2021-2025 Jeep Wrangler 4xe Loss of Engine Power Problem

Problem Deep Dive

Updated on December 31st, 2025 Author: Sergei Lemberg

My name is Sergei Lemberg. For more than two decades, I have reviewed consumer complaints involving serious vehicle defects, including sudden loss of power as part of lemon law cases. Recently, I have been tracking reports involving the 2020 through 2025 Jeep Wrangler 4xe, where owners consistently describe unexpected shutdowns, hybrid system warnings, and vehicles that lose power without warning.

When a problem follows the same pattern across multiple model years, and when multiple recalls are issued, I take notice. Based on what I have reviewed, loss of power issues in the Wrangler 4xe are not isolated events, and similar complaints continue to appear in later model year releases. I reviewed hundreds of consumer complaints and numerous recall documents.

Let’s take a closer look.

Understanding the 4xe Power Loss Issue

Based on the complaints I reviewed, power loss in the Jeep Wrangler 4xe tends to show up in a few repeat scenarios. Although the warning messages and symptoms may vary, the outcome is often the same: reduced power, sudden shutdown, or a vehicle that will not restart.

Hybrid and electric mode failures

Many owners report problems while driving in hybrid mode or full electric mode. In these situations, the dashboard may display a “service electric hybrid system” warning, often accompanied by constant chimes. At the same time, the vehicle may hesitate, jerk, or fail to maintain speed. Some drivers describe the Wrangler 4xe struggling to deliver consistent power, especially during acceleration.

Unexpected shutdowns while driving

More serious reports involve the vehicle shutting off completely while in motion. Owners describe driving normally when the electric range runs out, followed by an abrupt loss of power. In these moments, the engine stalls, warning lights illuminate, and the vehicle may coast without propulsion. Restarting is not always possible.

No-start conditions and temporary resets

After a shutdown, some owners report that the vehicle will not restart at all. In several complaints, drivers say they were only able to get the Wrangler 4xe running again by disconnecting and reconnecting the 12-volt battery. Even then, the vehicle may run rough, display persistent warning lights, or return to the dealership shortly afterward.

Together, these scenarios reflect a consistent pattern. The issue is not limited to one driving mode or one condition. Instead, owners report power loss during everyday use, which is why these complaints continue to raise safety and reliability concerns.

Example Complaints

“Continued “service electric hybrid system” error on dash with dinging noise. The vehicle does not run properly in hybrid mode or electric mode, does not always want to maintain power. Causes jerking movements when accelerating in hybrid mode. Will not run only the ICE in e save mode.”

“The engine is running rough and loses power when it turns on for the first time and speeding up around 6th gear. Also the 2nd gear takes about 3-5 sec to downshift and you lose the opportunity to step on the gas hard or it will slam into another gear. The lose of power and random shifting causes you to slow down and not able to get out of the way or drive well esp. on the highway. The jeep dealer wants to keep the car for 4 days to trouble shoot. No lights or warnings it constantly does this and seems there is a tuning or computer issue. The car only has 8000 miles on it.”

“While driving in hybrid and the electric range ran out the Jeep shut off while driving. Wouldn’t start, had to remove the 12v battery positive and reconnect to start. Check engine light came on and truck ran rough. Safety issue with the truck shutting off while driving”

4xe Recalls

As I reviewed owner complaints, I also examined recall documents issued for the Jeep Wrangler 4xe. Several recalls address different components of the vehicle, including the engine, high-voltage battery, and software systems. Although the technical details vary, each recall involves conditions that can affect vehicle operation and, in some cases, result in loss of power. Below is a summary of the major recalls tied to these issues and what each one covers.

• 25V710 – FOTA software causing hybrid control processor resets and loss of motive power
• 24V720 – Original high-voltage battery separator defect
• 25V741 – Expanded battery recall after the 24V720 remedy proved ineffective
• 25V766 – Engine sand contamination causing catastrophic failure and loss of propulsion

Recall 25V710 – Software Communication Failure Causing Power Loss

This recall directly addresses loss of motive power caused by software-related communication failures.

Vehicles impacted

• Approximately 24,238 Jeep Wrangler 4xe vehicles
• Model years 2023–2025
• Production dates: February 21, 2023 to June 5, 2025

Issue identified

• A firmware over-the-air (FOTA) update may cause incomplete communication between:
• The Telematics Box Module (TBM)
• The Hybrid Control Processor (HCP)
• Incomplete communication may cause the HCP to reset while driving

Recall remedy

• An interim backend software update was implemented
• Final remedy was under development at the time of filing

Owner notification

• Dealer notification expected: October 23, 2025
• Owner notification expected: November 25–26, 2025

Recall 24V720 – High-Voltage Battery Defect

This recall focuses on battery cell defects that may lead to fire risk and vehicle instability.

Vehicles impacted

• Approximately 118,230 Jeep Wrangler 4xe vehicles
• Model years 2020–2024
• Production dates: July 1, 2020 to November 16, 2023

Issue identified

• Battery packs may contain cells with separator damage
• Separator damage may lead to thermal events, including fires

Recall remedy

• Battery pack control module software update
• High-voltage battery replacement if needed
• FCA US acknowledged prior remedies may not detect all abnormalities

Owner notification

• Dealer notification expected: October 3, 2024
• Owner notification expected: October 17–29, 2024

Recall 25V741 – Expanded High-Voltage Battery Defect

This recall was issued after FCA determined that an earlier high-voltage battery recall did not fully resolve the underlying defect. It significantly expands the affected population and applies even to some vehicles that previously received recall repairs.

Vehicles impacted

• Approximately 228,221 Jeep Wrangler 4xe vehicles
• Model years 2020–2025
• Production dates: July 1, 2020 to August 25, 2025

Issue identified

• High-voltage battery packs may contain cells susceptible to separator damage
• Separator damage, combined with other internal cell interactions, may lead to battery failure or fire
• FCA determined that this defect can exist outside the scope of the earlier battery recall and may persist even after prior recall remedies

Recall remedy

• Final remedy was under development at the time of the filing
• Owners received interim safety instructions while a permanent fix was being developed

Owner notification

• Dealer notification expected: November 6, 2025
• Interim owner notification expected: December 2–9, 2025

Recall 25V766 – Engine Contamination and Loss of Propulsion

This recall involves a manufacturing issue that can result in catastrophic engine failure and sudden loss of power.

Vehicles impacted

• Approximately 76,019 Jeep Wrangler 4xe vehicles
• Model years 2024–2025
• Production dates: June 7, 2023 to March 4, 2025

Issue identified

• Engines may be contaminated with sand from the casting process
• Sand contamination can damage internal engine components
• This may lead to catastrophic engine failure, vehicle fire, or unexpected and unrecoverable loss of propulsion

Recall remedy

• Final remedy was under development at the time of filing
• Owners were advised not to drive and to park outside

Owner notification

• Dealer notification expected: November 13, 2025
• Interim owner notification expected: December 29–31, 2025

Why Power Loss Complaints Continue

What stood out to me is that power loss complaints continue even after recall activity. In many cases, owners experienced shutdowns before recall notices were mailed or while remedies were still under development. In other cases, drivers report that the same loss of power symptoms returned after recall repairs were completed.

What also stood out is that, although the recalls involve different components, the result for drivers is often the same. Whether tied to software, battery systems, or engine issues, owners continue to describe sudden loss of propulsion during normal driving. As a result, power loss complaints have persisted across multiple Wrangler 4xe model years.

What Owners Can Do if Their Wrangler 4xe Loses Power

If your Jeep Wrangler 4xe has experienced a loss of power, staying organized can help you understand what happened and what steps may follow. Based on the complaints I reviewed, clear documentation often becomes important when these issues repeat.

Helpful steps to take include:

• Keep all repair orders and diagnostic reports from each dealership visit
• Save tow receipts and roadside assistance records
• Write down the date, mileage, speed, and driving conditions when the power loss occurred
• Track how long the vehicle is out of service after each incident
• Save emails, texts, and written communications with the dealer or manufacturer
• Note whether recall repairs were performed and whether the symptoms returned afterward

Taking Action: What to Do

If your Jeep Wrangler 4xe has experienced repeated loss of power or unresolved recall-related issues, it may help to understand what options are available. Ongoing shutdowns, extended downtime, or problems that continue after repairs are issues we regularly review.

Lemberg Law represents consumers on a contingency basis. There is no upfront cost, and we do not get paid unless there is a recovery. Contact Lemberg Law today for a free case evaluation and get clarity on your situation.

Sources:

1. 2023 NHTSA Complaints
2. 2024 NHTSA Complaints
3. 2025 NHTSA Complaints
4. Recall No. 25V710
5. Recall No. 24V720
6. Recall No. 25V741
7. Recall No. 25V766

About the Author:

Sergei Lemberg is an attorney focusing on consumer law, class actions related to automotive issues, and personal injury litigation. With nearly two decades of experience, his areas of practice include Lemon Law (vehicle defects), Debt Collection Harassment, TCPA (illegal robocalls and texts), Fair Credit Reporting Act, Overtime claims, Personal Injury cases, and Class Actions. He has consistently been recognized as the nation's "most active consumer attorney." In 2020, Mr. Lemberg represented Noah Duguid before the United States Supreme Court in the landmark case Duguid v. Facebook. He is also the author of "Defanging Debt Collectors," a guide that empowers consumers to fight back against debt collectors and prevail, as well as "Lemon Law 101: The Laws That Lemon Dealers Don't Want You to Know."

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