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2021 Jeep Wrangler engine problems

227 complaints (24% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 28,000. 4 crashes reported.

owner complaints
227
of this car's complaints
24%
typical mileage
28,000
crashes
4
recalls
2

Which part fails

Owners did not name a specific part.

At what mileage

Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.

0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+

Jeep Wrangler engine problems in other years

19901995200020052010201520202026

Specific symptoms reported on the 2021 Jeep Wrangler engine

Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.

Check engine light 82Loss of power 75Stalling 43Overheating 32Won't start 21Engine failure 11Knocking 5

Related recalls

EngineReported November 23, 2022 · 62,909 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Jeep Wrangler 4xe vehicles equipped with 2.0L Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle engines. A loss of communication may cause an engine shutdown.
Risk
An engine shutdown can cause a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
There is more than one involved component and calibration software. Updating the calibration software in the Transmission Control Module, Hybrid Control Processor and Auxiliary Hybrid Control Processor that changes fail safe from shut down to limp home. Dealers will update the transmission control module software, Hybrid Control Processor and Auxiliary Hybrid Control Processor, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 22, 2022. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall ZB7.

Recall number 22V865000 · Recall details

EngineReported October 13, 2022 · 60,413 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Jeep Wrangler, Ram 1500, and 2021-2022 Jeep Gladiator vehicles equipped with 3.0L diesel engines. The high pressure fuel pump (HPFP) may fail, causing an engine stall.
Risk
An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the HPFP and inspect and replace additional fuel system components, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 17, 2023. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is Z96.

Recall number 22V767000 · Recall details

What 2021 Jeep Wrangler owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Nov 3, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · CO

Engine fuel pump Cavitates and dies while at Idle or under power on highway. Fuel leaks out of the fuel tank vent in the Right Aft Fender well over the exhaust pipe. This is an intermitting problem.

Filed Oct 29, 2026 · Engine · MS

At 47000 miles the oil cooler cracked, although the technician stated it did not cause the crankshaft: harmonic balancer pulley to be damaged, the mat issue did occur and documentation from other sources state one can cause the other. Replacement cost was substantial for a low mileage vehicle. Documented issues with the oil cooler failing on Jeep Wrangler JL, specifically the 3.6 L engine is easily obtainable. The dealership admitted replacing a lot of them. This is a manufacturer defect that should be resolved.

Filed Oct 24, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · FL

When driving about 50 miles per hour on the highway, it felt like my engine suddenly gave out and my dash turned off. When it came back in, there were multiple indicator lights and a message that read "Pull over safely and shift to Park." I did just that, but after that I couldn't get the car to turn back on or shift out of park. I had to have to towed to the dealer and it has been there since 10/13.

Filed Oct 23, 2026 · Acceleration, Engine · TX · crash

While towing a utility trailer on the highway, the vehicle suddenly lost acceleration and could not maintain normal power while the driver was attempting to pass a semi-truck. During the incident, the semi-truck contacted the trailer and shredded one of the trailer tires. Three occupants were inside the vehicle. No injuries occurred, but the incident created a serious risk of a fatal collision. The vehicle has repeatedly displayed “Service Electronic Stability Control” and other warning lights, together with loss of power and transmission hesitation/slipping. The same concern has been reported to the dealership during approximately three service visits. The dealership previously replaced the air filter and attributed the warning lights to it, but the condition returned. Dated videos show the warning condition before and after that repair. The vehicle is currently back at the dealership for the recurring safety concern.

Filed Oct 15, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · NY

I have owned this vehicle since August of 2021 and consider myself very familiar with the normal operation and performance of the vehicles propultion system. From August of 2021 through December of 2025: - I could operate the vehicle at highway speeds in full electric mode - I could reliably tell when the vehicle would transition to the internal combustion engine and how the vehicle would respond when it transitioned (a smooth transition) - I could have confidence in how the vehicle would accelerate when the gas pedal was pushed. I had the 68C recall performed on 12/23/25 and since the recall, the vehicle's propultion system has not been the same to the point where it is a safety concern. - I cannot operate the vehicle at highway speeds in full electric mode and in many cases cannot operate in electric at lower speeds. - When the vehicle transitions to internal combustion, the engine climbs to an unsafe RPM, then reduces RPM in stages until transitioning back to full electric. This process repeates iteslf over and over as if the vehicle is trying to find the right balance between electric and gas. These transitions cause unreliable fluctuations in speed and power and put unecessary strain on the engine. - There are times when I will go to accelerate and nothing will happen for a couple of seconds. This is particularly dangerous at intersections. - There are times when I will go to accelerate and the vehicle will start in electric for a second and then immediately jump to 4500 RPM on the internal combustion engine, jetting the vehicle forward in an unsafe manner. The dealership noted the behavior, but cannot identify any codes and the official message from Jepp is that this is "Normal Operation." I've driven this vehicle for over 5 years and over 60,000 miles. I can confirm that this is not normal, this is not how it always has been, and there has been a change made to the performance of the vehicle since the recall. I have videos of the behavior.

Filed Oct 14, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · FL

Vehicle shuts down and looses all power and battery controls without warning. My [XXX] daughter was driving the jeep when this happened. Was unable to get vehicle into N for over an hour. Fuses and relays inside the under hood fuse block were extremely hot. After finally getting it into N, we removed from the travel lanes of the 4 lane highway. I had jeep towed to house and waiting to hear back from dealer as to when I can have it towed in. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Oct 14, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · CA

My 2021 Jeep 4XE is not safe after the 68C battery recall, this recall has caused the combustion engine to start intermittently even though I am in hybrid or electric mode, when this happens, the jeep will not respond to the accelerator pedal for a few seconds while the computer figures out what to do, when pulling away from a stop sign or turning left in traffic this lag has made it very difficult to drive in traffic. I feel the 68C recall has made this vehicle unsafe to drive unless you know it's going to lag and make driving corrections because of it. At this point I will not let anyone but myself drive it for fear they will experience the lag and end up in an accident because of it. I have had it back to the dealer 2 times and they acknowledge my complaint but since it has no codes they can't or don't know h0w to fix it. They have contacted Stellantis and they advise the jeep is operating as designed. It didn't do this prior to the 68C recall. Not sure what to do at this point but I now have a vehicle that I bought because I liked the performance of the Hybrid system but now that performance is compromised to the point, I feel it's not safe, and Jeep cant seem to rectify the issue even though the dealer acknowledges its and issue

Filed Oct 12, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · ID

I purchased my 2021 used with 29k miles in April 2024. Since then I have had to deal with three recalls but one of particular concern- 68c, meant to reduce the incidence of fire caused by the battery cell separators. Since then I have experienced a very noticeable change in how the Jeep drives. There is a large gap in available power, the gas engine sometimes kicks in unexpectedly at high RPM, other times I press the accelerator to the floor with no response, and at times there is a severe lag between the time I need to accelerate and the time that power is available. Overall not only did the recall fundamentally change the vehicle I purchased it also introduced unsafe driving characteristics because it is less predictable in its response.

Filed Sep 26, 2026 · Acceleration, Electrical · CO

Since the 68C recall, my 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe has not behaved normally and has become increasingly unpredictable. Even with a mostly or nearly full battery, it frequently will not operate in pure electric mode at lower speeds, particularly on even slight inclines. The gas engine can suddenly start when I am expecting electric operation, sometimes accompanied by hesitation, lurching, or an abrupt change in power delivery. I have genuine safety concerns with the vehicle because I cannot reliably predict how it will respond to accelerator input. There have been instances of reduced or delayed power followed by sudden engagement, which is especially concerning when pulling into traffic, crossing an intersection, merging, or maneuvering on a hill. These problems began following the 68C recall, and the vehicle's current behavior does not feel normal, consistent, or safe.

Filed Sep 14, 2026 · Acceleration, Engine · SC

After the safety recall 68C, the vehicle no longer operates as designed. In electric only mode, the gas engine engages, which is bad for the engine. This fails to give the engine time to prepare for short sudden use. When driving, the high voltage battery will lag or not produce power as it did prior. This can cause an accident (which it almost did already for myself). The acceleration lags before engaging. This vehicle performed properly prior to this software (1/1/2026) update. I don't trust or feel safe in my vehicle at this juncture. I seek the manufacturer to correct this for the safety of those who drive these vehicles.

Questions about the 2021 Jeep Wrangler engine

Does the 2021 Jeep Wrangler have engine problems?

Owners have filed 227 complaints about the engine of the 2021 Jeep Wrangler, 24% of all its complaints.

At what mileage do 2021 Jeep Wrangler engine problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 28,000 miles.

Is there a recall for the 2021 Jeep Wrangler engine?

Yes, 2 recalls: 22V865000, 22V767000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

Other 2021 Jeep Wrangler problems

Electrical 310Steering 255Suspension 181Transmission 149Fuel system 145Acceleration 48Brakes 27Wheels 23Driver assistance 21Visibility 20Body 18Airbags 10Lights 6Seats 5Seat belts 4Tires 4Locks 1

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