to take the vehicle to another dealer for repair. The vehicle was towed to a second dealer, Phillips Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram (3440 S Pine Ave, Ocala, FL 34471), who informed the contact that the manufacturer had advised them to replace the clutch for a second time; however, the part was not available. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 113,010. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

- Dunnellon, FL, USA

problem #131

Feb 132024

Wrangler

  • miles
The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Wrangler. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V116000 (Power Train) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

- Midland, GA, USA

problem #130

Jan 252024

Wrangler

  • miles
I was stopped at a traffic light, when the light turned green, I started to move forward and in approximately 6-7 feet the vehicle come to a complete stop. The engine was still running, the engine light came on and the letter on the shifter started to blink. The rear tires/drive train locked up. This through me forward and I was wearing my safety belt. The vehicle was towed to a jeep dealer ship; the car had to be dragged onto the flat bed. The tow truck driver needed to use a soup product to slide the car on the street and on to the bed. I will not hear back from the dealer ship till next week on exactly what happened. I was coming out of the mall parking lot to get onto the Garden State Parkway. If I had been on the Parkway doing 65 mph, I firmly believe I would have been severely injured. I have been told by the dealer ship they have seen this throughout the brands. The dealer ship sells and services Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep. This is not the dealer I purchase the wrangler from. I purchased this vehicle as a certified used. I find this incident very disturbing and I am seriously concerned about someone getting severely hurt or worse a fatality. I would like to further discuss this with someone, this needs to be addressed.

- Newton, NJ, USA

problem #129

May 162023

Wrangler

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that while he was sitting at a stop light, the service shifter warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the service shifter was inoperable, and the vehicle would not move. The contact stated he turned the vehicle off and back on but the failure persisted. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed as a failed service shifter and the service shifter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that in addition, the vehicle had a corrosion failure. The contact stated that the engine fan continuously came on, and it prompted the contact to check the antifreeze level. The contact stated when he removed the antifreeze container's top he noticed a rust bubble on the opening of the container. The contact stated he inspected the vehicle and noticed corrosion on all the door hinges, the bottom of the door frames and the tailgate. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the contact was advised that the repair would not be covered under warranty. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 53,000.

- Bastrop, LA, USA

problem #128

Aug 042023

Wrangler

  • 52,000 miles
The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Wrangler. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V116000 (Power Train) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, he noticed a burning odor. Additionally, the contact stated that he heard an abnormal grinding sound and noticed that there were unknown black fragments propelling from underneath the rear of the vehicle. The contact then noticed steam rising from underneath the hood. The contact pulled to the side of the road. The contact stated that upon attempting to lift the hood, he noticed that the hood was significantly hot. The contact allowed the vehicle to cool down. An exclamation warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was then towed to the residence. The contact stated that he attempted to test-drive the vehicle; however, the vehicle failed to go into gear with the clutch being inoperable. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The local dealer and a second dealer Keene Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram (410 Winchester St Behind, Keene, NH 03431) were contacted and informed the contact that the failure could be related to the recall; however, the part was not yet available. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was contacted, but no further assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 52,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

- Brattleboro, VT, USA

problem #127

Nov 252023

Wrangler

  • miles
Jeep dash warning lights will randomly all come on at once. This includes service shifter, service airbags, service braking system, ABS warning, cruise control disabled and many others. When it does this, which is daily, the power steering goes out completely at highway speeds and sometimes curves. This has caused me to nearly hit other drivers head on with my family in the vehicle with me. It has left me stranded many times by not recognizing the key fobs and locking the transmission in park at stop lights. I just bought the vehicle, with 64000 miles on it, in October as my primary transportation and I am afraid to drive it. This has caused me severe hardship and endangered mine and my family's life on several occasions. This problem is extremely common with my model year, as seen on several online forums and Jeep has refused to acknowledge the problem or recall the vehicles. It was purchased from a Jeep dealer, Tim Short of Middlesboro Ky. I can understand wear and tear on vehicles, but this has been an issue with 2018 Jeep Rubicons for years. If this problem goes uncorrected, many people WILL die as a result of this issue. Autos are the only thing I know of that, if defective, cannot be returned for a full refund. Something should be done, since I have an 800 dollar monthly payment and nothing to show for it. Thank you for any help you may provide.

- Calvin, KY, USA

problem #126

Nov 112023

Wrangler

  • 60,000 miles
The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated while driving approximately 55 MPH, he noticed an abnormal melted metal odor. The contact veered to the side of the road. The contact stated that he inspected the hood and underneath the vehicle, but no issues were found. The contact stated that the odor persisted as he was driving back to his residence. The contact also stated that while changing gears, the clutch went down to the floorboard and failed to rise. Additionally, the gear shifter was loose, and the transmission seemed to be on neutral (N). The contact stated that another driver then alerted him that there was fire in the front of the vehicle. The contact immediately pulled to the side of the road. The contact then saw fire coming from the cowl. The contact and his partner immediately exited the vehicle. The contact then remove his belongings from the rear seats. The contact stated that he opened the hood and noticed that there was fire in the engine compartment. The contact stated that the fire extended from underneath the engine compartment to underneath the front driver's and passenger's seats. The contact was able to extinguish the fire with two cases of water bottles. The fire department later arrived at the scene and filed a report. The contact was unsure whether a police report was filed. The contact stated that he sustained minor burns on the left wrist and on the right hand. The contact did not seek medical assistance. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The insurance company then towed the vehicle to a tow lot to be investigated. The dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number:?23V116000 (?Power Train). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.

- Cathedral City, CA, USA

problem #125

Feb 232023

Wrangler

  • miles
The first recall was issued almost 3 years ago and the "repair" was to add to a software update to solve with a mechanical issue. A warning light would be set to go on if the temperature of the clutch/transmission got above a certain temperature. This doesn't resolve the actual problem of a poorly designed clutch assembly. The second recall is for the same issue and has had a status of "remedy not available" for too long. The clutch assembly can overheat but the clutch also regularly slips creating acceleration issues. There have been countless occurrences of pulling into traffic and the clutch slipping and almost being hit by other vehicles. In addition, the potential for the transmission bell house to fracture and the vehicle to catch on fire is a major concern. There are many posts in online Jeep JL forums. There is a "jeep clutch recall" facebook group with man examples of these issues and the lack of concern from the manufacturer to offer a solution. Stellantis seems to know there is an issue but has been in no rush to rectify the situation. There has been very little communication about this issue and local Jeep dealerships never have any more information that consumers do. We need to have new clutch assemblies installed or be given a simple and quick way to be reimbursed for having an aftermarket clutch assembly installed.

- Albuquerque, NM, USA

problem #124

Jul 052023

Wrangler

  • miles
The clutch plate has failed on my 2018 Jeep Wrangler. I brought it into the dealer to take a look at it when I was experiencing the clutch slipping while shifting into first gear and also the "Service Auto Start Stop" indicator illuminating. Once the indicator illuminated, it also prevented by cruise control from working. After the dealer conducted troubleshooting of the issue, they told me that it was due to a safety recall on the clutch plate but that parts were unavailable. This appointment took place on August 4th, 2023. I was told that this issue could lead to a fire, so I have not been driving the vehicle since then. As of October 31st 2023, they still do not have the necessary parts to fix the issue. In the meantime, I've had to arrange for alternate transportation which cost me ~$3,700.

- Ferndale, MI, USA

problem #123

Oct 112023

Wrangler

  • 39,000 miles
The contact owned a 2018 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that while driving at 60 MPH, the vehicle had lost power and had shifting issues with the manual transmission. The contact noticed smoke from under the hood and tried to pull to the side of the road. While pulling to the side of the road, under the hood had caught on fire. The contact was able to pull to the side of the road safely. The automatic shift warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a scrapyard. The origin of the fire was unknown. The fire was located under the hood. The fire department had extinguished the fire. A fire department report was not filed. A police department report was not filed. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 39,000

- Hendersonville, TN, USA

problem #122

Oct 012023

Wrangler

  • 68,000 miles
The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Wrangler. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V116000 (Power Train) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission slipped out of 2nd gear, with an abnormal grinding sound. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to properly accelerate. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 68,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

- Springdale, AR, USA

problem #121

Sep 112023

Wrangler

  • miles
The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Wrangler. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V116000 (Power Train) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

- Honolulu, HI, USA

problem #120

May 012023

Wrangler

  • miles
- There was a recall issued in Feb'23 related to the clutch on manual transmissions, however a remedy has yet to be announced as of 9/28/2023 - Started experiencing issues with clutch in May'23. Clutch would slip while switching gears, gears would grind while shifting, engine would rev while maintaining gear, as the clutch/gears would slip in & out. No warning lamps or messages alerted related to this issue. - Took vehicle to dealer for inspection in May'23, dealer confirmed the clutch disc and release bearings were worn and the pressure plate and flywheel had hotspots and potential cracks, which is what was called out in the recall - dealer replaced flywheel clutch assembly, pressure plate and release bearing in Jun'23 - submitted expenses per recall guidance for reimbursement, but told by company that reimbursements will not be processed until remedy has been determined. 7 months and no remedy announced, and to hold reimbursements on fixes directly related to the recall are unacceptable.

- Alexandria, KY, USA

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