Would you buy a first year JL?

[Jebiruph]

Some early JLs are having issues with corrosion on the aluminum body panels and door hinges. You will want to pay close attention to that.

Sponsored

 

[Old Dogger]

We like our 2018 JLR. I felt that the steering on highway, should hold the road better. We had the cast Iron steering box installed. It now hold the road as good as our JKR.
A big plus of the 2018 with the 3.6 engine is, that year didn’t require the e-torque.

 

[Eyeball]

I bought a first year YJ and a first year TJ. While I never had any major issues with either, the TJ did give me a few head scratchers. Since there were no 1996 Wranglers (except maybe a few exports) my early 1997 TJ featured a mismatched basket of electronic sensors from late model YJs and early TJs. That required that every time I need to buy replacement electronic parts I have to take the old one with me for comparison. Even the dealer parts departments armed with my VIN are never sure. By the end of the 1997 model year the kinks were ironed out and seems that parts were standardized. Is still run into things like a different connector on the fan blower, different light bulbs etc…

I have no idea of any quirks of first year JLs but based on my experience if you do your own work I would probably avoid the potential headache, if you pay someone to do the work and sort these things out, go for it…

 

[J0E]

What about Locker Position Sensor Potting - DANA 44

Yeah... That is exactly what's happening (Most of the time). If you pull off a failed sensor, you can tip it and see oil inside of it.

That's only one possible cause to the same light though. Many people are going through many different causes to the same symptom. This is meant to help prevent the majority from needing to wait weeks for a rear axle replacement.

@mgroeger - Do you still have pictures of the sensor off of Fat Ninja? Pic of the oil inside the sensor?

Thank you.

That was a hot topic in 2018 - 2019

I didn't get my LPS potted. I rarely hear about it now.

 

[aldo98229]

Some early JLs are having issues with corrosion on the aluminum body panels and door hinges. You will want to pay close attention to that.

Bubbling paint on door hinges is still happening to 2023 JLs.

In fact, the only two issues that have been addressed were a small batch of 2018 JLs with bad welds on the front of frame, and the swap from a weaker aluminum to a stronger cast iron steering box in 2021. Every other issue know to JL, defective batteries, wandering steering, loose fuses, bubbling paint, are still happening on JLs rolling off the line to this day.

 

[Opus]

OP, I would be cognizant of the known issues of the first year JL (i.e. water pump bolts, steering box, batteries, etc.). The forums here have documented these various issues thoroughly. If you know these known issues have been addressed in the Jeep you're buying, okay. If not, know that if you buy a first year JL you may be on the hook for some of these repairs... As always, caveat emptor.

 

[Jeepsmashin]

I did, I ordered my 18 JLUR and received it marched 23rd 2018. I'd do it again too.

 

[BRuby]

If you can find one well taken care of - definitely if the price is right.

We bought ours used with under 5K for close to trade-in cost at that time ie. a steal. Now today have offers from the same dealer to pay more than what we paid years ago.

Make sure all the TSBs are done so you have new upgraded parts - and anything necessary under warranty. Especially look for any corrosion. JL is still a beast and goes anywhere we need - no problem. Handles snow like dry pavement - but slick ice needs chains.

Summer FSRs with huge potholes and washboard - floats like a dream especially aired down to 15. Is really amazing what harsh steering and suspension punishment this JL takes like nothing. As 2 finger steering is straight and responsive - with zero death wobble in alum. Slightly better with the upgraded cast iron box etc TSBs. Super impressed - all OEM.

 

[CopperMtnGuy]

I have an 18 JLU - bought with 56k on it and now have 69k (lol) on it. No issues! Favorite vehicle I've driven.

 

[five9dak]

If I checked the frame welds and it has documentation it's had all the steering fixes, sure.

 

[Shibadog]

You shouldn’t have anything particularly problematic with an ‘18 IF it’s been taken care of. As Aldo noted, you will need to swap batteries if the PO hasn’t already. If it has been maintained, and IF the price is within reason (a Lot of used Jeeps have sold for nearly new prices-which makes NO sense) you should be fine. I would stay away from any that have been “modded” as you don’t know the quality of the modified parts OR the quality of the installation (but that’s just me. I want to KNOW what’s been done to anything I’d buy).

 

[BXFXJeep]

I had a 2018 4dr Sahara 3.6, drove 30,000 miles zero problems in just under 3 years.

The only thing was the rear glass heating element wire thing came loose, apparently that an issue with an easy fix as far as I can tell. Inspect that, make use it doesn't have an issue, or request it's fixed.

Oh yet it was another Friday builds, I've had 3 Friday built Wranglers so far.

Again zero issues, traded it in like new condition for a 4xe, if there was no 4xe, I would have been driving that 2018 JL for a while, it was great.

Just do the usually checks you normally would, take it for a bit if a drive, radio off, windows down, etc.

Test every button and knob, windows up and down etc, check the roof.

Make sure it goes into and comes out of 4H, don't know if 4L is worth a check, others can say.

 

[1quick1]

Mine was built Jan 2018 and my 5 year ownership anniversary was last week.

Off the dealer lot it has clicking ball joints. They couldn't figure it out but researching this forum I figured it out, told them to torque the ball joints, they did and it's never been a problem since.

Had the steering TSB done. Not that mine was particularly bad but might as well. I say I have a modest improvement from that.

Had the rear window defroster issues everyone has. They replaced the glass and I put a piece of black electrical tape over the tab to beef it up a bit and it hasn't been a problem since.

Otherwise 41k miles and mostly trouble free. knock on wood....

 

[58Willys]

I have an ‘18; no issues to date. And it’s not like Stellantis have fixed any potential problems in the last five model years anyway.

 

[Maverick909]

got my 18 sport back in jan 2019 brand new off the lot. i had one issue at 2500miles the rear main seal failed. dealership had it replaced under warranty and all the TBS and recalls have been done by the dealer... Everything else i have done myself. I havent had any other issues since the REAR main failure.I have done all the oil changes at about 4500 miles each time I also am still on the Stock batteries too. Note i do have the 6Speed manual with the 3.6L

Sponsored