Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2020 Jeep Wrangler owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated while driving 75-80 MPH, the temperature gauge indicated "HOT" indicating that the engine was overheating. The contact pulled over to the emergency lane and looked up possible causes for the failure in the Owner's Manual. The Owners Manuel instructed the contact to turn off the vehicle and wind the windows down which she performed. The Owner's manual also suggested waiting for 15 minutes before restarting the vehicle. The contact performed the functions as instructed and started the vehicle and proceeded to drive however, the failure recurred. The contact stated that there was smoke coming from the engine and the vehicle lost all of the electronic functions. The brake and steering were the only functions that the contact was able to control. The contact engaged the hazard light and pulled over. …
The contact owned a 2020 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine temperature gauge was increasing. The engine overheating warning light illuminated, the vehicle was turned off, and the contact exited the vehicle to open the hood and immediately closed it when the fire was discovered. The contact stated that there were flames coming from the back of the engine, and the front of the vehicle became engulfed in flames. The engine, seat cover, and front windshield were damaged, and the hood was melted. There was no injury sustained. The fire was extinguished by the Fire Department. The contact stated that the police were on the scene, but a Police report was not filed. The insurance company deemed the vehicle a total loss. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 96,000.
The contact owned a 2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon. The contact stated that the battery and engine lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that while driving up a hill at 30 MPH, the vehicle became uncontrollable and went into oncoming traffic. The driver was depressing the brake pedal, but the vehicle failed to stop and crashed into a Toyota Tacoma and a Toyota Corolla. The contact sustained an injury to her knee, and medical attention was provided. The airbags deployed. There were no reported fires. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a towing lot. The local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000. The vehicle was deemed a total loss by the insurance company.
The contact owned a 2020 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that while her husband was driving at approximately 65 MPH, she noticed a burning odor in the vehicle's cabin, and the sway bar warning light illuminated. The husband looked out of the driver's window and observed fire coming from under the vehicle. While attempting to steer to the side of the road, the front of the vehicle became engulfed in flames. The couple managed to exit the vehicle safely. The contact's husband tried to extinguish the fire, but it continued to engulf more. The fire department arrived and extinguished the blaze. A police report was filed, and the vehicle was towed to a lot. The manufacturer was notified of the incident. The failure occurred at 51,000 miles.
The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that while stopped in traffic, she observed a revving sound coming from the engine compartment. The message that the engine was overheating was displayed, and the temperature gauge remained on H(Hot). The contact stated that when the accelerator pedal was depressed, the message disappeared. The vehicle was taken to the residence, where the contact observed that there was no coolant in the coolant reservoir. The contact added coolant to the coolant reservoir but became aware that the coolant reservoir was empty after one week. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that coolant was added to the reservoir. The contact believed that the failure was associated with Manufacturer Recall Number: 07-001-22REV-A. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.
The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that while driving at an undetermined speed, the vehicle stalled. While using the Stop/Start feature, the vehicle stalled while in drive. The vehicle was restarted. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who informed her that the battery would have potentially exploded if she had continued to drive the vehicle. The mechanic noticed that the battery was smoking. The vehicle was diagnosed and the contact was informed that the batteries needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified about the failure but no additional assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 45,000.
The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated while coming to a stop at a stop sign or red light, the Stop/Start feature failed to function. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed that a diesel exhaust component needed to be replaced because of a leak. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted, and the contact stated that the Stop/Start feature was not displaying as active. The vehicle was then taken back to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the auxiliary battery needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 24,000.
The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Wrangler. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V767000 (Fuel System, Gasoline, Engine) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the stuck throttle body warning light illuminated. Additionally, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the computer to be re-flashed. The dealer replaced the brake controller and battery; however, the failure recurred, with the vehicle stalling and failing to restart. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 47,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Unknown what started the issue. While driving it, service electronic control dash light went on. The vehicle started losing power. We were able to get to the highway shoulder. Other dash lights were going on as we were moving over. Immediately after putting it in park and turning the vehicle off, smoke started billowing out from the hood. The vehicle engine was on fire and it was completely destroyed. The only on-going issue we had with it was auto start/stop with both auxiliary and main battery having to be replaced twice over the course of 4 years. There was an active recall for fuel pump component and we were on a waiting list for parts from the dealer since Sept 2023 and we were still waiting.
The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH and decelerating while approaching a stop light, there was misfire coming from the engine, and the traction control activated, causing the brakes to become inoperable. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The "Service START/STOP System" message was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined there were metal shavings in the oil. The dealer recommended an engine replacement. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and confirmed there was no warranty or recall coverage on the vehicle. The failure mileage was approximately 124,000.
Related recalls
Engine
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Jeep Wrangler, Ram 1500, and 2021-2022 Jeep Gladiator vehicles equipped with 3.0L diesel engines. The high pressure fuel pump (HPFP) may fail, causing an engine stall.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the HPFP and inspect and replace additional fuel system components, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 17, 2023.
Engine complaints in other Wrangler years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2020 Jeep Wrangler?
NHTSA has 61 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2020 Jeep Wrangler, 10% of the model year's 616 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2020 Jeep Wrangler engine problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 22V-767 (engine, Oct 13, 2022). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2020 Jeep Wrangler engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 45,000 miles, and 41% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 3 crashes, 6 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.