Last updated: 2026-04-20
Jeep Wrangler Reliability by Year
The Jeep Wrangler averages 63/100 across 9 model years, rated good.
Jeep Wrangler Reliability Overview
The Jeep Wrangler, covering model years 2018 to 2026, has an average reliability score of 67/100, indicating a "Good" rating, with notable variations across years. Common issues reported include steering problems known as the "death wobble," electrical system failures, and power train concerns, particularly in earlier model years, with a significant reduction in complaints by 2025 and 2026. With a medium reliability rating of 3.5/5 and an estimated annual repair cost of $694, it is important for potential buyers to consider these factors, especially those interested in models from the fourth generation (2018-2023), which have faced higher frequencies of recalls and complaints.
Current generation: 4th gen (2018–2023).
Best & Worst Jeep Wrangler Years
Comprehensive reliability analysis based on NHTSA data, owner complaints, and historical performance.
Best Jeep Wrangler Years to Buy
Based on reliability index scoreThe best Jeep Wrangler year is 2026 with a reliability score of 82/100, rated excellent. Other strong picks include 2025 (74/100) and 2023 (62/100).
Jeep Wrangler Years to Avoid
The worst Jeep Wrangler year is 2018 with a score of 54/100, primarily due to steering (1100) issues. Also avoid 2024 (56/100).
Jeep Wrangler Reliability Score Trend
Jeep Wrangler reliability has improved in recent years, with newer models scoring an average of 67/100 compared to 58/100 for older years.
Scores 0–100. Higher is better.
| Year | Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 54/100 | Mixed |
| 2019 | 62/100 | Good |
| 2020 | 61/100 | Good |
| 2021 | 56/100 | Mixed |
| 2022 | 62/100 | Good |
| 2023 | 62/100 | Good |
| 2024 | 56/100 | Mixed |
| 2025 | 74/100 | Good |
| 2026 | 82/100 | Excellent |
Year-by-Year Reliability
2026 Jeep Wrangler
0 recalls · 0 complaints
The 2026 Jeep Wrangler has excellent reliability. There are 0 recalls and 0 owner complaints on file for the 2026 Jeep Wrangler.
2025 Jeep Wrangler
4 recalls · 49 complaints
The 2025 Jeep Wrangler has good reliability. There are 4 recalls and 49 owner complaints on file for the 2025 Jeep Wrangler. Severity signals include 2 crash-related complaints and 1 fire-related complaint. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Electrical System (27), Power Train (6), Unknown Or Other (4).
2024 Jeep Wrangler
12 recalls · 702 complaints
The 2024 Jeep Wrangler has mixed reliability. There are 12 recalls and 702 owner complaints on file for the 2024 Jeep Wrangler. Severity signals include 11 crash-related complaints and 6 fire-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Electrical System (323), Power Train (146), Engine (69).
2023 Jeep Wrangler
13 recalls · 283 complaints
The 2023 Jeep Wrangler has good reliability. There are 13 recalls and 283 owner complaints on file for the 2023 Jeep Wrangler. Severity signals include 11 crash-related complaints and 6 fire-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Electrical System (128), Steering (46), Power Train (35).
2022 Jeep Wrangler
14 recalls · 313 complaints
The 2022 Jeep Wrangler has good reliability. There are 14 recalls and 313 owner complaints on file for the 2022 Jeep Wrangler. Severity signals include 12 crash-related complaints and 8 fire-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Electrical System (103), Steering (59), Power Train (45).
2021 Jeep Wrangler
16 recalls · 826 complaints
The 2021 Jeep Wrangler has mixed reliability. There are 16 recalls and 826 owner complaints on file for the 2021 Jeep Wrangler. Severity signals include 19 crash-related complaints and 20 fire-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Steering (228), Electrical System (217), Power Train (116).
2020 Jeep Wrangler
12 recalls · 546 complaints
The 2020 Jeep Wrangler has good reliability. There are 12 recalls and 546 owner complaints on file for the 2020 Jeep Wrangler. Severity signals include 16 crash-related complaints and 10 fire-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Steering (228), Electrical System (121), Power Train (38).
2019 Jeep Wrangler
9 recalls · 691 complaints
The 2019 Jeep Wrangler has good reliability. There are 9 recalls and 691 owner complaints on file for the 2019 Jeep Wrangler. Severity signals include 9 crash-related complaints and 7 fire-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Steering (434), Electrical System (69), Power Train (52).
2018 Jeep Wrangler
14 recalls · 1750 complaints
The 2018 Jeep Wrangler has mixed reliability. There are 14 recalls and 1750 owner complaints on file for the 2018 Jeep Wrangler. Severity signals include 23 crash-related complaints and 24 fire-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Steering (1100), Electrical System (144), Power Train (131).
Found Your Jeep Wrangler? Check Its History
Every Jeep Wrangler has a different past. Before you buy, a VIN check reveals hidden accidents, title problems, and open recalls.
- Accidents
- Open Recalls
- Title History
- Odometer Rollback
Jeep Wrangler Repair Costs
Reliability Rating
3.5/5
Annual Repair Cost
$694
Repair Frequency
0.3/yr
Major Repair Risk
16%
$173 above the compact SUVs average of $521/yr.
Ranked #25 of 26 among compact SUVs.
Jeep Wrangler Resale Value
The Jeep Wrangler is estimated to retain about 69.1% of its original value after 5 years, based on observed used-car listings.
- Value Retained
- 69.1%
- Depreciation
- 30.9%
- Listings Analyzed
- 720
after 5 years
over the same period
U.S. used-car listings
Listings observed in . Actual resale value varies by trim, mileage, condition, and location.
Explore Jeep Wrangler depreciation and resale value on CarResaleValue.comJeep Wrangler Years to Avoid
See which model years have the most problems
Most Reliable Jeep Models
Compare all Jeep models by reliability
Compare Jeep Wrangler With Similar SUVs
The Jeep Wrangler competes with other off-road suvs such as Ford Bronco-Sport, Land Rover Defender 110, and Ford Bronco.
Ford Bronco-Sport reliability
6 years tracked · 1119 complaints
Land Rover Defender 110 reliability
6 years tracked · 187 complaints
Ford Bronco reliability
6 years tracked · 1803 complaints
Toyota 4RUNNER reliability
9 years tracked · 286 complaints
Toyota Tacoma reliability
9 years tracked · 795 complaints
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is the Jeep Wrangler reliable?
- The Jeep Wrangler has good reliability with an average score of 63/100. Some model years are stronger than others — check individual years before buying.
- What is the best year for the Jeep Wrangler?
- The best year for the Jeep Wrangler is 2026 with a reliability score of 82/100, rated excellent. It has 0 recalls and 0 owner complaints on record. See full 2026 Jeep Wrangleranalysis →
- What are the Jeep Wrangler years to avoid?
- The Jeep Wrangler years to avoid include 2018 (54/100), 2024 (56/100). These model years score significantly below the model average due to higher recall and complaint volumes. See the full years-to-avoid analysis for details. See full years-to-avoid analysis →
- How much does it cost to maintain a Jeep Wrangler?
- The Jeep Wrangler has an estimated annual repair cost of $694, which is $173 above the compact SUVs average of $521. This includes both scheduled maintenance and unscheduled repairs based on independent repair data.
How We Calculate Reliability Scores
Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.
Key Ranking Factors
Complaint Severity
NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.
Repair Costs
Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.
Recall Impact
Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.
Issue Diversity
Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.
Scores are grouped into four tiers:
- 80–100: Excellent— Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
- 60–79: Good— Reliable with some minor concerns
- 40–59: Mixed— Notable issues, research before buying
- 0–39: Risky— Significant problems, proceed with caution
Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.
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