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2018 Jeep Wrangler steering problems

1117 owner reports9 crashes1 fires3 injuries

This is a safety-related system. If you notice symptoms, stop driving and have it inspected.

Related recalls

  • 18V343000 · Steering

    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.…

Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Confirm by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What owners report

  • “Death wobble dealer states was repaired by a bushing, lakeland Chrysler dodge selling and servicing dealer. They can not duplicate but no one is ever available to road test. Spoke with General manager and was told to trade in not we want to fix”

    NHTSA complaint · filed 10/14/2026

  • “My 2018 Jeep Wrangler JL has excessive play in the steering and wanders while driving, requiring frequent steering corrections to maintain the vehicle's direction, particularly at highway speeds. I have been dealing with the steering issue for over a year. I am concerned that the excessive play and wandering could result in difficulty maintaining control of the vehicle, especially at highway speeds or during an emergency maneuver. I took the vehicle to an authorized Jeep dealership for diagnosis…”

    NHTSA complaint · filed 09/25/2026

  • “2018 Jeep wrangler had a recall for the violently shaking front end suspension that happens while driving at high speeds of 65-70 mph and I hit a small bump. Also commonly known as the "death wobble". When this happens, I need to slow car down and pull onto the shoulder in order to get it to stop, which is very dangerous on the highway. The Repair the dealer did on this was a knowingly temporary fix. When the violent shaking returned a few thousand miles later, I was told it is not covered unde…”

    NHTSA complaint · filed 08/26/2026

  • “Change the ending so it is completely accurate: The electric power-steering assistance and electrical/instrument-panel systems have repeatedly malfunctioned. Power-steering assistance failed while I was driving on August 3, 2026, and again on August 8, 2026. Each time, the steering suddenly became extremely difficult. I struggled to maintain control and pull over safely without being struck or causing a collision. This placed me, my passengers, and other motorists at serious risk. The Jeep als…”

    NHTSA complaint · filed 08/18/2026

  • “The steering column mechanically disconnected, causing a complete loss of steering control while traveling approximately 70 mph on a highway. I was in the right lane when steering control was lost without any warning signs, including noises, vibrations, warning lights, or increased steering resistance. I immediately activated the hazard lights, informed my passenger, checked surrounding traffic, and applied the brakes. The vehicle pulled to the left under braking, crossed into the left lane, an…”

    NHTSA complaint · filed 08/10/2026

  • “The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that while driving 20 miles away after an hour, the vehicle lost power steering and power braking functionality, and the transmission unexpectedly downshifted to a lower gear. The vehicle was turned off. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage w…”

    NHTSA complaint · filed 06/23/2026

  • “Any time I am over the speed of about 55 mph, and hit any type of bump, the steering wheel starts to shake violently. I have to slow down to about 40 mph to make it stop. I almost got rearended by an 18-wheeler yesterday on the interstate.”

    NHTSA complaint · filed 06/10/2026

  • “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 could open the door. I…”

    NHTSA complaint · filed 05/18/2026

Unverified owner reports from NHTSA's public complaint database.

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How common are 2018 Jeep Wrangler steering problems?
1117 owners reported steering issues to NHTSA for the 2018 Jeep Wrangler, 9 involving a crash and 1 a fire. Counts scale with how many were sold.
Is there a recall for 2018 Jeep Wrangler steering problems?
Yes — campaign 18V343000. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; confirm by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

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