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Jeep Wrangler start-stop problems

43 of the 15,953 owner complaints about the Jeep Wrangler describe start-stop system problems, most of them for the 2018 model year.

owner complaints
43
worst model year
2018
typical mileage
3,800
Is there a fix? There are 10 recalls for this area of the car. See below

By model year

What owners say

Filed Aug 11, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · NY

While driving on the highway, the check engine light illuminated. Approximately 5 to 10 minutes later, the battery warning light came on. Upon exiting the highway and coming to a stop at an intersection, the automatic engine Start/Stop system engaged and shut down the engine. When attempting to safely proceed, the vehicle suffered a complete electrical failure due to the 48V mild-hybrid eTorque system failing to restart the engine. The vehicle refused to crank, would not shift, and became entirely disabled and stranded in the middle of a live intersection, creating an extreme safety and collision hazard. The vehicle was towed to an authorized dealership, where technicians officially confirmed the failure. The dealer diagnosed the root cause as an internal electrical failure of the Motor Generator Unit (MGU / Belt-Driven Hybrid Starter Generator Assembly), which completely disabled the vehicle's charging and hybrid restart capabilities. The failed component is available for inspection.

Filed Jul 29, 2026 · Airbags, Electrical · AK

while vehicle is driving multiple dash alarms will start cycling through including stop/start, service electronic stability control, speed control messaging unavailable, service airbag system, service 4WD, engine light and ABS light, anti skid lights all come on, the speedometer goes to zero, and the power steering goes out. Driving highway speeds and suddenly having no power steering is a safety issue as well as being unsure if airbags etc are even functioning any longer. The problem has happened multiple times. The vehicle was inspected by a Jeep dealership as well as another shop in town and the codes were reproduced. They were unable to fix the issue and despite testing a "star connector" and finding it in good condition and unable to reproduce the issues were advised to replace that part anyway and see if they could reproduce the problem again at my expense. During this time the recall for 2022 Jeep Wranglers with the federal safety agency campaign number 26V363 came out and i requested to wait for further repair work to be done until the recall was repaired as it also relates to the power steering. I saw a fix had been published and return to the dealership to have the recall repair performed and was told that upon further inspection of the recalled part, mine passed the test, which was apparently a wiggle the wire and inspect the harness for ware only and my vehicle is no longer listed on the recall. I feel these things may still be related and I am extremely frustrated that I have a 4 year old vehicle that I am making payments on and paying insurance on that has been parked (not in my garage as it was a fire risk in the recall) and I don't feel its safe to drive and don't feel that Jeep or the local dealership are being honorable with their product.

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 Jun 11, 2026 · Acceleration, Electrical · AK

Unsure of the part or system that failed, however the auxiliary battery and power distribution system part was replaced previously and did not correct the problem. My safety was at risk when the speed and steering were affected. An independent service center worked on it and reproduced it. The car electronic system went through every warning light system while driving. "Stop/start not ready", "engine light", "airbag light", "service electronic stability control", SERV 4WD, ABS, BRAKE, "service airbag system", tire pressure monitoring, seatbelt light, "speed control messaging unavailable service required", and gas light all came on while driving. Speed was reduced and steering wheel locked up and released several times during the event.

Filed Mar 6, 2026 · Electrical · PA

CAN Bus is failing and giving me issues! Power steering stops working, auto stop start fails, I was taking off at an intersection and my vehicle lite up like a Christmas tree and would not shift out of first gear causing me to pull off the road at a dangerous spot.

Filed Jan 10, 2026 · Engine · CA

The vehicle does not always turn on after coming to a stop. The auto start-stop function does not work at all times. There have been a few situations where the car will not turn back on and takes anywhere from 10-30 minutes to turn back on, and leaves us stranded at stop signs, red lights and turning lanes and we are unable to get out of the traffic which we feel is very unsafe as people have to try and go around us as we impede traffic . The vehicle displays error message stating their is a problem with the battery system, but once it turns back on (no specific time or way to get it going that we are aware of) the error light disappears. We have taken it to the dealer but they state since they cannot recreate the error , happened at ~3k miles, ~10k miles, ~16k and last time ~24k and the error turns off once the car is able to go, they will not do anything.

Filed Jan 6, 2026 · Electrical · PA

On multiple occasions, the Auto Start/Stop system has triggered a failure message on the Driver Notification Screen on the Center Console. As a result, less than two to five minutes after the failure warning, the entire vehicle loses power and electrical continuity. The vehicle loses all electrical systems, accessories, and critical driving elements (including speedometer and other instruments). This requires full roadside towing and assistance. The vehicle was taken to two Jeep/Dodge/Ram service centers for diagnostics and service, and both centers were unable to replicate the customer concern, although one noted that the battery terminal was "disconnected", even though the engine bay and battery section was never accessed by the driver from when it was purchased, including roadside assistance never accessing the engine bay and battery section, they simply towed the vehicle by disengaging the parking brake and engaging it when towed. This poses an abrupt and severe safety concern, as sudden loss of power and electrical systems results in loss of control, loss of lighting (external lights (headlights, taillights, hazard lights, etc.), and causes panic. This vehicle cannot be trusted as the safety is compromised.

Filed Jun 13, 2025 · Electrical, Steering · NY

The dash board stared to flash all sorts of symbols check engine light, auto start stop, sway bar disconnect unavailable, shifter problem. And then the power steering does not work, sometimes the throttle has no power, and sometimes the engine shuts off.

Filed Mar 2, 2025 · Brakes, Steering · TX

The vehicle will intermittently struggle to engage in 1st gear, the brake pedal gets hard, the auto stop start light will display on the dash and the esc light will display on the dash. Each issue may occur separately, not at all or they will all occur within 5 mins of driving the vehicle. I have been at a traffic light where the vehicle would not immediately engage in 1st gear and the vehicle behind me came within a few inches of rear ending my vehicle when I did not begin moving with the flow of traffic. I also have a similar experience with the auto stop start system failing while at a traffic light which caused the vehicle to stall in the intersection and I could not restart the vehicle without completely power cycling the ignition two times. The problems have been reproduced on multiple occasions throughout the past month. The vehicle has not been inspected by a 3rd party and the warning lights and alert messages that appeared for auto stop start system/ esc system did not appear until the problem occurred.

Filed Jan 24, 2025 · Electrical · 1,000 miles · CA

The contact owns a 2024 Jeep Wrangler. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 24V652000 (Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that the Auto START/STOP technology failed to restart as needed while idling at a stop light. Additionally, the infotainment system displayed a black screen intermittently. The dealer was contacted and informed the contact that the vehicle needed to remain with the dealer for 3-weeks, but a loaner vehicle would not be provided; even though the contact had been informed that a loaner vehicle would be provided. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage 1,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

Related recalls

Electrical system: propulsion system: traction batteryReported October 30, 2025 · 320,068 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2020-2025 Jeep Wrangler 4Xe and 2022-2026 Grand Cherokee 4Xe vehicles. The high voltage battery may fail internally and lead to a vehicle fire while parked or driving.
Risk
A vehicle fire can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy
Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures and not to charge their vehicles until the remedy is completed. Dealers will update the high voltage battery software, and replace the high voltage battery, as necessary, free of charge. Some owner notification letters were mailed beginning December 17, 2025. The remaining owner notification letters will be mailed at a later date. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 800‑853‑1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is 68C. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on beginning November 6, 2025. Vehicles that were previously recalled for the same issue under the federal safety agency Recalls 24V720 and 23V787 will need to have the new remedy performed.

Recall number 25V741000 · Recall details

Electrical system: instrument cluster/panelReported September 5, 2024 · 32,863 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2020-2024 Jeep Gladiator and 2018-2024 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. The instrument panel cluster may experience an internal short circuit and fail. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 101, "Controls and Displays."
Risk
An instrument panel that fails to display critical safety information, such as the speedometer or warning lights, can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the instrument panel cluster, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed between October 3, 2024, and January 23, 2025. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. FCA's number for this recall is 30B.

Recall number 24V652000 · Recall details

Electrical system: propulsion system: traction batteryReported November 22, 2023 · 32,125 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Jeep Wrangler Plug-In Hybrid Electric (PHEV) vehicles. The high voltage battery may fail internally and lead to a vehicle fire while parked or driving.
Risk
A vehicle fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy
Owners are advised not to recharge their vehicles, and to park outside and away from structures, until they are repaired. Dealers will update the high voltage battery pack software and replace the battery pack assembly if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 7, 2024. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 89A. This recall is superseded by the federal safety agency Recall 24V‑720.

Recall number 23V787000 · Recall details

Electrical system: propulsion system: traction batteryReported April 27, 2023 · 2,564 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2022-2023 Jeep Wrangler Plug-In Hybrid Electric vehicles (PHEV). The high voltage (HV) battery pack assembly was built with incorrect fasteners to secure the 200-amp fuse, which can generate excessive heat.
Risk
Excessive heat may cause the fuse to fail and result in a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect and replace the HV battery fuse, as necessary. Dealers will also inspect the battery assembly for damage and replace it, if necessary. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 23, 2023. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is 53A. This recall is an expansion of previous recall 22V‑768.

Recall number 23V303000 · Recall details

Electrical system: propulsion system: traction batteryReported October 13, 2022 · 13,722 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2022-2023 Jeep Wrangler Plug-In Hybrid Electric (PHEV) vehicles. The high voltage (HV) battery pack assembly was built with incorrect fasteners to secure the 200-amp fuse, which can generate excessive heat.
Risk
Excessive heat may cause the fuse to fail and result in a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect and replace the HV battery fuse, as necessary. Dealers will also inspect the battery assembly for damage and replace it, if necessary. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 8, 2022. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is Z71.

Recall number 22V768000 · Recall details

Electrical system: wiring: front underhoodReported August 9, 2018 · 12,779 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Jeep Renegade, Compass and Grand Cherokee, RAM 1500 and Promaster, Fiat 500x, Dodge Journey, Challenger, Charger and Durango and Chrysler 300x vehicles, 2017-2018 Jeep Wrangler, Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town and Country vehicles and 2018-2019 Jeep Cherokee and 2018 Chrysler Pacifica and Pacifica Hybrid vehicles. The powertrain control module may be equipped with a voltage regulator chip in the circuit board that may fail, causing a stall or a no start condition.
Risk
A vehicle stall can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the powertrain control module, free of charge. The recall began October 2, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U87.

Recall number 18V524000 · Recall details

Electrical system: wiringReported May 17, 2018 · 4,815,661 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Dodge Journey, Charger and Durango, RAM 2500, 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis (more than 10,000lb), 4500 Cab Chassis and 5500 Cab Chassis, Jeep Cherokee and Grand Cherokee and Chrysler 300, 2014-2019 RAM 1500, 2015-2018 Dodge Challenger, 2015-2017 Chrysler 200, 2016-2018 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis (less than 10,000 lb), 2017-2018 Chrysler Pacifica and 2018 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. These vehicles are being recalled to address a defect that could prevent the cruise control system from disengaging. If, when using cruise control, there is a short circuit within the vehicle's wiring, the driver may not be able to shut off the cruise control either by depressing the brake pedal or manually turning the system off once it has been engaged, resulting in either the vehicle maintaining its current speed or possibly accelerating.
Risk
If the vehicle maintains its speed or accelerates despite attempts to deactivate the cruise control, there would be an increased risk of a crash.
Remedy
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the software, and perform a software flash on the engine or powertrain control module, free of charge. The recall began June 4, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. Note: Owners are advised to stop using cruise control until the software update has been performed. In the event that cruise control cannot be disengaged while driving, owners should firmly and steadily apply the brakes and shift the transmission to neutral, placing the vehicle in park once it has stopped.

Recall number 18V332000 · Recall details

Electrical systemReported July 3, 2007 · 80,894 vehicles affected
What is wrong
On certain vehicles, the totally integrated power module (tipm) was programmed with software that may allow the engine to stall under certain operating conditions.
Risk
This could cause a crash without warning.
Remedy
Dealers will reprogram the tipm. The recall began on july 5, 2007. Owners may contact daimlerchrysler at 1‑800‑853‑1403.

Recall number 07V291000 · Recall details

Electrical system: ignition: switchReported March 8, 2002 · 95,000 vehicles affected
What is wrong
On certain sport utility vehicles, water and impurities can enter into the ignition switch, causing a short circuit.
Risk
This could result in a vehicle fire.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the ignition switch with a redesigned switch. Owner notification began april 8, 2002. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact daimlerchrysler at 1‑800‑853‑1403.

Recall number 02V075000 · Recall details

Electrical system: ignition: switchReported May 11, 1993 · 100,000 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Salt corrosion products between the starter solenoid wire and the adjacent battery feed in the bulkhead connector may short these connections, causing the circuit to bypass the ignition key control of the starter motor solenoid. The car can start without the starter sequence being initiated by the ignition key in the ignition lock.
Risk
The unintended start of a vehicle with a manualtransmission left in a drive gear can result in a runaway vehicle.
Remedy
The starter solenoid wiring will be separated from the battery feed wire by relocating it within the bulkhead connector on affected vehicles.

Recall number 93V083000 · Recall details

Questions about the Jeep Wrangler start-stop

Which Jeep Wrangler years have start-stop system problems problems?

The model years with the most reports are 2018 (18 complaints), 2020 (7 complaints) and 2019 (6 complaints).

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