Jeep Wrangler knocking problems

Filed Sep 13, 2026 · Airbags, Engine · AZ

I purchased this 2015 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon new and have maintained and serviced it regularly. At approximately 75,000–80,000 miles, the engine began developing a ticking noise from the passenger/right cylinder head area. The problem progressively worsened. At approximately 100,000 miles, repairs were performed involving the right-side cylinder head and camshaft because of camshaft/valvetrain wear and a persistent cylinder #2 misfire. The right-side cylinder head/camshaft area has required repair more than once. Rocker arms were also replaced, but the underlying problem continued. The vehicle now has approximately 150,000 miles. The engine recently shut down and developed a loud mechanical noise. Upon inspection, significant wear/damage was again found involving the right-side exhaust camshaft/valvetrain, and there are concerns involving the timing chain/tensioning system. A failure of these components while driving could cause sudden engine shutdown or loss of power, creating a safety risk. The vehicle has also developed electrical/safety-related problems. The airbag warning light is illuminated, and the steering-wheel controls and steering-wheel illumination are not functioning. The vehicle was involved in an accident in 2019; however, the engine ticking condition was already present before that accident, although it was less noticeable at that time. Despite previous repairs, the engine/valvetrain problem has returned. I am reporting this because the repeated camshaft/valvetrain failure, persistent cylinder #2 issue, possible timing-system problem, and associated risk of engine shutdown appear abnormal and potentially safety-related for a regularly maintained vehicle.

Filed Aug 18, 2026 · Engine · CA

I am requesting the federal safety agency investigate the handling of Safety Recall 78C on my Jeep Wrangler 4xe. My vehicle has entered a dangerous highway limp mode multiple times, including at approximately 75 mph, with sudden loss of power and an ACC! warning. This is especially dangerous on California highways and steep grades where losing propulsion can make it impossible to maintain traffic speed or safely reach a shoulder. The ACC! warning has appeared three times. On one occurrence, while the warning was active, O’Reilly Auto Parts scanned the Jeep and documented pending code P2338, Cylinder 3 Knock Control Threshold. I have the printout showing my VIN and mileage.The problem is that the warning/code clears after the ignition is shut off. When the condition happened on a Saturday, the Jeep service department was closed. Dealership sales staff refused to scan it and said only a technician could use a scanner. Even during business hours, the dealer says only a technician can scan it, but technicians may not be available for days. It is impossible to leave the vehicle running indefinitely waiting for someone to scan it. The Santa Maria Jeep dealer has now driven the vehicle twice and says that because the warning did not reappear during those short drives, they cannot confirm the condition. These events have occurred days apart, so two short test drives do not rule out an intermittent engine defect. I had the Jeep towed through Jeep Roadside Assistance because I consider it unsafe to drive. Jeep Cares has assigned me three different case managers in three days. They state they cannot require the dealer to examine deeper stored diagnostic data because they are third-party contractors. I have photos of the ACC! warning, the P2338 diagnostic report, VIN, mileage, tow documentation, and repeated loss-of-propulsion history. Jeep Cares and the dealership won't look deeper or longer even with the proof it was there.

Filed Jul 16, 2026 · Electrical · IL

Steering wiring harness supposedly catches fire. They do not have a remedy available. Over a million owners on hold. It's been over thirty days since they relased that information. Mailed out notices on the 9th they say. Have yet to receive it. I live in a towhome, and parking it outside but still near neighbors and the adjacent units. Not safe when driving to work, not safe ever. It's a literal death risk. This is ridiculous and criminal on so many levels. Its has not been inspected as it needs the recall regardless. The recall they can not produce. No warning, no signs. A ticking time bomb putting million of Americans at risk. Needs to be intervention.

Filed Jul 12, 2026 · Engine · FL

Lifters ticking noise causing damage to cam shafts.

Filed Jun 29, 2026 · Engine, Transmission · VA

am the original owner of this 2015 Jeep Wrangler, which I purchased new. The vehicle has been properly maintained according to the manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedule. I have records documenting routine maintenance, including regular oil changes. At approximately 75,000 miles, I began hearing a persistent ticking noise from the engine. Because I was concerned that the noise could indicate a mechanical problem, I scheduled an inspection with an authorized Jeep dealership. The dealership diagnosed the vehicle with a failed rocker arm that caused damage to the exhaust camshaft. The dealership advised that the intake camshaft remained in good condition, indicating that the failure was isolated to the exhaust valvetrain at the time of diagnosis. This type of internal engine failure at approximately 80,000 miles was unexpected for a properly maintained vehicle. My concern is that if this condition is not diagnosed promptly, continued operation could result in further engine damage, loss of engine performance, engine misfire, or potential engine failure while the vehicle is being driven, creating a potential safety hazard. While researching this issue after receiving the diagnosis, I found numerous reports from other owners of vehicles equipped with the 3.6L Pentastar engine describing similar rocker arm and camshaft failures across Jeep owner forums, Reddit, Facebook owner groups, and YouTube. Although I understand there has not been a recall for this condition on my vehicle, I believe the number of similar owner reports suggests the issue may warrant further review. I am submitting this complaint so that the federal safety agency is aware of the issue and can evaluate whether similar failures are occurring with sufficient frequency to justify additional investigation.

Filed Mar 30, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · NC

The vehicle is a 2018 Jeep Wrangler with a 3.6L engine and approximately 124,000 miles. The engine has experienced a failure involving multiple components, including suspected head gasket failure, significant oil loss with no visible external leak, low oil pressure, and engine knocking. Diagnostic trouble codes P0365 and P06DD were present, indicating camshaft position sensor issues and oil pressure control failure. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. This condition creates a safety risk due to the potential for sudden engine failure and loss of power while driving, which could occur without warning and increase the risk of an accident. The problem has been confirmed by an independent repair facility, which identified low oil levels, coolant loss, and symptoms consistent with internal engine damage. The vehicle has not been inspected by the manufacturer. Prior to the failure, warning signs included a low oil pressure condition and engine performance changes. These symptoms developed rapidly over a short period of time. The vehicle is currently not safe to operate due to the risk of further engine damage or sudden failure.

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 29, 2026 · Engine, Transmission · FL

Vehicle equipped with a 3.6L Pentastar V6 engine developed loud ticking noises, engine misfires, and loss of power while driving. The vehicle hesitated during acceleration and could not reliably maintain speed, creating a safety risk in traffic. An authorized dealership pulled diagnostic trouble codes, acknowledged the abnormal ticking, and advised the failure was likely related to the camshaft, lifters, and rocker arms. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic for further inspection. The independent mechanic confirmed failure of the valve train and camshaft components, requiring replacement of the passenger side intake camshaft (Bank 2), cam phaser, phaser bolt, and all lifters and rocker arms. Photos of the failed components are available. The defect was confirmed by both a dealership and an independent repair facility. Issue presents risk of sudden loss of power while the vehicle is in motion.

Filed Jan 28, 2026 · Acceleration, Electrical · NJ · crash · 1 injury

The contact owns a 2024 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that when attempting to accelerate from being idle, or while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would suddenly jerk, accelerate at an unexpected speed, or fail to accelerate. There was a ticking noise coming from the front end of the vehicle that could be heard when standing outside the vehicle. The Check Engine light and the explanation warning light, as well as others not specified, would illuminate intermittently. The vehicle was taken to the dealer several times; however, the dealer was not able to diagnose the failure. The dealer updated the vehicle's software but was unable to provide a remedy for the failures. The dealer informed the contact of the federal safety agency Campaign Numbers: 25V741000 (Electrical System) and 25V766000 (Engine); however, the parts to do the recall repair were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. While driving approximately 25 MPH, after accelerating from being idle at a stop light, the vehicle suddenly jerked and stopped. The contact pressed the accelerator pedal, and when doing so, the vehicle accelerated at a high speed, immediately causing the contact to lose control of the vehicle. The vehicle ended up crashing into a fire hydrant, causing it to stop. The air bags did not deploy. The contact received injuries to their shoulders, lower back, neck, and left knee. Medical attention was needed. A police report had been filed. The vehicle was towed from the incident. The contact stated that while the police were there, the officer noticed the engine revving as if the accelerator pedal was being pressed; however, the pedal was not pressed at the time. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue, and a case was opened. The contact had not heard from the failure. The contact had not experienced a failure mileage was unknown.

Filed Dec 1, 2025 · Brakes, Engine · NY

I have been leasing this vehicle for approximately 3 years and have experienced constant engine problems; knocking and jolting forward. There have been four safety recalls and I mentioned the engine issues at the dealership. I was told not use the electric engine and keep the car in gas mode. This has not fixed the problem; it jolts forward randomly which is very scary. I only have this one vehicle and a small child. I am not comfortable driving this car with my son in it. And now I received another recall notice for severe fire risk and no remedy available. I am making (expensive) lease payments for a car that is not safe to drive.