Jeep Wrangler sudden acceleration problems

Filed Oct 28, 2026 · Electrical, Fuel system · NV

Since the 68C Recall software update was performed on my Jeep, the vehicle has experienced recurring, unexpected losses of motive power while driving in Electric Mode. During these events, pressing the accelerator yields no response. Moments later, an "Electric Mode Unavailable" warning displays, followed by the gasoline engine starting and causing the vehicle to surge forward. This phenomenon occurs unpredictably—typically when the hybrid battery charge drops below 45–50%—and has occurred twice in the past week alone, nearly causing a rear-end collision each time. I previously submitted the vehicle to the dealership for repair, but no corrective action was taken. The dealership advised that the vehicle operates normally according to post-recall software parameters designed to prevent battery overheating. However, forcing an unprompted loss of motive power in active traffic creates a critical safety hazard.

Filed Oct 3, 2026 · Fuel system · PA

My 2024 Jeep Wrangler Sahara 4xe had the 68C recall completed. Since completion of the recall, I have experienced intermittent and significant loss of acceleration/power, particularly when driving on an incline. During a recent incident, while traveling on an inclined section of the interstate highway, the vehicle was operating in hybrid mode. The vehicle did not provide the expected acceleration and appeared to lose power despite the accelerator being fully depressed. After several seconds, the vehicle switched to the gasoline engine and then suddenly accelerated with a noticeable jerk. This behavior creates a significant safety concern. A sudden loss of acceleration followed by unexpected acceleration can make it difficult for the driver to maintain control and can create a dangerous situation, particularly in highway traffic. I have also experienced this type of loss of acceleration during highway merging. When merging onto a highway, the driver relies on the vehicle responding predictably to accelerator input in order to reach an appropriate speed and maintain a safe distance from approaching traffic. If acceleration is unexpectedly lost after entering or while merging into traffic, vehicles approaching from behind can close the distance much faster than anticipated, substantially increasing the risk of a collision. The problem appears to have started after completion of the 68C recall. I believe the loss of propulsion/acceleration and the subsequent sudden acceleration warrant investigation because of the potential safety risk. I have reported these concerns to Jeep dealerships and Jeep/Stellantis customer support, but the issue has not been satisfactorily resolved. I am requesting that the federal safety agency investigate this loss-of-power/acceleration behavior, particularly its occurrence while the vehicle is operating in hybrid mode and during highway acceleration or merging.

Filed Sep 18, 2026 · Fuel system · IL

My 4xe has experienced several recalls since it was purchased in 2022. The most recent recall, 68C was the latest attempt to mitigate the issue of thermal runaway with the High Voltage Battery, which could ultimately lead to a fire. While 68C may have been a partial success with the latter, I believe the software update has created other issues that have introduced potentially dangerous operating scenarios and will likely lead to premature failure of the 2.0L Turbo Gas Engine. The 68C recall software was applied to my 4xe on 12/26/2025 and since that date, the vehicle noticeably performs and behaves differently from the date of purchase on 5/31/2022. When in Electric Mode, the vehicle will inconsistently hesitate and is lacking in power, especially when exiting a full stop. When applying the accelerator to gain more power, the system will override the Electric Mode and will initiate the gas engine to compensate. This instantly loads the engine up to 4k+ RPMs and causes the vehicle to unexpectedly surge forward. The engine will also override the Electric Mode while the vehicle is in motion, again instantly loading the engine and creating a surge of power and additional unexpected forward motion. In addition, I am no longer able to traverse highways without assistance of the gas engine, due to the hinderance of electrical power available. While I do realize that this is a Hybrid/Electric vehicle and has certain safeguards and protocols, this vehicle no longer performs as it was initially delivered to me. Performance aside, I believe that the 68C recall software has created a driving situation that is inconsistent, potentially dangerous, and will be placing future financial burdens on anyone who owns a 4xe.

Filed Sep 18, 2026 · Fuel system · IN

After the 68C recall (software update) for my 2024 Jeep Wrangler 4XE, the Jeep no longer is able to climb the hill that I live on when using only the electric motor, the Jeep starts to slow down and keeps slowing down until about 5 mph at which the ICE (Internal Combustion Engine) kicks in and only at that point will the jeep be able to make it up the hill and accelerate back up to speed. Prior to the recall, I had no issues with the Jeep having enough power to climb the hill with only the electric motor. The ICE never needed to kick in nor did the Jeep slow down. The issue is now when I have other cars behind me they sometimes get angry as the Jeep slows down waiting on the ICE to kick in. It's like the recall programmatically reduced the amount of power the electric motor/electric battery is allowed to produce. Second issue is that the Jeep will kick in the ICE at times when you don't expect it to causing a sudden acceleration and that scares me when I don't expect it to happen, sometimes this even causes the tires to spin/bark. This usually occurs when I try to take off from a dead stop and I am turning at the same time. I had no issues with the behavior of the Jeep prior to the 68C battery recall and this new behavior, in my opinion, is not safe.

Filed Sep 8, 2026 · Acceleration · NJ

While driving my 2021 Jeep Wrangler on the highway, the vehicle displayed a warning indicating a malfunction with the Electronic Throttle Control system. Immediately following the warning, the vehicle experienced a significant loss of acceleration and would not respond normally to accelerator pedal input. The vehicle subsequently began accelerating/surging without my commanding the acceleration. The unintended acceleration was significant enough that I had to apply the brakes to prevent the vehicle from striking traffic ahead of me. This created an extremely dangerous situation because the vehicle's acceleration became unpredictable, alternating between loss of accelerator response and acceleration that I did not command. The vehicle is a 2021 Jeep Wrangler, VIN [XXX]. I am reporting this because I believe the Electronic Throttle Control/powertrain malfunction and resulting unintended acceleration present a serious vehicle safety concern. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Jun 8, 2026 · Driver assistance, Engine · NC · crash

On June 1, 2026, software update 68C was performed at the dealership on my 2025 Jeep Wrangler 4xe. On June 6, 2026, at approximately 9:00 a.m., after driving the vehicle for about 25 minutes, I experienced a serious malfunction. While making a turn at a speed of less than 10 mph, the vehicle suddenly and without warning lost throttle and propulsion. It appeared to hesitate as though shifting between electric and gasoline power, and then abruptly and erratically lurched forward, accelerating to what felt like maximum speed. The Jeep struck a chain-link fence, which slowed its movement, but it continued to surge forward. I applied the brakes and attempted to maintain control of the vehicle, but it kept lurching ahead. At no point did the vehicle emit a safety warning, sound an alert, or attempt to stop automatically, even though it normally responds to obstacles when operating properly. I repeatedly attempted to place the vehicle in reverse, but it did not respond. I turned the engine off and back on several times, and only after more than three attempts did the vehicle finally recognize reverse, allowing me to back away from the fence. A man in a truck assisted me and contacted the police. Both the responding police officer and the assisting individual expressed concern about the potential danger, particularly because the vehicle is a 4xe. I am now extremely hesitant and fearful to operate or move the vehicle. The vehicle is available for inspection and has not been inspected yet by dealership or insurance. I have it parked outside of my residence.

Filed Mar 14, 2026 · Driver assistance · AZ · crash

We were at a complete stop, with foot on break when my jeep lunged forward twice , second lunge hit the vehicle in front of me, also that car was at a complete stop. It has lunged 2 other times while at a complete stop .

Filed Feb 16, 2026 · Acceleration, Electrical · CA

1. Loss of motive power at freeway speeds (drops to ~40 mph) despite >40% battery charge 2. Uncommanded switching between electric and gas propulsion; driver cannot control the transition 3. Unintended acceleration in reverse / tire spin even after releasing accelerator 4. Steering wheel shaking at highway speeds → potential loss of control ***All of these items create a high risk of rear-end crash, parking-lot collision, and pedestrian/property hazard This is not “normal hybrid operation.” It is an intermittent propulsion control failure (loss of power + uncommanded acceleration behavior) that materially affects safe operation, so it should be handled as a warrantable defect and a safety defect, regardless of recall status. And because the vehicle cannot reliably maintain electric propulsion and instead experiences unpredictable loss of power and forced transitions to the gasoline engine—even with significant battery charge remaining—it is not functioning as a hybrid/electric vehicle as advertised. I paid an additional premium for hybrid/electric capability, but due to these propulsion-control failures the vehicle cannot be safely or consistently operated in electric mode and therefore is not providing the advertised hybrid/electric functionality.

Filed Feb 3, 2026 · Brakes · MI · crash

I was pulling into my garage with my foot on the break going very slow, all of a sudden the jeep jumped forward smashing into my garage wall into the family room. Filed a claim with insurance company for both damage to car and damage to home. Claim number for car: 26-01382 Claim number for home: 26-01383

Filed Jan 21, 2026 · Acceleration, Electrical · GA

Following a manufacturer over-the-air (OTA) software update released in Fall 2025 and subsequent completion of Safety Recall 68C, my vehicle exhibits new and dangerous driving behavior that did not exist prior to these updates. While operating in electric mode, the vehicle can unexpectedly lose power during acceleration, including at roadway speeds and while climbing hills, creating a risk of sudden deceleration in traffic. Under electric operation, the vehicle accelerates normally up to approximately 45 mph. Beyond that point, electric power output progressively decreases even as accelerator input is maintained or increased. Vehicle speed can decline while the accelerator is further depressed, and the electric power indicator visibly drops. This often results in abrupt internal combustion engine (ICE) engagement, aggressive downshifting, and sudden acceleration. This loss-and-surge behavior is unpredictable and hazardous, particularly in traffic or on inclines. Prior to the OTA update and recall action, the vehicle provided consistent electric power well beyond 45 mph, and ICE engagement was smooth and nearly imperceptible. I consistently achieved approximately 22–23 miles of electric range on the same daily route. Post-update and post-recall, usable electric range has been reduced to approximately 14–15 miles under similar conditions, regardless of weather. The issue also occurs at low speeds, including complete loss of electric momentum while climbing hills, followed by harsh ICE engagement that can cause wheel spin. This behavior raises safety concerns related to power loss and unexpected acceleration. Based on the timing and nature of these changes, I am concerned that software updates may be intentionally limiting battery power output and usable capacity to reduce stress on potentially defective high-voltage batteries rather than correcting the underlying hardware defect. This materially alters vehicle performance and safety and requires investigation.