2019 Jeep Wrangler Engine Problems

49 owners have reported engine & cooling problems with the 2019 Jeep Wrangler to NHTSA — 7% of all 746 complaints for this model year. The typical failure happened around 16,000 miles. That ranks #19 of 31 Wrangler model years for engine complaints (a typical year has 61). No engine recall has been issued for this model year.

49complaints
16ktypical miles
0related recalls
1crashes
7fires
1injuries

Which parts fail

  • Engine › Engine control module (ECU/ECM) › Software
    1

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

Mileage when the problem started

  • Under 25k
    1158%
  • 25k–50k
    15%
  • 50k–75k
    526%
  • 75k–100k
    15%
  • 100k–150k
    15%
  • 150k+
    00%

Owner reports

Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2019 Jeep Wrangler owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).

The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the Check Engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to O'Reily's, where a portable diagnostic machine was used; however, no fault codes were retrieved. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was an old warning light. In addition, the contact was informed that the vehicle could be driven. The contact stated that while driving to the residence, the check engine warning light turned off. The failure reoccurred, and the engine seized. The contact stated that the vehicle rolled near the shoulder of the road. The contact became aware of smoke coming from the engine compartment. The contact stated that a good Samaritan stopped and assisted the contact. The contact and a good Samaritan became aware of fire coming from the engine compartment near the battery. …

65,000 miles · Jun 2026 · fire

The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH uphill, the vehicle failed to respond upon depressing the accelerator pedal. The check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle lost power steering functionality. Additionally, the stereo and the windshield wipers engaged independently. A message indicating a shifter column failure was displayed, and other unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact was able to exit the highway and pulled into a driveway, where she parked the vehicle. The contact stated that the engine continued running after pressing the Start/Stop button several times to turn off the vehicle. Additionally, the contact stated that the engine revved up significantly while the accelerator pedal was not depressed. The contact pressed the Start/Stop button again, and the vehicle turned off. …

Engine › Engine control module (ECU/ECM) › Software · 75,000 miles · May 2023

On [redacted], my 2019 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon (2.0L turbo) caught fire in the engine compartment while driving, at approximately 101,437 miles. The fire started near the turbocharger and heat shield area. There were no injuries, but the vehicle was moving on a public road with four occupants, including two young children in car seats in the rear, when the fire started. The vehicle had been returned to me four days earlier, after approximately 2.5 months at Preferred Chrysler Dodge Jeep of Muskegon, MI for a timing chain replacement. After the fire, I found that the coolant reservoir hose had come off its fitting, and the hose barb appears to have been broken and the hose pushed back on. Several under-hood trim fasteners were also missing. My best assessment is that coolant sprayed onto the hot turbo/exhaust components and ignited. …

Oct 2026 · fire

The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that while driving 75 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed, and the engine continued to rev up quickly, immediately followed by an abnormally loud sound coming from the engine compartment. Additionally, the contact stated that metal shards were seen coming from the vehicle onto the roadway. The contact was veered to the side of the roadway and had the vehicle towed to a dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V116000 (Power Train) however, the parts for the repair had not yet been developed. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.

50,000 miles · Mar 2023

The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle suddenly lost motive power and stalled, and the vehicle went into LIMP Mode. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The driver was able to safely move the vehicle to the side of the road. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the ABS module had failed. The local dealer was contacted and advised that the replacement part was on backorder and referred the contact to the manufacturer for assistance. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and confirmed that the replacement part was not available. The failure mileage was approximately 68,482.

68,000 miles · Jun 2026

The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was a misfire coming from the engine, and there was a backfire coming from the exhaust system. Additionally, there was a coolant intrusion in cylinder #3 and a burning in the head gasket. The contact stated that the engine overheated and the vehicle failed to restart after it was turned off. The catastrophic engine failure was attributed to coolant intrusion into the combustion chamber, which caused severe internal damage. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where the engine was being replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 61,000.

61,000 miles · Jan 2026

The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated while driving 20 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that the vehicle was restarted. The contact continued to drive, but the power steering became inoperable. The contact stated that the vehicle became extremely hot, and the cells popped and damaged the battery. The contact stated that the check engine, power steering, and battery warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The contact called the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no additional assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 49,700.

50,000 miles · Jul 2025

The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated while driving at approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle experienced a loss of motive power. The contact pulled over the shoulder of the roadway, but the vehicle failed to restart. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer however, the cause of the failure could not be determined. The vehicle was not repaired and remained at the dealer unrepaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.

70,000 miles · Sep 2024

The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle decelerated unintendedly and failed to exceed 40 MPH. Additionally, the vehicle lost power steering functionality and became difficult to steer. The contact stated that the vehicle later operated as needed; however, the failure recurred several times while driving. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 111,000.

111,000 miles · Jul 2025

I was driving my 2019 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Sahara 2.0T/AT to the gym with my spouse. No Check Engine Light, Jeep Temps were perfect. All gauges operated as it should, so there was no sign of trouble. The vehicle was OFF. We parked and walked into the gym and then into the 1 set of exercises, Someone yelled in the gym that someone's truck was on fire. We ran outside and Lo and Behold it was our Jeep. The Engine Compartment Was totally Destroyed. Please Look At the Pictures for Reference.

Apr 2026 · fire

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 2019 Jeep Wrangler?

NHTSA has 49 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2019 Jeep Wrangler, 7% of the model year's 746 complaints. The component named most often is engine › engine control module (ecu/ecm) › software (1 mentions).

Is there a recall for 2019 Jeep Wrangler engine problems?

No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 2019 Jeep Wrangler, though it has 9 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 2019 Jeep Wrangler engine problems start?

Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 16,000 miles, and 58% before 25,000 miles.

Is it dangerous?

Owners linked 1 crash, 7 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.