Used Car Checklists

2023 Jeep Wagoneer: What to check before buying

Owners have filed 93 complaints with NHTSA about this car, most about the electrical, transmission, and engine. The 9 checks below target those problems, in the order you would do them at the car.

Jeep Wagoneer2023
Owner complaints
93
Recalls
8
Crashes reported
5
2 injuries
Reliability
Mixed
59/100 on Auto Reliability Index

Run the VIN before you go

A history report shows accidents, title brands, odometer readings, and open recalls for this 2023 Jeep Wagoneer. Ask the seller for the VIN; it is also on the dash at the base of the windshield.

Your inspection sheet

Tick items off on your phone at the car, or print it. Ticks stay on this device.

These checks are specific to this model year. For tires, body panels, fluids, and the other basics every used car needs, use the general inspection guide.

Which Wagoneer is it?

EPA figures for each version of the 2023 Jeep Wagoneer. Use them to confirm you are looking at the version that was advertised, and as a yardstick on the test drive.

VersionDriveEPA rating
3.0L 6-cylGasAWD, RWD19–20 mpg
5.7L 8-cylHybridAWD, RWD17–18 mpg
  • The 2023 Jeep Wagoneer was sold in two versions. Confirm which one this is from the window sticker, the engine cover, or the VIN report before you compare prices.
  • On the hybrid, watch for the car moving off on electric power at low speed and for any hybrid system warning on the dash.
  • Reset the trip computer at the start of the drive. A Wagoneer that averages well under the EPA 17 mpg combined on a mixed route may have an engine or tire problem.

Check the odometer against these mileages

Owners report these failures starting around the mileages below. A car inside one of these ranges deserves a closer look at that part, or records showing it was already fixed.

  • Thermostat failure, engine overheating

    20,000–43,400 miles

0 mi25k50k

Why these checks: what owners reported

NHTSA complaints for the 2023 Jeep Wagoneer, grouped by the part owners named. Open a row to read what goes wrong.

  • Electrical252 crashes

    The SUV shuts itself off, shifts into Park, and sets the parking brake. This usually happens at a stop, at idle, or when pulling away. Some reports describe it at speed, up to 45–50 mph, with locked steering, lost brake assist, and no restart. Two filings involve crashes and two involve injuries. Other complaints describe a blank gauge cluster and head-up display, trailer lights cutting out, and electrical fault messages. Several owners say the shutdowns came back after dealer repairs, including new batteries and thermostats.

  • Transmission16No crashes

    Shutdowns at stops and when pulling away are the most common complaint. The transmission drops into Park, the parking brake engages, and a battery fault warning sometimes appears. Other owners report overheating with low oil pressure warnings during long freeway drives, followed by a tow and sometimes a new engine, once at 20,000 miles. Transmission complaints include slipping gears, getting stuck in a low gear, and replacement transmissions on nearly new vehicles. Dealers often could not find the cause, and drivers were left stranded in traffic.

  • Engine16No crashes

    A failed thermostat that lets the engine overheat is the main complaint. The temperature warning comes on suddenly, often with a low oil pressure alert. Then the engine loses power or stalls in traffic or on the highway. Failures range from the first days of ownership to 43,400 miles, and some vehicles overheat more than once. Several owners describe engine damage that needed a replacement engine, bills beyond warranty work, and dealers waiting on thermostat parts. Opening the coolant reservoir after overheating has caused burns.

  • Steering7No crashes

    Power steering cuts out without warning. The wheel stiffens or locks, and a "Power Steering Unavailable Service Required" or "Service Power Steering" message appears. The engine often shuts off at the same time. Reports describe this at stoplights, in parking lots, and at 80 mph on the interstate, where the driver could barely turn the wheel. Some owners also lose brake pedal feel. Repeat shop visits, dealers who find nothing wrong, and waits of up to six weeks for parts come up often.

  • Wipers and visibility3No crashes

    The rearview mirror mount breaks away from the windshield during a normal adjustment and pulls glass out with it. Another report describes a visible warp in the windshield under the mirror that is bad enough to cause vertigo. A third describes a sun visor that drops down while driving and blocks the road. Owners say other Wagoneers have the same mirror and windshield problems and that no fix has been offered. Only three complaints fall here.

  • Wheels and tires3No crashes

    The main complaint is strong vibration at highway speed. It starts around 60 to 70 mph and gets worse the faster the car goes. The steering wheel shakes, passengers feel carsick, and owners say no fix exists. In a separate report, lug nuts came loose after a dealer tire rotation on a vehicle with aftermarket wheels and spacers, and the wheel could be moved by hand. That case involves aftermarket parts and dealer installation, not the factory wheels.

  • Body and structure3No crashes

    Most reports here are about a repair delay, not a failure. Owners were told about a rear quarter window trim repair, but the part was not available. Some stopped driving the vehicle while they waited, and one says the wait is hurting resale value. The one actual failure is a panoramic sunroof that shattered on the freeway at about 65 mph with no debris strike. The shade screen underneath kept the glass from falling on the occupants.

  • Brakes3No crashes

    Brake fluid leaks from the master cylinder and reservoir area when the SUV is parked nose-down on a slope. The leak gets worse on hot days. Owners report more than four dealer visits, with major parts replaced, and the leak continues. They worry about losing braking and about flammable fluid in the engine bay. One separate report describes a complete brake failure that needed a new brake module. The brake warning light stayed on after that repair.

In owners' own words

Excerpts from complaints Wagoneer owners filed with NHTSA, as written. Listen for the same symptoms on your test drive.

ElectricalCrash reported
While driving, coming to a stop & starting from full stop at lights, car shut itself down. After 6 separate events it happened whislt in motion. Exvept this time it engaged the E break, park break, killed power steering, locked the steering wheel, reset all systems and put itself in park. ALL WHILE TRAVELLING AT 25mph. The vehicle jacknifed and bodilly injury sustained by driver.

Filed with NHTSA, April 2025

ElectricalCrash reported
After very minor accident the car crash symbol and the car in lane symbol came on and will not turn off. Took to dealer and they said there was no update to correct the problem. Feel unsafe in a car that should be safe since it's new. And has error message of limited functionality.

Filed with NHTSA, November 2023

Transmission
- Transmission. Vehicle is brand new, less than 1,500 miles - Inability to accelerate vehicle on highway. - Problem was reproduced by technician at Jeep dealership and confirmed that the vehicle needs a new transmission. - The vehicle as only inspected by the dealership, as far as we know. - Gears were slipping, car became noisy, check engine light came on, and we were unable to accelerate vehicle.

Filed with NHTSA, June 2023

Transmission
While at a stop light, with start/stop active, I released the brake, which should have "reactivated" the car. Instead, it shut down. I got a quick transmission service error on the dash. Once I put the car in park and turned it off and then on again, it functioned properly. I. The meantime I was being honked at from everyone missing the green light behind me.

Filed with NHTSA, January 2025

Engine
This vehicle has had 2 incidents where the engine overheated. In both instances, the thermostat has been replaced under warranty. Due to this most recent overheating event, the repairs were over $1750 excluding the portion of repairs under warranty. There were no warnings before the engine overheated, and the vehicle was being driven on the freeway at appropriate speeds. This is not the first time this vehicle has overheated.

Filed with NHTSA, April 2026

Engine
Vehicle suddenly lost power and overheated while driving. Had to get towed to the dealership. Dealer advised that the thermostat had failed, which seems to be a common occurrence with these vehicles. Thermostat was replaced but continued to overheat, leading the dealer to suspect the engine was warped and in need of replacement.

Filed with NHTSA, June 2025

Steering
Truck has multiple electrical issues like the auto emergency braking, braking on its own had to turn feature off and now the power steering system, the steering wheel got stiff and truck turn off multiple times. Power steering light comes on then goes away after sitting off for a while

Filed with NHTSA, September 2025

Steering
The car randomly loses communication with power steering module and locks the steering column. This car has been in shop 6 times for it happening. Creates very unsafe situation as I’m unable to steer car to safety.

Filed with NHTSA, May 2025

How the 2023 compares with other Wagoneer years

Complaints for this year next to the average for the other model years, area by area.

The 2023 ranks second for owner complaints among 4 Wagoneer years, close to the average of the others. Newer years have had less time to collect complaints, so compare like with like.

2023 Average of other years
  • Electrical2531
  • Transmission1610
  • Engine165
  • Steering712
  • Wipers and visibility30
  • Wheels and tires30

Where the 2023 fits in the Wagoneer's history

Redesigns and mid-cycle updates change what can go wrong.

The 2023 is the second model year of the Wagoneer's fourth generation (2022–2023).

Jeep updated the Wagoneer for 2024, so a 2023 does not have those changes.

What changed for 2024 (not on a 2023)

  • All-electric vehicle

Recalls to confirm (8)

Recall repairs are free at any Jeep dealer, but the seller may never have had them done. Check each campaign number against the VIN.

  1. 26V413000TransmissionJun 2026

    Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2022-2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee, 2023 Jeep Wagoneer, 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee L, and Jeep Wagoneer L vehicles. A software error may cause the transmission gear selection indicator not to display. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 102, "Transmission shift lever sequence, starter interlock, and transmission braking effect.".

    Risk: A missing gear selection indicator may lead to unintended vehicle movement or a vehicle rollaway, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Fix: Dealers will update the shifter module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed August 21, 2026. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is 30D. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will become searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning July 9, 2026.

  2. 25V642000Body and structureSep 2025

    Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2022-2024 Jeep Wagoneer and Jeep Grand Wagoneer vehicles. The quarter trim on the driver and passenger windows may not have been properly secured, which can allow it to detach.

    Risk: Detached trim pieces can create a road hazard for other vehicles, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the quarter window glass assembly, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning February 19, 2026. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is 88C. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning October 2, 2025.

  3. 25V593000Body and structureSep 2025

    Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2022-2025 Jeep Wagoneer and Jeep Grand Wagoneer vehicles. The trim on the driver and passenger doors may not have been installed properly, which can allow it to detach.

    Risk: Detached trim pieces can create a road hazard for other vehicles, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the door trim, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 25, 2025. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is 77C. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning September 18, 2025.

  4. 24V436000Backup cameraJun 2024

    Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Dodge Durango, 2021-2023 Chrysler Pacifica, Jeep Grand Cherokee L, 2022 Ram 1500, 2500, 3500, Chrysler Voyager, 2022-2023 Jeep Compass, Grand Cherokee, Wagoneer, Grand Wagoneer, and Ram Promaster vehicles. The radio software 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.".

    Risk: A rearview camera image that does not display decreases the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Fix: Dealers will update the radio software or the software will be OTA, "Over-The-Air," free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning July 9, 2024. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's numbers for this recall are 66B and 79B.

  5. 24V199000AirbagsMar 2024

    Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) (Stellantis) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Ram 1500, Jeep Wrangler, Jeep Wagoneer, Jeep Grand Wagoneer, Chrysler Pacifica, Ram 3500, Ram 3500 cab chassis, Ram 2500, Ram 4500 cab chassis, Ram 5500 cab chassis, 2023 Jeep Gladiator, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Jeep Grand Cherokee L, Ram 3500 Cab Chassis with a GVWR less than 10,000 lbs., and Chrysler Voyager vehicles. The steering column control module may not be welded properly, which can prevent the driver's air bag from deploying in a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection.".

    Risk: An air bag that does not deploy in a crash can increase the risk of injury.

    Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the steering column control module, as necessary free of charge. Some owner notification letters were mailed April 11, 2024 through June 20, 2024. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's numbers for this recall are 14B, 33B, 34B, 35B, 36B.

  6. 23V716000Seat beltsOct 2023

    Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2022-2024 Jeep Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer vehicles. The third-row seat belts may not allow occupants to properly access or fasten the seat belt to the buckle. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard numbers 208, "Occupant Crash Protection" and 209, "Seat Belt Assemblies.".

    Risk: An unfastened seat belt may increase the risk of injury to occupants during a crash.

    Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the third-row seat belt buckle, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 16, 2023. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is A7A.

  7. 23V577000Backup cameraAug 2023

    Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2022-2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee, 2021-2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L, and 2022-2024 Jeep Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer vehicles. The Central Vision Park Assist module (CVPAM) software may prevent the rearview image from displaying when the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility.".

    Risk: A rearview image that does not display while in reverse decreases the driver's visibility of the rear view, increasing the risk of injury or crash.

    Fix: Dealers will update the Central Vision Park Assist Module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 31, 2023. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 56A.

  8. 23V545000Body and structureAug 2023

    Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2022-2023 Jeep Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer vehicles. The upper B-pillar interior trim may not be fully seated and could interfere with the side curtain air bag (SABIC) deployment. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 226, "Ejection Mitigation.".

    Risk: A compromised deployment of the SABIC can reduce occupant protection in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

    Fix: Dealers will inspect and reseat or replace the trim pieces as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 17, 2023. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 76A.

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