2014 Jeep Wrangler: sudden loss of power

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 Dec 19, 2024 · Brakes, Electrical · TX

Abs ,traction control, and brake lights stay on I took it to the dealer they told me it was internal failure on the abs module I can't afford 1200$ to fix it I'm in a jeep club this is a common problem it should be recalled and fixed for free it's a safety hazard. And you lose power you can't even pass another car when all the lights are illuminated.

Filed Jul 23, 2024 · Electrical, Engine · TN

- vehicle engine shut down & lost all power to engine at major intersection - in turning lane at rush hour could not move car- others slammed brakes -resulted in angry drivers & no ability to move car 3 lanes either direction. - problem reconfirmed by chrysler -jeep dealership - inspected by chrysler mechanics to confirm loose connection that caused fuse to blow & burnt (tipm) circuit board allowing no power to throttle. -no warnings at all at a center intersection when entire car shut down. 2nd occurrence after a fuse repair resulted in vehicle throttle shut down again no warning & this time on a 2 lane highway at 50+ mile speed which could have been on 6 lane hwy. At 70+ mile hours speeds which could have resulted in a deadly accident involving numerous drivers! This (tipm) part has a major recall for many chryslers models. It does not show for our VIN but we have experienced the exact issues as described for this specific recall. Costs include tow fees, repair quote at over $1700.00, time in shop without a car all significant. Concern: will it happen again ? Request recall reimbursement that should qualify for our vehicle as well !!

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 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 Sep 3, 2020 · Body, Electrical · 96,000 miles · MI · fire

I was driving down road and lost power like it dropped into neutral. Pull over to side of the road and by time I stopped had smoke coming into the cab. Got out and saw flames in engine compartment. Called police and fire but vehicle was total loss.*dt consumer stated there were no electrical issues and no engine light came on. Flames were coming from the bottom of the engine.

Filed Apr 25, 2017 · Acceleration, Wheels · 34,200 miles · PR

I have a problem with my jeep wrangler unlimited 2014 , this week the etc (electronic throttle control) and traction control light turn on and I lost engine power, it just ran idle. It can not go more than 2000 RPM. I turn it off and on and it was everything ok. Also the tire pressure sensor light is still on all the time. The tire pressure still in 35 psi.

Filed Jan 7, 2016 · Brakes, Transmission · FL

2014 jeep wrangler. Consumer writes in regards to manual transmission and brake pedal system issues. *smd the consumer stated gear/clutch system, pedal dropped and lost power pressure. The clutch made a creaking noise. The clutch slave cylinder was replaced. However, it continued to malfunction. In addition, the brake pedal made a squeaking noise, when he applied the brake.

Filed May 1, 2015 · Electrical · 22,000 miles · KS

Went to start the vehicle and when I went to turn the key the jeep lost power to all electrical systems. After waiting for a bit the system "rebooted" and I was able to start the vehicle and go. However, this keeps happening sometimes multiple times a day and sometimes once per week. We have taken it to the dealership for repairs and they updated the wcm software to version 0.20 and the problem still exists. We have also had episodes of the electrical systems going out while driving causing the engine to sputter, instrument panel goes dark, radio shuts off, AC fans shut off, etc..

Filed Apr 16, 2015 · Electrical, Engine · 23,000 miles · VA

While driving on the interstate, I accidentally bumped the keys of my jeep wrangler unlimited with my knee, and the key turned counter-clockwise enough to turn the car off. Obviously, when the car turned off, the brakes and steering lost power. Luckily, there was no traffic around me, and I was able to carefully coast to the shoulder and re-start my car. My vehicle is manual, so I could have restarted from neutral, but based on discussion boards, automatics do not have that luxury. Doing a quick google search for "jeep bump key" yields many discussions about this same problem. I understand that jeep currently has a recall for this problem in commanders and grand cherokees, but there is nothing for wranglers. I called my dealership, but they will not diagnose or replace anything for free without an active recall. I am 6' and do not sit excessively close to the steering wheel. My key chain is not large or cluttered, and it should not be that easy to turn off my wrangler accidentally.

Filed Jan 11, 2015 · Electrical, Engine · 3,300 miles · CA

I started jeep, the radio channel mysteriously changed, drove approx 1 mile, came to a stop light at a busy mountain intersection and the entire jeep blacked out, I lost all functions, we were almost rear ended and t boned at the same time, returned the jeep to park and restarted. I took the jeep to dealer they said they couldn't recreate problem, I drove jeep off the property only to have it die at the first traffic light, put into park restarted only to have it die again. Finally made it back to jeep, they've had it for a week and they claim they still cant find the problem. I don't trust the vehicle nor do I feel safe driving this vehicle in the mountains which is where I live. Also note, the entire vehicle lost all power, so does that mean the airbags wont deploy. This is unacceptable.

Filed Nov 20, 2014 · Electrical, Engine · 7,200 miles · FL

Jeep completely died (lost all power, including all electrical, brake lights, panel lights, etc) in condo parking lot. Got out to start pushing it back to parking spot, and a few seconds later the door chime started and power was restored. Radio was booting up from cold start (showing garmin logo). Restarted car, it turned over and started normally. Started driving forward again, and in about 20 feet, it completely died again in the same way, and came back to life about ten seconds later. Decided it was not safe to drive, and was able to restart again and reverse to parking spot. Jeep was towed on november 3 and repaired on november 4 when the part came in. I was told that the tipm was replaced with a new version that didn't have the same type of problems.