2023 Jeep Wagoneer · symptom sheet

Engine overheats or leaks coolant

25owner reports
37,679median miles
0involved a crash

Newest report Jul 26, 2026 · checked Sep 19, 2026

49 of the 103 complaints on this car are about the engine. 25 of those describe overheating. Only stalling is reported more often on this car.

Tick what matches of 25 reports

the temperature gauge climbed into the red

coolant is disappearing or on the ground

the heater stopped blowing hot

the dealer found a head gasket or cracked block

the engine was replaced afterward

What got replaced

Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the thermostat (19 reports).

Recalls and investigations

No recall on the engine covers the 2023 model year as of Sep 19, 2026.

NHTSA investigations into the engine on the Wagoneer

EA88-009opened Nov 16, 1987

Engine And Engine Cooling · model years 1980 to 1985

Engine compartment fires. Closed jan 9, 1990, led to recall 88V-132.

NHTSA summary

ANALYSIS:MANY OF THE REPORTS INDICATE THAT THE PLASTIC VALVE COVER OR THE\TV GASKETING MATERIAL LOSES ITS STRUCTURAL AND/OR SEALING INTEGRITY DUE TOTHE HIGH ENGINE TEMPERATURES ASSOCIATED WITH THE AMC 258 ENGINE.TESTINGPERFORMED BY A LOCAL FLEET CLEARLY DEMONSTRATED THAT UNDER NORMAL DRIVINGCONDITIONS, MOTOR OIL LEAKS IN THE VICINITY OF THE #3 OR #4 CYLINDERS (OVERTHE EXHAUST MANIFOLD) CAN RESULT IN A FIRE SERIOUS ENOUGH TO DESTROY AVEHICLE.AMC HAS ISSUED NUMEROUS TSB'S REGARDING THE PROPER/IMPROPER METHOD OF SEAL-ING THE VALVE COVER-HEAD INTERFACE.1981-84 AMC 6-CYLINDER ENGINES AREEQUIPPED WITH A PLASTIC VALVE COVER WHICH HAS 5 GUIDE PINS AND 2 FASTENERS.THE COVER USED IN LATER MODELS WAS RE-DESIGNED TO HAVE 5 ATTACHING POINTS,AND THIS NEW VALVE COVER CAN BE USED ON OLDER ENGINES BY MEANS OF AMODIFICATION KIT.AS EXPECTED, COMPLAINTS OF ENGINE FIRES IN 1985 MODELSDROPPED SIGNIFICANTLY, INDICATING THAT THE ADDITION OF THE NEW VALVE COVERMAY HAVE SOLVED THE PROBLEM.STATUS: IR TO THE MANUFACTURER SENT 12/1/87.PROPOSED ACTION: OPEN AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS.===

None of these investigations covers the 2023 model year.

When it happens

Too few of these reports state a mileage to give a range.

524

1325

726

What owners wrote

“Temperature alert went off for too hot. Was stranded in North Carolina while driving for vacation. Had to get a rental while thermostat was replaced. This is a known and widespread issue yet no recall has been sent out.”
Filed Jul 26, 2026

“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 Jun 18, 2025

“Vehicle overheated despite coolant level being at max level. I took it to dealer and dealer said it was a faulty thermostat. The problem appeared January 2, 2025, and I immediately took vehicle to the dealer.”
Filed Jan 7, 2025

Should you keep driving it?

This page can't tell you that. 0 of 25 reports involved a crash. Owners who file are the ones who had a bad experience, and nobody checks their reports. If the problem affects steering, braking, power or a fire risk, treat it as a safety fault and have it inspected before a long or high-speed drive.

File your own report with NHTSA. Complaint counts are how a problem gets an investigation.