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2021 Jeep Wrangler Engine Problems

51 owner-reported engine complaints from NHTSA data

51
Complaints
1
Recalls
5
Fires
Jan 2026Dec 2023
Date Range

Data sourced from NHTSA public database. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified mechanic.

Engine Recalls (1)

RECALLCampaign #22V865000

ENGINE

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Jeep Wrangler 4xe vehicles equipped with 2.0L Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle engines. A loss of communication may cause an engine shutdown.

Fix: There is more than one involved component and calibration software. Updating the calibration software in the Transmission Control Module, Hybrid Control Processor and Auxiliary Hybrid Control Processor that changes fail safe from shut down to limp home. Dealers will update the transmission control module software, Hybrid Control Processor and Auxiliary Hybrid Control Processor, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 22, 2022. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall ZB7.

Owner Complaints (51)

criticalENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Filed: Mar 2026

Your engine suddenly stalls without warning when driving downhill with a fuel level around 1/4 tank or lower, causing you to lose power steering and braking assist while moving. This dangerous condition has happened multiple times and creates a significant crash risk. A dealership identified a defective fuel pump module as the likely cause, but the replacement part is on national backorder with no confirmed availability date. The fix will require replacing the fuel pump module once it becomes available.

NHTSA #: 11723705
criticalENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
FireFiled: Dec 2025

The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed on the highway for 45 minutes, there was an abnormal odor of chimney fire, which continued while at the stop sign. The front passenger occupant noticed there was smoke from underneath the hood. While pulling over, the steering wheel locked up, and the occupants exited the vehicle. The engine warning light was illuminated. The damper had previously been replaced, but the vehicle was well-maintained. There were no reported injuries, air bag deployment, or crash. The fire department was able to extinguish the fire. The police were called to the scene, but there was no police report. The vehicle was towed to a tow lot. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 52,000. The VIN was not available.

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NHTSA #: 11704404
criticalENGINE
Filed: Jul 2025

While operating the 2021 Jeep Wrangler under normal driving conditions, I experienced repeated overheating issues. A high-pitched noise was consistently heard coming from under the hood during operation. Simultaneously, the engine temperature gauge would spike to high, and the infotainment system displayed an engine overheating warning.

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NHTSA #: 11671279
criticalENGINE
FireFiled: May 2025

The contact owned a 2021 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost automotive power. No warning lights were illuminated.

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NHTSA #: 11663729
criticalENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Filed: Sep 2023

Check Engine Light and Excessive Engine Coolant Leak; Inspected by a manufacturer dealer and seller dealership; Initial dealer stated it wasn't drivable due to the amount of coolant leaking as part of the tubing was melted due to improperly being afixed and being to close to the exhaust; Yes.

NHTSA #: 11543449
criticalENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Filed: May 2023

This recall is potentially life threatening. It has been months & the dealer is still saying there is no fix. I believe they are not giving it the proper attention because this recall affects only Diesel engines & there were not many diesel jeep models purchased compared to traditional gas engine jeeps.

NHTSA #: 11524242
criticalENGINE
Filed: Aug 2022

Went on a 1600 mile round trip from Florida to Pennsylvania. On the way back down to Florida my upper coolant hose busted and stranded me in South Carolina, 300 miles from Florida. Was on the side of the interstate with less than 20k miles on a new jeep.

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NHTSA #: 11478363
criticalENGINE
Filed: May 2022

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.

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NHTSA #: 11464666
criticalENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
FireFiled: Dec 2021

My 2021 Jeep Wrangler with 1900 miles caught on fire and was a total loss, preliminary investigation believes the cause of the fire to be a gas leak. There were no indications or warning lights, saw black smoke coming from the engine compartment by the time I pulled over and got out of the vehicle it was on fire and within minutes the entire car was engulfed by flames and it was a total loss

NHTSA #: 11442560
criticalENGINE
FireFiled: Oct 2021

The engine caught on fire after a short drive. The fire burned the entire top of the rear of the engine and completely through the wiring harness before I could extinguish it with a fire extinguisher and water. The fire appears to have started at the top rear of the engine where the fuel line enters the intake.

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NHTSA #: 11436759
criticalENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Filed: Aug 2021

Engine began leaking diesel fuel and smoking from the fuel hitting hot components. Possible fire could have occurred. So much diesel that it coated the trailer I was towing.

NHTSA #: 11428459
highENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Filed: Jan 2026

Vehicle started and put in reverse. after backing up approximately 15 ft, vehicle put into driver and once accelerator was pressed, vehicle stalled. Tried to restart, engines turned over but stalled again after 1 second.

NHTSA #: 11708288
highENGINE
Filed: Aug 2024

The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that several warning lights were illuminated on the instrument panel.

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NHTSA #: 11611472
highENGINE
Filed: Jun 2024

The contact leased a 2021 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated while his daughter was driving 65-70 MPH, the wheels locked-up. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated.

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NHTSA #: 11596879
highENGINE
Filed: Aug 2023

The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated while reversing approximately 5 MPH down the driveway, the contact slowed and stopped to place the vehicle into drive and the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that the drive (D) light was flashing.

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NHTSA #: 11535813
highENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Filed: Jun 2023

While driving approximately 15 MPH the engine cut out and the engine light came on. I was able to pull over and the engine would not start. My personal obd scanner states it is the high pressure fuel pump.

NHTSA #: 11524815
highENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ENGINE
Filed: Jan 2023

The contact leased a 2021 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that while driving the engine, hot message was displayed. The contact looked underneath the hood but failed to determine the cause of the failure.

NHTSA #: 11504452
highENGINE
Filed: Dec 2022

Engine shut off completely in August of 2021 and then again today (12/15/22). In both cases, there was no warning. Thankfully, in both cases, we were at low speeds and able to coast to the shoulder and restart the vehicle.

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NHTSA #: 11497544
highENGINE
Filed: Jul 2022

When starting the vehicle after sitting for an hour, there was a strong smell of a sweet substance and the cooling fans were running at full speed while stationary. Approximately 3 minutes later the vehicle stated the engine coolant temperature was 280 degrees Fahrenheit and to pull over.

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NHTSA #: 11476497
highENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Filed: Jun 2022

Brand new 2021 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Sahara 4xE (purchased 02/03/22 for $57,295) with 1,300 miles on it shut down while traveling at full highway speed (75 MPH) on a major highway in the San Francisco Bay Area. The system flashed a 'stabilizer system' warning and immediately lost speed and did not respond to pressure on the gas/e pedal.

NHTSA #: 11467441
highENGINE
Filed: Feb 2022

After having possession of our Jeep Wrangler 4XE for less than 6 months we have had to bring it in for engine issues twice - on our second visit we were informed that it was likely unsafe to drive as they could not guarantee it would not stall out while being driven.

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NHTSA #: 11450400
highENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Filed: Nov 2021

I left my daughters house with my jeep wrangler and as I shifted into forward gear there was no power on my wrangler 4XE hybrid. I move the vehicle to the side of the road and towed it to the dealers. After a little over two weeks they got it repaired.

NHTSA #: 11440118
highENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Filed: Sep 2021

After driving to my destination with 47% battery on the 4xe and full tank of gas. Turned the car to stop and got a service hybrid system malfunction. Tried to start up the car but the car wouldn't start.

NHTSA #: 11433228
highENGINE
Filed: Jul 2021

The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 41 MPH, the hybrid mode failed to let the engine operate and the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact mentioned that the power steering also ceased.

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NHTSA #: 11423708
highENGINE
Filed: Oct 2020

Vehicle is brand new and the check engine light came on only after 300 miles. Dealer diagosed the problem with o2 sensor failure and valve cover defect. The vehicle ran very rough and felt like it was about to stall.

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NHTSA #: 11366230
mediumENGINE
Filed: Dec 2025

Jeep has a design defect in vehicles equipped with the 2.0L turbocharged engine where the coolant reservoir is positioned directly adjacent to the turbocharger and turbo heat source with insufficient heat shielding. Due to the constant high heat exposure, the plastic coolant reservoir and/or connecting plastic fittings degrade, warp, and become brittle over time, eventually leading to coolant leaks, erratic coolant temperature readings, and/or sudden coolant loss. This failure often occurs without warning, and many vehicles do not initially trigger a check engine light. In my case, the vehicle exhibited intermittent coolant temperature readings, abnormal fan operation, and heating inconsistencies before the leak was discovered. Multiple repair attempts are frequently made before the root cause is identified. Mechanics often replace components such as the thermostat housing, coolant temperature sensors, or related assemblies, not realizing the coolant reservoir heat damage is the underlying cause. This results in unnecessary repairs, significant consumer expense, and extended vehicle downtime.This defect poses a serious safety risk, as coolant loss can result in: •Engine overheating •Sudden loss of power •Potential engine failure while driving •Increased risk of breakdown in traffic or unsafe driving conditions Numerous owners report similar failures, indicating this is not an isolated incident but a widespread design flaw affecting Jeep vehicles equipped with the 2.0L turbo engine.Jeep has not issued a Technical Service Bulletin or recall addressing the placement of the coolant reservoir or providing guidance to technicians to inspect for heat-related degradation in this area.I am requesting that NHTSA investigate this design defect and require Jeep to issue a Technical Service Bulletin or recall addressing this. The vehicle was properly maintained and not modified and The issue occurred at relatively low mileage.

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NHTSA #: 11703882
mediumENGINE
Filed: Nov 2025

Bolts came loose on thermostat housing caused all the fluid to leak out when looked up seems to be a common problem on these jeeps

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NHTSA #: 11701117
mediumENGINE
Filed: Nov 2025

We leased this vehicle in 2022. About 6 months into the lease the vehicle started acting like it was overheating. My stepdaughter took the car to a mechanic and they said the coolant system shows no signs of a leak. Periodically in the time she had the vehicle these symptoms would occur. Now in the summer of this year the engine seized. She was taking the vehicle to get oil changes on time except for one time she went over the mileage due. Anyway I’ve been trying to work with the dealer about the cost of repairs and who is responsible, but in the meantime I spoke with someone who had the exact same thing happen with his jeep wrangler similar year. Now this guy works at a car auction. Been working around cars. It seems this is pretty common with Jeep Wranglers. Her Jeep has been inoperable for months now.

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NHTSA #: 11700528
mediumENGINE
Filed: Aug 2025

I experienced an extreme coolant leak caused by the coolant inlet tube fasteners backing out and becoming loose. This is consistent with MOPAR recall CSN ZD8 for 2021-2022 Jeep Wrangler. My VIN does not seem to be covered by this recall but experienced the same issue.

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NHTSA #: 11683734
mediumENGINE
Filed: May 2025

Since we have had the high pressure fuel pump recall completed/replaced, there have been ongoing problems with the cooling system that cause overheating multiple times, on the same grade of road, during subsequent trips. The vehicle alerts and says it has overheated, and is stopped and allowed to cool off.

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NHTSA #: 11663638
mediumENGINE
Filed: May 2025

2021-2024 jeeps with 3.6 penstar are being sold with camshafts that go bad at around 60-80k miles. There needs to be an immediate recall. I have mine at just under 70k and recently had to spend 3 grand to get it fixed with a new part all because the warranty is up and there’s no recall out for it.

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NHTSA #: 11660655
mediumENGINE
Filed: Dec 2024

I have a 2021 Jeep Wrangler JL--VIN [XXX] . On Wednesday, [XXX], the vehicle suddenly and without prior warning overheated. I immediately parked the car. There were no obvious signs of leaks but we went and got some coolant and I put about 1/4 gallon of coolant in as it was low. I had the car towed to the dealership. The service advisor informed me that the issue was related to TSB 07-001-22 REV. B. They had to tighten the bolts connecting the inlet tube. As I searched on some Jeep Forums, I discovered that this issue was addressed with CSN ZD8, however, it's only applicable to certain VINs within 2021-2022. When I mentioned this to the advisor, she said my car wasn't affected by the recall. Clearly, this is a broader issue than just the VINs noted in the recall since this exact issue happened to my vehicle. I reached out to FCA and was assigned a case manager. After speaking with her, she informed me that she just talked with the dealership possibly providing cost assistance with the matter. I don't know why they're putting it back on the dealership when it's clearly a manufacturing defect. The dealership covered about 1/2 of the cost. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

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NHTSA #: 11629025
mediumENGINE
Filed: Aug 2024

Vessel continues to show oil pressure warning light with no obvious cause - oil pressure is within range and oil is not low nor low life?

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NHTSA #: 11607332
mediumENGINE
Filed: Dec 2023

I have tried out to Jeep for asking if the open recall issue can be fix they do not have any solution how to fix the issue and no necessary parts are available with the dealer or even with Jeep itself.

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NHTSA #: 11560811
mediumENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Filed: Oct 2023

My diesel Jeep Wrangler has had an open safety recall for 12 months (Z96/NHTSA 22V-767), related to the high pressure fuel pump. Jeep/Stellantis continually fails to address this issue and pushes the estimated timeline for repairs months down the road. Every time I call or bring my vehicle in for service, I am alerted to this open safety recall, then told there is no fix available.

NHTSA #: 11548644
mediumENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,VISIBILITY
Filed: Mar 2023

The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the engine fan would suddenly turn on and the engine temperature gauge would rise with the message that the engine had overheated. The contact stated that during the failure the vehicle would suddenly decelerate to protect the engine.

NHTSA #: 11512767
mediumENGINE
Filed: Feb 2023

The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated while driving 60-70 MPH, the vehicle began to shudder significantly. There was no warning light illuminated.

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NHTSA #: 11506446
mediumENGINE,SUSPENSION
Filed: Dec 2022

The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the vehicle was shaking. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the dealer was unable to duplicate the failure.

NHTSA #: 11498102
mediumENGINE
Filed: Dec 2022

The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Wrangler. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V865000 (Engine) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted.

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NHTSA #: 11495763
mediumENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
Filed: Sep 2022

driving on the FWY, when I pass the bridge, there is a small rupper bump. the car starts shaking vertically and starts to slow down in the middle of the Fwy. I try to speed up to pull over to the right, but no response, where I felt the gas peddle is not working at that moment.

NHTSA #: 11485141
mediumENGINE
Filed: May 2022

Cylinder head failure caused engine to leak engine oil. Ultimately FCA was able to repair the defective upon replacing a cylinder and head gasket multiple times. The true cause of the leak was never determined as the replaced head did not appear defective.

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NHTSA #: 11463096
mediumENGINE
Filed: Feb 2022

2021 jeep wrangler. Consumer writes in regards to the "jeep wobble'" the consumer stated vehicle experienced a severe wobble. The consumer stated the dealer could not duplicate the issue; therefore, are unable to repair the vehicle.

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NHTSA #: 11451877
mediumENGINE
Filed: Feb 2022

2021 ejeep wrangler. Consumer writes in regards to engine issues. The consumer stated the engine warning light illuminated.

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NHTSA #: 11451989
mediumENGINE
Filed: Oct 2021

While towing a <3000 lb. trailer up a long grade (2.5 to 3 miles) on the interstate at the posted speed, warning messages were displayed on the dashboard approximately 2/3 of the way up the hill. “Service Electronic Throttle Control”, and Check Engine light displayed while the vehicle speed dropped dramatically from 70 MPH to approximately 35.

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NHTSA #: 11437635
mediumENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
FireFiled: Sep 2021

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.

NHTSA #: 11433994
mediumENGINE
Filed: Aug 2021

The car flashed a red icon and displayed a message saying power was lost and telling us to pull over safely and put the car on park. We were in the middle lane on the New Jersey Turnpike and people were driving around us at 80mph, and the car would not accelerate. We were able to pull over and restart the car and it worked as if nothing happened.

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NHTSA #: 11428380
mediumENGINE
Filed: Jun 2021

The engine has a manufacture machining defect causing the engine to lose oil. This component has been inspected my an authorized dealer and has spent 4 weeks in the service department trying to be repaired. Manufacture has asked dealership to modify the engine block by grinding down the engine and placing a new seal.

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NHTSA #: 11420367
mediumENGINE
Filed: Feb 2021

Less than 200 miles on car check engine light starts blinking car also shaking took it to dealer they replaced a spark plug the next day same thing they then replaced all the spark plugs and told me 2021 wranglers would have a recall on this but I don't notice same problem anywhere

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NHTSA #: 11395491
lowENGINE
Filed: Jul 2024

Vehicle shut down while driving multiple times

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NHTSA #: 11600774
lowENGINE
Filed: Sep 2023

There is now some slippage in 2nd and 3rd gear The recall was re-issued in March of 2023. There has been no remedy nor any other offer to allow for a customer instigated solution to this dangerous problem since then.

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NHTSA #: 11546218
lowENGINE
Filed: Jun 2022

A coolant fitting came loose from the engine block, spewing coolant and steam from the engine bay and partially obstructing vision through windshield. After researching online I see this is a very common issue on 2018-2022 Jeep Wranglers.

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NHTSA #: 11467197

Other 2021 Jeep Wrangler Issues