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Model-Year Guide2018 · Jeep Wrangler

Pre Purchase Inspection for 2018 Jeep Wrangler

Check the steering damper and shimmy fix, frame weld and clutch recalls, and the 4xe battery fire, engine and power loss recalls. We check the known trouble spots before you pay.

2018 Jeep Wrangler pre purchase inspection
2018 Jeep Wrangler

Buying a 2018 Jeep Wrangler? Smart move to check it first. The engine it has changes what matters most.

Transmission: 6-speed manual or 8-speed automatic. First JL year. Some 2018s are the older JK body. Track bar weld, steering shaft and clutch recalls, and the V41 steering damper program.

Engines for 2018
  • 3.6L V6
  • 2.0L 4-cyl turbo
Known problem areas and what we check
Costly Safety Common Verify
Steering shimmy and damperVerify

Steering is the top complaint area in NHTSA data for 2018, 2019 and 2020 Wranglers. Jeep Customer Satisfaction Notification V41 replaced the steering damper on about 192,000 2018 and 2019 JL Wranglers because the damper may not calm a shake or shimmy in the steering wheel, most noticeable above 55 mph after a bumpy road in temperatures below 40 degrees. Bulletin 23-041-24 says air trapped in the damper can cause a shimmy after a bump on 2018 to 2020 JL models built on or before August 11, 2020. Jeep extended coverage for that damper replacement to 8 years or 90,000 miles. In 2019, NHTSA granted a petition and opened a probe into steering and frame weld complaints on 2018 and 2019 Wranglers.

WE CHECK We read the records for the V41 damper replacement, look at the damper, track bar, tie rods and ball joints on a lift, and road test over bumps at highway speed to feel for shimmy or wander.

SOURCE Jeep Customer Satisfaction Notification V41, steering damper (on NHTSA) · Jeep bulletin 23-041-24, steering damper warranty extension (on NHTSA) · CBS News: US opens probe of steering problems, welds in Jeep Wranglers · NHTSA owner complaints, 2018 Jeep Wrangler · NHTSA owner complaints, 2019 Jeep Wrangler

Track bar weld and steering shaft recallsSafety

Recall 18V-675 covers certain 2018 and 2019 Wranglers whose front track bar bracket may be badly welded and separate from the frame, which reduces steering. Dealers inspect and repair the welds. Recall 18V-343 covers a small number of 2018 JL models with a badly welded intermediate steering shaft. Recall 19V-201 covers certain 2019 models whose steering column stub shaft may break and let the steering wheel come off. Dealers inspect and replace parts as needed, free.

WE CHECK We check the VIN for open recalls 18V-675, 18V-343 and 19V-201, look at the track bar bracket welds and steering shaft, and check for play in the steering wheel.

SOURCE NHTSA recall 18V-675 · NHTSA recall 18V-343 · NHTSA recall 19V-201

4xe battery fire recallSafety

Recall 23V-787 said the high voltage battery in certain 2021 to 2023 Wrangler 4xe models may fail inside and cause a fire while parked or driving. It was replaced by 24V-720 and then 25V-741, which lists Wrangler 4xe models from 2020 to 2025. Owners are told to park outside, away from buildings, and not to charge until the fix is done. Dealers update the battery software and replace the battery if needed. Cars fixed under an earlier recall need the newest remedy too. Separately, Jeep bulletin 08-072-26 extends coverage on the high voltage battery of 2021 to 2025 Wrangler 4xe models to unlimited years and miles for certain battery fault codes.

WE CHECK We check the VIN for open recalls 23V-787, 24V-720 and 25V-741, ask for proof the newest remedy was done, scan the hybrid system for battery fault codes and test that it charges.

SOURCE NHTSA recall 23V-787 · NHTSA recall 24V-720 · NHTSA recall 25V-741 · Jeep bulletin 08-072-26, high voltage battery warranty extension (on NHTSA)

4xe power loss and engine recallsSafety

Recall 22V-865 covers certain 2021 to 2023 4xe models that can shut the engine down when modules stop talking. Recalls 22V-768 and 23V-303 cover certain 2022 and 2023 4xe models with wrong fasteners on a battery fuse that can overheat and cut drive power. Recall 25V-710 says a bad over-the-air update on certain 2023 and 2024 4xe models can cut drive power. Recall 25V-766 says debris inside the engine of certain 2024 4xe models can cause engine failure or an engine bay fire. For 25V-710 and 25V-766, NHTSA says more letters will follow once the final fix is ready. Jeep bulletin 09-009-26 also extends engine coverage on some 2024 4xe models with certain knock codes to unlimited years and miles.

WE CHECK We check the VIN for open recalls 22V-865, 22V-768, 23V-303, 25V-710 and 25V-766, scan for stored codes, listen for engine knock, and road test in hybrid and electric modes.

SOURCE NHTSA recall 22V-865 · NHTSA recall 22V-768 · NHTSA recall 23V-303 · NHTSA recall 25V-710 · NHTSA recall 25V-766 · Jeep bulletin 09-009-26, 4xe engine warranty extension (on NHTSA)

Power steering pump wiring fireSafety

Recall 26V-363 covers certain 2021 to 2024 Wrangler and Wrangler 4xe models. The wiring for the electric hydraulic power steering pump may overheat and cause a fire, even when the Jeep is parked and turned off. Owners are told to park outside, away from buildings, until it is repaired. Dealers inspect and replace the wiring and pump as needed. NHTSA says owner letters were expected to be mailed July 9, 2026.

WE CHECK We check the VIN for an open recall 26V-363, look at the power steering pump wiring for heat damage, and tell you if the fix is still open so you can plan where to park.

SOURCE NHTSA recall 26V-363

Manual clutch overheatingSafety

Manual transmission Wranglers from 2018 to 2023 have a series of clutch recalls. The clutch pressure plate may overheat and break, which can cause a fire, drop debris on the road or cause a loss of drive. Recall 20V-124 rerouted a harness, 21V-028 added software, and 23V-116 replaced the clutch and updated software, so cars done under 21V-028 need the newer fix. Recall 24V-572 adds an engine software fix for some 2021 models done under 23V-116. Recall 23V-641 covers certain 2022 and 2023 manuals whose reverse lights and camera may not work.

WE CHECK If it is a manual, we check the VIN for open recalls 20V-124, 21V-028, 23V-116, 24V-572 and 23V-641, read the records for the clutch replacement, and road test for slipping, burning smell or warning messages.

SOURCE NHTSA recall 20V-124 · NHTSA recall 21V-028 · NHTSA recall 23V-116 · NHTSA recall 24V-572 · NHTSA recall 23V-641

Fuel leaks and diesel fuel pumpSafety

Recall 21V-665 covers certain 2020 Wranglers with the 2.0L engine whose fuel supply line connector may crack and leak fuel in the engine bay. Recall 23V-191 covers certain 2020 to 2022 models where a frame stud may puncture the fuel tank in a crash. On the 3.0L diesel, recalls 22V-767 and 23V-263 cover certain 2020 to 2023 models whose high pressure fuel pump may fail and stall the engine. Dealers replace the pump and other fuel parts as needed.

WE CHECK We check the VIN for open recalls 21V-665, 23V-191, 22V-767 and 23V-263, look for fuel smell or leaks, and on diesels scan for fuel system codes.

SOURCE NHTSA recall 21V-665 · NHTSA recall 23V-191 · NHTSA recall 22V-767 · NHTSA recall 23V-263

Instrument cluster and check engine lightVerify

Recall 24V-652 covers certain 2018 to 2024 Wranglers whose instrument cluster may short and fail, so the speedometer and warning lights may not show. Dealers replace the cluster. Bulletin 08-298-26 extends coverage for a blank cluster display on some 2018 to 2020 JL models built on or before January 1, 2020 to 15 years or 150,000 miles. Emissions recall 16C covers about 32,587 2018 to 2022 JL Wranglers and Gladiators whose check engine light may not work.

WE CHECK We check the VIN for open recall 24V-652 and emissions recall 16C, confirm the check engine light and other warning lights come on at key on and then go out, and watch the cluster on the road test.

SOURCE NHTSA recall 24V-652 · Jeep bulletin 08-298-26, instrument cluster warranty extension (on NHTSA) · Jeep emissions recall 16C, check engine light (on NHTSA)

Rearview camera and brake lightSafety

Recall 24V-676 covers certain 2018 to 2024 Wranglers whose wiring for the rearview camera and center brake light may short, so both stop working. Recalls 20V-191 and 22V-638 cover certain 2019 to 2021 models where radio software can stop the rearview image from showing.

WE CHECK We check the VIN for open recalls 24V-676, 20V-191 and 22V-638, shift into reverse several times to check the camera, and check the center brake light.

SOURCE NHTSA recall 24V-676 · NHTSA recall 20V-191 · NHTSA recall 22V-638

Paint bubbling on aluminum doorsVerify

Jeep warranty bulletin D-25-15 sets a dealer process for filiform corrosion, a bubbling under the paint, on aluminum body panels. It includes a repair process for JL door panels on vehicles still under active corrosion warranty. Coverage depends on the vehicle, so dealers check it by VIN.

WE CHECK We look closely at the doors, hood and tailgate edges for paint bubbling or flaking and note it so you can ask a Jeep dealer whether it is still covered.

SOURCE Jeep warranty bulletin D-25-15 Rev. B, aluminum filiform corrosion (on NHTSA)

Before you look at a 2018 Wrangler
  • Confirm it is a JL and not a 2018 JK by checking the VIN and build sticker.
  • Check the VIN for open recalls, especially on 4xe and manual models.
  • Road test over bumps at highway speed for steering shimmy or wander.
  • Look at the track bar, steering damper, tie rods and frame welds on a lift.
  • On a 4xe, scan the hybrid system, test charging and listen for engine knock.
  • Check the power steering pump wiring for heat damage.
  • Confirm the cluster, check engine light and rearview camera all work.
  • Look for paint bubbling on the aluminum doors and hood.
Safety record (live from NHTSA)
2018 Jeep Wrangler · Federal RecordsSource: NHTSA.gov
14
Recalls
1799
Complaints
992
Service Bulletins
Loading the latest federal safety records…
Common service bulletins (TSBs)

A TSB is a note the maker sends to dealers about a known fix. They are not recalls. We check the bulletins so we know what to look for:

Engine & Drivability127

Cold-start noise, drivability, and idle issues for this vehicle. We test for each.

Power Train · Automatic81

Shift quality and transmission fluid updates. We drive every gear.

Electrical & Body784

Locks, wipers, infotainment, and trim items. Small, but good to know.

Counts are pulled from NHTSA's public Manufacturer Communications file. Full bulletins stay with the maker. We use the summaries to guide the inspection.

Get it inspected
Common questions
Do JL Wranglers have the death wobble?
NHTSA owner complaints for 2018 to 2020 Wranglers are mostly about steering. Jeep replaced the steering damper on many 2018 and 2019 models to stop a shimmy after bumps, and extended coverage for that damper on some 2018 to 2020 models to 8 years or 90,000 miles. A road test over bumps is the best check.
Is the Wrangler 4xe safe to buy used?
It can be, if the recalls are done. The 4xe is under battery fire recall 25V-741, which tells owners to park outside and not charge until repaired, plus several power loss recalls. Check every one on the VIN and ask for proof of the newest fix.
How do I tell a 2018 JL from a 2018 JK?
Some 2018 Wranglers were sold as the older JK body, labeled Wrangler JK. A dealer can decode the VIN, and the build sticker will show it. This guide covers only the JL.
Does the manual Wrangler have a clutch recall?
Yes. Manual Wranglers from 2018 to 2023 are covered by clutch recalls because the pressure plate can overheat and break. The latest, 23V-116, replaces the clutch and updates software, even on cars fixed under the earlier recall.
Which used Wrangler years are best?
In NHTSA data, 2022 and 2023 have the fewest owner complaints, and many of their recalls apply only to the 4xe, diesel or manual. 2018 and 2019 have the most steering complaints. Any year can be good if its recalls are done.
Is there a power steering fire recall on the Wrangler?
Yes. Recall 26V-363 covers certain 2021 to 2024 Wrangler and 4xe models whose power steering pump wiring can overheat and start a fire, even when parked. Park outside until it is fixed.
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