Power Train Problems of Jeep Wrangler - part 1

My 2018 Jeep Wrangler jl sport is experiencing multiple premature engine failures that present a serious safety risk: •vehicle overheats while driving. •recurrent misfire on cylinder #5 (dtc p0305). •white exhaust smoke with a sweet coolant smell on cold start. •coolant loss despite recent refill. •oil contamination with metallic particles found during inspection. •valvetrain noise from the right bank, suspected intake camshaft wear. These conditions create a risk of engine seizure or sudden stalling while driving, which could cause a crash. Manufacturer awareness: Jeep/mopar has issued bulletins acknowledging these exact problems, including: •TSB mc-11018482-0001 (may 2025): intake camshaft/rocker wear causing misfires (p0301–p0306). •customer satisfaction notification zd8 (2023): coolant inlet tube fastener issue causing coolant leaks and overheating. My vehicle’s symptoms directly align with these known manufacturer issues. Despite this, Jeep/mopar has denied goodwill repair coverage. Safety concern: this defect is not just a performance issue — it creates a high probability of sudden engine stall or seizure, endangering me, my passengers, and other drivers. I am requesting NHTSA investigate premature engine failures on the Jeep Wrangler jl (3. 6l pentastar) and require Jeep/mopar (stellantis) to address this safety hazard.

See all problems of the 2018 Jeep Wrangler 🔎.

Car shut down on 8/25/25 and would not start. Indicated problem with charging system. Vehicle is currently in cabo san lucas, bcs, mexico. Towed car to local Jeep dealer. Car had outstanding recall (zb7 2021-2023 jl 4xe loss of motive power). Dealer diagnosed issues as a failure of the battery, so that was replaced, along with software updates to address the recalls. We had to pay over $900 out of pocket for these repairs, and it stayed with the dealer for 3. 5 weeks. Two days later the vehicle is again failing with the same issues and will not start. It began with the check engine light coming on, then a/c stopped cooling, then the car only would stay in hybrid mode, and the transmission was revving. After stopping the car and shutting it off it will not restart.

See all problems of the 2022 Jeep Wrangler 🔎.

My son was turning out of a parking lot and the car suddenly stopped moving and went into park. He couldn’t shift out of park and was stuck in the middle of a very busy street with cars slamming on their brakes to avoid hitting him. The car had to be towed away.

See all problems of the 2023 Jeep Wrangler 🔎.

Alternator stopped working no warning no lights nothing just stopped.

See all problems of the 2019 Jeep Wrangler 🔎.

I drove over a rough patch/bump in the road. A ton of warning messages and failure lights activated on the dash. In addition to the check engine light, there were warnings for electronic stability protection, sway bar disconnect, abs failure, power steering failure, shift lever malfunction. In addition to these malfunctions a failures, the windshield wipers turned on un-commanded and the radiator fan went into the highest possible speed, the digital engine temperature gauge failed, and both the digital and analog speedometers failed. This happened on a arterial road, losing power steering and braking at ~30mph unexpectedly was a shock, but manageable. At highway speeds it likely would have led to an accident or collision. Unfortunately, I don't have any documentation of the failure lights and systems failing, but it had happened several times prior to this occurrence, albeit only with dash warning lights, no actual system failures. After the system failures, I stopped driving the vehicle. The problem appears to be somewhat widespread and is caused by a failing can-c bus. A quick google search will reveal numerous descriptions on the same dangerous issue. This thread seems to clearly expiain the root of the issue with the can-c bus: [xxx] I replaced my old can-c bus (p/n 68321746aa) with a new part and it appears to have resolved the issue. I have saved the old can-c bus for inspection if NHTSA is interested. It looks exactly like the failed bus in the linked reddit thread above. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

Sway bar light is flashing - research says that it could be unsafe to drive- took it in for repair today 9/10/25 - vehicle under warranty until December. Vehicle repaired "for now" was advised to have checked on next oil change verbally. At this time the vehicle will be out of warranty. (3 years - only has 23680 mile currently) but warranty ends at this point. Why should I be responsible for an issue after this when they know there is a problem? should this defect be a recall? from what I read on the internet this is very common. My vehicle has never been off road and looks like brand new and has not experienced driving through large amounts of water/rain. Were in a drought.

The abs modular has went out in my 2015 Jeep Wrangler and [being that there is a nation wide backorder I am assuming this is a known problem by Jeep.

See all problems of the 2015 Jeep Wrangler 🔎.

While driving on the highway, the vehicle experienced total power loss. Instrument cluster showed a service charging system now error. Had to coast to wide of road. Instrument cluster also said m “put in park to start vehicle” with a flashing “d” on the gear selector. After turning off and back on, power returned.

The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that while driving 70 mph, the vehicle decelerated unintendedly and failed to exceed 40 mph. Additionally, the vehicle lost power steering functionality and became difficult to steer. The contact stated that the vehicle later operated as needed; however, the failure recurred several times while driving. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 111,000.

Timing chain tensioner gone bad.

See all problems of the 2021 Jeep Wrangler 🔎.

It started with the engine sounding louder then normal. Then a bad smell in the cab of the vehicle. Later found out it was a exhaust leak that was getting into the vehicle causing headaches and other symptoms of carbon monoxide. Also note the burn marks around the broken bracket that could cause a fire if not mechanically inclined to notice. Not check engine light for this. But when I spoke to the dealership it wasn't new to them. Apparently this has happened to alot of the ecodiesel Jeep and gladiators. A common problem that should be resolved before and life threatening injuries result in loss of consciousness or fire.

I have had the recall completed but now my car to give a “service transmission “ message and that there is a problem with my clutch getting hot. There is no burning smells. Are no issues such as rough gear changes or engine issues. It states the clutch is overheating and I’ve barely left the driveway. And this is after sitting still overnight didn’t the recall fix this issue? it’s terrifying as it comes up stating that the transmission needs to be service then all information as to what gear you are in disappears while you are driving. This isn’t a recall fix it’s a nightmare. It wasn’t having a problem before but now it warning messages act like it’s going to burn up. There is no burning smells no rough gear changes. Afraid to drive it.

Vehicle abruptly lost all power while driving, multiple panel lights, turtle mode. Twice now, first time at an intersection (April 10, 2025), second time on street in front of my house after pulling out of driveway. Loss of power steering, insufficient power to get back up driveway to garage. Towed both times. First time spent 18 days at dealer, "multiple dtc codes", no definitive diagnosis. Back at dealer now for past 11 days, no diagnosis yet. Could easily have been life-threatening situation if occured while driving on freeway or at speed. Apparently known problem with these Jeep hevs.

See all problems of the 2024 Jeep Wrangler 🔎.

My 2019 Jeep Wrangler sahara with 2. 0 liter turbo engine has had two failed “rear axle assemblies or differentials” within 3 years of each other. The first time was in July 2022, and my service repair order says rear diff replacement. Now this time, my dealer is saying we need the whole rear axle assembly which is on national back order. No current eta for delivery, with no additional info other than none are even in production at this time. Since my vehicle is under warranty for another 4,000 miles or so, I would like to use stellantis warranty for my repair. However, they are no help and are saying we cannot order a different oe part, or a used part. The vehicle is unsafe to drive as I can feel my loss of control especially on wet roads in florida. After searching the internet I have found this is a common problem with the sport, and sahara versions from 2018-2025. Now that we can’t even get replacement parts, it creates a whole other set of problems. I would like to mention everything is factory on my Jeep and I have never been off roading. Not even once. So 2 failed rear axles is just unacceptable.

After I made a left turn onto a four-lane highway, the transmission stuck in first gear and I wasn't able to get over to the shoulder because of traffic passing on the right side. I was nearly rear-ended twice before finally being able to exit with a left turn. The engine light came on soon after this happened.

See all problems of the 2016 Jeep Wrangler 🔎.

Vehicle check engine light illuminated along with multiple other lights on the dashboard. It had a difficult time accelerating on its own, very sluggish. At the next light the gas pedal was just tapped and the vehicle began to over accelerate increasing to over 30 mph in a turning lane while crossing an intersection. Avoided a car accident and pulled into the nearest parking lot. That was the second time that type of incident occurred. The first time, the vehicle was self accelerating during 5 o’clock traffic in los angeles. We had to constantly press on the brakes only to avoid accidents until we could exit the freeway.

The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact's husband noticed that the lights on the instrument panel were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the interlock brake system had failed and needed to be replaced; however, the part was not available. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The contact stated that on another occasion, while her husband was driving 25-30 mph, the vehicle lost power steering functionality and the engine seized. The contact stated that the gear shifter failed to function as intended and there were several warning lights illuminated. The contact's husband was unable to pull over to the side of the road. A police officer assisted with traffic control. The vehicle was towed to the residence and then towed to the dealer; however, no cause for the failure was found. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

I have been working with multiple mechanics to diagnose an intermittent and unpredictable stalling issue with my 2015 Jeep Wrangler jk rubicon unlimited, VIN 1c4bjwfg9fl668657. I have conducted the following repairs to attempt to fix the issue: 1. Rebuilt transmission 2. Replaced throttle body 3. Replaced pcv 4. Replaced crankshaft sensor 5. Replaced camshaft sensor 6. Replaced fuel pump 7. Replaced fuel pump fuse 8. Replaced fuel pump relay fuse mechanic and I have traced the problem to a likely fault in the tipm. Due to unpredictability of stalling this has become a safety issue as the car will stall in traffic. Most often between 35-40 mph and below 2000 rpm. . . This is always while driving and is unsafe for both me and my fellow motorists. Most recent date is noted later in this form. If requested, I can provide receipts for professional repairs noted above, and receipts for parts I have purchased to replace myself.

Like everyone elses Jeep while driving, all the warning signals, bells, whistles start going off. Lose power steering, lose power, put Jeep in park, cannot get it to go back in drive. Soemtimes will not start just look it up on tictok.

Vehicle loses power steering while driving and is near impossible to steer when this happens. If in a curve I'm afraid the vehicle will not respond in time and leave the roadway or cross into oncoming traffic.

The contact owns a 2013 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that after her husband had arrived at his destination, upon returning to the vehicle and attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was eventually able to restart and returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. The contact stated that the failure seemed to occur after driving the vehicle for longer than 45 minutes to one hour. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure safety recall j30. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 92,000.

See all problems of the 2013 Jeep Wrangler 🔎.

Lost communication on abs, traction control , 4wd service, vehicle put itself in auto park, steering wheel locked up and wasn't able to turn the steering wheel, dashboard lights flickering, try turning on vehicle but wasn't responding until a 3 minutes later , check engine light is still on but doesn't have any store messages on dashboard, I have a video of it.

Transmission refuses to shift. Or will loose power and have to pull off or just stop on the highway to shut vehicle off and restart to fix the problem. I was on i85 and had to pull off twice and the shoulder is a dangerous area to be on that highway. Also torque converter ticks and I’ve noticed a lot of the 2. 0 4 cylinders having the same issues.

Firsts, "service shifter" came up on the dash, with no other lights. Followed by the check engine light. After that, there was a red tortoise that appeared on the dash that said "vehicle speed may be limited". After which the throttle response was limited and I couldn't accelerate over 10 mph. Within 30 seconds of that the steering wheel locked up, not allowing me to turn and the throttle response died. The vehicle stopped. I turned the vehicle off and back on and began to drive again, almost immediately the same error messages came up, followed by a locked steering wheel (unable to turn) and no acceleration. At this point, the dash board began to illuminate all lights, "auto emergency braking unavailable", "service shifter" "service transmission" etc. With the fuel cluster jumping and dropping. Following this, the windshield wipers began to go without control and then the vehicle died and was unable to be started.

Hybrid systems loss communication with transmission modules hybrid battery shakes the whole when idle.

The contact owns a 2024 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle entered limp mode with the image of a turtle displayed on the instrument panel. Soon after the failure, the instrument panel went blank. The contact stated that the vehicle lost motive power with a loud fan blowing sound coming from the vehicle. The contact pulled over and turned off the vehicle. Upon restarting the vehicle, the vehicle failed to exceed 20 mph. The vehicle was taken to the dealer on several occasions however, the mechanics were unable to duplicate the failure or diagnose the vehicle. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The vehicle remained in the possession of the dealer unrepaired. The failure mileage was approximately 20,000.

At highway speeds my vehicle surges fairly violently, creating a safety hazard and limiting movement in traffic. Talk to the Jeep corporate office and they said there’s a number of technical service bulletins on this issue, but there’s not been enough to calls a recall, but they did state. It was a known issue. This is very dangerous. .

First it was my clutch blowing up including the transmission from underneath me while I drove down a hwy. Then it was a month later before I got it back. (I'm single, and it's my only vehicle). Once I got my Jeep back the start/stop button stopped working. I had to lock/unlock with the key fob for it to start. Even with both fobs in the Jeep. Now every code, 101 to be exact) is being thrown out of nowhere. Every light goes off, the wipers start going off, the sway bar and traction control disconnects while I'm driving along with the steering wheel locking up while I'm driving down the hwy. The brakes are pulling very badky to the left and /or right. The entire thing is absolutely a death trap. I can't believe this was passed by someone who has the customers best interest for safety. I'd like to know if any of this is recalled because it's been every Jeep from 2018-2021 that have this issues. Also 5th gear now vibrats pretty bad.

The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the message "service shifter" was displayed and several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that upon turning off and restarting the vehicle, only the check engine warning light remained illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated while driving on a back road at 25 mph, the windshield wipers engaged independently, and the power steering became inoperable. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact immediately pulled over, and the vehicle was towed to a local independent mechanic, where the failure could not be duplicated. The local dealer was contacted but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact was advised that the VIN was not included in a recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 66,201.

The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Wrangler. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 23v116000 (power train); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

See all problems of the 2020 Jeep Wrangler 🔎.

2024 Jeep Wrangler 4xe VIN: [xxx] I have driven 4 other 4xe 2024 in the last two months as rental cars and have noticed my Jeep is not performing anywhere near the other four, I have driven. Seems like my Jeep isn’t tuned correctly or the engine/transmission has an issue. Engine: -when starting and as engine warming up it shakes the care periodically. There are times when it will shake the car as it heats up, rocking the car slightly and you can hear the engine make a weird knocking noise. -this also occurs when in e-save mode and charging the battery is selected. The engine does not idle smooth all the time and sometimes runs rough then goes back to normal -there does not seem to be much torque transmission: -the 1st – 3rd gear shift at high rpm times even when barley giving it any gas. -the transmission shifts down into 2nd gear at around 18-20 mph when gradually slowing down in traffic causing the Jeep to slow down quickly and throws you forward. If you catch it during its shift (which is longer than any other gear) it will slam into 2nd and then back into 3rd gear. You lose power as it takes several seconds to complete the shifting. -the gear I feel should smoothly shift into and out of 2nd at around 15 mph, like it does in the cars I rented. Odoes the shift timing need to be remapped or reset? software update: -the software update pushed on the home screen several weeks ago to update the camera, and some other items has caused my gauge cluster to flash a lot when using carplay gps. In stead of the turn by turn on the cluster it flashes. I continues to have issue and causing me to lose power or significantly slow down and not able to accelerate in atlanta traffic. Something is wrong with this Jeep brand. . . Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

The engine began sounding like a diesel and pushing the gas pedal made the car surge/lurch. Then, while driving in rush hour traffic, the car went into what I now know is called “limp mode” where I could not accelerate and I received a warning that told me to pull the car over.

The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Wrangler. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 23v116000 (power train); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The dealer informed the contact that the parts were on backorder. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

Driving on interstate 35 south in fifth gear. There was a loud bang! and then we lost power. Barely made it off a tight overpass and we saw the smoke. The car was quickly on fires we got out as it started to engulf the Jeep with flames. It was a total and complete loss - and very dangerous.

There’s seems to be an issue with these transmissions. They are leaking oil from the casing and could potentially run dry and have major transmission failure.