2020 Jeep Wrangler Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 56about this part
- Share
- 9%of 617 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 22,846miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 56 complaints about the engine of the 2020 Jeep Wrangler, 9% of the 617 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 22,846 miles. 3 of these say a crash was involved and 5 a fire, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Was driving on the highway then it started making a weird sound. Pulled over to park and brand new car started over heating. With only 500 miles, I had to get it towed. I have not heard an update and have no eta. I have not had it for over a month.”
NHTSA complaint #11341968, filed 2020-07, 524 miles“The neutral automatic start/off switch was activated as I was stopped at a red light. Vehicle suddenly turned off and jerked as I was proceeding to go on a green light and vehicle did not want to turn back on until 20 min later.”
NHTSA complaint #11408075, filed 2021-04, 14,900 miles“For the third time in six months, our 2020 wrangle unlimited has been at the dealer to attempt to fix a significant chirping sound coming from the serpentine area. They have already replaced the tensioner pulley twice and it's actually worse. So far, for the six months we've had it, we'll be going on 3 weeks in the shop. Initially it would only be on a cold start but now it's louder and we can't take it anywhere. The dealer has had all the tech look into it and they still believe it's related to the tensioner. It's not related to the recent tensioner recall either. …”
NHTSA complaint #11329613, filed 2020-06, 2,000 miles“With less than 400 miles on the vehicle, a tapping sound could be heard from the engine bay. When it was brought into the dealership for service, it was determined that there was an issue with the engine. The service technician stated there was a camshaft issue for a tappet that had failed and was delivered from the factory with the defect. This has resulted in a replacement of the rockers, tappets, and intake and exhaust camshafts.”
NHTSA complaint #11331710, filed 2020-06, 346 miles“As slowing down towards a red light at approximately 5 MPH the engine suddenly revved up . Pressed brake to full (again, no foot on gas), engine continued revving at high RPM. Jeep lurched forward three times and rear ended car in front waiting at the light. 4 wheel drive was not manually turned on, but felt like the front wheels had locked but the back wheels kept lurching the Jeep forward. Again the engine was racing even though gas pedal was not pressed. Please note: this vehicle is a rental from avis.”
NHTSA complaint #11311144, filed 2020-02, 3,400 milesRelated recalls
- 22V767000Oct 13, 2022Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Jeep Wrangler, Ram 1500, and 2021-2022 Jeep Gladiator vehicles equipped with 3.0L diesel engines. The…Covers: Jeep Wrangler 2020–2022, Ram 1500 2020–2022, Jeep Gladiator 2021–2022
Related service bulletins
- 11036762Aug 26, 2026Turbocharger Kit Please note that many turbo components are serviceable separately and full turbo replacement may not be required. If the turbo is being inspected for…
- 11035078Jul 7, 2026CORE – HEATER
- 11035077Jul 7, 2026CORE – HEATER
- 11034912Jun 30, 2026Throttle body – none
- 11034911Jun 30, 2026Throttle body – none
- 11034335Jun 18, 2026Bolt - hex flange head
- 11034345Jun 15, 2026Check Engine Light (CEL) Illuminated with Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) P0106 Manifold Absolute Pressure Sensor Performance Setting In The Powertrain Control Module (PCM)
- 11030229Mar 21, 2026Flash: Powertrain Control Module (PCM) Updates Customers must experience a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illumination and the vehicle must SYMPTOM: exhibit/set one or more of…
- 11027837Jan 21, 2026Water Pump & Chain Case Cover
- 11027836Jan 21, 2026Water Pump & Chain Case Cover
Engine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 8% |
| 2025 | 29 | 40% |
| 2024 | 417 | 56% |
| 2023 | 108 | 29% |
| 2022 | 93 | 23% |
| 2021 | 222 | 23% |
| 2020 | 56 | 9% |
| 2019 | 45 | 6% |
| 2018 | 99 | 5% |
| 2017 | 62 | 20% |
| 2016 | 88 | 19% |
| 2015 | 128 | 27% |
| 2014 | 322 | 49% |
| 2013 | 140 | 21% |
| 2012 | 172 | 21% |
| 2011 | 36 | 7% |
| 2010 | 38 | 6% |
| 2009 | 18 | 5% |
| 2008 | 37 | 4% |
| 2007 | 33 | 6% |
| 2006 | 9 | 1% |
| 2005 | 19 | 3% |
| 2004 | 4 | 2% |
| 2003 | 1 | 1% |
| 2002 | 4 | 4% |
| 2001 | 2 | 1% |
| 2000 | 9 | 4% |
| 1999 | 1 | 0% |
| 1997 | 2 | 1% |
| 1990 | 1 | 1% |
Other parts of the 2020 Jeep Wrangler
239 complaintsElectrical system
183 complaintsOther or unknown
59 complaintsSuspension
51 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
47 complaintsFuel system
43 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
33 complaintsBody and structure
17 complaintsBrakes
13 complaintsWheels
13 complaintsVehicle speed control
12 complaintsExterior lighting
9 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2020 Jeep Wrangler
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology