NHTSA Complaint #11707112 — 2018 JEEP WRANGLER

The vehicle experienced a fuel/propulsion failure involving sudden loss of engine power. After internal engine repairs performed by the dealership (camshaft and valvetrain work), the vehicle was returned to me as repaired and safe to operate. Within minimal post-repair driving (less than one mile), the vehicle entered limp mode, lost propulsion, and the engine shut down while driving in active traffic. The vehicle required towing back to the dealership. The loss of propulsion occurred on a busy city roadway and created an immediate safety risk to me and surrounding motorists due to the sudden inability to maintain speed or power, with a foreseeable risk of collision. The problem has been confirmed by the dealership. After subsequent inspection and teardown, the dealer documented catastrophic internal engine damage, including cylinder wall scoring and a failed head gasket. The dealership acknowledged that deeper inspection during the prior internal engine repair would have revealed the need for engine replacement. The vehicle has been inspected by the dealership multiple times and by the dealership’s insurer. The manufacturer (Stellantis) has opened a customer care case. The vehicle is currently available for inspection and has been removed from service due to safety concerns. Prior to the failure, the vehicle displayed warning indicators and messages at the time of the incident, including limp mode activation and critical alerts immediately before and during the shutdown. No warnings were provided to me at the time the vehicle was returned from repair regarding unresolved internal engine risk or potential loss of propulsion.