Last updated: 2026-03-04

56
MixedReliability score: 56 out of 100, rated Mixed
2021 Jeep Wrangler

2021 Jeep Wrangler Reliability Score & Common Problems

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler scores 56/100 ("Mixed"). With 16 recalls and 826 owner complaints, buyers should proceed with caution.

2021 is year 4 of the Fourth generation (JL).

Recalls

16

Complaints

826

Complaint Rate

40.4

per 10k sold

Above avg

Est. Annual Cost

$694

Above avg

Major Repair Risk

16%

NHTSA Rating

N/A

Score Breakdown

Complaint Severity35%
43/100 (Mixed)

Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume

Repair Costs30%
70/100 (Good)

Independent repair cost ratings

Recall Impact20%
45/100 (Mixed)

Recall count weighted by severity

Issue Diversity15%
74/100 (Good)

Breadth of reported problem categories

Caution

Mixed reliability — proceed with caution and budget for repairs.

Top Issues

STEERING (228)ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (217)POWER TRAIN (116)

16 recalls on record

Generation & Refresh (US)

Post-Redesign (Year 4)

2021 is year 4 of the Fourth generation (JL).

  • Redesigned for the 2018 model year.
  • Well-established in its generation — most early issues should be resolved.
  • 4th generation Wrangler (US).

What this means for buyers

Well into the generation cycle — most design and manufacturing issues should be resolved by now.

Fourth generation (JL)

2018redesign
2019
2020
2021selected
2022
2023

Should You Buy the 2021 Jeep Wrangler?

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler scores 56/100 ("Mixed"). Buyers should proceed with caution. 2021 is year 4 of the Fourth generation (JL).

With 826 owner complaints and 16 recalls, the complaint volume is above average. Reported issues — particularly in steering (228) — can be costly to repair.

An extended warranty is strongly recommended. A thorough pre-purchase inspection focused on steering (228) is essential before committing.

Compared to the 2022 Jeep Wrangler, which scored 6 points higher. See also the 2020 Jeep Wrangler for an earlier comparison.

Pros

  • Infrequent unscheduled repairs
  • Well-established generation

Cons

  • Below-average reliability score
  • Above-average repair costs for its class
  • Above-average recall count
  • Above-average complaint rate for SUV
  • 20 fire incidents reported in owner complaints
  • Safety recall: park-outside advisory issued

Compare 2021 Jeep Wrangler With

Common Problem Categories

Safety

  • 16 manufacturer recalls issued

Other

  • STEERING (228)
  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (217)
  • POWER TRAIN (116)
  • SUSPENSION (56)
  • UNKNOWN OR OTHER (54)
  • ENGINE (47)
  • FUEL SYSTEM (25)
  • FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (16)
  • VISIBILITY/WIPER (14)
  • SERVICE BRAKES (10)
  • AIR BAGS (9)
  • STRUCTURE (7)
  • VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (6)
  • SEATS (5)
  • FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (3)
  • ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (3)
  • TIRES (3)
  • SEAT BELTS (2)
  • EXTERIOR LIGHTING (2)
  • WHEELS (1)
  • EQUIPMENT (1)
  • HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM (1)

See detailed breakdown by component ↓

Recall Overview

16

recalls on record

Park Outside

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler has 16 recalls on record, which is above average. A higher recall count can indicate multiple component concerns. However, recalls also demonstrate that the manufacturer is actively addressing known issues. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.

NHTSA.gov →

Complaint Breakdown

40.4

per 10k sold

Segment avg: 17

LowAvgHigh
High

Safety Incidents

Crashes

19

Fires

20

Injuries

12

Deaths

0

Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.

2021 Jeep Wrangler Recall Details

16 recalls have been issued for the 2021 Jeep Wrangler. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.

25V7410002025-10-30Park Outside

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.

Consequence

A vehicle fire can increase the risk of injury.

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. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning December 17, 2025. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is 68C. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning November 6, 2025. Vehicles that were previously recalled for the same issue under NHTSA Recalls 24V720 and 23V787 will need to have the new remedy performed.

24V6760002024-09-12

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.

24V6520002024-09-05

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.

Showing 10 of 16 recalls. View all on NHTSA.gov →

2021 Jeep Wrangler NHTSA Safety Ratings

Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)

Gas Powertrain

Rollover risk: 26.7%

Safety Technologies

Dynamic Head Restraints (Not Available)Head Restraint (Not Available)Advanced Belt Feature (Standard)Adjustable Upper Belt Anchorage (Driver, Front Passenger)Seat Belt Reminder System (Driver, Front Passenger)Frontal Air Bag (Driver, Front Passenger)Head/Torso (Driver, Front Passenger)Head/Torso (Driver, Front Passenger)Knee (Not Available)Additional Air Bags (Not Available)Meets Side Air Bag Out-of-Position Requirements (Yes)LATCH Locations (Rear Seat)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) (None)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) locations (Not Available)

Diesel / Gas Powertrain

Driver: 4/5Passenger: 4/5

Rollover risk: 27.9%

Safety Technologies

Dynamic Head Restraints (Not Available)Head Restraint (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)Advanced Belt Feature (Standard)Adjustable Upper Belt Anchorage (Driver, Front Passenger)Seat Belt Reminder System (Driver, Front Passenger)Frontal Air Bag (Driver, Front Passenger)Head/Torso (Driver, Front Passenger)Knee (Not Available)Additional Air Bags (Not Available)Meets Side Air Bag Out-of-Position Requirements (Yes)LATCH Locations (Rear Seat)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) (None)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) locations (Not Available)

PHEV Powertrain

Rollover risk: 0.0%

Safety Technologies

Dynamic Head Restraints (Not Available)Head Restraint (Not Available)Advanced Belt Feature (Standard)Adjustable Upper Belt Anchorage (Driver, Front Passenger)Seat Belt Reminder System (Driver, Front Passenger)Frontal Air Bag (Driver, Front Passenger)Head/Torso (Driver, Front Passenger)Knee (Not Available)Additional Air Bags (Not Available)Meets Side Air Bag Out-of-Position Requirements (Yes)LATCH Locations (Rear Seat)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) (None)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) locations (Not Available)
View full safety data on NHTSA.gov →

Jeep Wrangler Repair Costs & Maintenance

Maintenance Rating

3.5Maintenance rating: 3.5 out of 5

Based 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

Wrangler
$694
Category Avg
$521
All Vehicles
$652

Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.

When Buying a Used 2021 Jeep Wrangler

Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing, based on the most common reported issues.

  • Test for steering wobble at highway speeds
  • Check for electrical system recalls and updates
  • Inspect clutch and transmission for responsiveness
  • Verify battery and charging system functionality
  • Test brakes for responsiveness and check for vacuum pump issues
  • Inspect suspension components for wear or damage
  • Check for accurate fuel gauge readings
  • Ensure all airbags and seatbelts are functional

Check Any 2021 Jeep Wrangler's History Before You Buy

Reliability scores tell you what to expect from the 2021 Wrangler in general — but every car has its own story. Uncover past accidents, title issues, odometer rollbacks, and service records for a specific Jeep Wrangler with a free VIN lookup.

Powered by VINExposed.com — free vehicle history reports using public title and safety data.

2021 Jeep Wrangler Common Problems by Component

826 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.

228
217
116
STEERING (228)ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (217)POWER TRAIN (116)SUSPENSION (56)UNKNOWN OR OTHER (54)ENGINE (47)FUEL SYSTEM (25)FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (16)Other (67)

STEERING

228 complaints

Owners report frequent issues with the steering of the 2021 Jeep Wrangler, predominantly related to the "death wobble" phenomenon. This condition typically occurs at highway speeds, often triggered by bumps or irregularities in the road, leading to violent shaking and requiring drivers to slow down significantly to regain control. Complaints often mention this issue arising around 30,000 to 50,000 miles. Some owners also describe sudden power steering failures, resulting in a significant increase in steering effort without prior warning. These issues pose safety risks, as they can lead to a loss of steering control and potential accidents. This information is crucial for potential buyers considering a used 2021 Jeep Wrangler, especially those planning to drive frequently on highways.

228 complaints total

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

217 complaintsSafety-related

Owners report frequent issues with the electrical system of the 2021 Jeep Wrangler, particularly related to the high-voltage battery and start-stop system. Complaints often describe battery failures leading to vehicle fires, inability to charge, and warnings to park away from structures. Many owners experience problems with the key fobs disconnecting and the instrument cluster failing, which sometimes results in loss of vehicle information. These issues typically occur in vehicles with mileage ranging from 23,000 to 35,000 miles. Safety implications are significant, with reports of fires and crashes linked to electrical failures, underscoring potential risks for prospective buyers.

217 complaints total4 crashes7 fires

POWER TRAIN

116 complaintsSafety-related

Owners of the 2021 Jeep Wrangler frequently report issues related to sudden power loss and propulsion failures, particularly in the 4xe hybrid models. Complaints often describe the vehicle entering a "turtle mode," causing speed to drop significantly, sometimes to as low as 7-12 mph, and in some cases, the vehicle becomes completely unresponsive to the accelerator. These issues tend to occur after recall work has been performed, with some reports indicating problems as early as 10,400 miles. Safety implications are significant, with reports of crashes and fires, as well as instances where the vehicle unexpectedly shifts into park while in motion, posing a risk of losing control. Prospective buyers should be aware of these patterns, especially if considering a used model with a history of recall involvement.

116 complaints total2 crashes5 fires1 injury
SUSPENSION (56 complaints)

SUSPENSION

56 complaintsSafety-related

Owners of the 2021 Jeep Wrangler frequently report issues related to the "death wobble," a condition where the vehicle shakes violently, especially after hitting bumps at highway speeds. Typical symptoms include uncontrollable shaking that often necessitates slowing down significantly to regain control. Complaints suggest these issues commonly emerge around 20,000 to 50,000 miles. Some reports indicate that leaking shock absorbers and failed dampers might contribute to the problem. Safety implications are significant, with at least one report of the vehicle veering off the road into a ditch. Potential buyers should be aware of these recurring suspension issues and the associated safety risks.

56 complaints total1 crash
ENGINE (47 complaints)

ENGINE

47 complaintsSafety-related

Owners of the 2021 Jeep Wrangler frequently report engine stalling and overheating issues, often linked to the cooling system. Complaints commonly describe coolant leaks, erratic temperature readings, and overheating, with some cases involving engine seizure and significant damage. These issues are often noted at relatively low mileage, sometimes under 30,000 miles. Fire incidents are reported in four cases, with one resulting in a total vehicle loss. Buyers should be aware of potential safety risks, such as sudden loss of power and overheating, especially in vehicles with the 2.0L turbocharged engine.

47 complaints total4 fires
FUEL SYSTEM (25 complaints)

FUEL SYSTEM

25 complaints

Owners of the 2021 Jeep Wrangler frequently report issues related to the fuel system, particularly involving a recall that has yet to be addressed due to unavailable parts. Complaints often describe the vehicle losing motive power or stalling, sometimes accompanied by the check engine light, around mileage ranging from 31,000 to 70,000. Some owners note a fuel leak and a strong diesel odor, specifically affecting the fuel filter housing. Safety implications include instances where stalling results in loss of power steering and braking, posing a potential hazard if these failures occur while driving. Buyers should be aware of these unresolved recall issues and the potential for fuel system malfunctions at higher mileages.

25 complaints total
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (16 complaints)

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

16 complaintsSafety-related

Owners of the 2021 Jeep Wrangler frequently report issues related to the fuel and propulsion systems, notably involving inaccurate fuel gauges and high-pressure fuel pump failures. Complaints often describe vehicles shutting down unexpectedly, sometimes while driving, due to fuel system malfunctions, with some incidents occurring at highway speeds. There are also reports of hybrid battery issues leading to fire hazards, with one confirmed case of a vehicle fire. These problems are noted across a range of mileages, with some vehicles having as few as a few thousand miles. Safety implications include potential vehicle fires and sudden loss of power, which could pose risks during operation.

16 complaints total1 fire
SERVICE BRAKES (10 complaints)

SERVICE BRAKES

10 complaintsSafety-related

Owners report several issues with the service brakes on the 2021 Jeep Wrangler, with multiple complaints highlighting persistent vacuum pump failures, brake pedal going to the floor, and warning lights for ABS and stability control. Typical symptoms include loss of power brakes, lack of brake responsiveness, and illuminated warning lights, often occurring around 15,000 to 30,000 miles. Two complaints involve crashes: one describes unintended acceleration through a fence while parked, and another details a vehicle lurching at a stop light, resulting in collisions with other vehicles. These issues, particularly those involving complete brake failure and loss of vehicle control, have significant safety implications that potential buyers should consider.

10 complaints total2 crashes
AIR BAGS (9 complaints)

AIR BAGS

9 complaintsSafety-related

Owners of the 2021 Jeep Wrangler frequently report issues with airbag non-deployment during crashes, with eight out of nine complaints involving accidents and ten injuries mentioned. Common symptoms include airbag failure notifications and instances where airbags do not deploy despite significant impacts, such as collisions with other vehicles, guardrails, or rollover events. Some complaints also highlight seatbelt malfunctions, where the seatbelt fails to lock during a crash. These issues occur at various mileages, with at least one report noting a failure at 930 miles. The pattern of airbag and seatbelt failures in crash situations suggests potential safety risks for occupants.

9 complaints total8 crashes10 injuries
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (6 complaints)

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

6 complaintsSafety-related

Owners of the 2021 Jeep Wrangler report several issues related to vehicle speed control, particularly in models with the 4xe and diesel engines. Common symptoms include failure to accelerate from a stop, unexpected entry into limp mode restricting speed to as low as 5-8 mph, and erratic acceleration and braking behavior. These issues often occur alongside the illumination of check engine lights, with some complaints linked to recent recall services. Mileage at the time of incidents varies, with one report noting a crash at 9,000 miles due to sudden unintended acceleration. Safety implications are notable, as one complaint involves a crash resulting from the vehicle lunging forward unexpectedly, and others describe near-miss situations due to loss of power or control.

6 complaints total1 crash

When Do 2021 Jeep Wrangler Problems Start?

Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.

20,000–50,000 milesDeath wobble
23,000–35,000 milesElectrical system failures
10,000–62,000 milesPower train failures

Best & Worst Jeep Wrangler Years

Best Jeep Wrangler Years to Buy

The 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.

See full Jeep Wrangler years-to-avoid analysis →

Jeep Wrangler Reliability Score Trend

Jeep Wrangler reliability has remained consistent across model years, averaging 61/100.

avg 61
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25

Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.

Jeep Wrangler reliability scores by year
YearScoreRating
201854/100Mixed
201962/100Good
202061/100Good
202156/100Mixed
202262/100Good
202362/100Good
202456/100Mixed
202574/100Good

Jeep Wrangler Reliability Compared to Other Years

Reliability scores compared across model years
YearScorevs Prior YearRatingRecallsComplaints
202664/100 (predicted)Predicted00
202574/100+18Good449
202456/100-6Mixed12702
202362/1000Good13283
202262/100+6Good14313
2021(selected)56/100-5Mixed16826
202061/100-1Good12546
201962/100+8Good9691
201854/100Mixed141750

2021 Jeep Wrangler Reliability by Powertrain

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler is available with 3 powertrain options. Here's how they compare on reliability.

Reliability comparison across powertrain options
PowertrainComplaintsRecallsIncidents*Crash Rating
Gas000N/T
Diesel / Gas8221439N/T
PHEV420N/T
Total8261639

NHTSA tracks complaints separately for each powertrain configuration. Totals reflect the sum across all variants. N/T = Not tested by NHTSA.

* Incidents = crash + fire reports. A single complaint can include multiple incident types.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 2021 Jeep Wrangler reliable?
The 2021 Jeep Wrangler has a "Mixed" reliability rating (56/100) and may present some ownership challenges. With 16 recalls and 826 complaints, buyers should research known issues carefully.
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Jeep Wrangler?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2021 Jeep Wrangler include: STEERING (228 complaints), ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (217 complaints), POWER TRAIN (116 complaints), SUSPENSION (56 complaints), UNKNOWN OR OTHER (54 complaints). These issues were identified from owner complaints analyzed by Auto Reliability Index.
How many recalls does the 2021 Jeep Wrangler have?
The 2021 Jeep Wrangler has 16 recalls on record. Recalls are safety or compliance fixes issued by the manufacturer and repaired at no cost at authorized dealerships.
Is the 2021 Jeep Wrangler expensive to maintain?
The 2021 Jeep Wrangler has estimated annual repair costs of $694/year, which is $173 more than the compact SUVs average of $521. Its reliability score of 56/100 and 826 owner complaints suggest that unexpected repairs are more likely. Budgeting for maintenance reserves is advisable.

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

1

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.

2

Repair Costs

Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.

3

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.

4

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.

See incorrect data? Report an issue