Problems · NHTSA complaints

2011 Jeep Wrangler problems

Owners filed 486 complaints about the 2011 Jeep Wrangler with NHTSA between Dec 2010 and Nov 2026. The most-cited component is air bags (146).

Complaints
486
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
13
Reported by owners
Fires
20
Reported by owners
Injuries
13
People reported injured
Deaths
0
Reported to NHTSA
01 —By component

Complaints by component

One complaint can cite several components
  1. Air bags146
  2. Fuel/propulsion system88
  3. Electrical system84
  4. Steering58
  5. Power train40
  6. Suspension39
  7. Engine36
  8. Structure28
  9. Service brakes26
  10. Vehicle speed control18
  11. Visibility/wiper14
  12. Fuel system, gasoline12
  13. Seat belts11
  14. Wheels9

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 10, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Trend

When complaints were filed

Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
View as table
Model yearComplaints filed per calendar year
20102
201125
201229
201329
201435
201578
201677
201743
201836
201939
202024
202115
20226
202317
202411
20258
202612

Mileage at failure isn’t a structured field in NHTSA complaint data, so we don’t chart it. Some owners mention it in their reports below.

03 —Owner reports

Top problems in owners’ words

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first

Air bags

146 reports4 crashes6 related recalls
“I am filing a formal safety complaint regarding multiple safety-related issues with my 2011 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Sahara. My vehicle is experiencing ABS and airbag warning lights, along with an illuminated BRAKE warning light on the dashboard. In addition, the emergency/parking brake is not functioning properly and fails to securely hold the vehicle when engaged. These issues raise serious concerns about the reliability of the vehicle’s braking and occupant protection systems. The ABS warning light suggests a possible malfunction of the anti-lock braking system, while the airbag warning light raises concerns about whether the airbags will function as intended during a collision. The parking brake failure also presents a potential rollaway hazard. I am concerned that these problems may represent broader safety defects affecting other Jeep Wrangler owners. Given the importance of these systems, I respectfully request that NHTSA investigate these issues, review similar owner complaints, and determine whether a safety recall or corrective action is warranted. Thank you for your attention to these safety concerns.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Nov 7, 2026Electrical system, Air bags, Service brakesODI 11776410

Fuel/propulsion system

88 reports3 fires
“(1) Since October, I have had airbag failure in my Wrangler Rubicon. The failure is the 2nd time for the same defective parts. Jeep has failed to repair/replace the parts. I've been waiting for two months. I cannot drive with no airbags. It's a death sentence and SUICIDE to drive without airbags. There is a recall on this same defect issue, yet Jeep has continued to ignore this issue. (2) Jeep repaired a recall on my sidemirror defrosters a few years ago. After their repair, the defroster never worked again. (3) My heated seats failed to work, due to known defects. I've been without the deated seats for more than 2 years now! Jeep refuses to fix their defects.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Dec 22, 2023Air bags, Seats, Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11561572

Electrical system

84 reports1 crash9 fires1 related recall
“Jeep just quit while driving. Towed to dealership….dealership told us it was the TIPM and they couldn’t get another one for at least a year. No other options given. Had to tow the vehicle to my house from there!!!!! This is a known problem/recall for my Jeep her but for some reason my VIN number is not part of the recall…even tho it is obviously the same exact issue of your recall!!!!”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Apr 16, 2026Electrical systemODI 11731648

Steering

58 reports5 crashes1 related recall
“My jeep wrangler Abs module has failed and needs to be replaced. But Jeep decided not to make this part anymore and now me and a LOT of others can’t get a new abs Module. My jeep is way too dangerous to drive now. When accelerating from a stop the vehicle barely kicks in like the tires don’t know what direction to move. When I’m coming to a stop the breaks don’t work right due to the ABS module. This is a big safety concern and jeep needs to be held accountable and fix this issue. This is a major issue and needs to addressed before people get into accidents. I’m sure some people already have.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Mar 12, 2026Steering, Service brakesODI 11723973

Power train

40 reports1 crash3 fires1 related recall
“1. Battery, then alternator, now powertrain control module. 2. Yes, could have been stuck on one of the busiest roads in town. 3. Driving home from work and noticed my radio went off and the noticed lights flashing on my dashboard. My car was chugging so pulled off the road. Once on the side, it just shut down. Tried to restart and nothing happened. Called AAA and they said I needed a new battery and told me my alternator was in the danger mode. Took my jeep to a car repair service and told me they had to replace the alternator, but that this a common problem with my year jeep and it still won't be fixed and battery will still die again because the powertrain control module needs to be replaced. Gave me documents that show the number of jeeps brought into their service center with the same problem. Can't get into a jeep dealership for service until August 29, 2 2024. 4. The engine light has been on for a long time but everyone told me it wasn't anything to worry about, a electronic issue. Low tire light would come on and off at various times for a few years and tires would not be low. Also, my passenger side airbag light comes on and off all the time in the…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 12, 2024Power trainODI 11607934

Suspension

39 reports
“All of my wires on the drivers side is unhooked and hanging. All of my emergency light have came on. The car is running hot and not catching up on proper speed. The car wobbles left and right when going over 40mph. My reverse camera is hanging covering my license plate causing m to consistently get pulled over. There are a lot of safety concerns. The dealer used profanity towards me and told me he was not fixing anything, I better use my warranty. I got what I got!”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 16, 2024Suspension, Electrical system, EngineODI 11614904
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 10, 2026

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.