2018 Jeep Wrangler power train problems
This is a safety-related system. If you notice symptoms, stop driving and have it inspected.
Related recalls
- 21V028000 · Power Train › Clutch Assembly
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.…
- 23V116000 · Power Train › Clutch Assembly
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.…
- 20V124000 · Power Train › Clutch Assembly
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.…
- 18V280000 · Power Train › Automatic Transmission
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.…
Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Confirm by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What owners report
“On [XXX] at about [XXX] PM, I was driving my 2018 Jeep Wrangler (manual transmission) southbound on [XXX] near the [XXX] in Elkridge, MD at about 70 mph when the clutch failed suddenly. It felt like the transmission dropped out the bottom, I lost drive power, and I pulled onto the shoulder. A fire was burning on the roadway about 100 yards behind me, where the failure happened. I called 911 at 5:36 PM and EMS responded. The clutch pressure plate fractured and cracked the transmission bell housin…”
NHTSA complaint · filed 11/04/2026 · fire
“The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V116000 (Power Train); however, the failure persisted after the recall repair. While driving 15 MPH, the instrument cluster failed to display the gear that the transmission was shifted to. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated, and the vehicle failed to turn off. The contact stalled the engine and waited for the vehicle to shut off. The vehicle was taken to …”
NHTSA complaint · filed 09/28/2026
“FCA US LLC is actively violating the intent of Safety Campaign 23V-116 by refusing to cover out-of-pocket consequential transmission damages. FCA’s own Part 573 Defect Report explicitly admits that the defective clutch pressure plate causes extreme friction, overheating, and fracturing capable of damaging the transmission case and nearby internal components. The vehicle operated under these defective parameters prior to the recall execution, subjecting the transmission internals to progressive t…”
NHTSA complaint · filed 09/23/2026
“report to the dealer that my 2018 jeep has recall for clotch overheating and vehicle can catch on fire , and it has been 3 years with no respond or completion or the job been done , feel kind of scared for the safety of me and my family every day driving ah vehicle can catch on fire . please help us to resolve this situation thanks”
NHTSA complaint · filed 09/21/2026
“manual transmission pops out of 2nd gear during deceleration, (grinding not all the way in nuetral) untill put back in gear again. getting worse over time. found alot of same thing on internet, some getting 2 ,3, or 4 transmisions under warrenty”
NHTSA complaint · filed 09/08/2026
“The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal burning odor inside the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. In addition, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the contact was informed that parts for a recall repair might have been replaced with defective parts. The contact was informed that there was no failure and the…”
NHTSA complaint · filed 09/01/2026
“Recall 19A was a full clutch assembly replacement on January 2024 at 60,000 miles. I purchased the vehicle in January 2025 with 64,000 miles. I have owned the jeep for 1 year and 8 months. I now have 78,000 miles. Service transmission light comes and goes if the vehicle cools down the light goes off and drives normal. When the service transmission light is on the clutch is overheated and slips I can not move the vehicle out of 1st gear. I drove it to a dealer and they state I have a bad clutch i…”
NHTSA complaint · filed 08/27/2026
“The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the instrument panel was inoperative, except for the RPM gauge and speedometer. The contact researched and became aware of an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not included. A dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not yet diagnosed. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle suddenly lost automotive power and then stalled. No warning lights were illuminated. Th…”
NHTSA complaint · filed 08/20/2026
Unverified owner reports from NHTSA's public complaint database.
Check the one you're looking at
A free VIN report shows recalls that may apply, the 5-year cost, and whether it fits your budget. Then ask our AI about this exact problem.
- How common are 2018 Jeep Wrangler power train problems?
- 178 owners reported power train issues to NHTSA for the 2018 Jeep Wrangler, 2 involving a crash and 14 a fire. Counts scale with how many were sold.
- Is there a recall for 2018 Jeep Wrangler power train problems?
- Yes — campaign 21V028000, campaign 23V116000, campaign 20V124000, campaign 18V280000. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; confirm by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.