An iconic off-roader with modern turbo power and strong off-road capability, but not without issues. The JL generation marked a significant upgrade over previous Wranglers with better on-road manners and improved reliability ratings, particularly the 2022+ models. However, the 2.0T engine suffers from timing chain tensioner issues causing cold start rattle (typically 60,000-100,000 km), turbo actuator failures from gentle driving, and carbon buildup on intake valves due to direct injection. Death wobble remains a concern on 2018-2021 models built before TSB fixes. Corrosion issues affect door hinges and frame welds on all model years due to dissimilar metal galvanic reaction. First-year 2018 models had the most issues; 2022-2023 are significantly improved with fewer complaints.
Tensioner loses pressure overnight causing 1-30 second rattle on cold start · more· less
The EA211-based 2.0T has a timing chain tensioner with a release valve that weakens over time, allowing oil pressure to bleed off overnight. This results in a distinctive rattle for 1-30 seconds on cold start, typically occurring between 60,000-100,000 km. If rattle lasts more than a few seconds, the chain, guides, tensioner, and sprockets all need replacing. VW/FCA has updated the tensioner part. Ignoring this can lead to chain skip and catastrophic valve/piston contact requiring engine rebuild.
Turbo actuator failure / sticking€500 - €2,500
Wastegate sticks from gentle driving, causes EPC light and limp mode · more· less
The turbo actuator tends to stick if driven too gently or only for short trips, as carbon builds up. Symptoms include EPC warning light and limp mode. Jeep won't sell the actuator separately - actuator-only repair at specialist costs €500-600, but if turbo internals are damaged, full turbo replacement runs €1,400-2,500. Using premium fuel (91+ octane) and regular spirited driving helps prevent this. Some turbos have failed as early as 46,000 km; the part is on its 8th revision since 2018 launch.
Death wobble (steering/suspension)€300 - €1,500
Violent steering oscillation at highway speeds, mainly 2018-2021 models · more· less
Death wobble is a rapid oscillating in steering components causing the steering wheel to shake violently side to side, typically above 70 km/h after hitting a bump. TSB 02-004-21-REV A addresses front lower ball joints loosening on JL/JT vehicles built between 16 Sept 2020 and 4 Aug 2021. Another TSB addresses steering damper air intrusion in cold temps. Common causes: loose track bar bolts, worn ball joints, steering damper failure, or wheel bearing wear. A class action lawsuit covered approximately 192,000 vehicles (2018-2020 models). Ball joint retorque costs €100-200, full suspension inspection/repair €300-1,500.
Aluminum doors meet steel bolts causing bubbling paint, affects all model years · more· less
Stellantis uses unprimed steel bolts on unprimed aluminum door hinges, causing galvanic corrosion. Paint bubbles appear on door hinges, lower door panels, hood, tailgate. Frame welds show rust spreading under factory paint due to poor weld quality and lack of primer. A class action lawsuit (Orozco vs FCA) alleges this is a design defect. Corrosion warranty covers perforation but aluminum doesn't perforate easily. TSB from March 2018 recommends dealer refinishing (€1,000-1,200 per area), but fixes don't prevent recurrence. European models covered by 2-year warranty, UK got 5-year promotion. Prevention: annual Fluid Film or Woolwax application.
Carbon buildup on intake valves (direct injection)€400 - €800
Direct injection means no fuel washing valves, carbon accumulates over time · more· less
The 2.0T uses direct injection - fuel sprays into the combustion chamber, bypassing intake valves. PCV blowby deposits on valve backs, and heat bakes it into carbon. This prevents valves from closing fully, causing misfires and rough running. More common with short trips and gentle driving. Prevention: 5,000 km oil change intervals (not 10,000), Top Tier fuel with additives, occasional hard acceleration to redline (Italian tune-up). Cleaning requires professional walnut blasting every 80,000-120,000 km. Oil catch cans help but aren't essential for this engine.
Uconnect infotainment system failures€300 - €1,200
Screen freezing, endless reboots, audio cutting out - very common on JL · more· less
The 8.4" Uconnect 4C NAV system and newer Uconnect 5 suffer chronic issues. Over-the-air updates caused endless reboots, losing radio, navigation, and rear camera. Symptoms: screen freezing requiring multiple resets, complete audio loss, CarPlay unresponsive, random 1-2 second blackouts. 2024 models with Uconnect 5 described as "horrendous software" with random restarts. Dealers charge €300-1,000 for software updates. Factory reset helps 99% of issues. In extreme cases, complete instrument cluster failure recall (32,863 vehicles 2018-2024). Replacement cluster under recall is free.
Water leaks (hardtop, doors, A-pillar)€200 - €800
Freedom panels, door seals, hardtop bolts allow water intrusion · more· less
Water leaks are a known Wrangler characteristic worsened by off-road use accumulating dirt on seals. Common entry points: dirty rubber seals on freedom panels, loose hardtop bolts (8 total), blocked drainage tubes in freedom panel corners, misaligned door seals, loose windshield frame bolts. Wranglers don't have factory body-side seals. Solutions: clean all seals regularly, use 303 Aerospace Protectant (not Armor All), snug hardtop screws twice yearly, check freedom panel installation order. Warranty covers leak repairs. Aftermarket "Jeep Noodles" (€200-400) rebuild door seal compression. Some owners pursued Lemon Law settlements.
ZF 8HP is reliable, but FCA software causes clunking and harsh shifts · more· less
The 850RE (FCA-built variant of ZF 8HP50) is generally reliable but suffers from poor software programming. Common complaints: excessive engine braking, won't upshift after hard acceleration, occasional hard downshift clunk, reluctant shifting in 4L. Some units shipped with low fluid levels. Despite "lifetime fill" marketing, 80,000 km fluid/filter changes recommended. Requires specific ZF Lifeguard 8 fluid (€100+). Transmission slipping is rare - one 2020 needed replacement at 22,000 km. Dealer flush machines recommended over DIY drain as much fluid remains in valve body and torque converter.
Axle seal leaks (front/rear differential)€200 - €600
Some axle shafts not in spec, causing repeated seal failures · more· less
Service bulletin addresses defective axle shafts that repeatedly cause seal leaks - shafts may be out of round or bent. Some 2020 models leaked both axles at just 800 km. Clogged differential breather causes pressure buildup forcing fluid past seals. Differential locker sensor seals on Dana 44 M210 axles also leak. Repair costs €600 at dealer, seals are €10 each (Spicer 2013455). Use OEM Mopar/Spicer seals, not aftermarket. Driving with leak is okay short-term if fluid topped off, but monitor level to prevent differential damage. Inner seals can be damaged during axle installation.
High oil consumption€50 - €200
Turbocharged engines consume more oil than naturally aspirated · more· less
High oil consumption is frequently reported among 2.0T owners. All turbocharged engines consume some oil, but if excessive it indicates worn piston rings, valve seals, or turbo oil seals. Most consumption is normal turbo operation - oil cools and lubricates the turbo bearings. Use high-quality full synthetic oil (Mobil 1 recommended) changed every 5,000-7,000 km, not the 10,000 km interval Jeep suggests. Monitor oil level every 1,000 km. Oil leaks can occur from faulty oil cooler or worn oil pan gasket. One owner reported no oil consumption at 160,000 km with frequent changes.
Wind noise (door seals, A-pillar)€100 - €400
Wranglers lack body-side seals, wind enters at multiple points · more· less
Common wind entry points: door seals, A-pillar seals (upper front corners), B-pillar, mid-door zones. Wranglers were never built with body-side seals. First-batch 2018 JLs had windshield seal issues causing excessive noise, fixed by adjusting hinge bolts. Bad/incorrectly installed door seals do happen from factory. Cold weather makes seals contract, worsening gaps. Solutions: warranty replacement of weatherstripping (some seals on backorder 5 months), use 303 protectant to lubricate seals, blue painter's tape diagnostic method (tape sections until leak stops), aftermarket "Jeep Noodles" to rebuild seal compression, check freedom top seating, adjust windshield hinge bolts.
Improved over JK generation but still has notable issues
The JL generation (2018+) is significantly more reliable than previous Wranglers, with the 2022 model achieving an 86/100 J.D. Power score (highest in Wrangler history). However, the 2.0T engine has specific concerns: timing chain rattle, turbo actuator failures, and carbon buildup. First-year 2018 models suffered the most issues with over 1,600 NHTSA complaints; by 2022 this dropped to under 150. Death wobble mainly affects 2018-2021 models built before TSB fixes. Corrosion is a design flaw affecting all years. Budget for higher maintenance than Japanese competitors, but the JL offers strong off-road capability and resale value that few rivals match.
Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
General checks
Service history
Complete Jeep dealer or authorized specialist records essential. Verify oil changes at 5,000-7,000 km intervals (not 10,000).
Tires
Rubicon uses 285/70R17 (33"). Check tread depth, age codes, uneven wear. All-terrain tires wear faster than highway tires.
Cold start test
CRITICAL: Must start engine completely cold (parked overnight). Listen for timing chain rattle in first 30 seconds. Any rattle = major issue.
Body condition
Check for rust on door hinges, hood, tailgate. Inspect frame welds for corrosion spreading under paint.
Test drive
Minimum 30 minutes including highway speeds (100+ km/h) to check for death wobble. Drive over bumps/potholes.
Specific for this vehicle
Cold start timing chain rattle test
Start engine completely cold and listen for rattling in first 30 seconds. Rattle lasting more than 2-3 seconds indicates worn tensioner requiring €1,000-2,200 repair. This is THE most important check for the 2.0T engine.
Check for EPC warning light / turbo actuator
Drive for 20+ minutes. Watch for EPC light with loss of power (indicates turbo actuator sticking). Ask owner about driving patterns - only short trips increases risk. Test hard acceleration from standstill to ensure turbo spools properly.
Death wobble test (highway speed)
Drive at 100-120 km/h over uneven pavement or hit a pothole. Any violent steering wheel oscillation = death wobble. Check build date - vehicles built Sept 2020 to Aug 2021 need ball joint TSB. Inspect all suspension components for wear.
Corrosion inspection (door hinges, frame)
Examine ALL door hinges for paint bubbling or flaking. Check lower door panels, hood, tailgate. Inspect frame welds underneath for rust spreading under factory paint. Early 2018-2019 models worst affected. Take photos and request repair estimate.
Water leak test (hardtop and doors)
Check carpet/floor for dampness or mold smell. Inspect freedom panel seals for dirt/damage. Verify all 8 hardtop bolts are snug. Check door seals for gaps or deterioration. Request car wash test if possible.
Uconnect system functionality
Test ALL infotainment functions: radio, navigation, backup camera, CarPlay/Android Auto. Try multiple restarts. Screen should not freeze, reboot, or blackout. Audio should play without dropouts. 2024 Uconnect 5 models have worst issues.
Check all recalls and TSBs completed
Use VIN to verify: clutch recall (manual trans), instrument cluster recall (2018-2024), fuel pump module TSB, death wobble TSBs (ball joints, steering damper), water pump inlet tube torque (2.0L). Get documentation from seller.
Axle seal leak inspection
Check both front and rear differential areas for oil seepage. Look for fresh oil on axle tubes, differential housing, or ground underneath. Some 2020 models leaked at very low mileage. Check differential fluid level if possible.
8-speed transmission operation
Transmission should shift smoothly without hard clunks. Test in normal and sport mode. Drive for 15+ minutes until fully warmed. Occasional downshift clunk is normal but shouldn't be harsh. Check fluid level (dealer-only procedure). Service records should show fluid change at 80,000 km.
Carbon buildup symptoms check
Start cold and note if engine idles rough or misfires. Check for check engine light codes (P0300-P0304 = misfires). Ask about fuel type used - should be 91+ octane for best results. Higher mileage (100,000+ km) vehicles should have valve cleaning documented.
Contact a Jeep dealer with the VIN to verify all recalls have been completed. Many TSBs (Technical Service Bulletins) are not recalls and won't be performed unless specifically requested. The death wobble TSBs are particularly important for 2018-2021 models. Check Mopar.com or NHTSA Safercar.gov for your specific VIN.
Warranty Status (Netherlands/Europe)
Factory warranty (Standard EU)2 years unlimited km
UK 5-3-5 promotion (if applicable)5 year warranty / 120,000 km
Corrosion perforation warranty (EU)Varies by country - check local terms
Powertrain warranty (US comparison)5 years / 96,000 km (US only)
European warranty terms differ significantly from US
Standard European Jeep warranty is 24 months with unlimited mileage, covering manufacturing defects with genuine or reconditioned parts. UK models sold from 2018 received a promotional 5-year warranty plus 3-year servicing and 5-year roadside assistance. For used vehicles, most will be outside factory warranty. Extended warranty (Mopar Vehicle Protection) available through dealers. Always use authorized Jeep repair centers to maintain warranty validity. Check specific terms for your country as they vary across Europe.
This report is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Estimates may be inaccurate. Always have a qualified specialist inspect the vehicle before purchase. We accept no liability for decisions made based on this information.