2021 Jeep Wrangler: engine failure

Filed Sep 25, 2026 · Steering · 60,000 miles · NJ · 1 injury

The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle experienced a loss of power steering assist, causing a more difficult steering effort. The vehicle was restarted to correct the failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who replaced the CAN bus connector, but the failure persisted. While driving 70 MPH, the steering wheel seized and the vehicle almost crashed into a guardrail. The contact sustained body soreness. The contact later received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 26V363000 (Steering). The vehicle was towed to the second dealer, Nielsen Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram of East Hanover (175 NJ-10, East Hanover, NJ 07936), who informed the contact that the electric hydraulic power steering pump needed to be replaced; however, the dealer refused to perform the recall repair and stated that the failure was not related to the recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure by phone. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.

Filed Jul 2, 2026 · Engine · NV

My 2021 Jeep Wrangler 3.0L EcoDiesel experienced a failure of the engine oil cooler that allowed engine oil and engine coolant to cross contaminate. The oil cooler on this engine sits between the oil and coolant passages, so an internal failure of that component mixes the two systems. The failure first occurred in September 2025 while the vehicle was in use, and coolant intrusion into the oil system has recurred in 2026. This condition is a safety concern because it can cause engine overheating and sudden loss of engine performance or engine failure while driving. On one occasion the vehicle overheated within approximately one mile of leaving a service facility. Low oil pressure was also observed (as low as 9 psi), which risks engine damage and loss of power in traffic. The manufacturer (FCA US LLC / Stellantis) initial XXX November 7, 2025 the arbitrator ruled in my favor, finding the oil cooling system failure "was more likely a result of a Manufacturer defect" and that my modifications "did not cause the oil cooling system failure," and ordered the manufacturer to repair it. FCA's own [XXX] owner dashboard showed the Powertrain Limited Warranty active (expiration 10/07/2026 or 100,000 miles) as recently as May 18, 2026; yet by XXX a Stellantis dealership reported the vehicle under a complete vehicle restriction and refused to diagnose it, leaving a known engine defect unrepaired. I am reporting this so the potential safety defect in the EcoDiesel oil cooler and the resulting engine overheating and failure risk are on record, and because the manufacturer has not repaired a defect that an arbitrator determined to be a manufacturing defect. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Jan 12, 2026 · Driver assistance, Steering · IN

Two issues that I want to make known. First is a classic jeep issue with the death wobble. I currently have the jeep back in the shop for the current recall and having them fix the wobbling again. This would be the second time that it has happened. worried because the warranty is about to expire. Next is a problem that I almost forgot about until recently because I started driving a rental jeep wrangler. With my jeep, when I have the adaptive cruse control on, it some times thinks there is a car in front of me when it is in the next lane, and right in the middle of the highway, my jeep tries to stop because there is a car next to me in its own lane. This has been going on for a while now but i have never gotten it looked at because of the cost. im going to have both issues looked at during the recall because my extended warranty is ending and im worried that if i dont get it fixed now, im going to have to pay more in the future. Side notes about my jeep, it was a buy back before I purchased it. Was supposedly fixed. At around 10k miles I had a radiator issue and then needed to have a complete engine replacement. With both of these battery recalls, I have had to get a new battery. Im about to get by 3rd. There has also been hvac issues fixed in the past. I tried to contact jeep about another buy back, but they denied the claim without even talking to me. Currently working on trying to actually talk to someone.

Filed Dec 9, 2025 · Engine · AL

Jeep has a design defect in vehicles equipped with the 2.0L turbocharged engine where the coolant reservoir is positioned directly adjacent to the turbocharger and turbo heat source with insufficient heat shielding. Due to the constant high heat exposure, the plastic coolant reservoir and/or connecting plastic fittings degrade, warp, and become brittle over time, eventually leading to coolant leaks, erratic coolant temperature readings, and/or sudden coolant loss. This failure often occurs without warning, and many vehicles do not initially trigger a check engine light. In my case, the vehicle exhibited intermittent coolant temperature readings, abnormal fan operation, and heating inconsistencies before the leak was discovered. Multiple repair attempts are frequently made before the root cause is identified. Mechanics often replace components such as the thermostat housing, coolant temperature sensors, or related assemblies, not realizing the coolant reservoir heat damage is the underlying cause. This results in unnecessary repairs, significant consumer expense, and extended vehicle downtime.This defect poses a serious safety risk, as coolant loss can result in: •Engine overheating •Sudden loss of power •Potential engine failure while driving •Increased risk of breakdown in traffic or unsafe driving conditions Numerous owners report similar failures, indicating this is not an isolated incident but a widespread design flaw affecting Jeep vehicles equipped with the 2.0L turbo engine.Jeep has not issued a Technical Service Bulletin or recall addressing the placement of the coolant reservoir or providing guidance to technicians to inspect for heat-related degradation in this area.I am requesting that the federal safety agency investigate this design defect and require Jeep to issue a Technical Service Bulletin or recall addressing this. The vehicle was properly maintained and not modified and The issue occurred at relatively low mileage.

Filed Nov 20, 2025 · Engine · NH

We leased this vehicle in 2022. About 6 months into the lease the vehicle started acting like it was overheating. My stepdaughter took the car to a mechanic and they said the coolant system shows no signs of a leak. Periodically in the time she had the vehicle these symptoms would occur. Now in the summer of this year the engine seized. She was taking the vehicle to get oil changes on time except for one time she went over the mileage due. Anyway I’ve been trying to work with the dealer about the cost of repairs and who is responsible, but in the meantime I spoke with someone who had the exact same thing happen with his jeep wrangler similar year. Now this guy works at a car auction. Been working around cars. It seems this is pretty common with Jeep Wranglers. Her Jeep has been inoperable for months now.

Filed Sep 22, 2025 · Electrical, Engine · TX

Engine replacement in 2024 has caused constant errors and malfunctions to vehicle since. Vehicle under warranty and had been at dealership servicing for constant malfunctioning every 4-5 months since Feb of 2024.

Filed Jul 4, 2025 · Engine · FL

While operating the 2021 Jeep Wrangler under normal driving conditions, I experienced repeated overheating issues. A high-pitched noise was consistently heard coming from under the hood during operation. Simultaneously, the engine temperature gauge would spike to high, and the infotainment system displayed an engine overheating warning. When the vehicle is started from a cold start - the high pitch is constant. To prevent damage or risk of fire, I immediately pulled the vehicle over and allowed the engine to cool. Upon restarting, the overheating issue persisted, with the temperature gauge rising and falling erratically—up to four times during a 15-minute drive. I brought the vehicle to an authorized Jeep dealership service center for inspection. The following findings were documented: Coolant System: High-temperature coolant reservoir found completely empty. Low-temperature reservoir found low on coolant. Evidence of coolant leakage at multiple coolant line fittings. Engine Block: External head gasket leak observed. Pressure test confirmed leaks in coolant lines. Internal Engine Inspection: Spark plugs were removed and coolant residue was found in the combustion chambers. Cylinder walls showed damage consistent with overheating. Slightly burned valves noted during inspection. Based on the findings above, the engine has suffered critical failure due to overheating and internal coolant leakage. The combination of external gasket leaks, coolant residue in the cylinders, damaged cylinder walls, and burned valves presents a serious mechanical and safety concern. Full engine replacement is required. Estimated cost: $16,000.00 This engine failure may pose a significant safety risk due to: Sudden loss of power while driving, Potential engine fire from overheating, Exposure to steam or hot coolant under hood Risk of engine seizing while on motion.

Filed Jun 12, 2025 · Electrical, Engine · VA

My jeep started leaving me stranded 8 times. The jeep would not start but had warning lights of " service charging system" , with picture of a battery in left of dash, a wrench, engine light, and it won't go into neutral to have it towed. I had it in the shop twice, and they cannot figure out the cause. They did update the computer to cover the recall from automatic combustion. { updated the computer) . It got worse, the car is now cutting off while on. I had it towed to the jeep dealer aging tonight . The dashboard lights do not come onto until after engine failure. This is a hybrid, I was told by Crossroads to keep the vehicle charged but this has not corrected the problem.

Filed Sep 3, 2021 · Electrical, Engine · IL

As I approached a stop sign while braking, the Jeep seized up, shut off, and gave the Electronic Stability Control warning. I attempted to restart and it didn’t start or get out of park. It then gave Blind Spot Monitoring System error and Service Charging System error. I’m grateful that I was at a stop sign unlike some of the other reports of this issue that were on the highway. It was quite a jolt when the vehicle seized. The vehicle has been at the dealership since 8/24. It was thought the hybrid battery needed replacement. A new one gave the same errors to the service team. The vehicle remains with the service department awaiting another battery.

Filed Aug 2, 2021 · Electrical, Engine · UT

I was driving at night on a 4-lane highway at approximately 55 mph southbound in the left lane. My hybrid vehicle had less than 1% of battery power and was running using the gas engine. With no warning the vehicle suddenly experienced a sudden deceleration to less than 10 mph then a warning light came on stating "service charging system- place vehicle in P and start engine. Fortunately there were no vehicles in close proximity either in front, behind, or in the lane to my right, so I was able to make it over to the shoulder before it came to a complete stop. At that point I received an alert from my UCONNECT app that stated "Your 2021 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited was unable to charge." It also stated to "Get service immediately." I placed the vehicle in park and attempted to start the engine with no response. I repeated the procedure and the engine started after which I was able to drive home. I had the vehicle towed to the dealer the next morning where, after two days, the dealer returned the vehicle and told me they could find nothing wrong. no codes in the computer, and no information from Jeep on any similar problems, despite getting the aforementioned alert received from the UCONNECT app. My main concern is that this type failure, the sudden engine failure/deceleration with no warning either inside or outside (brake lights), especially at night, can easily result an accident. I was very fortunate that I was on a highway with other cars near me. A crowded street, highway, or freeway would be a totally different story.

Filed Jun 9, 2021 · Engine · TX

The engine has a manufacture machining defect causing the engine to lose oil. This component has been inspected my an authorized dealer and has spent 4 weeks in the service department trying to be repaired. Manufacture has asked dealership to modify the engine block by grinding down the engine and placing a new seal. The dealership is an agreement this is a temporary fix to a larger problem of poor manufacturing by FCA suppliers. The loss of oil can lead to unknown catastrophic engine failure, including on major highway posing a saftey risk.