The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that while driving 20 miles away after an hour, the vehicle lost power steering and power braking functionality, and the transmission unexpectedly downshifted to a lower gear. The vehicle was turned off. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 91,300.
2018 Jeep Wrangler: check engine light
62 of the 1,829 complaints about the 2018 Jeep Wrangler describe check engine light.
- owner complaints
- 62
- of this car's complaints
- 3%
- typical repair cost reported
- $4,500
- typical mileage
- 29,344
- recalls
- 0
Check engine light by model year
What owners say
The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel seized and the vehicle failed to accelerate. The electronic parking brake, check engine, and several other unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact shifted to park (P) and then drive (D) and was able to continue driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that coolant had leaked into the computer and damaged the battery pack control module. The mechanic related the failure to Customer Satisfaction Program: Y40 (Control Module Software Updates); however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was then towed to an unknown dealer; however, the vehicle was not yet diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
Defect in the instrument panel cluster (IPC) that can cause it to go blank or fail entirely. Screen is completely blank which makes it impossible to monitor or see any warnings for vehicle with it being an electrical dash. There is a safety recall on 2018-2024 Wranglers, but for some reason my VIN does not populate on the recall when I have a 2018 Wrangler. This has caused me not to be monitor oil life, fuel, and see check engine notifications. the federal safety agency Recall Number: 24V‑652 for year model 2018–2024 Wranglers (and 2020–2024 Gladiators)
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.
While driving my engine light comes on and I lose power like it won’t take gear I can switch to manual and it’s fine engine light pulls a code for oil pressure sensor but I’ve done paid for that to be fixed and it still doing the same as above but the engine light will go off after cutting the jeep off and stays off for a few days then out of nowhere while driving it comes back on and the process starts all over
On March 19, 2026 I paid $5,778.87 for repairs to my 2018 Wrangler JL. Repairs included the replacement of warped cylinder head and failed head gasket with coolant getting into the combustion chamber, showing up as rough running, misfire, flashing check engine light, and burning coolant smell. On April 18, 2026, at approximately 10:30 pm, after attending the [XXX] concert at Bank of America stadium (+70,000 in attendance), the vehicle stalled and was unable to be restarted or moved to the shoulder of the highway. The vehicle failure occurred on I277 outside of Bank of America Stadium with hundreds of cars passing us as my wife and were stranded in the middle lane. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
I have a 2018 Jeep Wrangler JL Sport S (2 door) with approximately 66,000 miles. On March 26th, 2026 I had a flashing check engine light come up along with the vehicle shaking in low gears. I had the vehicle towed to the Jeep dealership (Gandrud Auto Group) from which I bought it from and upon their inspection they found the left bank head gasket leaking coolant into the combustion chamber causing misfires. This repair was over $5000 and took over a week to fix. The service ticket from Grandrud will be attached which lists all parts that needed to be replaced. This vehicle is much too new to be having these kinds of issues and Gandrud even stated that many customers with JL Wranglers have been coming to them with the same issue of the head gasket failing. 1. Left bank head gasket leaking coolant into the combustion chamber causing misfires. Photos will be attached. 2. Shaking vehicle. Had vehicle towed. 3. Dealership inspected and identified the issue. Invoice attached. 4. Check engine light came on for just one day back in December of 2025, was brought into Gandrud and it was a misfire code, no noticeable issues at the time however and check engine light went away. On March 26th, 2026 I had a flashing check engine light come up along with the vehicle shaking in low gears.
Numerous lights flash on dash-engine fan turns on high speed, coolant temp stops reading, check engine light comes on, unable to accelerate. Pull over but will not turn off. From what I’m reading it’s the CAN bus module and from what I’m finding on this site Jeep has many electrical failures but can’t fix it? Jeep should do what’s right and stand behind its product.
The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that while her son was driving approximately 70-75 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The check engine and traction control warning lights were illuminated. Upon research, the contact associated the failure with the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 18V524000 (Electrical System). The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 138,000.
My 2018 Jeep Wrangler JL only now has 77,700 miles and got a blown head gasket!? This is so UNACCEPTABLE! Makes me regret ever purchasing! There is a ton more with same issue some with less miles and has been well maintained. Took to the dealer is who diagnosed and supposedly repaired due to a warranty that I am having to pay BIG money for! Alos, UNCALLED FOR! Took to dealer when Aux light first appeared but then eventually the engine light came on and I took to dealer and that's when diagnosed this! VERY VERY UPSETTING AS warranty should not have to cover not to mention, HOW DO YOU STOP FROM HAPPENING in ANOTHER 70000 or less miles? JEEP NEEDS TO BE RESPONSIBLE AND STEP UP BIG AND DO SOMETHING REGARDING THIS PROBLEM THAT IS THERE PROBLEM!
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.
On January 14, 2026, my 2018 Jeep Wrangler JK Sport (3.6L) with approximately 134,099 miles was inspected at Cox’s Automotive & Repair Inc. due to a check engine light and rough engine operation. During diagnostic testing, multiple fault codes were identified, including P000A (camshaft position slow response), P0300 In addition to the diagnostic findings, I contacted and visited multiple automotive repair facilities regarding this issue. Each shop advised that they have previously serviced 2018 Jeep Wrangler JK models with the same 3.6L engine presenting identical symptoms and diagnostic codes, including timing correlation errors, misfires, and internal engine damage. Several repair facilities indicated that they have had the same make and model in their shops for the same failure, including vehicles with significantly lower mileage, with one reported case occurring at approximately 7,000 miles. Based on consistent feedback from multiple independent repair facilities, this condition appears to be a known and recurring mechanical issue associated with this vehicle model, rather than damage caused by misuse, neglect, or owner fault. (random/multiple cylinder misfires), P0017 and P0019 (camshaft/crankshaft timing correlation errors). Upon removal of the oil filter, metal debris was found in the oil filter cartridge, indicating possible internal engine damage. Based on these findings, the repair facility recommended engine replacement or major engine repair.
Service bulletins that may apply
- Warranty Bulletin D-23-04 Rev. F 2018
- Warranty Bulletin D-23--04 2018
- Turbocharger Kit Please note that many turbo components are serviceable separately and full turbo...
- Core – heater
- Bolt - hex flange head
- Flash: Powertrain Control Module (PCM) Updates Customers must experience a Malfunction Indicator Lamp...
- Water Pump & Chain Case Cover
- Engine Oil Leak
Related recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
Questions about the 2018 Jeep Wrangler check engine light
Is check engine light a common problem on the 2018 Jeep Wrangler?
62 of 1,829 owner complaints about the 2018 Jeep Wrangler (3%) mention check engine light. The model year with the most reports is 2024.
How much does it cost to fix check engine light on the 2018 Jeep Wrangler?
Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $4,500 (median of 7 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 2018 Jeep Wrangler?
There are 0 recalls and 84 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.
Other symptoms on the 2018 Jeep Wrangler
Pulling 163Steering lock-up 79Power steering loss 76ABS 55Loss of power 55Warning lights 40Stalling 34Overheating 31Engine failure 30Ball joint 29Backup camera 27Fire or smoke 25Jerking 25Won't start 25Wipers 20Fuel gauge 19Screen failure 18Start-stop 18Won't shift 17Grinding brakes 15Adaptive cruise 13Misfire 12Slipping 12Windshield crack 12Knocking 10Harsh shifting 10Hesitation 10Brake failure 8Airbag light 7Shudder 6Transmission failure 6Headlights 5Key fob 5
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