2022 Jeep Wrangler: What to check before buying
Owners have filed 313 complaints with NHTSA about this car, most about the electrical, steering, and transmission. The 11 checks below target those problems, in the order you would do them at the car.
2022- Owner complaints
- 313
- Recalls
- 14
- 2 urgent
- Crashes reported
- 12
- 4 injuries
Two recalls 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 they were completed for this VIN.
Your inspection sheet
Tick items off on your phone at the car, or print it. Ticks stay on this device.
0/11 checked
2022 Jeep Wrangler: inspection sheet
Paperwork and questions
Before you go, or before you touch the car0/5
Walk-around and cabin
Engine off, key in hand0/3
Cold start, engine bay, and underside
Ask the seller not to warm the car up first0/2
Test drive
At least 20 minutes, with some highway0/1
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 2022 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 |
| 6.4L 8-cylGas | 4WD | 14 mpg |
| 3.0L 6-cylDiesel | 4WD | 25 mpg |
| 3.6L 6-cylHybrid | 4WD | 21 mpg |
| 2.0L 4-cylPlug-in hybrid | 4WD | 370 mi range |
- The 2022 Jeep Wrangler was sold in six 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 14 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.
Early hybrid shutdown while driving
800–5,373 miles
Front-end death wobble
3,500–30,000 miles
Why these checks: what owners reported
NHTSA complaints for the 2022 Jeep Wrangler, grouped by the part owners named. Open a row to read what goes wrong.
Electrical1031 crash
Fires while the Jeep is parked are the gravest pattern, with 6 of the 103 complaints fire-related. Most involve the 4xe hybrid battery igniting in carports, driveways, or parking lots. One fire traced to the passenger-side fuse box. The other common failure is sudden loss of power while driving, sometimes at highway speed, with charging-system faults, a dark instrument panel, or a "do not shift or turn off" warning. Several owners report new breakdowns right after recall service, and repeat tows when software updates or battery replacements do not hold.
Steering591 crash
Violent front-end shaking, known as the "death wobble," dominates these reports. A bump, crack, or pavement seam at roughly 50 to 70 mph sets it off, and the steering wheel shakes hard enough to push the Jeep toward other lanes. Slowing down is the only way to stop it, and braking can make it worse. Many cases start on stock vehicles at low mileage, some as early as 3,500 miles, and get worse over time. New steering dampers and shocks often fail to cure it. One report ties steering instability to a crash.
Transmission451 crash
Hybrid 4xe models lose motive power, refuse to shift, or show "Service Transmission" and charging-system warnings, often leading to repeated tows. Dealers replace batteries, wiring harnesses, shifter assemblies, or control modules, and the fault sometimes returns. Manual-transmission cars fall under a clutch overheating recall, and owners describe burning smells and long waits because repair parts were not available. Other reports cover transmission fluid leaks that continued after a full replacement, highway surging, and a low-speed lurch in max regen mode that preceded a rear-end crash.
Engine19No crashes
Cooling problems lead this category. Owners describe early check-engine lights tied to coolant, water pump failures with sudden coolant loss in cold weather, and repeated overheating that ended in an engine replacement in one case. Hybrid models stall or shut down while driving, sometimes at 70 mph with loss of power steering and brake assist. A large share of reports are about recalls for the high-pressure fuel pump and clutch overheating, where dealers had no parts and owners waited more than a year for a remedy.
Acceleration and cruise control92 crashes
Unexpected lurching or acceleration at low speed is the main pattern, usually while pulling into a parking spot or slowing for a stop. Two complaints describe crashes, one with airbag deployment in a parking garage. Several owners link the lurch to hybrid mode with max regenerative braking turned on. The opposite failure also appears: at highway speed the accelerator stops responding, a "service charging system" message appears, and the Jeep slows sharply, leaving drivers to coast to the shoulder.
Fuel system9No crashes
Recall delays for the high-pressure fuel pump on the 3.0 EcoDiesel make up much of this category. The recall notice warns the pump can fail without warning, yet dealers report back-ordered parts, with waits quoted at 3 to 12 months. Hybrid 4xe owners describe sudden loss of power at highway speed, with check-engine, charging-system, and torque-limited warnings, and the Jeep slowing to a crawl in traffic. One owner reports the fuel nozzle shutting off early and gas spilling from the filler neck.
Suspension8No crashes
Front-end "death wobble" accounts for most of these reports. Hitting a bump at 45 mph or faster sets off violent shaking of the front tires and steering wheel, sometimes with the whole Jeep moving sideways. Owners report it on stock vehicles under 9,000 miles. Worn track bars, steering dampers, struts, and drag link bushings are named as causes, and dealers call it common while replacement dampers sit on back order. One owner was denied coverage for being past the warranty time limit.
Brakes51 crash
Engine surging while braking is the most serious risk. Drivers press the pedal and the Jeep pushes forward instead of slowing, and one complaint describes a crash into the back of a pickup. Others report a soft pedal at low speed, ABS engaging on dry pavement, and a brake failure that caused a low-speed collision the dealer could not reproduce. ABS module failures also appear, including a repeat replacement held up by a back-ordered part.
In owners' own words
Excerpts from complaints Wrangler owners filed with NHTSA, as written. Listen for the same symptoms on your test drive.
I was driving on the highway at a speed of 70 miles and suddenly I lost total control of my vehicle I lost my engine and without electricity nothing worked I was close to having an accident
Filed with NHTSA, May 2023
Complete loss of dashboard functionality while driving in hybrid mode. Dash suddenly went black, all warning lights started flashing and tachometer and charging gauge dials bouncing. Drove to Suburban Jeep Ann Arbor with problem still occurring. Showed dash display to service representative. Service technician unable to replicate problem. Service representative communicated vehicle is operating as intended and is ready for pick up.
Filed with NHTSA, November 2024
The car starts to shudder after driving over a gap in the road or bumpy pavement. Usually at around 50-60mph. Had two episodes that were minor and then a week later on the same drive two more episodes with much more intense vibrations. Had to quickly reduce speed to stop the resonance and vibration in each case. Will be checking for loose parts below the vehicle, which has about 8500 miles on it.
Filed with NHTSA, January 2024
This is a 2022 Jeep wrangler sport with 40K miles on it. It was bought brand new. We are experiencing what is called the "Death Wobble" where the suspension parts give out and create a severe wobble in the front suspension and steering of the vehicle at highway speeds. The 2019 Jeep had a recall on this problem as well.
Filed with NHTSA, March 2025
Transmission has been leaking transmission fluid since date of purchase. At ~13,000 miles, the dealer replaced the entire transmission under warranty. The new transmission is also leaking transmission fluid. Since transmission fluid is flammable, this is a safety concern when the dripping transmission fluid contacts the hot exhaust tubing.
Filed with NHTSA, September 2023
Upon purchase of the Jeep, within 8K miles, the fuel pump went out and left me stranded. Now, at 27k miles, the car has been undriveable for 4 months. The engine will not accelerate, causing near collisions on highways. Over 13k in repairs are currently in place and there is still no resolution.
Filed with NHTSA, October 2024
There is a recall on my vehicle that relates to a safety issue with the clutch overheating and causing a fire. It has been over a year and the dealership where I purchased the vehicle has no remedy, and none planned. I have called and checked several times with the same answer. Feb 23,2023 Manufacturer Recall Number19A NHTSA Recall Number23V-116 Recall StatusRecall Incomplete, remedy not yet available
Filed with NHTSA, June 2024
I have taken my 22 Wrangler in 3 times to the dealership to fix the engine overheating, each time it was a different component until they said we need an entire new engine. Safety of us was overheated engine without a warning on the highway going 70+ speeds. I have heard several other stories of 21 and 22 wranglers overheating, I am not sure why a recall hasn't been issued.
Filed with NHTSA, August 2023
How the 2022 compares with other Wrangler years
Complaints for this year next to the average for the other model years, area by area.
The 2022 ranks sixth for owner complaints among 8 Wrangler years, well under the average of the others. Newer years have had less time to collect complaints, so compare like with like.
- Electrical103147
- Steering59299
- Transmission4575
- Engine1928
- Acceleration and cruise control93
- Fuel system910
Where the 2022 fits in the Wrangler's history
Redesigns and mid-cycle updates change what can go wrong.
The 2022 is the fifth model year of the Wrangler's fourth generation (2018–2023).
Recalls to confirm (14)
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.
23V787000ElectricalPark outsideNov 2023
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.
Risk: A vehicle fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
Fix: 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.
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.
24V111000Wipers and visibilityFeb 2024
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.".
Risk: An inoperative windshield defrosting and defogging system may decrease the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
23V641000TransmissionSep 2023
Chrysler (FCA US), LLC is recalling certain 2022-2023 Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator vehicles equipped with a manual transmission. The rearview camera may fail to display the rearview image and the reverse lights may not illuminate when the vehicle is placed in reverse. 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 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.
Fix: Dealers will replace the gear position sensor, 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 92A.
23V303000ElectricalApr 2023
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2022-2023 Jeep Wrangler Plug-In Hybrid Electric vehicles (PHEV). The high voltage (HV) battery pack assembly was built with incorrect fasteners to secure the 200-amp fuse, which can generate excessive heat.
Risk: Excessive heat may cause the fuse to fail and result in a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the HV battery fuse, as necessary. Dealers will also inspect the battery assembly for damage and replace it, if necessary. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 23, 2023. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is 53A. This recall is an expansion of previous recall 22V-768.
23V263000Fuel systemApr 2023
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.
Risk: Fuel pump failure can result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
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.
22V865000EngineNov 2022
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.
Risk: An engine shutdown can cause a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
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.
22V768000ElectricalOct 2022
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2022-2023 Jeep Wrangler Plug-In Hybrid Electric (PHEV) vehicles. The high voltage (HV) battery pack assembly was built with incorrect fasteners to secure the 200-amp fuse, which can generate excessive heat.
Risk: Excessive heat may cause the fuse to fail and result in a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the HV battery fuse, as necessary. Dealers will also inspect the battery assembly for damage and replace it, if necessary. Repairs will be performed 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 Z71.
22V326000Exterior lightsMay 2022
Chryler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2022 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. The side marker lights may not function due to an incompatible tail light assembly wiring harness. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment.".
Risk: Nonfunctional side marker lights may reduce vehicle visibility to other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: FCA will replace the tail light assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 26, 2022 and August 3, 2023. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is Z43.
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