2021 Jeep Wrangler

■ Significantly worse — known issue year
2021 Jeep Wrangler
BUILT 2026-09-02

This year had more than double the complaints of this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Jeep Wrangler Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 2021 highlighted. 1986: 1 complaints 1986 1987: 41 complaints 1988: 53 complaints 1989: 63 complaints 1990: 80 complaints 1991: 77 complaints 1992: 77 complaints 1992 1993: 109 complaints 1994: 159 complaints 1995: 202 complaints 1996: 2 complaints 1997: 401 complaints 1998: 265 complaints 1998 1999: 213 complaints 2000: 251 complaints 2001: 170 complaints 2002: 108 complaints 2003: 98 complaints 2004: 192 complaints 2004 2005: 649 complaints 2006: 730 complaints 2007: 555 complaints 2008: 873 complaints 2009: 371 complaints 2010: 686 complaints 2010 2011: 485 complaints 2012: 833 complaints 2013: 649 complaints 2014: 651 complaints 2015: 467 complaints 2016: 458 complaints 2016 2017: 309 complaints 2018: 1809 complaints 2019: 732 complaints 2020: 604 complaints 2021: 906 complaints 2021 2022: 381 complaints 2022 2023: 341 complaints 2024: 679 complaints 2025: 60 complaints 2026: 9 complaints 2026
2021: 906 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
19840
19850
19861
198741
198853
198963
199080
199177
199277
1993109
1994159
1995202
19962
1997401
1998265
1999213
2000251
2001170
2002108
200398
2004192
2005649
2006730
2007555
2008873
2009371
2010686
2011485
2012833
2013649
2014651
2015467
2016458
2017309
20181809
2019732
2020604
2021906
2022381
2023341
2024679
202560
20269

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 33%

33% of complaints: electrical system — 301 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing traction battery and accessory.

CRASH FIRE INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

The contact owned a 2021 Jeep Wrangler.

NHTSA ODI report, 20260730

Drove 20 miles to Walmart, drove fine no lights no issues, parked went in came out to someone putting out the fire.

NHTSA ODI report, 20260714

Also filed under ENGINE and UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Fire started about 15 minutes after parking the Jeep. Flames and smoke first appeared in engine compartment on passenger side where an electrical panel is located.

NHTSA ODI report, 20240207

Also filed under UNKNOWN OR OTHER

STEERING 27%

27% of complaints: steering — 249 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing linkages.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

The contact owned a 2021 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact stated that there was an abnormal odor inside the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated.

NHTSA ODI report, 20260724

Component: I was driving my jeep on XXX and the power steering went out. Because this is electric over hydraulic, I couldn't even muscle the steering wheel. No lights illuminated on the dash and I don't believe the computer stored any codes.

NHTSA ODI report, 20260722

ENGINE 24%

24% of complaints: engine — 214 distinct reports on file.

CRASH FIRE
SUSPENSION 20%

20% of complaints: suspension — 179 distinct reports on file.

CRASH
POWER TRAIN 15%

15% of complaints: power train — 139 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing clutches/bands and automatic transmission.

CRASH FIRE INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

ONLY 500 MILES ON VEHICLE, WENT OFF-ROADING FOR THE FIRST TIME AND WITHIN A SHORT TIME AFTER CLIMBING A STEEP HILL, SMOKE CAME FROM UNDER VEHICLE AND CLUTCH WENT TO FLOOR AND STAYED.

NHTSA ODI report, 20210214

SAFETY TIMELINE

2021 — complaint volume: 906
R 20210304 — power train

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2018-2021 Jeep Wrangler and 2020-2021 Jeep Gladiator vehicles equipped with manual transmissions. The clutch pressure plate may overheat and fracture.

Remedy: FCA US LLC will notify owners, and dealers will add software to reduce engine torque capability when clutch assembly temperatures rise to a level that may damage the inner pressure plate, free of charge." FCA has ordered a stop sale for the...

Campaign 21V028000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20221006 — back over prevention

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Jeep Wrangler, RAM 1500 and 2021 Jeep Gladiator vehicles. A radio software error may prevent the rearview image from displaying.

Remedy: Dealers will update the radio software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 6, 2022. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA, LLC's number for this recall is Z86.

Campaign 22V638000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20221208 — seat belts

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2022 Ram 1500, Jeep Gladiator, and 2021 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. The front seat belt retractors may have an improperly welded micro gas generator, which can result in seat belt pretensioner failure.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the front seat belt retractors. free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 8, 2022. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is Z95.

Campaign 22V766000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20221222 — engine

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Jeep Wrangler 4xe vehicles equipped with 2.0L Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle engines. A loss of communication may cause an engine shutdown.

Remedy: There is more than one involved component and calibration software.

Campaign 22V865000 — check if this car was fixed

I 20230317 — EA (open)

High pressure fuel pump failure

R 20230406 — structure

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. A stud on the frame assembly may puncture the fuel tank in a crash, which can result in a fuel leak.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, remove the frame stud and apply paint, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 6, 2023. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403.

Campaign 23V191000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20231017 — engine, fuel system, gasoline

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Jeep Wrangler, Ram 1500, and 2021-2022 Jeep Gladiator vehicles equipped with 3.0L diesel engines. The high pressure fuel pump (HPFP) may fail, causing an engine stall.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the HPFP and inspect and replace additional fuel system components, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 17, 2023. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403.

Campaign 22V767000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20231017 — fuel system, diesel

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Jeep Wrangler, Gladiator, and 2022-2023 Ram 1500 vehicles equipped with a 3.0L diesel engine. The high pressure fuel pump (HPFP) may fail.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the HPFP and replace additional fuel system components, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 17, 2023. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403.

Campaign 23V263000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20231116 — power train

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2018-2023 Jeep Wrangler, and 2020-2023 Jeep Gladiator vehicles equipped with manual transmissions. The clutch pressure plate may overheat and fracture.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the clutch assembly and update the software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed from November 16, 2023 through July 25, 2024. Owners may contact (FCA US, LLC) customer service at 1-800-853-1403.

Campaign 23V116000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20240229 — visibility

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Jeep Wrangler and 2022-2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles. A hybrid control processor (HCP) software error may cause the defrosting and defogging system to be inoperative.

Remedy: Dealers will update the HCP software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 29, 2024. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is 04B.

Campaign 24V111000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20240307 — electrical system

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Jeep Wrangler Plug-In Hybrid Electric (PHEV) vehicles. The high voltage battery may fail internally and lead to a vehicle fire while parked or driving.

Remedy: Owners are advised not to recharge their vehicles, and to park outside and away from structures, until they are repaired. Dealers will update the high voltage battery pack software and replace the battery pack assembly if necessary, free of charge.

Campaign 23V787000 — check if this car was fixed

I 20240705 — RQ (open)

Loss of Motive Power

R 20240815 — power train

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021 Jeep Wrangler and Jeep Gladiator vehicles that were previously remedied under NHTSA recall number 23V-116.

Remedy: Dealers will update the powertrain control module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 15, 2024. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US LLC's number for this recall is 92B.

Campaign 24V572000 — check if this car was fixed

I 20240906 — PE (open)

Underhood fires

R 20240926 — back over prevention, exterior lighting

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2018-2024 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. The wiring harness for the rearview camera and the center brake light may short circuit, which can disable the rearview camera image and center brake light.

Remedy: Dealers replaced the harness for the center brake light and rearview camera and/or the spare tire carrier/harness assembly, as necessary, free of charge. All vehicles were repaired by January 15, 2024.

Campaign 24V676000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20241003 — electrical system

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2020-2024 Jeep Gladiator and 2018-2024 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. The instrument panel cluster may experience an internal short circuit and fail.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the instrument panel cluster, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed between October 3, 2024, and January 23, 2025. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403.

Campaign 24V652000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20251217 — electrical system

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2020-2025 Jeep Wrangler 4Xe and 2022-2026 Grand Cherokee 4Xe vehicles. The high voltage battery may fail internally and lead to a vehicle fire while parked or driving.

Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures and not to charge their vehicles until the remedy is completed. Dealers will update the high voltage battery software, and replace the high voltage battery, as necessary, free of charge.

Campaign 25V741000 — check if this car was fixed

R Date not on file — steering

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021-2025 Jeep Wrangler, Wrangler 4XE, and Jeep Gladiator vehicles.

Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures, until their vehicle is repaired. Dealers will inspect and replace the wiring and electric hydraulic power steering pump, as necessary, free of charge.

Campaign 26V363000 — check if this car was fixed

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

2021 Jeep Wrangler — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for electrical system issues (301 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for steering issues (249 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for engine issues (214 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 26V363000 (steering) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 21V028000 (power train) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 22V638000 (back over prevention) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 22V766000 (seat belts) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 22V865000 (engine) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 23V191000 (structure) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 22V767000 (engine, fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 23V263000 (fuel system, diesel) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 23V116000 (power train) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 24V111000 (visibility) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 23V787000 (electrical system) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 24V572000 (power train) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 24V676000 (back over prevention, exterior lighting) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 24V652000 (electrical system) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 25V741000 (electrical system) has been completed.

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 1987 ▲ 1988 ▲ 2025

WORST YEARS

■ 2018 ■ 2008 ■ 2012

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 2021 Jeep Wrangler reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2021 Jeep Wrangler is rated "significantly worse".

What are the most common problems with the 2021 Jeep Wrangler?

The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 33% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2021 Jeep Wrangler have?

15 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-09-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.