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2020 Jeep Wrangler: fire, smoke or burning smell

15 of the 619 complaints about the 2020 Jeep Wrangler describe fire, smoke or burning smell.

owner complaints
15
of this car's complaints
2%
recalls
2
Is there a fix? There are 2 recalls and 220 service bulletins for this area of the car. See below

Fire, smoke or burning smell by model year

What owners say

Filed Oct 7, 2026 · Fuel system, Steering · NE

A burning smell and an electrical burning smell electrical panel not always working

Filed Jun 30, 2026 · Engine · 96,000 miles · WV · fire

The contact owned a 2020 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine temperature gauge was increasing. The engine overheating warning light illuminated, the vehicle was turned off, and the contact exited the vehicle to open the hood and immediately closed it when the fire was discovered. The contact stated that there were flames coming from the back of the engine, and the front of the vehicle became engulfed in flames. The engine, seat cover, and front windshield were damaged, and the hood was melted. There was no injury sustained. The fire was extinguished by the Fire Department. The contact stated that the police were on the scene, but a Police report was not filed. The insurance company deemed the vehicle a total loss. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 96,000.

Filed Aug 27, 2025 · Engine · 51,000 miles · VA · fire

The contact owned a 2020 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that while her husband was driving at approximately 65 MPH, she noticed a burning odor in the vehicle's cabin, and the sway bar warning light illuminated. The husband looked out of the driver's window and observed fire coming from under the vehicle. While attempting to steer to the side of the road, the front of the vehicle became engulfed in flames. The couple managed to exit the vehicle safely. The contact's husband tried to extinguish the fire, but it continued to engulf more. The fire department arrived and extinguished the blaze. A police report was filed, and the vehicle was towed to a lot. The manufacturer was notified of the incident. The failure occurred at 51,000 miles.

Filed Jan 11, 2025 · Electrical, Engine · GA · fire

My Jeep Wrangler 2020 Sports Unlimited started malfunctioning on the road and the Jeep stopped, started smoking, caught on fire, and Blew up

Filed Dec 4, 2024 · Electrical, Steering · NY

Steering wheel gets very hot and the steering wheel and steering column start to smoke. Burning smell is toxic. This is a safety issue that needs to be repaired by Jeep.

Filed Sep 10, 2024 · Electrical, Engine · NV · fire

Unknown what started the issue. While driving it, service electronic control dash light went on. The vehicle started losing power. We were able to get to the highway shoulder. Other dash lights were going on as we were moving over. Immediately after putting it in park and turning the vehicle off, smoke started billowing out from the hood. The vehicle engine was on fire and it was completely destroyed. The only on-going issue we had with it was auto start/stop with both auxiliary and main battery having to be replaced twice over the course of 4 years. There was an active recall for fuel pump component and we were on a waiting list for parts from the dealer since Sept 2023 and we were still waiting.

Filed Jul 18, 2024 · Engine · CA · fire

on 17th July 2024 afternoon I was driving the jeep and the engine started smoking. I quickly pulled the vehicle to the side of the road and within a couple of minutes the engine was on fire. I have raised the issue with Jeep and awaiting their response

Filed Aug 8, 2023 · Electrical, Lights · CA · fire

I was driving home with my 3 kids in the car. Age 13,10,2 We were almost home and my daughter shouted from the back seat… “ there’s a fire .. there’s a fire” my self and my 13 year old son proceeded to look outside the car for a fire. We both kept saying where? My daughter then said “ right there look up” we both looked and the passenger side visor was in flames where it connects to the roof of the jeep. My son tried to blow it out but it sparked up 2 more times before he held the visor up before the fire went out completely. This was absolutely terrifying. I’m so worried my car is going to catch on fire while I am sleeping tonight. Please help

Filed Jul 25, 2023 · Transmission · KY

Events leading up to the incident Approx 7:25pm on July 24, 2023 driving up a hill on 71/75 South, he in 6th gear, lost acceleration, downshifted to 5th gear still losing acceleration, smelled an awful burning smell, then heard a clunk sound, clutch fell to the floor. Noticed some smoke, temperature gauge normal. I had enough momentum to pull off to the right shoulder. Turned the car off, called a family member for help @ 7:28pm. About a minute later the smoke became thicker & that's when I exited the vehicle. Called 911 at exactly 7:30pm. Engulfed in flames before I got off the phone with 911. Fire department arrived @ 7:35pm. .First noticed clutch slippage on Sat July 15th, 2023. Appointment was made for July 20, 2023 but they informed me 10min prior to the appointment by text that I couldn't wait on it and they couldn't provide a loaner vehicle

Filed May 18, 2023 · Electrical · FL · fire

Jeep caught fire by passenger visor

Filed Nov 22, 2022 · Transmission · CT

Shifter cables on my 2020 Jeep Wrangler have fallen off FIVE times leaving me unable to shift the car or drive it and it is necessary to pull over or coast over to the side of the road wherever I may be. The inability to shift is accompanied by a terrible burning smell. The dealership has attempted to repair it by putting the cables back on and by replacing the cables with new cables to no avail, the problem continues to occur. My safety and the safety of others is put at risk because the car is not able to function properly and maintain speed. Without warning this can occur and cause an accident on the road or highway. I have filed a Lemon Law complaint with the Jeep manufacturer. The problem has occurred FIVE times 3/29/22, 9/20/22, 10/14/22, 10/17/22, 11/22/22. All five times were without warning.

Filed Feb 28, 2022 · Engine · 30,791 miles · GA · fire

The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated while driving 75-80 MPH, the temperature gauge indicated “HOT” indicating that the engine was overheating. The contact pulled over to the emergency lane and looked up possible causes for the failure in the Owner’s Manual. The Owners Manuel instructed the contact to turn off the vehicle and wind the windows down which she performed. The Owner’s manual also suggested waiting for 15 minutes before restarting the vehicle. The contact performed the functions as instructed and started the vehicle and proceeded to drive however, the failure recurred. The contact stated that there was smoke coming from the engine and the vehicle lost all of the electronic functions. The brake and steering were the only functions that the contact was able to control. The contact engaged the hazard light and pulled over. The contact lifted the hood, rolled the windows down, and waited for the vehicle to cool down. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer where it was diagnosed. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified and informed about a refund on towing. The approximate failure mileage was 30,791.

Service bulletins that may apply

Related recalls

Electrical system: propulsion system: traction batteryReported October 30, 2025 · 320,068 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2020-2025 Jeep Wrangler 4Xe and 2022-2026 Grand Cherokee 4Xe vehicles. The high voltage battery may fail internally and lead to a vehicle fire while parked or driving.
Risk
A vehicle fire can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy
Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures and not to charge their vehicles until the remedy is completed. Dealers will update the high voltage battery software, and replace the high voltage battery, as necessary, free of charge. Some owner notification letters were mailed beginning December 17, 2025. The remaining owner notification letters will be mailed at a later date. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 800‑853‑1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is 68C. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on beginning November 6, 2025. Vehicles that were previously recalled for the same issue under the federal safety agency Recalls 24V720 and 23V787 will need to have the new remedy performed.

Recall number 25V741000 · Recall details

Electrical system: instrument cluster/panelReported September 5, 2024 · 32,863 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2020-2024 Jeep Gladiator and 2018-2024 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. The instrument panel cluster may experience an internal short circuit and fail. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 101, "Controls and Displays."
Risk
An instrument panel that fails to display critical safety information, such as the speedometer or warning lights, can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the instrument panel cluster, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed between October 3, 2024, and January 23, 2025. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. FCA's number for this recall is 30B.

Recall number 24V652000 · Recall details

Questions about the 2020 Jeep Wrangler fire or smoke

Is fire, smoke or burning smell a common problem on the 2020 Jeep Wrangler?

15 of 619 owner complaints about the 2020 Jeep Wrangler (2%) mention fire, smoke or burning smell. The model year with the most reports is 2014.

Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 2020 Jeep Wrangler?

There are 2 recalls and 220 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.

Other symptoms on the 2020 Jeep Wrangler

Pulling 67Fuel gauge 30Screen failure 26Check engine light 18Fuel smell 16Loss of power 16Overheating 16Fuel leak 13Power steering loss 11Steering lock-up 9Warning lights 9Backup camera 8Jerking 8ABS 7Engine failure 7Stalling 7Start-stop 7Wipers 7Ball joint 6Won't shift 6Fuel pump 5Misfire 5

All model years of the Jeep Wrangler

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