general problems of the 2018 Jeep Wrangler - part 1

My wife and I were at a stop light behind a box truck in our 2018 Jeep Wrangler, about 15 feet between us. I had slowed to stop and had my foot on the brake. All of the sudden the Jeep reved up (idle increase), did not see the tachometer, and with my foot on the brake accelerated into the box truck in front of us. When it started to accelerate, I pushed the brake peddle to the floor to stop the Jeep but it did not do a thing. I see 2 problems her: 1. The acceleration when stopped 2. The brake did not hold. There were no injuries or damage to the box truck. We were able to drive the Jeep about 20 miles to the dealer we bought at. It is ow being worked on in the body shop. The Jeep dealer technicians did a computer check on any codes that were activated, but unfortunately all after the fact.

The front right brake caliper on my 2018 Jeep Wrangler was installed upside down from the factory, with the bleeder screw located at the bottom of the caliper instead of the top. The vehicle has been serviced exclusively at authorized Jeep dealerships since new, with no prior front brake work, confirming this was a factory assembly defect and not the result of repair or modification. Because the bleeder screw is positioned at the bottom, air cannot be fully purged from the hydraulic system, which can result in incomplete bleeding, reduced braking performance, uneven pad wear, brake drag, or brake fade. This condition compromises the ability to properly service the braking system and may negatively affect braking effectiveness, creating a potential safety hazard, especially during emergency braking. The defect was discovered during routine inspection when brake performance and wear were evaluated (12-11-25). Photographs and dealership service records are available documenting the inverted caliper and confirming no prior disassembly.

The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that when the vehicle was started, the abs and brake warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that while depressing the brake pedal, the warning lights illuminated the brake pedal was soft. The contact stated that additional pressure was needed to depress the brake pedal to stop the vehicle. Additionally, the check engine warning light was intermittently illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the abs module had failed and needed to be replaced; however, the part to repair the vehicle was on a national backorder. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure, and a complaint was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 69,000.

Abs module has failed and has shut off the cruse control system. The o. E. Module is on national back order with no idea of it availability. The unit is still in the vehicle. Non-a. B. S. Brakes work. How ever the traction control system is shut off as well as the cruse control system posing a greater risk to all. Search on several internet sites confirms that this issue has been noted to the manufacture with no resolution. Owners are left to find their own part and none are available.

The abs module has failed on the vehicle. Attempts to repair it have been unsuccessful due to the part being back ordered for years.

On [xxx] while driving my 2018 Jeep Wrangler unlimited sport (VIN: [xxx] ), the braking system failed without warning while I was approaching a stop sign on a residential road. I pressed the brake pedal and felt extreme resistance and grinding, followed by a near-total lack of braking power. I was forced to abruptly swerve into an open driveway to avoid a collision. This sudden malfunction put my life and the safety of others at serious risk, especially had it occurred on a highway or near pedestrian traffic. The affected component appears to be part of the braking system—likely the master cylinder, brake booster, or brake line integrity—but a full diagnosis is pending inspection. There were no warning lights or messages displayed on the dashboard at any time prior to or during the failure. The vehicle gave no indication that a malfunction was imminent. Immediately after the incident, I parked the vehicle and did not attempt to drive it again. As of now, the issue has not yet been formally confirmed by a dealer, but I am in the process of getting it inspected by a certified independent mechanic, and I am willing to make the vehicle and its components available for inspection upon request. I also plan to provide documentation once the evaluation is complete. I only recently purchased this Jeep from carvana a few months ago, and it is extremely concerning that such a critical failure could occur so soon. The vehicle has two completed recalls related to steering and rear windows, but none that address braking—making this unexpected failure even more alarming. I believe this could indicate a larger pattern or potential defect that has not yet been officially acknowledged or addressed. This event was dangerous and could have resulted in a serious accident. I am requesting that this complaint be formally investigated, and I am open to cooperating fully with NHTSA, Chrysler, or any affiliated parties in reviewing the failure and addressing issue. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia).

My abs module has failed. Should be a simple fix however Jeep does not have this part available to be purchased. After doing a lot of research into this part it is a mopar only part and there are thousands of people trying to find this part. This part is a vital part to the abs system and is causing a lot of people to have to drive without it. Something needs to be done to ensure the safety of everyone that is going through this issue.

Abs malfunction. Power steering and brakes go in and out of operation due to a communication error. All lights come on dash, engine light stays on. Occurs mainly when vehicle is hot during summer or above 65mph highway driving. Safety concern as vehicle power steering is unpredictable during this time. The drive shaft locks in park and requires manual override when lights are on, but then without intervention, all the lights go away except the engine light and it runs fine. Abs modules are on back order with no eta because this is a recurring problem for many. Once new abs module is put it, problem can be confirmed and more details can be given by auto repair services.

The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed, but the vehicle slid before coming to a stop. The contact stated that the traction control warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed the vehicle with abs failure, and determined that the braking system needed to be replaced. The vehicle was taken to another independent mechanic, who related the failure to the abs module. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 121,000.

First it was my clutch blowing up including the transmission from underneath me while I drove down a hwy. Then it was a month later before I got it back. (I'm single, and it's my only vehicle). Once I got my Jeep back the start/stop button stopped working. I had to lock/unlock with the key fob for it to start. Even with both fobs in the Jeep. Now every code, 101 to be exact) is being thrown out of nowhere. Every light goes off, the wipers start going off, the sway bar and traction control disconnects while I'm driving along with the steering wheel locking up while I'm driving down the hwy. The brakes are pulling very badky to the left and /or right. The entire thing is absolutely a death trap. I can't believe this was passed by someone who has the customers best interest for safety. I'd like to know if any of this is recalled because it's been every Jeep from 2018-2021 that have this issues. Also 5th gear now vibrats pretty bad.

The primary component that failed is the brake caliper, which caused a dragging brake, overheating, and visible smoke after a brake pad replacement. This is a defect in a critical safety system, not routine wear and tear. The caliper failure, combined with rapid deterioration of the pads within only seven months of purchase, makes clear that the Jeep was sold to me with preexisting and undisclosed defects. The defective caliper and removed parts remain available for inspection. My safety and the safety of others were directly at risk. A dragging brake drastically reduces stopping ability, can cause sudden brake failure, and creates a fire hazard when smoke and heat build up. These risks make the vehicle unsafe for road use. In addition, there is a well-documented steering defect known as the “death wobble. ” some sources classify this under a recall, while others describe it as covered only by an extended warranty. This inconsistency has prevented me from obtaining clear assistance despite the serious safety implications. The issue has been reproduced and confirmed by a certified Jeep dealership. I have service records, dealer inspection notes, and photos documenting the condition, including metal-on-metal wear, dragging brake, and resulting smoke. The vehicle has been inspected by dealership technicians and is also under review with fca, who have assigned a claim number. When I initially sought assistance, I was told the failures were “wear and tear. ” that is inaccurate, as no reasonable consumer could cause this level of brake and steering deterioration in such a short period. I have been forced to pay out-of-pocket for defects clearly present at the time of sale, even though carvana, silverrock, and fca denied responsibility. Under the magnuson-moss warranty act, consumers are protected when vehicles are sold with hidden defects, regardless of warranty status. This Jeep was sold in unsafe condition. The caliper failure and death wobble are preexisting hazards.

The brake line and caliper. The safety of myself and my children were at risk. Yes it has been confirmed as a problem from a dealer mechanic. It has not been inspected by police or others listed. There were no warnings or symptoms. It started smoking and the car shook while driving. This has now happened twice.

The vehicle will intermittently struggle to engage in 1st gear, the brake pedal gets hard, the auto stop start light will display on the dash and the esc light will display on the dash. Each issue may occur separately, not at all or they will all occur within 5 mins of driving the vehicle. I have been at a traffic light where the vehicle would not immediately engage in 1st gear and the vehicle behind me came within a few inches of rear ending my vehicle when I did not begin moving with the flow of traffic. I also have a similar experience with the auto stop start system failing while at a traffic light which caused the vehicle to stall in the intersection and I could not restart the vehicle without completely power cycling the ignition two times. The problems have been reproduced on multiple occasions throughout the past month. The vehicle has not been inspected by a 3rd party and the warning lights and alert messages that appeared for auto stop start system/ esc system did not appear until the problem occurred.

While driving the transmission and clutch system blew up. And I mean that in the literale sense. Sparks and a big flash. Unfortunately, I was an hour away from where I live. This caused me to have to find a way home and find a tow company that would be able to pick up my Jeep on the side of the highway, tow it an hour to me. I couldn't afford that, so it was taken to the Chrysler dealership there and it was there for a month before they could work on it due to the parts having to be ordered and shipped in. Once the entire clutch system and transmission fully replaced I have to find a way to go back and pick it up. It was after hours when I finally got to it. That's when the mechanic that worked on it researched and found the recall for the transmission and clutch system because they would blow up. Just as mine did. But the next set of problems started as soon as I picked my Jeep up. Pulls to the right when braking, push start won't start saying the fobs are not detected while I'm holding them in my hands. All lights on cluster go off randomly, the steering wheel locks up while I'm driving causing more danger. The traction control, sway bar will go off and on as well as the push start will not turn off. I did manage to take a short clip of this happening while I'm driving.

A shimmy in the steering wheel after hitting an irregularity on the road surface, also whenever I want to turn it does like a squirrelly is the best way I can put it. On uneven roads, bumps, dips, etc the Jeep pulls to one side or the other. Consequently the traction control light comes on and the Jeep loses power!.

The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the abs warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with a failed clock spring. The contact was informed that the clock spring needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. In addition, the contact stated that several of the steering wheel safety features were inoperable due to the failure. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The contact was informed that a diagnostic test was needed to determine the cause of the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 35,000.

The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 mph, the abs, transmission, and esc warning lights illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to a dealer where it was diagnosed that there were several software updates available for the engine and power train. The updates were completed, and the vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that the warning lights were illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle back to the same dealer. The dealer diagnosed the warning lights and applied other software updates. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that while turning left onto a residential street, the steering wheel was difficult to turn. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer; however, the dealer was notified of the failure. The dealer informed the contact that the failure was related to the abs module and that parts to repair the vehicle were on backorder. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 87,000.

The parking brake randomly failed. It was working as designed, and then the next time I went to use it the lever had zero resistance and would not hold the vehicle. I am currently looking at getting it repaired but have to park it in gear to keep it from rolling away when parked (6mt).

Every dash warning lights come on, radio cuts off, steering loss occurs, have to fight steering to get pulled over, turn it off and back on, sometimes resets but not always. Issue happens at random but the last time it occurred around a curve, nearly went off the road because of the steering loss. Had all the wires and grounds cleaned & checked, all batteries are good, alternator is good, all relays are good.

Abs module, confirm with dealer ship and automotive shop. Loss of power steering, lost use of drive shaft, car completely stalled on main road.

My Jeep only has 85,266 miles on it and my pistons/ calibers are locked up, resulting in my cailbers, rotors, and brake pads to all be replaced. This job is projected to cost me over $1,000. My car is currently undriveable.

Abs module failure. Been waiting almost a year now for one, but apparently it’s not a priority to Chrysler and their engineers. It’s going to cause an accident one day and when it does, Chrysler is going to be writing a fat check to your truly.

The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the abs, traction control, and other brake related warning lights intermittently flashed on the instrument panel. The vehicle was initially taken to an independent mechanic where it was discovered that the module for the braking system was defective and needed to be replaced. The contact was referred to a dealer but was given a diagnostic fee to have the vehicle serviced. The contact later discovered the part that was needed to repair the vehicle; however, the contact was informed by several dealers that the part needed was on backorder. The manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 63,000.

On occasion while driving several dashboard error lights will go on. These include abs, traction control, electronic stability control, air bag and brake light. When these lights come on the power steering is typically lost and making it extremely difficult to steer the Jeep. It takes everything my wife to turn the steering wheel and get off the road. The brakes also tend to be applied which further makes it difficult to turn as the vehicle is slowed down. This issue not only endangers the driver and passengers in my vehicle but also those around me due to the inability to properly control my vehicle. I have had the vehicle at the dealers service center and they are not sure what the issue is. They have been able to reproduce but are still trying to discover root cause. This seems to be a widespread problem as both my 2018 Jeep Wrangler and 2020 Jeep gladiator have the identical issues. Seems like a long shot that both of my vehicles would have the same issue at the same time if it wasn't a common issue. When googling the problem, I find a lot of articles and video's but no solid cause.

The power steering with no warning, just quits, working, get warning signs that the abs is not working, included with the traction control.

My local Jeep dealership in hampton, va (winners circle) believes the abs control module has failed. While in drive my Jeep would not move forward, the hazard lights would not turn on, the analog speedometer failed to display speed, and power steering is lost. Several lights are illuminated: check engine light, service electronic stability control, and service shifter. The shop foreman (ryan) and the service manager (wesley ward) have confirmed these issues via diagnostics and during multiple test drives. To my knowledge my abs control module has not been inspected by anyone.

While operating the vehicle, I lost power steering, stability control, anti-lock brakes and when I was able to stop, the transmission was put into park and I was unable to shift gears. Dealership informed me that this is a known issue related to the can bus connector located behind the glove compartment, which apparently controls all of the safety systems. There were multiple indicators lit on the dashboard along with a check engine light. Dealership is replacing the connector.

All the lights on the Jeep came on. Locked up nearly had a wreck. Had to be towed. Now dealership is saying its the motor. Everything shut down. This is not the first time the Jeep has shut all the way down. This is very dangerous. We had replaced the starter, and battery and spark plugs and box. The Jeep worked for a day then the second starter burned up .

The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated while driving 25 mph, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact was able to drive to the residence, where she parked and turned off the vehicle. The contact stated upon restarting the vehicle, the vehicle operated as needed. The dealer was notified of the failure and advised the contact to take the vehicle to their location for diagnostics tests. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle and attempting to shift into drive (d), the gear shifter seized. The vehicle responded as needed after several attempts. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, however, the failure could not be duplicated, though the dealer received remote assistance from Jeep engineers. Additionally, the contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the messages "four wheel drive disabled", "parking system disabled" , "park" and other unknown messages were displayed. The traction control warning light, the check engine warning light and other unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who cleared the codes, but could not duplicate the failure. The contact stated while driving 30-35 mph, the windshield wipers engaged independently, the fuel gauge revved up and down. Additionally, several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle lost power steering functionality the brake pedal was depressed, but the vehicle hesitated to respond. The contact was able to pull into a parking lot. The vehicle was towed to the residence of the contact's daughter. The contact stated upon restarting the vehicle, the tpms and other unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer to be diagnosed. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 88,000.

Driving on highway at 75mph, chime followed by all warning lights. Speedometer falls to zero and a series of system failures scrolls through on message board. While taking the exit ramp, power steering fails halfway through the loop. Speedometer returns to normal momentarily, then jumps back and forth until destination. Power steering does not return.

The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated while driving 30 mph, the vehicle jerked and pulled inadvertently. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to veer to the side of the roadway. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that the rear brake calipers had seized. The dealer diagnosed that the rear brake calipers and the brake line needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened. The contact was awaiting a call back from the manufacturer. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 47,000.

The dash board lights all came on, the steering wheel lost power, the abs light came on, with check shifter, could not control Jeep.

1. On numerous occasions my Jeep has suffered an electrical issue that renders the power steering, power brakes and other components in-operable. My dash goes blank, then restarts showing just about every system feature as needing serviced. The dealer has tried twice to fix it stating that a star connector has overheated and is the cause for the problem. This is a huge safety issue and I no longer feel I can trust it to not happen again. 2. The vehicle is impossible to drive without the power steering and brakes. The wipers stick on along with the electronic radiator fan. 3. Yes, the dealer has reproduced this and stated so on the repair invoice. Stating multiple codes in multiple modules for loss communication. 4. No, the vehicle or component has not been inspected by anyone other than the dealer. 5. No warning whatsoever! it has now happened for a fourth time and is back at the dealer.

Several messages display simultaneously on and off as the vehicle is in motion which results in power being lost, then restored in a matter of minutes which are critical when traveling in traffic or on the interstate. Steering and brakes are the first to go, but the car remains operational. The gauges display as if the car is stationary with check engine, brake, start stop disabled, traction control and many other lights displaying in error as these things are happening.

As I was driving, the abs failed then multiple warning lights displayed and the power steering failed completely. Initially, I could not get the car to turn off.