2023 Jeep Wrangler Engine Problems

After a recent recall (68C) the vehicle performance has greatly deteriorated. The ELEC mode propulsion has been limited, the internal combustion engine (ICE) engages much sooner than previous. Instead of a 'warm-up' cycle for the ICE, it feels as though there is actual clutch engagement, but with limited power. I feel this could have the potential to accelerate engine wear with a 'cold' engine with rapid engagement, as well as increased fuel/oil dilution (inherent with direct injection turbo engines). In turn, causing the vehicle to experience Fuel Oil Refresh Mode (FORM) more frequently, due to short, repetitive engine cycles. Additionally, the regenerative braking has been cut in half, leading to a decrease in electric charger egeneration to the HV battery, as well as decreased range and power. It is most obvious in stop and go traffic, when attempting to pull out in traffic, as well as when attempting to merge onto a highway or interstate. I feel, without intervention, the current vehicle performance will certainly lead to increased mechanical issues, a potential for frequent service department visits, as well as an increased potential for probable incidents/accidents during operation. I understand Stellantis has offered an extended warranty for the HV battery (unlimited years/miles, with limitations). However, Samsung SDI should be pressured to actually fix their HV battery, not replace it with a similar known faulty battery. This vehicle, in my honest opinion, can be made safe and reliable, but only with intervention and pressure from outside agencies with the power to force the manufacturer(s) to do so -- and my service department agrees. That is why I am elevating these issues, to hopefully enact change, and quite possibly, reduce the potential for catastrophic failures and/or an increased potential for accidents resulting in injury/death. Thank you for your concern with this matter.

NHTSA ID

11765416

Incident

Mar 13, 2026

Subject: Performance Degradation and Drive Mode Faults Following Recall 68C Update – 2023 Jeep Wrangler 4xeTo Whom It May Concern,I am writing to formally report a significant degradation in vehicle performance and powertrain management following the completion of the Recall 68C software update on my 2023 Jeep Wrangler 4xe.Prior to the update, the vehicle operated efficiently and provided excellent torque and acceleration. I purchased this plug-in hybrid vehicle specifically to utilize electric-only (EV) mode for my daily 30-mile highway commute between [XXX] and [XXX].However, since the Recall 68C service was completed, the vehicle exhibits the following issues:Involuntary Engine Switching: Even when the vehicle is actively set to "Electric" mode, the hybrid powertrain constantly forces transitions between battery power and the internal combustion engine. This behavior occurs under normal driving conditions in ambient outdoor temperatures of approximately 80°F.Loss of Electric Powertrain Performance: The available power and torque in electric-only mode are noticeably diminished compared to the pre-recall performance levels.Compromised Vehicle Utility & Increased Operating Costs: Because the gasoline engine frequently overrides the electric settings, the primary functional utility of the PHEV system is negated. This failure to maintain electric propulsion has dramatically increased my fuel consumption and operati the safety software update deployed to mitigate high-voltage battery cell risks has fundamentally compromised the vehicle's advertised performance, utility, and drivetrain integrity. I request that the NHTSA investigate whether these post-recall performance changes constitute a systematic defect and urge Stellantis/Jeep to provide a permanent software or hardware correction. Thank you for your attention to this matter and for your oversight regarding consumer vehicle safety and compliance. Sincerely, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11765206

Incident

Sep 18, 2026

Post 68C recall, the vehicle performance in all electric mode is greatly diminished. At lower speeds, and electric motor exertion, the vehicle will rapidly and violently switch to combustion power going from 0-3500 rpm’s with no engine warming cycle. Additionally, at 50% battery charge and below, the vehicle can fail to accelerate at all, experiencing a near dead gas pedal, which can be seriously unsafe when attempting to merge or turn into traffic. Based on my experience, these symptoms are exacerbated by warm temperatures, which may be indicative of the manufacturer changing battery temperature thresholds to protect a still defective battery. This vehicle no longer performs as it was advertised and sold to perform following multiple recalls for the same issue. This needs to be resolved once and for all, as it has become a much less safe vehicle to drive as it will switch from ICE to electric unpredictably, causing either rapid, unexpected acceleration or a dead pedal from a stop. Please hold the manufacturer accountable

NHTSA ID

11765137

Incident

Mar 1, 2026

Manufacturer Recall Number68C NHTSA Recall Number25V-741 Recall StatusRecall Incomplete Cannot charge and "recommended" to not charge, or park by my own house!! waiting for solution for over a year now. Its unsafe and cannot even get good trade in value. Help me solve this or buy it back. pay it off. something! Its unsafe for my kids and family and property. It needs to get fixed asap

NHTSA ID

11764089

Incident

Sep 14, 2026

Vehicle went into “limp mode” as I was entering an intersection. Pressed accelerator to the floor and vehicle would only sputter and crawl slowly. Vehicle towed to dealership. My safety and the safety of others was put at risk as the vehicle, without warning, essentially stalled while driving. If there were other vehicles on the roadway, this could have easily caused an an accident with injuries or worse. Yes the problem was comfirmed by the dealership. Yes the vehicle has been inspected by the dealer and manufacturer engineer. Dealership reports high voltage battery needs replacement. Dealership states that they cannot guarantee this won’t happen again even after battery is replaced. Check engine light was illuminated.

NHTSA ID

11761713

Incident

Aug 20, 2026

This vehicle is subject to two open NHTSA fire-risk recalls. The remedies provided so far have not corrected the underlying defects. Recall 25V-741 (Safety Recall 95B/68C), high-voltage battery fire risk: On 1/9-20/2025, dealer reprogrammed BPCM and TCM software only (Invoice #52682); no parts replaced; mileage 18,680. On 1/6-7/2026 - one year later - the dealer performed a SECOND remedy for the SAME recall: reprogrammed BPCM, AHCP/HCP, and PCM software only (Invoice #61639); no parts replaced; mileage 31,553-31,561. Reprogramming the same modules twice within 12 months for the same fire-risk recall, with no battery hardware ever replaced, indicates the first remedy failed to correct the defect. The recall notice describes battery pack replacement as a possible remedy "if needed," but this has never been performed. Recall 26V363000 (issued 6/4/2026), EPS pump wiring fire risk: On 7/10/2026, dealer inspected the power steering pump harness connector only (Invoice #66268, "Safety Recall 21D"); no parts replaced; mileage 36,871-36,874. Across 3 remedy visits spanning both recalls, only software reprogramming or connector inspection was performed - zero hardware parts replaced. This pattern indicates the fire-risk defects remain uncorrected. Requesting NHTSA review the adequacy of these recall remedies.

NHTSA ID

11757896

Incident

Jan 9, 2025

Battery pack replacement twice and engine replacement this jeep had problems right after I got it new been in the shop 12 times over and over again they can not get it right

NHTSA ID

11757798

Incident

Aug 17, 2026

My 2023 Jeep Wrangler 4xe High Altitude received FCA Recall 68C. Since the recall was completed, the vehicle has experienced repeated and unpredictable reductions in available propulsion during normal driving. The problem is most noticeable when accelerating to merge onto highways, enter traffic, or pass slower vehicles. During these situations, I depress the accelerator expecting normal acceleration, but the vehicle frequently provides significantly reduced power. There is a noticeable delay before the gasoline engine produces sufficient propulsion, leaving the vehicle unable to accelerate as expected for several seconds. Based on my experience, the condition is significantly worse during hot weather. As outside temperatures increase, the hesitation and reduction in available propulsion appear to occur more frequently and are more pronounced. This has caused me to lose confidence in the vehicle's ability to accelerate when needed. This condition creates a serious safety hazard because surrounding traffic continues at highway speeds while my vehicle is unable to accelerate as commanded. In [XXX], this hazard is particularly acute because many interstate and highway entrance ramps are relatively short, requiring drivers to accelerate quickly to merge safely into traffic traveling at highway speeds. When the vehicle unexpectedly limits propulsion or delays engaging the gasoline engine, there may not be sufficient distance to reach the speed necessary to merge safely, increasing the risk of a collision. The same issue also affects attempts to pass slower vehicles on two-lane highways, where timely acceleration is essential for safe operation. The vehicle does not display diagnostic trouble codes or warning messages when this occurs. Because no diagnostic codes are stored, I have not taken the vehicle to the dealer, as other owners have reported that dealerships are unable to identify or repair the condition in the absence of fault codes. The lack of diagnostic codes INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF IN

NHTSA ID

11755207

Incident

Aug 5, 2026

My oil plug fell out of my jeep. Within minutes all of the oil had splattered underneath and the back of the jeep. The oil lamp went on in my jeep. From the time the oil warning came on to the seizure of the engine was a couple minutes. The jeep went into protection mode or would not allow me to go over 25 minutes. I saw the engine light come on and went straight to Mobil1, the closest place to get oil and they explained there was oil everywhere and no oil plug. I always got oil changes at the jeep dealership and they were the last to service. They were about to close so i tried to get an oil change. There also had been a slow leak in my driveway that i thought was just coolent but after taking a closer look, I believe it was an oil leak.

NHTSA ID

11748356

Incident

May 23, 2026

Recurring incident after completion of Jeep recall software update 68C intended to address fire hazard associated with the vehicle's hybrid battery. Since that update, when driving in standard Electric mode, the vehicle experiences a sudden loss of power, hesitation, and a physical 'bogging down'. Following this, the vehicle abruptly surges into combustion engine mode, causing a sudden and unpredictable acceleration lurch just after the vehicle has hesitated to accelerate. It poses a hazard for rear-end collision, attempting to pick up speed (e.g., to pass or move from a vulnerable position) and overall maneuvering and operation of the vehicle.

NHTSA ID

11746651

Incident

Jun 1, 2026

2023 JEEP Wrangler Sahara 4xe has been recalled several times for battery potential fire risk issues due to faulty hi voltage battery design. Each time, a software patch was applied to provide a 'fix'. With my engineering background, I am very sensitive to machinery and its behavior. I have noticed with each successive update, the power output of the traction battery has been capped or limited to restrict maximum current draw from the battery to prevent over heating. With the latest 68C recall, there is now a clear safety issue. Power is restricted so much, pulling on a highway is dangerous. As I accelerate, battery output climbs to 50%, the engine comes on and there is a significant pause before acceleration can resume safely. Under battery only acceleration, the car bogs down with loss of power. The 4xe no longer resembles the vehicle I purchased. Jeep needs to do a physical remedy to restore original specs or buy back the car, 100% of purchase price. This is a clear safety issue. While Jeep has tried to fix the fire risk, they have created a new safety hazard.

NHTSA ID

11746627

Incident

Jun 26, 2026

Driving 75-80mph down the freeway when the car shut off. Had to pull over and shift to park per screen instructions before I could drive again.

NHTSA ID

11745332

Incident

Jun 1, 2023

When accelerating the jeep lags to get between causing a jerking or launching feeling despite battery being charged or not. Difficultly getting to speed because the gears wont switch quickly making it scary to pull out of stops or merging

NHTSA ID

11744418

Incident

Feb 10, 2026

The vehicle has an issue where when it is off and the key is nowhere near it. It turns on and makes strange noises. I have video footage of it that has been sent to the dealership and they were not able to duplicate it after a very short period of time at the dealership I’ve since had the same issue numerous times as well as the battery has since died as well. I’ve had other issues happen where the vehicle has died with no warning, and I lost all power. The vehicle often times overheats where if you touched the vehicle in certain spots, it’s burning hot. The electrical system seems to have faulty in it as things like the temperature are never accurate and seem to have issues with glitching that has not been able to be duplicated although I have video proof of that as well. Considering all of the safety recalls that have never been remedied like the battery fires. There is no actual remedy that’s been done. All they do is scan the batteries currently to see if there are current issues happening, but there have been fires that have happened to people’s vehicle since with all of the issues that I’ve had with my vehicle with it powering on when the keys are nowhere near it. It’s very scary to have a vehicle that can catch fire with all of the electrical issues currently has That have never been corrected.

NHTSA ID

11744369

Incident

May 1, 2026

Our Jeep 4Xe underwent the recall for the hybrid battery. The battery was replaced in May 2026, since then the vehicle hesitates to accelerate at speed causing a safety concern. This vehicle has been recalled so many times we have no confidence in the vehicle.

NHTSA ID

11743658

Incident

Jun 11, 2026

I was traveling in the right lane on I-75 at approximately 70 miles an hour, and my Wrangler completely lost all power and began to suddenly decelerate in traffic. I lost all acceleration ability, power brakes, and power steering. I immediately had to change lanes and exit the highway onto the shoulder while trying to avoid other vehicles all while struggling to steer and brake.

NHTSA ID

11733887

Incident

Nov 11, 2025

See attached document for complaint.

NHTSA ID

11730336

Incident

Oct 10, 2025

UNKNOWN

NHTSA ID

11723201

Incident

Feb 22, 2026

On July 3rd I was driving on the highway, and the Jeep went into limp mode. When it ran out of the electric charge, it didn’t switch over to the gas engine and became un-drivable. I brought it to a Jeep service center and they kept it until July 7th. They were not able to figure out why that happened, but obviously it is part of the recall.

NHTSA ID

11723041

Incident

Jul 3, 2025

On 12/06/2025, I purchased a 2023 Jeep Wrangler 4xe from a Chrysler Jeep dealership in Myrtle Beach, SC. Recall 68C (NHTSA 25V741000) had been published on 11/05/2025 — one month prior to my purchase. The recall involves high voltage battery cells with separator damage that may cause a vehicle fire while parked or driving. A Stop Sale order was active on this VIN at the time of sale. I raised the recall and fire risk during the purchase. The salesperson responded that "a fire could happen in any car" and continued to minimize my wife's specific safety concerns through sustained pressure until we agreed to purchase. No documentation was provided showing the recall had been remedied prior to delivery. The recall remains OPEN as of today. Third-party vehicle history data confirms Stop Sale: YES tied to 68C. We cannot charge the vehicle or use it as intended. We are unable to obtain timely service — the dealership reports months-long wait times with no loaner vehicle available. The vehicle has not been inspected or repaired for this defect. No warning lamps were present at purchase. The vehicle was available for sale and delivered to us despite the active Stop Sale designation. The safety risk is ongoing. We are parked away from structures per NHTSA guidance and have ceased charging the vehicle. This complaint is being filed as part of a formal legal record.

NHTSA ID

11720389

Incident

Dec 6, 2025

There is another recall 2nd one for this vehicle that now I cannot charge it . Park near other vehicles or in my garage due to fear of fire. Dealership says they are doing approx 1-2 a month and I am #59 on the list. I have not been offered a replacement vehicle. They told me I could not trade it in because it is “unsellable”.

NHTSA ID

11717420

Incident

Feb 10, 2026

Shutting off when I make stops have to put in park start over

NHTSA ID

11714770

Incident

Dec 2, 2025

I am submitting this complaint regarding a confirmed safety-related defect and manufacturer nonresponse involving my 2023 Jeep Wrangler Willys 4xe, VIN [XXX] . The failed component is the high-voltage hybrid battery system. The vehicle and battery pack are currently located at an authorized Jeep dealership and are available for inspection. The vehicle was delivered to the dealership on December 29, 2025 for recall-related service. On December 30, 2025, the dealership confirmed a high-voltage battery failure. A STAR case was opened and escalated to Stellantis engineering. The vehicle was immediately removed from service and has remained unusable since that date. Prior to removal from service, the vehicle experienced repeated loss of propulsion, Electric Mode Temporarily Unavailable messages, and driveline warnings during normal operation. These symptoms were reported over multiple service visits and documented by video. The vehicle was repeatedly returned to service with repair notes stating “could not replicate” and assurances that it was safe to operate, park indoors, and charge. Those assurances were later contradicted by the confirmed battery failure and recall-related safety restrictions, exposing my family and home to avoidable safety risk. The vehicle is subject to Recall Campaign 68C. Despite confirmation of a safety-related battery failure, Stellantis has not provided a written remediation plan, assigned a decision owner, or communicated a resolution timeline. The dealership has confirmed that further action is blocked pending manufacturer authorization. Stellantis initiated corporate contact by phone on January 27 and January 29, 2026. I responded in writing and by voicemail requesting written follow-up and confirmation of ownership. Stellantis did not respond in writing and did not return my voicemail. I am concerned that a like-for-like high-voltage battery replacement does not adequately remedy the safety defect or restore confidence in INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATIO

NHTSA ID

11714495

Incident

Mar 25, 2023

The contact owns a 2023 Jeep Wrangler. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V741000 (Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was intermittently illuminated, and the vehicle jerked abnormally while driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for the recall repair, and the contact was informed that a diagnostic test was initiated. The contact was concerned that the dealer was trying to charge a fee and advised the dealer to start with the recall repair, which was free of charge. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 47,500.

NHTSA ID

11713576

Incident

Nov 12, 2025

Mileage

47,500 mi

Lost all power to vehicle after driving for approximately 40 minutes, around 60-70 MPH. I was driving on the highway and then lost all power. I was able to pull off of the interstate and got a few blinking messages. The only one I remember was "Shift to P to Start". I could not accelerate at all and probably had less than a minute to get to safety before the car coasted to a stop and I was forced to put the car in park and turn it back on. It seemed like a forced restart on a computer but you could not choose the time or place to do it and there was very little warning. This is a huge safety issue!

NHTSA ID

11712186

Incident

Jan 8, 2026