2014 Jeep Wrangler Engine Problems

330 owners have reported engine & cooling problems with the 2014 Jeep Wrangler to NHTSA — 50% of all 657 complaints for this model year. The typical failure happened around 52,000 miles. That ranks #2 of 31 Wrangler model years for engine complaints (a typical year has 53). No engine recall has been issued for this model year.

330complaints
52ktypical miles
0related recalls
0crashes
16fires
1injuries

Which parts fail

  • Engine › Oil/lubrication › Oil cooler
    1

Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).

Mileage when the problem started

  • Under 25k
    5521%
  • 25k–50k
    6324%
  • 50k–75k
    8432%
  • 75k–100k
    4015%
  • 100k–150k
    208%
  • 150k+
    31%

Owner reports

Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2014 Jeep Wrangler owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).

The contact owns a 2014 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that the oil filter cap blew off the housing. As a result, the vehicle was losing oil. The contact noticed oil on the engine and smoke was detected. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The contact called the local dealer. However, the vehicle was not diagnosed. The manufacturer was contacted but no further assistance was provided. The approximate failure mileage was 140,000.

140,000 miles · Jan 2022 · fire

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. The contact also stated that the fuel gauge provided inaccurate readings and would not read that the fuel tank was full. The vehicle was taken to the dealer twice for fuel gauge failure. The dealer performed a PCM software update for fuel sender recalibration and replaced the fuel pump module. …

46,000 miles · Mar 2015

Oil Filter Housing cracked. Oil pools on top of engine and under intake manifold. Oil runs down the right side of engine - taking out an oxygen sensor in the process as the wiring harness gets soaked in oil. Oil ran down onto transmission and exhaust manifolds creating odor and a lot of smoke - not to mention the oil all over my driveway and street. Evidently, this is a known problem to the manufacturer. It is reported hundreds of times on this site and thousands of times on various internet sites. Clearly there are manufacturing problems that are at fault and creating serious safety and economic impacts to owners. Research across various platforms indicates that it is not a matter of "if this will happen," but "when" it will happen. Where is the accountability to the manufacturer? Why is NHTSA NOT doing something to protect the consumer and the public?

Jan 2023 · fire

The contact owns a 2014 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated while driving 20 MPH, the contact became aware of an abnormal coolant odor and a burning odor. Additionally, there was smoke coming from underneath the hood. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact drove back to the residence. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that cylinder #2 and #5 were leaking air into the cooling system. The mechanic determined that the head gasket, the intake manifold, and the front timing needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was contacted, and an appointment was scheduled for diagnostic testing. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 95,000.

95,000 miles · Jul 2024

The contact owns a 2014 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked on a driveway on two occasions, the contact noticed that the vehicle was leaking oil onto the ground. The vehicle was towed to Seaside Park Service Center, where it was diagnosed with an oil filter housing failure. The contact was advised that it was a common failure. The mechanic recommended replacing the oil filter housing with another model. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The mechanic referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to file a safety complaint. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 68,000. The VIN was unavailable.

68,000 miles · Dec 2025

The contact owns a 2014 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the contact noticed a loud clanking sound coming from the engine. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the vehicle was diagnosed with engine rod bearing failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 104,000.

104,000 miles · Aug 2024

The contact owns a 2014 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that while the vehicle was running there was a ticking sound coming from the engine. The contact stated that there were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was contacted and informed the contact that the vehicle was not covered under an unknown Extended Warranty. The contact was referred to NHTSA for assistance. The failure mileage was 98,000.

98,000 miles · Sep 2021

The contact owns a 2014 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the fan turned on. The hot oil message was displayed and there was an abnormal beeping sound detected. The contact called the local dealer, who informed her there was no recall or warranty coverage on the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 47,000.

47,000 miles · Jun 2024

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.

Oct 2025 · fire

This is another complaint about the oil filter and oil cooler assembly problem that's known on the 2014 Wranglers. It's made of plastic (that cracks) with plastic gaskets (that shrink/crack over time). It's a known problem, has been reported by many, especially for vehicles in cold weather areas. Due to the location of the oil cooler assembly, it can't be easily replaced without spending over a thousand dollars and then the dealers don't stand behind or warranty the new part/their install because they know the replacement is just plastic and going to crack again. Oil leaks all over other engine components (transmission, transfer case, etc.), which could cause the vehicle to catch on fire; an accident due to the leaked on components being deteriorated and not working properly from being oil soaked; or cause the engine oil to overheat since the cooling assembly isn't working correctly. …

Sep 2021

Engine complaints in other Wrangler years

’95’97’98’99’00’01’02’03’04’05’06’07’08’09’10’11’12’13’14’15’16’17’18’19’20’21’22’23’24’25’263211153512423871341292131023053421781443301329463102496122395110416281
Engine complaints per model year, Jeep Wrangler.

Frequently asked questions

How common are engine problems on the 2014 Jeep Wrangler?

NHTSA has 330 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2014 Jeep Wrangler, 50% of the model year's 657 complaints. The component named most often is engine › oil/lubrication › oil cooler (1 mentions).

Is there a recall for 2014 Jeep Wrangler engine problems?

No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 2014 Jeep Wrangler, though it has 4 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 2014 Jeep Wrangler engine problems start?

Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 52,000 miles, and 21% before 25,000 miles.

Is it dangerous?

Owners linked 0 crashes, 16 fires and 1 injury 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.