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2018 Jeep Wrangler

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2018 models.

Jeep Wrangler
Pictured: 2018 Jeep Wrangler Sahara Unlimited Multijet 2.1 Front. Photo: Vauxford, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Class
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
Body styles
Jk 2dr SUV 4WD Rubicon, Jk 2dr SUV 4WD Sahara, Jk 2dr SUV 4WD Sport/Willys Wheeler, Jk Unlimited 4dr SUV 4WD Rubicon
Engines
2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 3.6L 6-cyl
Horsepower
270–285 hp
Transmission
6-speed manual, 8-speed automatic
Drivetrain
4-Wheel Drive
Seats
4–5
Fuel
Hybrid, Regular Gasoline
MPG (best)
24 combined · 23 city / 25 hwy
Length
152.8–173.2 in
Curb weight
3,785–4,341 lb
NHTSA rating
Not rated
Recalls
14 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.

Watch out for

  • Higher rollover riskNHTSA estimates a 27.9% chance of rollover in a single-vehicle crash.
  • 14 recallsMore than similar models (about 0). Confirm repairs with the VIN.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2018 Jeep Wrangler is a small SUV offered with 2 engines (2.0L 4-cyl turbo and 3.6L 6-cyl), including a hybrid version and 4-wheel drive.

It measures about 153 inches long and 74 inches wide on a 95-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,129 lb (Jk 2dr SUV 4WD Rubicon).

EPA rates its most efficient version at 24 MPG combined (23 city / 25 highway), 3% better than the 2018 small SUV average of 23.2 MPG, for an estimated $3,350 a year in fuel.

NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.

It has 14 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 1827 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the steering.

What changed for 2018

  • New hybrid version
  • Engine added: 2.0L 4-cyl turbo
  • Best combined MPG up from 18 to 24

Compared with 2017; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2017 Wrangler →

Trims, performance & features

Engine285 hp3.6L 6-cyl
Engine270 hp2.0L turbo 4-cyl
Transmission6-speed manual · 8-speed automatic
DriveAWD/4WD
Seating4–5 seats

Trims

Unlimited SportUnlimited SaharaUnlimited RubiconSport

Safety & driver-assist features

Blind-spot monitoringOptional
Backup cameraStandard
Keyless startStandard

Built in: Toledo, Ohio

NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2018 Wrangler configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
Jk 2dr SUV 4WD Rubicon152.8 in73.6 in72.4 in95.3 in62.6 / 62.6 in4,129 lb50/50
Jk 2dr SUV 4WD Sahara152.8 in73.6 in72.4 in95.3 in62.6 / 62.6 in3,975 lb50/50
Jk 2dr SUV 4WD Sport/Willys Wheeler152.8 in73.6 in72.4 in95.3 in62.6 / 62.6 in3,785 lb50/50
Jk Unlimited 4dr SUV 4WD Rubicon173.2 in74 in70.9 in116.1 in61.4 / 61.8 in4,341 lb50/50
Jk Unlimited 4dr SUV 4WD Sahara173.2 in74 in70.9 in116.1 in61.4 / 61.8 in4,295 lb50/50
Jk Unlimited 4dr SUV 4WD Sport/Willys Wheeler173.2 in74 in70.9 in116.1 in61.4 / 61.8 in4,101 lb50/50

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
New Wrangler 4WD Hybrid2.0L 4-cyl turboAutomatic 8-spd4-Wheel Drive23 / 25 / 24+3%$3,400375
New Wrangler Unlimited 4WD Hybrid2.0L 4-cyl turboAutomatic 8-spd4-Wheel Drive22 / 24 / 22-5%$3,750394
New Wrangler Unlimited 4WD3.6L 6-cylAutomatic 8-spd4-Wheel Drive18 / 23 / 20-14%$3,350443
New Wrangler 4WD3.6L 6-cylManual 6-spd4-Wheel Drive17 / 25 / 20-14%$3,350446
New Wrangler 4WD3.6L 6-cylAutomatic 8-spd4-Wheel Drive18 / 23 / 20-14%$3,350440
New Wrangler Unlimited 4WD3.6L 6-cylManual 6-spd4-Wheel Drive17 / 23 / 19-18%$3,550459
Wrangler 4WD3.6L 6-cylAutomatic 5-spd4-Wheel Drive17 / 21 / 18-22%$3,700481
Wrangler 4WD3.6L 6-cylManual 6-spd4-Wheel Drive17 / 21 / 18-22%$3,700480
Wrangler Unlimited 4WD3.6L 6-cylAutomatic 5-spd4-Wheel Drive16 / 20 / 18-22%$3,700504
Wrangler Unlimited 4WD3.6L 6-cylManual 6-spd4-Wheel Drive16 / 21 / 18-22%$3,700502
5/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
5/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Spend $4,750Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
23.2 MPG2018 Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2018 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

VersionOverallFrontalDriver / passengerSideSide poleRolloverRollover risk
2018 Jeep Wrangler 2 DR 4WD Later ReleaseNot ratedNot rated–★ / –★Not ratedNot rated★★★★★27.9%
StandardElectronic stability control
Not availableForward collision warning
Not availableLane departure warning

Similar 2018 small SUVs

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2018 Jeep Wrangler (this car)24 MPGNot rated14
2018 Ford EcoSport28 MPG★★★★★2
2018 BYD e6187 miNot rated0

Recalls (14)

Back Over Prevention › Sensing System › Camera · Sep 12, 2024

NHTSA campaign 24V676000 · 46 vehicles

Problem
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2018-2024 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. 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."
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.
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.
Electrical System › Instrument Cluster/Panel · Sep 5, 2024

NHTSA campaign 24V652000 · 32,863 vehicles

Problem
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2020-2024 Jeep Gladiator and 2018-2024 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. 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."
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.
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.
Power Train › Clutch Assembly · Feb 23, 2023

NHTSA campaign 23V116000 · 69,201 vehicles

Problem
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2018-2023 Jeep Wrangler, and 2020-2023 Jeep Gladiator vehicles equipped with manual transmissions. The clutch pressure plate may overheat and fracture.
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.
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.
Power Train › Clutch Assembly · Jan 28, 2021

NHTSA campaign 21V028000 · 42,887 vehicles

Problem
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2018-2021 Jeep Wrangler and 2020-2021 Jeep Gladiator vehicles equipped with manual transmissions. The clutch pressure plate may overheat and fracture.
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.
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.
Power Train › Clutch Assembly · Mar 3, 2020

NHTSA campaign 20V124000 · 33,237 vehicles

Problem
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018-2020 Jeep Wrangler and 2020 Gladiator vehicles equipped with manual transmissions. The clutch pressure plate may overheat and fracture.
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.
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.
Seat Belts › Front › Anchorage · Sep 26, 2019

NHTSA campaign 19V680000 · 11,463 vehicles

Problem
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2011-2018 Jeep Wrangler right hand drive vehicles. The driver's seat belt buckle mounting strap may fracture and separate from the seat frame.
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.
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.
Equipment · Apr 23, 2019

NHTSA campaign 19V320000 · 94 vehicles

Problem
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.
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.
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.
Latches/Locks/Linkages › Doors › Latch · Nov 8, 2018

NHTSA campaign 18V786000 · 52 vehicles

Problem
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Jeep Wrangler four-door vehicles. The right rear passenger door latch may not be in the correct location, possibly preventing the door from latching properly.
Risk
If the right rear passenger door opens unexpectedly, it can increase the risk of injury.
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.
Structure › Frame And Members · Sep 28, 2018

NHTSA campaign 18V675000 · 18,055 vehicles

Problem
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. The front track bar brackets may be improperly welded, which can cause the bracket to separate from the frame, reducing steering capability.
Risk
An unexpected reduction in steering ability, can increase the risk of a crash.
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.
Electrical System › Wiring › Front Underhood · Aug 9, 2018

NHTSA campaign 18V524000 · 12,779 vehicles

Problem
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. 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.
Risk
A vehicle stall can increase the risk of a crash.
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.
Steering · May 25, 2018

NHTSA campaign 18V343000 · 539 vehicles

Problem
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. The intermediate steering shaft may not have been properly welded causing a split where the external spline is formed.
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.
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.
Electrical System › Software · May 17, 2018

NHTSA campaign 18V332000 · 4,815,661 vehicles

Problem
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. 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.
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.
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.
Power Train › Automatic Transmission · May 1, 2018

NHTSA campaign 18V280000 · 71 vehicles

Problem
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Dodge Charger, Durango and Challenger, Jeep Grand Cherokee and Wrangler, Chrysler 300, and RAM 1500 vehicles. An incorrect transmission park lock rod may have been installed in the transmission.
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.
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.
Seats › Mid/Rear Assembly · Apr 12, 2018

NHTSA campaign 18V231000 · 106 vehicles

Problem
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. 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.
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.
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.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2018 Jeep Wrangler is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

1,827Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
22Involved a crash
25Involved a fire
13Injuries reported
1,800 miTypical mileage at failure
Steering1,115
Suspension342
Electrical System261
Unknown Or Other212
Power Train169
Engine99
Structure › Body90
Wheels61
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
24/11: 924/12: 1025/01: 625/02: 1225/03: 1025/04: 1125/05: 925/06: 1025/07: 1125/08: 725/09: 1125/10: 1425/11: 425/12: 726/01: 1126/02: 926/03: 226/04: 1326/05: 1026/06: 626/07: 626/08: 1826/09: 1126/10: 424/1125/0225/0525/0825/1126/0226/0526/08max 18

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2018 Jeep Wrangler buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 14 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Steering — 1,115 owner reports. Turn lock-to-lock while parked and on the road; listen for noises and feel for heavy or loose steering.
  3. Suspension — 342 owner reports. Drive over bumps and listen for clunks; look for uneven tire wear.
  4. Electrical System — 261 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 1,800 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  6. Hybrid system. Check for hybrid-system warning lights and ask whether the high-voltage battery has been replaced or is still under warranty.
  7. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2018 Jeep Wrangler. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other Wrangler years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2027 Wrangler21–Not rated00
2026 Wrangler21181.9 inNot rated312
2025 Wrangler21181.9 inNot rated682
2024 Wrangler21181.9 inNot rated14965
2023 Wrangler25181.9 inNot rated16376
2022 Wrangler25181.9 inNot rated16412
2021 Wrangler25181.9 inNot rated17962
2020 Wrangler25160.2 inNot rated13617
2019 Wrangler24160.2 inNot rated9746
2017 Wrangler18152.8 inNot rated5311
2016 Wrangler18152.8 inNot rated5462
2015 Wrangler18152.8 inNot rated3478

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Jeep. How we calculate this →