2018 Jeep Wrangler Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 99about this part
- Share
- 5%of 1,827 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 15,050miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 99 complaints about the engine of the 2018 Jeep Wrangler, 5% of the 1,827 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 15,050 miles. 3 of these say a crash was involved and 8 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“As I was exiting the highway I noticed that flames were coming out of the Jeep. I merged two lanes over to try to turn on a side street and lost control of the steering. I put the Jeep in park, turned it off, and exited the vehicle. We ran up a near by hill, turned around and the entire Jeep was engulfed with flames. It burned for an hour. It is a complete loss.”
NHTSA complaint #11083854, filed 2018-04, 735 miles“When I first turn on the heater on cold morning, a maple syrup smell like antifreeze comes out of the dash vents. My coolant overflow tank looses about 1/4 coolant in 2000 miles. I believe there is a pin hole leak in the heater core. The dealer did a pressure test, but the leak must be too small to detect. The smell is nauseating and I understand antifreeze vapor is toxic..”
NHTSA complaint #11161884, filed 2018-12, 2,000 miles“While braking the Jeep, the braking system didn't override the engine. Jeep kept going in drive instead of stopping. I had to put it in neutral to get the Jeep stopped. I almost went into a busy highway in front of truck going 60mph. Could have been hurt or killed.”
NHTSA complaint #11323442, filed 2020-05, 18,700 miles“When the in motion the motor has a strong noise like the piston where broken, I have take to services dealer and they said it normal, then second time the had to clean the piston that I paid for $390.00. The noise continued you feel like the motor is going to exploded. I will take it back for the fourth time. I worry for my safety. This is a new car that I bought I o mileage. I will like my money back if the no solution.”
NHTSA complaint #11286853, filed 2019-12, 14,352 miles“I was driving on the interstate highway when I heard a loud pop and saw an arc flash and pulled to the side emergency lane. I then saw flames dripping from my Jeep and the entire front end of the Jeep went up in flames and caught fire.”
NHTSA complaint #11373646, filed 2020-11, 60,959 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11036762Aug 26, 2026Turbocharger Kit Please note that many turbo components are serviceable separately and full turbo replacement may not be required. If the turbo is being inspected for…
- 11035078Jul 7, 2026CORE – HEATER
- 11035077Jul 7, 2026CORE – HEATER
- 11034335Jun 18, 2026Bolt - hex flange head
- 11030229Mar 21, 2026Flash: Powertrain Control Module (PCM) Updates Customers must experience a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illumination and the vehicle must SYMPTOM: exhibit/set one or more of…
- 11027837Jan 21, 2026Water Pump & Chain Case Cover
- 11027836Jan 21, 2026Water Pump & Chain Case Cover
- 11025028Oct 21, 2025Engine Oil Leak
- 11024035Oct 2, 2025Before replacing any parts please refer to SOL S2518000008 if it applies to the vehicle you are working on based on a VIN search in Service Library. Before replacing this part…
- 11021043Jul 26, 2025Engine Rattle Noise
Engine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 8% |
| 2025 | 29 | 40% |
| 2024 | 417 | 56% |
| 2023 | 108 | 29% |
| 2022 | 93 | 23% |
| 2021 | 222 | 23% |
| 2020 | 56 | 9% |
| 2019 | 45 | 6% |
| 2018 | 99 | 5% |
| 2017 | 62 | 20% |
| 2016 | 88 | 19% |
| 2015 | 128 | 27% |
| 2014 | 322 | 49% |
| 2013 | 140 | 21% |
| 2012 | 172 | 21% |
| 2011 | 36 | 7% |
| 2010 | 38 | 6% |
| 2009 | 18 | 5% |
| 2008 | 37 | 4% |
| 2007 | 33 | 6% |
| 2006 | 9 | 1% |
| 2005 | 19 | 3% |
| 2004 | 4 | 2% |
| 2003 | 1 | 1% |
| 2002 | 4 | 4% |
| 2001 | 2 | 1% |
| 2000 | 9 | 4% |
| 1999 | 1 | 0% |
| 1997 | 2 | 1% |
| 1990 | 1 | 1% |
Other parts of the 2018 Jeep Wrangler
1,117 complaintsSuspension
343 complaintsElectrical system
268 complaintsOther or unknown
213 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
177 complaintsBody and structure
97 complaintsBrakes
68 complaintsWheels
61 complaintsElectronic stability control
46 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
43 complaintsVehicle speed control
24 complaintsFuel system
21 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2018 Jeep Wrangler
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology