Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2013 Jeep Wrangler owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2013 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that the vehicle was overheating while driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the thermostat was replaced several times. However, the failure persisted. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning illuminated and several chimes were heard. The contact veered to the side of the road and noticed that engine oil was leaking onto the ground. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and was diagnosed that the radiator needed to be replaced. The part was replaced; however, the contact stated that upon parking the vehicle, the failure reoccurred and the engine oil leaked out onto the ground. The vehicle was towed to a second dealer, Perkins Motors (1205 Motor City Dr, Colorado Springs, CO 80905) where it was diagnosed that the engine cooler needed to be replaced. …
The contact owns a 2013 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that while driving at highway speeds, the check engine and traction control warning lights suddenly illuminated, and the vehicle went into LIMP Mode and decelerated to under 45 MPH. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who replaced the cylinder head oil plugs, but the failure persisted. The vehicle was later taken to a second dealer who diagnosed that the engine had experienced low compression leak and multiple misfires. The contact was informed that the cylinder head, engine valves, and springs needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that that a VIN was not included in the Extended Coverage for the failure. The failure mileage was 57,000.
The contact owns a 2013 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact used a DTC reader and recovered a code for a misfire in cylinder #6. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer and was informed that her vehicle was not under warranty. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure and provided a case number. The contact was also provided the same information as the dealer. The vehicle was repaired by the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 89,800. The contact has made several calls to customer service submitting claims and denied. The vin number was not included in the service bulletin and the contact believes several vins are missing from the list.
The contact owns a 2013 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who informed the contact about TSB: 09002-14. The contact was referred to a dealer. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer and diagnosed that the #6-cylinder head needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but, no further assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 116,000. Consumer stated he had to pay to have the work done even though there is a service bulletin put out by Jeep referring to this problem specifically.
The contact owns a 2013 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated while at a stop light the vehicle started to stall while accelerating. The contact stated that there was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the crank shaft sensor was replaced, but the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the contact was notified of the cylinder #2 misfire. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and stated that the vehicle was not under recall. The failure mileage was 114,000.
The contact owns a 2013 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an engine misfire, with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was restarted; however, the failure recurred. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was not included in TSB: 09-002014 Rev. B (Engine). The approximate failure mileage was 95,000.
I just left my house and drove 2 miles at 25mph. My brakes went out then my vehicle caught fire with me and my two children inside. It is being inspected by insurance but there were no warning signs besides my brakes going out.
This vehicle is notorious for a common issue yet that same issue which has not been recalled is the reason my engine blew on the highway and Jeep has failed to notify owners of this issue or give some sort of reimbursement. My Jeep was cruising just fine when my engine suddenly blew, it was well maintained and taken care of. Despite the great care the oil housing unit which many others have complained about cracked leaking all the oil in a matter of minutes. This essential piece failing and releasing all the oil caused my engine to blow. Jeep is notorious for having a plastic oil housing unit with no heat shield since it is inbetween both engine bays. Having the unit where it is while creating the piece out of plastic seems like a text-book way to have catastrophic failure and further profit off complete engine failure. …
The oil filter housing is known to leak, crack or break in standard weather conditions. This can be exacerbated by extreme climate or by simply storing the vehicle outside of a climate controlled area. The hazards posed start with the slow but continuous leak of engine oil from the housing down the transmission and driveline to the ground. This is an environmental hazard to ground water and plant life. The oil can also contaminate roadways leading to slick spots in the road coupled with icy conditions this could cause for large scale vehicular incidents. Lastly if this issue goes unchecked and the oil leaks out of the engine entirely or to a low enough level it could cause the engine to seize in some shape or fashion. This would cause the aforementioned hazards to occur all at once culminating a catastrophic hazard event.
When driving down the road, the Jeep stops running. This is very dangerous and happens while driving at 55 mph. I've taken it to a mechanic and it will not throw a code. We've replaced the fuel pump, ignition, battery and alternator. Reading the forums and other online resources shows this is a common problem with multiple solutions. Jeep should recall any parts identified with this issue and be able to help correct this known issue. This is very unsafe. I do not have the money to spend and have no reliable transportation for employment. This has been such a hardship during such trying economic times.
Engine complaints in other Wrangler years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2013 Jeep Wrangler?
NHTSA has 144 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2013 Jeep Wrangler, 22% of the model year's 654 complaints. The component named most often is engine › crank/camshaft position sensor (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2013 Jeep Wrangler engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 2013 Jeep Wrangler, though it has 6 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2013 Jeep Wrangler engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 63,000 miles, and 16% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 5 fires and 2 injuries to engine & cooling problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.