Used Jeep Wagoneer 1st Gen (2022-2025): Buyer's Guide

The 2022 Jeep Wagoneer has an active NHTSA investigation. At slow speeds, the engine stalls, the transmission shifts into park, and the emergency brake applies by itself while the vehicle is still rolling. The root cause is an electrical fault in the 48-volt eTorque motor generator unit. Eighty owners filed complaints before federal regulators opened the investigation in 2024.

The 2024 Wagoneer fixes this by replacing the HEMI entirely with Stellantis's new Hurricane I6 twin-turbo. That engine brings a different problem: a thermostat that fails at rates high enough to create nationwide dealer backorders, and cylinder walls that cannot be bored. A catastrophic failure means a full engine replacement at $10,000 or more.

This is a four-year generation with two different powertrains, two different risk profiles, and a nameplate Jeep killed after 2025. Here is how to buy the right one.

This Generation at a Glance

The Jeep Wagoneer (WS platform) launched for 2022 as Stellantis's answer to the Navigator and Escalade, returning a nameplate that had been dormant since 1993. It sits on a dedicated body-on-frame architecture shared with the Ram 1500, stretched to seat up to eight passengers. The Grand Wagoneer is the same vehicle with a higher base specification and more powerful engine options.

The generation ran from 2022 through 2025 before Jeep discontinued the Wagoneer name. The Grand Wagoneer continues as a refreshed 2026 model.

Key mid-generation changes:

• 2022: Launch year, 5.7L HEMI eTorque only in Wagoneer; 6.4L HEMI in Grand Wagoneer
• 2023: Wagoneer L (long wheelbase) added; Hurricane HO engine introduced in Grand Wagoneer
• 2024: Hurricane I6 became standard across all Wagoneer trims; major powertrain pivot
• 2025: Final year for Wagoneer nameplate; most refined, fewest complaints

Year pages: 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025

Powertrain and Trim Breakdown

5.7L HEMI V8 with eTorque (2022-2023 Wagoneer)

Owners who bought the 2022-2023 Wagoneer liked what the HEMI delivers: a known engine with 392 horsepower, 10,000-pound towing capacity, and the confident low-end pull that made the Ram 1500 a best-seller. The eTorque mild hybrid system adds torque-fill at low RPM and regenerative braking to marginally improve fuel economy.

The problem is the eTorque motor generator unit itself. Under active NHTSA investigation (PE24016), the 2022 Wagoneer has drawn 80 or more complaints from owners who experienced engine stall at low speeds followed by the vehicle automatically shifting into park and engaging the emergency brake. Some owners report being stranded, with the vehicle refusing to restart due to a low-voltage battery fault. Dealers have attempted software updates, but no formal recall had been issued as of mid-2026.

The 2022 Wagoneer also carries the highest recall count of any year in the generation: 8 recalls covering the rearview camera display, airbag and restraint control module software, roof pillar structure, rear seat belt buckle assembly (NHTSA 23V716), and exterior trim retention. The airbag software recall is a safety item, not cosmetic.

The 2023 Wagoneer kept the same engine and carries 6 recalls. It has fewer owner complaints than 2022 but inherits the same eTorque stalling risk. If you are buying a 2022 or 2023 Wagoneer, the eTorque investigation status should be confirmed resolved before you commit.

The 5.7L HEMI eTorque in the 2022-2023 Wagoneer is under active federal investigation for engine stall at low speeds, causing the vehicle to shift into park and apply the emergency brake automatically. NHTSA received more than 80 owner complaints before opening probe PE24016 in 2024. No recall had been issued as of mid-2026. Confirm investigation resolution before buying a 2022 or 2023 Wagoneer.

6.4L HEMI V8 (2022-2023 Grand Wagoneer)

The Grand Wagoneer launched with the 6.4L HEMI from the SRT performance lineup. At 471 horsepower and 455 lb-ft of torque, it is legitimately fast for a six-thousand-pound SUV. It does not have eTorque, which means it avoids the stalling investigation entirely.

What it does not avoid is the fuel bill. EPA rates it at 13 city, 18 highway, 15 combined. Real-world owners report 11 to 14 MPG in mixed driving. At $3.20 per gallon and 15,000 miles per year, that is roughly $3,400 annually for fuel. On road trips it can climb to 19 to 20 MPG, but daily use is expensive.

The 6.4L HEMI architecture is proven across the Ram and Jeep lineup. At higher mileages (90,000 plus), watch for carbon buildup on intake valves common to direct-injection engines without port injection, and the general HEMI tendency toward cam and lifter wear if oil changes are deferred. These are not generation-specific problems; they apply across the HEMI lineup.

The 6.4L HEMI in the 2022-2023 Grand Wagoneer delivers 471 horsepower and avoids the eTorque stalling issue. It rates 15 MPG combined. Real-world fuel economy in daily driving runs 11 to 14 MPG. No generation-defining reliability failures are documented for the 6.4L in this application, making it the more predictable used buy among 2022-2023 Grand Wagoneers.

3.0L Hurricane Twin-Turbo I6 (2024-2025 Wagoneer / 2023-2025 Grand Wagoneer)

The Hurricane is Stellantis's new flagship inline-six, replacing the HEMI family across multiple platforms. In Wagoneer form it produces 420 horsepower; in Grand Wagoneer High Output trim it produces 510 horsepower. Power delivery is more linear than the HEMI, with peak torque arriving earlier in the RPM range. Fuel economy improves: the Hurricane 4x4 Wagoneer rates 19 to 20 MPG combined versus 17 for the HEMI.

The most documented failure is the thermostat. The plastic thermostat housing breaks or the thermostat sticks in either the open or closed position. Stuck closed means coolant cannot circulate, the engine overheats, and at minimum a cracked head results. At least one owner reported the thermostat failure leading to a cracked cylinder head within the first year of ownership. Dealers in multiple regions reported backorder situations on replacement thermostats, leaving vehicles sitting for weeks without repair.

The more serious long-term concern is the cylinder bore coating. The Hurricane uses a Plasma Transferred Wire Arc process to coat the cylinder walls rather than traditional cast-iron sleeves. This eliminates an entire layer of material tolerance: if the cylinder wall is scored, the block cannot be bored to oversize. A catastrophic engine failure on a Hurricane typically requires a complete short-block replacement rather than a rebuild. Repair costs exceed $10,000 versus $3,500 to $5,000 for a traditional HEMI rebuild.

The 2023 Grand Wagoneer was the first production year for the Hurricane HO. The 2024 Wagoneer was the first year for the standard Hurricane. First-year examples of any new engine carry more early-adopter risk. Owners of 2024 Wagoneers have reported two defective batteries in the first two weeks, multiple won't-start events in the first six months, and suspension noise that dealerships struggled to resolve.

The Hurricane I6 in the 2024-2025 Wagoneer has a documented thermostat failure problem that reached nationwide dealer backorder status. The engine's PTWA cylinder coating eliminates the ability to bore the block; a major internal failure means a $10,000-plus engine replacement. First-year examples (2024 Wagoneer, 2023 Grand Wagoneer) carry additional early-production risk.

Trim-Specific Notes

Wagoneer trims:

• Series II: Base Wagoneer trim. Nappa leather, 10.1-inch touchscreen, 9-speaker Alpine audio, tri-zone climate. Gets you the vehicle without the premium markup. The right pick for most buyers.
• Series II Carbide: Same mechanicals as Series II with black exterior accents and 20-inch black wheels added. A cosmetics package. Pass unless you specifically want the look.
• Series III: Adds 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, ventilated front seats, wireless charging pad, McIntosh audio upgrade, rear-seat entertainment with dual 10.1-inch screens. Worth the premium for buyers who will use the rear entertainment regularly.
• Wagoneer L (2023+): Long-wheelbase version with 9.3 additional cubic feet of cargo space and improved third-row access. No mechanical differences from the standard wheelbase. The right choice for families who actually use row three.

Grand Wagoneer trims: Every Grand Wagoneer ships with a 12.3-inch digital cluster and 12-inch navigation touchscreen as standard. The price gap between a loaded Wagoneer Series III and a base Grand Wagoneer Series I is smaller on the used market than new, and worth comparing before you decide.

Air suspension is standard on Grand Wagoneer Series II and III. It adds genuine off-road height capability but introduces an additional failure chain. Air springs run $400 to $800 per corner for replacement; the compressor runs $800 to $1,500. If you buy a Grand Wagoneer with air suspension, budget for this maintenance at 80,000 miles or earlier.

Which Model Year to Target

2022: Eight recalls, mean mileage already at 62,000 (CarScout data, June 2026), and the active eTorque stalling investigation. The Grand Wagoneer 2022 with the 6.4L HEMI avoids the eTorque risk and is a more defensible buy if priced accordingly. The 2022 Wagoneer is the highest-risk purchase in this generation.

2023: Six recalls for Wagoneer, one fewer complaint cluster. The eTorque risk persists. The 2023 Grand Wagoneer was the first year for the Hurricane HO engine; if you are considering a 2023 Grand Wagoneer, confirm whether it has the HEMI or Hurricane before making an offer.

2024: The inflection year. Wagoneer dropped the HEMI for the Hurricane entirely. Five recalls versus eight in 2022. Mean mileage around 53,000. Most 2024 examples still have remaining factory warranty coverage (5 years / 60,000 miles on powertrain). This is the practical sweet spot for most buyers.

2025: Fewest issues, lowest mileage, but only 254 listings and prices starting above $44,000. Remaining warranty makes it the safest option if budget allows.

Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Run this before you schedule the test drive:

• Run the VIN through a recall check before visiting the vehicle. Confirm recall 23V716 (A7A seat belt buckle, affecting 2022-2024 manufactured before September 2023) has been completed. Verify any backup camera and airbag software recalls are closed out.
• Request full dealer service records. Any vehicle with early electrical issues should have documented dealer visits. Clean history with no service records on a 2022 example is a red flag.

For all models (at the test drive):

• Test every UConnect function with the vehicle running: navigation, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, rear-seat entertainment screens (if equipped), all climate zones. Screen freeze, slow response, or black screen = pending infotainment service, often a $400-plus dealer visit.
• Test all three rows of seat belts. Pull each buckle to confirm it latches cleanly and releases without sticking. The 23V716 recall addressed buckles scratched or damaged during assembly.
• Check door gaps, hood fit, and roof trim consistency. Poor fit-and-finish on early examples was documented across the generation.

For 5.7L HEMI eTorque (2022-2023 Wagoneer):

• Test drive at parking lot speeds. Come to a complete stop five times. Any stall, park engagement, or emergency brake application while rolling: walk away. This is the eTorque failure mode under federal investigation.
• Ask if any battery warning or low-voltage fault codes appear in service history. A low-voltage condition often precedes the stalling event.
• Ask the dealer to confirm PCM calibration software status. No fix had been officially issued as of mid-2026 but confirm this is still the case.

For 3.0L Hurricane I6 (2024-2025 Wagoneer / 2023-2025 Grand Wagoneer):

• Start the vehicle cold. Watch the temperature gauge during the first ten minutes. It should rise to normal operating temperature and hold. A slow rise followed by rapid overheating, or a gauge that never reaches normal operating temp, both indicate thermostat failure.
• Ask directly: "Has the thermostat been replaced or flagged?" Dealer records should show this if it occurred.
• Request any coolant or cooling system service history. A cracked head from thermostat failure generates a cooling system record. Any evidence of overheating in the vehicle history increases the risk of downstream engine damage significantly.

For air suspension (any trim):

• Cycle through all suspension modes (Normal, Off-Road 1, Off-Road 2, Park mode) and watch for any warning messages or delay in mode changes.
• After the test drive, park on level ground with the engine off. Come back 15 minutes later. One corner sitting lower than the others indicates an air spring leak.

Running Costs

*Estimated at $3.20/gallon, 15,000 miles per year

Key maintenance notes:

• Hurricane I6: Uses 0W-40 full synthetic. Stellantis schedules 8,000 to 10,000 mile intervals. Twin-turbo direct-injection engines punish old oil. Do the change at 5,000 to 6,000 miles until long-term data on this engine matures.
• HEMI V8: Same 0W-40 or 5W-20 recommendation. Same logic applies on oil change frequency.
• 8-speed TorqueFlite transmission: Not on Stellantis's maintenance schedule, but forum consensus across Ram/Jeep platforms recommends a fluid service at 60,000 miles. Factor in $250 to $400 for the service.
• Air suspension compressor: Replacement runs $800 to $1,500 at a dealership. Air springs: $400 to $800 per corner. Budget for at least one air spring by 80,000 miles on any air-suspension-equipped example.
• Third-row seat belt (if recall incomplete): Free at any Stellantis dealership under recall 23V716.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 2022 Jeep Wagoneer reliable? The 2022 Wagoneer is the highest-risk year of the generation. Its 5.7L HEMI eTorque system is under active NHTSA investigation (PE24016) for engine stall at low speeds, with the vehicle shifting into park and applying the emergency brake on its own. NHTSA received more than 80 owner complaints before opening the probe. The 2022 also has 8 recalls, the most of any year in the generation. Mean mileage on 2022 listings is already 62,000 miles as of mid-2026.

What is the Jeep Wagoneer's biggest problem? The 2022-2023 Wagoneer's defining problem is the eTorque stalling event: engine off, automatic park engagement, emergency brake applied, vehicle still moving. The 2024-2025 Wagoneer's biggest problem is Hurricane I6 thermostat failure. That failure can crack the cylinder head and, in worse cases, damage cylinder walls that cannot be bored for repair, forcing a $10,000-plus engine replacement.

Is the Hurricane I6 in the Jeep Wagoneer reliable long-term? Long-term data is still limited given the engine's recent introduction. Thermostat failures have been widespread enough to cause nationwide dealer backorders. The engine's PTWA cylinder coating is a significant design departure from traditional iron-sleeved engines. A catastrophic failure on the Hurricane typically requires a full short-block replacement rather than a conventional rebuild, making failure costs materially higher than on the HEMI it replaced.

Which year Jeep Wagoneer should I buy? The 2024 Wagoneer Series II or III with the Hurricane I6 is the best balance of reduced recall history, remaining factory warranty, and distance from the 2022 eTorque problems. The 2025 is the most refined but carries limited inventory and high prices. Avoid the 2022 Wagoneer unless the eTorque investigation has been formally resolved with a recall and repair by the time you shop.

Does the Jeep Wagoneer have air suspension? Air suspension is standard on higher Grand Wagoneer trims and optional on some Wagoneer Series III configurations. It provides off-road height adjustment and load leveling. The documented failure chain includes air spring leaks ($400 to $800 per corner to replace) and compressor failure ($800 to $1,500). Coil-spring models avoid this maintenance entirely. If you buy a Wagoneer or Grand Wagoneer with air suspension, inspect it carefully and budget for air component service.

Bottom Line

The 2024 Wagoneer Series III with the Hurricane I6 is the generation's sweet spot. It avoids the eTorque investigation, has the fewest recalls of any HEMI-era model, and most examples carry remaining powertrain warranty. For the Grand Wagoneer, the 2024-2025 Hurricane HO is the right call over any 6.4L HEMI example if fuel economy matters. Either way, verify the seat belt recall (23V716) is complete before handing over a check. Run the VIN through a recall check before every test drive. CarScout members can track price drops on specific Wagoneer years and trim levels at usecarscout.com.

Data sourced from NHTSA recalls database (PE24016, 23V716), EPA fuel economy data, CarScout market inventory (June 2026), and real owner experiences from WagoneerFans.com, JeepGarage.org, and JeepWagoneer.forum. See the full Jeep Wagoneer market data for current pricing and inventory.