2014 Jeep Wrangler: fire, smoke or burning smell

Filed Dec 23, 2025 · Body, Electrical · TX · fire

I was driving on I35 on 10/23/2025 when I saw a small spark then my vehicle caught fire and i exited the vehicle called 911 Lewisville Fire Department and was informed that they responded to vehicle fire on 10/23/2025 at 9:45 pm, their case number is 2025-0012175. The representative stated that the Lewisville Police Dept. also completed a report, case number 250068809.

Filed Oct 19, 2025 · Engine · IL

Starting in approximately mid 2023 the vehicle began to leak oil. This was noted once the vehicle was parked after driving. There were various amounts of oil pooled underneath the oil filter housing on the ground. At this time it had approximately 70,000 miles. I had to consistently add many quarts of oil to keep the vehicle operating while going to several mechanics to diagnose the problem. There are many instances where a strong burning smell comes from the engine compartment especially when traveling at higher speeds (highway driving). It was determined that the oil filter housing had cracked and was the source of the oil leak. The cost for repair was approximately $800 for labor and the part, having to spend additional money to get a rental car. The mechanics stated that they have had to replace this same part on many other Jeep Wranglers that are the same make/year. The mechanic did say that another jeep that had the same problem did catch on fire due to the oil running down through the heated engine as this part is made of plastic and situated on the top side of the engine. My Jeep is current on all maintenance and there has been no accident to cause this part to crack. I was made aware that previous models had metal housing, as opposed to plastic hence there not being an issue. By the time we figured out the source of the leak, it was no longer under warranty, so I had the work completed by a local mechanic instead of the dealer. No warnings, not even a low oil pressure or check engine light came on. It was the burning smell and oil loss that made me aware of an issue. Once again, at approximately 100,000 miles it has happened again. The mechanic I originally brought it to is out of business, but the part would be out of warranty regardless. Now I am stuck spending another approximately 1,000 to have it replaced again, with the same part that will inevitably crack again. They really need to recall and replace this part with a metal housing.

Filed Mar 18, 2025 · Engine · MO

In 2020 and 2025, Oil Coolant Housing cracked and failed. First incident happened on the way to an oil change. Certified Mechanic found oil covering entire undercarriage and engine, and notified me this was a severe fire and safety hazard. Replaced with an OEM Housing from dealership. 2025, same failure. Found by another Certified Mechanic while researching check engine light. Replaced with a metal Housing. Getting a P0303 and P0305 error code. Recorded over 300 misfires in 2 days. Replaced all spark plugs, coil packs and fuel injector in #5. No improvement in performance, continued coding. While returning to Mechanic, had a strong burning smell and smoke coming out from under the hood. Coolant was covering entire engine compartment and undercarriage. Mechanic notified me the Coolant was flowing through the engine and exiting out the #5 cylinder. Diagnosed failure of head gasket and engine. Driving vehicle causes smoke under hood, some in passenger compartment and strong burning smell. Recommended replacing engine as complete failure is imminent and is a safety and fire hazard.

Filed Jan 1, 2025 · Engine, Fuel system · KS

Starting in March of 2024 the vehicle began to leak copious amounts of oil. This was noted once the vehicle was parked after driving. It was anywhere from the size of a half dollar to a dinner plate size of oil pooled underneath the oil filter housing on the ground. At this time the Jeep had approximately 103,000 miles. While diagnosing the issue, I had to consistently add many quarts of oil to keep the vehicle operating. During the diagnosis stage, there were many instances where a strong burning smell became obvious from the engine compartment. After consulting with two independent certified mechanics, it was determined that the oil filter housing had become compromised and was the source of the oil leak. The cost for repair was $175 for the part and $950 for labor, plus $200 for a rental. Both mechanics that diagnosed the issue advised they both had replaced this same part on many other Jeep Wrangler JK between the years of 2014-16. While the burning smell was indicative of a possible fire at some point, one mechanic did say one other jeep that had this part fail did catch on fire due to the oil running down through the heated engine as this part is made of plastic and situated on the top side of the engine. Fires were most certainly a life safety concern as this is my primary vehicle for myself and children. The vehicle had all of its maintenance current and properly done, there was no accident or incident to cause this part to crack other than a poor design with cheap parts. The oil clean up during the fix was extensive as it had pooled and ran into multiple locations on the engine. I did not have the vehicle inspected by the manufacturer as it was no longer under warranty and it would have cost even more to have them do the work. No warnings, not even a low oil pressure or check engine light came on. It was the burning smell and oil loss that was visibly noted that identified an issue.

Filed Jul 12, 2024 · Engine · 95,000 miles · OH

The contact owns a 2014 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated while driving 20 MPH, the contact became aware of an abnormal coolant odor and a burning odor. Additionally, there was smoke coming from underneath the hood. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact drove back to the residence. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that cylinder #2 and #5 were leaking air into the cooling system. The mechanic determined that the head gasket, the intake manifold, and the front timing needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was contacted, and an appointment was scheduled for diagnostic testing. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 95,000.

Filed Dec 25, 2023 · Engine · TX

The Jeep oil cooler will leak from factory. It will cause the engine to cease working causing the vehicle to stop. The dealer said this would happen. There were no warning signs, just the smell of burning oil.

Filed Nov 30, 2022 · Engine · GA

I smell burning oil in my vehicle after short or extended drives and discovered that this issue was widely reported for 2014 Jeep Wanglers. The fumes have the potential to diminish my health and should be addressed immediately.

Filed Nov 8, 2022 · Airbags, Seat belts · IA

My dash indicates that there is a problem with airbags, service engine soon, tire, and brakes. My controls on the steering wheel will not work. My seat belt doesnt stay hooked. I sometimes smell like a oil burning smell. Had to replace oil housing. And suspension feels very loose. My vehicle is not in recall, but make and model are with all recalls needing fixed. What do I do now?

Filed May 2, 2022 · Engine, Fuel system · MS

The vehicle stalls, losing power steering and brakes in the middle of the road. It is critical to have this addressed before someone dies in a wreck. It also over heats to the point it will catch on fire.

Filed Feb 28, 2022 · Engine · TX

Engine oil cooler failed. No warning lights or chimes. Problem found by smell of burning oil covering the intake valley and drainage from there onto the exhaust pipe throughout the underside of the vehicle. Can result in a vehicle fire.This is a known problem with the 3.6l jeep engine. This is a costly repair and replacement part of OEM quality or better is difficult to locate because of so many failures.

Filed Feb 11, 2022 · Engine · MO

After a short drive to town I could smell oil burning .. Oil was Pouring on the the ground from under my jeep. I was told from the dealer it is a common problem on that motor and it was the OIL COOLER . It was cracked on the plastic part . I had it repaired and it cost me 800$ . There were no warning lamps . If I did not catch the problem in time the motor would have locked up.. the oil hitting the hot manifold could have caught fire .

Filed Dec 8, 2021 · Engine · MA

Smelled burning oil coming from the engine bay. Noticed a large amount of oil under the engine. Inspected the engine bay and there was a pool of oil under the oil filter housing. There was no CEL or warning. Checked oil and it was over a quart low. Oil spill under vehicle was large and dissipated in a wide area. A quick web search shows this is a common issue on the Chrysler Pentastar 3.6 engine. It is the OIL COOLANT HOUSING ASSEMBLY which is faulty. This causes oil to spill out and drip on the transmission and exhaust which causes the oil burning smell. There was a backorder on this part and I was informed that over 65K parts were manufactured and sold this past year which demonstrates that this is a known issue. Attempted to have dealership repair but could not book a date for months due to backlog and lack of availability. Took the vehicle to an independent shop that was very familiar with the issue and confirmed it was the oil coolant housing assembly without me mentioning what I thought it was. This was a $975 repair. Contacted manufacturer and they said they could not assist me as I need to take the vehicle to the dealership (only). However, I can't be without my vehicle for 60 days until they are able to "fit me in". Concerned about the burning of oil on the exhaust from a safety/fire perspective.