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2021 Jeep Wrangler: common problems and reliability
One of the worst Wrangler years.
One of the Jeep Wrangler years to avoid. All Wrangler years
2,955 owner complaints, most about electrical system. 15 recalls.
Should I buy a 2021 Wrangler?The 2021 Jeep Wrangler has 2955 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 15 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are electrical system and steering.
Safety record for the 2021 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2021 Jeep Wrangler vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other Wrangler years only. How we score it
Is 2021 a good year for the Wrangler?
Across the 30 Wrangler model years we track, complaint volume runs from 102 (2003) to 2,955 (2021). With 2,955 complaints, the 2021 Wrangler sits above the model's median of 948.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
Where owners report problems
Recalls affecting the 2021 Wrangler
power train:clutch assembly
Campaign 21V028000Chrysler (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.
back over prevention:display function
Campaign 22V638000Chrysler (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. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
seat belts:pretensioner
Campaign 22V766000Chrysler (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.
fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pump
Campaign 22V767000Chrysler (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.
Show 11 more recalls
engine
Campaign 22V865000Chrysler (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.
power train:clutch assembly
Campaign 23V116000Chrysler (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.
structure:frame and members
Campaign 23V191000Chrysler (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.
fuel system, diesel:delivery:fuel pump
Campaign 23V263000Chrysler (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.
electrical system:propulsion system:traction battery
Campaign 23V787000Chrysler (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.
visibility:defroster/defogger/hvac system
Campaign 24V111000Chrysler (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. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 103, "Windshield Defrosting and Defogging Systems."
power train:manual transmission:control module:software
Campaign 24V572000Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021 Jeep Wrangler and Jeep Gladiator vehicles that were previously remedied under NHTSA recall number 23V-116. The software for the powertrain control module may cause an engine stall, which can result in a loss of drive power.
electrical system: instrument cluster/panel
Campaign 24V652000Chrysler (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."
back over prevention: sensing system: camera
Campaign 24V676000Chrysler (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."
electrical system:propulsion system:traction battery
Campaign 25V741000Chrysler (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.
steering:hydraulic power assist:pump
Campaign 26V363000Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021-2025 Jeep Wrangler, Wrangler 4XE, and Jeep Gladiator vehicles. The electric hydraulic power steering pump wiring may overheat and cause a vehicle fire, even when the vehicle is parked with the ignition in the "Off" position.
What owners say across generations
Mixed sentiment with a clear division based on intended use. The vehicle is universally praised for its exceptional off-road capability, iconic styling, the ability to remove the top and doors, and a strong, supportive owner community.
Owner insights cover all generations of the Wrangler. See the full Wrangler owner picture and every model year.
Typical used price
Used Wrangler listings typically run $22,687–$36,690.
Other Wrangler model years
Compare every Wrangler year side by side to see how 2021 ranks against the rest.
Compare the Wrangler against its rivals
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