Before replacing the starter, please follow the published diagnostics in the Service Information at 08 - Electrical / 8F - Engine Systems / Starting / Diagnosis and Testing / STANDARD STARTING SYSTEM. Updates to this procedure have been recently made and should be followed.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2023 Jeep Wagoneer engine problems
moderate 17 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $3,100 · see engine across all vehicles →
Complaints
17
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
What stands out
Engine accounts for 20% of all owner complaints filed against this vehicle, across 7 categories tracked.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering engine 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.
Before replacing the water pump on 3.0L SO/HO, please follow the updated WATER PUMP INSPECTION diagnostic procedure to confirm the leak persists "09 - Engine, 3.0L GMET6 / Cooling System / Engine Cooling / Diagnosis and Testing / COOLING SYSTEM LEAKS"
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Before replacing the water pump on 3.0L SO/HO, please follow the updated WATER PUMP INSPECTION diagnostic procedure to confirm the leak persists "09 - Engine, 3.0L GMET6 / Cooling System / Engine Cooling / Diagnosis and Testing / COOLING SYSTEM LEAKS"
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Flash: Ignition System Control Module (ISCM) Updates Customers must experience a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illumination and the vehicle must SYMPTOM: exhibit/set one or more of the following Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs): ● P2C30-00 - Ignition Coil Primary Circuit Fuse A. ● P2C31-00 - Ignition Coil Primary Circuit Fuse B. ● P0300-00 - Multiple Cylinder Misfire. ● P0301-00 - Cylinder 1 Misfire Detected. ● P0302-00 - Cylinder 2 Misfire Detected. ● P0303-00 - Cylinder 3 Misfire Detected. ● P0304-00 - Cylinder 4 Misfire Detected. ● P0305-00 - Cylinder 5 Misfire Detected. ● P0306-00 - Cylinder 6 Misfire Detected. ● P0420-00 - Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold Bank 1. ● P0430-00
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Flash: Powertrain Control Module (PCM) Updates Customers must experience a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illumination and the vehicle must SYMPTOM: exhibit/set one or more of the following Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs): ● **P0111-00 - Intake Air Temperature Sensor 1 Circuit Range Performance Bank 1 (In Active or Stored status). ● P0071-00 - Ambient Air Temperature Sensor Performance (In Active or Stored status). ● P0072-00 - Ambient Air Temperature Sensor Circuit "A" Low (In Active or Stored status). ● P0073-00 - Ambient Air Temperature Sensor Circuit "A" High (In Active or Stored status). ● P0011-00 - Bank 1 Camshaft 1 Position Timing Over Advanced Or (In Active or Stored status). ● P2
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Thermostat failure is the dominant complaint. Owners report their engines overheat suddenly with little or no warning, temperatures spiking to 261°F and beyond. The thermostat gets stuck, killing engine power and forcing vehicles to stall in traffic. One owner suffered severe hand burns when coolant pressure blew the cap off the reservoir. Another was left rolling into an intersection when the vehicle shut down at a stop sign. Owners note this is a known issue with the Hurricane 3.0L engine—a small recall exists for 500 vehicles, but many Wagoneers remain uncovered. A technical service bulletin exists, but the manufacturer refuses proactive thermostat replacement; owners say you must get stranded first.
Repair timelines are brutal: dealers report ordering only one thermostat per week, forcing 2–4 week waits for service. Multiple owners say replacement thermostats fail again within months. One owner faced 80+ days at the dealer. One customer reports the manufacturer refused warranty coverage after overheating damage required engine replacement.
Secondary issues include check engine lights with engine shaking (recurring after dealer updates), electrical cluster failures (instrument panel going dark, dashboard lights flashing, false warning messages), and occasional brake pressure loss during electrical faults. Service departments are unresponsive—owners report promises for callbacks that never come.
Failure modes owners describe
Thermostat failure causing engine overheating
Thermostat fails prematurely, causing engine to overheat suddenly without warning. The failure forces drivers to pull over, sometimes in dangerous traffic conditions. Multiple owners report the thermostat gets stuck, cutting engine power and making the vehicle undriveable. Some owners report overheating occurred before 40,000 miles and as early as shortly after purchase.
When: Varies from early ownership (5,000 miles) to 37,600 miles; failures reported from July 2023 through January 2025
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden engine overheating without warning indicators; Engine temperature spike to 261°F or higher; Loss of engine power during overheating events; Vehicle stalling mid-drive or at stops; Low oil pressure warning during overheating; Sluggish engine response prior to overheating; AC stops blowing cold air before overheating
Repairs/costs cited: Thermostat replaced under warranty at dealer. Multiple owners report replacement with 'new version of same part' still fails. One owner reports repairs over $1,750 excluding warranty portion. Dealers report limited thermostat supply—only able to order one per week. Repair wait times 2–4 weeks. One owner suffered severe hand burns when coolant pressure blew off the reservoir cap during overheating event.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: TSB MC-11016248-0001 exists for this issue. Small recall of 500 vehicles issued but does not cover all affected Wagoneers. Manufacturer refuses proactive replacement—requires thermostat to fail first. One owner reports Stellantis refusing warranty coverage after engine required replacement due to overheating damage.
Check engine light and engine shaking (rough idle/acceleration)
Engine shakes during acceleration and check engine light illuminates repeatedly. One owner reports multiple visits to dealer over 11+ months (July 2023–May 2024) for the same complaint with no permanent fix. System updates attempted but issue recurs within months. Another owner reports RPM fails to respond properly during acceleration and deceleration.
When: July 2023 to May 2024 (5,000 to unknown mileage); symptoms recurring after repairs
Symptoms owners cite: Engine shaking during acceleration; Check engine light illumination; RPM fails to respond appropriately during acceleration; RPM fails to lower during deceleration; Vehicle vibration during driving
Repairs/costs cited: System update performed at dealer; shaking and check engine light returned within months. Owner changed tires per dealership suggestion with no improvement. Repeated visits (April twice, May) did not resolve issue. Vehicle remained in dealership for 80+ days without resolution.
Electrical system faults (instrument cluster, battery, lights)
Multiple electrical failures including instrument cluster becoming inoperable, unknown dashboard lights flashing, headlights flashing, and battery-related issues. Instrument cluster replaced in one case but failure recurred within a month. Battery replacement attempted multiple times with recurrence within weeks.
When: Mileage unknown in most cases; one instance at approximately 40,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Instrument cluster inoperable with speedometer stuck at 0 MPH; Unknown lights on dashboard flashing; Headlights flashing intermittently; Camera screen blank; False message 'Depress Brake Pedal to Start Vehicle'; Vehicle lockouts occurring multiple times; Abnormal horn sound
Repairs/costs cited: Battery replacement performed; failure recurred within a month or two. Electrical cluster replaced; failure recurred within a month. One dealer unable to duplicate the failure.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer contacted but provided no assistance per owner report.
Engine stalling and loss of power during operation
Engine stalls while driving, forcing vehicle to shut down in traffic. One owner reports stalling three times during short drive to dealership. Vehicle allowed to restart after delays, but unreliable.
When: Within first 2 years of ownership; one incident April 5 (undated year)
Symptoms owners cite: Engine sudden stall while driving; Complete loss of power during acceleration; Vehicle shutdown at stop signs; Sluggish engine response before stall
Repairs/costs cited: One incident attributed to faulty thermostat; another required engine replacement due to overheating damage.
Brake system issues (reduced braking pressure)
Owner reports requiring abnormal force to depress brake pedal to stop the vehicle, suggesting loss of brake assist during electrical system failures.
When: Approximately 40,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Excessive force required to depress brake pedal; Reduced braking power
Synthesized from 17 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
The contact owns a 2023 Jeep Wagoneer. The contact stated that on several occasions, while driving at various speeds and continuing to accelerate, the RPM failed to respond as needed. Additionally, while slowing down the RPM failed to lower. The contact stated that the check engine warning light illuminated, or the message to check the user manual for proper oil and fuel usage was displayed. The…
The component that failed was the thermostat. This failure caused my engine temperature to spike abruptly as I was driving. My safety and my children's safety were put at risk by creating no engine power, undriveable, and was almost hit by cars due to sudden slow down to decrease engine temperature to prevent from over heating. The problem is being reproduced by Five Star Dodge dealership in…
Had engine trouble with your 2023 Jeep Wagoneer?
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 engine problem on the 2023 Jeep Wagoneer?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 17 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $3,100 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Based on the 17 complaints filed, engine issues most often appear around 40,000 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $3,100 for engine 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 engine?
No active recalls currently cover engine 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/2023/Jeep/Wagoneer.
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.