2021 Jeep Wrangler: engine overheating

Filed Sep 20, 2026 · Fuel system · PA

2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe Sahara, VIN [XXX]. 1. The exact malfunctioning component is UNKNOWN; I suspect the hybrid propulsion system. The vehicle is available for inspection. After recall 68C was completed, accelerator response, electric-power availability, and combined gasoline/electric performance changed substantially. The Jeep hesitates when I press the accelerator, the gasoline engine starts at unexpected times, and full electric-mode operation becomes restricted. Combined acceleration is noticeably weaker than before the recall. My complaint concerns restricted propulsion power, not reduced driving range. Horsepower loss has not been independently measured. Whether battery overheating or thermal-protection controls cause these restrictions is UNKNOWN. 2. I regularly pull out into traffic expecting the acceleration the vehicle previously provided, but the Jeep hesitates or fails to gain speed quickly enough. The approaching driver behind me then has to slow down. This recurring delayed response and reduced acceleration make safe gaps harder to judge and create a risk of a rear-end collision. 3. No dealer or independent service center has reproduced or confirmed these post-recall problems. 4. Recall 68C was completed, but these subsequent drivability problems have not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives, or others. 5. I first noticed these symptoms on XXX, at 62,000 miles, after recall 68C. They became more pronounced during summer 2026 as warmer weather set in. No warning lamps or messages accompanied these problems. I suspect a connection to the recall work based on the timing, but the exact cause is UNKNOWN. I request that the federal safety agency investigate whether the 68C remedy causes or leaves unresolved restricted propulsion power and delayed accelerator response. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Aug 20, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · 56,700 miles · WA

The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the engine overheated, and the vehicle was driving sluggishly with the temperature gauge indicating that the engine was overheating. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who determined that the coolant reservoir was cracked and was leaking coolant. The coolant reservoir was replaced, and the vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to immediately start due to battery failure. No further information was available. The local dealer was notified of the failures, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 56,700.

Filed Jul 24, 2026 · Engine · 131,000 miles · CA

The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the temperature gauge rose significantly, indicating that the engine was overheating. The coolant temperature warning light remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer to be diagnosed, and the contact was informed that there were metal shavings inside the engine cylinders, and that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage 131,000.

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 Jun 24, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · TX

1. The vehicle caught fire during normal operation. It is a 2021 Jeep Wrangler (VIN [XXX]) subject to FCA US Recall 21D / the federal safety agency Campaign 26V363000, which identifies the electric hydraulic power steering (EHPS) pump and its wiring as a fire source that can overheat and ignite. The exact failed component has not yet been confirmed by diagnostic, but the fire is consistent with the defect described in that recall. The vehicle is intact and available for inspection — it was towed to Waxahatchie Jeep, an authorized Stellantis dealer in Waxahachie, TX, on June 19, 2026 and remains in their custody under repair order [XXX]. 2. The vehicle caught fire while being driven on the highway between Waxahachie and Ennis, Texas, with two occupants returning from a Boy Scout trip, my husband, the driver, and our [XXX] son. The driver was forced to take evasive action, steering off the roadway into a service station to get the occupants clear and stop the fire from spreading further. This created a serious risk of burns, of a collision during the evasive maneuver, and of harm to the occupants and other motorists. 3. Has the problem been reproduced…? No. No diagnostic has been performed. The vehicle has been in the authorized dealer’s custody since June 19, 2026 ([XXX]), but the manufacturer has not completed an inspection or diagnostic. The underlying defect is the subject of an active recall (21D / 26V363000) affecting more than one million 2021–2025 Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator vehicles, for which the manufacturer has stated no remedy is yet available. 4. The vehicle was towed by AAA to Waxahatchie Jeep on June 19, 2026 and has remained there since. It has not yet been formally inspected or diagnosed by the manufacturer. 5. There were no warning lamps or messages prior to the fire. The first indication of a problem was smoke from the engine area at which point the driver immediately pulled off the road and saw a plume of smoke coming from the exhaust. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.

Filed Jun 18, 2026 · Electrical, Steering · 59,000 miles · AL · fire

The contact owned a 2021 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that the vehicle was designed with a right-hand steering wheel and was used as a mail carrier vehicle. The contact stated that after parking and dropping off mail, the contact returned to the vehicle and noticed that the vehicle was overheating, and the battery warning light was illuminated. Additionally, the contact noticed an abnormal popping sound and smoke coming from under the hood. The contact turned off and exited the vehicle. The contact called 911, and the Fire truck arrived 10 minutes later; however, the fire had already started under the hood. The contact stated that the vehicle burned significantly from the front-end to the front seats. Additionally, mail inside the vehicle were burned. The fire was extinguished by the fire department. There was no injury sustained. A fire report was filed, and additionally, a Police report was filed. The vehicle was deemed totaled by the insurance company. The vehicle was towed to Copart's. Upon conducting a VIN search on the website, the contact became aware that the VIN was included in the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 26V363000 (Steering). The dealer was notified of the failure and stated that the recall only applied to electric vehicles. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 59,000.

Filed May 6, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · CA

The primary component involved is the high-voltage charging system, specifically the charging port and connector interface. The vehicle previously experienced a confirmed failure involving a scorched charging port and a melted pin, which required replacement. The same symptoms have since returned, including heat at the charging interface and a burning odor. The vehicle is currently located at an authorized dealership and is available for inspection upon request. This condition presents a safety risk due to the potential for electrical overheating and possible fire hazard. In addition, the vehicle has experienced repeated loss of power while driving, which creates a risk in traffic conditions and could impact driver control and safety. The issue has been previously confirmed by the dealership, which replaced the charging port due to thermal damage. However, upon recurrence of similar symptoms, the dealership has refused to diagnose or service the vehicle, preventing further confirmation at this time. The vehicle has been inspected by an authorized dealership on multiple occasions for related issues, including the prior charging system failure. The manufacturer has not directly inspected the vehicle but has been contacted for assistance. Prior to the charging system failure, symptoms included heat at the charging connector and a burning odor. The vehicle has also exhibited electrical system irregularities and repeated loss of power while driving beginning after recall-related service in or around August 2024.

Filed Apr 14, 2026 · Engine · SC

The engine is overheating at idle speed and there's a phamtom coolant leak. We just bought this in January and are already having major issues. Seems to be a problem with the plastic coolant reservoir being near a very hot engine.

Filed Mar 26, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · FL

A recall repair was completed in 2023 related to an overheating warning. Recently, the same issue has returned. The engine cooling fan runs at a very high speed for several minutes and then shuts off, even when the vehicle is cold or operating under normal conditions. An overheating warning message appeared briefly while driving, but the temperature gauge remained within the normal range. This suggests the engine may not actually be overheating and that the issue may be related to a faulty sensor, electrical system, or control module. The problem has not yet been fully diagnosed by a dealer due to diagnostic costs, but the symptoms are consistent with the original issue that led to the recall repair. This condition could pose a safety risk because the driver may receive inaccurate overheating warnings or may not be alerted if a real overheating condition occurs. The issue is intermittent and has occurred both while driving and when the vehicle is stationary. Attempts were made to contact the manufacturer to report this as a repeat issue after a recall repair, but no resolution was provided and a formal case was not successfully established.

Filed Mar 22, 2026 · Steering · MN

While driving on roads I would characterize as good, Our 2021 Jeep Wrangle has exhibited what is widely know as the "death wobble". 1st time was when vehicle has approximately 10,000 miles and it was noted as being severe, dangerous and very scary. 2nd and 3rd time time and with the same road conditions, it occurred. Mileage was 20,000 and 21,000. On March 13th, and with 23,702 miles, we serviced the vehicle to address a known issue with water pump coolant leak and I explained the front wheel steering "wobble issue". They reviewed, test drove and found no issues with it. 3 miles after picking up vehicle, and at approximate 50 MPH, the unit went into a major wobble condition. I immediately returned to the dealership. Technician recommended steering stabilizer and I was told 9/10 times this fixes the "shake". Service team also explained this is a fairly widespread concern with Jeep Wrangler. I consider this a major risk to me, my family and other drivers around me/vehicle. Only my wife and I have experienced the condition. Dealer was unable to duplicate. No other warning lights or fail conditions are available. On YouTUBE, search Jeep Death Wobble and you will be able to see and witness the condition. Its spot-on. Links below. [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

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 Dec 4, 2025 · Airbags, Electrical · PA

In June 2025, I brought my vehicle to the dealership (Hendricks Chrysler Dodge Birmingham, AL) for a full diagnostic inspection, and at that time I was told everything was fine. There were no warnings, no notes about electrical issues, airbags, coolant leaks, engine leaks, or any of the major concerns now being reported. On my most recent visit (October 2025), the dealership suddenly reported multiple “Immediate Attention” failures, including: • Airbag system issues • Electrical system failure • Coolant system leak • Water pump leak • Engine oil separator leak These items were never mentioned during my previous full diagnostic despite being safety-related components that typically show symptoms or codes. Because these new issues involve critical components like the airbags, engine, and electrical system, my safety was put at risk. I have been driving the vehicle daily under the belief that it had passed a full diagnostic months earlier. If these problems really existed at that time, then I was unknowingly operating an unsafe vehicle. If they did NOT exist, then the sudden appearance of multiple major failures raises concerns about incorrect diagnostics or improper prior inspection. I have not received any warning lights except the airbag light. The dealership has not provided a clear explanation as to how these issues appeared only months after a full inspection. This has caused significant concern regarding vehicle safety, diagnostic reliability, and whether the previous inspection was performed correctly. I am requesting the federal safety agency review because the dealership failed to identify or disclose major safety-related failures, which has potentially placed me in danger without any warning.