2013 Jeep Wrangler Problems

Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 23,000 miles.

What to check before you buy

• Drive it from cold if you can. Shifts should be smooth in every gear, including reverse.
• Feel for slipping (revs rise without the car speeding up), shudder at low speed and a delay when you put it in gear.
• Listen for whining, which is a common CVT complaint, and clunks when you go from drive to reverse.
• If it has 4WD or AWD, engage it on the test drive and ask when the transmission and differential fluids were last changed.

Tools that help

What owners said

In September of 2023 our 13’ Jeep Wrangler Rubicon had an ABS Module failure. We went to our local Jeep (Gettel Jeep of Punta Gorda, FL) where they placed us on a list @number 1600. They told us to was safe to drive however use caution in the snow. As of August the Jeep became unable to drive. We have sent the module off for repair…Owner complaint, filed 2026

The contact owns a 2013 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that after her husband had arrived at his destination, upon returning to the vehicle and attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was eventually able to restart and returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence.…Owner complaint, filed 2025, at 92,000 miles

Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 23,000 miles.

What to check before you buy

• Turn the wheel lock to lock while parked and listen for groaning, clicking or binding.
• On a straight road the car should track straight with the wheel centered and no loose feeling.
• A power steering warning on the dash, even briefly, deserves a mechanic’s look before you buy.

Tools that help

What owners said

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…Owner complaint, filed 2022, at 100,000 miles

When I hit a bump with the passenger side front tire at speeds between 40-60 MPH, the car begins to shake violently until the speed slows to about 30 MPH. This happens in motion, on any streets/highways while driving straight or turning.Owner complaint, filed 2018, at 72,000 miles

Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 63,000 miles.

What to check before you buy

• Ask the seller not to warm the car up, and start it cold. Listen for ticking, knocking or a rough idle in the first minute.
• Pull the oil dipstick and the oil cap. Low oil, a gasoline smell or a milky film on the cap are reasons to walk away or get an inspection.
• Plug in an OBD2 scanner. Stored or pending codes matter, and so do readiness monitors that show "not ready", which usually means the codes were cleared right before the sale.
• Ask for oil change records. A gap in the records on a model known for engine complaints is a negotiating point at minimum.

Tools that help

What owners said

The oil filter housing is known to leak, crack or break in standard weather conditions. This can be exacerbated by extreme climate or by simply storing the vehicle outside of a climate controlled area. The hazards posed start with the slow but continuous leak of engine oil from the housing down the transmission and driveline to the…Owner complaint, filed 2026

Loud rattle noise on start up and ticking sound when running. Also using a little antifreeze. There is no antifreeze leaks.Owner complaint, filed 2025

Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 56,000 miles.

What to check before you buy

• Test every switch: windows, locks, mirrors, seat heaters, the screen, the backup camera, Bluetooth and every USB port.
• Watch the dash at startup. Every warning light should come on briefly and then go out.
• Have the battery and charging system tested. A weak alternator or battery drain shows up here.

Tools that help

What owners said

Oil pressure sensor failed. Fixed that. Check engine light came back on with battery light. New alternator. Check engine returned for oil pressure sensor. Temp gauge is fine. Changed oil twice within 3 months. When replacing jeep alternator melting of wires to alternator had occurred. This seems to be an issue with this model.Owner complaint, filed 2025

Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2013 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that while attempting to register the vehicle, it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 60,742 and at the time of registration, it was discovered that the mileage…Owner complaint, filed 2025, at 62,724 miles

Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 46,000 miles.

What to check before you buy

• The pedal should feel firm and the car should stop straight without pulling, grinding or a pulsing pedal.
• The ABS and stability control lights should go out after startup and stay out.
• Look through the wheels at the rotors. A deep lip on the edge means brakes are due soon, which is a fair thing to negotiate on.

Tools that help

What owners said

2013 Jeep Wrangler. Antilock brake warning lights along with anti skid lights are on. Trying to get a new ABS module but no luck. I understand there is a national back order. I also understand it is effecting multiple year models. Which is a safety concern. Also what is being done about this issue?Owner complaint, filed 2026

ABS Module failed rendering my vehicle inoperable. Lost signal to all speed sensors and swaybar. Vehicle is stuck in limp mode. This is my only transportation. Manufacturer should have recalled this years ago, they know it’s a major problem.Owner complaint, filed 2026

Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 58,000 miles.

What to check before you buy

• The air bag (SRS) light should come on at startup and go out within a few seconds. If it stays on, the system may not work in a crash.
• Air bag recalls are some of the most serious. Check this exact VIN for open recalls and get proof any recall work was done.

Tools that help

What owners said

Faulty Clockspring Diagnosed by independent dealer. The occupant restraint system came on my dash about a 2 weeks ago without any warning. The clockspring controls the airbags and puts me and my family at risk for injury.The code reads: Driver Airbag Squib 2 circuit openOwner complaint, filed 2026

2013 Jeep Wrangler, which is currently subject to a manufacturer-issued “Do Not Drive” safety recall involving the driver’s airbag. Upon learning of the recall, I immediately acted responsibly by delivering my vehicle to Romano Chrysler Jeep in Fayetteville, New York, so the required safety repair could be completed. My Jeep has now been…Owner complaint, filed 2026

Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 28,000 miles.

What to check before you buy

• Check every light: headlights on low and high, fog lights, brake lights, turn signals and reverse lights.
• Run the wipers on every speed with washer fluid, and run the defroster front and back.

Tools that help

What owners said

Heater does no blow hot air on drivers sides vents. As a result, this caused a frosted blind spot on the driver's side of window and door glass. PpOwner complaint, filed 2021, at 147,703 miles

While driving on a cold night with no other drivers on the road, my windshield suddenly cracked. I had the defroster on. I've read about hundreds of other people who have had this issue with their jeeps. It's an issue and they don't want to take responsibility for it.Owner complaint, filed 2020, at 45,000 miles

Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 61,000 miles.

What to check before you buy

• Smell around the engine bay and under the rear of the car for raw fuel.
• On the test drive, accelerate firmly from a stop and up a grade. Stumbling, surging or a flashing check engine light are red flags.
• Fuel pump recalls are common. Check this exact VIN for open recalls before you buy.

Tools that help

What owners said

The fuel supply line that attaches to the fuel rail at the engine sprung a leak at the seam were the plastic tube is sealed together. This is a high pressure line. This resulted in fuel being sprayed directly on the hot cylinder head creating a potential fire hazard.Owner complaint, filed 2024

After having my car checked multiple times because the check engine light wouldn't go off, finally came to find that the Fuel Tank was cracked, my car was leaking gas, and the wires by the tank were all corroded. The car was not in an accident.Owner complaint, filed 2023

Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 65,000 miles.

What to check before you buy

• On the test drive, press the gas gently and firmly. The response should be smooth with no lag or surge.
• Set the cruise control, then use resume and cancel to make sure each one works.

Tools that help

What owners said

I was on a highway doing 45 MPH. The speed limit is 55 so I proceeded to pass when it cleared only to have the gas pedal stick. I reached speeds over 90 MPH before I was able to get the edge of my shoe under the pedal to get it unstuck. I was extremely lucky no other vehicle was in front of the one I passed. This could have easily cost…Owner complaint, filed 2018, at 65,000 miles

Driving on highway and factory installed floor mat lodged so the accelerator was depressed. Put vehicle in neutral and the rpms went up to six until I relized what happened and unlodged rubber mat from accelerator.Owner complaint, filed 2017, at 43,150 miles

Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 10,000 miles. Parts named most: Body (16).

What to check before you buy

• Look underneath with a flashlight. Utah road salt is hard on frames, brake lines and the bottoms of doors.
• Open and close every door, the hood and the liftgate, and lock and unlock each one.
• Use a paint thickness gauge and compare panels. A panel that reads very differently from the rest has likely been repaired.

Tools that help

What owners said

The hood latches do not prevent the hood from fluttering at highway speeds. It appears as though the hood latches may fail at any moment.Owner complaint, filed 2019, at 75,000 miles

The hood would flutter at speeds of 70 MPH or more, normally on interstate driving. Seemed worse when high winds (weather) were present. When my hood was damaged by hail in may 2018, I changed the original hood latches also to an [VIN] product that no longer allows the hood to flutter at these speeds. I am the original owner of this…Owner complaint, filed 2019, at 10,000 miles

Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 20,000 miles.

What to check before you buy

• Drive over a few bumps and potholes slowly with the radio off and listen for clunks or rattles.
• Check the tires for uneven wear on the inside or outside edges, a sign of alignment or suspension trouble.
• Look behind the wheels for oily, wet shocks or struts.

Tools that help

What owners said

The jeep was stopped and turned off for over 2 hours. The plug on the electronic sway bar started smoking and then caught fire. Luckily I wasn't too far away and was able to stop the fire from spreadingOwner complaint, filed 2020, at 64,912 miles

The contact owns a 2013 jeep wrangler. While driving highway speeds over a bump in the road, the vehicle suddenly shook, wobbled, and vibrated. The local dealer and [VIN] were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was 25,000. The VIN was unknown.Owner complaint, filed 2019, at 25,000 miles

Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 50,000 miles.

What to check before you buy

• Read the four-digit DOT date on each tire. Tires older than about six years should be replaced, whatever the tread looks like.
• Check tread depth on all four. On AWD vehicles all four tires should match.
• The tire pressure light should go out after startup.

Tools that help

What owners said

Michelin Defender Tire with ~90% tread exploded with no indicators or warning. VDOT repairman indicated that it had exploded from the side. Incident happened on the highway 2/24/24 going 60mph. Jeep did not observe any potholes, road debris, or curbs. I do not do off-roading. Tires had 35psi. I drive average 6000 miles a year. Tire: LT…Owner complaint, filed 2024

I purchased a 2013 jeep wrangler from [VIN] dodge chrysler jeep in [VIN], fl with 8+ year old tires. They are dry rotted. I have ordered new tires but I know the dot says tires should not be on the road after 5 years. I had an accident because of the tires I am thankful I did not hurt anyone else.Owner complaint, filed 2020, at 56,600 miles

Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 45,000 miles.

What to check before you buy

• Pull out and latch every seat belt, and let each one retract on its own.
• Try every seat adjuster, and watch for a passenger air bag "off" light when an adult is in the seat.

Tools that help

What owners said

The contact owns a 2013 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated the driver’s side front seat belt failed to latch securely. The contact stated that the air bag and ABS warning lights were illuminated. The local dealer was contacted, and the contact was informed that the vehicle was not covered under a recall. The vehicle was not diagnosed or…Owner complaint, filed 2022, at 220,000 miles

Drivers seat does not remain in position. Upon entering or exiting vehicle the outside of the seat cushion pushes down on the adjustment handle lowering seats position. The adjustment handle can only be mounted in 120 degree increments so forget truing to change position of the handle as it's to far out of usable position that way.Owner complaint, filed 2016, at 50 miles

What to check before you buy

• Where it is safe, try the adaptive cruise and lane keeping on the test drive and watch for sudden braking or warnings with nothing there.
• Check the windshield in front of the camera and the bumper sensors for cracks, chips or poor repairs.
• Ask whether the windshield has been replaced. The camera has to be recalibrated afterward, and many shops skip it.

Tools that help

What owners said

My dash lights went crazy while driving. I couldn't get the vehicle into the correct gear ( automatic transmission) I shut off waited then restarted drove home. After having the codes scaned it shows C2200 code ( faulty brake ABS module) called dealer they had none to sell or buy and told me no time was given to them when or if it would…Owner complaint, filed 2025

ABS Module Failure and no replacement part available for this vehicle. After researching this issue, it should be a recall based on the highly excessive number of complaints and failures on this part. Has been ongoing for over 4 years and dealership says that Jeep Chrysler is aware of the issue and cannot get the part.Owner complaint, filed 2025