2014 Jeep Wrangler · symptom sheet

Engine failure, knocking or rod bearing

25owner reports
57,000median miles
$1,600median quote
0involved a crash

Newest report Sep 6, 2025 · checked Sep 9, 2026

311 of the 612 complaints on this car are about the engine. 25 of those describe engine failure.

Tick what matches of 25 reports

a knocking or ticking noise first

the engine seized

oil light or low oil

the engine was replaced

it was covered by a warranty or extension

I was denied coverage

What got replaced

Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the engine (24 reports).

Recalls and investigations

No recall on the engine covers the 2014 model year as of Sep 9, 2026.

NHTSA investigations into the engine on the Wrangler

PE12-009opened Mar 28, 2012

Engine And Engine Cooling · model years 2010

Skid plate debris fires. Closed aug 7, 2012, led to recall 12V-216.

NHTSA summary

In a letter dated May 15, 2012, the Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) submitted a Defect Information Report to NHTSA identifying a safety defect regarding fires originating between the transmission skid plate and the exhaust catalyst in approximately 65,246 model year (MY) 2010 Jeep Wrangler 4x4 vehicles with automatic transmissions (NHTSA Recall 12V-216).According to Chrysler, changes to the exhaust system for MY 2010 resulted in reduced clearances between the exhaust catalyst and the skid plate.If debris collects in the area of the skid plate and is not removed, there is an increased potential for underbody debris fires.ODI's analysis of skid plate area fires in the MY 2010 Wrangler vehicles with automatic transmissions found that the rate increased significantly from approximately 1.7 fires per 100,000 vehicle years in the MY 2007 through 2009 vehicles with the prior exhaust design to approximately 14.8 fires per 100,000 vehicle years in MY 2010 vehicles, a nearly 800 percent increase.In analysis of both Vehicle Owner Questionnaire (VOQ) data submitted to the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) and Chrysler's consumer complaint data submitted to ODI, 35 unique reports were identified by Chrysler alleging fire in subject vehicles with origins near the engine compartment or in the underbody area directly beneath and to the rear of the engine compartment.Chrysler's assessments of the 35 reports of fire were categorized by likely causes.Eleven of the fires were determined to be

None of these investigations covers the 2014 model year.

What owners paid

5 of the 25 reports quote a price. Each dot is one quote. The middle half runs $1,000 to $8,000.

$1,000$1,600$8,000

$0k$2k$4k$6k$8k

When it happens

The middle half of failures fell between 40,000 and 71,115 miles, from the 20 reports that gave a mileage.

115

116

317

318

619

521

422

124

125

What owners wrote

“oil filter housing unit leaks oil causing fire hazard and engine seizure, had to have repaired 2 times in a one year period.”
Filed Apr 20, 2022

“Oil Filter Housing failed leaking oil onto top of motor and hot exhaust manifold nearly causing a fire and catastrophic engine failure in heavy traffic. Dealer has confirmed this is a known issue on the 3.6 pentastar engines from after 2014. Currently replacement part has a 58000 unit back order. Failed with no warning until oil light and temp lights triggered.”
Filed Feb 24, 2022

“3.6l Pentastar V6, vehicle had a failed oil cooler housing. This caused the vehicle to leak a considerable amount (more than a quart) of oil into the valley between the cylinder heads, but showed no outward signs of leaking oil. This has the potential to ignite a vehicle fire during operation. Could also potentially cause catastrophic engine failure secondary to oil starvation at highway speeds.”
Filed Feb 5, 2022

Should you keep driving it?

This page can't tell you that. 0 of 25 reports involved a crash and 1 people were hurt. 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.