Flash: 3.8L Diagnostic And System Improvements software. The customers may experience a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illumination. Upon further investigation the technician may find one or more of the following Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC): · U0140 Lost Communication With Body Control Module. Attempting to clear the DTC may be unsuccessful. Other enhancements included in this update: · Improved fuel pump relay operation. · Improved remote start time after key activation. · Improved Automatic Shutdown Relay (ASD) timer calibration.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2010 Jeep Wrangler lighting problems
moderate Owners of the 2010 Jeep Wrangler have filed 17 NHTSA complaints about the lighting, typically surfacing around 50,000 miles at roughly $250 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See lighting across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
17
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$250
| Model year | lighting complaints |
|---|---|
| 2008 Wrangler | 5 |
| 2009 Wrangler | 3 |
| 2010 Wrangler (this page) | 17 |
| 2012 Wrangler | 5 |
| 2013 Wrangler | 5 |
| 2014 Wrangler | 5 |
What stands out
Of the 10 model years of Jeep Wrangler we track for lighting problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 17.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering lighting on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Headlight failures dominate complaints on the 2010 Wrangler lighting cluster. The most consistent pattern is the Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM) failing intermittently, causing headlights to flicker or flash 3–5 times then cut out completely during night driving. Once off, the lights typically will not turn back on, even after restarting the vehicle. This occurs randomly and unpredictably between roughly 10,000 and 52,000 miles. Owners report high-beam and low-beam failures in tandem, though fog lights and parking lights remain functional. Diagnostic codes B162F (right low beam control) and B162B correlate to these failures.
A secondary failure mode involves loose headlight wiring. One owner had wires reconnected by the dealer three times before the intermittent failure persisted, suggesting either a design weakness or poor connector retention.
A third mode involves the headlight bracket failing, allowing the casing to dislodge and bounce while driving, severely impairing illumination.
One owner experienced headlight flashing after a battery replacement, suggesting the electrical event may trigger TIPM problems. TIPM replacement costs range from $400 to $1,757.57 including labor; one dealer cited a six-month parts backorder. Owners note the web and dealer service records show multiple complaints with identical symptoms, but no recall has been issued.
Failure modes owners describe
TIPM failure causing intermittent headlight loss
The Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM) fails, causing headlights to flicker, flash multiple times, and shut off completely during night driving. Once off, headlights often will not turn back on even after turning the vehicle off and on. This occurs randomly and unpredictably, creating a serious safety hazard. Multiple owners report the same pattern and code correlation.
When: Between 10,000 and 52,000 miles; failures range from early ownership to higher mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Headlights flicker or flash 3–5 times then shut off completely; Headlights fail to illuminate when activated; Intermittent operation—lights work sometimes, fail other times; Headlights cut out while driving at night at highway speeds; High beams and low beams both affected; Parking and fog lights remain functional when headlights fail; Lights will not reset even after turning vehicle off and back on
Codes mentioned: B162F, B162B
Repairs/costs cited: TIPM replacement costs reported at $400–$1,757.57 including labor; one owner reported part on back order for up to six months
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer service records TIPM replacement; at least one instance of manufacturer notification; no evidence of recall or TSB
Headlight wiring issues causing intermittent failure
Headlight wires become loose or disconnected, causing headlights to fail intermittently. When taken to dealer multiple times, technicians reconnect wires, but the problem recurs. This suggests either a persistent wiring problem or poor connector design.
When: Around 10,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Headlights fail to illuminate at highway speeds; Lights begin to operate again after several attempts; Failure recurs multiple times despite dealer repairs
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer reconnected headlight wires three separate times without permanent fix
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer was notified of malfunction; no recall issued
Headlight bracket failure causing cover dislodgement
The bracket connecting the headlight casing to the vehicle fails, allowing the headlight cover to dislodge. The loose cover bounces while driving, severely limiting roadway illumination and creating a safety hazard.
When: 11,182 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Headlight cover dislodges from vehicle; Light bounces up and down while driving; Limited illumination of roadway ahead
Repairs/costs cited: Bracket replacement required; vehicle was not repaired per owner
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer was notified of failure; no repair performed or recall issued
Headlight malfunction after battery replacement
After battery replacement, headlights begin flashing and fail to function normally. The system exhibits the same failure pattern as TIPM-related complaints, suggesting the battery replacement may have exposed or triggered an underlying TIPM defect.
When: Time unknown, but triggered by battery service
Symptoms owners cite: Headlights flash when starting jeep; Headlights flash when turning on light switch; Headlights will not turn on normally; Running lights unaffected
Codes mentioned: B162F, B162B
Repairs/costs cited: No repair reported
Synthesized from 17 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 0 most recent
Had lighting trouble with your 2010 Jeep Wrangler?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the lighting problem on the 2010 Jeep Wrangler?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 17 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $250 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the lighting typically fail?
Across the 15 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most lighting failures cluster between 22,000 and 66,690 miles, with the median around 50,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 22,000; a quarter make it past 66,690. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $250 for lighting repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to lighting?
No active recalls currently cover lighting issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2010/Jeep/Wrangler.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.