2018 Jeep Wrangler: key fob or push-button start problems

Filed May 18, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · VA

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 FOB. My radio has been turned off and the stations changed. One of my FOBs was tampered with, including switching the lock and unlock button's capability, panic button was disabled, and now the FOB does not work at all. There is a loud grinding noise behind my glove box that can be heard at different times including when Jeep is turned off. Loud noises that sound like a rock hitting the window happen randomly to my front windshield, driver and passenger windows happens multiple times while I am driving and when vehicle is turned off. I took Jeep to a trusted mechanic and was told there was no way to tell and it would be better to just sell it. After I moved, I didn't experience these problems for a while, but am experiencing them again. I am concerned for my safety and anyone who may be a passenger in my Jeep.

Filed May 20, 2025 · Brakes, Electrical · NC

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.

Filed Nov 28, 2023 · Electrical, Steering · KY

Jeep dash warning lights will randomly all come on at once. This includes service shifter, service airbags, service braking system, ABS warning, cruise control disabled and many others. When it does this, which is daily, the power steering goes out completely at highway speeds and sometimes curves. This has caused me to nearly hit other drivers head on with my family in the vehicle with me. It has left me stranded many times by not recognizing the key fobs and locking the transmission in park at stop lights. I just bought the vehicle, with 64000 miles on it, in October as my primary transportation and I am afraid to drive it. This has caused me severe hardship and endangered mine and my family's life on several occasions. This problem is extremely common with my model year, as seen on several online forums and Jeep has refused to acknowledge the problem or recall the vehicles. It was purchased from a Jeep dealer, Tim Short of Middlesboro Ky. I can understand wear and tear on vehicles, but this has been an issue with 2018 Jeep Rubicons for years. If this problem goes uncorrected, many people WILL die as a result of this issue. Autos are the only thing I know of that, if defective, cannot be returned for a full refund. Something should be done, since I have an 800 dollar monthly payment and nothing to show for it. Thank you for any help you may provide.

Filed Apr 3, 2019 · Electrical, Steering · 12,000 miles · NC

I purchased vehicle in feb 2018. Within the first week or two started having problems. A coworker purchased a 2018 jeep cherokee. She returned it in two months because it would not start. Another coworker's girlfriend purchased a 2018 rubicon with engine light problems, starting issues, and radio not working. My vehicle history: rear defroster sensor on back window does not stay secured. 4th return to dealer. Second window to be replaced. Panel light for rear window defroster continues to light, but sensor is not connected. Have been on wait list since march 2019 for new window to arrive. It appears the sensor cord is too short to reach window when raising. Death wobble has happened 3x while in motion on highway and has been at the dealership 3x for this issue. Vehicle does not correct itself while driving and it feels like the vehicle is coming apart. Had to continue driving on the highway, slowing down did not correct the problem, until I reached a safe place to pull over. Once coming to a complete stop, it corrected itself. The jeep looses total control and I am afraid something may come apart causing injury or death. Freedom tops had rattle inside of them with huge wind noise when in motion. Problem corrected when dealership switched out freedom tops. Now the freedom top is too big for freedom bag. The bag appears to be coming apart when zipped. Drove to store and got out of the vehicle. Tried to remote lock the vehicle, which failed. Tried to start jeep, it would not start. Followed instructions on panel to use key by placing close to remote start button. After a second try it started. Radio playing two stations at one time. Back camera would not work. Key fob replaced as it was falling apart. Armrest replaced, would not connect when enclosed in holder. All began in 2/2018. Date I am about to enter below is for the wobble.

Filed Jul 10, 2018 · Electrical, Transmission · 204 miles · IL

I was stopped at a 4 way light in marion illinois, had my jeep in neutral with foot on the brake. The light turned green, I pushed the clutch in and the engine didn't come back on. I tried for over fifiteen min. To get it on. Finally called a tow and had it taken to the dealership that I ordered it through not even 30 days ago. They didn't look at it until 4 days later and said they couldn't recreate the issue. The issue is with the push start engines. I have a manual w/o electric doors so no auto start on a key fob. I only had 204 miles on it!! The dealership told me they've had several people take it out for drives to recreate the issue to no avail. I bought /ordered and fully paid for a brand new 2018 jeep to not have any issues arise. Now I'm scared to drive it anywhere!