2021 Jeep Wrangler: stuck in gear or won't shift

Filed Jul 14, 2026 · Acceleration, Electrical · MN

While driving from [XXX] to [XXX], the vehicle experienced two sudden loss-of-propulsion events at highway speed. During the first incident in downtown [XXX], cruise control disengaged, the transmission abruptly downshifted, and the accelerator became largely unresponsive. The vehicle rapidly lost speed in traffic, and another vehicle nearly rear-ended me because I could not maintain speed or accelerate. The engine remained running, but the vehicle appeared to enter reduced-power or limp mode. I pulled over, shut the vehicle off, and restarted it. Normal throttle operation temporarily returned. The check-engine light and “Stop/Start Not Available” warning remained illuminated. After approximately three hours of otherwise normal driving, I activated cruise control again. The same condition immediately returned: cruise disengaged, the transmission downshifted, throttle response was lost, and the vehicle rapidly decelerated. Restarting again restored normal operation. This unexpected loss of propulsion created a serious collision risk because the vehicle abruptly slowed in moving highway traffic without allowing me to accelerate out of danger. The problem appears directly associated with cruise-control activation, although the exact mechanical or electronic cause is unknown. The vehicle has approximately 40,300 miles, was purchased as Jeep Certified Pre-Owned, and had a new OEM battery installed by an authorized Jeep dealership shortly after purchase. I am requesting that the federal safety agency investigate similar reports involving sudden throttle loss, abrupt downshifting, reduced-power operation, or loss of propulsion at highway speeds. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Jul 8, 2025 · Acceleration, Electrical · CA

⸻ Title: Loss of Power While Driving on Freeway – Dangerous Malfunction Similar to Recall 23V‑116 Complaint Description: I am reporting a serious and dangerous malfunction with my 2021 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon EcoDiesel. While driving on a high-speed freeway (70–80 MPH), all warning lights on the dashboard illuminated—including the check engine light—and the vehicle suddenly went into limp mode, resulting in a loss of power. This occurred in fast-moving traffic, putting me at immediate risk of a crash. This started happening again every time I got on the freeway for 10 minutes. I’ve owned this Jeep for about a year, have never taken it off-road, and have kept it properly maintained. All electrical components, fuses, and systems have been inspected, and no clear cause has been found. The problem persists and is clearly not due to driver use or negligence. This issue strongly resembles Recall Number 23V‑116, which states that affected vehicles may experience a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash. That recall was for 2021 Jeep Wrangler vehicles, the same model and year as mine. However, my VIN was not included, despite the fact that I’m experiencing the exact same symptoms described in the recall notice: “A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.” This issue began occurring shortly after that recall was issued, and it has happened multiple times, mostly during highway driving—making the vehicle extremely unsafe. I believe my vehicle should have been included in Recall 23V‑116, as this is clearly a safety-related defect involving the powertrain or control module software. This is an urgent safety issue, and I respectfully request that the federal safety agency investigate why this VIN was excluded from the recall and consider expanding the recall to cover additional affected vehicles before someone gets seriously injured or worse. Vehicle Information: •Year: 2021 •Make: Jeep •Model: Wrangler Rubicon EcoDiesel •Transmission: Automatic

Filed Oct 26, 2024 · Electrical · GA

Vehicle stops at low speed and will not move. When placed in park it will not shift back into drive. Hybrid charge lights flashing and several warning lights display on the dash. The dealer is waiting on parts that Jeep says are back ordered indefinitely. Dealership say keep driving it. Jeep is looking for the parts but have not addressed the significant safety risk of shutting down in the roadway and unable to move. I have to shut the vehicle down in the roadway and wait to restart the vehicle to clear the issue. It will not even allow me to pull the emergency transmission release when this condition occurs to move the vehicle out of the roadway.

Filed Jun 5, 2024 · Engine, Fuel system · 31,300 miles · CA

The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated while driving approximately 60–65 MPH, the engine overheated, and the vehicle went into LIMP Mode. The contact was able to coast off the roadway. The contact retrieved DTC code: P00OF (Turbo Charger and Boost Module). The check engine warning light was illuminated. The local dealer was contacted but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the failure was due to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 22V767000 (Fuel System, Gasoline, Engine). The manufacturer was not contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 31,300.

Filed Mar 19, 2024 · Electrical, Steering · VA

After a period of 10 minutes in stop-and-go traffic, a shift warning light indicated on the warning panel. All the lights for the gear shift lever would light up individually. The vehicle turned off the stability control system and indicated a warning to proceed driving however the vehicle may not be able to shift into park. After about 3 miles of driving, it felt like the power steering stopped working and it was extremely difficult to control and turn the vehicle. It also felt like the vehicle would not shift properly. Once the vehicle was to the side of the road, it indicated that the vehicle was not in park despite moving the gear shift lever to park. The vehicle would not turn off of accessory mode. Had whatever happened to the power steering happened at any higher rate of speed, the vehicle would have been impossible to control in a turn or traffic. It took every bit of arm strength to coax the vehicle to the side of the road.

Filed Jul 24, 2023 · Transmission · NC

driving 75 down interstate and the vehicle just lost all power yet everything was "on" like normal and no check engine light- nothing. Would not allow me to accelerate or go over 45mph. It is like it would not shift gears. I stopped twice and turned the vehicle off but it did the same thing. Took it to the dealer and on day 2 (6 days later from initial incident) of them driving it, it did same with them but would not allow them to travel over 30 mph. They state it is not showing any codes and they don't know what is wrong. This is very dangerous while on a busy highway and going 75 to all the sudden lose power to your vehicle with no control and it quickly deaccelerates to 45pmh! I almost got hit multiple times as most people were driving 80mph plus! My vehicle is only 2 years old and less than 30k miles. Something is clearly wrong but not showing any codes so noone knows!

Filed Jun 10, 2023 · Acceleration, Engine · OH

Dates of problem may 18 and June 9 The Jeep has engine light on the throttle control light is on I was driving on a highway and the vehicle completely went into limp mode would not go above 33 mph and almost caused an accident since the Jeep went into limp mode brought it to dealership they said the fixed it then a 2weeks later it happens again this time with my son in the car going 60 mph it does same exact thing this vehicle is a safety hazard for me and now I’m afraid to drive it at all having to pay for towing and it’s a leased vehicle just dosnt make sense to me what’s the lemon law on this

Filed Oct 17, 2022 · Driver assistance, Transmission · CA

While stopped at a light on a busy highway I heard a loud sound similar to the automatic emergency braking system engaging. When the light changed the vehicle would not move. I tried turning it off and then back on again with no luck. The dash displayed the message "service charging system" and then ultimately illuminated an icon for the 12V battery and the charging system. I wound up having the vehicle towed to a local dealer where it currently remains waiting to be repaired. My biggest fear here is that there was no way to move the vehicle, some type of limp mode would be a much better solution so at least I could have moved out of traffic.

Filed May 14, 2022 · Engine · MT

We had just reached highway speed of 70mph and the Jeep began a normal regen cycle. However, the engine revved up on it’s own and the check engine light came on and a message that stated the exhaust filter was 100% full see a servicing dealer. Then without any warning, the Jeep went into limp mode from 70mph-50mph. With no notice, we were thrown forward due to the sudden decrease in speed. This action caused the vehicles behind us to swerve to avoid collision. My adaptive cruise control shut itself off and the electronic throttle control warning light started flashing. My throttle control was weak and unreliable, taking a lot of pedal to respond and then not needing hardly any pedal and would surge forward with sudden speed. It was a very dangerous situation. We continued driving in limp mode as there were no safe locations to stop and we didn’t have any cell service. Both malfunction lights remained on and we drove straight to our dealer. They said the EGR cooler failed and clogged up all of the EGR system with soot and then burned out the catalytic converter. They were able to clear the soot out of the system and cleared the malfunction lights so we could drive it home as they didn't have any loaners to offer us. The service advisor told us if we had another vehicle we should park the Jeep and not drive it until the parts come in. They have no ETA on either the EGR cooler nor the catalytic converter. I have been in contact with the manufacturer and there has been no progress on sourcing parts, I am looking in to pursuing a lemon law claim as this vehicle is not compliant with any emissions standards and if not repaired will injure us and others. It is available for inspection with notice, as it is parked at my house I would prefer advanced notice of any inspectors arrival. The warning lights are no longer on, but it sounds and runs like crap and even if the parts are replaced I will always worry that it will do it again. We could have been killed.

Filed Sep 23, 2021 · Electrical, Engine · AZ · fire

2021 jeep wrangler. Consumer writes in regards to fuel tank issue. The consumer stated while driving, the vehicle began smoking and went into limp mode. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who hadn't determined the cause of the failure after 6 weeks. The vehicle had 2,845 miles.