Problems · by component

2018 Jeep Wrangler engine problems

99 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2018 Jeep Wrangler cite engine, 5% of all 1,827 complaints for this model year.

Complaints
99
5% of all complaints
Crashes
3
Reported by owners
Fires
8
Reported by owners
Injuries
2
Reported by owners
01 —Owner reports

What owners say about the engine

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
“I purchased this 2018 Jeep Wrangler JK Unlimited on July 19, 2025. Since purchasing the vehicle, I have experienced repeated mechanical failures that have required multiple repairs. The most serious issue involves the engine overheating at highway speeds without any visible coolant leak or clearly identifiable cause.Despite seeking professional diagnosis, the source of the overheating could not be determined. Shortly afterward, the vehicle developed a P0302 (Cylinder 2 Misfire), raising concerns about possible internal engine damage caused by the overheating.I believe this presents a significant safety hazard. An engine that overheats unexpectedly while driving at highway speeds can lose power or fail without warning, creating a dangerous situation for the driver and surrounding traffic. The vehicle has become unreliable and unsafe to operate because I cannot predict when it may overheat or experience another engine failure.As someone who often drives alone, I no longer feel safe taking this vehicle on long trips. I am concerned that the vehicle could leave me stranded on a highway or in a remote location without warning, placing my personal safety at risk. A…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 13, 2026Engine, Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11749969
“What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Jeep started on fire and is still at a tow yard in Belchertown, MA How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The Jeep started on fire while I was driving. I pulled over as the engine was smoking and then it burst into flames while I was still inside. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Not that I know of. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Yes, we gave permission for our insurance agency and Jeep to inspect the burned out vehicle. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? While I was driving, the engine temp and coolant warning lights shot way up and then the engine began to smoke. I pulled over and before I could exit the vehicle, fire was coming into the cab through the air vents.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 22, 2026Electrical system, Unknown or other, EngineFire reportedODI 11745771
“Was stopping at red light. Got to about 5mph when Jeep accelerated to about 35mph. I was standing on the breaks but the Jeep kept accelerating until impact struck the car in front me which was stopped. I have video.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled May 22, 2026EngineCrash reportedODI 11739609
“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 was unable to use the push button start for a few minutes up to 15 minutes and in 2025 I was unable to use the push button at all on most days. I had to research a work around to be able to start my Jeep and even after that depending on the day, it takes several seconds to minutes to start it this way. On 2 different occasions as I was driving, I had no control over my steering for approx. 10 seconds. I held on to the wheel and slowed down. The control returned and I was able to drive home. I researched and found out that 2014-2018 had reports of hacking and the hacker taking control of the vehicle in multiple ways including steering, brakes, alarm system, and hacking…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled May 18, 2026Steering, Electrical system, EngineODI 11738632
“Engine - The vehicle is available but the engine was replaced. I was able to get home however there was a potential for significant engine failure. Yes it was inspected by an independent service center. Yes it was inspected by an independent service center. A check engine light came on. Upon further inspection it was a Cylinder 6 misfire P0306. When the engine was inspected further by a mechanic it was determined that the cylinder wall was damaged and that coolant had entered the cylinder. Due to the extent of the engine damage the engine needed to be replaced.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled May 17, 2026EngineODI 11738445
“Oil cooler failure at 7 years and 90000 miles. This is a known engineering issue due to a plastic housing that is resolved by upgrading the oil cooler housing to aluminum instead of plastic. It’s a $1000 repair. Because this is an engineering issue the consumer should not have to pay the entire cost of the repair. This is a SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARD DUE TO THE LEAKAGE OF OIL CAUSED BY THIS FAILURE. It should definitely be deemed a recall and fixed at the expense of the manufacturer!”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled May 16, 2026EngineODI 11738326

Showing 6 of 99 reports. Read every report on NHTSA.gov.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 3, 2026NHTSA vehicle page

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.