2020 Jeep Wrangler: What to check before buying
Owners have filed 546 complaints with NHTSA about this car, most about the steering, electrical, and transmission. The 10 checks below target those problems, in the order you would do them at the car.
2020- Owner complaints
- 546
- Recalls
- 12
- 1 urgent
- Crashes reported
- 16
- 6 injuries
One recall on this model year told owners to park outside until the repair was done.
Do not buy until you have dealer paperwork or a recall lookup showing it was completed for this VIN.
Your inspection sheet
Tick items off on your phone at the car, or print it. Ticks stay on this device.
0/10 checked
2020 Jeep Wrangler: inspection sheet
Paperwork and questions
Before you go, or before you touch the car0/4
Walk-around and cabin
Engine off, key in hand0/1
Cold start, engine bay, and underside
Ask the seller not to warm the car up first0/3
Test drive
At least 20 minutes, with some highway0/2
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 Wrangler is it?
EPA figures for each version of the 2020 Jeep Wrangler. Use them to confirm you are looking at the version that was advertised, and as a yardstick on the test drive.
| Version | Drive | EPA rating |
|---|---|---|
| 2.0L 4-cylGas | 4WD | 23 mpg |
| 3.6L 6-cylGas | 4WD | 20 mpg |
| 3.0L 6-cylDiesel | 4WD | 25 mpg |
| 2.0L 4-cylHybrid | 4WD | 21 mpg |
| 3.6L 6-cylHybrid | 4WD | 20 mpg |
- The 2020 Jeep Wrangler was sold in five 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 Wrangler that averages well under the EPA 20 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.
Steering damper failure, front-end wobble
20,800–42,000 miles
Sun visors detach from roof
37,660–46,000 miles
Instrument cluster goes dark
50,000–53,000 miles
Engine failure, valvetrain or oil pump
63,176–64,596 miles
Why these checks: what owners reported
NHTSA complaints for the 2020 Jeep Wrangler, grouped by the part owners named. Open a row to read what goes wrong.
Steering2286 crashes
Violent front-end shaking at highway speeds is the dominant failure, usually set off by a bump, pothole, or road seam. Owners and dealers call it the "death wobble." Slowing down stops it, but drivers describe nearly losing control in traffic. Steering damper replacement is the common dealer fix, yet several owners needed two dampers and some still shake. Reports cluster from roughly 20,800 to 42,000 miles. Dealers also cite damper backlogs. A smaller group reports steering locking during turns or losing power steering. Six reports involve crashes.
Electrical1211 crash
Fire is the most serious pattern here, with six fire-related reports. Engines burn while driving or after being parked, and some passenger sun visors catch fire at the roof mount. More often, the Jeep loses power, enters limp mode, or shuts off in traffic after a cascade of warning lights. The instrument cluster can go completely dark, around 53,000 miles in one case. The infotainment screen and backup camera freeze, and batteries, including the auxiliary battery, drain and need jump starts. One crash with an injury followed warning lights and lost control.
Transmission381 crash
Manual-transmission clutches overheat, smell of burning, and fail, sometimes leaving the Jeep stranded on a highway. Many of these reports concern clutch recall 23V116, with owners waiting on parts or disputing failed recall repairs. Automatic models lose forward gears, refuse to shift above third, drop suddenly into first at highway speed, or get stuck in park with a shifter error. Several failures hit before 5,000 miles. Owners also describe surging at stops and a lag when pulling away. One report describes an explosion and fire under the vehicle.
Wipers and visibility24No crashes
Sun visors snap at the plastic pivot or pop out of their clip and hang by the wiring, blocking the driver's view, often at highway speed or when lowered against glare. Failures repeat after replacement, and both sides commonly break. Dealers often decline coverage once the warranty ends, so many owners buy aftermarket brackets. One owner saw the problem at about 10,500 miles. Smaller reports describe a windshield defroster that sends no air to the driver's side and a rear defroster that fails and is not covered.
Engine211 crash
Valvetrain failure is the main pattern. Camshafts, lifters, tappets, and rocker arms wear out, starting with a ticking or tapping noise and sometimes requiring a full engine replacement. Replacement engines and cam parts are backordered, leaving vehicles at dealers for weeks or months. One oil pump failure seized an engine at 63,176 miles. Coolant leaks lead to overheating, including loose water inlet bolts on the 2.0T. Two reports describe engine fires while driving, and one crash followed the engine revving on its own at a red light.
Fuel system16No crashes
The 2.0L turbo's high-pressure fuel line cracks and leaks, producing a strong gasoline smell inside and outside the Jeep, sometimes with fuel pouring onto the ground. Owners worry about fire. Many say the failure matches recall Y10 (21V-665), but their VINs are not covered and the repair is refused under warranty. Others with covered VINs report waiting well over a year for parts. No warning lights accompany most leaks. A few complaints involve a recurring gas cap check engine light.
Body and structure13No crashes
Paint bubbles and corrosion spread across the aluminum doors, hood, hinges, and windshield frame, and owners report dealers resisting repairs. Other reports describe water pooling on the floorboards in rain, door intrusion bars separating from the door skin, and the soft top latch releasing above 70 mph. Sun visors detach from their roof anchors and repeat after replacement, at roughly 37,660 to 46,000 miles in two reports. Isolated complaints cite poor suspension bracket welds and a bent subframe at 1,700 miles.
Brakes71 crash
Front brake hoses fail internally and hold calipers closed, making the Jeep pull hard to one side under braking and overheat the brakes until they smoke. Replacement hoses and calipers are often backordered. One crash report describes a brake pedal that stopped responding entirely. Other complaints cite an ABS module failure with flashing warning lights and unexpected braking, plus inner fender liners that fail and leave brake lines exposed to road debris at about 67,000 miles.
In owners' own words
Excerpts from complaints Wrangler owners filed with NHTSA, as written. Listen for the same symptoms on your test drive.
Suddenly at 82,000 miles, my 2020 Jeep Wrangler Sport S 4 door began shaking uncontrollably while I was driving. It was a terrifying experience. I took it to the mechanic and he replaced the steering damper. The uncontrollable shaking continued. The mechanic replaced the steering damper again. The shaking continues. I have had a wheel alignment and tires balanced. I am scared to drive the vehicle. I don't know what else to do, except trade it in?
Filed with NHTSA, December 2025
I have had to replace 2 steering dampers in my 2020 Jeep Wrangler that has only 24,000 miles. Whenever the vehicle reaches speeds over 50 mph the steering becomes very loose, needing to constantly steer left and right. If there is any change to the road surface such as a bridge, uneven pavement or bump in road, vehicle loses control in steering making the need for you to come to a stop to regain control.
Filed with NHTSA, August 2023
The instrument panel cluster went totally dark, I only have 53,000 miles on this vehicle. I can't see any warning lights, digital speed, and most dangerously how much gas I have in the vehicle. The dealer wants $2000.00 to replace it but this seems to be a common issue with Jeeps and the 7.0 cluster should be recalled along with the 3.5 cluster. I have the 7.0 that has not been recalled yet.
Filed with NHTSA, February 2026
Loss of power. Vehicle went into limp mode. Codes P00AF, P24B1 and P1DB1. Vehicle only has 28,500 miles and is having constant electrical issues.
Filed with NHTSA, December 2024
Engine surges forward when coming to a stop (brakes applied) or when at a complete stop and the engine is in drive.this happened in Aug 2020 with 5000 miles on Odometer, and again in June 2022 with 26000 miles.
Filed with NHTSA, August 2022
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.
Filed with NHTSA, November 2023
I was driving during the night and suddenly the driver sun visor fell apart I was driving on the freeway the windshield on jeeps is little plus the visor on the way was kind of dangerous I had to hold it whit my hand to be able to make it home now I'm just wondering if the dealer is going to cover the repair costs and put something better on place it really is a safety issue that needs to be fixed some how
Filed with NHTSA, September 2022
Both of the sun visors became loose and the driver side in particular will dangle down in front of windshield, blocking vision. This is a common defect on Wrangler JL/Gladiators that is the result of a design flaw in the retaining mechanism. This can happen without notice and while driving at any speed. For me it happened on interstate that the visor fell down, blocking my view.
Filed with NHTSA, October 2022
How the 2020 compares with other Wrangler years
Complaints for this year next to the average for the other model years, area by area.
The 2020 ranks fifth for owner complaints among 8 Wrangler years, close to the average of the others. Newer years have had less time to collect complaints, so compare like with like.
- Steering228275
- Electrical121144
- Transmission3876
- Wipers and visibility247
- Engine2128
- Fuel system169
Where the 2020 fits in the Wrangler's history
Redesigns and mid-cycle updates change what can go wrong.
The 2020 is the third model year of the Wrangler's fourth generation (2018–2023).
Recalls to confirm (12)
Recall repairs are free at any Jeep dealer, but the seller may never have had them done. Check each campaign number against the VIN.
25V741000ElectricalPark outsideOct 2025
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.
Risk: A vehicle fire can increase the risk of injury.
Fix: 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. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning December 17, 2025. 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.
24V676000Backup cameraSep 2024
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.".
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
24V652000ElectricalSep 2024
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.".
Risk: An instrument panel that fails to display critical safety information, such as the speedometer or warning lights, can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
23V191000Body and structureMar 2023
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.
Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
Fix: 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.
23V116000TransmissionFeb 2023
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.
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
22V767000Fuel systemOct 2022
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.
Risk: An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
22V638000Backup cameraAug 2022
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.".
Risk: A rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
21V665000Fuel systemAug 2021
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2020 Jeep Wrangler vehicles equipped with the 2.0 Liter engine. A cracked fuel supply line connector may leak fuel into the engine compartment.
Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of fire.
Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the fuel supply line as needed, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on September 10, 2021. Owners may contact FCA US LLC customer service at 1-800-853-140. FCA US LLC's number for this recall is Y10.
21V028000TransmissionJan 2021
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.
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
20V191000Backup cameraSep 2020
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2020 Jeep Gladiator and Jeep Cherokee, 2019-2020 Ram 1500 Pickup, Ram 2500 Pickup, Ram 3500 Pickup, Chrysler Pacifica, Dodge Durango, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Jeep Wrangler, and Jeep Renegade and 2019 Dodge Challenger vehicles equipped with 8.4" or 12" radio displays. A software error can cause the rearview camera image to remain displayed after the vehicle has been shifted out of reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rearview Mirrors.".
Risk: The lingering rearview image can distract the driver, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Chrysler has notified owners, and dealers will update the radio display software, free of charge. Optionally, owners can choose to remotely update their software via an Over-The-Air (OTA) update available as of May 1, 2020. The recall began April 27, 2020. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is W30-W37.
20V124000TransmissionMar 2020
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018-2020 Jeep Wrangler and 2020 Gladiator vehicles equipped with manual transmissions. The clutch pressure plate may overheat and fracture.
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is W12.
20V042000SuspensionJan 2020
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2020 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. The left side lower control arm bracket and weld may not be correctly positioned.
Risk: The improper weld may allow the lower control arm to separate from the axle which can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the front axles, replacing them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began February 27, 2020. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is W01.
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