2018 Jeep Wrangler engine problems

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

1. Filed Jul 13, 2026CAEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

   I purchased this 2018 Jeep Wrangler JK Unlimited on July 19, 2025. Since purchasing the vehicle, I have experienced repeated mechanical failures that have required multiple repairs. The most serious issue involves the engine overheating at highway speeds without any visible coolant leak or clearly identifiable cause.Despite seeking professional diagnosis, the source of the overheating could not be determined. Shortly afterward, the vehicle developed a P0302 (Cylinder 2…

   NHTSA complaint #11749969 · source
2. Filed Jun 22, 2026MAFireElectrical SystemEngineOther / Unknown

   What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Jeep started on fire and is still at a tow yard in Belchertown, MA How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The Jeep started on fire while I was driving. I pulled over as the engine was smoking and then it burst into flames while I was still inside. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Not that I know of. Has…

   NHTSA complaint #11745771 · source
3. Filed Jun 10, 2026100,000 miFLTowedEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel seized and the vehicle failed to accelerate. The electronic parking brake, check engine, and several other unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact shifted to park (P) and then drive (D) and was able to continue driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was taken to an independent…

   NHTSA complaint #11743143 · source
4. Filed May 22, 2026OHCrashEngine

   Was stopping at red light. Got to about 5mph when Jeep accelerated to about 35mph. I was standing on the breaks but the Jeep kept accelerating until impact struck the car in front me which was stopped. I have video.

   NHTSA complaint #11739609 · source
5. Filed May 18, 2026VAElectrical SystemEngineSteering

   I bought this vehicle used in 2022 from CarMax. According to Jeep (Stellantis) Co. multiple recalls were fixed by the previous owner, but the patch available for 2018 Jeep Wranglers was not done. In 2024 my iphone and Mac laptop were hacked and shortly after I began having problems with my 2018 Jeep Wrangler. My alarm system started going off while I was in my home without touching or being near the FOB. When I used my FOB to unlock the doors, they would lock back before I…

   NHTSA complaint #11738632 · source
6. Filed May 17, 2026NVEngine

   Engine - The vehicle is available but the engine was replaced. I was able to get home however there was a potential for significant engine failure. Yes it was inspected by an independent service center. Yes it was inspected by an independent service center. A check engine light came on. Upon further inspection it was a Cylinder 6 misfire P0306. When the engine was inspected further by a mechanic it was determined that the cylinder wall was damaged and that coolant had…

   NHTSA complaint #11738445 · source
7. Filed May 16, 2026KYEngine

   Oil cooler failure at 7 years and 90000 miles. This is a known engineering issue due to a plastic housing that is resolved by upgrading the oil cooler housing to aluminum instead of plastic. It’s a $1000 repair. Because this is an engineering issue the consumer should not have to pay the entire cost of the repair. This is a SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARD DUE TO THE LEAKAGE OF OIL CAUSED BY THIS FAILURE. It should definitely be deemed a recall and fixed at the expense of the…

   NHTSA complaint #11738326 · source
8. Filed Apr 20, 2026NCEngine

   On March 19, 2026 I paid $5,778.87 for repairs to my 2018 Wrangler JL. Repairs included the replacement of warped cylinder head and failed head gasket with coolant getting into the combustion chamber, showing up as rough running, misfire, flashing check engine light, and burning coolant smell. On April 18, 2026, at approximately 10:30 pm, after attending the [XXX] concert at Bank of America stadium (+70,000 in attendance), the vehicle stalled and was unable to be restarted…

   NHTSA complaint #11732368 · source
9. Filed Apr 19, 2026WIEngine

   I have a 2018 Jeep Wrangler JL Sport S (2 door) with approximately 66,000 miles. On March 26th, 2026 I had a flashing check engine light come up along with the vehicle shaking in low gears. I had the vehicle towed to the Jeep dealership (Gandrud Auto Group) from which I bought it from and upon their inspection they found the left bank head gasket leaking coolant into the combustion chamber causing misfires. This repair was over $5000 and took over a week to fix. The service…

   NHTSA complaint #11732245 · source
10. Filed Mar 30, 2026NCEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionTransmission & Drivetrain

    The vehicle is a 2018 Jeep Wrangler with a 3.6L engine and approximately 124,000 miles. The engine has experienced a failure involving multiple components, including suspected head gasket failure, significant oil loss with no visible external leak, low oil pressure, and engine knocking. Diagnostic trouble codes P0365 and P06DD were present, indicating camshaft position sensor issues and oil pressure control failure. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. This…

    NHTSA complaint #11727924 · source
11. Filed Feb 24, 2026138,000 miMNDriver Assistance & Safety TechElectrical SystemEngine

    The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that while her son was driving approximately 70-75 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The check engine and traction control warning lights were illuminated. Upon research, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V524000 (Electrical System). The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 138,000.

    NHTSA complaint #11720094 · source
12. Filed Feb 19, 2026TNEngineOther / Unknown

    My 2018 Jeep Wrangler JL only now has 77,700 miles and got a blown head gasket!? This is so UNACCEPTABLE! Makes me regret ever purchasing! There is a ton more with same issue some with less miles and has been well maintained. Took to the dealer is who diagnosed and supposedly repaired due to a warranty that I am having to pay BIG money for! Alos, UNCALLED FOR! Took to dealer when Aux light first appeared but then eventually the engine light came on and I took to dealer and…

    NHTSA complaint #11719031 · source

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology