Last updated: 2026-03-04

Jeep Wrangler

1 Jeep Wrangler Years to Avoid

Years that score significantly below the Jeep Wrangler average of 61/100

The Jeep Wrangler years to avoid are 2018 based on reliability scores, NHTSA recalls, and owner complaints. The worst year is 2018 with a reliability score of 54/100. The best Jeep Wrangler year to buy is 2025 74/100.

Verdict

The 2018 Jeep Wrangler scores significantly below the model average of 61/100. The weakest year is 2018 with a score of 54/100 due to steering (1100) issues. The best year to buy instead is 2019 62/100.

See years to avoid ↓See best year ↓See all years ranked ↓

Jeep Wrangler Years to Avoid

These model years score significantly below the Jeep Wrangler average of 61/100.

#YearScoreRatingRecallsComplaintsTop Issue
1201854/100Mixed141750Steering (1100)

Why These Years Should Be Avoided

54
MixedReliability score: 54 out of 100, rated Mixed

2018 Jeep Wrangler

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).

14 recalls1750 complaintsEst. repair:

Top issues: Steering (1100), Electrical System (144), Power Train (131), Unknown Or Other (100), Suspension (72), Structure (60)

View full 2018 reliability report →

What Are Common Jeep Wrangler Problems?

Top reported issues across all Jeep Wrangler model years, based on NHTSA owner complaints.

STEERING

2153 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

1132 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

POWER TRAIN

569 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

ENGINE

218 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

SUSPENSION

190 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

184 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2023, 2024

Best Jeep Wrangler Year to Buy Instead

62
GoodReliability score: 62 out of 100, rated Good

2019 Jeep Wrangler

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).

Score: 62/100 (Good)9 recalls691 complaints
View full 2019 reliability report →

All Jeep Wrangler Years by Generation

All model years ranked by reliability score, grouped by generation.

Jeep Wrangler Reliability Scores by Year

Excellent Good Mixed Risky

Our data covers 2018–2025 model years.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Jeep Wrangler years should you avoid?
Based on our data, you should avoid the following Jeep Wrangler years: 2018 (score: 54/100). These model years score significantly below the Jeep Wrangler average of 61/100.
What is the best year for the Jeep Wrangler?
The best year for the Jeep Wrangler is 2025, with a reliability score of 74/100 ("Good"). It has 4 recalls and 49 owner complaints.
How many recalls does the Jeep Wrangler have?
Across all years in our database, the Jeep Wrangler has a total of 94 recalls. Recall counts vary by year — check individual model year reports for details.
Is a used Jeep Wrangler worth buying?
Yes, especially the 2025 model year, which scores 74/100. Stick to years at or above the model average of 61/100 for the best ownership experience.
What are common Jeep Wrangler problems?
The most common Jeep Wrangler problems are steering (2153 complaints), electrical system (1132 complaints), power train (569 complaints). These issues are reported across multiple model years based on NHTSA owner complaint data.
Is the Jeep Wrangler reliable long-term?
The Jeep Wrangler has an average reliability score of 61/100 across all model years in our database, rated "good". Overall, it is a reliable vehicle, though some model years perform better than others.
Which Jeep Wrangler generation is most reliable?
The most reliable Jeep Wrangler generation is the Fourth generation (JL) with an average score of 60/100. Compare generations in our all-years-by-generation section above.
How much does it cost to maintain a Jeep Wrangler?
The estimated annual maintenance cost for the Jeep Wrangler is $694 based on independent repair cost databases. This may vary depending on the model year and driving conditions.
Is the 2025 Jeep Wrangler a good used buy?
Yes, the 2025 Jeep Wrangler is the highest-scoring model year with a reliability score of 74/100 ("Good"). It has 4 recalls and 49 owner complaints, making it a solid used buy.

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.

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