Speed Control Operates Intermittently
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2013 Jeep Wrangler cruise control problems
moderate Owners of the 2013 Jeep Wrangler have filed 12 NHTSA complaints about the cruise control, typically surfacing around 68,000 miles at roughly $600 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See cruise control across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
12
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$600
| Model year | cruise control complaints |
|---|---|
| 2009 Wrangler | 3 |
| 2010 Wrangler | 6 |
| 2011 Wrangler | 8 |
| 2012 Wrangler | 15 |
| 2013 Wrangler (this page) | 12 |
| 2014 Wrangler | 11 |
| 2015 Wrangler | 19 |
| 2016 Wrangler | 21 |
| 2017 Wrangler | 7 |
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering cruise control 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.
Speed Control Operates Intermittently
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Adaptive Cruise Control Sensor 1) If you are replacing this part due to the cluster displaying Clean Radar Sensor in Front of Vehicle or DTC C1266 ACC Sensor Blinded, please verify that there is no blockage in front of the sensor. Blockage can occur from mud, ice, snow, front end damage, bracket damage, the sensor not attached to the bracket properly or an aftermarket fascia installed. This fault can occur intermittently in muddy or icy/snowy conditions and is considered normal operation. Under some circumstances, a misaligned sensor can also cause the C1266 DTC, please complete an alignment procedure. No replacement is required.~ 2) If you are replacing this part due to the cluster displayi
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Twelve complaints center on unintended acceleration, loss of power, and brake system faults that occur without pattern or warning. Most alarming: owners hitting 70–90 mph with unresponsive brakes, engines losing power on interstates requiring flooring the accelerator to maintain speed, and ABS engaging at startup or low speed with warning lights staying on. Two dealerships pulled *different* codes on the same day for one owner despite reset codes between visits; another spent $2,500 on sensors and wiring without resolving flashing check-engine lights. Dealers admit they cannot source replacement ABS modules or replicate failures during inspection.
Engine surges when braking hard (especially at traffic lights), accelerator pedals stick at highway speeds, and vehicles stall then shift to park with accelerators trapped at the floor. One owner describes cruise control appearing to engage on its own at 80 mph, causing loss of power and momentary speed bursts while floored throttle produces no response. A floor mat lodge under the accelerator in one case, but the broader pattern suggests electrical or control module faults. Most owners report visiting multiple dealerships with no resolution after a year or more of ownership.
Same Jeep Wrangler cruise control reports on nearby years: 2012 · 2014 · 2015 · 2016
Failure modes owners describe
Unintended acceleration / stuck accelerator pedal
Vehicle accelerates without driver input or accelerator becomes stuck, creating loss of vehicle control. Incidents occur at highway speeds and low speeds. In one case, owner reached over 90 mph before freeing a stuck pedal; another involved a floor mat lodging under the accelerator; others describe cruise control appearing to engage unexpectedly or engine losing power requiring flooring the accelerator to maintain speed.
When: Variable; incidents at 20 mph, 45 mph, 70 mph, 80 mph, and highway driving
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle accelerates without brake application; Accelerator pedal stuck or difficult to control; Cruise control engages unexpectedly or appears to engage on its own; Loss of vehicle control requiring emergency braking; Check engine light and ESC/traction control lights illuminate; Vehicle loses power then surges randomly
Codes mentioned: C2200 (faulty brake ABS module)
Repairs/costs cited: One owner reported spending over $2,500 on sensors and wiring without resolving check engine lights. Another dealership unable to supply replacement ABS brake module (C2200 code). Multiple dealerships unable to diagnose issue on test drive or found nothing wrong during inspection. No successful repairs documented in narratives.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: One owner states vehicle was not included in clockspring assembly recall despite similar symptoms. No recall or service bulletin mentioned for unintended acceleration or related issues.
ABS and traction control system malfunction
Anti-lock brake system activates at inappropriate times, typically at low speeds or vehicle startup, triggering ABS and anti-skid control warning lights. Lights remain on intermittently. Workaround discovered involving 4-wheel drive mode, but workaround proved unreliable. Related to broader electrical/control module issues affecting brake and traction systems.
When: At low speeds, vehicle startup, during initial acceleration
Symptoms owners cite: ABS engages at low speed without wheel slip; ABS and anti-skid control warning lights illuminate; Warning lights stay on intermittently or remain on; ABS activates on flat surfaces during initial acceleration; Problem worsens or recurs even after testing workarounds
Codes mentioned: C2200 (faulty brake ABS module)
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer reported inability to source replacement ABS module. Owner had to disable skid control as temporary workaround but workaround unreliable.
Engine stall and loss of power during driving
Engine loses power while driving, causing vehicle to decelerate involuntarily. Vehicle may stall completely, shift into park unexpectedly, or require excessive throttle input to maintain motion. Check engine light and traction control warnings appear. Incidents occur at various speeds without warning and can repeat.
When: Variable; at 20 mph, interstate highway speeds, during normal driving without warning
Symptoms owners cite: Engine loses power and vehicle decelerates; Vehicle stalls and may shift into park; Check engine light illuminates; Traction control / ESC light comes on; Requires flooring accelerator to maintain vehicle movement; Power loss occurs randomly and repeatedly
Codes mentioned: Check engine codes pulled but inconsistent across dealerships
Repairs/costs cited: At 37,580 miles, one vehicle stalled at 20 mph, shifted to park, and would not move when accelerator pressed—failure not diagnosed or repaired. Multiple owners report dealerships unable to replicate or diagnose problem.
Check engine light and electrical diagnostic issues
Check engine light activates repeatedly, often with warning chimes, and codes either do not persist or vary between dealerships. Owners report spending significant money on sensor and wiring repairs without resolving the issue. Two different dealerships pulled different codes on the same day, suggesting electrical noise, sensor issues, or control module problems.
When: Ongoing; one owner experienced constant flashing during normal driving
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light flashes or stays illuminated; Warning chimes sound continuously while driving; Check engine light resets or recurs frequently; Codes vary between diagnostic scans at different dealerships
Codes mentioned: Multiple varying codes pulled; not specified in narratives
Repairs/costs cited: One owner spent over $2,500 on sensors and wiring replacement without resolving check engine lights and chimes. Another owner replaced battery after check engine light but light returned and vehicle struggles to start and jerks while driving.
Engine surge during braking
Engine accelerates rapidly when brake pedal is pressed hard, creating a surge in power that counteracts braking effort. Occurs at traffic signals and during other braking events. Increases stopping distance and creates safety hazard.
When: During hard braking at traffic signals and other braking events
Symptoms owners cite: Engine surge or rapid acceleration when brake pedal depressed; Increased brake pressure required to stop vehicle; Engine accelerates while braking hard; Occurs repeatedly
Synthesized from 12 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 0 most recent
Had cruise control trouble with your 2013 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 cruise control problem on the 2013 Jeep Wrangler?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 12 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $600 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the cruise control typically fail?
Across the 8 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most cruise control failures cluster between 44,000 and 84,000 miles, with the median around 68,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 44,000; a quarter make it past 84,000. 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 $600 for cruise control 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 cruise control?
No active recalls currently cover cruise control 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/2013/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.