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

- 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
Trims
Safety & driver-assist features
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
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jk 2dr SUV 4WD Rubicon | 152.8 in | 73.6 in | 72.4 in | 95.3 in | 62.6 / 62.6 in | 4,129 lb | 50/50 |
| Jk 2dr SUV 4WD Sahara | 152.8 in | 73.6 in | 72.4 in | 95.3 in | 62.6 / 62.6 in | 3,975 lb | 50/50 |
| Jk 2dr SUV 4WD Sport/Willys Wheeler | 152.8 in | 73.6 in | 72.4 in | 95.3 in | 62.6 / 62.6 in | 3,785 lb | 50/50 |
| Jk Unlimited 4dr SUV 4WD Rubicon | 173.2 in | 74 in | 70.9 in | 116.1 in | 61.4 / 61.8 in | 4,341 lb | 50/50 |
| Jk Unlimited 4dr SUV 4WD Sahara | 173.2 in | 74 in | 70.9 in | 116.1 in | 61.4 / 61.8 in | 4,295 lb | 50/50 |
| Jk Unlimited 4dr SUV 4WD Sport/Willys Wheeler | 173.2 in | 74 in | 70.9 in | 116.1 in | 61.4 / 61.8 in | 4,101 lb | 50/50 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Wrangler 4WD Hybrid | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic 8-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 23 / 25 / 24 | +3% | $3,400 | 375 |
| New Wrangler Unlimited 4WD Hybrid | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic 8-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 22 / 24 / 22 | -5% | $3,750 | 394 |
| New Wrangler Unlimited 4WD | 3.6L 6-cyl | Automatic 8-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 18 / 23 / 20 | -14% | $3,350 | 443 |
| New Wrangler 4WD | 3.6L 6-cyl | Manual 6-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 17 / 25 / 20 | -14% | $3,350 | 446 |
| New Wrangler 4WD | 3.6L 6-cyl | Automatic 8-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 18 / 23 / 20 | -14% | $3,350 | 440 |
| New Wrangler Unlimited 4WD | 3.6L 6-cyl | Manual 6-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 17 / 23 / 19 | -18% | $3,550 | 459 |
| Wrangler 4WD | 3.6L 6-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 17 / 21 / 18 | -22% | $3,700 | 481 |
| Wrangler 4WD | 3.6L 6-cyl | Manual 6-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 17 / 21 / 18 | -22% | $3,700 | 480 |
| Wrangler Unlimited 4WD | 3.6L 6-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 16 / 20 / 18 | -22% | $3,700 | 504 |
| Wrangler Unlimited 4WD | 3.6L 6-cyl | Manual 6-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 16 / 21 / 18 | -22% | $3,700 | 502 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2018 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 Jeep Wrangler 2 DR 4WD Later Release | Not rated | Not rated | –★ / –★ | Not rated | Not rated | ★★★★★ | 27.9% |
Similar 2018 small SUVs
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 Jeep Wrangler (this car) | 24 MPG | Not rated | 14 |
| 2018 Ford EcoSport | 28 MPG | ★★★★★ | 2 |
| 2018 BYD e6 | 187 mi | Not rated | 0 |
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.
Not every 2018 Jeep Wrangler is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2018 Jeep Wrangler buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 14 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- 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.
- Suspension — 342 owner reports. Drive over bumps and listen for clunks; look for uneven tire wear.
- Electrical System — 261 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 1,800 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Hybrid system. Check for hybrid-system warning lights and ask whether the high-voltage battery has been replaced or is still under warranty.
- 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 →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 Wrangler | 21 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2026 Wrangler | 21 | 181.9 in | Not rated | 3 | 12 |
| 2025 Wrangler | 21 | 181.9 in | Not rated | 6 | 82 |
| 2024 Wrangler | 21 | 181.9 in | Not rated | 14 | 965 |
| 2023 Wrangler | 25 | 181.9 in | Not rated | 16 | 376 |
| 2022 Wrangler | 25 | 181.9 in | Not rated | 16 | 412 |
| 2021 Wrangler | 25 | 181.9 in | Not rated | 17 | 962 |
| 2020 Wrangler | 25 | 160.2 in | Not rated | 13 | 617 |
| 2019 Wrangler | 24 | 160.2 in | Not rated | 9 | 746 |
| 2017 Wrangler | 18 | 152.8 in | Not rated | 5 | 311 |
| 2016 Wrangler | 18 | 152.8 in | Not rated | 5 | 462 |
| 2015 Wrangler | 18 | 152.8 in | Not rated | 3 | 478 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Jeep. How we calculate this →