2014 Jeep Wrangler: engine failure

Filed Sep 6, 2025 · Engine · MS

The engine in my 2014 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited (3.6L Pentastar V6) suddenly seized without warning at approx. 154,525 miles. The vehicle stalled while in motion, causing immediate loss of power and creating a dangerous situation where I could have been struck by other traffic. This was a major safety hazard. The Jeep was towed to a dealership, where technicians confirmed the engine is seized and provided a written estimate of about $12,000 for full engine replacement. I later had the vehicle towed back to my home, but the failed engine remains in the vehicle and is available for inspection upon request. The problem has been reproduced and confirmed by the authorized Jeep service center. Jeep/Stellantis Customer Care has also been contacted, and a case has been opened.Decline goodwill assistance. There were no warning lamps, messages, or prior symptoms before the failure. The vehicle was operating normally until the sudden stall. This lack of warning combined with the engine seizure placed my safety and the safety of others at risk. I believe this issue is part of a known defect pattern with the 3.6L Pentastar engine, which has been subject to numerous complaints, service bulletins, and litigation. A well-maintained Jeep engine should not fail catastrophically at this mileage without warning.

Filed May 12, 2025 · Brakes · AL

The contact owns a 2014 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal clunking sound coming from the front of the vehicle while coming to a stop. The contact stated that while attempting to continue driving, the vehicle struggled to respond, because the wheels had seized. The contact stated that the ABS warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed failures with the ABS sensors and ABS control module. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the federal safety agency Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was unknown.

Filed Feb 24, 2022 · Engine · OH

Oil Filter Housing failed leaking oil onto top of motor and hot exhaust manifold nearly causing a fire and catastrophic engine failure in heavy traffic. Dealer has confirmed this is a known issue on the 3.6 pentastar engines from after 2014. Currently replacement part has a 58000 unit back order. Failed with no warning until oil light and temp lights triggered.

Filed Feb 5, 2022 · Engine · TX

3.6l Pentastar V6, vehicle had a failed oil cooler housing. This caused the vehicle to leak a considerable amount (more than a quart) of oil into the valley between the cylinder heads, but showed no outward signs of leaking oil. This has the potential to ignite a vehicle fire during operation. Could also potentially cause catastrophic engine failure secondary to oil starvation at highway speeds.

Filed Jul 6, 2021 · Engine · MO

Dealer reported crack in oil cooling housing. A burning oil and coolant smell starting in 2017, while under manufacturer warranty. I was concern that jeep would start a fire and began parking outside. I replace the oil cooler because I noticed a ticking sound. When I went to the dealer they informed the the engine is a total loss and needs to be replaced. Cylinders 1 and 6 failed. $8000 to replace the engine with a refurbished unit which addresses each of Chrysler’s failed 3.6 liter motor. If this manufactures oil cooler and other engine issues, do not need to be addressed, I don’t know what ever would need to be addressed.

Filed Feb 27, 2021 · Engine · 62,000 miles · OK

Oil cooling house is cracked, due to extremely cold weather in oklahoma. Oil is leaking and there is a burning smell when driving. At this point in time, this oem part is on back order, causing a safety issue with driving. The chance of an engine fire / blown engine due to low oil. Being a jeep owner this back order is unacceptable. At this time, I have an estimate for $1600.00 in repairs to fix this issue with a jeep dealer in town

Filed Feb 17, 2021 · Engine · 47,458 miles · OK

Running errands in the jeep I started to smell burning oil while stopped with the engine idling. Returned home to notice there was engine oil dripping from transmission, driveshafts and skid plates. I traced the oil back up to the engine and then further to the top of the engine. There is engine oil and coolant pooled in the valley between the engine heads, underneath the intake manifold. The diagnosis is the oil filter/cooler assembly. Either the o-rings are bad or the plastic housing has cracked. The jeep is out of warranty for both the bumper to bumper and the powertrain. However, the jeep has less than 50k miles on the odometer. The repair will be done by my self as my abilities are competent and I refuse to pay 1200.00 dollars for a mechanic or dealership to perform this task, particularly seeing the total cost of parts is less than 250.00. Fca should be held responsible as leaks in the lubricating and cooling system could result in catastrophic engine failure, vehicle fires, loss of life or great bodily harm and harm to surrounding individuals, property and/or the environment. Sounds like enough to warrant a recall, if you ask me.

Filed Jan 1, 2021 · Engine, Steering · 63,000 miles · FL

Defective bearing in rocker arm leading to engine failure. It is a common problem with the engine on these vehicles. When engine failure occurs, there is loss of power steering, propulsion, and difficult braking.

Filed May 18, 2020 · Airbags · 7,000 miles · IN

Tl* the contact owns a 2014 jeep wrangler. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, there was ding warning. The contact stated air bag warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to bob poynter chrysler located at 1873 e tipton st, seymour, in 47274, to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the driver's frontal air bag needed to be replaced. The vehicle has been repaired as of 05/29/20. The manufacturer was informed of failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 7,000. *bf consumer had a new engine with 7,000 miles on it, 184,000 miles was on the car when it was purchase. Passenger airbag still needs to be replaced.

Filed Dec 10, 2019 · Engine · 71,115 miles · PA

No oil pressure and check engine light on,noise from the engine lifters knocking now the dealer shows me dirt on the intake manifold cover and that is way the engine seized. The oil sensor not working I said.

Filed Jun 19, 2019 · Engine, Fuel system · 58,500 miles · CT

Jeep has a known epic failure is design flaw in its 2014 wrangler when it switched from a metal oil filter cooler housing to a plastic oil filter cooler housing. Hundreds of cases of the part breaking/leaking oil all over lower engine and exhaust which is a fire hazard. My part leaked oil over an unknown amount of time because I live with a gravel driveway.....now dealer shows me "metal" like glow to oil which could be engine failure.....hundreds of cases

Filed Mar 4, 2019 · Engine · 87,000 miles · NY

2014 jeep wrangler unlimited. Started with burning oil smell in vehicle. Then puddle on the ground wherever I parked. Had dealer replace engine oil cooler march 4th 2019. Milage 87,000. Should have been a recall without a doubt since there are so many vehicles with the same issues.