Service Bulletin

2021-2025 Jeep Wrangler Rear Defroster Inoperative TSB

This Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 23-007-25 addresses a common issue in 2021-2025 Jeep Wrangler vehicles where the rear defroster may become inoperative due to detached electrical connectors. The TSB outlines the symptoms, diagnostic steps, and a repair procedure involving the replacement and…

ByAhmet Topcu — Founder & Editor-in-ChiefAutomated summary2025 Jeep Wrangler
2025 Jeep Wrangler — manufacturer_communication document image 1
Source: NHTSA manufacturer_communication 11014384
TSB 23-007-25TSB 23-089-23Jeep Wrangler rear defroster inoperativeRear window is not defrostingDefrost solder terminal detachedElectric Backlite (EBL) wire connector68499001AASales Code GFAFailure Code ZZJeep Wrangler rear defroster not working
Jeep Wrangler
2021–2024

Owners of 2021-2025 Jeep Wrangler vehicles equipped with the Rear Window Defroster (Sales Code GFA) may experience issues with their rear defroster system. This problem, detailed in Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 23-007-25, specifically addresses situations where the rear window fails to defrost properly.

This TSB, issued on February 13, 2025, supersedes an earlier bulletin, TSB 23-089-23, dated August 08, 2023. The updated bulletin includes additional model years and revised parts information to better address the Jeep Wrangler rear defroster inoperative condition.

Symptoms

If your Jeep Wrangler is affected, you might observe one or both of the following symptoms:

  • The rear window is not defrosting as expected.
  • The rear window glass's left or right side defrost solder terminal is detached from the defrost grid.

Cause of the Issue

The primary cause for the Jeep Wrangler rear defroster inoperative issue stems from the design of the rear defroster electrical connector. This connector is intended for one-time use. If it becomes loose or is removed for any reason, it must be replaced to ensure proper function.

Diagnosis

To diagnose this issue, technicians are instructed to use a wiTECH Scan Tool along with the appropriate Diagnostic Procedures available in DealerCONNECT/Service Library. The goal is to verify that all related systems are functioning correctly. While no specific Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) are listed in this bulletin, technicians should check for any present DTCs or other symptom conditions and address them before proceeding with the defroster repair.

Repair Procedure Summary

The repair for the Jeep Wrangler rear defroster inoperative condition involves replacing and re-securing the electrical connector(s) to the rear window. The high-level steps are:

  1. Remove the existing rear window defroster electrical connector(s).
  2. Replace the connector(s) with a new one. Detailed service procedures for this step can be found in the DealerCONNECT Service Library under 'Service Info>29 - Non-DTC Diagnostics / Circuit Testing Procedures / Standard Procedure>Wire Splicing'.
  3. Carefully push the new connector onto the rear window glass terminal, ensuring a secure connection.

Required Parts

The TSB specifies the following part for the repair:

  • Part No.: 68499001AA
  • Description: Wiring, 1 Way-Pigtail (Connector, Rear Defrost EBL)

Owner Action

If you are experiencing a Jeep Wrangler rear defroster inoperative condition, it is recommended to schedule an appointment with your authorized Jeep dealer. The repair outlined in TSB 23-007-25 is typically reimbursable under the provisions of your vehicle's warranty. The labor time for this repair is estimated at 0.2 hours for one side or 0.3 hours for both sides.

Important Notes

This bulletin is provided as technical information for repair purposes and is not an authorization for repair. It's important to note that this document supersedes TSB 23-089-23, which was issued on August 08, 2023. The current TSB, 23-007-25, incorporates additional model years and updated parts information.

NHTSA ID: 11014384

Frequently Asked Questions

What does TSB 23-007-25 address for the Jeep Wrangler?
TSB 23-007-25 addresses the issue of a rear defroster being inoperative on 2021-2025 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. This is typically caused by a detached electrical connector on the rear window glass.
What are the common symptoms of the Jeep Wrangler rear defroster problem?
Owners may notice that the 'Rear window is not defrosting' or that 'The rear window glass left or right side defrost solder terminal is detached from the defrost grid'.
What part is needed to fix the inoperative rear defroster?
The repair requires replacing the Electric Backlite (EBL) wire connector, specifically Part No. 68499001AA, described as a 'Wiring, 1 Way-Pigtail' connector.
Is this repair covered under warranty?
Yes, the repair outlined in TSB 23-007-25 for the Jeep Wrangler rear defroster inoperative condition is reimbursable under the provisions of the vehicle's warranty.
Does TSB 23-007-25 supersede any previous bulletins?
Yes, TSB 23-007-25 supersedes Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 23-089-23, which was issued on August 08, 2023. The new bulletin includes updated information and additional model years.

What Jeep Wrangler owners report

Counted from the records in our database across 41 model years.

18,838
Owner complaints
104
Recalls
2,758
Service bulletins
572
Crashes reported
552
Fires reported
435
Injuries reported

The 2025 model year

82 complaints, the 32nd most of 41 model years on file. Owners reported 5 crashes, 2 fires and 1 injury for this year, which also has 6 recalls on file.

Electrical System and Structure, the system this article covers, accounts for 4,290 of 18,838 complaints (23%), including 49 for 2025.

Complaints by model year

Model years with the most complaints for the Jeep Wrangler
2006730
20071,750
20081,904
2010686
2012836
20181,827
2019747
2021963
2024970
202582

Most-reported systems

  1. Steering — 3,929
  2. Electrical System — 3,613
  3. Power Train — 2,470
  4. Engine — 2,406
  5. Fuel System — 2,015

Latest recalls for the 2025 model year

  • 26V363000 — Steering (Jun 2026) — Park outside
  • 26V327000 — Back Over Prevention (May 2026)
  • 25V766000 — Engine (Nov 2025)
All 2025 recalls →

Recent owner reports about electrical system and structure

The contact owns a 2025 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that while driving, the center display screen intermittently froze and became inoperative.

2025 Jeep Wrangler owner, Oct 2026

I am reporting a recurring loss/reduction of expected electric propulsion in my 2025 Jeep Wrangler Willys 4xe after FCA Safety Recall 68C / NHTSA 25V-741 was completed.

2025 Jeep Wrangler owner, Oct 2026
Read owner complaints →

Complaints are owner reports filed with NHTSA. They are unverified, and counts depend on how many vehicles were sold, so they are not a failure rate.

Related Articles

2025 Jeep Wrangler Health Check: Recalls and Bulletins

The 2025 Jeep Wrangler faces a recall for a potentially inoperable TPMS warning light (25V527000), which could increase crash risk. Owners should also be aware of numerous service bulletins covering engine misfires, transmission warnings, heated steering wheel issues, and driver assistance system…

2024-2026 Jeep/RAM/Dodge Cylinder Head Cover Bolt Quality Check

A manufacturer communication (ID 111406) addresses a quality inspection request for cylinder head cover bolts, part number 04893799AJ, for various 2024-2026 Jeep, RAM, and Dodge models. Dealers are instructed to identify and return suspect bolts with a chamfered flange by April 29, 2026.

2025-2026 Jeep/Ram Radio Stays On After Ignition Off

If your 2025-2026 Jeep, Ram, or Chrysler vehicle's radio stays on after you turn off the ignition or open the door, it's likely due to a configurable 'Radio Off Delay' feature, not a defect. This TSB (S268A000011) provides steps to adjust the setting.

2025-2026 Jeep Wrangler Seat EZ Entry Inoperable TSB

This manufacturer communication, TSB S2623000013, details diagnostic and repair steps for 2025-2026 Jeep Wrangler models experiencing an inoperable EZ Entry seat or one that doesn't slide forward. It focuses on inspecting and potentially replacing the EZ Entry cable (68715023AA).

2025 Jeep Wrangler Heated Steering Wheel Not Working TSB

Owners of 2025 Jeep Wrangler vehicles may experience their heated steering wheel not getting hot enough or not working at all. Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 08-122-26 provides a software update for the Comfort Seat Wheel Module (CSWM) to resolve this issue.

Comments

Be the first to comment.

Leave a comment

Comments are moderated and may take a moment to appear. Only your first name and the initial of your last name are shown publicly.

Verifying you are human...