P0305 on JEEP WRANGLER — Cylinder 5 Misfire Detected

Q: "What does P0305 mean on a JEEP WRANGLER?"

"P0305 indicates: Cylinder 5 Misfire Detected. This is a ignition system code. 5 JEEP WRANGLER owners have reported this to NHTSA."

Q: "What are the most common causes of P0305 on JEEP WRANGLER?"

"Based on 5 NHTSA reports, the most commonly cited components are: Engine, Unknown Or Other,Engine, Electrical System,Fuel/Propulsion System. These percentages are based on the component field in owner complaints."

Q: "Is P0305 serious on my JEEP WRANGLER?"

"Of 5 NHTSA reports for this code on JEEP WRANGLER, none involved a crash or fire. However, any diagnostic code should be evaluated by a qualified mechanic."

Q: "What should I do if my JEEP WRANGLER shows P0305?"

"1) Check for recalls on your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 2) Get a professional diagnosis — a code alone doesn't identify the exact failed part. 3) Get 2-3 repair estimates to compare."

What P0305 Means on Your JEEP WRANGLER

P0305 is a diagnostic trouble code indicating: Cylinder 5 Misfire Detected. This code relates to the ignition system system. The vehicle's computer detected a condition outside normal operating parameters and stored this code.

5 JEEP WRANGLER owners have reported this issue to NHTSA across model years 2012-2018. Most reports come from the 2014, 2012 model years.

Real JEEP WRANGLER Owner Reports

Source: NHTSA Complaints Database

"I am reporting a persistent and safety-relevant defect in my 2012 Jeep Wrangler with the 3.6L Pentastar engine. The vehicle is experiencing misfires on multiple cylinders, especially cylinders 1 and 5, triggering codes P0300, P0301, and P0305."

— 2012 JEEP WRANGLER owner · ENGINE · Filed 05/11/2025

"In 2020 and 2025, Oil Coolant Housing cracked and failed. First incident happened on the way to an oil change. Certified Mechanic found oil covering entire undercarriage and engine, and notified me this was a severe fire and safety hazard. Replaced with an OEM Housing from dealership."

— 2014 JEEP WRANGLER owner · UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE · Filed 02/05/2025

"Four months after purchasing a used wrangler unlimited i got a check engine light and codes p0205 and p0305. upon reading up on these codes it is a very well known issue with the 3.6l pentastar engine."

— 2014 JEEP WRANGLER owner · ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM · Filed 05/03/2020

"I have the 2014 jeep wrangler with only 47000 miles. i have kept excellent care of this vehicle and it is used only as daily driver with no abuse whatsoever.just within the month of 2/2019 a code; p0305 misfire developed with the typical penastar engine "knock" and idling rough."

— 2014 JEEP WRANGLER owner · AIR BAGS,ENGINE · Filed 02/28/2019

"My 2018 Jeep Wrangler JL Sport is experiencing multiple premature engine failures that present a serious safety risk: •Vehicle overheats while driving. •Recurrent misfire on Cylinder #5 (DTC P0305). •White exhaust smoke with a sweet coolant smell on cold start. •Coolant loss despite recent refill."

— 2018 JEEP WRANGLER owner · POWER TRAIN,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM · Filed 09/01/2025

All reports filed by vehicle owners directly with the U.S. Department of Transportation.

📊 Complaint Trend by Model Year

1

'12

3

'14

1

'18

Common Causes on JEEP WRANGLER

Based on NHTSA complaint component analysis for this vehicle.

ENGINE 20%

UNKNOWN or OTHER,ENGINE 20%

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 20%

AIR BAGS,ENGINE 20%

POWER TRAIN,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 20%

What To Do Next

1
Check for recalls on YOUR VIN
Go to nhtsa.gov/recalls and enter your VIN. If your vehicle is covered, repairs are free.
2
Get a proper diagnosis
A code alone doesn't tell you the exact failed part. A diagnostic at a shop ($50–$150) pinpoints the root cause before you spend money on parts.
3
Compare repair quotes
Get 2–3 quotes. Dealer vs. independent shop prices often differ 30–50% for the same repair.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does P0305 mean on a JEEP WRANGLER? ▾

P0305 indicates: Cylinder 5 Misfire Detected. This is a ignition system code. 5 JEEP WRANGLER owners have reported this to NHTSA.

What are the most common causes of P0305 on JEEP WRANGLER? ▾

Based on 5 NHTSA reports, the most commonly cited components are: Engine, Unknown Or Other,Engine, Electrical System,Fuel/Propulsion System. These percentages are based on the component field in owner complaints.

Is P0305 serious on my JEEP WRANGLER? ▾

Of 5 NHTSA reports for this code on JEEP WRANGLER, none involved a crash or fire. However, any diagnostic code should be evaluated by a qualified mechanic.

What should I do if my JEEP WRANGLER shows P0305? ▾

1) Check for recalls on your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 2) Get a professional diagnosis — a code alone doesn't identify the exact failed part. 3) Get 2-3 repair estimates to compare.