# Jeep Wrangler check engine light: complaints, recalls and what to do **Verdict:** Drive to a shop this week - **Owner complaints:** 338 - **Most complaints:** 2021 (79) - **Related recalls:** 10 - **Verdict:** This week ## Quick answer NHTSA has 338 owner complaints about the check engine light on the Jeep Wrangler (2015-2026 models), most for the **2021** model year (79). There are **10 recalls** for related parts; check yours by VIN. Drive to a shop this week: With a steady light and a car that drives normally, yes, it is usually safe to keep driving for a few days while you get the code read. ## Jeep Wrangler check engine light complaints by model year | Model year | Complaints mentioning the check engine light | All complaints that year | Share | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | 2015 | 32 | 481 | 7% | | 2016 | 26 | 462 | 6% | | 2017 | 16 | 312 | 5% | | 2018 | 61 | 1827 | 3% | | 2019 | 34 | 747 | 5% | | 2020 | 19 | 618 | 3% | | 2021 | 79 | 959 | 8% | | 2022 | 36 | 413 | 9% | | 2023 | 35 | 376 | 9% | Counts are complaints filed with NHTSA whose description mentions this light. They show where owners have had trouble, not a failure rate: popular years collect more complaints simply because more cars are on the road. ## Jeep Wrangler recalls related to the check engine light **[24V572000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=24V572000)** (2021 models, reported 2024-08-01): A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash. **Remedy:** Dealers will update the powertrain control module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 15, 2024. **[23V641000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=23V641000)** (2022-2023 models, reported 2023-09-18): A disabled rearview image can decrease the driver's visibility of the rear view, and disabled reverse lights may not alert others that the vehicle is reversing, increasing the risk of injury or crash. **Remedy:** Dealers will replace the gear position sensor, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 16, 2023. **[23V263000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=23V263000)** (2021-2023 models, reported 2023-04-13): Fuel pump failure can result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash. **Remedy:** Dealers will replace the HPFP and replace additional fuel system components, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 17, 2023. **[23V116000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=23V116000)** (2018-2023 models, reported 2023-02-23): Overheated clutch components may increase the risk of a fire. Additionally, damage to other nearby components can result in debris falling onto the road or a loss of drive, increasing the risk of a crash. **Remedy:** Dealers will replace the clutch assembly and update the software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed from November 16, 2023 through July 25, 2024. **[22V767000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=22V767000)** (2020-2022 models, reported 2022-10-13): An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash. **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. **[21V665000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=21V665000)** (2020 models, reported 2021-08-26): A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of fire. **Remedy:** Dealers will inspect and replace the fuel supply line as needed, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on September 10, 2021. **[21V028000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=21V028000)** (2018-2021 models, reported 2021-01-28): Overheated clutch components may increase the risk of a fire. Additionally, damage to other nearby components can result in debris falling onto the road or a loss of drive, increasing the risk of a crash. **Remedy:** FCA US LLC will notify owners, and dealers will add software to reduce engine torque capability when clutch assembly temperatures rise to a level that may damage the inner pressure plate, free of charge." FCA has ordered a stop sale for the affected vehicles as of February 25, 2021. Owner notification letters were... **[20V124000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=20V124000)** (2018-2020 models, reported 2020-03-03): The overheated clutch components may increase the risk of a fire. Additionally, damage to other nearby components can result in debris falling onto the road or a loss of drive, increasing the risk of a crash. **Remedy:** Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will reroute a wire harness and inspect the clutch system, and replace components as needed. The recall began April 30, 2020. **[18V280000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=18V280000)** (2018 models, reported 2018-05-01): If the incorrect park lock rod is installed, the transmission may not shift into 'PARK' and keep the vehicle from moving, increasing the risk of unintended vehicle movement and the risk of a crash. **Remedy:** Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will install the correct park lock rod, free of charge. The recall began June 28, 2018. **[16V849000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=16V849000)** (2017 models, reported 2016-11-23): A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire. **Remedy:** Chrysler will notify owners, and Jeep dealers will inspect the fuel tank and replace fuel tank and sending unit, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 12, 2017. Recall repairs are free at any Jeep dealer. Enter your 17-character VIN at [nhtsa.gov/recalls](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls) to see whether yours is still open. ## What Jeep Wrangler owners report - "After about an hour the engine lights and everything goes away as if nothing happened. I also have video of the dashboard from one of the times it did it." -- owner of a 2023 Jeep Wrangler, complaint filed 2024 - "There were engine lights on. We called a tow to get it out. The engine light went away on it own. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)" -- owner of a 2022 Jeep Wrangler, complaint filed 2024 - "Warnings included E-drive charging fault, check engine, shift error, among many others. Car push button would not allow the car to turn off." -- owner of a 2021 Jeep Wrangler, complaint filed 2021 Excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly cleaned for reading. They are owners' own accounts and have not been verified. ## What the check engine light means The check engine light means the engine computer has stored a diagnostic trouble code for an emissions, engine or transmission fault. Common causes include a loose gas cap, a failing oxygen sensor, a worn catalytic converter, and misfires from plugs or coils. A steady light is usually not an emergency, but a flashing light means a severe misfire and you should reduce speed and get it checked right away. The most common causes, on any make: 1. **Loose gas cap or EVAP system leak** (common) 2. **Failing oxygen sensor** (common) 3. **Catalytic converter efficiency below threshold** (common) 4. **Misfire from worn spark plugs or ignition coils** (common) Full causes, what to do and how to reset it: [Check engine light](/warning-lights/check-engine). ## Frequently asked questions ### Is there a recall for the Jeep Wrangler check engine light? Yes. NHTSA lists 10 related recalls (24V572000, 23V641000, 23V263000, 23V116000, 22V767000, 21V665000, 21V028000, 20V124000, 18V280000, 16V849000) covering 2017-2023 models. Recall repairs are free; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is open. ### Which Jeep Wrangler years have the most check engine light complaints? In NHTSA's database the 2018, 2021 and 2022 Wrangler model years have the most complaints mentioning the check engine light, with 79 for 2021. Complaint counts reflect how many cars were sold as well as how often problems happen. ### Is it safe to drive a Jeep Wrangler with the check engine light on? Drive to a shop this week. With a steady light and a car that drives normally, yes, it is usually safe to keep driving for a few days while you get the code read. If the light is flashing, the engine runs very rough, or the temperature or oil light also comes on, stop driving and have it checked. ### How do I check if my Jeep Wrangler has an open recall? Enter the 17-character VIN from your dashboard or registration at nhtsa.gov/recalls, or ask any Jeep dealer. Open recalls are fixed free of charge, even if you are not the first owner. ## Sources - [NHTSA: Vehicle safety complaints and recalls (api.nhtsa.gov)](https://www.nhtsa.gov/nhtsa-datasets-and-apis) - [NHTSA: Check for recalls by VIN](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls) ## Other Jeep Wrangler warning lights - [ABS warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/abs/jeep-wrangler): 180 complaints - [Airbag (SRS) warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/airbag/jeep-wrangler): 88 complaints - [Battery (charging system) warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/battery/jeep-wrangler): 33 complaints - [Brake warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/jeep-wrangler): 95 complaints - [Coolant temperature warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/coolant-temperature/jeep-wrangler): 143 complaints - [Oil pressure warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/oil-pressure/jeep-wrangler): 10 complaints - [Power steering warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/jeep-wrangler): 248 complaints - [Tire pressure (TPMS) light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/tire-pressure/jeep-wrangler): 10 complaints - [Traction control light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/traction-control/jeep-wrangler): 247 complaints ## Check engine light on other models - [Ford Escape](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/ford-escape): 2245 complaints - [Ford Edge](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/ford-edge): 1380 complaints - [Chevrolet Silverado](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/chevrolet-silverado): 911 complaints - [Kia Soul](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/kia-soul): 785 complaints - [Hyundai Sonata](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/hyundai-sonata): 731 complaints - [Hyundai Tucson](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/hyundai-tucson): 705 complaints - [Chevrolet Malibu](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/chevrolet-malibu): 666 complaints - [Chrysler Pacifica](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/chrysler-pacifica): 630 complaints - [Hyundai Santa Fe](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/hyundai-santa-fe): 602 complaints - [Jeep Cherokee](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/jeep-cherokee): 587 complaints ## Jeep Wrangler - [Jeep Wrangler specs and mpg by year](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/jeep-wrangler) --- Source page: https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/jeep-wrangler Updated: 2026-11-04 General information, not a substitute for a qualified mechanic.