ABS module failure. Been waiting almost a year now for one, but apparently it’s not a priority to Chrysler and their engineers. It’s going to cause an accident one day and when it does, Chrysler is going to be writing a fat check to your truly.
2018 Jeep Wrangler brakes problems
severe 24 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $450 · see brakes across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
24
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$450
3crashes
1fire
1injury
The failure pattern owners describe
Buyer takeaway: The 2018 Wrangler has a genuine brake system problem cluster: calipers seizing/dragging, ABS module failures with parts on backorder nationally, soft brake pedals requiring hard pump, and at least two complete brake failures in traffic. Get a full brake system inspection before buying; check for any pending recalls and verify part availability if repair is needed.
2018 Wrangler owners report recurring brake system failures across multiple components. Front brake calipers seize and drag on rotors as early as 79,000 miles—or even at 243 miles—causing smoke, burning smell, and vehicle pull. One owner discovered a caliper protruding through the rim; another found internal rust had collapsed brake lines, preventing fluid delivery. Rear calipers seize around 47,000 miles.
ABS module failures occur between 35,000 and 121,000 miles, disabling the vehicle and leaving owners waiting months or over a year for backorder replacement parts. Multiple dealers report the part is unavailable nationally. Owners also report brake pedals sitting halfway to the floor, requiring multiple pumps to stop safely—one dealer acknowledged Jeep is aware of this but cannot supply parts due to production allocation.
Two owners describe complete brake failure under hard braking: one rear-ended another vehicle after brakes failed at 2,000 miles (vacuum booster); another couldn't stop coming off an interstate, resulting in an accident. A brake caliper was installed upside down at the factory, preventing proper system bleeding. One parking brake failed completely. Dealers either cannot replicate problems, cannot repair due to parts backorder, or declare the vehicle is "fine" despite owner and independent mechanic confirmation of faults.
Same Jeep Wrangler brakes reports on nearby years: 2015 · 2016 · 2017 · 2021
Failure modes owners describe
Front brake caliper seizure and drag
Front brake calipers seizing, sticking, or dragging on the rotor, causing the vehicle to pull, emit smoke and burning odor, or lose braking power. In one case, a caliper protruded through the rim; in another, internal rust in brake lines collapsed them, preventing fluid delivery and causing the caliper to burn out.
When: 79,588 to 90,100 miles; also reported early in vehicle life (243 miles)
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle jerks and drifts inadvertently; Brake drag and smoking/burning smell; One front tire felt like it wasn't rotating; Caliper visibly protruding through rim; Overheated front brake rotors
Repairs/costs cited: Brake pads, rotors, calipers replaced; in one case, front brake line replacement also required. One owner reported costs projected over $1,000 for calipers, rotors, and pads. Some owners report unavailable calipers due to backorder.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer replaced components but failure persisted in one case. FCA US LLC verbally acknowledged brake problems with that model per one owner. Dealerships reported parts on backorder nationally.
Rear brake caliper seizure
Rear brake calipers seizing, causing the vehicle to jerk and pull unexpectedly during normal driving.
When: 47,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle jerked and pulled inadvertently at 30 MPH; No warning lights
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer diagnosed rear brake calipers and brake line needed replacement; not repaired by contact
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified and opened a case; awaiting callback
ABS module failure
ABS control module failures causing multiple warning lights, soft brake pedal, loss of vehicle function (no forward motion), and inability to properly stop or control the vehicle. Some owners report waiting over a year for replacement parts that remain backordered nationally.
When: 35,000 to 121,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: ABS and brake warning lights illuminate; Soft or spongy brake pedal requiring excessive pressure; Vehicle slide before coming to stop; Loss of forward motion; Traction control warning light; Check engine light
Repairs/costs cited: ABS module replacement needed; parts backordered at multiple dealerships nationally. One owner reports waiting almost a year for the part.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer referred at least one contact to NHTSA Hotline. Multiple dealers report parts on national backorder.
Brake pedal softness and low travel
Brake pedal sits low (halfway to floor) on initial depression, requiring a quick pump to bring it to responsive level. Independent mechanic confirmed the issue; pinching front hoses temporarily restored normal pedal height.
When: Began 6 months after purchase; ongoing issue
Symptoms owners cite: Brake pedal low or halfway to floor; Requires multiple pumps to achieve safe stop; Unsafe feeling when towing
Repairs/costs cited: Independent mechanic diagnosed problem related to front brake hoses and found temporary fix by pinching them off. Dealer claimed all is OK on at least 6 visits; replacement parts unavailable because needed for new vehicle production.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer acknowledged Jeep is aware of the issue but cannot supply replacement parts due to production needs.
Brake failure under braking
Complete brake failure or loss of braking effectiveness during emergency stop situations, resulting in inability to stop vehicle before impact.
When: Not specified (one accident report on interstate)
Symptoms owners cite: Brakes would not grip or lock; Vehicle did not slow down adequately; Felt like hydroplaning; Three separate braking failures on same trip
Repairs/costs cited: Accident occurred; EDR report completed in one case
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: One case reported Chrysler refused to acknowledge vacuum booster fault despite EDR evidence
Vacuum booster failure
Vacuum booster failed at very low mileage (2,000 miles), resulting in complete loss of braking function during normal suburban driving.
When: 2,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Brakes unresponsive when depressed; Rear-end collision resulted
Repairs/costs cited: EDR report completed documenting the event
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer (Chrysler) refused to acknowledge the vacuum booster fault
Factory assembly defect: inverted brake caliper
Front right brake caliper installed upside down from the factory, placing bleeder screw at bottom instead of top. Prevents complete air purging from hydraulic system, compromising brake service ability and effectiveness.
When: Discovered at 12-11-25 during routine inspection; vehicle has had no prior front brake work
Symptoms owners cite: Incomplete brake bleeding; Reduced braking performance; Uneven pad wear; Brake drag and fade
Repairs/costs cited: Photographs and dealership service records document the inverted caliper; no prior disassembly at authorized dealerships
Parking brake failure
Parking brake lever suddenly lost all resistance and would not hold the vehicle, requiring owner to park in gear to prevent rolling.
When: Not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Parking brake lever has zero resistance; Brake will not hold vehicle
Brake squeaking and overheating at very low mileage
Squeaking noises when brake pedal depressed, accompanied by burning odor and smoke from brakes at 243 miles. Failures recurred several times.
When: 243 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Squeaking noise when brakes applied; Burning odor from brakes; Smoke visible; No warning lights
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer found no failures; vehicle not repaired
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer made aware and did not assist
Synthesized from 24 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
Had brakes trouble with your 2018 Jeep Wrangler?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the brakes problem on the 2018 Jeep Wrangler?
It's a meaningful issue. 24 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $450.
At what mileage does the brakes typically fail?
Across the 11 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most brakes failures cluster between 35,000 and 88,000 miles, with the median around 69,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 35,000; a quarter make it past 88,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $450 for brakes repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to brakes?
No active recalls currently cover brakes issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2018/Jeep/Wrangler.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.