2013 Jeep Wrangler
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Power train is the leading concern among 653 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 10th highest complaint count among 26 Wrangler model years with reports.
Of the 2013 reports, 14 involved a crash and 16 involved a fire. 8 people were injured and 1 person died.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Seat belts, front, anchorageSep 26, 2019
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2011-2018 Jeep Wrangler right hand drive vehicles. The driver's seat belt buckle mounting strap may fracture and separate from the seat frame.
A separated or severed seat belt buckle strap will result in an inoperable seat belt, increasing the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
FCA US will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's seat belt buckle, free of charge. Interim notices informing owners of the safety risk were mailed November 19, 2019. Owners will received a second letter and the recall began March 26, 2020. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is VA6.
Campaign 19V680000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontal, passenger side, inflator moduleDo not drive until repairedJan 15, 2019
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2010 Dodge Ram 3500, Ram 4500/5500, 2010-2011 Dodge Dakota, 2010-2014 Dodge Challenger, 2010-2015 Dodge Challenger, Chrysler 300, and 2010-2016 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to explode.
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag, the inflator could explode with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the recall repair is complete. Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began February 4, 2019. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is V01.
Campaign 19V018000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontal, passenger side, inflator moduleDo not drive until repairedJan 9, 2018
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Jeep Wrangler, Chrysler 300, Dodge Challenger and Dodge Charger vehicles, and 2009-2011 Dodge Dakota vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands or "Zone A." Additionally, Chrysler is recalling certain 2009-2010 RAM 4500 Cab Chassis, RAM 5500 Cab Chassis, RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, Jeep Wrangler, Chrysler 300, Dodge Dakota, Dodge Challenger, and Dodge Charger vehicles ever registered in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia or "Zone B." Chrysler is also recalling certain 2009 RAM 3500, RAM 2500, RAM 4500 Cab Chassis, RAM 5500 Cab Chassis, Dodge Durango, Chrysler Aspen, RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, Jeep Wrangler, Chrysler 300, Dodge Dakota, Dodge Challenger, and Dodge Charger vehicles ever registered in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these passenger air bag inflator may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the recall repair is complete. Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began February 28, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U03.
Campaign 18V021000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontal, driver side, inflator moduleMay 11, 2016
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2011-2016 Right Hand Drive Jeep Wrangler vehicles manufactured February 16, 2010, to May 2, 2016. The clockspring assembly may become contaminated with dust and cause the air bag circuit to fail.
Failure of the air bag circuit may prevent the driver's frontal air bag from deploying in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the clockspring, wheel back cover, and column shroud, free of charge. The recall began on August 11, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S40.
Campaign 16V288000 on NHTSA.gov
Electrical systemOct 8, 2014
Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2011-2013 Jeep Wrangler vehicles manufactured February 16, 2010, to July 19, 2013. Corrosion in the exterior heated power mirror electrical connector may result in an electrical short.
An electrical short increases the risk of a fire.
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will move the exterior mirror power feed to a separate connector, free of charge. Chrysler issued an interim notification to owners on December 8, 2014. The recall began on March 3, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is P61.
Campaign 14V631000 on NHTSA.gov
Steering, hydraulic power assist, hose, piping, and connectionsJun 4, 2013
Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 Jeep Wrangler vehicles equipped with a 3.6L engine and an automatic transmission and manufactured January 23, 2011, through February 23, 2013. The power steering line may contact and wear a hole in the transmission oil cooler line resulting in a loss of transmission fluid.
A loss of transmission fluid may result in a loss of transmission function which may increase the risk of a crash.
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the power steering return tube assembly, free of charge. The recall began on September 23, 2013. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. Chrysler's recall campaign number is N28.
Campaign 13V234000 on NHTSA.gov
EquipmentFeb 25, 2013
Quadratec, Inc. is recalling certain aftermarket accessory, driver-side, Ultimate Floor Liners part numbers 14254.0301 07, 14254.0301 08, 14254.0301Q, 14254.0302 07, 14254.0302 08, 14254.0302Q, 14254.0303 07, 14254.0303 08, 14254.0303Q, 14254.0309 07, 14254.0309 08, and 14254.0309Q sold from May 1, 2012, through February 14, 2013. The liners are for use in 2007-2013 Jeep Wranglers. The anchor point for the affected floor liners may tear during use, particularly when exposed to high temperatures. The tearing may allow the floor liner to shift forward.
If the liner shifts forward it may impede the operation of the accelerator and possibly lead to unintended acceleration, which may increase the risk of a crash.
Quadratec will notify owners and either exchange the liners or provide them with a hook guard kit to help secure the driver-side mat, free of charge. The recall began on April 4, 2013. Owners may contact Quadratec at 1-800-463-2998 or info@quadratec.com.
Campaign 13E010000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints
653 reports, newest first.
Engine, Oct 3, 2022
The contact owns a 2013 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact used a DTC reader and recovered a code for a misfire in cylinder #6. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer and was informed that her vehicle was not under warranty. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure and provided a case number. The contact was also provided the same information as the dealer. The vehicle was repaired by the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 89,800. The contact has made several calls to customer service submitting claims and denied. The vin number was not included in the service bulletin and the contact believes several vins are missing from the list.
Fuel/propulsion system, Oct 3, 2022
The high pressure fuel line that is on top of the engine connected to the fuel rail failed. Gas was spraying on the hot engine. This situation could have caused a fire or explosion. I check and jeep recalled 2014 to 2020 for replacement of this fuel line, which is the same line on my jeep. I had to pay a dealer $757 to fix an issue jeep should be responsible.
Air bags, Sep 27, 2022
Recently had my traction control and air bag lights illuminate, at the same time my horn quit, steering wheel controls no longer work and cruise control is out. After some research, I am quite sure it's a faulty clock spring
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 22, 2022
The contact owns a 2013 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that the vehicle was overheating while driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the thermostat was replaced several times. However, the failure persisted. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning illuminated and several chimes were heard. The contact veered to the side of the road and noticed that engine oil was leaking onto the ground. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and was diagnosed that the radiator needed to be replaced. The part was replaced; however, the contact stated that upon parking the vehicle, the failure reoccurred and the engine oil leaked out onto the ground. The vehicle was towed to a second dealer, Perkins Motors (1205 Motor City Dr, Colorado Springs, CO 80905) where it was diagnosed that the engine cooler needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 45,000.
Steering, Aug 17, 2022, crash
The contact owns a 2013 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH, the contact crashed into the guard rail. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact exited the vehicle and noticed the steering box shaft was snapped. There were no air bags deployed. There were no injuries or medical treatment on the scene. The police arrived at the scene and contacted a towing service. There were minor damages to the front of the vehicle. There was a police report filed. The vehicle was towed several times; however, ended up at the local independent mechanic. There was an unknown diagnosis. There was a steering box shaft and tie rod end replacement, in addition to an alignment done. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000.
Air bags, Other or unspecified, Aug 1, 2022
Horn, evic & radio controls on the steering wheel don't work. After waiting 2 months tfor the part, they replaced the evic switch which I was promised controlled the horn & radio too. It didn't fix the horn or any of the other issues. Now the dealer wants to replace the clock spring. There is an existing recall for my model year and years before and after (Safety Recall S40 / NHTSA 16V-288 Airbag Clockspring) but my VIN is not included. Jeep can not explain why I'm not included and said my airbag may or may not work. Any help is appreciated.
Electrical system, Air bags, Jul 23, 2022
My airbag dash light is illuminated. I took it to Park Jeep and the error code suggests that it is the clockspring that should be replaced. - I bought a "legally imported from Canada" 2013 Jeep Wrangler from a large US non-Jeep dealer in 2016. It had 55k miles so it would have been out of warranty. Recently, I had the pab recall work done at a local Jeep dealership. About a month later, my airbag light started coming on intermittently. Because of the timing of the recall work, I went back to that dealership to have them diagnose/see if they were the cause/etc.. They diagnosed it as needing the clockspring. I have been told by two local Jeep dealerships and the folks at 1-877-amjeep that even though the extended warranty on the clockspring applies to ALL NAFTA market vehicles, they wont fix it under warranty. I was actually told, "...the warranty it didn't have at the time it crossed into the US was voided, thus nullifying any future extended warranty that could would have covered other parts." FCA did this extended warranty nonsense to avoid a recall, and if they arent honoring the extended warranty, then there ought to be a recall on the clockspring. MY airbag is NON functioning due to a manufacturing defect and FCA wont fix it. I cannot be the only person that is adversely affected by this.
Steering, Air bags, Jul 17, 2022
Air bag light keeps coming on and off while driving . none stop digging....can not seem to Find the problem other them air bags may not work properly
Suspension, Jul 8, 2022
DRIVING THIS JEEP HIT A BUMP JEEP GOES INTO A DEATH WABBLE.
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Jun 23, 2022
ABS and check engine light. I am a rural mail carrier, because my ABS light is on it causes my jeep to not accelerate pulling away from mailboxes therefore putting myself and other drivers at risk. The problem has been reproduced at the dealer. Warning lights illuminated at 19687 miles and are still on to this day, no resolution from Jeep. Jeep engineer came to dealership and could not say what was wrong with vehicle.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Jun 7, 2022
My vehicle suddenly stops running as I'm driving down the road. This is an reoccurring problem that happens every few days. This does not issue a code nor does the check engine light come on. There is no rhyme or reason to the issue. Electrical does not go out only the ability to push the gas pedal. I have to pull over and turn off the jeep. It comes back on and runs after waiting 10 minutes. This is a hazard and can cause a wreck. It's an common problem with Jeeps as reported on the forums.
Other or unspecified, Engine, May 25, 2022
For the past 2 years my Jeep has been stalling a lot, have taken it to 2 mechanics and 2 times to the dealer. None of them know what’s going on because there’s no light coming on, except for the first time it happened the ETC light came on but went away a few minutes later.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, May 22, 2022
When driving down the road, the Jeep stops running. This is very dangerous and happens while driving at 55 mph. I’ve taken it to a mechanic and it will not throw a code. We’ve replaced the fuel pump, ignition, battery and alternator. Reading the forums and other online resources shows this is a common problem with multiple solutions. Jeep should recall any parts identified with this issue and be able to help correct this known issue. This is very unsafe. I do not have the money to spend and have no reliable transportation for employment. This has been such a hardship during such trying economic times.
Vehicle speed control, Service brakes, Engine, May 18, 2022
Car surges at times when braking. Increased brake pressure to stop vehicle causes engine to accelerate rapidly when pressing hard to stop vehicle. Dangerous situation. This has happened numerous times when trying to stop at a traffic signal.
Service brakes, May 11, 2022
Wednesday may 11th approximately 5pm. Was sunny and dry. Turned out of mcdonalds driveway. All of a sudden my brake pedal went to the floor. There was very slight pressure just before it bottomed out. I was lucky no one was in front of me. I could not stop. No dash lights came on. I coasted to stop at gas station. While I waited for a tow truck I started car to move into a better spot. Using parking brake. I then just started pumping brakes. And all of a sudden pressure came back and brakes worked as normal. I immediately towed jeep to dealership. They could not recreate the issue. Everything works fine.
Engine, May 3, 2022
The oil filter housing assembly was found to be cracked during a routine oil change. The oil could leak into the transmission and eventually catch fire. A mechanic has confirmed this is the issue. It will cost approximately $800 to repair. The mechanic indicated he has seen this in the majority of Jeep Wranglers he has serviced and he doesn't understand why a recall has not been issued on this part. This part is made of plastic and can easily crack.
Suspension, Service brakes, Air, Apr 26, 2022
The contact owns a 2013 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that the vehicle was running rough. Additionally, while the brake pedal was depressed, the vehicle was slow to respond. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who informed the contact that the caliper had seized, and that the ball joint and K-bar needed to be replaced. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but no additional assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 20,000.
Steering, Air bags, Electrical system, Mar 21, 2022
The contact owns a 2013 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 MPH, the horn button failed to operate and the steering wheel was difficult to turn. Additionally, the air bag warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to continue driving to his residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 69,120.
Service brakes, Jan 12, 2022
I own a 2013 Wrangler Unlimited. Since new, the parking brake has been ever-more-difficult to engage. On October 26, I was using the Jeep around my property and had to exit the vehicle while in neutral (auto transmission) and attempted to engage the parking brake. If the handle is pulled slowly, SOMETIMES the brake engages enough to hold. In this particular instance, I pulled the handle slowly, felt some resistance to indicate the brake engaged, and exited the vehicle. The brake then relieved enough pressure to allow the vehicle to roll back into a hole form where a stump had been. Fortunately I was not injured and the Jeep did not collide with anything. This emphasized to me a previously-known safety issue with the product. The design of the brake lever is supposed to be self-adjusting, however in reality, the clutch mechanism to do this allows slippage to the point where the handle hits the backstop prior to engaging the brakes on many Wrangler JKs that are only a few years old. This is a well documented problem in JK forums and many owners have created workarounds to force the mechanism to maintain tension on the parking brake cables. I have not done this to mine, and consequentially have not had a reliably functioning for years. For obvious reasons, this flaw in the parking brake design (especially on vehicles offered with manual transmissions puts public safety at risk. Ilderton Chrysler Jeep Dodge in Winston Salem failed this vehicle on safety inspection in 2020 as a result of this, but I did not authorize a diagnostic investigation, as I was already aware of the problem. I was able to jiggle the parking brake enough to cause it to engage enough to pass inspection. Within 1 - 2 pulls, the brake was completely unusable again. I have checked parking brake shoe to drum clearance and verified that the rear is adjusted correctly for engagement. The problem only exists in the design of the lever. No warning lamps related to the lever/integrated switch.
Engine, Jan 6, 2022
The contact owns a 2013 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who informed the contact about TSB: 09002-14. The contact was referred to a dealer. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer and diagnosed that the #6-cylinder head needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but, no further assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 116,000. Consumer stated he had to pay to have the work done even though there is a service bulletin put out by Jeep referring to this problem specifically.
Other or unspecified, Nov 22, 2021
It the oil cooler ...its made of plastic I have only had my jeep for 6 months and am about to have this part replaced for the third time..AND IT NOT COVERED ON MY EXTENDED WARRANTY..800.00 EACH TIME..IM CERTAIN IM NOT THE ONLY ONE ..YOU GUYS NEED TO FIX THIS ..I CANNOT AFFORD TO KEEP CHANGING THIS AND RENTING CARS AND SUCH...SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE ABOUT THIS PART ASAP. I will send a copy of my bill tomorrow
Electrical system, Visibility/wiper, Nov 5, 2021
Mopar Performance 68018109AA A/C and Heater Actuator has failed 3 times. I've replaced the original and twice since. This part is a safety issue because it directed the heat to defrost/de-ice the Windshield and provide heat to the occupants. There is plenty of evidence on YouTube of Jeep owners replacing this part for years now and yet there has not been a Recall regarding this part. The last replacement part was in January 2020 and failed again which I just replaced. Three times since 2013 when I purchased the 10th Anniversary Jeep Rubicon new which is why I've had enough of MOPAR not caring about its customers
Air bags, Oct 20, 2021
The control buttons on the steering wheel for speed control and radio and menu for the odometer plus the horn started working only part-time. If you wiggle or turn the steering wheel 90 degrees sometimes everything will work. The airbag light also comes on indicating there is an airbag problem. This sometimes will go away with the right wiggle of the steering wheel. The service department said it is a bad clockspring on the steering column. There is a recall on this (S40) but not listed on my jeep. This started about 6 months ago and has gotten progressively worse.
Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 11, 2021
Due to a strong odor of gasoline emanating from a recently filled fuel tank, the vehicle was towed (due to extreme fire risk) to an independent service center. A subsequent inspection determined a fuel leak in the upper part of the tank assembly and a cracked flange in the fuel pump assembly, which necessitated the replacement of the fuel tank and fuel pump assemblies. The vehicle components are no longer available for inspection and the vehicle was not inspected by anyone other than the owner of the independent service center. There were no warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem other than the pungent smell of gasoline. The smell of fuel first occurred after filling the gas tank on/around 08/13/2021.
Other or unspecified, Aug 29, 2021
While driving the vehicle, the heat cuts out and the defroster fails. This fogs up the window quickly causing an unsafe situation. Have had heating system flushed, controls and thermostat replaced, but problem continues to occur.