Nine Things I HATE About Our 2018 Jeep Wrangler JLU 

The complexity of designing a new car with this many system is going to have bugs. I'm sure many people know the absolute mind boggling amount of code it takes. Like or not new cars are becoming more and more computerized. This is the reason we get more hp out of a v6 today then we did 2 v8s from the 80s and get better mileage and reliability. That said it sucks cause I like to tinker and these manufacturers are doing everything they can to make you bring it to them for repairs. My dad has a 2016 grand Cherokee overland, the damn thing has 15 computers, no way he or myself are touching that. Looks like the jl is going in the same direction, but they have to so they can compete. Guess the whole argument just reminds me of the fight against fuel injection. Its here to stay just gonna have to get used to it.. But that is some surprising cheap materials for the price range, and hopefully they will have a few of the bugs and oversights fixed soon. Can't believe you can drive off without the key. No one thought to put a proximity sensor on a refresh rate.

Most of my JK issues were fixed by adding a super loud stereo.

" a pregnant bug" LMAO ..idk why i laughed so hard at that!

Guy buys Jeep, doesn’t realize its a Jeep

One of the few honest reviews of this vehicle.

How long will those little foam pieces last? Just long enough to get the vehicle past it’s warranty period.

I bought my '12 JK brand new, trading in my '98 TJ. I still really like it. It's my 5th Wrangler, in a row. But I won't be buying another new Jeep. They are not aiming the new ones to their previous customer base. They have become overpriced, tech heavy, complicated vehicles, that are designed to be brought to the dealership for service. Am I the only person who thinks the new pickup is going to be a quick ending fad? Ford Explorer Sport Trac, Subaru Baja, Hummer HT(?) , people that bought these soon realized that they either needed a real pickup bed, or they didn't need a pickup at all.

For someone with so many issues with his new car, he is amazingly calm.

Thanks for the informative review of the JL. When it was introduced, I was tempted to order the Rubicon in exchange for my JK Sahara I got new in 2011. Now I’m happy I didn’t. I’ll keep building my JK and ride off into the sunset with a more capable vehicle than any new JL off the floor. Thanks again for your great Jeep videos, I’ve learned a lot from you. Happy New Year 2019.

This is why you don’t buy brand new models the first few years of production.

The JK and JL just make me love my TJ more! Lol

Very good job and thank you for sharing!

Great video, thanks! Agree with ALL points and hate that I can't lower the seat more. I'm 6'2" and its very close to being undrivable for me. That said, I love my 2018 JLU Rubicon. It's a huge upgrade from my JK and my previous TJ but for 50k it better be.

Too much Bleep in this Jeep for me.

Awesome video and great points!!! I’ keep going back and forth on whether or not to get a JL. They’re just so expensive!!!

I bought a brand new CJ-7 Wrangler Hardtop in 1977, it had a 258 ci AMC 6 cylinder motor. It was built like a Tank and never had a single problem, both rugged, very simple and quite comfortable. Never leaked and never got stuck. I looked at the new ones but bought a 2018 Toyota Highlander limited instead.

Really, REALLY informative! Thanks, man! And the stuff that sppoks me is everything from #3 and up!

I think we’re losing perspective here. On one hand, every time a new generation of the Wrangler is coming out, we ask Jeep to keep the solid axles, removable tops, removable doors. We also ask it to keep the Wrangler tough and rugged. When we’re off roading, we want the Wrangler to tackle the most difficult trails. But when we’re driving home, we want it to drive and behave like a soft SUV.

I agree with you! Well done.

very informative thank you for taking the time to share with the public i was looking at purchasing a jeep wrangler down the road!

I had just test driven the vehicle and had seen all those flaws but didn't really notice them until I watched your video!! It definitely changed my mind about purchasing it! I live in the south with heat and lots of rain which apparently are the worst conditions for the fan and the roof!!

JL Rubicon owner here. Sure this guy is right about these points but they shouldn’t be a deal changer. Trust me the card amazing and I’m loving life with my JL.

Enjoyed the video, your presentation was quite funny. Reminded me somewhat of Red Green (remember him?) The key fob issue is common on just about every car that has one. That very thing happened to me (2014 Ford Escape) when I took my wife to the airport and she had the fob in her purse. Luckily I was able to get her attention in the terminal before she went into the security area. That would have been one costly mistake. I had a brand new 1983 Jeep Laredo back in the day when AMC made them, OMG, what a piece of crap. If RU-vid was available back then, I could have made a two hour video on what was wrong with it, and a two minute one on what was right. Anyway, thanks again for taking the time to make the video.

This video makes me appreciate my 2009 JK, I can service and do many things myself, then take it to a mechanic, I admit the TJ is better, but you really made me love my JK and, I will keep my jeep for a long time, and keep the stock radio in it too.

LOVE this video, very informative! You sound like Mr. Rogers, and that's a great thing!

You have a place to put the key in it’s between the cup holders!!! Man I think you guys won’t like a wrangler at all it’s not the car for you The only thing I agree with is the steering wheel thing!!

That steering issue on the highway is a deal breaker for me

Loved this because I trust your reviews!

Great unbiased report from a real owner.

- Many of the issues mentioned boil-over from the JK - Cracking winshield - unless you got a 2007 - 2011 windshield, expect cracks on a yearly basis - The seatbelt buckle sticky fabric - This is also found on the JK and is designed to prevent your buckle from scratching the center console. Im glad they include it as a stick on fabric - makes it easier to replace when it wears out (or peels off) imo. - The Tailgate window seal - Same as on the JKs. i work in a wrangler mod shop and you might be surprised, but those seals rarely need to be changed. - Tailgate - like JK's, taking out the panel covering the trunk pocket is the only way around that one on most wranglers since the tailgate started coming out sideways - Rocks in the Fender Flares - JKs have that issue (slightly less so). I guess its the price we pay to have removable fender flares. - Comfortability - you have to look at where the wrangler is coming from. The JL's interior is superior to the JK's, which was superior to the TJ's. Not many vehicles come with dead pedals - the JK and TJ didn't - luckily, thats where the after market comes in To allow the Tires to stick out more, the body needs to stay narrow - obviously this cuts out shoulder space. The JL has a telescopic steering wheel, giving you much more comfort than the JK fixed steering wheel distance. - Play in the steering wheel - Same for all Wranglers - the steering system has a lot of joints in it, and each joint contributes to some play. The play is necessary in order for the jeep to handle larger tires or rough terrain. You can easily tighten the steering box to your liking to reduce the play, but the tighter you go, you might find that its road manners on ruts and uneven roads at higher speeds become jarring, unpredictable, and difficult to manage. (very similar effect to having a steering damper that is too tight).

Dude sounds EXACTLY like Mr. Rogers

Subscribed. You actually give new information. Thank you sir.

Thank you. I am glad you made this video.

This is why I got a well maintained 20 year old Jeep and spent some money and made it mine. None of that computer mess.

The groceries...okay, that was good👍👍😂😂😂. Yeah, the steering would be a thing with me???👍

Thank you, I was thinking to buy one but I not really sure and you video help me to take a decision

OMG I JUST BOUGHT MINE NOW IM COLUMBO LOOKING OVER THESE THINGS THANKS!!!!

Thanks for the video! I'm thinking about upgrading my JK and the complaints you have wouldn't even be significant enough to register after driving a leaky hardtop JK for 5 years, so this video helped me decide. If that's all you've got, it sounds like a winner. Folks should know what they're getting into before they buy a Wrangler, they are definitely not for everyone. It's all about your priorities Thanks again for the video, Im looking forward to more from you!

My ‘97 TJ is keyless start as well. A few will understand. 🤪

The auto stop/start was my most hated feature until I installed a bypass module that remembers if I have it shut off. Now it’s the water that dumps on me when I open the door in the rain.

Good video. You brought up a lot of legitimate issues I havent seen brought up before

For $40,000 I could just make my Jeep xj like brand new

I was looking at the JL's and decided to buy a brand new Holdover 2018 jk instead... best choice i made!

Hello. Awesome video. I rented a 2020 JL Sahara in Toronto. It had a dedicated place to keep the FOB key and gave a dashboard warning as soon as I left the drivers seat with the FOB key in my pocket. So I guess the Jeep guys are prolly looking at your videos and taking notes on what to fix! Well done!!

Really great review. Thanks so much!

BTW, that was a perfect representation with the split screen JL vs. Tundra.

I’m right there with you on the foam, that’s going to be an issue. I wonder if silicone replacements can be cast. Shouldn’t have to do that on a $40k vehicle. It seems the carmakers are in cahoots with the banks, knowing people will finance so they can raise the price.

Very useful review. Thanks

Great video. There is also a video on how to go around the stupid shut off gizmo something about pulling a plug under the hood. I can do that.

Don't own one but looked at a lot of them today. He's absolutely right about the hood latch. I was like wtf!

You bought a FIAT with JEEP emblems. The last good year of the Jeep 2006. I've had my 2005 TJ since 2007 when I test drove the first generation JK and decided I needed to pick up a good used TJ. The TJ has its weaknesses but those have been hammered out. I imagine that by the time 2032 rolls around the aftermarket will have fixed the JL. You just need to wait awhile.

Most of these issues are the same on the JK. The steering is exhausting on long road trips in my 2016 JK and the road noise... . One of the best upgrades for comfort I've made to battle the epic amount of heat the roof gives off in the summer and road noise is a hotheads headliner.

Great video. Thanks for the warnings...

You can disengage the AutoOff mechanism (that shuts off the vehicle at a stop), by removing the plunger switch under the hood, laying it horizontal to the frame and zip tying it off. This will give you an small AutoOff warning light on the dash, but you no longer have to worry about it shutting down the engine. This is easily reversed by simply reinstalling the plunger switch.

LOVE your review! THANK YOU! #6 can be fixed with a cargo net #2 can be fixed with wider tires and rims, I've tried it with my civic

Great observations. Love the video

With the key issue I work at a Jeep dealer and when I drive them I put the key where the cup holders are right where there is a spot for a phone that little spot actually fits the key almost perfectly

i think you need a new Chanel call friggin Fiat.

Great video. I especially love the wife, "I'm done!", at the end when the milk explodes. My old Jeep TJ is looking better all the time...

Great Video. Useful information

Nice review , Thank You

Haha! Loved the milk at the end! Sounds like my wife ;)

I love my TJ more and more every day.

It's crazy how people complain about things on new vehicles when every vehicle that I have ever owned has had these same issues! I've had previous vehicles with worse issues that they shouldn't have had. There are new vehicles on the market from all manufacturers that have issues. I have to constantly remind everyone that these machines are built by humans who aren't perfect. No matter what vehicle you get, some have issues and some don't. BLUF: Drive what you like, like what you drive!

Great review!!

I can relate to all your issues sometimes I want to rent a car that I want to buy to notice all those issues. I think I would rather trade it in. I can't imagine sitting at a light with no ac in az when it's 115 outside

Were any of this issues fixed in the 2019 models?

Okay so for the first couple on you list I felt where non issues, except for the weak windshield, because you seemed to not have a wrangler owner. Your number one is really making me reconsider getting a JL. I had a 2010 JK, had to put to pasture when the trans went out a second time and I didn't have the money to fix it.

Great video, thank you!

I feel that all makers have been move this way, they don't want problem solver, the want consumers

Get back to basics here - this vehicles is designed to accommodate off-road driving, and it always has been. No one drives a Wrangler for gas mileage. And to compare this vehicle to a full-sized truck is foolish. If you want the comfort of a big truck, then don't buy a Wrangler. If you want to get into and out of places that full-sized trucks and other SUV's cannot, then own a Wrangler. As far as not having the key in the vehicle, that's specifically designed to prevent someone from stealing your vehicle and getting any further than a tankful away from you. That works the same in all vehicles, so don't throw blame at Jeep. Chevy, Ford, Honda and all other manufacturers keys work the same way. Wrangler owners are a tight and dedicated group of owners and, although no Wrangler is perfect, neither is your Tundra. Or Ford, or Chevy. Go on "hatin'" but make sure you know what you're hating first.

Thank you for #2. I test drove a 4dr jl today and noticed that. Was given the reason that it somehow is good for rock crawling yadayada. Also, I noticed a wobble at 65mph

My steering stabilizer was replaced by Jeep 2x with the factory stabilizer, and finally the dealership put an aftermarket Fox stabilizer on and it fixed the death wobble!

We have had keyless starters for 5 years now and have had no issues like you described. It auto turning off the ac would be enough for me to not want the car. Ps. I wouldn't recommend paying full price for a jeep, last year about this time they were selling a 35k for 20k. Too many cheap fixes that won't last, I would rather get an older version.

This seems like you've never had a Jeep before. The window switches have been in the center since there were electric windows. Also, the rain noise is something you should have expected, given that it's normal for the Wrangler. Finally, the interior of the JL is bigger than the JK, so it shouldn't be a surprise. The steering thing is possibly something wrong with your front sway bar disconnect. This was an issue with early cars. The foam on the door is an actual bandaid to try to fix the door seals. This was the easiest/fastest way to fix it. The keyfob thing is literally every vehicle now. Push button is common. Also, there IS a specific key fob spot. It's the slot between the two cup holder spots. Updates are either done by the dealership or over the air updates pushed by Jeep. The customer is never expected to run updates yourself. The start/stop isn't a government regulation, it's just a way to help meet fuel economy issues. The auto park feature is because of the Grand Cherokee that rolled forward and crushed an guy to death. This is a safety feature.

Great video..thanks for doing this! No.2 has kind of killed it for me. I noticed a significant reduction in road fatigue when I moved to a Used 2008 WK from a 2012 JK 5 years before. It makes a big difference on long road trips. Was seriously considering the JL but looks like they didn't make much headway in that department. Regarding the 'key' thing...thats a total bummer! I also drive a Mini Cooper (2015) and I remember it issues a warning once its few 10's of feet away from the key while you are driving.

Great video, thanks for that. The JL just came over to Germany last year and I seriously considered to buy one. But I think I should give Jeep some more time to fix these serious issues. Especially the imprecise steering, keyless with no warning and the low quality of plastics and rubber sealings do worry me a lot.

At least the beer cans didn't break when you dropped the groceries.

I’ll rebuild my TJ from the ground up before I buy a JK, JKU or a JL. Hell, I’ll walk before I buy a Jeep made after 2006. The last real Jeep ever made was a TJ. Now, they’re just cutting corners, adding to much electronic, computer, mumbo jumbo and trying to make luxurious SUV’s out of a platform that was literally designed for off road capabilities and war. It’s sad to see where Jeeps are going. They had so much potential. The TJ could’ve been made into an even better version of itself. You can see the progression of how Jeep improved on every model of the Wrangler and you can see how it just stops when the JK was born. Sure you get some new cool features that come standard like Dana 40’s, better fuel economy, better sound systems, etc etc but the benefit of those few things is horribly underweighted compared to the loss of so many great Jeep features. Plus, so much of a Jeep now is made of plastic that it’s embarrassing. The only thing plastic on my TJ is the fender flares, and the side view mirror housings. The rest is metal. On the JK you’ve got plastic fenders, a plastic grill, plastic bumpers, a bunch of plastic under the hood and more. Same with the JL, as well. Jeeps are supposed to be durable, rugged, off road machines and not soccer mom, grocery getting, mall crawling luxury SUV’s. RIP Jeep November 1940 - July 2006 You will be missed.

Thank you for sharing this issue, the dealer should fix all this issue.

wow!! i think ill keep driveing my 94 bronco!! thanks for the real world review, great vid

Thanks for this post mate as I was considering buying a new JL in the next few months but you've put me right off the idea. There's quite a lot of serious and annoying issues you've listed there. I am going to use my head over my heart and buy another SUV that I can happily live with.

Is this the First keyless vehicle you have ever owned??? They ALL work the same hence the reason they give you 2 key fobs...

This guy is like the Bob Ross of Jeeps. I just want to curl up and nap while I'm here researching my possibly purchase because of his soothing voice. ;) Thanks for the info!

Great review.

These added up enough to take the 1st year (at least) model totally off my list, ever. (And I'm a tech wizard: it's my living.) What hath Fiat wrought?

This is my 2nd Wrangler.. I love my JL but I hate the start/stop feature!!!

I just got my JL in a few days ago. But mines way different. I got a sport manual transmission. Crank windows, manual locks soft top. I’m gonna try and get a tour video and my thoughts of it up. Thanks for pointing out other issues though. I’m definitely gonna check that stuff especially the foam.

Awesome Thanks , exactly how I thought !

Man I love my Tacoma even more now :D

Had to watch this just to get this off my recommended

The window switches are on the center console so people who take their doors off don't have to deal with a lot more wiring.

There is a spot for the key between the 2 cup holders in the center console. Fits perfect and a good habit to put it there and remember it.

My new tacoma seat is the same way up top, I got a manual to get rid of all the wizardly black magic. They want vehicles like cellphones, disposable and controlled

JL! taking all the flack and hate off JKs :P ty! lol

Thanks. You convinced me to keep my '98 XJ forever!

Used to the window buttons due to driving a pt cruiser

Wish I hadn't seen this lol. Makes me question my decision to purchase the JL now!!! Might as well get a JK and save! lol

At the dealer last summer I sat in a 2018 JL Sahara. The salesman started the jeep from outside and I was surprised how smooth it was. I thought the dash looked sharp and the seats comfortable. I didn't test drive it. I pretty much decided I would take a second look when the 2019's came out. This fall I did research and found way too many problems for my liking. I visited the jeep forum and didn't like what I read. I talked to a couple of jeep owners one liked his jeep the other was dissatisfied. The dealership had several used 2018 jeeps on the lot. For me that was a red flag. I can't risk a buying a vehicle with this many negatives - no sale!

Great job letting us kno.. Thx