The Jeep 2.0 Turbo engine was one of the first engines made by Jeep and made available in the Jeep Wrangler and later the Jeep Cherokee. As one of the most popular Jeep engines, the 4-cylinder engine can generate 270 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque.
However, just like other engines, the Jeep 2.0 Turbo engine has its downsides. In this post, we look at the common Jeep 2.0 Turbo engine problems that you may encounter.
Jeep 2.0 Turbo Engine Overview
The Jeep 2.0 Turbo engine is an impressive powerplant capable of generating 270 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. Fuel efficient and powerful, the 2-liter inline gasoline engine was first introduced in the 2018 Jeep Wrangler. Then a year later, Jeep introduced the 2.0 Turbo engine in the Jeep Cherokee.
It comes with a two-stage oil pump designed to provide low-pressure oil during normal driving. It also provides high-pressure oil under high-load operation. Since the engine has a direct injection system, it comes with a powerful fuel pump that produces up to 2,900 psi.
To ensure better fuel atomization, the fuel pump has multi-hole fuel nozzles that inject fuel into cylinders. Besides the injection system that improves efficiency, the engine comes with a turbocharged intake.
The twin-scroll turbocharger has an electronically actuated wastegate. Attached to the cylinder head, it helps reduce exhaust temperatures. It also accelerates the rate at which the engine warms up, and increases the longevity of the turbocharger.
| Attribute | Specs |
| Fuel type | Gasoline |
| Number of cylinders | Four |
| Valvetrain Layout | DOHC |
| Valves per cylinder | Four |
| Compression ratio | 10.0:1 |
| Engine oil capacity | 5.0 qt(4.7l) |
| Type of internal combustion engine | Four stroke, turbocharged |
| Oil change interval, mile | 9,000 (15,000 km)/ 12 months |
8 Most Common Jeep 2.0 Turbo Problems
The following are the most common Jeep 2.0 Turbo problems.
1. Turbo Lag
One of the most common Jeep 2.0 Turbo problems you’ll encounter is turbo lag which causes your truck to lack acceleration. In fact, it does so even when you shift it to high gear. This lack of responsiveness from the engine makes driving your Jeep less enjoyable.
Often drivers need more power and quick response when they shift gears and accelerate. However, this problem is a headache for lots of Jeep owners.
The good news is you can solve this problem with a throttle booster. This is a device that helps to increase the response time of the throttle body. Basically, the device works by increasing airflow to the engine increasing the amount of power the Jeep 2.0 Turbo engine can generate.
2. Check Engine Light Turns On
When your Jeep’s internal computer identifies a problem with the transmission or engine, it turns on the check engine light. Even when you have something minor like a loose gas cap, the check engine light turns on. Other issues with your Jeep that will turn on the check engine light include sensors, hoses, loose connectors, and others.
So, if the check engine light turns on without any reason, you can identify the problem with a quality OBD2 scanner. If you don’t have a scanner, then you can have a professional mechanic inspect your car.
3. Battery Pack Leaks Coolant
Another problem that you will encounter with your Jeep 2.0 Turbo engine is the battery pack leaking coolant. When this happens, the engine starts to overheat and if the problem prolongs, it can damage the battery and the engine permanently.
This is because as the coolant leaks, its level goes down affecting the engine’s ability to dissipate heat thus the issue of overheating. So, if you notice your Jeep 2.0 Turbo engine starts overheating, check the coolant level. Then take your Jeep to a professional mechanic for a checkup and repairs.
4. Faulty Wastegate
A faulty wastegate is a common problem that affects the Jeep 2.0 Turbo engine. One of the causes of this problem is the disk in the wastegate house is not sealing properly. This is because of the bypassing exhaust. It could also be due to a rubber crack, failed below, or failed boost sensing line.
If the problem goes undetected, it could cause serious engine damage. For starters, the turbo will no longer have boost control. This means the pressure will build up and the turbine will keep spinning. This will happen until something breaks. The best solution for this problem is to replace the worn actuator.
5. Oil Leakage
Oil will leak from your Jeep 2.0 Turbo engine for several reasons. One of those reasons is a faulty oil cooler. The cooler is responsible for keeping the oil temperature in the engine at a moderate level. If the oil starts leaking from the engine, that means the oil temperature got disrupted.
Oil can also leak from the Jeep 2.0 Turbo engine due to a damaged or worn-out oil pan gasket. If you discover an oil leak, take your car to a professional mechanic for repairs.
6. No Manual Transmission Option
The Jeep 2.0 Turbo engine is powerful but the company does not manufacture a manual transmission. Instead, the company only manufactures the vehicle with an automatic transmission. This does not mean that there is a problem with automatic transmission. But when it comes to Jeeps and other utility vehicles, many people prefer manual transmissions.
This is because manual transmissions produce more power than automatic transmissions. The good news is this should not be a big issue that you cannot cope with.
7. High Maintenance Cost
Jeep recommends using 87, 91, or 93 octane fuel which is more expensive than regular gasoline. Besides using octane fuel, turbocharged engines require additional maintenance compared to non-turbo engines.
Also, the Jeep 2.0 Turbo engine requires the frequent replacement of spark plugs. In fact, you need to replace the spark plugs every 3,000 miles. This is expensive, unlike V6 engines which require you to replace the spark plugs every 100,000 miles.
So, running the Jeep 2.0 Turbo engine is expensive once you take into account the high maintenance costs above.
8. Low Towing Capacity
The Jeep 2.0 Turbo engine has a low towing capacity of up to 3,500 pounds. Basically, the vehicle falls below expectations compared to a variety of non-turbo vehicles. Besides having a low towing capacity, it has low torque and horsepower.
What Are the Disadvantages of the Turbo 2.0 Engine?
The following are the disadvantages of the 2.0 Turbo engine.
- High maintenance costs
- Overheating
- The engine wears out at a faster rate
- Burns more fuel which is expensive
- Runs on 91 Octane fuel which is more expensive than regular gasoline
- Turbo lag
How Long Does a Jeep 2.0 Turbo Last?
If taken care of properly, the Jeep 2.0 Turbo engine can last over 100,000 miles with little or no issues. However, you need to be aware that certain parts such as the PCV system and the timing chain are weak. As such, the risk of breaking down is high.
Is the Jeep 2.0 Turbo A Good Buy?
Yes, the Jeep 2.0 Turbo engine is a good buy as it delivers 270 hp @ 5,250 rpm and 295 lb-ft @ 3,000 more than a V6 engine. Past tests of the Jeep 2.0 Turbo engine in a 2-wheel drive with traction control managed to get from 0 to 60 in 6.1 seconds. That’s quite impressive.
What you need to know is that the 2.0 Turbo engine gives the new Jeep Wrangler lots of acceleration. It is quick and gives your vehicle the punch to keep pace and pass traffic. The engine can run out of revs quickly but the torque is all you need to make forward progress.
Together with an 8-speed transmission, the engine provides moderate power and is reliable enough to drive easily on a variety
of terrains including rocky terrain. Besides being reliable, it also has good fuel economy.
Jeep 2.0 Turbo Direct Injection
The Jeep 2.0 Turbo engine comes with a direct injection system. This is a fuel delivery system found in modern gas and diesel vehicles. In traditional systems, the fuel/air mixture enters the engine cylinders via the intake valves. But with the direct injection system, an injector sprays fuel directly into the combustion chamber.
What you need to know is that the high-pressure fuel pump that comes with the direct injection system produces 2,900 psi. The system injects fuel through multi-hole fuel nozzles. This ensures precise fuel delivery and better fuel atomization.
Direct fuel injection gives the Jeep 2.0 Turbo engine greater fuel efficiency. This is thanks to the high level of precision of the fuel injected into the cylinders. Also, the spray pattern and injection timing contribute to the engine’s efficiency and power.
Recall of Jeep 2.0 Turbo
In 2021, Jeep released a recall notice for the 2020 Wrangler models equipped with the 2.0 L engine. The issue involved the fuel supply line connector attached to the vehicle’s high-pressure fuel pump. Jeep discovered that the fuel line connector was faulty in vehicles manufactured between January and March 2020.
The recall notice was for the two and four-door 2020 Jeep Wrangler models. The number of vehicles recalled totaled 14,410 with 1% of them estimated to have the faulty connector. According to documents filed with the NHTSA, the plastic fuel line connector may crack prematurely. TI Ashley supplied the batch of faulty connectors.
As of August 13th, 2020, safety experts at Jeep knew of:
- Three field reports
- 806 warranty claims
- 55 customer assistance records related to the problem
To know if your Jeep is part of the recall, customers need to run their vehicle identification number on the NHTSA VIN lookup tool.
In late 2022, Chrysler recalled nearly 63,000 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. As the parent company of Jeep, Chrysler discovered that the Wrangler vehicles could suddenly quit on drivers. Basically, the 2.0L engine could experience a loss of communication causing the engine to shut6 down. If this were to happen while the vehicle is on the road, the results could be catastrophic.
The Jeep recall affected 2021 to 2023 Jeep Wrangler 4XE vehicles equipped with the 2.0 L plug-in hybrid electric engines. These engines got produced before August 17th, 2022. As of November 2022, Jeep was aware of one injury and two accidents related to this issue.
In addition, there were more than 65 field reports, 112 customer assistance records, and 196 warranty claims related to this issue.
Thankfully, Chrysler updated the calibration software to remedy the problem. If you want to know if your vehicle is part of the recall, visit the NHTSA Safety Issues and Recalls page. Then enter your Jeep’s VIN in the space provided.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Jeep 2.0 turbo engine a reliable option?
Yes, the Jeep 2.0 Turbo engine is a reliable option because it’s tough and suitable for all sorts of terrains.
Does the Jeep 2.0 turbo require premium fuel?
Yes, the Jeep 2.0 Turbo engine requires 87 Octane regular fuel instead of regular gasoline. Alternatively, you can use 91 or 93-octane fuel.
Is the 4-cylinder Jeep motor in a vehicle a good one?
The 4-cylinder Jeep motor is a good motor found in a variety of Jeep vehicles. It’s fuel efficient and provides impressive driving performance.
Does the 2.0 engine consume more fuel?
With the 2.0 L Turbo engine, Jeep vehicles deliver 24 mg on the highway and 21 mpg in the city. However, the engine only turns into a fuel hog when you accelerate This is because a large volume of air gets pumped into the cylinder to match the large volume of fuel.
Does the 2.0-liter engine work fast in vehicles?
Yes, it does. This is because the 2.0 L engine comes with a turbo which ensures that the car is fast under hard acceleration.
Which Jeep model is the best one to work on gas?
The most fuel-efficient Jeep model that works best on gas is the 2022 Renegade which features a regular gas powertrain.
Is the engine in the Jeep 2.0 turbo considered an efficient option?
The Jeep 2.0 Turbo engine is usually considered an efficient option having a power of 275 hp and a torque of 295 lb-ft.
Final Thoughts
There you have it, the common Jeep 2.0 turbo engine problems. Now that you know what to look for, in case any of the issues above arise, you can always seek the help of a professional mechanic. Other than that, the Jeep 2.0 Turbo engine is an exceptional unit that’s considered an efficient option.
