InsightArise CarsU.S. Owner Complaint Index
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2021 Jeep Wrangler problems, complaints & recalls

Far more Steady

NHTSA has received 912 owner complaints about the 2021 Jeep Wrangler, or 160.8 per year on the road — far more complaints than typical for a vehicle of its age (complaint index 3.82, where 1.00 is the average of all tracked vehicles). Among the 85 model-year 2021 vehicles we track, it ranks #83 for fewest complaints per year. Against other Jeep models its rate is 121% higher; against other Off-road SUVs it is 137% higher.

Counts are normalized by time on the road, not by sales volume: a popular model generates more reports than a rare one, and complaints are not verified individually. How we count

Complaints filed between 2020-10-20 and 2026-09-01. Median delay from incident to filing: 11 days.

912Complaints
160.8Complaints per year on the road
3.82Complaint index vs. all tracked vehicles
15Recalls · ⚠ 3
5.2%Share involving a crash or fire
156Last 12 months

Analysis

The previous model year (2020) drew 90.8 complaints per year, fewer than this one. The following model year (2022) drew 81.7 per year, fewer than this one. In its first two years on the road the 2021 model collected 212 complaints, 247% higher than the average vehicle of the same model year.

The most common problem area is Engine (24.0% of complaints), followed by Steering (23.7%) and Electrical (20.0%). Within Engine reports, owners most often mention “engine”, “charging”, “battery”, “system” and “recall”. 47 reports (5.2%) describe a crash or fire; owners mention 14 injuries and 0 deaths.

Half of the reported incidents happened within 35 months of the model year's start; the busiest period was years three to five (35% of incidents). In the last 12 months 156 new complaints were filed, versus 154 in the 12 months before — a steady pace.

NHTSA lists 15 safety recalls for this model year, 3 with a do-not-drive or park-outside warning. 85% of the complaints fall in component areas that a recall addresses. 4 NHTSA defect investigations cover this model year; the most recent is “Underhood fires” (opened 2024-09-06, still open).

Complaint index

  • vs. all tracked vehicles3.82
  • vs. other Jeep models2.21
  • vs. other 2021 models4.21
  • vs. other Off-road SUVs2.37
  • Complaints in first 2 years on the road · vs. same-year average (212)3.47
  • #83 of 85 · 2021Rankings ›

1.00 means the same rate as the comparison group. 2.00 means twice as many complaints per year on the road.

Other model years

  • 2018209.1 per year4.97
  • 201995.6 per year2.27
  • 202090.8 per year2.16
  • 2021160.8 per year3.82
  • 202281.7 per year1.94
  • 202394.2 per year2.24
  • 2024334.2 per year7.94
  • 202541.2 per year0.98

Jeep Wrangler problems, complaints & recalls by model year ›

What owners complain about

  • Engine219 · 24.0% · 1.08×
  • Steering216 · 23.7% · 3.65×
  • Electrical182 · 20.0% · 1.27×
  • Transmission / powertrain99 · 10.9% · 0.94×
  • Wheels, tires & suspension61 · 6.7% · 2.69×
  • Interior & equipment49 · 5.4% · 0.6×
  • Fuel system26 · 2.9% · 0.67×
  • Body & structure26 · 2.9% · 0.32×

vs. all vehicles: 1.00 = All-vehicle average

Engine · Common terms in reports

  • engine126
  • charging33
  • battery52
  • system81
  • recall86
  • hybrid27

Steering · Common terms in reports

  • wobble124
  • death108
  • steering147
  • bump62
  • violently59
  • shaking64

Electrical · Common terms in reports

  • system recall46
  • notification electrical44
  • electrical system59
  • confirms available38
  • tool confirms38
  • recall available42

Problem areas: Steering · Engine · Electrical · Transmission / powertrain · Interior & equipment · Body & structure · Wheels, tires & suspension · Fuel system · Brakes · Airbags & seat belts

When complaints were filed

2020: 6 6 2020 2021: 100 100 2021 2022: 106 106 2022 2023: 220 220 2023 2024: 231 231 2024 2025: 147 147 2025 2026: 102 102 2026
  • Crashes reported: 20
  • Fires reported: 27
  • Injuries: 14
  • Deaths: 0

Vehicle age at incident

  • <1 yr14.7%
  • 1–2 yrs16.1%
  • 2–3 yrs25.3%
  • 3–5 yrs35.3%
  • 5+ yrs8.6%

Median age at incident: 35 months

What owners report

Excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA, trimmed for length. The ODI number is NHTSA's record identifier.

Segment peers · 2021 · Off-road SUVs

ModelsComplaintsComplaints per year on the roadComplaint index
2021 Toyota 4Runner356.20.15
2021 Ford Bronco22539.70.94
2021 Jeep Wrangler912160.83.82

Safety recalls (15)

STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:PUMP Campaign 26V363000 · 2026-06-04

⚠ Park-outside / do-not-drive warning

Summary: Chrysler (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.

Risk: A vehicle fire increases the risk of injury.

Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures, until their vehicle is repaired. Dealers will inspect and replace the wiring and electric hydraulic power steering pump, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed July 9, 2026. Owners may contact FCA US LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US LLC's number for this recall is 21D. The Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will become searchable on NHTSA.gov on June 11, 2026.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:TRACTION BATTERY Campaign 25V741000 · 2025-10-30

⚠ Park-outside / do-not-drive warning

Summary: 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.

Risk: 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. Some owner notification letters were mailed beginning December 17, 2025. The remaining owner notification letters will be mailed at a later date. 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.

BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA Campaign 24V676000 · 2024-09-12

Summary: 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."

Risk: 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: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL Campaign 24V652000 · 2024-09-05

Summary: 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."

Risk: 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:MANUAL TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE Campaign 24V572000 · 2024-08-01

Summary: Chrysler (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.

Risk: A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will update the powertrain control module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 15, 2024. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US LLC's number for this recall is 92B. Vehicles previously repaired under recall 23V-116 will need to have the new remedy completed.

VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM Campaign 24V111000 · 2024-02-15

Summary: Chrysler (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."

Risk: An inoperative windshield defrosting and defogging system may decrease the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will update the HCP software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 29, 2024. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is 04B.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:TRACTION BATTERY Campaign 23V787000 · 2023-11-22

⚠ Park-outside / do-not-drive warning

Summary: Chrysler (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.

Risk: A vehicle fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.

Remedy: Owners are advised not to recharge their vehicles, and to park outside and away from structures, until they are repaired. Dealers will update the high voltage battery pack software and replace the battery pack assembly if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 7, 2024. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 89A. This recall is superseded by NHTSA Recall 24V-720.

FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP Campaign 23V263000 · 2023-04-13

Summary: Chrysler (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.

Risk: Fuel pump failure can result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the HPFP and replace additional fuel system components, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 17, 2023. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 01A.

STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS Campaign 23V191000 · 2023-03-23

Summary: Chrysler (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.

Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, remove the frame stud and apply paint, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 6, 2023. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 28A.

POWER TRAIN:CLUTCH ASSEMBLY Campaign 23V116000 · 2023-02-23

Summary: 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.

Risk: 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.

ENGINE Campaign 22V865000 · 2022-11-23

Summary: Chrysler (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.

Risk: An engine shutdown can cause a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: There is more than one involved component and calibration software. Updating the calibration software in the Transmission Control Module, Hybrid Control Processor and Auxiliary Hybrid Control Processor that changes fail safe from shut down to limp home. Dealers will update the transmission control module software, Hybrid Control Processor and Auxiliary Hybrid Control Processor, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 22, 2022. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall ZB7.

SEAT BELTS:PRETENSIONER Campaign 22V766000 · 2022-10-13

Summary: Chrysler (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.

Risk: A seat belt with pretensioner failure may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the front seat belt retractors. free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 8, 2022. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is Z95.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP Campaign 22V767000 · 2022-10-13

Summary: Chrysler (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.

Risk: An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the HPFP and inspect and replace additional fuel system components, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 17, 2023. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is Z96.

BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION Campaign 22V638000 · 2022-08-25

Summary: Chrysler (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."

Risk: A rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will update the radio software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 6, 2022. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA, LLC's number for this recall is Z86.

POWER TRAIN:CLUTCH ASSEMBLY Campaign 21V028000 · 2021-01-28

Summary: Chrysler (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.

Risk: 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: FCA US LLC will notify owners, and dealers will add software to reduce engine torque capability when clutch assembly temperatures rise to a level that may damage the inner pressure plate, free of charge." FCA has ordered a stop sale for the affected vehicles as of February 25, 2021. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 4, 2021.

How to check whether your car has an open recall ›

Investigations

Frequently asked questions

How many complaints were filed for the 2021 Jeep Wrangler?

912 complaints were filed with NHTSA for the 2021 Jeep Wrangler, or about 160.8 per year on the road.

What is the most common problem reported for the 2021 Jeep Wrangler?

The most common category is Engine, accounting for 24.0% of complaints.

Does the 2021 Jeep Wrangler have any recalls?

NHTSA lists 15 safety recall(s) for this model year. 4 NHTSA defect investigations cover this model year; the most recent is “Underhood fires” (opened 2024-09-06, still open).

Is the 2021 Jeep Wrangler still generating complaints?

In the last 12 months 156 new complaints were filed, versus 154 in the 12 months before — a steady pace.

How does the 2021 Jeep Wrangler compare with similar vehicles?

NHTSA has received 912 owner complaints about the 2021 Jeep Wrangler, or 160.8 per year on the road — far more complaints than typical for a vehicle of its age (complaint index 3.82, where 1.00 is the average of all tracked vehicles). Among the 85 model-year 2021 vehicles we track, it ranks #83 for fewest complaints per year. Against other Jeep models its rate is 121% higher; against other Off-road SUVs it is 137% higher.