The 2021 Wrangler 4xe pairs a 2.0L turbo four-cylinder with electric motors and a complex hybrid drivetrain. Early adopters are seeing significant powertrain issues, particularly catastrophic engine failures and high-voltage battery problems, often well before 100,000 miles.
Catastrophic 2.0L Turbo Engine Failure
Occasional · high severity
Typical onset: 30,000-80,000 mi
Symptoms: Sudden loss of power or rough running followed by knocking, Metal shavings in oil or oil consumption before failure, Check engine light with misfire codes, followed by seized engine, Rod bearing failure leading to complete internal destruction
Fix: Complete engine replacement or rebuild required. Connecting rod bearings fail prematurely, taking out pistons, crankshaft, and cylinder walls. Most shops swap in a reman long block rather than rebuild due to extent of damage. 18-24 labor hours for R&R with hybrid system complications.
Estimated cost: $12,000-18,000
High-Voltage Battery Pack Degradation and Cell Failures
Occasional · high severity
Typical onset: 40,000-90,000 mi
Symptoms: Rapid loss of electric-only range (dropping from 21 miles to under 10), Battery malfunction warnings and check engine light, Hybrid system fault messages, vehicle may enter limp mode, Battery conditioning cycles taking abnormally long or failing
Fix: Individual cell replacement isn't practical; entire battery pack replacement required. Covered under 8yr/100k federal warranty if still eligible, but out-of-pocket is brutal. Battery pack R&R requires chassis lift and disconnecting high-voltage systems. 8-12 labor hours at dealer rates, must be dealer or certified EV shop.
Estimated cost: $15,000-22,000
Transmission Oil Cooler Leaks
Common · medium severity
Typical onset: 35,000-75,000 mi
Symptoms: Transmission fluid puddles under vehicle, often pink or red, Burning smell from engine bay when hot, Transmission overheating warnings on dash, Milky or contaminated transmission fluid if coolant crosses over
Fix: Oil cooler lines crack at fittings or the cooler itself develops pinhole leaks. Requires cooler replacement and complete fluid flush. If coolant contamination occurred, transmission may need internal service. 3-5 labor hours depending on crossover damage.
Estimated cost: $800-1,800
Hybrid Powertrain Control Module Failures
Occasional · high severity
Symptoms: Sudden 'Hybrid System Fault' message with no start condition, Intermittent stalling when transitioning between gas and electric modes, Regenerative braking completely stops working, Vehicle stuck in gas-only mode, won't charge or use electric power
Fix: The hybrid control module manages power distribution between engine, motors, and battery. Failures often traced to software corruption or internal circuit board issues. Module replacement requires dealer-level diagnostics and programming. 2-4 labor hours plus programming time.
Estimated cost: $2,200-3,800
Transmission Mounts Failing Prematurely
Common · low severity
Typical onset: 25,000-60,000 mi
Symptoms: Clunking or thudding when shifting from Park to Drive, Excessive vibration at idle, especially in electric mode, Visible sagging or torn rubber in mount when inspected, Drivetrain movement felt through chassis during acceleration
Fix: The added weight and torque characteristics of the hybrid system accelerate mount degradation. Upper and lower transmission mounts both affected. Straightforward replacement but accessing lower mount is tight. 2-3 labor hours for both mounts.
Estimated cost: $450-800
Fuel Filter Clogging in PHEV System
Occasional · medium severity
Typical onset: 40,000-70,000 mi
Symptoms: Rough engine performance when gas engine kicks in after extended EV driving, Hesitation or stumbling during acceleration on gas power, Check engine light with fuel trim or pressure codes, Engine struggles to start after sitting in EV mode for days
Fix: PHEVs that run primarily on electric have gas sitting in the tank longer, leading to varnish and sediment buildup that clogs the filter earlier than normal. In-tank filter replacement requires dropping the fuel tank. 2.5-4 labor hours.
Estimated cost: $350-650
12-Volt Battery Drain and Hybrid System Startup Failures
Common · medium severity
Symptoms: Vehicle won't start despite high-voltage battery being charged, Hybrid system error messages after sitting for 3-5 days, 12V battery repeatedly dies even after replacement, Electrical accessories work but hybrid system won't initialize
Fix: The 4xe's complex electronics draw significant parasitic load on the 12V system. Factory battery is often undersized. Requires diagnosis of parasitic draw (often traced to hybrid control modules), 12V battery replacement with higher-CCA unit, and sometimes software updates. 1-2 labor hours for testing and battery swap.
Estimated cost: $300-600
Owner tips
Run the gas engine at least once every two weeks even if driving mostly electric to prevent fuel system varnish and keep engine seals lubricated
Monitor oil level religiously between changes; the 2.0L turbo is known for consumption, and low oil accelerates bearing failure
Invest in a quality 12V battery maintainer if the vehicle sits for more than a few days between drives
Check transmission fluid condition every oil change; cooler leaks can contaminate fluid and destroy the transmission if caught late
Keep detailed service records especially for powertrain work; many catastrophic failures happen just outside warranty and documentation helps with goodwill claims
High risk for expensive powertrain failures even at low mileage — only consider with active factory warranty or budget $5K+ for catastrophic repair reserves.
AI-assisted summary drawn from NHTSA recall data, our labor-times database, and platform knowledge. Not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection on a specific vehicle.
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Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021-2025 Jeep Wrangler, Wrangler 4XE, and Jeep Gladiator vehicles. The electric hydraulic power steering pump wiring may overheat and cause a vehicle fire, even when the vehicle is parked with the ignition in the "Off" position.
Consequence: A vehicle fire increases the risk of injury.
Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures, until their vehicle is repaired. Dealers will inspect and replace the wiring and electric hydraulic power steering pump, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed July 9, 2026. Owners may contact FCA US LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US LLC's number for this recall is 21D. The Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will become searchable on NHTSA.gov on June 11, 2026.
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2020-2025 Jeep Wrangler 4Xe and 2022-2026 Grand Cherokee 4Xe vehicles. The high voltage battery may fail internally and lead to a vehicle fire while parked or driving.
Consequence: A vehicle fire can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures and not to charge their vehicles until the remedy is completed. Dealers will update the high voltage battery software, and replace the high voltage battery, as necessary, free of charge. Some owner notification letters were mailed beginning December 17, 2025. The remaining owner notification letters will be mailed at a later date. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is 68C. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning November 6, 2025. Vehicles that were previously recalled for the same issue under NHTSA Recalls 24V720 and 23V787 will need to have the new remedy performed.
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2020-2024 Jeep Wrangler 4XE and 2022-2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4XE vehicles. The high voltage battery may fail internally and lead to a vehicle fire while parked or driving.
Consequence: A vehicle fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: This recall is replaced by NHTSA recall number 25V741. Vehicles already repaired under this recall will need to have the new remedy completed. Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures, and not to recharge their vehicles until they are repaired. Dealers will update the high voltage battery pack software and replace the battery pack assembly, if necessary, free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed October 11, 2024. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning December 2024. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is 95B. Vehicles in this recall that were previously recalled for the same issue under NHTSA Recall 23V-787 will need to have the new remedy performed.
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA · 24V676000
2024-09-12
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2018-2024 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. The wiring harness for the rearview camera and the center brake light may short circuit, which can disable the rearview camera image and center brake light. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard numbers 111, "Rear Visibility" and 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Consequence: A rearview camera image that does not display decreases the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash. Additionally, a center brake light that fails to illuminate can fail to indicate to other drivers that the vehicle is slowing down, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers replaced the harness for the center brake light and rearview camera and/or the spare tire carrier/harness assembly, as necessary, free of charge. All vehicles were repaired by January 15, 2024. Owner notification letters were mailed September 26, 2024. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 77B.
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2020-2024 Jeep Gladiator and 2018-2024 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. The instrument panel cluster may experience an internal short circuit and fail. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 101, "Controls and Displays."
Consequence: An instrument panel that fails to display critical safety information, such as the speedometer or warning lights, can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the instrument panel cluster, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed between October 3, 2024, and January 23, 2025. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is 30B.
POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE · 24V572000
2024-08-01
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021 Jeep Wrangler and Jeep Gladiator vehicles that were previously remedied under NHTSA recall number 23V-116. The software for the powertrain control module may cause an engine stall, which can result in a loss of drive power.
Consequence: 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. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US LLC's number for this recall is 92B. Vehicles previously repaired under recall 23V-116 will need to have the new remedy completed.
VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM · 24V111000
2024-02-15
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Jeep Wrangler and 2022-2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles. A hybrid control processor (HCP) software error may cause the defrosting and defogging system to be inoperative. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 103, "Windshield Defrosting and Defogging Systems."
Consequence: An inoperative windshield defrosting and defogging system may decrease the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the HCP software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 29, 2024. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is 04B.
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Jeep Wrangler Plug-In Hybrid Electric (PHEV) vehicles. The high voltage battery may fail internally and lead to a vehicle fire while parked or driving.
Consequence: A vehicle fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: Owners are advised not to recharge their vehicles, and to park outside and away from structures, until they are repaired. Dealers will update the high voltage battery pack software and replace the battery pack assembly if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 7, 2024. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 89A. This recall is superseded by NHTSA Recall 24V-720.
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Jeep Wrangler, Gladiator, and 2022-2023 Ram 1500 vehicles equipped with a 3.0L diesel engine. The high pressure fuel pump (HPFP) may fail.
Consequence: 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. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 01A.
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS · 23V191000
2023-03-23
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. A stud on the frame assembly may puncture the fuel tank in a crash, which can result in a fuel leak.
Consequence: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, remove the frame stud and apply paint, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 6, 2023. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 28A.
POWER TRAIN:CLUTCH ASSEMBLY · 23V116000
2023-02-23
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2018-2023 Jeep Wrangler, and 2020-2023 Jeep Gladiator vehicles equipped with manual transmissions. The clutch pressure plate may overheat and fracture.
Consequence: 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. Owners may contact (FCA US, LLC) customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US LLC's number for this recall is 19A. This recall expands and replaces previous recall 21V-028. Vehicles previously repaired under recall 21V-028 will need to have the new remedy completed.
ENGINE · 22V865000
2022-11-23
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Jeep Wrangler 4xe vehicles equipped with 2.0L Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle engines. A loss of communication may cause an engine shutdown.
Consequence: An engine shutdown can cause a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: There is more than one involved component and calibration software. Updating the calibration software in the Transmission Control Module, Hybrid Control Processor and Auxiliary Hybrid Control Processor that changes fail safe from shut down to limp home. Dealers will update the transmission control module software, Hybrid Control Processor and Auxiliary Hybrid Control Processor, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 22, 2022. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall ZB7.
SEAT BELTS:PRETENSIONER · 22V766000
2022-10-13
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2022 Ram 1500, Jeep Gladiator, and 2021 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. The front seat belt retractors may have an improperly welded micro gas generator, which can result in seat belt pretensioner failure.
Consequence: A seat belt with pretensioner failure may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the front seat belt retractors. free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 8, 2022. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is Z95.
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.
Consequence: 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. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is Z96.
BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION · 22V638000
2022-08-25
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Jeep Wrangler, RAM 1500 and 2021 Jeep Gladiator vehicles. A radio software error may prevent the rearview image from displaying. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Consequence: A rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the radio software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 6, 2022. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA, LLC's number for this recall is Z86.
POWER TRAIN:CLUTCH ASSEMBLY · 21V028000
2021-01-28
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2018-2021 Jeep Wrangler and 2020-2021 Jeep Gladiator vehicles equipped with manual transmissions. The clutch pressure plate may overheat and fracture.
Consequence: 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 mailed on March 4, 2021.
Performance
Horsepower
375hp
Torque
470lb-ft
0–60 mph
6.0sec
Quarter mile
14.5sec
Top speed
100mph
Capability & size
Towing capacity
3,500lb
Payload
1,000lb
Curb weight
5,222lb
Fuel economy figures are EPA data via fueleconomy.gov (median across matching trims). Performance figures are compiled estimates for the 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe 2.0L Turbo I4 PHEV and can vary by trim.
🔧 Database maintained under the daily editorial review of Chris Hackleman · Master Technician · 20+ years and Jeff Moore · Master Lexus & Toyota Mechanic · 20+ years.