2018 Jeep Wrangler Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
Model data compiled from public NHTSA records; may be incomplete, inaccurate, or out of date. General information, not professional advice — see Terms.
One honest thing before you start
We're car-data nerds, not mechanics. This checklist is general information — not professional advice — built from real recall records and thousands of owner complaints to make you a sharper shopper. Think of it as triage, not a diagnosis.
Before any money moves, get an independent inspection from a qualified mechanic (typically $100–$250). Our data comes from public sources and may be incomplete, inaccurate, or out of date — no checklist catches everything.
So here's the deal: use this to decide whether a car is worth that inspection. You're evaluating and buying the car entirely at your own risk — we're not liable for anything this checklist misses, anything it gets wrong, or any loss resulting from your purchase decision. Fair?
Known issues for the 2018 Wrangler
5
Steering complaints Red flag
Check for looseness, pulling, or unusual noise in the steering at low and highway speeds. (1115 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 1115 NHTSA complaints
Suspension complaints Red flag
Listen for clunks over bumps and look for uneven tire wear. (342 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 342 NHTSA complaints
Electrical System complaints Red flag
Test all electronics — lights, windows, infotainment, and driver aids — and confirm no warning lights stay on. (267 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 267 NHTSA complaints
Power Train complaints Red flag
Note any hesitation, harsh shifting, or slipping during city and highway driving. (176 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 176 NHTSA complaints
Engine complaints Red flag
Watch the temperature gauge and warning lights on a long test drive, and look for leaks under the engine. (99 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 99 NHTSA complaints
Verify on NHTSA → · How we get our data →
93 additional complaints were filed without a specific component.
Open recalls
14
Seat Belts Red flag
A separated or severed seat belt buckle strap will result in an inoperable seat belt, increasing the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Structure Red flag
An unexpected reduction in steering ability, can increase the risk of a crash.
Structure Red flag
If the floor pan strength is reduced and/or the rear seat mount becomes loose, the rear seat may detach in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Latches/Locks/Linkages Red flag
If the right rear passenger door opens unexpectedly, it can increase the risk of injury.
Power Train Red flag
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.
Electrical System Red flag
If the vehicle maintains its speed or accelerates despite attempts to deactivate the cruise control, there would be an increased risk of a crash.
Equipment Check
If the roof top tent cover detaches from the vehicle while moving, it can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Power Train Red flag
Overheated clutch components may increase the risk of a fire.
Power Train Red flag
The overheated clutch components may increase the risk of a fire.
Steering Red flag
If the weld seam splits, the steering wheel may lose center positioning causing a loss of steering responsiveness and increasing the risk of a crash.
Power Train Red flag
Overheated clutch components may increase the risk of a fire.
Electrical System Red flag
An instrument panel that fails to display critical safety information, such as the speedometer or warning lights, can increase the risk of a crash.
Back Over Prevention Check
A rearview camera image that does not display decreases the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
The 31-point checklist
31
0 / 31 checked · 0 red flags ·
Before you go
We may earn a commission — it keeps the checklist free.
Check the VIN history on EpicVIN
Check it on CarFax (we don't earn from this)
Get an OBD2 scanner DEMO
Paperwork & history
Exterior & wheels
Interior & electronics
Under the hood
Test drive (15+ min, city + highway)
This tells you whether the car deserves a pro inspection (typically $100–$250) — it's not the inspection.
2018 Wrangler–specific issues
Your verdict
Keep inspecting — you're under halfway. The red-flag items matter most.
No red flags? Nice. A pro's eyes on it before your money moves is still the play.
Two red flags just saved you the inspection fee. Plenty more cars out there.
We may earn a commission — it keeps the checklist free.
Frequently asked questions
How many recalls does the 2018 Jeep Wrangler have?
NHTSA lists 14 recalls for the 2018 Wrangler. The most serious involve Seat Belts (19V680000) and Structure (18V675000). Ask the seller for proof each recall was completed.
What are the most common complaints about the 2018 Wrangler?
The top complaint areas are Steering (1115 complaints) and Suspension (342 complaints), out of 1820 total complaints.
What should I check before buying a used 2018 Wrangler?
Run through the full inspection checklist below, verify any open recalls were completed, and get an independent pre-purchase inspection. Pay special attention to Steering, which drew 1115 complaints for this model-year.