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Jeep WranglerModel year report

2014 Jeep Wrangler Problems

Compared with other Jeep Wrangler years

Fewer complaints than typical for this model

23/100 0.5× a typical year · 50 = typical

Based only on NHTSA complaints, recalls and investigations. Not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold, and not a reliability rating. How this is calculated

Complaints
658filed with NHTSA
Median mileage
50,000miles, 467 complaints with mileage
Recalls
41 do-not-drive
Trend
FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA crash rating
—no overall rating published
EPA fuel economy
18 mpgcombined, 3.6L 6-cyl 4WD · 17 city / 21 hwy

Sources: NHTSA records for the 2014 Jeep Wrangler (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error

What owners report

Owners of the 2014 Jeep Wrangler most often write about engine oil leaks traced to the oil filter/cooler housing on the 3.6L V6, with oil pooling on top of the engine and dripping onto hot exhaust parts. A smaller but steady share of complaints describe air bag warning lights linked to the clockspring, intermittent no-start or electrical faults, and braking or transmission symptoms. Reports span a wide mileage range, from roughly 30,000 to over 100,000 miles.

  1. Engine

    Oil filter/cooler housing leak onto engine and exhaust

    • 262 complaints (40%)
    • median 52,700 mi at 5.2 yrs old (218 state mileage)
    • 10 mention a crash, fire or injury
    • owner-quoted repair $1,000 (median of 30 quotes)
    • filed 2014–2026

    Owners describe oil leaking from the plastic oil filter and cooler assembly mounted on top of the 3.6L engine. Many find oil pooled in the valley between the cylinder heads or dripping onto the transmission, crossmember and exhaust, with a burning oil smell and smoke at stops. Complaints say dealers and independent shops diagnosed a cracked housing or failed gaskets and quoted replacement costs, and several note the part was on back order. Some owners report coolant mixing with the oil as well. Reported from about 30,000 miles upward, most commonly in the 43,000-98,000 mile range, often noticed while parked or after the engine is warm.

    4 related service bulletins

    What to check: Look at the top of the engine under the intake area for oil or coolant pooling, and check for oil stains on the transmission, skid plates and exhaust. Ask whether the oil filter adapter/cooler has been replaced and with which part.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “Found oil all over the floor of my garage, had not driven Jeep. It has just 30,000 miles on it. Brought to dealers over 3 weeks ago, they are still waiting for a backordered part. And I am without my Jeep. Was told 14,000 on backorder-if its that bad for breakage why is this $1200+ repair is recall? I googled it and found it to be a big issue.”

    NHTSA complaint #11406218, filed 2021-04, 30,000 miles

    “My 2014 Wrangler has the dreaded oil filter housing / oil cooler leak. While driving I smelled burning oil. The next morning I found oil on my garage floor and took the vehicle to the dealership. $875 to replace the part. In researching the issue on line, I discovered this is a very common occurrence as the manufacturer chose to make the part out of plastic.”

    NHTSA complaint #11399183, filed 2021-03, 74,000 miles
  2. Engine

    Engine ticking noise (lifter/rocker arm)

    • 26 complaints (4%)
    • median 70,557 mi at 6.5 yrs old (16 state mileage)
    • filed 2016–2025

    Owners report a loud ticking or tapping from one side of the 3.6L engine, present at idle and getting louder with acceleration. Complaints describe shops identifying a failed lifter, rocker arm bearing or camshaft, with repair estimates running into the thousands of dollars. Some say the noise appeared shortly after an oil change and that the vehicle otherwise ran normally. Mostly reported between about 54,000 and 66,000 miles, with one at roughly 122,000 miles.

    What to check: Listen to the engine at idle and while revving from a cold and warm start for ticking from either cylinder bank; ask whether lifters, rockers or cams have been replaced.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “Loud ticking from the left side of engine. A known problem with many model years of jeeps. I was told I do not have the warranty any longer because my warranty for the vehicle started in 2013. If I did, this known issue would not be covered. Shop wanted 3k dollars to repair. Sound happens with car running all the time in drive or just idle. Gets louder as I accelerate.”

    NHTSA complaint #11343027, filed 2020-08, 59,000 miles

    “I only have 56,000 miles on my 2014 Jeep rubicon unlimited and the motor is already making a ticking noise.. Not only do I change my oil at the recommended mileage I also buy the most expensive and the best oil so I wouldn't have to deal with something like this.”

    NHTSA complaint #11374831, filed 2020-11, 54,000 miles
  3. Electrical system

    No-start and stalling traced to power module or electrics

    • 60 complaints (9%)
    • median 27,500 mi at 3.2 yrs old (44 state mileage)
    • 2 mention a crash, fire or injury
    • owner-quoted repair $1,400 (median of 5 quotes)
    • filed 2014–2026

    Owners report the engine cranking without starting, or the vehicle shutting off while driving at speed with no warning, while lights and radio still work. Complaints describe dealers replacing the totally integrated power module (TIPM) or the computer and relay panel, in some cases with the fault returning afterwards. Others describe intermittent electrical faults alongside warning lamps and inaccurate gauge or sensor readings. Reported from about 41,000 to 71,000 miles, often with the vehicle stationary in a garage or driveway.

    7 related service bulletins

    What to check: Ask whether the TIPM or PCM has been replaced or reprogrammed, and test a cold start plus a short drive watching for stalling or warning lights.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “The ignition appeared to go out on our 2014 Jeep Wrangler. When you turn the key in the ignition, there was no sound. It did not try to crank. All other electrical components like headlights, radio, etc still worked. I took it to auto nation Jeep in roseville and they said the tipm needed to be replaced at $1400. The vehicle was stationary in the garage.”

    NHTSA complaint #11395629, filed 2021-02, 58,000 miles

    “The contact owns a 2014 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing electrical failures. The check engine warning light was illuminated intermittently, and the infotainment system failed to turn on. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the oil sensor pressure circuit was replaced due to an internal short in the oil-sending unit. Additionally, the PCM software was updated, and the infotainment system was replaced. …”

    NHTSA complaint #11516564, filed 2023-04, 46,000 miles
  4. Air bags

    Air bag warning light on, clockspring related

    • 73 complaints (11%)
    • median 62,000 mi at 4.8 yrs old (39 state mileage)
    • 6 mention a crash, fire or injury
    • filed 2015–2026

    Owners describe the air bag warning light coming on and chiming intermittently, sometimes when turning the steering wheel or above a certain speed, and sometimes alongside a traction control light. Complaints attribute this to the clockspring assembly behind the air bag, and several mention the related campaign for right-hand-drive vehicles while noting their own vehicle was not included. Some also report steering wheel buttons and the horn working only at certain wheel angles. Reported from roughly 68,000 to 110,000 miles, appearing both while driving and while stationary.

    Recall 16V288000Recall 19V018000 · DO NOT DRIVE

    What to check: Turn the key to accessory and watch whether the air bag light stays on, then turn the wheel lock to lock and check that the horn and steering wheel buttons work throughout the travel. Ask whether the clockspring has been replaced.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “My steering wheel controls are no longer working. This includes the horn, channel and volume control. They will work when the steering wheel is turned 45deg from top dead center. My research shows that this issue is caused by the clock spring assembly behind the air bag. Jeep currently has a recall out for rhd wranglers and their clock spring assembly. I believe there are also issues with the lhd (left hand drive) models as well. I am taking this to the dealer in the morning. Note the problem occurs when the vehicle is in motion or not.”

    NHTSA complaint #11301561, filed 2020-01, 124,000 miles

    “While driving, airbag light comes on when 20mph or maybe 10mins of driving. Light will go off when stopped. And will return again at 20mph or 10more min of driving. It will occasionally stay on.”

    NHTSA complaint #11373447, filed 2020-11, 75,000 miles

Buying note. The oil filter/cooler housing leak is the item to inspect first on this model year, since it can be costly and recur; check the engine valley and the ground under the vehicle for oil. Beyond that, scan for ABS and air bag codes and confirm the electrical module history before buying.

Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.

NHTSA recorded 658 consumer complaints for the 2014 Jeep Wrangler. 467 of the complaints include a mileage, and 50% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 50,000 miles. Of all complaints, 21 involved a crash, 24 a fire, 13 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns (1 marked do-not-drive) and 216 technical service bulletins for this model year. Compared with the other 15 Jeep Wrangler model years that have at least 25 complaints and are old enough to compare, this one scores 23 out of 100, where 50 is a typical year for the model (fewer complaints than typical for this model). The comparison allows for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints, but not for how many vehicles were sold.

Which parts are reported most

Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.

Also reported: Suspension (15), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (13), Wheels (12), Electronic stability control (10), Engine cooling (9), Exterior lighting (6), Seat belts (6), Seats (4), Tires (3), Forward collision avoidance (2), Back-over prevention (rear camera) (1), Equipment (1).

Example complaints

Engine: “Smelled a oil burning smell inside the cab. Noticed a dripping of oil on the ground. Took it to an independent mechanic and was told the oil filter housing was cracked. When trying to order the part, was told several thousand were on back order and they had no time frame to get one. I use this vehicle for work and no one can tell me when I can drive my vehicle. Totally unacceptable.”

NHTSA complaint #11399151, filed 2021-03, 156,000 miles

Transmission and drivetrain: “The oil cooler broke and is leaking oil all over my engine, transfer case and exhaust. Jeep says it's common and they expect me to pay $850 out of my pocket for a plastic part that will fail again. Shame on them. It was sitting in my garage and oil is everywhere on the ground. It's too dangerous to drive”

NHTSA complaint #11278158, filed 2019-11, 47,500 miles

Electrical system: “I was driving down road and lost power like it dropped into neutral. Pull over to side of the road and by time I stopped had smoke coming into the cab. Got out and saw flames in engine compartment. Called police and fire but vehicle was total loss. Consumer stated there were no electrical issues and no engine light came on. Flames were coming from the bottom of the engine.”

NHTSA complaint #11353076, filed 2020-09, 96,000 miles

Brakes: “Gas pedal got stuck full throttle, I was pulling out into traffic and had to accelerate so I pushed the pedal down and when I let off I still was accelerating and just ahead was stop traffic made a hard right into a parking lot and through the shifter into neutral. All the time my foot was heavy on the brake jet still launching forward ... What a hair raising experience and the worst thing my wife thought I was doing that on purpose:)”

NHTSA complaint #11315395, filed 2020-03, 30,000 miles

Mileage when problems were reported

50% of the 467 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 25,000 and 72,000 miles.

11%0–1014%10–2525%25–5028%50–7513%75–1007%100–1501%150+
Share of complaints by mileage when the problem was reported, in thousands of miles (467 complaints with mileage). Red bars: under 50,000 miles. Bucket widths differ. Median: 50,000 miles.

Complaints by year filed

Trend: falling. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.

’14’16’18109’20’22’24’26
Complaints by year the complaint was filed with NHTSA. Red bars: the last 3 full calendar years used for the trend. The current year (2026) is partial.

Crash test ratings

NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2014 Jeep Wrangler. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.

VersionOverallFrontalSideSide poleRollover
Wrangler · SUV 4WDnot rated———3 · 27.9% risk
Wrangler Unlimited · SUV 4WDnot rated———3 · 27.9% risk

Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.

Fuel economy and running cost

EPA ratings for each 2014 Jeep Wrangler version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).

VersionEngineTransmissionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yr
Wrangler 4WD3.6L 6-cyl6-speed manual172118$3,700
Wrangler 4WD3.6L 6-cyl5-speed automatic172118$3,700
Wrangler Unlimited 4WD3.6L 6-cyl5-speed automatic162018$3,700
Wrangler Unlimited 4WD3.6L 6-cyl6-speed manual162118$3,700

Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.

Recalls and investigations

Recall details for the 2014 Jeep Wrangler → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls

NHTSA investigations

Technical service bulletins

TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 216 on record; the latest 10 are shown.

See all 216 bulletins →

Other model years of the Jeep Wrangler

YearComplaintsMedian miRecallsCrash ★MPGScore (50 = typical)Trend
2026121,0003—20—Too new
2025733004—20Too new to compareToo new
202475114,00011—19Too new to compareToo new
202337313,00014—2051 · TypicalToo new
202241017,65015—2050 · TypicalRising
202195720,00015—2086 · MoreRising
20206182,50012—2066 · MoreRising
20197474,5009—2067 · MoreStable
20181,8276,20014—18100 · MoreStable
201731223,7005—1815 · FewerStable
201646240,0005—1820 · FewerStable
201547937,4763—188 · FewerRising
201465850,0004—1823 · FewerFalling
201365650,0006—1851 · TypicalFalling
201283642,0009—1871 · MoreFalling
201148550,51010—1732 · FewerStable
201068645,69910—1750 · TypicalFalling
200937251,0006—1711 · FewerFalling
200887362,0007—189 · FewerFalling
200755860,0008—18Not compared (before 2008)Falling
200673036,0003—15Not compared (before 2008)Falling
200565050,0001—15Not compared (before 2008)Falling
200419246,1921—17Not compared (before 2008)Falling
20039826,8980—17Not compared (before 2008)Stable
200210860,4992—16Not compared (before 2008)Falling
200117085,0003—15Not compared (before 2008)Stable
200025191,9121—16Not compared (before 2008)Falling
199921364,4251—16Not compared (before 2008)Falling
199826573,9902—16Not compared (before 2008)Falling
199740180,0003—16Not compared (before 2008)Falling
199520295,0001—16Not compared (before 2008)Falling
1994151121,0002—16Not compared (before 2008)Falling
199310896,5003—16Not compared (before 2008)Rising
199277137,0004—17Not compared (before 2008)Falling
199176110,5006—17Not compared (before 2008)Rising
199079110,5004—16Not compared (before 2008)Stable
19896279,0004—16Not compared (before 2008)Falling
19885098,2613—17Not compared (before 2008)Stable
198738246,0005—17Not compared (before 2008)Stable

All Jeep Wrangler model years · Best and worst years by complaints

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2014 Jeep Wrangler?

Owners of the 2014 Jeep Wrangler most often write about engine oil leaks traced to the oil filter/cooler housing on the 3.6L V6, with oil pooling on top of the engine and dripping onto hot exhaust parts. The issues reported most often: Oil filter/cooler housing leak onto engine and exhaust; Engine ticking noise (lifter/rocker arm); No-start and stalling traced to power module or electrics.

How many NHTSA complaints does the 2014 Jeep Wrangler have?

NHTSA recorded 658 consumer complaints for the 2014 Jeep Wrangler as of Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

What part of the 2014 Jeep Wrangler is reported most often?

Engine is named most often, in 322 complaints (49% of the total), followed by transmission and drivetrain with 88.

Has the 2014 Jeep Wrangler been recalled?

NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for this model year, 1 of them with a do-not-drive advisory. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What gas mileage does the 2014 Jeep Wrangler get?

The EPA rates the 2014 Jeep Wrangler (Wrangler 4WD, 3.6L 6-cyl) at 18 mpg combined, 17 city and 21 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,700 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.

At what mileage are problems with the 2014 Jeep Wrangler reported?

Among the 467 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 50,000 miles and the middle half falls between 25,000 and 72,000 miles; 50% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).

Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.