Last updated: 2026-04-20

2019 Jeep Wrangler Reliability Report
The 2019 Jeep Wrangler scores 62/100 ("Good"). With 9 recalls and 691 owner complaints, reliability is acceptable but not class-leading.
Recalls
9
Complaints
691
Complaint Rate
30.3per 10,000 sold
Est. Repair Cost
$694
Annual Fuel Cost
$3,000–$3,150
Detailed Score Breakdown
Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume
Independent repair cost ratings
Recall count weighted by severity
Breadth of reported problem categories
The Verdict
Acceptable reliability — worth considering with a pre-purchase inspection.
Top Issues to Watch
- STEERING (434)
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (69)
- POWER TRAIN (52)
Generation & Refresh (US)
2019 is year 2 of the Fourth generation (JL).
- Redesigned for the 2018 model year.
- 4th generation Wrangler (US).
What this means for buyers
Year 2 is typically a safer pick than the first model year — early issues are more likely to be identified, but the platform is still new.
If you're comparing prices, check 2018 (redesign year) vs 2019+ pricing and recalls.
2018: Fourth generation (JL) Launch
Generation start — new platform.
2019: This Model Year
2019 is year 2 of the Fourth generation (JL).
Should You Buy the 2019 Jeep Wrangler?
At 62/100, the 2019 Jeep Wrangler lands in "Good" territory — acceptable, but not class-leading. 2019 is year 2 of the Fourth generation (JL).
Its complaint rate of 30.3 per 10,000 vehicles sold runs above the SUV segment average of 22. The most common reports involve steering and steering (434).
Get a pre-purchase inspection on any used example, with extra attention to steering and steering (434). An extended warranty is worth pricing out.
Compared to the 2020 Jeep Wrangler, which scored 1 points lower. See also the 2018 Jeep Wrangler for an earlier comparison.
Pros
- +Acceptable reliability score
- +Infrequent unscheduled repairs
- +Not a first-year model
Cons
- −Above-average repair costs for its class
- −Above-average recall count
- −Above-average complaint rate for SUV
- −7 fire incidents reported in owner complaints
Compare 2019 Jeep Wrangler With
Common Problem Categories
Safety
LOW RISK- 9 manufacturer recalls issued
Other
HIGH RISK- STEERING (434)
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (69)
Recall Overview
9
recalls on record
The 2019 Jeep Wrangler has 9 recalls on record, which is above average. A high count can flag multiple component concerns, though it also shows the manufacturer is actively addressing known issues.
NHTSA.gov →Complaint Breakdown
30.3
per 10,000 soldSegment avg: 22
Safety Incidents
9
Crashes
7
Fires
8
Injuries
0
Deaths
Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.
2019 Jeep Wrangler Recall Details
9 recalls have been issued for the 2019 Jeep Wrangler. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.
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. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard numbers 111, "Rear Visibility" and 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Consequence
A rearview camera image that does not display decreases the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash. Additionally, a center brake light that fails to illuminate can fail to indicate to other drivers that the vehicle is slowing down, increasing the risk of a crash.
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. Owner notification letters were mailed September 26, 2024. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 77B.
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. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 101, "Controls and Displays."
Consequence
An instrument panel that fails to display critical safety information, such as the speedometer or warning lights, can increase the risk of a crash.
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. FCA's number for this recall is 30B.
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.
Consequence
Overheated clutch components may increase the risk of a fire. Additionally, damage to other nearby components can result in debris falling onto the road or a loss of drive, increasing the risk of a crash.
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. FCA US LLC's number for this recall is 19A. This recall expands and replaces previous recall 21V-028. Vehicles previously repaired under recall 21V-028 will need to have the new remedy completed.
Buying a used 2019 Jeep Wrangler? Check its history first
Every 2019 Jeep Wrangler has a different past. A VIN check reveals hidden accidents, title problems, odometer rollbacks, and open recalls that reliability scores can't show you.
- Accidents
- Open Recalls
- Title History
- Odometer Rollback
2019 Jeep Wrangler NHTSA Safety Ratings
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)
Gas Powertrain
Rollover risk: 0.0%
Safety Technologies
Jeep WranglerRepair Costs & Maintenance
Maintenance Rating
3.5Maintenance rating: 3.5 out of 5Based on NHTSA complaint patterns, recall severity, and publicly available cost benchmarks.
Est. Annual Maintenance
$694
vs $521 avg for compact SUVs
vs $652 avg for all vehicles
Repair Frequency
0.3
unscheduled repair visits per year
Severe Repair Probability
16%
chance of a major repair
Annual Cost Comparison
Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.
MPG & Annual Running Costs
Gas
19–20 MPG
Running cost: $3,700–$3,850/yr
Fuel + repair
17–18 city / 23–25 hwy MPG
Hybrid
22–24 MPG
Running cost: $3,200–$3,400/yr
Fuel + repair
22–23 city / 24–25 hwy MPG
Running cost includes EPA fuel-cost estimate and independent repair-cost data (repair cost estimated at model level). Excludes routine maintenance, depreciation, and insurance. Data as of 2019 EPA label cycle.
Gas trims
| Trim | Drive | Trans. | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wrangler 4WD 3.6L 6-cyl | 4-Wheel Drive | Automatic 8-spd | 18 | 23 | 20 | $3,000 |
| Wrangler 4WD 3.6L 6-cyl | 4-Wheel Drive | Manual 6-spd | 17 | 25 | 20 | $3,000 |
| Wrangler Unlimited 4WD 3.6L 6-cyl | 4-Wheel Drive | Automatic 8-spd | 18 | 23 | 20 | $3,000 |
| Wrangler Unlimited 4WD 3.6L 6-cyl | 4-Wheel Drive | Manual 6-spd | 17 | 23 | 19 | $3,150 |
Hybrid trims
| Trim | Drive | Trans. | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wrangler 4WD 2.0L 4-cyl | 4-Wheel Drive | Automatic 8-spd | 23 | 25 | 24 | $2,500 |
| Wrangler Unlimited 4WD 2.0L 4-cyl | 4-Wheel Drive | Automatic 8-spd | 22 | 24 | 22 | $2,700 |
Used Buying Checklist
Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2019 Jeep Wrangler.
Test for steering 'death wobble' at highway speeds
Check instrument cluster for blank or malfunctioning displays
Verify clutch operation for slipping or overheating
Inspect for rear axle and suspension component wear
Ensure all warning lights are functional and check for stored error codes
Test brakes for caliper sticking and ensure ABS functionality
Check for coolant leaks and engine overheating signs
Verify seat belt retractors function properly
2019 Jeep Wrangler Common Problems by Component
691 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
STEERING
434 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners report that the 2019 Jeep Wrangler commonly experiences a steering issue known as the "death wobble," where the steering wheel oscillates violently, especially after hitting bumps at highway speeds, typically above 55 mph. Symptoms include loss of steering control and the need to decelerate rapidly to regain stability, with some owners noting occurrences after the vehicle reaches around 22,000 miles. Additionally, several complaints highlight power steering failures accompanied by various warning lights and electrical malfunctions. These issues pose significant safety risks, as three complaints involve crashes and one reports an injury. Prospective buyers should be aware of these patterns, particularly when considering high-mileage vehicles.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
69 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2019 Jeep Wrangler frequently report issues with the instrument cluster panel, which often goes blank or black, rendering the speedometer, fuel gauge, and warning lights inoperable. These failures typically occur around 30,000 to 109,000 miles and can leave drivers without crucial vehicle information. Some complaints also mention problems with the ABS module, leading to warning lights and limp mode activation. Safety implications include loss of control and increased braking distances, with two complaints involving crashes and two involving fires. Buyers considering this model should be aware of potential difficulties in obtaining repairs due to parts availability.
POWER TRAIN
52 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2019 Jeep Wrangler frequently report issues with the power train, particularly involving the clutch and transmission systems. Common symptoms include a "Service Transmission" warning message, clutch overheating, and transmission failure, often accompanied by grinding noises and gear slippage. These issues are reported at various mileages, with some occurring as early as 32,000 miles. Several complaints also highlight serious safety implications, including four instances of fires and multiple reports of loss of power steering and engine shutdowns while driving. Buyers should be aware of ongoing recall efforts that have yet to provide a remedy for the clutch and transmission problems.
SUSPENSION (32 complaints)
SUSPENSION
32 complaintsOwners report frequent issues with the 2019 Jeep Wrangler's suspension, particularly involving the "death wobble," where the vehicle shakes violently after hitting bumps at highway speeds. Symptoms typically include uncontrollable steering wheel shaking and vehicle shuddering, often requiring drivers to decelerate significantly to regain control. Complaints suggest these issues occur across various mileage ranges, with some reports as early as 18,000 miles. Safety implications are notable, as multiple owners describe loss of control and near-crash experiences. Additionally, issues with rear axle failure and front suspension components are mentioned, often leading to extended wait times for parts due to backorders. These patterns provide critical context for used car buyers considering this model.
ENGINE (10 complaints)
ENGINE
10 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners report several engine-related issues with the 2019 Jeep Wrangler. A common problem involves coolant leaks in vehicles with 2.0L engines, leading to overheating and engine failure, often observed before the vehicle reaches 70,000 miles. Some owners describe sudden engine seizures without prior warning, including one instance where a piston blew and the engine locked up. Additionally, there is a report of an engine fire resulting in injury. Other complaints mention stalling and excessive engine revving, with some vehicles requiring engine replacements even at low mileages, such as 21,421 miles. These issues can result in significant safety implications, including loss of motive power and potential fire hazards.
SERVICE BRAKES (6 complaints)
SERVICE BRAKES
6 complaintsOwners report several issues with the 2019 Jeep Wrangler's braking system. A common complaint involves the ABS module failure, leading to warning lights and undrivable conditions due to potential brake loss. Caliper sticking is also frequently mentioned, causing overheating and possible brake failure, with some owners noting parts backorders. Additionally, several owners describe braking inconsistencies, such as brakes requiring excessive force and producing a hissing sound, attributed to a vacuum booster issue. These problems are reported at various mileages, including as early as 60,000 miles. Safety implications include potential brake failure, overheating, and erratic vehicle behavior, which may concern prospective buyers.
AIR BAGS (4 complaints)
AIR BAGS
4 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2019 Jeep Wrangler report several airbag-related issues, with two complaints involving crashes and three injuries. Commonly mentioned problems include airbags failing to deploy upon impact, as seen in a crash where the vehicle hit a tree at 15 to 20 mph, resulting in a fractured sternum. Another report describes a delayed airbag deployment and seatbelt failure during a head-on collision, causing injuries. Additionally, some owners experience intermittent faults with the passenger-side airbag sensor not recognizing an adult passenger. These issues suggest potential safety risks, particularly in crash scenarios, and may be of concern for used car buyers evaluating the vehicle's safety features.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (3 complaints)
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
3 complaintsOwners report recurring issues with the fuel and propulsion system of the 2019 Jeep Wrangler, primarily involving fuel line failures and high pressure fuel pump malfunctions. Complaints frequently mention fuel lines breaking or rupturing, leading to significant fuel leakage and a strong gasoline odor. One owner describes a scenario where a ruptured fuel line sprayed fuel over the engine bay, posing a potential fire hazard, especially if the vehicle had been in motion. Another owner reports a high pressure fuel pump failure that resulted in the vehicle losing power and being unable to accelerate beyond 5 mph, despite no warning lights. These issues are noted in vehicles with mileage under 50,000, suggesting potential reliability concerns for prospective buyers.
SEAT BELTS (3 complaints)
SEAT BELTS
3 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2019 Jeep Wrangler report issues with seat belt functionality, particularly involving seat belt retractors failing to operate properly. Complaints frequently mention seat belts not retracting or tightening as expected, leading to safety risks such as injuries from collisions or entrapment. One reported incident involves a crash where the seat belt released during impact, resulting in injuries. Another owner describes a seat belt trapping their child, requiring the belt to be cut for release, and subsequent difficulties obtaining repairs. These issues are noted at various mileages, with one specific case mentioning approximately 85,000 miles. Safety implications include potential for injury during accidents and compromised seat belt reliability, which prospective buyers should consider.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (2 complaints)
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
2 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2019 Jeep Wrangler report issues with vehicle speed control, specifically inconsistent acceleration from a stop or slow speed. Symptoms include a delayed response when initially pressing the gas pedal, followed by a sudden, aggressive lurch forward. These issues are noted to occur even with the eTorque system, which is designed to assist acceleration. One complaint involves a crash where the vehicle spontaneously accelerated while attempting to slow down, resulting in a collision. The problems are reported at low mileage, around 800 miles, and have not been resolved by dealer interventions. These issues have safety implications, particularly in stop-and-go traffic or when merging, as they can lead to unexpected rapid acceleration.
When Do 2019 Jeep Wrangler Problems Start?
Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.
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 2025 with a reliability score of 74/100, rated good. Other strong picks include 2023 (62/100) and 2022 (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.
Jeep Wrangler Reliability Score Trend
Jeep Wrangler reliability has remained consistent across model years, averaging 61/100.
Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.
| 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 |
Jeep Wrangler Reliability Compared to Other Years
| Year | Score | vs Prior Year | Rating | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 64/100 (predicted) | — | Predicted | 0 | 0 |
| 2025 | 74/100 | +18 | Good | 4 | 49 |
| 2024 | 56/100 | -6 | Mixed | 12 | 702 |
| 2023 | 62/100 | 0 | Good | 13 | 283 |
| 2022 | 62/100 | +6 | Good | 14 | 313 |
| 2021 | 56/100 | -5 | Mixed | 16 | 826 |
| 2020 | 61/100 | -1 | Good | 12 | 546 |
| 2019(selected) | 62/100 | +8 | Good | 9 | 691 |
| 2018 | 54/100 | — | Mixed | 14 | 1750 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2019 Jeep Wrangler reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2019 Jeep Wrangler?
How many recalls does the 2019 Jeep Wrangler have?
Is the 2019 Jeep Wrangler expensive to maintain?
Don’t buy a 2019 Jeep Wrangler without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.
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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.
Get notified when new recalls or reliability data is added for the Jeep Wrangler.
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