Issues with 2.0L Turbo

[Dusty Dude]

Dusty is a bit of a sensationalist when it comes to the issues with wheeling the Turbo. 50k miles with TONS off road in my 2.0 and I have never thought the throttle response was an issue.

Sensationalist? Huh…. That’s a new one. I was pointing out a difference. On road at altitude trying to maintain 80 mph through a pass, the 2.0 is better because the turbo is constantly on making up for the thin air. Off road at low speed on any trail above a four (at or just above idle) and the turbo is all over the place.

Let’s face it: The 2.0 was made for a little sports car 700-1500 lbs lighter. The only reason it was added to the Wrangler was CAFE standards because you could achieve a little better mileage than the 3.6 which was made for a damn minivan. Both are underpowered for the application.

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[SouthCo]

I have a 3.6 in my 2014. I test drove a 2.0 today and it definitely has some pep. Mainly commuting.

That's good you test drove the 2.0. You should test drive a JL 3.6 8spd too, as it is night and day better than the setup in your 2014. Then buy whichever you like better. I don't think you can go wrong either way if you buy what you prefer after driving both...

 

[Gangplank]

That's good you test drove the 2.0. You should test drive a JL 3.6 8spd too, as it is night and day better than the setup in your 2014. Then buy whichever you like better. I don't think you can go wrong either way if you buy what you prefer after driving both...

I agree. It also really depends on final gearing. My 2021 eTorque 3.6 v6 with 8 spd auto and 3.45 gearing with 35” tires does not feel slow. I know people complain about the 3.6 but it does fine in FL flatlandia.

The wife’s 2022 Rubicon 2.0t with 8 spd and 4.10 gearing and stock 33” BFG tires does feel a bit peppier off the line but the throttle is less linear. I have no doubt the 2.0t could run 35” and it would be fine. (Probably a smidge better thank the 3.6 but not enough to sway my decision either way).

Different motors but similar results in those applications.

 

[James Westfall]

Please let me know any issues that you have experienced with the 2.0L Turbo or have read about that may be chronic with it. I am considering a new Wrangler and don’t know if I truly want this powertrain.

I've had two of each engine - don't sweat the issues, they both have a list of problems. Neither is a standout motor, nor is one more reliable than the other in any significant way. Test drive both, decide which one you like, and extend the warranty for as long as you hope to keep the JL.

 

[Odyssey USA]

We had both eTorque variations at the same time to compare. We both prefer the 2.0. Had to sell that one at around 70k+ miles though. Wanted the money and it was paid off. We still have the 3.6 eTorque Rubicon. I wish we didn’t lol.

All normal maintenance through it’s life plus coolant flush, all pulleys, and spark plugs at 100k miles.

At 106k miles (but the oil leak was a while before, did a back yard mitigating fix) :

-Rear main seal
-Cam (but I opted to replace everything up top)

109k
-P0303, misfire cyl 3, borescope verified coolant on top of cylinder, blown head gasket

I miss my 2.0 Sahara a little about now.

I’ll add: off-roading, neither of us really cared to notice this difference because it wasn’t stark to us. These new twin scroll turbos don’t have much, if any, lag like I’ve had with my other turbocharged vehicles. I think most people describe it as lag when it’s really throttle response and I two foot it when needed.

 

[Speed331]

105k on my 2020 2 door. It's been - and still is - an absolute gem.

I have done all the maintnance/fluid changes myself on a moderatly hard usage schedule. Oil changes every 5 to 7k miles, Tcase and diff's every 30k and transmission every 60k. Last oil report at 95k was perfect.

been in the shop once for a broken coolent inlet - fixed the same day under warrenty. I just replaced a seeping coolent tank with a aluminum one.

She is a daily driven work truck (I'm a postal contractor) and taken off road regularly.

The engine is as zippy and fun to drive as it was on day one. The ZF8 transmission is perfectly tuned for the 2.0t and I still smile everytime I open the door to climb in...

 

[yokramer]

Sensationalist? Huh…. That’s a new one. I was pointing out a difference. On road at altitude trying to maintain 80 mph through a pass, the 2.0 is better because the turbo is constantly on making up for the thin air. Off road at low speed on any trail above a four (at or just above idle) and the turbo is all over the place.

Again this is just wrong information, the turbo has 0 problems when crawling and isnt all over the place. At no point have I ever felt the engine was making too little or too much power due to the amount of boost it is producing on any trail from dirt roads to 7 rated trails. On slick rock or east coast red clay mud fest. Or just cruising around town at sea level or boming through the 10k feet passes in the Rockies.

I get you are scared of a turbo but dont let your bias get in the way of good information.

 

[mgroeger]

Sensationalist? Huh…. That’s a new one. I was pointing out a difference. On road at altitude trying to maintain 80 mph through a pass, the 2.0 is better because the turbo is constantly on making up for the thin air. Off road at low speed on any trail above a four (at or just above idle) and the turbo is all over the place.

Let’s face it: The 2.0 was made for a little sports car 700-1500 lbs lighter. The only reason it was added to the Wrangler was CAFE standards because you could achieve a little better mileage than the 3.6 which was made for a damn minivan. Both are underpowered for the application.

Are you talking real life experience or how you feel? I've done 7, 8, and 9 rated trails with my little turbo with ease and control. I've crawled through obstacles and sent it through obstacles with ease. Heck I've literally gotten out of the Jeep and let it drive itself.
I've had 3 JLs with the V6 and 1 with the turbo and given the choice I'd take the turbo.

 

[7c102c600853ce38121]

Oh noo, yet another R4 engine to moan about

https://www.carscoops.com/2025/10/stellantis-wants-you-to-forget-the-v6-with-its-new-turbo-four/



no new pentastar? Sad..

 

[Odyssey USA]

Oh noo, yet another R4 engine to moan about

https://www.carscoops.com/2025/10/stellantis-wants-you-to-forget-the-v6-with-its-new-turbo-four/



no new pentastar? Sad..

I’m sure the techs will love it. lol

Seriously though, I’m down for improved durability like simplifying things even at the expense of economy at this point. I’d like to know more about the block and cylinder head castings.

And I wonder if that expansion tank and accompanying connectors will still be plastic. More power, more heat. Wouldn’t surprise me if the Wrangler comes in lower than that power-wise unless they address the cooling system overall.

 

[Heimkehr]

These new twin scroll turbos don’t have much, if any, lag like I’ve had with my other turbocharged vehicles. I think most people describe it as lag when it’s really throttle response and I two foot it when needed.

+1. I see the occasional post with a pearl-clutching complaint about "lag", and I wonder what engine they're actually referring to. It's not ours.

 

[yokramer]

+1. I see the occasional post with a pearl-clutching complaint about "lag", and I wonder what engine they're actually referring to. It's not ours.

Its got a turbo so clearly it cant make power unless you are 700rpm before redline.

 

[Heimkehr]

Its got a turbo so clearly it cant make power unless you are 700rpm before redline.

Speaking of spinning up the engine...

 

[yokramer]

Speaking of spinning up the engine...

 

[YBABRAT]

I wonder how that engine sounds in the Alfa Romeo Giulia, and/or the Stelvio. Both vehicles also use the GME.


Not everything. There's any number of inline 4s on motorcycles that sing a sweet, sweet song.

Yes, it does seem more difficult to capture the same music when that engine config is scaled up for automotive use.

When comparing the jeep turbo 4 engine to that of Alpha Romeo is ludicrous. If it were the same engine jeep would have a larger oil pan or require 3,000 mile oil changes. No forged crank and pistons. I would safely say heads and intake are different as well. Almost as different like the 1st Gen Pentastar 3 6L and the 2nd Gen Pentastars in our jeeps.

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