Recall 18V343 affects 539 2018 Jeep Wrangler vehicles for an intermediate steering shaft weld defect. Repair is free at any franchised Jeep dealer.
Jeep is recalling 539 2018 Wrangler vehicles because the intermediate steering shaft was not properly welded, leaving a split where the external spline is formed. If the weld splits, the steering wheel can lose center positioning, reduce steering response, and raise crash risk; Jeep dealers will complete the repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The steering intermediate shaft on the 2018 Jeep Wrangler is the metal link between the steering column and the steering gear. It carries the turning force from the steering wheel down to the steering system, so the front wheels respond when you turn. The external spline is the ridged end of that shaft, where the part locks into the next steering component.
In NHTSA campaign 18V343, the recalled Wranglers have a shaft made with an incomplete long seam weld. The supplier used incorrect repair parts on high frequency welding equipment, and the tube was not fully joined along the seam. That weak weld can allow a split to form at the external spline, reducing the shaft's ability to carry steering torque during a sharp maneuver.
There is no warning sign before failure. The filing does not describe a noise, light, looseness, or other symptom an owner can rely on before the shaft fails.
Who's affected?
| 2018 Jeep Wrangler | steering system |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 539 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
Not every 2018 Jeep Wrangler is on the list. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific SUV is included.
What's the safety risk?
If the intermediate steering shaft weld splits, the steering wheel can lose center positioning. That reduces steering responsiveness and increases the risk of a crash. There is no warning sign before failure, so schedule the inspection and repair promptly. Repair is free at any franchised Jeep dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2018 Jeep Wrangler is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Jeep dealer to schedule the free steering inspection and intermediate steering shaft replacement that fixes the improperly welded shaft linked to reduced steering response.
- Bring the recall notice if Jeep mailed one. If not, reference recall number 18V343 when you call.
- Drive cautiously until the inspection and repair are complete, and avoid unnecessary trips if the steering wheel feels off-center or steering response changes.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Jeep technician inspects the intermediate steering shaft and replaces it if the weld or shaft condition calls for replacement. The recall repair is available now, and parts and labor are free under the recall. If you've already paid out of pocket for a related steering shaft repair, the owner letter asks customers to send the original receipt or other adequate proof of payment so the expense can be confirmed under the reimbursement process.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| May 25, 2018 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| June 21, 2018 | Owner notification mailed |
| July 14, 2018 | Dealer notification began |
| July 14, 2018 | Dealer notification ended |
| July 14, 2018 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| July 14, 2018 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 18V343?
Recall 18V343 covers 539 2018 Jeep Wrangler vehicles with an intermediate steering shaft weld defect. If the weld splits, the steering wheel can lose center positioning, steering response can drop, and crash risk increases. Jeep dealers will inspect the shaft and replace it if needed for free.
What should I do if my 2018 Jeep Wrangler is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Wrangler is included in recall 18V343. If it is, contact a franchised Jeep dealer to schedule the steering shaft inspection. Reference recall number 18V343 or Jeep recall U48 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. For recall 18V343, a franchised Jeep dealer will inspect the intermediate steering shaft and replace it if needed, with parts and labor covered.
What is the safety risk in recall 18V343?
The safety risk is reduced steering response if the intermediate steering shaft weld splits. The steering wheel can lose center positioning, which increases crash risk. Confirm your VIN, then have a Jeep dealer complete the free inspection and repair path.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/18V343000 |
|---|---|
| Jeep customer service | 1-800-853-1403 |
| NHTSA recall # | 18V343 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 18V343000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 25, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →