9 Most Common Jeep 2.0 Turbo Problems (Plus Effective Fixes)

The Jeep Wrangler has several engine options, including the popular Jeep 2.0 Turbo. This engine is prized for its reliability, durability, and power.

But despite being a top-rated engine, the Jeep 2.0 Turbo is susceptible to a few issues. The most common Jeep 2.0 Turbo problems are lack of manual transmission, oil leaks, turbo lag, less horsepower, low towing capacity, battery pack leaking coolant, high maintenance cost, engine light keeps turning on, and a faulty wastegate.

Since every engine has its fair share of problems, the best way out is to identify the issue and take action immediately. This article explores the leading Jeep 2.0 Turbo issues and how you can fix them.

Lack of Manual Transmission

While the Jeep 2.0 Turbo is ideal for off-road performance, most drivers don’t like its automatic transmission system. Its automatic transmission allows for smooth gear shifting but can result in low performance.

A manual transmission system is the best, especially with rigid vehicles. This is because manual transmission offers more power to tackle rough terrains and climb steep hills. Additionally, the manual transmission prevents the engine from overheating.

Unfortunately, Jeep 2.0 Turbo users can’t solve this problem because they can’t switch the engine to manual. You only need to learn how to cope with the engine’s automatic transmission when driving on various terrains.

Oil Leakage

Oil leakage is another common problem with Jeep 2.0 Turbo engines. There are various reasons oil can leak in the engine.

The main culprit is a faulty oil cooler. The oil cooler keeps the engine oil at a moderate temperature. When the cooler develops issues, it fails to maintain the oil temperature. Disruption of oil temperature, such as low temperature in the oil, can result in oil leakage.

The oil pan gasket can also cause oil leakage in the Jeep 2.0 Turbo. This happens when the oil pan gasket is worn-out or damaged.

A professional mechanic can fix oil leakage in your engine by repairing the leaked areas. If the leaked area is beyond repair, consider replacing the entire component (oil cooler or gasket).

Turbo Lag

One of the most common Jeep 2.0 Turbo problems Jeep owners encounter is turbo lag. When driving your Jeep wrangler at higher speed, you may notice that the vehicle lags and lacks responsiveness.

This problem is more common when you want to boost power and accelerate. When your Jeep starts to lag, it will compromise your drive comfort and leisure. It can also put you at risk, especially when driving on steep hills.

Thankfully, there are several ways to fix the turbo lag in Jeep 2.0 Turbo. Below are the effective fixes to consider:

  • Install a throttle booster. A throttle booster/controller helps eliminate your Jeep’s turbo lag problem. The device enhances air intake, thus increasing power production and response time.
  • Check your tires. If they’re underinflated, ensure to inflate them properly. Underinflated tires could be the cause of turbo lag.
  • Adjust your driving style.
  • Change the fuel.

Less Horsepower and Torque

Most Jeep users complain that the engine’s horsepower and torque won’t allow the vehicle to climb steep mountains. This can be a disappointing issue when one wants to go off-roading.

The Jeep 2.0 Turbo gives a horsepower of 270 and a torque of 295 lb-ft. That’s much lower than several other models, such as V6 engines.

Unfortunately, there’s little you can do to fix your engine’s low horsepower and torque. If replacing the engine is not an option, learn how to cope with it when going off-roading.

Low Towing Capacity

Less horsepower and torque in your Jeep 2.0 Turbo can lead to a lower towing capacity. The maximum towing capacity of this engine is 3,500 pounds. This is lower than what you’d get from a Grand Cherokee (approximately 7,200 pounds).

If you’re planning to go off-roading, your vehicle may not tow everything you want. Identify the load your Jeep can tow and stick to that capacity whenever you go off-roading.

Battery Pack Leaking Coolant

Another common problem with Jeep 2.0 Turbo is the battery pack leaking coolant. This problem usually results from a crack in your battery pack. Other possible causes can be a damaged gasket or seal.

Leaking coolant from the battery pack can cause the engine to overheat or damage the battery and other parts.

A low coolant level in your battery pack affects heat dissipation. This aggravates the overheating issue. Overheating due to leaking coolant might cause the engine to catch fire. Always have a fire extinguisher to mitigate fire emergencies.

Always check for low coolant if your engine develops overheating issues. Call a professional mechanic to diagnose the problem if your battery pack is leaking coolant. Effective fixes for leaking coolant include the following:

  • Repairing the leaked area
  • Replacing the battery pack
  • Replacing damaged gasket or seal
  • Replacing the battery

High Maintenance Cost

Maintaining a Jeep 2.0 Turbo vehicle will cost you more. The engine has great features that require higher maintenance costs.

For example, the engine uses 91 octane fuel to achieve optimal performance. This fuel is more costly than regular gas. If you’re driving the Jeep regularly, fuel costs might drain your wallet.

You’ll also spend more to maintain the 48-volt battery system in your Jeep 2.0 Turbo. Furthermore, spark plugs need replacement after covering 30,000 miles. That’s unlike V6 engines that require replacement every 100,000 miles.

On top of that, the Jeep 2.0 Turbo requires frequent oil changes. If you add all these costs, you’ll realize that maintaining this engine is costly.

Unfortunately, you’ll do nothing to solve the high maintenance costs in your vehicle, especially if you drive it regularly. Always inspect the engine, battery, and spark plugs to ensure they’re in tip-top condition.

The Engine Light Keeps Turning On

The engine light turns on when the engine develops a problem. It’s crucial as the driver can know when the engine has issues, such as loose connections and sensors.

However, the engine light can be annoying if it keeps turning on in your Jeep 2.0 Turbo without any reason. This problem usually occurs after your vehicle has covered several thousand miles. If you’re unfamiliar with this habit, you may worry that your Jeep has a bigger problem.

Thankfully, you can fix this problem by inspecting for loose connections, MAP sensors, or hoses. You can also check for a blown-out fuse. For an effective diagnosis, use an OBD2 scanner to identify the problem.

Fix the problem by securing loose connections, MAP sensors, and hoses. If you have a blown-out fuse, replace it. You can also inspect for a faulty battery and replace it. If you can’t fix the problem, take your Jeep to a mechanic.

Faulty Wastegate

Excess noise from your Jeep 2.0 Turbo engine may indicate a problem with the wastegate. You’ll get a P0243 code indicating wastegate solenoid when the wastegate is faulty. Apart from excessive noise, you may notice other signs, such as:

  • Reduction in fuel economy
  • No acceleration boost
  • Turbo boost pressure fluctuates
  • Engine backfiring

Call a professional mechanic to diagnose the engine and fix the problem when you see the code or signs of a faulty wastegate.

Is the Jeep 2.0 Turbo Engine Any Good?

After going through the most common Jeep 2.0 Turbo problems, you may wonder if it’s worth buying. The truth is that the Jeep 2.0 Turbo has some of the best features you can get from a reliable engine. It’s a rigid engine for driving on rough terrains, lasting over 250,000 miles with proper maintenance.  

The Jeep 2.0 Turbo’s moderate power allows it to handle various tasks while delivering good fuel economy.

Its modern features, such as an intercooler, make the vehicle more powerful. Other features you’ll enjoy in your Jeep include larger brakes and a top-notch cooling system to make it more reliable when off-roading.

Final Thoughts

You now know the most common Jeep 2.0 Turbo problems and their effective fixes. Despite these issues, this engine remains an ideal choice for Jeep enthusiasts. With Jeep 2.0 Turbo, you can rest assured of a powerful, durable, and reliable engine.