2023 Jeep Wrangler: What to check before buying
Owners have filed 283 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.
2023- Owner complaints
- 283
- Recalls
- 13
- 2 urgent
- Crashes reported
- 11
- 8 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
2023 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 hand0/1
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 highway0/3
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 2023 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 2023 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.
Hybrid power loss while driving
285–5,000 miles
Front-end death wobble
4,000–33,000 miles
Why these checks: what owners reported
NHTSA complaints for the 2023 Jeep Wrangler, grouped by the part owners named. Open a row to read what goes wrong.
Electrical1282 crashes
Sudden power loss on the 4xe plug-in hybrid leads this category. A "service charging system" warning appears, the accelerator stops responding, and the Jeep coasts or shuts off, often at highway speed as the hybrid battery runs low. Several owners report it with only a few hundred miles on the odometer, and dealers often cannot reproduce it. The other major theme is the high-voltage battery fire recall. Fires while charging, while driving, and after a minor collision appear among the 4 fire-related reports. Many owners say recall parts are unavailable and they have waited a long time for the repair.
Steering461 crash
Death wobble is the main pattern. After a bump, road seam, or railroad track at about 40 mph and up, the front end shakes violently and the steering wheel oscillates until the driver slows sharply. It appears on new Jeeps with as little as about 4,000 miles. Dealers usually replace the steering damper. Some owners wait months for the part, and others doubt the fix lasts. A smaller group reports a 4xe shutting down and the steering seizing as it does. Others hear a high-pitched squeal from the electric steering that the dealer calls normal.
Transmission352 crashes
Loss of drive on the 4xe is the core problem. A charging system warning appears, the D on the gear selector flashes, power drops, and some vehicles put themselves in Park and refuse to shift out, leaving them stopped in traffic. Other owners describe the Jeep lunging forward while braking to a stop, and two of these cases ended in collisions. One parked 4xe caught fire while waiting for the battery recall. Smaller complaints cover hard cold shifts between third and fourth gear, a flashing sway bar light, and a clutch recall fixed with software.
Engine131 crash
Power cuts out while driving, usually at highway speed on the 4xe. A dash message tells the driver to put the car in Park, the D flashes, and the Jeep coasts until it is turned off and restarted. Some cases happen within days of purchase or in the first few thousand miles. One power loss led to a rear-end crash that caused a head injury. Dealers often find no stored codes and cannot reproduce the problem. A few owners are also still waiting for the battery fire recall repair.
Suspension11No crashes
Front-end death wobble drives this category. Hitting a bump or overpass at roughly 50 to 75 mph sets off violent shaking that stops only when the driver slows to around 30 mph. Reports cluster between 9,000 and 13,000 miles on stock Jeeps that owners say have never been off-road. Dealer fixes include a new steering damper or new tires, and the shaking sometimes comes back. Separately, owners report all four shocks leaking at low mileage, one at 43,213 miles.
Acceleration and cruise control91 crash
Sudden loss of motive power is the main complaint. At 60 to 70 mph on the highway, the 4xe loses speed, shows a charging or transmission warning, flashes D, and has to be stopped and restarted before it will drive again. Some owners say the Jeep fails to switch to gas when the battery runs out. Others report a surge just before it stalls, even after a recall repair. One crash with 2 injuries involved sudden acceleration after shifting into Drive. A freezing gauge cluster also appears.
Fuel system4No crashes
Only 4 complaints are filed here, and most involve power loss on the 4xe. One Jeep shut down in electric mode about a week after a recall repair meant to prevent exactly that. Another lost hybrid battery power while pulling into traffic and then sat at the dealer for 28 days. One owner ran out of fuel with 37 miles of range still showing. Another has waited months on the 95B recall after being told not to charge the Jeep or park it near structures.
Wipers and visibility3No crashes
Windshields crack on their own with no chip or impact. Reports describe large cracks that appear while the Jeep sits parked, sometimes in cold weather and starting at the bottom center of the glass. One owner has gone through multiple windshields. A separate complaint says the front defroster blows air only toward the center, which leaves the glass in front of the driver fogged or iced in winter. The dealer called that normal operation and offered no fix.
In owners' own words
Excerpts from complaints Wrangler owners filed with NHTSA, as written. Listen for the same symptoms on your test drive.
Driving 65 mph on interstate when service charging system message was displayed and Jeep lost power. This message displayed as the hybrid battery dropped to 0 miles. The accelerator pedal was unresponsive and I was able to coast to the shoulder. Restarted Jeep and it ran on gasoline motor.
Filed with NHTSA, May 2023
This message/complaint is regarding NHTSA Recall Number 24V-720 (Manufacturer Recall Number95B). The recall was issued on 9/27/2024 and a remedy is still not available. I specifically bought this Jeep because of the hybrid option. The recall is preventing me from using hybrid mode. Due to the recall, I am also not able to park my car in my garage. My safety is put in risk due to the fact that my car could catch on fire.
Filed with NHTSA, November 2024
Was driving down the highway, warning lights on the dashboard illuminated. Lost power, engine and electrical power. Message to place Jeep in park came on. Pulled car to shoulder. It would not start for two hours. Tow truck arrived. Jeep would start. Taken to Jeep dealership and nothing was found wrong with it. Same thing happened one week later. I checked ant there is no recall for my specific car
Filed with NHTSA, May 2023
While driving at highway speeds 40 and over vehicle may begin to experience “death wobble” where deceleration and sudden stopping is required. It becomes very hard to control vehicle and loss of control may be possible. Vehicle violently shakes from front end after minor bump or skip in roadway. Although reporting for first time now has happened several times since I have owned the vehicle.
Filed with NHTSA, December 2025
Recall 19a Jeep released a vehicle with a defective clutch assembly that required full replacement. Unfortunately, they "applied a software fix to a hardware problem". This still hasn’t solved things and is still very concerning. This fix is completely unacceptable. I have a 2023 Jeep with only 16k miles. The only acceptable solution would be a buy back. Someone needs to get involved. There are people with completely useless vehicles now.
Filed with NHTSA, January 2025
Purchased the 2023 Jeep Wrangler on Jan 20th. The next day the vehicle could not start. Displaying a charging system error. Had to be towed to dealer for repairs with on 285 miles on the odometer. Upon review it appears the Jeep 4XE are die just driving down the road. Frightening dangerous
Filed with NHTSA, January 2023
While on the highway, vehicle engine simply went off without warning. Loss of power and ability to accelerate. Vehicle message indicated to turn off vehicle. Was able to safely pull the vehicle over and turn it off and back on. Brought vehicle to dealer to get checked out and they could "find no issues with the vehicle." Concerned with driving vehicle now as this could happen again.
Filed with NHTSA, March 2023
The jeep will suddenly lose power while driving at highway speed and will lose all speed without any check engine lights or system notifications noted . The vehicle will not maintain speed and will suddenly accelerate after a minute of losing powe . This happens multiple times .The vehicle has been at the dealership and they are unsure of what the problem is .
Filed with NHTSA, August 2023
How the 2023 compares with other Wrangler years
Complaints for this year next to the average for the other model years, area by area.
The 2023 ranks seventh 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.
- Electrical128143
- Steering46301
- Transmission3576
- Engine1329
- Suspension1124
- Acceleration and cruise control93
Where the 2023 fits in the Wrangler's history
Redesigns and mid-cycle updates change what can go wrong.
The 2023 is the sixth model year of the Wrangler's fourth generation (2018–2023).
Recalls to confirm (13)
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.
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.
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.
23V565000Exterior lightsAug 2023
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2023 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. The spare tire may obstruct the view of the center high-mount brake light. 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: A brake light that is obstructed may not be visible to other drivers to indicate the intention to slow or stop, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the spare tire carrier assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 28, 2023. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 84A.
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.
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.
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.
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