2022 Jeep Wrangler Problems and Top Complaints

The new 2022 Jeep Wrangler is punted as being “tried, tested, and Trail Rated,” and “a legend that keeps evolving.” But, as an 80-year-old brand that is supposedly the original icon of adventure, it’s been causing owners some unwanted adventure in recent years.

Jeep wrangler owners of last year’s model had all kinds of problems, from brake failure that caused a crash to a vehicle bursting into flame and burning out. These aren’t isolated incidents and it is clear that there are lemons on the market.

As Stellantis launches a new Jeep Wrangler model, consumers need to be aware of previous issues, especially because there are no major changes between the two models.

For the record, in October 2021, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) US, LLC and Peugeot Société Anonyme (PSA) merged to form a new company, Stellantis. Jeep is just one of its brands.

What’s New for 2022?

Stellantis released its Jeep Wrangler Fact Sheet on 20 December 2021, which includes what’s new for the 2022 model.

• A 4.88 axle ratio is available on certain Rubicon models with the 3.6-liter V-6 that is equipped with the 8-speed automatic or 6-speed manual.
• Remote Proximity Keyless Entry comes standard on Sahara and Rubicon. It is also in the optional Technology Group for other models.
• Premium audio with an 8.4-inch touchscreen is standard on Sahara and Rubicon.
• A 7-inch touchscreen radio comes standard on Sport and Sport S except for two-door models that don’t have aircon.
• Blue tow hooks are standard on Sahara 4xe.
• A blue pad print is added to all 4xe wheels.
• High Altitude 4xe has a new 20-inch wheel design and exterior mirrors that have integrated turn signals.
• Standard cabin filters remove 95% of air particulates.
• There is one updated exterior color. Silver Zynith replaces Billet Silver.

Additionally, Sting Gray and Hydro Blue are new exterior colors along with Tuscadero, a magenta-pink color that has limited availability. Hellayella and Snazzberry are no longer available.

Interior colors remain the same: black, black/Dark Saddle and Heritage Tan.

What’s the fuel economy for the 2022 Jeep Wrangler?

According to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), consumption of the 2022 Jeep Wrangler 4-door, 2.0 liter, 4-cylinder, automatic 8-speed, turbo, regular gas vehicles will be 20 miles per gallon. Consumption of the hybrid 4xe (same specs as above) will be 49 miles per gallon.

According to the DOE’s Fuel economy website, annual fuel costs are likely to be around $1,900.

Powertrain options include:

• 6.4-liter V8 engine (Rubicon 392)
• A 2-liter turbocharged inline 4-cylinder engine with ESS technology
• A 4-cylinder engineer that is integrated with two electric motors and a 400-volt battery pack (4xe)
• Standard 3.6-liter V6 engine with engine stop-start (ESS) or mild-hybrid e-torque technology
• A 3.0-liter EcoDiesel engine with ESS

What are the Trim Packages & Pricing for the 2022 Wrangler?

Jeep offers a “Build” option on its website, along with starting prices for all 2022 Wrangler models. Some have two- and four-door options, others are only available with four doors:

• Sport – $33,225 – 2/4
• Willys Sport – $35,580 – 2/4
• Sport S – $36,720 -2/4
• Willys – $39,575 – 2/4
• Sport Altitude – $38,715 – 4
• Sport RHD – $39.590 – 4
• Sahara – $40,745 – 4
• Rubicon – $44,295 – 2/4
• Sahara Altitude – $44,340 – 4
• High Altitude – $51,175 – 4
• Rubicon 392 – $75,095 – 4

There are also two 8-speed automatic, plug-in hybrid models:

• Sahara 4xe – $52,530
• Rubicon 4xe – $56,230

Trim choices include:

• Exterior and interior colors
• Wheels and tires
• Top, including the Sunrider flip Top for Hardtop, available on all models
• Door design options – eg hinge-gate reinforcement
• Side steps and running boards
• Exterior mirrors
• Grille
• Stripes and decals
• Fuel-filter door
• Seating configurations
• Entertainment options
• Consoles and storage
• Floor mats
• Locks and keys
• Powertrain options include engine, transmissions, axles, gear ratios, and additional mechanical features – see also Fuel economy above.
• Some models have safety and security systems
• Gorilla glass windshields on Sport S, Sahara, and Rubicon models

Depending on the model, packages include:

• Smoker’s group with cigar lighter and removable ashtray
• Load and towing groups or trailer-tow or heavy-duty electrical group
• Cold weather group options that include heated front seats and steering wheel
• Safety group that includes blind-spot and cross-path detection, LED tail lamps, and the Park Sense rear park assist system
• LED lighting group that include front fog lamps
• Steel bumper group
• Xtreme Recon 35-inch tire package for the Willys, Rubicon, and Rubicon 392
• Quick Order Packages for Willys, Willys Sport, Sport, and Sport S models

What Technology does the 2022 Jeep Wrangler Have?

Top technology features include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for entertainment.

There are more than 75 safety and security available features. These include blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-path detection, as well as adaptive cruise control and forward-collision warning. There is also standard electronic stability control (ESC), hill-start assist, and brake-traction control.

There is an optional TrailCam forward-facing off-road camera with 8.4-inch touchscreens.

Common Problems from Last Year’s Model

Some alarming issues affected the previous year’s Jeep Wrangler. A large percentage seems to impact the potential safety of the model, including serious steering defects.

Most complaints to NHTSA involve serious, potentially dangerous issues, many of which complainants say dealers have not been able to fix. There are too many to cover here, but clearly, many of these owners need experienced lemon law attorneys to help them resolve major problems.

You can also read about the issues we covered in an earlier article that highlights engine issues, defective steering, visibility, and other problems.

NHTSA reports handling 104 complaints about this model Jeep Wrangler, which was 85 less than in 2020. There has only been one recall, which is a significant improvement over 2020 when there were five recalls. But problems continue to be significant.

Complaints About the 2021 Wrangler:

There were 104 complaints to the NHTSA about the previous model Jeep Wrangler. They related to 17 varied issues, one of which resulted in a recall (see below).

• Airbags
• Backover prevention
• Electrical system
• Engine
• Engine and engine cooling
• Exterior lighting
• Fuel/propulsion system
• Powertrain
• Seat belts
• Seats
• Visibility/wiper
• Service brakes
• Vehicle speed control
• Steering
• Suspension
• Tires
• Wheels
• Unknown/other, including design flaws and software code faults

The NHTSA reports the most common complaints were about the electrical system and engine (35 each), followed by steering (31) and powertrain issues (16).

Complaint Examples

One notable complaint was from a vehicle owner in Texas during May 2021 whose complaint relates to the engine, electrical system, and fuel/propulsion system of his/her jeep.

After seven months he/she was still without a vehicle because attempts to fix it were unsuccessful. The complaint states that there are 17 unresolved “trouble codes”. Alarmingly, the dealer reports that FCA advised the vehicle could not go back on the road until repaired because it could catch fire or even explode!

Several of the complainants report vehicles catching on fire. One vehicle with only 1,900 miles on the clock caught on fire and was destroyed because of a gas leak. Several other vehicle owners reported problems within the first week of taking possession of new vehicles, one with only 105 miles on the clock!

Another NHTSA complaint relates to a catastrophic failure of the clutch pressure plate, which is the reason for many recalls. The software update didn’t work and the dealer refuses to repair the damage done to the engine. And another experienced brake failure two weeks after purchase.

Yet another complainant had a crash caused by a brake malfunction. To make matters worse, the airbags didn’t deploy. Luckily, NHTSA reports that no one was injured.

Additionally, several vehicle owners have been faced with the harsh reality that their vehicles cannot be fixed for months because of a shortage of spare parts.

Recalls of the Jeep Wrangler During 2021

In March 2021, FCA notified 42,887 Jeep Wrangler and Jeep Gladiator consumers that their 2021 model vehicles had been recalled due to a powertrain issue. Following complaints, they discovered that the clutch pressure plate in certain manual transmission models may overheat, which might increase the risk of a fire.

They warned that overheating could damage other components and cause a loss of drive. It could also result in debris falling onto the road. All of this increased the risk of a crash.

hrysler asked owners to take their vehicles back to their dealers. The solution was that they could fit software that would reduce engine torque capability when the clutch assembly reached a temperature that could damage the inner pressure plate. This would be done at no cost to the owners.

According to NHTSA, FCA ordered a stop-sale from 25 February 2021 for vehicles affected by this fault.

While the number of recalls dropped from 2020-2021, two of the five sets of 2020 model recalls were also due to clutch pressure plates possibly overheating.

The NHTSA data indicates that this has been an issue for the 2018-2021 Jeep Wrangler models. Will it be any different for the 2022 model?

What to Expect From Your 2022 Jeep Wrangler – Will You Buy a Lemon?

Even though you know in advance what components of the 2022 Jeep Wrangler might be problematic, it’s impossible to identify a lemon on the shop floor.

If you find your new Wrangler is a lemon, Lemberg Law can help you. If it is a lemon, we can negotiate a replacement vehicle, buyback, or refund at no cost to you.

About the Author:

Brian Jones spent more than 20 years working as an ASE Certified Master Tech and Parts Specialist at multiple dealerships. Brian has become an authority in the industry, traveling across the country to consult for car dealerships and contributing his expertise as a writer for several major automotive publications. In his spare time, Brian enjoys working on pickup trucks, muscle cars, Jeeps and anything related to motorsports.

See more posts from Brian Jones