WRANGLER JK

Jeep Wrangler JK — MPG, VIN Decoder, Recalls, Reliability & Specs

Everything on the Jeep Wrangler JK — 0 recalls, common problems, the best & worst years, full specs, MPG and NHTSA safety, by model year.

Data · NHTSA & EPA · 2018–2018 · 1 model years · Updated Jul 26, 2026 · Not yet rated
Quick answer

The Jeep Wrangler JK spans 2018–2018 with 0 recorded NHTSA recalls. It delivers up to 23 mpg combined and NHTSA-rated safety.

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2018–2018
Years
0
Recalls
23
Top MPG
—★
NHTSA
0
Complaints
Not yet rated
ForCar Reliability Score
Too new — not enough data yet

We're still compiling NHTSA safety, recall and owner-complaint data for the Jeep Wrangler JK — its ForCar Reliability Score will appear once that data is in.

Overview

The Jeep Wrangler JK is one of the most popular vehicles in its class, produced from 2018 to 2018 across multiple generations.

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How to read a Jeep Wrangler JK VIN — every digit explained

Every Jeep Wrangler JK carries a unique 17-character VIN stamped at the factory. Each position is a code — together they spell out where, when and how your car was built. Here's exactly what every digit means.

FIG.02·How to Read a Jeep Wrangler JK VIN
1–3 · WMI1XX
4–8 · VDSCM826
9 · Check5
10 · YearR
11 · PlantA
12–17 · Serial004352
  • WMI (1–3) — country & manufacturer. Tells you it's a Jeep and the country it was built in.
  • VDS (4–8) — model, body style, engine, trim & restraints. The 8th digit is the engine code.
  • Check digit (9) — a math check that proves the VIN is genuine.
  • Model year (10) — the year it was built (e.g. R = 2024, S = 2025).
  • Plant (11) — which factory assembled this Wrangler JK.
  • Serial (12–17) — the unique sequential production number.
17 CHARS·SOURCE SAE / ISO 3779 · NHTSA vPIC

Digits 4–17 — the engine code (8th), model-year letter (10th) and plant — follow the universal SAE standard, identical on every car. For the full year-code table (2001–2026), country codes and where the VIN is stamped on your Wrangler JK, see the complete guide to reading a VIN.

How many recalls does the Jeep Wrangler JK have?

The Jeep Wrangler JK has 0 recorded NHTSA recalls across 2018–2018. Pick a year below to see its recalls — then verify open recalls against your specific VIN.

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Best and worst years for the Jeep Wrangler JK

We're still compiling NHTSA owner-complaint history for the Jeep Wrangler JK — best- and worst-year trends will appear here once that data is in.

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What are the most common Jeep Wrangler JK problems?

We're still compiling NHTSA owner-complaint data for the Jeep Wrangler JK — the most-reported problems will appear here once that data is in.

Source: NHTSA owner complaints, all model years. Bar = share of total complaints. Full reports searchable on NHTSA.gov.

Jeep Wrangler JK specifications & dimensions

The 2018 Jeep Wrangler JK measures 153″ long on a 95″ wheelbase, with a curb weight near 4,129 lb. Full dimensions below — engine, horsepower and trim decode from your VIN. For the original factory build — MSRP, trim and standard equipment — rebuild the Jeep Wrangler JK window sticker.

FIG.04·Jeep Wrangler JK Dimensions by Generation
YearsLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseCurb weight
2018153″74″72″95″4,129 lb
ROWS 1·SOURCE NHTSA vPIC / Transport Canada

Source: NHTSA vPIC / Transport Canada vehicle specifications. Metric values converted to imperial; generation ranges approximate.

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Jeep Wrangler JK cargo space, seating & interior room

How much the Wrangler JK holds — passengers and cargo. Seating, cargo and interior dimensions vary by trim and seat configuration — decode your VIN for the exact build.

Exact seating capacity, third-row availability, legroom and headroom decode from your VIN or vary by trim — the original factory equipment & options list shows what each trim included.

Passenger & cargo volume from EPA fueleconomy.gov (largest configuration). Seats, legroom and headroom from NHTSA vPIC on VIN decode.

Jeep Wrangler JK tire size, oil type & owner specs

The fitment owners look up most — tires, wheels, oil and batteries. Exact wheel and tire sizes decode from your VIN or the driver's door-jamb placard; the universal items are listed below.

Wheels & tires
Wheel sizeby VIN
Tire sizeby VIN
Bolt patternby trim
Tire pressure32–36 PSI
Engine oil
Oil typeFull synthetic
Gradeon oil cap
Capacityby engine
Battery
Main battery12V · group by trim
Key-fob cellCR2032
Wiper blades
Front bladesby generation
Rear bladeif equipped
Fuses
Fuse boxeshood + dash
Diagramon box lid
Light bulbs
Headlightby trim
Tail / brakeby trim
Fogif equipped

Exact tire, wheel, oil grade, capacity and battery group are added per trim and model year — decode your VIN above for the factory fitment. Universal items shown as-is.

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What MPG does the Jeep Wrangler JK get?

The Jeep Wrangler JK returns up to 23 combined MPG (EPA), which works out to roughly $2,700/yr in fuel. Pick an engine to see MPG, annual running cost and CO₂ by year:

The 2018 Jeep Wrangler JK (3.2L 6-cyl) gets 23 mpg combined and costs about $3,100/yr to fuel, emitting 388 g/mi CO₂ (GHG 5/10, smog 3/10) — about $4,500 more than the average new vehicle over 5 years.

FIG.05a·Jeep Wrangler JK MPG, CO₂ & smog — V6
YearCityHwyCombFuel/yrCO₂ g/miSmogEngine
2018 Wrangler JK202723$3,1003883/103.2L 6-cyl
ROWS 1·SOURCE EPA (ForCar database)

The 2018 Jeep Wrangler JK (2.4L 4-cyl) gets 23 mpg combined and costs about $2,700/yr to fuel, emitting 378 g/mi CO₂ (GHG 5/10, smog 3/10) — about $2,500 more than the average new vehicle over 5 years.

FIG.05b·Jeep Wrangler JK MPG, CO₂ & smog — 4-cyl
YearCityHwyCombFuel/yrCO₂ g/miSmogEngine
2018 Wrangler JK212823$2,7003783/102.4L 4-cyl
ROWS 1·SOURCE EPA (ForCar database)

Source: EPA fuel-economy database (ForCar-hosted, 1986–2027) — best combined rating per engine & year, with EPA annual fuel cost and tailpipe CO₂. Trim & drivetrain vary slightly; decode your VIN for the exact figure.

See how the Wrangler JK stacks up against the most fuel-efficient SUVs, or calculate this Wrangler JK's real yearly fuel cost.

What engines does the Jeep Wrangler JK have? Power & range

The Jeep Wrangler JK is offered with 2 powertrains — 3.2L 6-cyl, 2.4L 4-cyl. Here's the lineup by engine, transmission and drivetrain.

FIG.06·Jeep Wrangler JK Powertrains
EngineDisplacementTransmissionDriveFuel
V63.2L · 6-cylAutomatic 9-spdAWDMidgrade
4-cyl2.4L · 4-cylAutomatic 9-spdAWDRegular
ROWS 2·SOURCE EPA + NHTSA vPIC

Horsepower, torque and fuel-tank size decode from your VIN — exact figures vary by engine and trim.

Source: EPA fueleconomy.gov (engines, drivetrain, range, charge time). Horsepower & torque from NHTSA vPIC on VIN decode.

Can a Jeep Wrangler JK tow? Towing & payload

As an SUV, the Jeep Wrangler JK is built to tow and haul. The exact maximum towing capacity and payload depend on the engine, drivetrain and whether it has the factory tow package, on a curb weight near 4,129 lb.

What sets your Wrangler JK's tow & payload rating:

  • Engine — a larger or turbocharged engine tows more than the base unit.
  • Drivetrain & axle — 4WD/AWD and the axle ratio shift the rating.
  • Tow package — the factory towing package (hitch, wiring, transmission cooler) raises the max.
  • Payload & GVWR — GVWR caps the combined load; more passengers and cargo lower how much you can tow.

Exact towing capacity, payload and GVWR are added per engine, drivetrain and trim — decode your VIN above, or check the driver's door-jamb and hitch labels. Curb weight from vehicle specifications.

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How much does a Jeep Wrangler JK cost to own?

A used Jeep Wrangler JK sells for a median of about $19,300 for a 2018 — most listed between $14,999 and $21,998, from 104 real US listings we track. That real market price is what depreciation eats into, so it's the true anchor of the cost to own:

FIG.07·Jeep Wrangler JK Used Prices by Year
YearTypical priceMarket rangeListings
2018 Wrangler JK$19,300$14,999–$21,99880
2017 Wrangler JK$17,500$17,500–$28,5004
2014 Wrangler JK$17,500$12,000–$19,8004
2011 Wrangler JK$10,500$10,000–$13,2004
2010 Wrangler JK$5,000$5,000–$8,9504
2007 Wrangler JK$7,975$5,000–$10,0008
ROWS 6·SOURCE ForCar market · real US listings

For every model year mileage-adjusted, trade-in vs private-party vs dealer pricing and a good-deal check, see what a Wrangler JK is worth today, or browse used-market prices for SUVs.

A Jeep Wrangler JK holds its value well. A typical example keeps roughly 56% of its value after five years — losing about 44% to depreciation. Fuel, maintenance and insurance add to the total cost to own.

84%
Value @ 1 yr
68%
Value @ 3 yrs
56%
Value @ 5 yrs
$13,500
Est. 5-yr fuel
FIG.08·Jeep Wrangler JK Depreciation & Resale
$
AgeValue retainedEst. resale valueLost to depreciation
Year 184%$25,200−$4,800
Year 276%$22,800−$7,200
Year 368%$20,400−$9,600
Year 461%$18,300−$11,700
Year 556%$16,800−$13,200
ROWS 5·SOURCE ForCar estimate

What goes into the five-year cost to own:

  • Depreciation — the biggest cost: this Wrangler JK loses about 44% of its value over five years. See the full depreciation curve by age.
  • Fuel — ≈ $13,500 over five years at roughly 15,000 miles a year.
  • Maintenance & repairs — routine service, tires and wear items as the Wrangler JK ages.
  • Insurance — varies by driver, state and trim; get a quote for your exact figure.

Resale & depreciation are ForCar estimates from typical segment value-retention curves — not a live market quote. Fuel from EPA fueleconomy.gov at ~15k mi/yr.

How much is a Jeep Wrangler JK to insure?

A Jeep Wrangler JK costs about $1,352 a year to insure for a typical driver on full coverage — roughly 6% below the average car. That's from its real HLDI insurance-loss index (94, where 100 = average car); your own rate moves with state, age, record and coverage.

FIG.09·Jeep Wrangler JK Insurance Cost
$1,352/yr
estimate · typical driver · full coverage · US average
$1,352
Est. / year
-6%
vs average car
$1,149–1,555
Typical range
94
HLDI loss index
CheaperAveragePricier
Where the money goes · full coverage
Liability (BI + PD)$649
Collision$379
Comprehensive$162
Other (UM / PIP)$162
LOSS INDEX 94·UNIT est. $/yr·SOURCE HLDI × NAIC
★ This is a typical-driver estimate. Go Pro to dial in your coverage, age & deductible — and see this car inside the full 5-year cost-to-own.Upgrade to Pro →

Estimate = US-average premium × the Wrangler JK's HLDI loss index. See Jeep insurance cost by model, cost by state, or compare any car.

Is the Jeep Wrangler JK safe?

NHTSA crash-test ratings aren't published for the Wrangler JK yet — see the top-rated safest cars instead.

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How many miles does a Jeep Wrangler JK last?

A well-maintained Jeep Wrangler JK typically lasts 250,000–300,000+ miles. It's exceptionally durable — with routine maintenance many owners report 250k+ on the original powertrain.

WRANGLER JK

Check your Jeep Wrangler JK’s VIN — history, recalls & specs

Title records, open recalls, build details and paint code — straight from the VIN. Free.

Check this Wrangler JK’s VIN free →

All Jeep Wrangler JK model years

A year-by-year snapshot of the Jeep Wrangler JK — recalls, best EPA fuel economy and NHTSA safety. Tap a year for full details.

FIG.11·All Jeep Wrangler JK Model Years
YearRecallsBest MPGSafety
2018 Wrangler JK023 mpg
ROWS 1·SOURCE NHTSA + EPA

Recalls = NHTSA campaigns that year · MPG = best EPA combined · Safety = NHTSA overall stars (tested years).

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Frequently asked questions

What are the worst years for the Wrangler JK?

We're still compiling NHTSA owner-complaint history for the Jeep Wrangler JK.

How many recalls does the Wrangler JK have?

0 recorded NHTSA recalls across 2018–2018. Always check open recalls by your VIN. See all Jeep recalls and reliability across every model.

What MPG does the Wrangler JK get?

Up to 23 combined MPG (EPA), depending on engine — from the base 4-cylinder to the hybrid.

How many miles does a Wrangler JK last?

A well-maintained Wrangler JK typically reaches 200,000–300,000 miles with regular maintenance.

Is the Wrangler JK reliable?

We're still compiling NHTSA data for the Jeep Wrangler JK — its ForCar Reliability Score will appear once that data is in.

What's the Jeep Wrangler JK warranty?

New Jeep models carry a 3 years / 36,000 miles basic (bumper-to-bumper) warranty and a 5 years / 60,000 miles powertrain warranty. Coverage can vary by model year and market — confirm with a Jeep dealer.

Where is the Jeep Wrangler JK made?

The assembly plant is encoded in the VIN — the 11th character. Decode your Wrangler JK's VIN above to see exactly where it was built; Jeep may build it at more than one plant depending on the year.

How much does a Wrangler JK weigh?

The Wrangler JK's curb weight is around 4,129 lb. Its GVWR — the maximum loaded weight — decodes from the VIN.

How much ground clearance does the Wrangler JK have?

Ground clearance varies by trim and drivetrain — AWD/4WD versions often sit higher. Decode your VIN or check the specific trim for the exact figure.

Data sourced from NHTSA (recalls, complaints, safety ratings) and EPA fueleconomy.gov (MPG). Best/worst-year analysis is ForCar's own aggregation of complaint volume. Last updated Jul 2026. — ForCar Editorial Reviewed by , founder of ForCar.
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