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2013 Jeep Wrangler Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

The 2013 Jeep Wrangler carries 7 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering inflator module and anchorage. Owners report 8 recurring issue clusters, led by “Rocker arm ticking noise in 3.6L Pentastar engine.” Jeep vehicles use the Oil Change Indicator system to signal when oil is due. Wrangler and Gladiator owners who actually use 4WD off-road should treat the schedule below as Schedule A (severe) — water crossings, sand, and rock crawling demand differential and transfer case service at half the published intervals. Grand Cherokee and Cherokee follow the standard Mopar schedule.

7 Open Recalls

Source: NHTSA

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Campaign #19V018000 · Jan 15, 2019

Issue: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2010 Dodge Ram 3500, Ram 4500/5500, 2010-2011 Dodge Dakota, 2010-2014 Dodge Challenger, 2010-2015 Dodge Challenger, Chrysler 300, and 2010-2016 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to explode.

Risk: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag, the inflator could explode with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.

Fix: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the recall repair is complete. Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began February 4, 2019. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is V01.

SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE

Campaign #19V680000 · Sep 26, 2019

Issue: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2011-2018 Jeep Wrangler right hand drive vehicles. The driver's seat belt buckle mounting strap may fracture and separate from the seat frame.

Risk: A separated or severed seat belt buckle strap will result in an inoperable seat belt, increasing the risk of injury in the event of a crash.

Fix: FCA US will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's seat belt buckle, free of charge. Interim notices informing owners of the safety risk were mailed November 19, 2019. Owners will received a second letter and the recall began March 26, 2020. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is VA6.

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Campaign #18V021000 · Sep 1, 2018

Issue: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Jeep Wrangler, Chrysler 300, Dodge Challenger and Dodge Charger vehicles, and 2009-2011 Dodge Dakota vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands or "Zone A." Additionally, Chrysler is recalling certain 2009-2010 RAM 4500 Cab Chassis, RAM 5500 Cab Chassis, RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, Jeep Wrangler, Chrysler 300, Dodge Dakota, Dodge Challenger, and Dodge Charger vehicles ever registered in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia or "Zone B." Chrysler is also recalling certain 2009 RAM 3500, RAM 2500, RAM 4500 Cab Chassis, RAM 5500 Cab Chassis, Dodge Durango, Chrysler Aspen, RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, Jeep Wrangler, Chrysler 300, Dodge Dakota, Dodge Challenger, and Dodge Charger vehicles ever registered in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these passenger air bag inflator may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.

Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Fix: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the recall repair is complete. Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began February 28, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U03.

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Campaign #16V288000 · Nov 5, 2016

Issue: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2011-2016 Right Hand Drive Jeep Wrangler vehicles manufactured February 16, 2010, to May 2, 2016. The clockspring assembly may become contaminated with dust and cause the air bag circuit to fail.

Risk: Failure of the air bag circuit may prevent the driver's frontal air bag from deploying in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the clockspring, wheel back cover, and column shroud, free of charge. The recall began on August 11, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S40.

EQUIPMENT

Campaign #13E010000 · Feb 25, 2013

Issue: Quadratec, Inc. is recalling certain aftermarket accessory, driver-side, Ultimate Floor Liners part numbers 14254.0301 07, 14254.0301 08, 14254.0301Q, 14254.0302 07, 14254.0302 08, 14254.0302Q, 14254.0303 07, 14254.0303 08, 14254.0303Q, 14254.0309 07, 14254.0309 08, and 14254.0309Q sold from May 1, 2012, through February 14, 2013. The liners are for use in 2007-2013 Jeep Wranglers. The anchor point for the affected floor liners may tear during use, particularly when exposed to high temperatures. The tearing may allow the floor liner to shift forward.

Risk: If the liner shifts forward it may impede the operation of the accelerator and possibly lead to unintended acceleration, which may increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: Quadratec will notify owners and either exchange the liners or provide them with a hook guard kit to help secure the driver-side mat, free of charge. The recall began on April 4, 2013. Owners may contact Quadratec at 1-800-463-2998 or info@quadratec.com.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Campaign #14V631000 · Aug 10, 2014

Issue: Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2011-2013 Jeep Wrangler vehicles manufactured February 16, 2010, to July 19, 2013. Corrosion in the exterior heated power mirror electrical connector may result in an electrical short.

Risk: An electrical short increases the risk of a fire.

Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will move the exterior mirror power feed to a separate connector, free of charge. Chrysler issued an interim notification to owners on December 8, 2014. The recall began on March 3, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is P61.

STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS

Campaign #13V234000 · Apr 6, 2013

Issue: Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 Jeep Wrangler vehicles equipped with a 3.6L engine and an automatic transmission and manufactured January 23, 2011, through February 23, 2013. The power steering line may contact and wear a hole in the transmission oil cooler line resulting in a loss of transmission fluid.

Risk: A loss of transmission fluid may result in a loss of transmission function which may increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the power steering return tube assembly, free of charge. The recall began on September 23, 2013. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. Chrysler's recall campaign number is N28.

Recall data refreshed Sep 6, 2026.

Known issues for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2013 Jeep Wrangler.

1 active NHTSA investigation

Source: NHTSA

  • Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture

    Action #EA21002 · opened Sep 17, 2021

    From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 200…

    View on NHTSA →

Reported to NHTSA

Rocker arm ticking noise in 3.6L Pentastar engine

ENGINE

9 NHTSA complaints · 2019-02 → 2025-04

“At around 85k miles the vehicle began developing a loud tick. It appears every vehicle with this motor or similar motor with the same internal Valve Rocker Arms have this problem. This Jeep problem is so bad that the parts are on a 2 month back order and every dealer admits”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11518049
“ENGINE BEGAN MAKING TICKING NOISE FROM ENGINE BAY AT ABOUT 77,000 MILES. JEEP HAS BEEN SERVICED AS REQUIRED WITH QUALITY SYNTHETIC OIL AND FILTERS SINCE NEW. DONE MORE OFTEN THAN JEEP REQUIRES. TOOK TO DEALER WHO AGREED IT WAS MAKING NOISE AND NEEDED FIXED. WHEN VALVE COVERS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11203950

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Fuel supply line leak onto hot engine

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

6 NHTSA complaints · 2021-08 → 2024-05

“The contact owns a 2013 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, he noticed a strong gasoline odor. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact was able to drive to his residence and turn off the vehicle. The contact stated as he opened the hood of the”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11430474
“The Fuel Supply Tube part #68141849AD cracked, causing fuel to leak into the engine bay when the car was started. The entire cabin filled with gas fumes so intensely my eyes would water”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11542431

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

ABS control module internal failure

SERVICE BRAKES

25 NHTSA complaints · 2023-11 → 2026-07

“Had this 2013 Jeep Wrangler since new and has ABS module internal failure code C2200. ABS, ANTI SKID, BRAKE lights are constantly lit on the dashboard. No ABS on this Jeep making it unsafe in an emergency braking situation which could cause a crash. Have tried for over a year”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11747157
“The ABS module that controls the antilock braking system is defective for mine and many other Jeeps from 2013-2017. Jeep is no longer manufacturing this part, and essentially this renders the vehicle undriveable. I have sought modules both locally and online, and the experts”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11722228

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Clockspring failure disabling horn and steering controls

AIR BAGS

20 NHTSA complaints · 2019-03 → 2026-08

“The clockspring went bad, but the recall for that only applies to 2007-2010 Jeep Wranglers. The airbag light is on, my horn does not work, and the buttons on my steering wheel don't work”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11732766
“Recently had my traction control and air bag lights illuminate, at the same time my horn quit, steering wheel controls no longer work and cruise control is out. After some research, I am quite sure it's a faulty clock spring”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11486745

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Takata airbag recall replacement parts backorder

AIR BAGS

10 NHTSA complaints · 2019-02 → 2026-07

“RE:RECALL#V01...RECEIVED URGENT NOTICICATION FROM FCA REGARDING AIR BAG EXPLOSION CONTAINING "SHRAPNEL" (THEIR WORDS), WHICH CAN KILL OR SERIOUSLY INJURE OCCUPANTS. NOTICE STATED "PARTS ARE AVAILABLE." NOTIFIED BY DEALER 7/19 THAT THERE ARE NO PARTS - MINIMUM 4 MONTH WAIT. 4”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11233445
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 JEEP WRANGLER. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V021000 (AIR BAGS). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. SWAMPEES AUTO DODGE RAM FIAT JEEP OF PHOENIX (16406”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11189982

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Oil filter housing cracking and leaking

ENGINE

12 NHTSA complaints · 2019-07 → 2026-02

“THE OIL FILTER HOUSING/COOLING ASSEMBLY IS PLASTIC, CHEAP, AND LOCATED RIGHT IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ENGINE. MINE, ALONG WITH MANY OTHER JEEPS OF THIS MAKE AND MODEL HAVE THEM FAIL WELL UNDER 30,000 MILES. THIS CAUSES MASSIVE ENGINE OIL LOSS WHICH IN TURN CAUSES ENGINE DAMAGE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11307610
“Motor rocker arm failed possibly damaged motor. Engine oil cooler cracked. Leaking oil over my exhaust. Possibly causing fire”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11502378

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Unexpected engine stall while driving

ENGINE

17 NHTSA complaints · 2019-05 → 2023-08

“when while I’m driving the vehicle will turn off . I already have this situation happened to me so many times while there’s cars next to me or in face of me”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11496190
“MY 2013 JEEP WRANGLER ENGINE SHUTS DOWN VERY INTERMITTENTLY WHEN DRIVING AT INTERSTATE SPEEDS AND CITY SPEEDS, IT HAS HAPPENED MANY TIMES, LEAVING ME WITH NO POWER STEERING OR POWER BRAKES, I FIND THIS A SAFTY HAZZARD... IT'S BEEN TO THE DEALERSHIP FOUR TIMES WITHOUT ANYTHING”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11270872

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Front suspension high-speed wobble

SUSPENSION

8 NHTSA complaints · 2019-03 → 2023-10

“DRIVING THIS JEEP HIT A BUMP JEEP GOES INTO A DEATH WABBLE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11472870
“TL* 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 MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11186845

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Note: NHTSA also opened 3 defect investigation(s) on this vehicle that closed without action.

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 11, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 11, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Engine Oil & Filter

Every 8,000 mi

Pentastar 3.6L: SAE 0W-20 every 8,000 miles. Wrangler 392 6.4L HEMI: SAE 5W-20 every 8,000 miles. EcoDiesel 3.0L: 10,000 miles. 4xe plug-in hybrid: 8,000 miles or annually.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Tire Rotation

Every 8,000 mi

Rotate tires every 8,000 miles. Wrangler with 33+ inch off-road tires: rotate every 5,000 miles to prevent uneven wear from solid axles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Brake Inspection

Every 8,000 mi

Inspect pads, rotors, and parking brake every 8,000 miles. Wrangler and Gladiator pads wear faster than Grand Cherokee due to higher curb weight per axle.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

Front Differential Fluid

Every 60,000 mi

Replace front differential fluid every 60,000 miles. Wrangler off-road use (water crossings, sand): inspect every 30,000 miles for water contamination.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$150–$195

Shop

~$105–$135

DIY

~$20–$50

Rear Differential Fluid

Every 60,000 mi

Rear axle fluid every 60,000 miles. Limited-slip differentials require Mopar friction modifier. Wrangler Rubicon with locking differentials: same schedule.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$150–$195

Shop

~$105–$135

DIY

~$20–$50

Transfer Case Fluid (4WD)

Every 60,000 mi

Replace transfer case fluid every 60,000 miles. Use Mopar ATF+4 for NV3500 and NV245. Wrangler Rock-Trac: 60,000 mi normal, 30,000 mi with regular off-road use.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$105–$140

Shop

~$75–$100

DIY

~$15–$40

AWD/4WD vehicles only. Easy drain-and-fill on most platforms.

Brake Fluid

Every 24,000 mi

Replace DOT 3 brake fluid every 2 years regardless of mileage. Wrangler off-road use accelerates moisture intake — annual fluid testing recommended.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$180–$200

Shop

~$125–$140

DIY

~$10–$25

DOT 3 or 4 — match the cap. Vacuum bleeders make this a one-person DIY.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Automatic Transmission Fluid (ZF 8HP)

Every 60,000 mi

Severe service: ZF 8HP fluid every 60,000 miles. Normal: 120,000 miles. Use Mopar ATF+4 — never substitute.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$330–$500

Shop

~$235–$355

DIY

~$60–$180

Some sealed transmissions have no dipstick — fill is precise and best left to a shop. Many drivers can still DIY drain-and-fill.

Engine Air Filter

Every 30,000 mi

Replace engine air filter every 30,000 miles. Wrangler driven in dust or sand: inspect at every oil change and replace early.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Spark Plugs

Every 100,000 mi

Pentastar 3.6L: 16 spark plugs total, replace at 100,000 miles. Wrangler 392 6.4L HEMI: 16 plugs at 100,000 miles. EcoDiesel: glow plug inspection only.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

Mopar HOAT Coolant

Every 50,000 mi

Mopar HOAT (purple) for gas engines: first change at 100,000 miles, then every 50,000. Do not mix with green or orange coolants.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter

Every 20,000 mi

Replace cabin air filter every 20,000 miles. Grand Cherokee, Cherokee, and Compass: behind the glove box. Wrangler/Gladiator: optional cabin filter on later models only.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

82 crashes 2010–2024

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

14

complaints mentioning a crash

16

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle·Open recalls for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2013 Jeep Wrangler reflects Jeep's published service intervals and the Oil Change Indicator system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.

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