2019 Jeep Wrangler

On September 16, 2019, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) granted Defect Petition DP18-004 and opened Preliminary Evaluation PE19-012 to investigate allegations of deficient frame welds and their potential safety related effects on 2018-2019 Jeep Wranglers. Due to a previous steering related recall that was caused by a misaligned weld on the front track bar (NHTSA Recall No. 18V-675), ODI decided to include reports of steering shimmy or wobble, loose steering, and steering stiction (loss of power steering) as part of this investigation and parent petition (DP18-004). ODI received information from the vehicle manufacturer Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) via information request letters dated March 8, 2019, and February 6, 2020. Supplemental requests for information occurred between July 2020 and July 2023. A review of the responsive manufacturer information showed that vehicles presenting an unexpected reduction in steering ability due to a welding tool misalignment were correctly addressed via recall 18V-675. General complaints concerning the weld appearance were not associated with a realized risk to motor vehicle safety. ODI identified a limited number of reports involving weld separation on vehicles that were out of scope of recall 18V-675. FCA identified various causes of weld quality issues in early production (build dates prior to March 2018) including improper welding techniques on galvanized frames and component part variation leading to off-seam welds. These issues were addressed in production for subject vehicles built after July 2018 and preceded a drop in weld failure reports. ODI reviewed manufacturer and agency reports of weld failures out of scope of recall 18V-675 and did not find any that resulted in a loss of vehicle control. There are no known crashes, injuries, or fatalities as a result of weld failures on vehicles not included in recall 18V-675. Due to the steering related consequence associated with Recall 18V-675, ODI opted to include a request for information regarding various steering issues experienced by vehicles included in this investigation. ODI reviewed manufacturer as well as agency data and determined these various steering issues were not related to any weld defect. Since the opening of this investigation, FCA has addressed the following steering concerns; a. Steering looseness due to material choice in the steering box internal components. FCA released an updated part with an internal component material less sensitive to temperature variances (TSB 08-003-21 REV. A).NHTSA will take further investigative action if justified. b. Steering wobble or shimmy due to a manufacturing and design deficiency in the steering damper. FCA released a part via Customer Satisfaction Notification (CSN) V41 in June 2019 which implemented supplier quality control improvements and design changes due to the presence of air in the base valve which degraded damping performance.NHTSA will take further investigative action if justified. c. Steering stiction, or loss of power steering, due to an underpowered steering pump calibration that occurred at highway speeds during cold weather. In December 2021, FCA released CSN Y95 which corrected this issue via software update. Due to the decreased number of consumer complaints, the service campaign appears to have addressed the issue related to an underpowered steering pump. NHTSA will take further investigative action if justified. The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist. The Agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by future circumstances. To review the ODI reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.

In a letter received on October 24, 2018, a citizen petitioned the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to initiate a safety defect investigation into frame weld deficiencies on model year (MY) 2018 'JL' Jeep Wrangler vehicles. The petitioner described a broad list of frame weld deficiencies, including porous welds, excessive slag, lack of weld penetration, over penetration of welds, overweld or weld drip, and weld splash. The weld defects are allegedly located at a variety of locations on the frame assembly.On November 16, 2018, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened a Defect Petition (DP18-004) to evaluate whether to grant or deny the petition. On March 8, 2019, ODI sent an Information Request letter to Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) requesting information on frame weld related issues on all MY 2018-2019 Jeep Wrangler 'JL' vehicles. Due to a previous steering related recall that was caused by a misaligned weld on the front track bar (NHTSA Recall No. 18V-675), ODI opted to include a request for additional information concerning reports of steering shimmy or wobble, loose steering, and steering lockup in the March request letter. ODI has performed a preliminary analysis on the information obtained from FCA. Based on ODI's review of the applicable materials, NHTSA has decided to grant the petition. While reviewing the applicable materials obtained from the manufacturer, ODI identified various reports and references to frame welded component detachments that were outside of the scope of NHTSA Recall No. 18V-675. Additionally, the information that FCA provided did not adequately address whether frame weld quality deficiencies compromise the structural integrity of vehicles, and therefore may pose an unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety. Finally, ODI needs to further evaluate the alleged steering-related defects reported through MY 2019 and the alleged defects' relation to weld quality.The petition was granted on September 16, 2019. Preliminary Evaluation PE19-012 has been opened to further assess the scope, frequency, and potential safety-related consequences of alleged weld quality deficiencies and steering related concerns on the MY 2018-2019 'JL' Jeep Wrangler vehicles.The ODI reports cited above can be viewed on NHTSA.gov under the following reference numbers:11234967, 11222390, 11219370, 11217080, 1204905, 11179954, 11171786, 11161243, 11155523, 11153044, 11143617, 11142722, 11142426, 11141336, 11141035, 11140637, 11140344, 11140262, 11140085, 11140057, 11139880, 11139866, 11139557, 11139467, 11139436, 11138974, 11138758, 11138757, 11132030, 11129738, 11129667, 11124312, 11120232, 11119676, 11119650, 11119454, 11119450, 11115658, 11115137, 11113029, 11112515, 11110583, 11109903, 11093172, 11088501, 11076098

ABS pump and module combination is making brake calipers to not released. It’s been two times in 6 months my brakes are used up and calipers locked. Jeep knows this issue across its brand of vehicles but not called for a recall. Parts are also in back order that says lot of vehicles has issues. Confirmed with local dealership.

NHTSA ID

11756488

Incident

Jul 29, 2026

The 3.5-inch Instrument Panel Cluster went completely black while operating the vehicle, causing a total loss of speedometer and critical safety indicators (violating FMVSS 101). Concurrently, the engine computer limited vehicle performance to 3,000 RPM (limp mode). The vehicle exhibits the exact failure mode detailed in NHTSA Campaign 24V-652 (Jeep Recall 30B), but the manufacturer has not yet added this VIN to the recall population.

NHTSA ID

11756483

Incident

Apr 7, 2026

VEHICLE & INCIDENT: 2019 Jeep Wrangler JL 2.0L Turbo. While climbing an extended grade on Hwy 87, vehicle experienced a sudden sluggish throttle anomaly and rapid coolant temperature spike from ~215F to 255F under load. Vehicle was pulled off and shut down within ~20 seconds. SUSPECTED FAILURE MODE & UNDERHOOD FIRE: Upon opening the hood, pressurized coolant had sprayed across the engine bay from a split in the smaller rubber hose branch of the engine coolant outlet assembly (Mopar PN 68280797AC). The hose split longitudinally ~13mm with the center ~32mm from the hose end. The vehicle is equipped with a Baja Designs T-Fitting to replace 68280784A The hot, pressurized coolant sprayed directly onto the exposed, center section of the turbocharger between the compressor and turbine sections and on the turbine section itself. The coolant is suspected to have flash-ignited on contact with the turbo, creating an active under hood fire that began spreading to the hood insulation liner. The fire was successfully doused roadside with water, preventing a total vehicle burn-down. No other fuel sources were noted and the lines to the turbocharger were intact and did not show evidence of a leak. SAFETY CONCERN / HAZARD FOR NHTSA: 1. FIRE HAZARD: Pressurized factory coolant hoses and plastic junctions on the 2.0T GMET4 are routed in close proximity to the unshielded turbine housing. A hose rupture under normal grade-climbing thermal loads results in high-pressure atomized coolant hitting an ignition source well above its auto-ignition point. 2. COMPONENT DEGRADATION: Rubber lines near the engine outlet appear susceptible to heat-fatigue failure under high ambient/high load conditions, posing a sudden fire hazard at highway speeds. REPAIR: Roadside trim/re-clamp of the split hose allowed temporary transit. Replacing full hose assembly (68280797AC), upgrading radiator lines, and performing a full OAT coolant flush/vacuum refill. No oil contamination was noted after the incident.

NHTSA ID

11755697

Incident

Aug 8, 2026

The vehicle is experiencing severe, premature galvanic corrosion on the doors, hinges, and hood due to a documented factory defect where aluminum panels press directly against steel hinges without proper isolation (acknowledged by the manufacturer in TSB 31-001-24).This is a critical structural and safety hazard covered under Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 206, which regulates door locks and door retention components. The advanced sub-surface corrosion is causing the metal surrounding the door hinges to degrade and oxidize, causing the paint to blister, bubble, and flake off. Over time, this structural failure poses an imminent safety risk of causing the door hinges to seize or bind, potentially jamming the doors shut during an emergency and trapping occupants inside the vehicle. Furthermore, the degradation of these hinge components creates a severe risk of the doors failing and opening unexpectedly while the vehicle is in motion at highway speeds.The manufacturer is refusing to address this structural defect because the vehicle passed its 5-year calendar warranty window, ignoring the fact that this sub-surface chemical reaction takes years to visibly manifest. This defect requires a formal safety investigation and an expanded recall to protect drivers from door-retention failures.

NHTSA ID

11753493

Incident

Jul 18, 2026

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.

NHTSA ID

11752102

Incident

Jun 7, 2026

Mileage

68,482 mi

The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Wrangler. While the contact's daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the heated steering wheel feature was enabled; however, the heated steering wheel feature failed to function as intended. In addition, the contact became aware of a burning odor. The contact deactivated the heated steering wheel feature. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with interior melting of the steering wheel. The contact was informed that the steering wheel and the steering wheel housing needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed that the parts were ordered. The contact referenced an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not associated with a recall related to the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline and report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 71,663.

NHTSA ID

11752022

Incident

Nov 11, 2025

Mileage

71,663 mi

Instrument panel cluster has malfunctioned. Spedometer, tachometer, odometer, fuel guage, oil temperature, tire pressuer, and several other dashboard displays both analog and digital are not functional. The instruments on the dashboard have gone blank and do not provide a reading when the car is powered on. As a consequence of the instrument panel cluster failure, I am unable to see my exact speed, potential vehicle warning indications, and fuel levels while operating the vehicle putting the safety of myself and others at risk. The vehichle has a history of dealership and mechanic inspections. No warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms were evident prior to the failure of the instrument panel cluster.

NHTSA ID

11751158

Incident

Jul 15, 2026

The front left (drivers side) caliper stuck and the the brake line needs replaced. The caliper sticking was causing extreme heat that could have caused a fire as well as brake failure. The repair shop confirmed that the parts need replaced. No warning messages were ever appear. Additionally, the left brake line from Mopar is not available and there are almost a 1000 on back order. The Jeep is not drivable and no parts available for the foreseeable future to fix the problem.

NHTSA ID

11751023

Incident

Jul 16, 2026

Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) Blank XZ1 Warranty Extension Customers may experience the following: SYMPTOM: ● **A blank electronic vehicle information center (EVIC) in the IPC. No information is displayed for the fuel level, temperature gauge, odometer, outside temperature, PRNDL and optional digital speedometer Fig. 1. IMPORTANT! The analog speedometer and tachometer gauges continue to function normally Fig. 1**. This bulletin involves replacing the IPC.

EMISSION RECALL – NORTH AMERICA Check Engine/Malfunction Indicator Lamp 16C The instrument panel cluster on about 32,587 of the above vehicles may have an inoperable check engine/malfunction indicator lamp (CEL/MIL). (JT) vehicles: CEL/MIL and cargo lamp indicator function are swapped. (JL) vehicles: CEL/MIL will not turn on. The CEL/MIL in and of itself will not affect emissions. However, if there was an emission issue that would require illumination of the CEL/MIL, the customer would not be alerted. The vehicle would be non-compliant to the OBD II regulation.

ID-26-37 (XZ1) Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) - Select 2018 - 2020 Jeep Wrangler (JL) and 2020 Jeep Gladiator (JT)

Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) Blank XZ1 Warranty Extension Customers may experience the following: SYMPTOM: ● A blank IPC display. No information is displayed for the speedometer, fuel level, temperature gauge, odometer, outside temperature and PRNDL. NOTE: The speedometer and tachometer continue to function normally. This bulletin involves replacing the IPC.

D-26-17 (XZ1) Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) - Select 2018 - 2020 Jeep Wrangler (JL) and 2020 Jeep Gladiator (JT)

CORE – HEATER