Jeep Wrangler hesitation problems

Filed Nov 1, 2026 · Engine · TN

While driving my 2012 Jeep Wrangler Sport, the vehicle experienced a sudden and severe loss of engine power due to a cylinder failure on the left/driver-side cylinder head (cylinder #2). This defect causes the engine to experience persistent cylinder misfires, resulting in severe engine stumbling, hesitation, and a dangerous drop in acceleration capabilities. This creates an immediate safety hazard when attempting to merge onto high-speed highways, pull out into active traffic, or navigate intersections, as the vehicle cannot accelerate predictably to match traffic speeds. Furthermore, the persistent misfire causes unburned fuel to dump into the exhaust system, creating a secondary risk of catalytic converter overheating, damage to the exhaust system, and a potential engine bay fire hazard. This vehicle has only 86,000 original miles. This specific 3.6L Pentastar engine generation is subject to a widely documented manufacturing defect involving premature valve seat and head failure, which manifests as an unpredictable and sudden loss of motive power while the vehicle is in motion.

Filed Oct 23, 2026 · Acceleration, Engine · TX · crash

While towing a utility trailer on the highway, the vehicle suddenly lost acceleration and could not maintain normal power while the driver was attempting to pass a semi-truck. During the incident, the semi-truck contacted the trailer and shredded one of the trailer tires. Three occupants were inside the vehicle. No injuries occurred, but the incident created a serious risk of a fatal collision. The vehicle has repeatedly displayed “Service Electronic Stability Control” and other warning lights, together with loss of power and transmission hesitation/slipping. The same concern has been reported to the dealership during approximately three service visits. The dealership previously replaced the air filter and attributed the warning lights to it, but the condition returned. Dated videos show the warning condition before and after that repair. The vehicle is currently back at the dealership for the recurring safety concern.

Filed Oct 17, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · FL

My most serious complaint concerns the vehicle’s behavior following completion of the 68C / the federal safety agency 25V‑741 high-voltage battery recall software update. Since that update, I have experienced reductions in electric-drive power, hesitation, and unexpected engagement of the gasoline engine while driving. The resulting delay in power delivery is particularly concerning when merging into traffic or passing another vehicle, when predictable acceleration is essential. While turning right at an intersection, I have personally experienced reduction of power followed by engagement of the ICE resulting in an unexpected delay in vehicle speed control. I have experienced this scenario multiple times and also when merging onto the hwy. There were no warning lamps or messages. When discussed with the dealership, I was told that this is now the normal operation of the vehicle, but would not explain what changes were made or how it works. This is unacceptable and can put myself or other Jeep 4xe owners at risk.

Filed Oct 13, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · NJ

The check engine light was on and it said to service the battery charging components. When driving in hybrid mode it doesn’t switch to use the battery. When I was trying to pull off after stopping, the jeep hesitated and would not move and then all of a sudden jerked and took off almost making me crash and people crash into me.

Filed Oct 13, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · AZ

My jeep after the 68c recall work was performed to lessen the chances of a fire caused by the hybrid battery now under performs compared to before the recall. I get much less that the advertised EV / Battery only miles. Also, the vehicle hesitates while trying to transition between battery only and hybrid modes. My only recorse is to not use the battery only mode because it is a safety concern.

Filed Oct 11, 2026 · Electrical, Fuel system · WA

I purchased my 2022 jeep rubicon 4xe used on march 31, 2026. In april, I had a recall notice for recall 68c. I took it to my jeep dealer and had the recall done. Immedately, I noticed that my acceleration in electric mode & hybrid mode is drastically reduced to the point of being unsafe. Attempting to merge or pull out into traffic, the vehicle no longer accelerates like it did before the recall 68c was done. It fells like I am driving wiht my emergency break engaged, as the vehicle will not accelerate normally. The dealer advised that everything is normal, however it is very different. I would not have bought the vehicle if it had a hesitation when accelarating. Looking online for suggestions, I discovered that thousands of jeep wrangler 4xe owners who had the 68c recall done, have experienced this issue. I am surprised that no one has been killed or seriosly injured due to the hesitation, caused by the recal. I would rather deal with the possible risk of fire than hesitation caused by the recall "fix", in this case the cure is far worse and more danerious than the disease/issue jeep was trying to fix with 68c.

Filed Oct 4, 2026 · Electrical, Fuel system · FL

I own a 2022 Jeep Wrangler Sahara 4xe. My vehicle underwent Recall 68C and related high-voltage battery evaluation/software work. The high-voltage battery was later replaced by Jeep under warranty. Immediately after that battery replacement, I noticed a significant change in the vehicle’s propulsion behavior that I had not experienced before. Prior to the replacement, when Electric mode was selected and sufficient battery charge was available, the vehicle normally remained on electric propulsion. Since the warranty battery replacement, the gasoline engine can engage unexpectedly even though Electric mode is selected and usable battery charge remains. I have also experienced hesitation during acceleration, including a delay or change in propulsion response before the gasoline engine engages. This has occurred repeatedly since the battery replacement and was not characteristic of the vehicle beforehand. I am concerned that the battery replacement, Recall 68C-related software, or associated battery/propulsion-control calibration may have altered the vehicle’s electric-mode operation. I consider this a safety concern because predictable acceleration is important when entering traffic, crossing intersections, making turns, or merging. Unexpected hesitation or a sudden transition from electric to gasoline propulsion can cause the vehicle to respond differently or more slowly than the driver anticipates. I am requesting that the federal safety agency investigate whether Recall 68C, subsequent high-voltage battery replacements performed under warranty, or associated software/calibration changes have introduced hesitation or unpredictable propulsion behavior in Jeep Wrangler 4xe vehicles.

Filed Oct 2, 2026 · Fuel system · CA

I would like to report a safety concern with my 2022 Jeep Wrangler 4xe that began after Recall 68C was performed in January 2026. Prior to this recall, my Jeep did not exhibit the behavior I am now experiencing. Since the recall was completed, the vehicle has repeatedly showed unpredictable transitions between the electric motor and gasoline engine, delayed acceleration, loss of expected power, and unusually high engine RPM immediately upon the gasoline engine starting. When driving in electric mode the gasoline engine will sometimes start unexpectedly without what appears to be any normal engine warm-up period. When this happens, the Jeep does not accelerate normally. There is a noticeable lag and loss of expected acceleration. Because I am concerned about both engine damage and the safety implications of the delayed acceleration, I have essentially stopped using Electric mode. Unfortunately, I have discovered that the problem can also occur while driving in Hybrid mode. When the battery charge is below approximately 50%, the gasoline engine may start unexpectedly. When this occurs, the vehicle can repeatedly switch between gasoline and electric propulsion several times within approximately one minute. The result is a jumpy, inconsistent driving experience along with hesitation and delayed acceleration. I have experienced situations where I press the accelerator, there is a noticeable delay before the vehicle accelerates. In an emergency situation such as attempting to avoid another vehicle or accelerate out of a dangerous situation that delay could contribute to a collision.The vehicle also does not perform the way it did before Recall 68C was completed. It has less responsive power, the gasoline engine operates more frequently, and the engine can be started immediately, without warmup. This is particularly frustrating because I owned and drove this vehicle before the recall and know how the 4xe powertrain previously behaved. I attached photos in electric mode.

Filed Oct 1, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · CA

When I drive the in electric mode, I sometimes get a sudden loss of power and the system falls back to hybrid mode. Normally this is expected transition that is part of a plug in hybrid. Electric to Hybrid to Gas... As a alert driver, I plan for this not passing semi-trucks if I am low on electical until hybrid or hybrid to gas... The Jeep 4xe, seems to swtich AFTER I ask for more power.... this delay and hesitation is dangerous. Once example, with 35% battery, at 30 miles an hour, my neighbor was backing out of her driveway, I needed to swerve and accerate to get out of the way. When I stepped on the accerator (in electric mode)... the system seemed to stop- then the gas engine started, then it moved... This delay is dangerous and repeatable.

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.