Car Yearsto Avoid

2018 Jeep Wrangler Transmission Problems

From NHTSA owner complaints and recalls. Updated Oct 17, 2026.

How common are transmission problems on the 2018 Jeep Wrangler?

177 owners have reported transmission problems on the 2018 Jeep Wrangler, 10% of all complaints for this year and the 4th most reported problem area. Most reported problems happened at about 7,000–49,000 miles. 4 recalls cover this area.

177 complaints 10% of all 2018 complaints 28,000 miles typical

Which parts fail

The specific part named in each complaint.

Clutch assembly 5
Differential unit 1
Clutch cable / rod / arm 1
Manual transmission 1
Control module (TCM / PCM / TECM) 1

Mileage when it failed

Each dot is a complaint that gave a mileage (84 of 177). The amber line is the middle value.

When problems were reported

Transmission complaints by the year the problem happened.

Transmission complaints by Wrangler year

2008 Wrangler 67
2009 Wrangler 34
2010 Wrangler 68
2011 Wrangler 40
2014 Wrangler 88
2015 Wrangler 51
2016 Wrangler 74
2017 Wrangler 50
2018 Wrangler 177
2019 Wrangler 79
2020 Wrangler 47
2022 Wrangler 65
2023 Wrangler 51
2025 Wrangler 12

Related recalls

Clutch plate can overheat and fracture

Fire risk

The clutch pressure plate may overheat and break apart. Overheated clutch parts can cause a fire, and debris or a sudden loss of drive can raise the risk of a crash.

Fix: The dealer will replace the clutch assembly and update the software at no cost to you, and this recall expands and replaces earlier recall 21V-028.

Recall 23V116000 · Feb 2023

Clutch assembly

Fire risk

The clutch pressure plate may overheat and fracture. Overheated clutch components may increase the risk of a fire. Additionally, damage to other nearby components can result in debris falling onto the road or a loss of drive, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: FCA US LLC will notify owners, and dealers will add software to reduce engine torque capability when clutch assembly temperatures rise to a level that may damage the inner pressure plate, free of charge." FCA has ordered a stop sale for the affected vehicles as of February 25, 2021.

Recall 21V028000 · Jan 2021

Clutch assembly

Fire risk

The clutch pressure plate may overheat and fracture. The overheated clutch components may increase the risk of a fire. Additionally, damage to other nearby components can result in debris falling onto the road or a loss of drive, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will reroute a wire harness and inspect the clutch system, and replace components as needed.

Recall 20V124000 · Mar 2020

Automatic transmission

Can stall

An incorrect transmission park lock rod may have been installed in the transmission. If the incorrect park lock rod is installed, the transmission may not shift into 'PARK' and keep the vehicle from moving, increasing the risk of unintended vehicle movement and the risk of a crash.

Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will install the correct park lock rod, free of charge.

Recall 18V280000 · May 2018
Check your VIN for open recalls

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Other 2018 Jeep Wrangler problems

Common questions

What are common 2018 Jeep Wrangler transmission problems?

Complaints most often name the clutch assembly, differential unit and clutch cable / rod / arm.

At what mileage do 2018 Jeep Wrangler transmission problems happen?

Most complaints that gave a mileage fell between about 7,000–49,000 miles. The middle value is about 28,000 miles.

Is there a recall for 2018 Jeep Wrangler transmission problems?

Yes: 23V116000, 21V028000, 20V124000, 18V280000. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if the work was done.

Which Wrangler year has the most transmission complaints?

The 2012 Wrangler, with 282 complaints.

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls databases. Complaints are unverified owner reports.