A white Jeep Wrangler JL Unlimited parked on a dirt track beneath Eagle Arch, a sandstone arch in Utah's San Rafael Swell
JEEP WRANGLER UNLIMITED · JL · 2018–PRESENT

Wrangler JL Unlimited

JL UNLIMITED118.4 IN WHEELBASE3.6 · 2.0T · 3.0 ECODIESEL4xe PLUG-IN HYBRIDRUBICON 392 HEMI V8

“The four-door JL is the Wrangler with a choice of engines: a diesel, a plug-in hybrid and a 470-hp Hemi V8, all with solid axles and doors that come off. Pick the powertrain that suits how you travel, and check the recalls first. Several of them tell you to park outside.”

PART 01

Overview

Where it came from, why it matters, and how it changed year to year.

The story

The four-door was the JL that mattered most, so it came first: Wrangler Unlimited production began at Toledo in November 2017, months ahead of the two-door, and it ran alongside the outgoing JK Unlimited until April 2018 so dealers could keep up with demand. It grew 3.5 inches in overall length over the JK Unlimited, to 188.4 inches on a 118.4-inch wheelbase, while losing weight. It kept the separate frame, the solid axles and the removable doors. Then, over the next few years, Jeep gave it more powertrains than any Wrangler before.

DIESEL, HYBRID, HEMI

Launch engines were the 285-hp 3.6 Pentastar, with optional eTorque, and the 270-hp 2.0 turbo four. For 2020 North America got the VM-built 3.0 EcoDiesel V6 with 260 hp and 443 lb-ft (600 Nm). It was dropped for 2024. The 4xe plug-in hybrid followed for 2021: the 2.0 turbo plus electric motors and a 17 kWh battery, for 375 hp, 470 lb-ft and an EPA-rated 21 miles of electric range.

Also for 2021 came the Rubicon 392, with the 6.4-liter Hemi V8 from Dodge's Scat Pack cars making 470 hp and 470 lb-ft. Quadratec's specs show it uses the full-time Selec-Trac case and the heavier ZF 8HP75 automatic rather than the Rubicon's Rock-Trac. Its 1,351-lb payload is the highest in the range. Jeep announced 'final editions' for 2024 and 2025, then reversed course in August 2025: CEO Bob Broderdorf said the 392 would stay, and a V8 Gladiator would join it.

THE FAMILY OVERLANDER

For overlanders the Unlimited is the obvious JL. It tows 3,500 lb, or 5,000 lb with the 2024 full-float Dana 44 HD rear axle and the automatic on non-4xe trucks, and it has a cargo area that takes a fridge and drawers. Payload is the limit: Quadratec lists 880 lb for a 2020 Sahara and 892 lb for a Rubicon, so a steel-bumpered, roof-racked build overruns it fast. The JL Unlimited is also the basis for the Gladiator pickup, which borrows its styling and interior.

It isn't perfect. The IIHS rated it Marginal in the small-overlap crash test after a 2020 Unlimited rolled onto its side, and a 2022 retest ended the same way. The 4xe has been recalled for battery fire risk, and 2021–2025 trucks have been recalled for power-steering pump wiring. Both recalls told owners to park outside until repaired.

2024 AND BEYOND

The 2024 refresh brought the four-door the same updates as the two-door: a 12.3-inch Uconnect 5 screen, side-curtain airbags in both rows, a new grille, a windshield-frame antenna, an available Warn winch and the Rubicon X with 35s. The 4xe gained a cheaper Sport S trim and a four-outlet 'Power Box'. Wikipedia reports that Stellantis then dropped the Wrangler 4xe from the US market in 2025. The JL Unlimited competes with the Bronco, the Defender 110, the Ineos Grenadier and the sixth-gen 4Runner, and it's still the only one with doors you can leave at home.

SIDEBAR · THE 4xe AND ITS FIRE RECALLS

Park it outside, don't plug it in

In October 2024, KBB reported a recall of 154,032 2020–2024 Wrangler 4xe and 2022–2024 Grand Cherokee 4xe plug-in hybrids, because some high-voltage battery cells could be damaged and catch fire, parked or moving. Owners were told to park outdoors, away from buildings, and to stop charging until the repair was done. The remedy was a software update and, where needed, a new battery pack. AutoGuide reported that an internal review of customer data had turned up 13 fire incidents.

Before you buy a used 4xe, check NHTSA for completed recall work. Pickup Truck + SUV Talk lists both 24V-720 and the later 25V-741 for 4xe batteries.

Year by year

What changed, model year by model year. Sweet spot Beware

  1. 2018JL launch (four-door production from November 2017, two-door from early 2018): 3.6 Pentastar with a 6-speed manual or 8-speed auto, plus a 2.0 turbo with eTorque (auto only). Early trucks need the track-bar weld, steering-shaft and V41 damper fixes.
  2. 20203.0 EcoDiesel V6 (260 hp) arrives, four-door only; later subject to high-pressure fuel pump recalls
  3. 2021Wrangler 4xe plug-in hybrid (375 hp, 21-mile EV range) and Rubicon 392 (6.4 Hemi, 470 hp), both four-door only. Xtreme Recon package (35s, 4.56 gears, 1.5 in lift) for the four-door Rubicon and 392; 4.88 axles optional on Rubicon.
  4. 2023Lower-priced Willys 4xe; Rubicon 20th Anniversary edition
  5. 2024Facelift: new grille (except Sport/Sport S), standard 12-inch Uconnect 5, new Rubicon X trim. Xtreme 35 package reaches the two-door. EcoDiesel dropped. Rubicon 392 'Final Edition'.Sweet spot
  6. 2025Rubicon 392 continues, still badged 'Final Edition'; Stellantis drops the 4xe from the US market (Wikipedia)
  7. 2026Moab 392 tops the range (four-door only); reworked door hinges for easier removal; 3.6 still offered with the manual; no 4xe in the US
PART 02

Specs & capability

How it’s built, what it can do, and what fits under it.

How it’s built

The JL Unlimited uses the JL's ladder frame, coil springs and solid axles on a 118.4-inch wheelbase. It has offered the widest engine choice of any Wrangler: gas V6, turbo four, diesel V6, a plug-in hybrid and a Hemi V8, all through 8-speed automatics, plus a six-speed manual on the Pentastar.

CHASSISLadder frame, 118.4 in wheelbase188.4 in long; 3.5 in longer than the JK Unlimited (Wikipedia).
AXLESDana M186/M200 · Rubicon & 392: M210/M220 Dana 44sAn M220 rear comes with the optional limited slip; a full-float Dana 44 HD rear was offered on the Rubicon from 2024.
4WDCommand-Trac · Selec-Trac · Rock-Trac 4:1The Rubicon 392 uses full-time Selec-Trac (MP3022) instead of Rock-Trac; Selec-Trac is otherwise a Sahara option.
ENGINES3.6 V6 · 2.0T I4 · 3.0 EcoDiesel V6 · 4xe · 6.4 Hemi V8285 · 270 · 260 hp (443 lb-ft) · 375 hp / 470 lb-ft combined · 470 hp / 470 lb-ft.
4xe HYBRID17 kWh lithium-ion batteryEPA 21-mile electric range and 49 MPGe.
TRANSMISSIONS8-speed automatics (850RE, ZF 8HP75 on 392) · 6-speed manualThe manual is offered only with the gas engines.

Variants & engines

YEARSPLATFORMENGINEOUTPUTWORTH KNOWING
2018–JLU 3.63.6 L Pentastar V6 (eTorque optional)285 hp / 260 lb-ft6-speed manual or 8-speed auto. Production began November 2017.
2018–JLU 2.0T2.0 L turbo I4270 hp / 295 lb-ft8-speed auto only; Quadratec lists 23/25 mpg.
2020–2023JLU EcoDiesel3.0 L VM V6 turbodiesel260 hp / 443 lb-ftNorth America; dropped for 2024. Recall 23V-263 for the high-pressure fuel pump on some 2021–23 trucks.
2021–2025 (US)JLU 4xe2.0 turbo + electric motors, 17 kWh375 hp / 470 lb-ft21-mile EPA electric range. Battery fire recalls. Sport S 4xe added for 2024.
2021–Rubicon 3926.4 L Hemi V8470 hp / 470 lb-ftSelec-Trac full-time 4WD, ZF 8HP75. 'Final Edition' for 2025, then confirmed to continue.
2024–JLU (refresh)As above, less the EcoDiesel—12.3-in screen, side curtains, Rubicon X, Warn winch, Dana 44 HD full-float rear (5,000-lb towing).

Capability numbers

Towing3,500 lb (1,588 kg)gas, diesel and 4xe
Fuel tank21.5 gal (81 L)17.2 gal (65 L) on the 4xe
Ground clearance9.7–10.8 in (246–274 mm)Sport to Rubicon; 12.9 in (328 mm) with the Xtreme Recon package
Approach / departure / breakover43.9° / 37° / 22.6°Rubicon; 47.4° / 40.4° / 26.7° with the Xtreme Recon package
Wading depth30 in (76 cm)31.5 in on Rubicon 4xe; 33.6 in with the Xtreme Recon package
Fuel economyEPA 22 mpg combined (2.0 turbo, 2022)4xe: EPA 49 MPGe / 20 mpg combined; 21-mile electric range at launch, 22 miles for 2022
Curb weight4,196–4,478 lb (1,903–2,031 kg)2.0 turbo Sport to Rubicon; 4xe 5,049–5,265 lb
Turning circle39.4 ft (12.0 m)curb to curb, 2021 spec
Wheelbase118.4 in (3,007 mm)

Wheels & tires

FACTORY TIRES
P245/75R17 (Sport)P255/70R18 (Sahara)255/55R20 (Sahara 4xe)LT285/70R17 (Rubicon, Rubicon 4xe)LT315/70R17 (Xtreme Recon package; Performance Plus says current Rubicon 392s ship on them)
Bolt pattern5x127 (5x5")
Offset[CONFIRM IN MANUAL] — factory offsets not verified from a manufacturer or supplier source
Center bore71.5 mm
Lug threadM14x1.5
Lug-nut torque130 lb-ft (176 N·m), 22 mm socket (Northridge4x4, owner's-manual figure); spare [CONFIRM IN MANUAL]
LIFTBIGGEST TIREWHAT IT TAKES
Stock33 in; 35 in on gas Rubicon with bump-stop spacersA 35 clears a gas Rubicon at ride height but rubs the inner fenders under compression; bump stops fix it at the cost of about 2 in of up-travel. Performance Plus Tire says Jeep lists the Rubicon 4xe with about 2.1 in less running clearance (it's 600-plus lb heavier on the same springs), so bump stops are a must.
1.5 in (factory Xtreme Recon)LT315/70R17 (35 in)Jeep's factory package from 2021 for the four-door Rubicon and 392: 1.5 in lift, 4.56 gears and 17x8 beadlock-capable wheels.
2–2.5 in35 inWhat Sport and Sahara (and the 4xe) need for 35s, together with bump stops and about 4.5–5.0 in backspacing.

Forum consensus, not a guarantee: wheel offset, tire brand and suspension wear all change clearance. Confirm before you buy.

Production & special editions

The four-door JL was the first to roll down the Toledo line, in November 2017, a few months before the two-door.

ProductionNovember 2017 – present (Toledo, Ohio)
US Wrangler sales, 2019–20251,290,426 (all JL body styles, calendar years)
4xe2021–2025 in the US; Stellantis dropped it in 2025 (Wikipedia)
Xtreme Recon package2021–35s, 4.56 gears and a 1.5 in lift for the four-door Rubicon and 392
Rubicon 3922021–20256.4 Hemi V8, 470 hp; 'Final Edition' for 2024 and again for 2025, then kept on (KBB, August 2025)
Willys 4xe2023–Lower-priced 4xe trim
Rubicon 20th Anniversary2023Its grille became the 2024 facelift grille; also offered as a 4xe
Rubicon X2024–Bundles the previously optional Rubicon equipment
Moab 3922026New range-topper with the 6.4 Hemi on 35s, four-door only

2026 adds Reign (purple), Goldilocks (ochre), Joose (orange), Earl Grey and Tuscadero (pink).

PART 03

Buying one

What to pay, what to check, and how to tell a good one from a clone.

What they cost

Ordinary four-door JLs have sunk to used-SUV money, but the 392 holds its value well. A late, low-mile Rubicon 392 still brings most of its sticker.

Early Sport / Sahara$14k–25k
Rubicon, EcoDiesel or 4xe$25k–45k
Rubicon 392$43k–92k

Based on about 35 four-door JL and 33 Rubicon 392 sales on Bring a Trailer in 2025–26. The 392 median was about $65.5k, and EcoDiesel Rubicons brought $40k–43k. Prices move; checked October 2026. See live listings below.

What to check before you buy

  1. 01
    Run the VIN for every recallLook for the frame and track-bar welds and the steering damper on 2018–19 trucks, the clutch on manuals, the 2018 park-lock rod (18V-280) and cruise-control software (18V-332) campaigns, the power-steering pump (26V-363, 2021–2025), the 4xe battery (24V-720 / 25V-741) and the EcoDiesel fuel pump (22V-767 and 23V-263). Get dealer printouts showing they're complete.
  2. 02
    4xe: test the chargingPlug it in. Pickup Truck + SUV Talk says owners often complain the 4xe won't charge from an outlet, blaming software, connections or an overheating control module.
  3. 03
    EcoDiesel: fuel and emissions historyAsk for fuel-filter receipts and the recall record. A high-pressure pump failure is expensive, and debris contamination is what the recall addressed.
  4. 04
    392: it's a different 4WD systemThe 392 uses full-time Selec-Trac and the ZF 8HP75, not Rock-Trac. Check the differential and transfer-case fluids. KBB put a new 2025 Rubicon 392 at $101,990, so price used ones against the trim and condition.
  5. 05
    Steering feelWandering or vague steering on 2018–2020 trucks points to the early aluminum steering box (owners cite TSB 08-074-20). Shake after bumps points to the damper, track bar or worn joints.
  6. 06
    Pentastar oil coolerLook for oil in the engine valley and down the back of the block.
  7. 07
    Payload versus buildRead the door sticker, then add up the bumpers, winch, rack, drawers and passengers. Quadratec lists 880–1,351 lb for 2020–21 four-doors depending on trim.
  8. 08
    Do you want the 2024 updates?Side-curtain airbags, the bigger screen, a 5,000-lb tow option and the factory winch all arrived for 2024, the same year the EcoDiesel disappeared.

Spotting the real thing

The four-door JL comes with five powertrains, and the 4xe, 392 and EcoDiesel were four-door only. Check what's under the hood before you look at anything else.

  1. ID
    Real RubiconDana M210 (44-class) front and M220 rear with Tru-Lok electronic lockers, Rock-Trac with 4:1 low range, and an electronic sway-bar disconnect. Sport and Sahara have the M186 ('Dana 30') front and M200 ('Dana 35') rear, with an optional limited slip, and Command-Trac with 2.72:1 (Selec-Trac optional on Sahara).
  2. ID
    4xePlug-in hybrid with a 2.0 turbo, 17 kWh battery, 375 hp and 470 lb-ft; it has a charge port and a smaller 17.2-gal tank [CONFIRM IN MANUAL]. Check that the battery-fire recall (25V-741) has been done.
  3. ID
    Rubicon 3926.4 Hemi with 470 hp and 470 lb-ft, four-door only, with full-time Selec-Trac and the ZF 8HP75. Sold 2021–2025 as the Rubicon 392 ('Final Edition' in 2024–25), then as the Moab 392 for 2026. Check whether it has the 35-inch Xtreme Recon setup.
  4. ID
    EcoDiesel3.0 VM Motori turbodiesel V6 (260 hp), four-door only, 2020–2023. Check the high-pressure fuel pump recalls (22V-767 and 23V-263) have been completed.
  5. ID
    Xtreme ReconFactory LT315/70R17 BFGoodrich KO2s on 17x8 beadlock-capable wheels, 4.56 gears and a 1.5 in lift, offered from 2021 on the four-door Rubicon and 392.
  6. ID
    Selec-TracThe full-time MP3022 Selec-Trac transfer case (2.72:1 low) is a Sahara option and standard on the Rubicon 392; other Rubicons use Rock-Trac (4:1).

Recalls & service bulletins

Open recalls follow the VIN, not the model. Run yours through NHTSA before you buy, and ask the seller for dealer records showing recall work.

Check a VIN at NHTSA ↗
Notable recalls
Front track bar bracket welds (the 'frame weld' recall) ↗2018–2019 · NHTSA 18V-675Track bar brackets may be improperly welded and separate from the frame, reducing steering capability; dealers inspect and repair the welds.
Intermediate steering shaft weld ↗2018 · NHTSA 18V-343The shaft may not have been properly welded and can split, so the wheel loses centre (recall U48).
Rear underbody ladder rail corrosion ↗2018 · NHTSA 18V-231The rail can corrode, weakening the rear floor and loosening the left rear seat mount; dealers apply rust protection (recall U27, 106 vehicles).
Steering column stub shaft ↗2019 · NHTSA 19V-201Improperly machined stub shafts can break and detach the steering wheel (recall V29).
Manual-transmission clutch pressure plate ↗2018–2020 · NHTSA 20V-124Pressure plate may overheat and fracture (recall W12).
Clutch overheating software ↗2018–2021 · NHTSA 21V-028Expansion of the clutch pressure-plate overheating recall to 2018–2021 manual trucks.
Clutch assembly replacement ↗2018–2023 · NHTSA 23V-116Further expansion to 2018–2023 manual trucks (pressure plate may overheat and fracture); 24V-572 re-flashes some 2021 trucks already remedied under it, because the new software could stall the engine.
Left lower control arm bracket weld ↗2020 · NHTSA 20V-042Bracket and weld may be mispositioned (recall W01, 3,005 vehicles).
Frame stud can puncture fuel tank ↗2020–2022 · NHTSA 23V-191In a crash a frame stud may puncture the tank (recall 28A).
Instrument cluster short ↗2018–2024 · NHTSA 24V-652The cluster can short internally and fail (recall 30B).
Electric-hydraulic power steering pump wiring fire ↗2021–2025 · NHTSA 26V-363Pump wiring can overheat and start a fire even when parked; owners told to park outside until repaired (1,076,999 vehicles across Wrangler and Gladiator).
3.0 EcoDiesel high-pressure fuel pump ↗2020–2022 · NHTSA 22V-767The HPFP may fail and stall the engine (recall Z96).
3.0 EcoDiesel high-pressure fuel pump (expansion) ↗2021–2023 · NHTSA 23V-263Same pump failure on later diesels (recall 01A).
4xe high-voltage battery fire (first campaign) ↗2021–2023 · NHTSA 23V-787Battery may fail internally and catch fire; owners told not to charge and to park outside until repaired (32,125 vehicles).
4xe high-voltage battery fire (expanded) ↗2020–2024 · NHTSA 24V-720Same fire risk on a wider population; replaced by 25V-741, so trucks fixed under it need the new remedy.
4xe high-voltage battery fire (current remedy) ↗2020–2025 · NHTSA 25V-741Software update and battery replacement as needed; park outside and don't charge until done (320,068 vehicles incl. Grand Cherokee 4xe).
4xe HV battery 200-amp fuse fasteners ↗2022–2023 · NHTSA 22V-768Wrong fasteners on the 200-amp fuse can overheat and cut drive power; reissued as 23V-303.
4xe engine shutdown on lost communication ↗2021–2023 · NHTSA 22V-865A communication loss can shut the engine down.
4xe over-the-air update loss of drive ↗2023–2025 · NHTSA 25V-710A software error in an OTA update can cause loss of drive power (recall A7C).
4xe engine debris ↗2024–2025 · NHTSA 25V-766Debris inside the engine can cause failure or an engine-bay fire (recall 78C).
Rear door latch (four-door) ↗2018 · NHTSA 18V-786Right rear door latch may be mislocated and not latch (recall UB6).
Service bulletins & known fixes
Death wobble: steering damper replacement ↗CSN V41About 192,000 2018–2019 JLs get a new front steering damper for a sustained steering-wheel shimmy after bumps, especially above 55 mph and below 40°F. It's a customer satisfaction notification, not a safety recall.
Steering-wheel shimmy after road irregularities ↗TSB 19-002-19November 2019 bulletin for 2018–2020 JL (and 2020 Gladiator) that points technicians to a diagnosis and repair video for the steering linkage and damper.
The one you’ll own someday

For sale now

2018–2023 · USJL Unlimited (pre-refresh)
2024–2026 · USJL Unlimited (2024 refresh)
2018–2026 · USAll JL Unlimited (incl. 4xe, 392, EcoDiesel)
PART 04

Owning one

Baseline service, the repairs you’ll actually do, and where the manuals live.

Post-purchase baseline

After you buy it

Baseline a used JL by engine. The 3.6 Pentastar, the 2.0 turbo, the 3.0 EcoDiesel, the 4xe and the 392 use different oils, plugs and cooling loops, and the 8-speed takes ZF-spec fluid, not ATF+4. Before spending money, run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup: JLs have had recalls for frame welds, clutches, power-steering pumps and 4xe batteries. Then change the gear oil, which owners skip most.

Engine oil & filter3.6: 5 qt SAE 0W-20 meeting MS-6395 · 2.0T: 5 qt full-synthetic SAE 5W-30, API SN PLUS (Mopar MS-13340) · 4xe: [CONFIRM IN MANUAL] · 3.0 EcoDiesel: 9 qt 5W-40 synthetic (MS-12991) · 6.4 392: [CONFIRM IN MANUAL]Then per the oil-life monitor [CONFIRM IN MANUAL]

The JL Pentastar takes a quart less, and a thinner grade, than the JK's: Quadratec specifies the Mopar MO-349 (68191349AA) cartridge, the 24 mm cap torqued to 18 ft-lb and the 13 mm drain plug to 20 ft-lb. The owner's-manual sheet warns that non-SN PLUS oil in the 2.0T 'can cause engine damage not covered by the vehicle warranty.'

Engine air filterPanel filterWay of Life's index of the factory schedule lists it at 30,000 mi; sooner on dusty trails
Cabin air filterBehind the gloveboxEvery 20,000 mi in the factory schedule (Way of Life index)
Spark plugs3.6: Mopar SP225755AA (2018–20) · 2.0T: Mopar 68292346AA · 392: Mopar SP149212AC · gaps per the 2020 manual sheet: 3.6 0.043 in, 2.0T 0.024–0.025 in3.6 at 100,000 mi; 2.0T every 30,000 mi (Way of Life index of the factory schedule)
Coolant (engine, intercooler, eTorque/battery loops)Mopar 10-year/150,000-mile OAT (MS.90032) · 3.6 engine: 11.2 qt (10.6 L), plus 1.9 qt motor-generator and 2.5 qt battery loops on eTorque trucks · 2.0T engine: 10.3 qt (9.7 L), plus a 3.2–3.5 qt intercooler loop · 3.0 EcoDiesel: 12 qt (11.4 L)Flush at 10 years or 150,000 mi (factory schedule per Way of Life)

The 2.0T and eTorque trucks have more than one cooling loop, and the owner's-manual sheet lists separate capacities for the intercooler, the motor-generator unit and the battery. Bleed each one correctly.

8-speed automatic (850RE / ZF 8HP)Mopar ZF 8&9 Speed ATF · about 9 L total (8HP50 figure on the owner's-manual sheet)KBB's schedule lists transmission fluids at 100,000 mi

This is not ATF+4. The level is set hot at the fill plug, so it's a shop job for most owners. Mopar also sells a JL transmission filter.

6-speed manualMopar ATF+4 · 2.25 LEvery 30,000 mi under severe use (factory schedule per Way of Life)

Before you buy a manual truck, check that the clutch recall has been done.

Transfer case (Command-Trac / Rock-Trac / Selec-Trac)Mopar ATF+4 · ≈1.6 L part-time cases, ≈1.76 L full-time Selec-TracInspect at 30,000 mi; replace at 60,000 mi under severe use or 150,000 mi normally (Way of Life index)

If you use low range on the trail, treat the severe-service interval as normal.

Front axleGL-5 75W-85 (later manuals; the 2018 manual listed 80W-90) · M186/Dana 30: 0.86 L · M210/Dana 44: 1.03 LEvery 40,000 mi under severe use (Way of Life index); after any deep water crossing

JL front axles take very little oil, so a slightly low level matters.

Rear axleM220/Dana 44: GL-5 75W-85, 1.45 L (1.36 L with Trac-Lok) · M200/'Dana 35': 1.15 L of synthetic 75W-140 per the 2020 owner's-manual sheet · Trac-Lok axles need 70 ml (2.37 oz) of Mopar limited-slip additiveEvery 40,000 mi under severe use (Way of Life index)

Check which rear axle you have before buying oil (see the axle FAQ). Synthetic 75W-140 is the usual towing upgrade.

Power steering fluidMopar electric steering pump fluid (2020 owner's-manual sheet)Check the level at every oil change

JLWranglerForums members warn against topping up with ATF+4, even though some charts list it. Check for the 2021–2025 power-steering pump recall (26V-363).

Brake & clutch fluidMopar DOT 3 (DOT 4 acceptable)Flush on purchase, then every 2–3 years [CONFIRM IN MANUAL]

Manual trucks share the fluid type in the clutch master cylinder.

Driveline & front-end inspectionCV and U-joints, tie-rod ends, front suspensionEvery 20,000 mi (factory schedule per Way of Life)

Lug nuts are 130 ft-lb (22 mm socket). Re-torque the track bar and steering hardware after any lift.

For the hands-on owner

Common repairs

The jobs owners actually end up doing, rated for a competent home mechanic with a decent tool kit. Always confirm torque figures, fluids and procedures against the factory service manual for your VIN, and work safely — support the truck on stands, never just a jack. You do this work at your own risk; see the disclaimer. Some parts links are affiliate links.

Fix steering wobble: damper, track bar, then the rest
DIFFICULTY · 2 / 5TIME · ≈ 1–2 hours to inspect and fit a damperSHOP COST · Free damper replacement on affected early trucks under FCA's 2019 customer-satisfaction program; otherwise a damper or track bar
SYMPTOMSFront-end shimmy or full death wobble after a bump at 45–65 mph, with the steering wheel shaking side to side.
THE FIXOn 2018–2019 trucks, check the history first. In August 2019 FCA began offering a stronger steering damper at no charge. FCA said its engineers found air could get into the original damper in cold weather, when the oil thickens, so it lost damping. Its Customer Satisfaction Notification V41 covered about 192,000 2018–2019 JLs. Then inspect the front end the same way as on any solid-axle Jeep: have a helper rock the wheel while you watch both ends of the track bar, then check the tie-rod and drag-link ends, ball joints, control-arm bushings and wheel bearings. Replace worn parts, torque everything at ride height, and get an alignment. A damper on its own masks wobble; it doesn't cure it.
TOOLS & PARTSHelper · torque wrench · sockets · jack and stands.
Replace a loose aluminum steering box (TSB 08-074-20)
DIFFICULTY · 3 / 5TIME · ≈ 2–3 hours plus an alignment checkSHOP COST · JLWranglerForums members report dealer quotes of $1,500+ out of warranty
SYMPTOMSLight, vague, loose steering and wandering on the highway, sometimes with play you can see at the pitman arm. One owner described it as 'super light, vague and loose' at nearly 100,000 miles.
THE FIXEarly JLs used an aluminum steering gear, and Quadratec says Jeep moved to cast-iron boxes. Owners on JLWranglerForums cite TSB 08-074-20 for the swap (we couldn't see the bulletin itself), who also note it won't cure death wobble by itself. DIY: disconnect the battery, mark and remove the pitman arm with a puller, unbolt the intermediate shaft, disconnect the pressure and return lines (catch the fluid), then unbolt the box from the frame. Fit the new box with new bolts, refill and bleed the system with the specified fluid, and center the steering wheel.
TOOLS & PARTSPitman-arm puller · line wrenches · large sockets · torque wrench · drain pan · power steering fluid.
Replace a leaking Pentastar oil cooler / filter housing
DIFFICULTY · 3 / 5TIME · ≈ 4–6 hoursSHOP COST · Housing assembly plus gaskets, coolant and oil
SYMPTOMSOil, and sometimes coolant, pooling in the valley under the intake and running down the back of the engine. Pickup Truck + SUV Talk lists cracked Pentastar oil-filter housings and cooler adapters as a known JL issue.
THE FIXThe job follows the JK procedure. Remove the engine cover and intake plumbing, the upper and lower intake manifolds, and the cooler's sensors and bolts. Clean the valley, fit the new housing with new seals, then refill the oil and coolant and check for leaks. Torque the oil filter cap to 18 ft-lb; overtightening is a suspected contributor to cracking.
TOOLS & PARTSExternal-Torx and metric sockets · inch-pound torque wrench · hose pliers · shop towels to plug the intake ports.
Power-steering pump: recall check, then replacement
DIFFICULTY · 3 / 5TIME · ≈ 2 hours DIY; recall work at the dealerSHOP COST · Free under recall 26V-363 where it applies; otherwise a Mopar pump
SYMPTOMSLoss of power assist or a 'Service Power Steering' message. AARP reports that the June 2026 recall covers about 1,077,000 2021–2025 Wranglers and Gladiators whose electro-hydraulic pump connection can overheat and start a fire, even when parked. Owners were told to park outside until it's fixed, and at least 51 fires were linked to the fault.
THE FIXCheck the VIN on nhtsa.gov first. If the recall applies, the dealer inspects and repairs or replaces parts free of charge, so don't DIY around it. For an out-of-warranty pump failure on a truck that isn't covered: disconnect the battery, drain the reservoir, unplug the pump's electrical connector and pressure/return lines, unbolt the pump, fit the new one, then refill with the Mopar electric steering pump fluid listed in the manual and bleed by turning lock to lock with the engine running.
TOOLS & PARTSLine wrenches · drain pan · sockets · the specified power steering fluid.
EcoDiesel: fuel-pump recall and fuel-filter service
DIFFICULTY · 2 / 5TIME · ≈ 1 hour for the filterSHOP COST · Recall work free; a fuel filter for routine service
SYMPTOMSStalling, hard starting or a diesel smell. Pickup Truck + SUV Talk lists recall 23V-263 for possible high-pressure fuel pump failure on some 2021–2023 EcoDiesels, where debris in the fuel system can cause a stall or a fuel leak.
THE FIXConfirm the recall has been done. Then treat the fuel filter as a wear item, because the 3.0's high-pressure pump hates water and dirt. Relieve the pressure, change the filter, prime the system as the service manual describes, and check for leaks. Use only ultra-low-sulfur diesel; the owner's-manual sheet allows biodiesel up to B5, or B7 with shorter service intervals.
TOOLS & PARTSFilter wrench · drain pan · rags · service manual for the priming procedure.
Fix 2.0T / 4xe coolant hose leaks
DIFFICULTY · 2 / 5TIME · ≈ 1–2 hoursSHOP COST · A Mopar hose and coolant
SYMPTOMSA dropping coolant level, a sweet smell, or crusty residue around the turbo coolant lines or the coolant bottle hoses on a 2.0 turbo (the 4xe uses the same 2.0 turbo engine). Pickup Truck + SUV Talk lists a TSB for turbo coolant return line leaks.
THE FIXPressure-test the cold system to find the leak. Drain enough coolant to get below the leak, replace the hose and its clips, refill with OAT coolant and bleed the loop. Remember the 2.0T has a separate intercooler loop, and that the 4xe also has high-voltage battery cooling. Leave anything orange-cabled to a trained technician. Check the dealer history too, since the TSB repair may already have been done.
TOOLS & PARTSCooling-system pressure tester · hose-clamp pliers · drain pan · Mopar OAT coolant.
Re-spring for an overland load
DIFFICULTY · 2 / 5TIME · ≈ 2–3 hours for rear coils; a day for a full kitSHOP COST · A pair of coils, or a heavy-load lift kit
SYMPTOMSRear sag, bottoming out on washboard, or the truck sitting on its bump stops once the drawers, fridge and water are loaded. Payload can be as low as 880 lb (Quadratec lists that for the 2020 Sahara four-door).
THE FIXWeigh the loaded truck at a scale first. Then fit springs rated for the real load: support the frame, unbolt the shocks and sway-bar links, lower the axle, swap the coils, and refit at ride height before torquing the bushings. For a permanently heavy build, a heavy-load kit with matched shocks is the better answer. Re-check the track bar and alignment afterwards.
TOOLS & PARTSFloor jack and stands · sockets · torque wrench · access to a vehicle scale.

Manuals & documentation

Asked on every forum

Wrangler JL Unlimited questions, answered

What's the biggest tire I can fit without a lift?

On a Rubicon, 35s. Driving Line ran 35x12.50R17s on a stock-height JL Unlimited Rubicon with bump-stop spacers and the factory flares. They cleared on level ground but hit the inner fenders when flexed. Performance Plus Tire says Jeep ships the Rubicon 392 on LT315/70R17s, which are nearly 35s (check early 392s: the 35s were also part of the optional Xtreme Recon package). Performance Plus Tire says a Rubicon 4xe has about 2.1 inches less clearance than the gas Rubicon, so it needs bump-stop extensions for 35s. On a Sport or Sahara, stay with 33s and a wheel change, or lift 2–2.5 inches for 35s.

SOURCE · DRIVING LINE · PERFORMANCE PLUS
Which engine should I buy?

3.6 if you want a manual or the simplest drivetrain; 2.0T for torque and economy; EcoDiesel (2020–23) for towing range; 4xe for silent electric trail driving and short commutes on battery; 392 for 470 hp. Each brings its own recalls, so check them before you choose.

SOURCE · WIKIPEDIA · QUADRATEC
How much can it tow?

3,500 lb for most four-doors. From 2024, Hagerty says the full-float Dana 44 HD rear axle raises that to 5,000 lb on non-4xe trucks with the eight-speed automatic.

SOURCE · QUADRATEC · HAGERTY
What's the payload?

Quadratec lists 1,190 lb for a 2020 Sport four-door, 880 lb for a Sahara, 892 lb for a Rubicon and 1,351 lb for the 2021 Rubicon 392. The door sticker on your truck has the real figure.

SOURCE · QUADRATEC
Is the 4xe safe to buy after the fire recalls?

Yes, once the recall work is done. The October 2024 recall covered 154,032 Wrangler and Grand Cherokee 4xe models, with a software update and, where needed, a battery replacement. Owners were told to park outside and stop charging until it was fixed. Confirm completion on NHTSA, and test that the truck charges.

SOURCE · KBB · AUTOGUIDE
How far does the 4xe go on electricity?

The EPA rates it at 21 miles and 49 MPGe on its 17 kWh battery. Hagerty says the 2024 update recalibrated E-Save mode to recover energy about 50 percent more effectively.

SOURCE · WIKIPEDIA · HAGERTY
Is the Rubicon 392 being discontinued?

Not any more. Jeep announced final editions for 2024 and 2025, then in August 2025 CEO Bob Broderdorf said, 'We will extend the availability of the 392 on Wrangler,' and announced a V8 Gladiator too.

SOURCE · KBB
What oil does each engine take?

3.6: 5 quarts of 0W-20 (MS-6395). 2.0T: 5 quarts of full-synthetic 5W-30, API SN PLUS (MS-13340). 3.0 EcoDiesel: 9 quarts of 5W-40 synthetic (MS-12991). For the 4xe and the 392, use the owner's manual [CONFIRM IN MANUAL].

SOURCE · QUADRATEC · OWNER'S MANUAL SPEC
How did the JL Unlimited do in crash tests?

Badly in one test. In the IIHS small-overlap test, a 2020 Unlimited's front axle tucked under the structure and the truck tipped onto its side. A 2022 retest ended the same way, so it was rated Marginal both times. Side-curtain airbags arrived with the 2024 refresh.

SOURCE · WIKIPEDIA · HAGERTY
Does the JL Unlimited get death wobble?

It can, like any solid-axle Jeep. Early trucks got a free stronger damper in 2019. The cure is a tight front end: track bar, tie-rod ends, ball joints, bushings and bearings, followed by an alignment.

SOURCE · QUADRATEC
What do I need to know about the power-steering recall?

Recall 26V-363 (June 2026) covers about 1,077,000 2021–2025 Wranglers and Gladiators. A high-resistance connection at the electro-hydraulic pump can overheat and start a fire even when parked, and owners were told to park outside until dealers can inspect and repair it free.

SOURCE · AARP · NHTSA
PART 05

Building one

Who makes the good stuff, where owners gather, and who to watch.

Common modifications & who does them

HEAVY-LOAD SUSPENSIONAn overland four-door needs springs for its real weight. Heavy-load kits keep the ride height and up-travel once the drawers and fridge go in.
LOCKERS & GEARSNon-Rubicon trucks on 35s want lockers and lower gears; the M220 and M210 take ARB Air Lockers.
SNORKELRaises the intake out of dust and water, especially useful on long desert trips.
BUMPERS & RECOVERYThe 2024 factory Warn winch covers recovery. For earlier trucks, a winch-ready steel bumper is the usual first purchase.

Clubs & events

Resources

Channels, accounts & forums

All Jeep resources →
SourcesWikipedia — Jeep Wrangler (JL)Quadratec — 2020 Jeep Wrangler JL SpecsQuadratec — 2021 Jeep Wrangler JL SpecsWay of Life — JL Wrangler axles: Dana M186 & M210 front / M200 & M220 rearWay of Life — JL Stock Tech Specs index (fluids, torque, maintenance intervals)Owner's-manual specification reprint — 2020 Jeep Wrangler JL fluids and capacitiesJLWranglerForums — Fluid capacities threadQuadratec — How To Do An Oil Change On A 2018 And Newer Jeep Wrangler JL 3.6L Pentastar V6Kelley Blue Book — 2020 Jeep Wrangler maintenance scheduleQuadratec — Jeep To 'Fix' JL Death Wobble Issue (August 2019)Quadratec — Jeep Death Wobble Q&A: Causes, Symptoms, Fixes and How to Prevent ItExtremeTerrain — Jeep Death Wobble: Explanations & FixesFox News — NHTSA investigating Jeep Wrangler frame welds and steering complaints (Sept 2019)JLWranglerForums — Steering Box TSB threadAARP — Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator fire-risk recall (June 2026)NHTSA — Recall 26V-363 acknowledgementKelley Blue Book — Recall alert: Jeep Wrangler 4xe, Grand Cherokee 4xe (Oct 2024)AutoGuide — Jeep Recalls 4xe Hybrids For Fire Risk (Oct 2024)Pickup Truck + SUV Talk — 2018–2026 Jeep Wrangler known problems (Aaron Turpen, 2026)Hagerty — 10 things Jeep changed on the 2024 WranglerThe Drive — 2024 Jeep Wrangler adds Rubicon X, cheaper 4xe and a big screen (April 2023)Kelley Blue Book — Jeep will build V8 Gladiator, keep Wrangler 392 (Aug 2025)Driving Line — Tested: What it takes to run 35s and no lift on the Rubicon JL (Feb 2019)Performance Plus Tire — Will 35s fit a Wrangler JL without a lift?Curbside Classic — Replacing the oil cooler/filter housing on the Pentastar 3.6L V6 (2015 JK)FCA US — Customer Satisfaction Notification V41, steering damper (NHTSA-hosted)NHTSA — recalls API, Jeep Wrangler 2018Quadratec — Used Jeep Wrangler inspection checklist by generationfueleconomy.gov — 2022 Jeep Wrangler 4dr 4xe (EPA 49 MPGe)NHTSA — recalls API (campaign records for Jeep Wrangler 2007–2026)NHTSA — recalls API (Jeep Wrangler 4xe)Wikipedia — Jeep Wrangler (JL)Wikipedia — Jeep Wrangler (US/Canada sales table)Bring a Trailer — Jeep Wrangler JL (2018+) resultsNorthridge4x4 — Jeep quick reference chart (lug thread and torque)ExtremeTerrain — Jeep wheel specifications tech guideJLWranglerForums — Wheel torque specifications JL/JLU (owner's manual figure)Performance Plus Tire — Will 35s fit a Wrangler JL without a lift?Driving Line — What it takes to run 35s and no lift on the Rubicon JLQuadratec — 2018 Jeep Wrangler JL specificationsCJ Pony Parts — How much can Jeep Wranglers tow?Stellantis North America blog — Heading off-road with the all-new 2018 Jeep WranglerStellantis media — New Jeep Wrangler Xtreme Recon package (June 2021)Pickup Truck + SUV Talk — Wrangler 4xe vs Wrangler 2.0L 4-door spec comparisonPickup Truck + SUV Talk — 2024 Jeep Wrangler 4xe specification chartAuto123 — 2026 Jeep Wrangler updates (Nov 2025)Gear Patrol — The Wrangler 392 is officially here to stayFCA US — Customer Satisfaction Notification V41, steering damper (NHTSA-hosted)FCA US — Service Bulletin 19-002-19, steering-wheel shimmy (NHTSA-hosted)TFLcar — FCA will install steering dampers to address 2018–2019 Wrangler 'death wobble'Off-Road.com — JL death wobble campaign V41 and class actionMopar — Jeep owner's manualsTechAuthority (FCA US) — printed owner's manualsRed Rock 4-Wheelers — Easter Jeep SafariJeep Beach — Daytona Beach, FloridaJeep Jamboree USA — 29th Rubicon Trail 2026fueleconomy.gov — 2022 Jeep Wrangler 4dr 4WD 2.0 turbofueleconomy.gov — 2022 Jeep Wrangler 4dr 4xeKelley Blue Book — Jeep will build V8 Gladiator, keep Wrangler 392 (Aug 2025)