During the 2018 to 2020 model years, Jeep introduced a new 2.0-liter turbocharged engine that was meant to be more efficient and have solid performance specs as an alternative to the 3.6-liter V6. Unfortunately, this engine garnered a reputation for being unreliable and having a wide range of issues fairly quickly. Over the course of just a few years, it has gone from an innovative new design to a model that has been associated with reported overheating concerns and related issues.

The major issue with the 2.0-liter four-cylinder is the location of its turbocharger. Since the turbocharger gets hot and is situated right next to crucial cooling components like the coolant reservoir, the associated parts, like the fittings and fasteners, have a tendency to crack or warp. This may contribute to a breakdown in the cooling system with major overheating events and critical damage under certain conditions.

Knowing some of the signs to watch out for and specific models to avoid will help you pick a Jeep that will stay in good shape for a lot longer than one of the affected versions.

Why the 2018–2020 2.0L Wrangler is Trending in Search

​When the Jeep 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine first came out, owners were thrilled with the idea that they could save money on fuel while still getting excellent performance with the turbocharger. Over time, though, that sentiment has shifted as these vehicles have started to reach the 60,000 to 8,000-mile mark and the critical design flaws have become more apparent. Engine coolant loss, overheating, corrosion, and turbocharger stress have been reported by some owners, leading to an increase in searches about these very issues.

Coolant Leaks & Turbo Housing Cracks

​Many of the complaints about the Jeep 2.0-liter four-cylinder seem to be traceable back to a few key components. This may mean that there is a potential design flaw, which, in this case, is the proximity of the high-heat turbocharger next to the cooling system. Knowing which failure points to watch out for will help you notice problems before they get too severe if you have one of these Jeep engines.

Coolant Circuit Leaks

One of the main complaints coming from owners of the 2.0-liter four-cylinder Jeep is that the hoses, water pump, and plastic coolant reservoir break down quickly. This is likely due to their proximity to the turbocharger, which gets incredibly hot when it is in use.

Thermostat & Radiator Issues

​Because of the likelihood of the cooling system failing, your vehicle’s thermostat and radiator may also be affected over time. If the engine is overheating, both the thermostat and radiator have to work much harder to try to keep it cool. This can cause failures, which will exacerbate the overheating issues and make it much more difficult to keep your vehicle’s temperature regulated.

Turbocharger Stress

​Failures in the cooling system of your Jeep can increase stress on the turbocharger. Because this component has to spin at an incredibly high rate, it needs consistent cooling to ensure that its individual parts don’t melt or crack. The heat generated by the turbo, plus the failures in the cooling system, creates a cascading effect that will make everything worse as time goes on.

Symptoms of a Failing Jeep Turbo System

​There are all kinds of malfunctions and symptoms that can arise if your Jeep’s turbo system starts to fail and overheat. One of the most common, though, is blue smoke coming from the exhaust. Most of the time, this means that the engine is burning through coolant or there is an oil leak that is entering the combustion chamber. If you have the Jeep 2.0-liter turbo engine, be on the lookout for white or blue smoke and get your vehicle to the shop as soon as possible if you see it.

​You may also notice something called “Limp Mode” activation. Since these Jeeps are relatively new, the ECU is able to regulate automotive engine performance when an issue arises. In this case, it will limit engine power to try to prevent overheating, and the control module will turn on the check engine light.

You may notice that your Jeep barely accelerates or that it doesn’t have nearly the same amount of power as it usually does. This, plus any kind of warning light, may indicate there is a potential issue with the turbocharger and the cooling system, and you will need to get it repaired.

Repair Cost Ranges for the 2.0L Engine

​The biggest problem that stems from this design flaw in the four-cylinder Jeep engine is the fact that it is such an expensive fix. Should you end up needing a full replacement of the turbocharger assembly, this will cost between $1,300 and $1,600.

A replacement of the thermostat will cost between $400 to $460, while a simple check of the coolant system will cost between $60 and $90 before anything is actually repaired. Because of these high repair costs, it is important to know which Jeep models to avoid and which ones will be the most likely to last a long time without any issues.

Years to Avoid vs. Consider

​For most drivers, it is crucial to know which models of a vehicle to avoid before they go shopping for it. The general consensus among Jeep owners is that the 2018 to 2020 2.0L turbo Jeep Wrangler should be avoided if reliability and a low cost of ownership are important factors. Instead, it is recommended that drivers look for models with the 3.6L Pentastar V6 engine.

This engine design is naturally aspirated and has a longstanding reputation across the Chrysler family for dependability and a lack of issues, even as the vehicle ages. While this engine is going to be slightly less efficient due to its higher power rating, the tradeoff is well worth it if you don’t have to worry about major repairs down the line.

OEM vs. Extended Protection

​When you buy a Jeep Wrangler brand new from the dealership, it will come with an OEM factory warranty that is designed to cover many vehicle components. This bumper-to-bumper warranty, though, is only good for three years or 36,000 miles, whichever comes first. While Jeep also includes a powertrain warranty that is good for five years or 60,000 miles, it has specific limitations when it comes to the components that it covers.

Things like plastic coolant components are not covered in the powertrain warranty, which can add up and make it incredibly costly to fix your engine if your turbocharger overheats. Plus, most owners have reported problems well after the 60,000-mile mark, which means these issues may arise after the powertrain warranty period has expired.

​With an extended warranty from a third-party provider, which is more accurately called a vehicle service contract (VSC), you can get more complete protection for older vehicles and help manage certain repair costs associated with these issues. Comprehensive protection plans may include coverage for certain components, including the cooling system, and may help reduce out-of-pocket repair costs.

For anyone who might be considering a Jeep with the 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, a VSC may be worth considering, especially if the turbocharger issue shows up down the line.

Protect Your Jeep With Endurance Warranty

​While it may be best to avoid the four-cylinder Jeep Wrangler, it is possible to get an extended warranty or aftermarket protection plan that provides coverage for repairs and helps manage unexpected costs.

Endurance has plans for all kinds of cars and all kinds of drivers. Whether you have an older high-mileage vehicle or a top-of-the-line luxury car, there is a coverage plan for you. Plus, Endurance offers coverage options for certain vehicles that may not be eligible with some providers, such as Canadian Gray Market cars, vehicles with a rebuilt or salvage title, and cars used for rideshare or delivery. To get an idea of which Jeep is best for you, check out our Jeep vehicle guide to contrast and compare different models.

On top of great protection for your vehicle, Endurance plans also come with a range of extra perks like 24/7 roadside assistance, trip interruption protection, and rental car reimbursement. You can also get access to a year’s worth of our Elite Benefits, which includes tire repair or replacement, key fob protection, windshield coverage, and more.

​When you’re ready for Jeep protection, get in touch with an Endurance representative at (800) 253-8203 for a FREE quote. You can also shop online to see your price right away and make the best decision for your vehicle.

​For more helpful resources like this one, be sure to check out the Endurance Warranty blog. There, you will find DIY tips and tricks, provider comparisons, weather guides, and much more.