2021 Jeep Wrangler: jerking or lurching

Filed Oct 12, 2026 · Electrical · IL

After the Jeep 68C recall fix since January 2026: • Aggressive Battery Throttling & "Bogging": The updated software heavily restricts power output (often capping electric draw around 40–50%) to keep the battery cool. This causes a sudden loss of acceleration or a "bogging" sensation. The loss of motive power is a severe safety issue that did not exist before the software update. • Violent Engine Surges: When the electric motor loses power, the gasoline engine suddenly kicks in with a noticeable delay, lurching or surging. • Unreliable Electric Mode: Vehicles frequently drop out of full-electric mode—even with high battery charge—or struggle to maintain highway speeds on slight inclines. In warmer weather, lower temperature thresholds force the gas engine on after only 5 to 10 miles. Constance on and off operation of the engine in electric mode. The engine turns on only a few seconds, then turns off. This cycle will repeat till the battery is fully depleted. Jeep has NOT acknowledged the problem or given dealership guidance how to resolve the issue with the 68C software update.

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 23, 2026 · Acceleration, Fuel system · TX

My vehicle is currently in the shop getting the High voltage battery replaced for the second time due to a code showing battery voltage variation as well as getting the latest 21D recall completed. The Jeep currently has about 90,000 miles and has received all other recalls. The jeep no longer functions or performs like it did when I took ownership in February of 2022. It routinely loses power when trying to accelerate onto Highways or into traffic lanes or up hills. You can push the pedal down and there is a noticeable delay of several seconds before the vehicle starts to accelerate. The car no longer will stay in selected "Electric mode" and will instead kick the engine on at random times or take the vehicle out of "electric" and into "Hybrid". When at slow speeds (under 15MPH) in traffic the jeep lurches and slows, unable to maintain a constant speed. Also I have no way of proving that the overall power has been reduced through programming but the acceleration and advertised 375HP/470lb-ft does not seem to have the same feeling that it once did when first purchasing this vehicle. I believe there is a dangerous ongoing safety issue possibly with the programming, as well as the HV batteries. There were no warning lights coming on during the course of the last several months until I had a CEL for battery voltage variation and then it was taken to the dealership on the same day. There has been no communication with Jeep/Stellantis other than them issuing an unlimited mileage warranty on the HV battery. They seem to be replacing it with the same design, and therefore not addressing the issue only putting a band aid on the problem.

Filed Jun 29, 2026 · Electrical, Transmission · NY

While driving, regardless of whether at neighborhood or highway speeds, my Jeep Wrangler 4xe suddenly loses drive power without warning. Electric propulsion drops in stages — to about 50%, then 25% — then the dash displays "Electric Mode Temporarily Unavailable" and the vehicle forces itself into hybrid mode. When this happens, I press the accelerator and get little or no response for several seconds before the gas engine engages. This is a serious safety hazard when merging or pulling into traffic. I have had a couple of close calls due to the lack of acceleration. It is repeatable and occurs during normal driving. This all began after having the 68C recall performed. Also, while driving in electric mode at highway speeds, the engine constantly starts and stops, causing a lurching each time. In other instances, when the acceleration is lagging, and the engine does start and engage, the vehicle accelerates more than expected, which could be a serious safety risk.

Filed Jun 26, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · VA

Since the 68C recall from Jeep, my vehicle has not been functioning properly. The 68C recall was issued because the high-voltage battery cells have a defect that causes them to short-circuit and catch fire. To avoid replacing hundreds of thousands of expensive batteries all at once, Jeep implemented a "fix" via a software flash. The new software "fix" heavily restricts how much power can be drawn from the high-voltage battery to keep it from getting warm. If you push the pedal enough to draw more than roughly 40–50% power—or if the battery temperature hits a strictly lowered threshold—the software abruptly chokes the electric motor and fires up the ICE engine to compensate. Because the electric motor just lost its punch, the computer frantically fires up the gasoline engine to make up the difference. Because there is an inherent delay while the gas engine starts up and matches the transmission speed, it engages with a sudden, frustrating lurch or surge. This is just one of the many problems i have found since jeeps "fix" has been implemented. Basically Jeep elected to reduce the capacity of the battery to avoid costly replacement of the real issue with the battery. This has resulted in a driving safety concern with the surging and hesitation. Also now I can no longer drive exclusively in the electric mode; electric mode is basically non-existent.

Filed Mar 2, 2026 · Driver assistance, Engine · NJ

My 2021 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon (3.6L eTorque, automatic transmission) has experienced recurring drivetrain instability beginning at approximately 2,000 miles while under factory warranty. The vehicle intermittently exhibits a high-RPM flare during acceleration, where the engine speed increases without a commensurate increase in vehicle acceleration. The transmission then abruptly engages, causing sudden jerking. At low speeds (approximately 10–5 mph), the vehicle shudders and harshly downshifts, creating a sudden grabbing sensation. Engine RPMs fluctuate during deceleration as if the transmission cannot smoothly match engine speed. Braking feels inconsistent, and at times it feels as though the vehicle is accelerating or resisting braking input before abruptly slowing. The vehicle has felt as though it would stall at low speeds and has stalled intermittently. Additionally, the forward collision warning / automatic emergency braking system has activated without an obstacle present. There have also been intermittent instances of loss of power steering assist. The engine has developed a ticking noise and a high-pitched ringing/whining sound from the engine area during operation. In January 2026, the transmission catastrophically failed and required replacement of the transmission, torque converter, cooler, and control module. The vehicle was out of service for over 24 days. Following installation of a Mopar remanufactured transmission and torque converter, the same symptoms have recurred, including RPM flare, delayed shifting, shuddering, harsh downshifts, unstable deceleration, and abnormal engine noises. These conditions present a safety concern due to loss of expected acceleration, unpredictable torque engagement, unintended braking activation, intermittent power steering loss, stalling behavior, and drivetrain instability. The vehicle is currently under further diagnostic evaluation. I have multiple documents, but the file is too large to upload

Filed Jan 23, 2026 · Transmission · CA

I just had the 68C recall done to my Jeep Wrangler 4XE recently. Before the recall, it was running fine. But now, every time I go uphill in electric only mode, the car would suddenly lose power (eg. slowing down from 50 MPH to 20 MPH). Pressing the accelerator does nothing, until I fully depress it, at which point the gas engine would start and the car jerks forward. It's very dangerous with the sudden slow down and speed up for no reason.

Filed Nov 13, 2025 · Electrical · NC

My Jeep 4xE popped a check engine light and I lost anything connected to the HV battery. The Jeep was lurching and driving strangely. The dealer said it required a new HV battery that was replaced under warranty. Just a week later the Jeep is recalled because these batteries could catch fire and I can no longer charge my vehicle or park in my garage. This means Jeep installed an HV battery that they knew was unsafe. This Jeep had a similar recall last year at the same time and received the “fix” which turns out did nothing to actually fix the issue with the HV batteries. I have lost confidence in this vehicle being safe for me and my family. This is dangerous and unacceptable!

Filed Oct 22, 2025 · Transmission · WA

Vehicle rear locker light flashing indicating the rear locker was turned on when, leaving a retail shop, and the rear locker engaged in 2WD on its own! No indication prior to this, it came out of the blue. Tried to disengage the rear locker via selector switch but unsuccessful. Any attempts to drive were met with severe jumping and jerking of the vehicle with loud metal banging noises. Tried both reverse and forward as well as putting it in 4WD and then back to 2WD to disengage the locker. Not successful. Vehicle towed to Jeep dealership. Luckily I was in a parking lot and not on the main road. If this happened on the main road at speed, I fear I may have lost control of the vehicle as it was jerking and jumping and the vehicle was uncontrollable which would have put other drivers at risk of collision and possible injury. Dealership has confirmed the issue, replaced the rear locker and sensors in the axle, and the symptoms persist for them too. They are currently looking into the electrical system and computer as the root cause. Chrysler is recommending the dealer replace the rear axle as the only means of fixing the issue. Apparently this is a growing issue that Chrysler has been aware of for several years. Vehicle is currently in the shop at the dealership for troubleshooting.

Filed Feb 23, 2025 · Transmission · TX

Sudden loss of power. Vehicle completely lost response to accelerator pedal while driving: Had a very strange experience last night. I have been barely charging my 4xe after 95b recall trying to maybe slow down battery degradation and drive it like during the recall period. Last night I was going down a rural road. I rolled up to a 4 way stop slowing down from about 55mph to stop. Vehicle was in hybrid mode, and cluster was at <1%. I had barely stopped, I don’t think the ICE shut down. I tried to accelerate to clear the intersection and I had 0 power. Car would barely move and slowly rolled in the intersection. Engine was running but not responding to the accelerator with RPM increase, just like when you try to rev at idle. No response to half or full throttle. I just slowly rolled in the intersection (scary situation, luckily no heavy traffic) I turned my hazard lights on and tried again to accelerate, 0 response, no MIL light, still gas in car. I tried to change drive mode to electric, message “unavailable, battery depleted” (no surprise there), tried e-save no response to throttle either. Last resort I put tranny in park and re-cycled start/stop. HV battery had enough power to start engine and responded to throttle and I was back driving. Did another 10-15 miles yesterday, no wild issues (sometimes it feels a little jerky, but that could be just me now). I did some heavy accelerations. Power meter went to 100, re-charged on coasting and did that for 4 or 5 repetitions. No warning lights ever. Checked my SOH last night and it had dropped to 80.8%. I decided to charge on L1 outside. Didnt have full SOC this morning, just 75% on dash. Drove normal this moaning, stayed in electric mist of the time. My 75% was completely depleted after maybe 10 miles driving. All seems typical for a poor SOH HV battery, except the loss of power and 0 response to throttle. Very scary and potentially dangerous.

Filed Feb 16, 2025 · Electrical, Engine · AL

The jeep was taken to the dealership under a software battery recall and the software was updated. One week later while driving at approximately 55mph, there was a sudden jerk in the propulsion system. the car shifted abruptly from electric to gas motor and the electric mode was unavailable. The vehicle jerked and hesitated at every acceleration and deceleration causing unsafe operating conditions . The check engine light was on I returned it to the dealer immediately and was told that the high voltage hybrid battery was bad. I'm pretty convinced from my and other experiences that the software up date was not a remedy to previous incidents reported to you. It was a software patch that determined if the battery was bad.

Filed Jan 6, 2025 · Engine, Fuel system · OK

Recent recall 95B was performed December 15th, 2024 on my Jeep 4xe. The vehicle passed the road test involved with the safety recall to detect a defective high voltage battery. On December 26th, within 100 miles of the recall test being performed, the vehicle cruise control involuntarily shut off, check engine light illuminated and the vehicle lost power on the freeway. We were able to return home with the vehicle lurching while driving, having erratic acceleration from a stop and pushing through braking. The issues continued a few days later when delivering to the Jeep service center and the Jeep died in the service lane and had to be pushed the rest of the way to the service bay. The "fix'' that Stellantis has provided seems to simply later detect the battery issue that the recall test was designed to detect under their care during the test procedure. There are numerous other 4xe owners that I am aware of that are having the same post-test failures and motive power losses in traffic soon after their vehicle 'passed' the battery test. This 'solution' is causing a dangerous situation for the owners and the general motoring public. The Jeep has since been reevaluated and determined that the battery that the recall was intended to detect is indeed defective and is being replaced.