10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
1 / 1
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
3,379 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2020 Jeep Wrangler drivetrain problems

drivetrain problem

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2020 Jeep Wrangler Owner Comments (Page 1 of 2)

problem #34

Mar 082024

Wrangler

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Stellantis issued Recall #19A more than a year ago (NHTSA Recall #23V-116) and still does not have a remedy

- Gwynn Oak, MD, USA

problem #33

Feb 152024

Wrangler

  • miles
An internal defect in the 2014-2020 Jeep Wranglers with the 3.6L Pentastar V6 engine affects its rocker arms, lifters, and related valvetrain components, including the engine control module (ECM) software that controls the precise timing and function of the lifters. Specifically, the rollers of a Pentastar engine-??s rocker arms prematurely wear down, become loose, and then drop, which shifts the rocker arm out of alignment. The rocker arms then come into contact with the cam, scraping both components and creating metal debris. This Pentastar V6 engine defect creates an audible ticking sound that stems from metal particles and debris from the failed rocker arms and other components, contaminating the engine oil and circulating throughout the engine. This defect also causes engine misfires, resulting in bucking and surging, decreased engine performance, hesitation, loss of power, premature wear on internal components, and eventually catastrophic engine failure. The check engine light came on in my 2020 Jeep Wrangler with 69,000 miles. After having it read by a dealer, it showed the P219A code, Bank 1 air/fuel imbalance. The dealership told me that if the Jeep was running fine, I did not have to worry about it, as it was likely an O2 sensor. The code was cleared, and the P219A code returned the following day. It was driven approximately 500 miles before noticing that it began idling roughly and had an engine tick, which the dealership confirmed to be a valvetrain issue. The rocker arms, lifters, valves, and camshaft components of the Pentastar V6 engine in my 2020 Jeep Wrangler with 70,000 miles have failed. Three Jeep dealerships in my area and MANY online forums stated that this is a common occurrence with this engine, which has escalated my concern about this problem.

- North Branch, MI, USA

problem #32

Mar 022023

Wrangler

  • miles
Stellantis, formerly FCA, formerly Chrysler issued Recall no. 19A nearly a year ago (NHTSA Recall Number 23V-116) and still does not have a remedy for my Jeep. Because this is a dangerously defect design in the clutch system that has caused vehicle fires, I have elected to pursue an aftermarket clutch system, the Centerforce II. Once I have this installed, how do I go about having Recall 19A/23v-116 cleared to show that my vehicle has been repaired?

- Bristol, RI, USA

problem #31

Oct 302023

Wrangler

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

At 38 months of ownership and less than 17000 miles, the vehicle gets a service shifter mil (U1267) as well as an ESS indicator. The engine starts but is unable to shift out of park. Shifter issues have been going on for years with Jeeps, it is time to fix this. Of course it is 2 months out of warrantee, so I can expect a big bill.

- Clermont, FL, USA

problem #30

Oct 192023

Wrangler

  • miles
There is an open Safety Recall on my vehicle with no fix. See 19A/NHTSA 23V-116. Stellantis (formerly FCA) has refused to reimburse me for aftermarket clutch replacement in the amount of $1527.10.

- South Orange, NJ, USA

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problem #29

Aug 132023

Wrangler

  • miles
This jeep has the dreaded "death wobble" in which the front end starts to shake violently from side to side as you are driving down the interstate, usually after hitting a pothole or beginning of a bridge. This issue also caused a malfunction of the cooling system which caused the jeep to overheat while idling or driving at cruising speeds. No warning messages have appeared other than when the jeep begins to overheat. The jeep is available for inspection.

- Pensacola, FL, USA

problem #28

Mar 052023

Wrangler

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

My 2020 Jeep is on its 3rd clutch recall however this recall is now over half a year old with no resolution in sight. The risk is a catastrophic failure of the powertrain, fire, and death. We cannot sell our cars due to the open recall and we have been given no updates on any solution. I'm not sure how a manufacturer can have cars on the road that may or may not catch fire at any time and have no solution available. I think Jeep should either fix the issue, recall the cars and offer buy backs, or pay for 3rd party clutch replacements and allow us to close the recall once those are installed. I'm hoping NHTSA or someone can force a solution here.

- Blacklick, OH, USA

problem #27

Sep 062023

Wrangler

  • 60,407 miles
The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that there was an abnormal burning odor, and a grinding metal sound coming from the vehicle while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact also stated that the Auto On/Off warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer and the contact was informed that the vehicle was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V116000 (Power Train) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and provided the contact a case number. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The failure mileage was approximately 60,407. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

- Lynchburg, VA, USA

problem #26

Sep 062023

Wrangler

  • 30,000 miles
The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds, the steering wheel failed to respond while attempting to make a left or right turn. No warning light was illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V116000 (Power Train) however, the dealer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the failure was a known issue. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that he was concerned for his safety while driving the vehicle. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was denied the repair due to the vehicle having a Salvage Title. The failure mileage was approximately 30,000.

- Port Orange, FL, USA

problem #25

Jul 202023

Wrangler

  • miles
Randomly the check engine light will appear and the dash will display multiple messages about service needed for traction control, stability control, auto start stop disabled, service cruise control etc. Then while driving you will lose power steering and this almost caused my daughter to wreck while trying to finish a turn. Additionally when the messages appear the vehicle will not have the ability to shift so you can not reverse and once it shut off in the middle of the highway blocking traffic and almost caused multiple accidents. The dealership has replaced the battery sensor and said it was fixed. I was told to replace the primary and secondary battery to ensure it was not a battery problem and I did, however the issue still remains. Looked online for others with this issue and there are many with the exact problem. The Jeep will report the transmission temperature and oil temperature incorrectly with the gauge maxed out even if it has sat overnight. Additionally it also says to service the transmission.

- Hartselle, AL, USA

problem #24

Jul 242023

Wrangler

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Events leading up to the incident Approx 7:25pm on July 24, 2023 driving up a hill on 71/75 South, he in 6th gear, lost acceleration, downshifted to 5th gear still losing acceleration, smelled an awful burning smell, then heard a clunk sound, clutch fell to the floor. Noticed some smoke, temperature gauge normal. I had enough momentum to pull off to the right shoulder. Turned the car off, called a family member for help @ 7:28pm. About a minute later the smoke became thicker & that's when I exited the vehicle. Called 911 at exactly 7:30pm. Engulfed in flames before I got off the phone with 911. Fire department arrived @ 7:35pm..First noticed clutch slippage on Sat July 15th, 2023. Appointment was made for July 20, 2023 but they informed me 10min prior to the appointment by text that I couldn't wait on it and they couldn't provide a loaner vehicle

- Florence, KY, USA

problem #23

Jul 132023

Wrangler

  • 0 miles
The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Wrangler. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V124000 (Power Train) and 23V116000 (Power Train) however, the parts to do the recall repairs were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The manufacturer was notified of the issue. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

- Warner Robins, GA, USA

problem #22

Feb 232023

Wrangler

  • miles
The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Wrangler. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V116000 (Power Train) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

- Bristol, RI, USA

problem #21

Feb 232023

Wrangler

  • miles
Engine revved at 5000RPM would not switch from 1st gear. Now engine is showing a cylinder misfire which is moving from Cyln. 4 to Cyln 3 and so on.

- Lackawaxen , PA, USA

problem #20

Apr 092023

Wrangler

  • miles
Driving approx 35 mph, hit an uneven surface on the road and experienced extreme shaking that transfered to the steering, resulting is loss of ability to steer until vehicle came to a complete stop.

- Braham, MN, USA

problem #19

Mar 142023

Wrangler

  • miles
I just purchased the car on Jan 31, 2022 from the jeep dealership (46,000 miles). When driving, it has very loose steering. I can move the wheel left and right and the car stays straight. I was told by the dealer that that was normal. At highway speeds, it is very difficult to maintain a straight direction and I am constantly adjusting the wheel. When holding the wheel center, it drifts left or right. If I hit a bump the car moves. At times if feels like I don't have control of the vehicle. This is not safe to operate on the highway.

- Gainesville, FL, USA

problem #18

Jan 302023

Wrangler

  • miles
Check engine, ABS, Sway Bar lights came on. Service shifter and suspension warnings. Loss of power steering almost caused me to drive off road at 30 MPH.

- Grass Valley, CA, USA

problem #17

Dec 132022

Wrangler

  • miles
I was driving my 2020 Jeep Wrangler Sahara with 34,950 miles on it on the night of 12/13/2022 along I 89 in New Hampshire at a steady 65mph in 6th gear in the far-left lane. Suddenly the tachometer started soaring towards the redline. Before it hit redline, there was an explosion underneath the Jeep. As I looked in the mirror to get to the side of the road, I saw two chunks of glowing hot metal exiting the underside. There were no warning lights or other indication of what was about to happen. I got it safely to the breakdown lane. Someone called in a small brush fire because a fire truck showed up, then a couple of State Police Troopers showed up and helped call a tow truck. It cost $350 for the tow to the nearest dealership and the Uber home. At the dealership I could see a huge crack in the transmission case. From the repair order included, there was damage to the clutch, transmission, starter, flywheel, electrical harness and main seal. I was told the faulty parts were returned to Jeep for inspection. There was a recall on the clutch pressure plate (21V-028) and the "repair" had been completed on my vehicle. The "repair" did not work and people are going to get hurt. Although no one was injured this time, this could have ended very badly if the hot metal shrapnel cut a tire or hit a car behind me. From my little bit of research, this failure is becoming quite common and many people are driving a ticking time bomb.

- Milford, NH, USA

problem #16

Mar 292022

Wrangler

  • miles
Shifter cables on my 2020 Jeep Wrangler have fallen off FIVE times leaving me unable to shift the car or drive it and it is necessary to pull over or coast over to the side of the road wherever I may be. The inability to shift is accompanied by a terrible burning smell. The dealership has attempted to repair it by putting the cables back on and by replacing the cables with new cables to no avail, the problem continues to occur. My safety and the safety of others is put at risk because the car is not able to function properly and maintain speed. Without warning this can occur and cause an accident on the road or highway. I have filed a Lemon Law complaint with the Jeep manufacturer. The problem has occurred FIVE times 3/29/22, 9/20/22, 10/14/22, 10/17/22, 11/22/22. All five times were without warning.

- West Suffield, CT, USA

problem #15

Sep 222022

Wrangler

  • miles
While driving on the freeway at 75mph in 2wd the rear axle locker comes on by itself. You will press the button to disengage it and it will just blink. Sometimes it will release, but will turn back on by itself. This is not safe and left my vehicle in a compromising condition.

- 92673, CA, USA

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