2019 Jeep Wrangler engine problems

Filed Oct 15, 2026 · Engine, Transmission · MI · fire

On [XXX], my 2019 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon (2.0L turbo) caught fire in the engine compartment while driving, at approximately 101,437 miles. The fire started near the turbocharger and heat shield area. There were no injuries, but the vehicle was moving on a public road with four occupants, including two young children in car seats in the rear, when the fire started. The vehicle had been returned to me four days earlier, after approximately 2.5 months at Preferred Chrysler Dodge Jeep of Muskegon, MI for a timing chain replacement. After the fire, I found that the coolant reservoir hose had come off its fitting, and the hose barb appears to have been broken and the hose pushed back on. Several under-hood trim fasteners were also missing. My best assessment is that coolant sprayed onto the hot turbo/exhaust components and ignited. The vehicle has not been altered since the fire and is available for inspection at Watson's in Ludington, MI. I reported the fire to the manufacturer. They directed me to take it to the local dealer, then instructed the dealer not to inspect or work on it. The case was escalated internally, but as of 10/15/2026 no manufacturer inspection has occurred and no one has contacted me. The cause has not been confirmed by a dealer or independent shop. The fire occurred within the vehicle's Certified Pre-Owned warranty period. As of this filing, the manufacturer has not provided towing, rental, or any other assistance. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Sep 7, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · MI

2019 Jeep Wrangler JLU experienced intermittent CAN-C communication failure. Vehicle has repeatedly experienced simultaneous loss of multiple electronic systems. On September 7th 2026, while driving, vehicle unexpectedly lost electric power steering, windshield wipers activated without command, ABS/TPMS/ESC warning lights illuminated, and vehicle subsequently would not shift into gear after stopping at a traffic light. Hazard lights would not activate. After shutting vehicle off, vehicle would not enter ACC or restart normally. Opening driver’s door unexpectedly caused vehicle to enter ACC. Manipulating the CAN-bus wiring/STAR connector behind the glove box has historically temporarily restored normal operation. Vehicle has previously required repair to this wiring/connector, and the failure has recurred. This has been occurring for at least 3 years and since 60,000 miles. This presents a significant safety hazard because steering assistance, shifting/propulsion, and signaling were simultaneously affected while driving. It is a known Chrysler issue (FCA STAR Case S2108000146) and should be recalled as there is a CLEAR and present danger with this ongoing issue.

Filed Aug 9, 2026 · Engine, Transmission · AZ · fire

VEHICLE & INCIDENT: 2019 Jeep Wrangler JL 2.0L Turbo. While climbing an extended grade on Hwy 87, vehicle experienced a sudden sluggish throttle anomaly and rapid coolant temperature spike from ~215F to 255F under load. Vehicle was pulled off and shut down within ~20 seconds. SUSPECTED FAILURE MODE & UNDERHOOD FIRE: Upon opening the hood, pressurized coolant had sprayed across the engine bay from a split in the smaller rubber hose branch of the engine coolant outlet assembly (Mopar PN 68280797AC). The hose split longitudinally ~13mm with the center ~32mm from the hose end. The vehicle is equipped with a Baja Designs T-Fitting to replace 68280784A The hot, pressurized coolant sprayed directly onto the exposed, center section of the turbocharger between the compressor and turbine sections and on the turbine section itself. The coolant is suspected to have flash-ignited on contact with the turbo, creating an active under hood fire that began spreading to the hood insulation liner. The fire was successfully doused roadside with water, preventing a total vehicle burn-down. No other fuel sources were noted and the lines to the turbocharger were intact and did not show evidence of a leak. SAFETY CONCERN / HAZARD FOR the federal safety agency: 1. FIRE HAZARD: Pressurized factory coolant hoses and plastic junctions on the 2.0T GMET4 are routed in close proximity to the unshielded turbine housing. A hose rupture under normal grade-climbing thermal loads results in high-pressure atomized coolant hitting an ignition source well above its auto-ignition point. 2. COMPONENT DEGRADATION: Rubber lines near the engine outlet appear susceptible to heat-fatigue failure under high ambient/high load conditions, posing a sudden fire hazard at highway speeds. REPAIR: Roadside trim/re-clamp of the split hose allowed temporary transit. Replacing full hose assembly (68280797AC), upgrading radiator lines, and performing a full OAT coolant flush/vacuum refill. No oil contamination was noted after the incident.

Filed Jul 22, 2026 · Brakes, Engine · 68,482 miles · WA

The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle suddenly lost motive power and stalled, and the vehicle went into LIMP Mode. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The driver was able to safely move the vehicle to the side of the road. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the ABS module had failed. The local dealer was contacted and advised that the replacement part was on backorder and referred the contact to the manufacturer for assistance. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and confirmed that the replacement part was not available. The failure mileage was approximately 68,482.

Filed Jun 17, 2026 · Engine · 65,000 miles · FL · fire

The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the Check Engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to O'Reily's, where a portable diagnostic machine was used; however, no fault codes were retrieved. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was an old warning light. In addition, the contact was informed that the vehicle could be driven. The contact stated that while driving to the residence, the check engine warning light turned off. The failure reoccurred, and the engine seized. The contact stated that the vehicle rolled near the shoulder of the road. The contact became aware of smoke coming from the engine compartment. The contact stated that a good Samaritan stopped and assisted the contact. The contact and a good Samaritan became aware of fire coming from the engine compartment near the battery. The good Samaritan attempted to extinguish the fire with a sweatshirt, then used a jug of water from inside the vehicle. No injuries were sustained. The vehicle was towed to the local tow yard. The Carvana dealer where the vehicle was purchased was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was then towed to a repair shop assigned by Carvana. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.

Filed Apr 26, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · CA

Jeep engine stopped running while driving on high way 20.Had to coast to stop in middle of side street.Jeep did start back up but would not go into drive until an hour of trying to get it into gear.Drove it home.Next morning I started jeep but would not go into drive.It was stuck in park.

Filed Apr 19, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · MS · fire

I was driving my 2019 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Sahara 2.0T/AT to the gym with my spouse. No Check Engine Light, Jeep Temps were perfect. All gauges operated as it should, so there was no sign of trouble. The vehicle was OFF. We parked and walked into the gym and then into the 1 set of exercises, Someone yelled in the gym that someone's truck was on fire. We ran outside and Lo and Behold it was our Jeep. The Engine Compartment Was totally Destroyed. Please Look At the Pictures for Reference.

Filed Apr 10, 2026 · Engine · GA

See attached document for complaint.

Filed Mar 13, 2026 · Driver assistance, Electrical · MN

Engine lights on Glass Recalibration failed multiple times. Engine failure when Jeep comes to a complete stop vehicle totally shuts down and needs to be restarted. When manufacture was contacted: not able to sell new engine. Resolution used engine with same issue. No real Resolution.

Filed Mar 4, 2026 · Engine · 61,000 miles · UT

The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was a misfire coming from the engine, and there was a backfire coming from the exhaust system. Additionally, there was a coolant intrusion in cylinder #3 and a burning in the head gasket. The contact stated that the engine overheated and the vehicle failed to restart after it was turned off. The catastrophic engine failure was attributed to coolant intrusion into the combustion chamber, which caused severe internal damage. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where the engine was being replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 61,000.