Jeep›Wrangler›2018›3.6L/jeep/wrangler/2018/3-6l/

JK platform

2018 Jeep Wrangler — 3.6L

Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 2018 Wrangler 3.6L. Covers both the standard and High Output 3.6L.

Body SUVEngine 3.6LTransmission Automatic 8-spd

The 2018 Jeep Wrangler is an SUV built on the JK platform, powered by a 3.6L engine paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and rated at 18/23/20 mpg city/highway/combined. With 1,793 owner complaints—the highest in the Wrangler’s 1990–2023 history—and 14 recalls, steering issues dominate its reliability record, marking this model year as the most complaint-prone entry in the nameplate’s modern lineage.

Model year2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012

Quick specs

Fluid capacities, tune-up values and fuel economy at a glance.

Lug nut torque100 ft-lbsOEM · verified

EPA fuel economy18/23/20 mpgEPA · verified

Fitment & sizes

Replacement part sizes and factory part numbers — battery, bulbs, filters and belts.

From the factory this vehicle uses OE oil filter 68191349AC. Each part links to every other vehicle that shares it, so a part you already stock may fit more of your fleet than you'd expect.

OE service part numbers OEM · verified

Engine oil filter	68191349AC
Engine air filter	68257791AB
Spark plug	SP149125AF
Battery	BBH6F001AA alt BBH7A001AA
Front wiper blades	68002390AA
Thermostat	05184894AA alt 05184651AI
Cabin air filter	68535613AA

Full specifications

Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.

Engine & drivetrain NHTSA vPIC

Transmission

Automatic 8-spd

Dimensions & weight NHTSA vPIC

Overall length	152.8 in
Overall width	73.6 in
Overall height	72.4 in
Wheelbase	95.3 in
Curb weight	4129 lb
Track (front / rear)	62.6 / 62.6 in
Weight distribution (front / rear)	50/50

Ratings & economy EPA / vPIC

EPA city / highway / combined	18 / 23 / 20 mpg
Drivetrain	4-Wheel Drive
Recommended fuel	Regular Gasoline

Performance & power Independent road tests

0–60 mph, quarter-mile, horsepower and torque from independent road tests.

Independent published road-test results.

6.1–8.3 sec0–60 mph (tested)quickest 6.10 sec — 2018 Sport 2-door

270–285 hpHorsepower (as tested)

260–295 lb-ftTorque (as tested)

Year	Trim / engine	0–60	¼ mile	HP	Drivetrain
2018	Sport 2-door 3.6L V6	6.10 sec	14.90 sec	285 hp	4x4
2018	Unlimited Sahara 4-door 3.6L V6	6.80 sec	15.20 sec	270 hp	4x4
2018	Unlimited Sahara 4-door 3.6L V6	6.90 sec	15.30 sec	270 hp	4x4
2018	Rubicon 2-door 3.6L V6	7.40 sec	15.80 sec	285 hp	4x4
2018	Unlimited Rubicon 4-door 3.6L V6	7.50 sec	15.90 sec	285 hp	4x4
2018	Unlimited Rubicon 4-door 3.6L V6	7.50 sec	15.90 sec	285 hp	4x4
2018	Unlimited Rubicon 4-door 3.6L V6	8.30 sec	16.30 sec	285 hp	4x4
2016	75th Anniversary Edition 2-door 3.6L V6	7.50 sec	15.90 sec	285 hp	4x4

Service quick specs OEM factory data

Capacities, torques and tune-up values from the factory service manual.

Torque lug nuts to 100 ft-lbs. The firing order is 1-2-3-4-5-6. Note the cylinder-head bolts finish on a torque angle (torque-to-yield) — they stretch permanently and should be replaced, not reused, during any head service.

Engine torques

Crankshaft Position (CKP) Sensor Bolt(s)	9.0 ft-lbs
Camshaft Position (CMP) Sensor Bolt(s)	6.6 ft-lbs
Camshaft Bearing/Carrier Cap Bolts or Studs	84.0 inch lbs. ft-lbs
Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) Sensor Bolt(s)	22.0 ft-lbs
Oxygen (O2S) Sensor Bolt(s)	38.0 ft-lbs
Knock Sense (KS) Bolt(s)	16.0 ft-lbs
Engine Flywheel Bolts	70.0 ft-lbs
Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts	17 ft-lbs

Chassis torques

Lug Nuts

100 ft-lbs

Ignition

Cylinder Firing Order	1-2-3-4-5-6
Spark Plug Manufacturer	Jeep
Spark Plug Gap	.043 in
Spark Plug Torque	14 ft-lbs

Battery & A/C

Oil Group	PAG
Oil Type	Visteon RS-18, with R-1234yf: ND-12
Oil Capacity	5.00 oz

Service checks

Fuel Pump Pressure Minimum	56.0 psi
Fuel Pump Pressure Maximum	60.0 psi
Regulated Fuel System Pressure (With Vacuum)	56.0-60.0 psi

Multi-step torque procedures OEM · verified

Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 2 stages

1	15.0 ft. lbs.	15 ft. lbs
2	90.0

Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages

30.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: 105

30 ft. lbs

Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 1 stages

22.0 ft. lbs. Step 2: 33.0 ft. lbs. Step 3: 75 degrees CAUTION: Do not use a torque wrench for this step. Step 4: 50 degrees CAUTION: Do not use a torque wrench for this step. Step 5: Loosen bolts in reverse sequence Step 6: 22.0 ft. lbs. Step 7: 33.0 ft. lbs. Step 8: 70 degrees CAUTION: Do not use a torque wrench for this step. Step 9: 70 degrees CAUTION: Do not use a torque wrench for this step. Bolts should be checked for stretching using a straight edge. Ay bolts that show stretching should be replaced.

22 ft. lbs

Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 9 stages

1	22 ft. lbs.	22 ft. lbs
2	33 ft. lbs.	33 ft. lbs
3	33 ft. lbs.	33 ft. lbs
4	Turn 125 degrees do not use torque wrench.	125 degrees
5	Loosen all fasteners in reverse order.
6	22 ft. lbs.	22 ft. lbs
7	33 ft. lbs.	33 ft. lbs
8	33 ft. lbs.	33 ft. lbs
9	Turn 130 degrees do not use torque wrench.	130 degrees

Main Bearings — tightening sequence 2 stages

Prep M11 Inner bolts

1	15.0 ft. lbs.	15 ft. lbs
2	90 degrees; M8 Outer bolts	90 degrees
1	16.0 ft. lbs.	16 ft. lbs
2	90.0 degrees; M8 Side bolts	90 degrees
1	22.0 ft. lbs.	22 ft. lbs

Factory maintenance schedule OEM · verified

Normal service, condensed from the factory interval matrix.

Under the factory schedule, replace the engine oil and filter every 10,000 mi; spark plugs every 100,000 mi; coolant every 10,000 mi. The big-interval services (every 10,000 mi for coolant, and the transmission fluid) are the ones owners most often skip — on a lower-mileage example, assume the original fluids are still in it and check them first.

Every 10,000 mi	Battery (inspect) · Body Latches, Locks & Hinges (inspect) · Brake System (inspect) · Engine Coolant System (inspect fluid level) · Engine Coolant System Hoses (inspect) · Engine Oil (drain & refill)
Every 20,000 mi	Brake Linings (inspect) · CV Joint Boot (inspect) · Cabin Air Filter (replace) · Differential (inspect fluid level) · Parking Brake System (adjust) · Suspension System (inspect)
Every 30,000 mi	Engine Air Filter Element (replace) · Transfer Case Assembly (inspect fluid level)
Every 100,000 mi	PCV Valve (inspect) · Spark Plugs (replace)
At 120,000 mi	Transmission Fluid & Filter (replace)
At 150,000 mi	Engine Coolant System (drain, flush & refill)

Owner how-tos

Condensed service procedures for routine maintenance. Procedures that require dealer diagnostic equipment are identified and summarized only.

Common procedures

Key fob — remote (RKE) programming programming new fob buttons Dealer tool OEM · verified

Tool required	DRBIII scan tool (dealer / locksmith)
Why	Transmitter codes are written into the receiver in the passenger door module

Anti-theft (SKIS) — module initialization after immobilizer module replacement Dealer tool OEM · verified

When needed	After Sentry Key Immobilizer Module (SKIM) replacement
Tool required	DRBIII scan tool
Also required	The vehicle's four-digit PIN code

Reliability & federal safety record

Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.

The 2018 Jeep Wrangler recorded 1,793 complaints, 14 recalls, 5 investigations, and 702 TSBs—numbers that dwarf those of 2017 (304 complaints, 5 recalls) and set a new high for the JL generation. The spike is driven largely by steering‑related issues (670 complaints), followed by steering/suspension (174), electrical system (104), and power‑train (99) concerns, while crash and fire complaints total 22 and 25, respectively. After 2018, complaint counts fell to 721 in 2019, 593 in 2020, and 371 in 2022, indicating that the early‑model‑year surge tapered, yet recall activity remained elevated (9–15 per year) through the generation. The high number of TSBs (702 in 2018, rising to 822 in 2019, 1,005 in 2020, and 1,027 in 2021) reflects many service bulletins addressing a broad range of issues. Given the peak complaint and recall levels, the 2018 model sits at the most problematic point of the generation, suggesting a prospective buyer should negotiate a thorough pre‑purchase inspection and factor potential repair costs into the decision.

Open recalls

NHTSA campaigns

702

Service bulletins

Manufacturer communications

ODI investigations

Office of Defects Investigation

1,793

Owner complaints

22 involved a crash · 25 a fire

NHTSA crash-test rating federal NCAP · out of 5 stars

Rollover★★★★★

Owner complaints by model year NHTSA · this generation & adjacent

’90 ’91 ’92 ’93 ’94 ’95 ’96 ’97 ’98 ’99 ’00 ’01 ’02 ’03 ’04 ’05 ’06 ’07 ’08 ’09 ’10 ’11 ’12 ’13 ’14 ’15 ’16 ’17’18’19 ’20 ’21 ’22 ’23

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component

All 1,793 complaints on record, top 8 components.

Steering670

Steering,Suspension174

Electrical System104

Power Train99

Unknown Or Other93

Structure54

Suspension53

Engine39

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.

Recalls NHTSA · verified

Showing 2 of 14 campaigns on record for this vehicle.

19V680000Seat Belts:Front:AnchorageReported 26/09/2019

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2011-2018 Jeep Wrangler right hand drive vehicles. The driver's seat belt buckle mounting strap may fracture and separate from the seat frame. Remedy: FCA US will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's seat belt buckle, free of charge. Interim notices informing owners of the safety risk were mailed November 19…

18V675000Structure:Frame And MembersReported 28/09/2018

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. The front track bar brackets may be improperly welded, which can cause the bracket to separate from the frame, reducing steering capability. Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and repair the track bar bracket welds, as necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin November 17, 2018…

Technical service bulletins NHTSA · verified

Showing 5 of 702 bulletins on record with NHTSA.

Bulletin	Date	Component	Summary
112863	2026-06-23	Electrical System	MOTOR - BLOWER WITH WHEEL
112862	2026-06-23	Electrical System	MOTOR - BLOWER WITH WHEEL
112842	2026-06-18	Engine	BOLT - HEX FLANGE HEAD
9100835	2026-06-08	Electrical System	Prior to replacing an inoperative passive entry door handle, perform Star Online…
S2623000040	2026-06-05	Electrical System	Passive Entry Exterior Door Handle Inoperative When Touched To Lock And Or Unlock.

Common OBD-II trouble codes

The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.

P0420

Catalyst system efficiency below threshold — Bank 1

P0300

Random / multiple cylinder misfire detected

P0171

System too lean — Bank 1

P0455

Evaporative emission system leak detected — large leak

P0128

Coolant thermostat below regulating temperature

P0442

Evaporative emission system leak detected — small leak

VIN tools

Decode factory build data for a specific vehicle by VIN.

VIN

Decode a VIN to confirm the transmission and build data for a specific Wrangler. OEM

Build data

Plant, GVWR class, engine and body data for any 17-character VIN.

Recalls

Check open recall campaigns against a specific vehicle by VIN.

Vehicles with shared specs

Find every vehicle that shares this one's battery, bulbs, oil capacity, platform or parts.

JK-platform vehicles Engine oil filter 68191349AC Engine air filter 68257791AB Spark plug SP149125AF Battery BBH6F001AA

Reference guides

Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.

Vehicle recalls & TSBs OBD-II trouble codes Torque specifications Maintenance schedules Fluid capacities & specs

Frequently asked

Does the 2018 Wrangler have open recalls?

NHTSA lists 14 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.

What gas mileage does the 3.6L get?

EPA figures are 18 city / 23 highway / 20 combined mpg.