Problems · by component
2017 Jeep Wrangler engine problems
62 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2017 Jeep Wrangler cite engine, 20% of all 312 complaints for this model year.
Complaints
62
20% of all complaints
Crashes
0
Reported by owners
Fires
5
Reported by owners
Injuries
0
Reported by owners
What owners say about the engine
Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
“The first time happening I was driving on the interstate going about 70 miles an hour in the dark, the car completely shut down with no warning I was able to coast then tried to restart the vehicle and it started. I was able to get off the road and to my destination. The second time this happened, it was 5am in the morning getting on the interstate going about 40 miles an hour I got to the end of the ramp and merged into traffic again no warning the car shut down. This time the vehicle would not restart. I was able to coast to the shoulder with traffic approaching on me. Had to wait for a tow in the dark by myself.”
“Oil plug in engine gets brittle and fails by cracking. This cause a complete engine failure with only 36k miles on it. Mechanic says this is a known issue. I could not operate the vehichle and broke down without warning. I have a reciept for the nrand new engine.”
“The contact owns a 2017 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30-45 MPH, the vehicle lost power. On another occasion, while driving at 20 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power. While shifting into gear, the vehicle failed to respond as intended. The check engine warning light illuminated after the failure. The driver was able to pull over safely. The vehicle was running, and the heat was functioning. The vehicle was towed to a AAA Service Center, where the filter and oil were changed; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was towed to AAA again, but no assistance was provided. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed, and it was determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.”
“The contact owns a 2017 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated while attempting to start the vehicle or while driving at various speeds, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure had occurred on several occasions. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the valves and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the engine was not under warranty. The manufacturer offered no assistance. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 47,000.”
“May 14, 2025 Dear NHTSA, I am submitting this complaint regarding my 2017 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Sahara, which has only 60,000 miles and has already required several major repairs that raise serious safety concerns. To date, I have had to replace three brake calipers and the emergency brake, at a cost of over $2,500. The calipers were seizing, and the emergency brake would not release properly, both of which posed clear risks while driving. I understand through forums and peer discussions that other owners have faced similar issues. In addition, my vehicle now has an oil leak that will cost over $700 to repair, and the windshield washer fluid hose burst, requiring another replacement. These repeated failures on a relatively low-mileage vehicle suggest underlying quality and reliability issues. I believe these concerns warrant review, particularly the safety-related brake defects. I respectfully ask NHTSA to investigate whether these failures are part of a broader pattern that may justify further scrutiny or a formal recall. Thank you for your attention.”
“Vehicle had a DTC P0302 and a misfire at idle. Upon diagnosis cylinder #2 was found to have 80psi compression which is significantly lower than compression in all other cylinders. Cylinder head was found to be bad. This vehicle only has 61,303 miles. There are many owners complaining about the same problem and FCA indicated they fixed the head issues in 2013. They have offered an extended warranty for 2011-2013 vehicle but the issue still exists. The warranty should be expanded to include more year models.”
Showing 6 of 62 reports. Read every report on NHTSA.gov.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 3, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.