Problems · by component

2014 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited engine problems

322 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2014 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited cite engine, 49% of all 658 complaints for this model year.

Complaints
322
49% of all complaints
Crashes
0
Reported by owners
Fires
15
Reported by owners
Injuries
1
Reported by owners
01 —Owner reports

What owners say about the engine

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
“The plastic oil filter housing was leaking oil onto my exhaust I had to quit driving it because of fear of a FIRE, SO MY QUESTION IS : IF YOU HAVE OIL RUNNING DOWN AND DRIPPING OF YOUR EXHAUST AND YOU GUYS WONT RECALL IT BECAUSE YOU SAY ITS NOT A SAFETY ISSUE? YOU GUYS ARE NUTS, THE MANUFACTURE SHOULD BE MADE TO MAN UP AND FIX THIS PROBLEM INSTEAD OF LEAVING THE CONSUMER STUCK WITH A PROBLEM THAT THEY CREATED AND AN EMPTY WALLET AS WELL, SIMPLY NOT FAIR MANY PEOPLE HAVE BEEN STUCK WITH THIS PROBLEM TO DEAL WITH WITHOUT ANY HELP FROM THE ENGINEERS THAT CAUSED IT, MAN UP AND MAKE EM TAKE RESPONSIBILITY IF NOT THEN WHY DOES THE NHTSA EVEN EXIST AT ALL”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 6, 2026EngineODI 11748414
“I was driving on I35 on 10/23/2025 when I saw a small spark then my vehicle caught fire and i exited the vehicle called 911 Lewisville Fire Department and was informed that they responded to vehicle fire on 10/23/2025 at 9:45 pm, their case number is 2025-0012175. The representative stated that the Lewisville Police Dept. also completed a report, case number 250068809.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Dec 23, 2025Electrical system, Structure, EngineFire reportedODI 11706752
“I had repairs done to my Jeep in April 2024. At that time, I was made aware that my ABS control module was faulty and no longer functioning. I have been periodically checking with my mechanic and online to check the status of this part, only to find that it has been an ongoing issue with some models having this part unavailable since 2019. At the end of October 2025, I began having a major safety issue in which my Jeep's engine will shut off without warning and the only reason I will be aware is because the wheel will no longer turn easily (trying to turn without power steering). In addition, there will at times be a fluctuation of power either having a an extreme spike or drop in RPMs causing the Jeep to lurch while driving. The cruise control cannot be used with this issue, and I have also experienced malfunctions in the traction control (i.e. hydroplaning in a very small puddle in the road that a normal car could handle, let alone a Jeep). I have been waiting patiently for a year and a half and there are no updates available for Jeep owners, and the issues caused by this lack of parts could cause fatalities on the road or leave individuals with a very…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Nov 4, 2025Electrical system, Unknown or other, EngineODI 11697466
“Starting in approximately mid 2023 the vehicle began to leak oil. This was noted once the vehicle was parked after driving. There were various amounts of oil pooled underneath the oil filter housing on the ground. At this time it had approximately 70,000 miles. I had to consistently add many quarts of oil to keep the vehicle operating while going to several mechanics to diagnose the problem. There are many instances where a strong burning smell comes from the engine compartment especially when traveling at higher speeds (highway driving). It was determined that the oil filter housing had cracked and was the source of the oil leak. The cost for repair was approximately $800 for labor and the part, having to spend additional money to get a rental car. The mechanics stated that they have had to replace this same part on many other Jeep Wranglers that are the same make/year. The mechanic did say that another jeep that had the same problem did catch on fire due to the oil running down through the heated engine as this part is made of plastic and situated on the top side of the engine. My Jeep is current on all maintenance and there has been no accident to cause this…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 19, 2025EngineODI 11694407
“The engine in my 2014 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited (3.6L Pentastar V6) suddenly seized without warning at approx. 154,525 miles. The vehicle stalled while in motion, causing immediate loss of power and creating a dangerous situation where I could have been struck by other traffic. This was a major safety hazard. The Jeep was towed to a dealership, where technicians confirmed the engine is seized and provided a written estimate of about $12,000 for full engine replacement. I later had the vehicle towed back to my home, but the failed engine remains in the vehicle and is available for inspection upon request. The problem has been reproduced and confirmed by the authorized Jeep service center. Jeep/Stellantis Customer Care has also been contacted, and a case has been opened.Decline goodwill assistance. There were no warning lamps, messages, or prior symptoms before the failure. The vehicle was operating normally until the sudden stall. This lack of warning combined with the engine seizure placed my safety and the safety of others at risk. I believe this issue is part of a known defect pattern with the 3.6L Pentastar engine, which has been subject to numerous…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 6, 2025EngineODI 11685445
“My 2014 jeep wrangler unlimited started throwing the motor in limp mode. Had it checked out and it's the TIPM and the wiring harness. As I dug into that some 2014 jeeps already have a recall on this. But I cannot find on my VIN. Could this be a needed recall that this jeep needs to be added too? Help please.almost caused an accident 3 different times throwing a brand new motor into limp mode”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 13, 2025Electrical system, EngineODI 11666875

Showing 6 of 322 reports. Read every report on NHTSA.gov.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 28, 2026NHTSA vehicle page

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.