NHTSA lists 15 safety recalls and 958 owner complaints for the 2021 Jeep Wrangler. Most complaints involve electrical system (308) and steering (255). The EPA rates it 14–25 mpg combined.
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.
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.
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.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Complaints for each Wrangler model year we’ve synced.
| Model year | NHTSA complaints |
|---|---|
| 1997 | 411 |
| 1998 | 265 |
| 1999 | 217 |
| 2000 | 270 |
| 2001 | 170 |
| 2002 | 108 |
| 2007 | 1,059 |
| 2008 | 1,255 |
| 2009 | 650 |
| 2010 | 686 |
| 2011 | 485 |
| 2012 | 835 |
| 2013 | 657 |
| 2014 | 658 |
| 2015 | 479 |
| 2016 | 462 |
| 2017 | 312 |
| 2018 | 1,827 |
| 2019 | 747 |
| 2020 | 618 |
| 2021 | 958 |
| 2022 | 412 |
| 2023 | 374 |
| 2024 | 970 |
| 2025 | 83 |
| 2026 | 0 |
“Vehicle shuts down and looses all power and battery controls without warning. My [XXX] daughter was driving the jeep when this happened. Was unable to get vehicle into N for over an hour. Fuses and relays inside the under hood fuse block were extremely hot. After finally getting it into N, we removed from the travel lanes of the 4 lane highway. I had jeep towed to house and waiting to hear back from dealer as to when I can have it towed in.”
“I was driving on interstate going 75 mph in the passing lane when my steering wheel locked completely up. My car started drifting to the right, but I was unable to turn the steering wheel. I almost hit the guardrail. The car is now being towed to Jeep dealership for fixing of the active recall.”
“At 47000 miles the oil cooler cracked, although the technician stated it did not cause the crankshaft: harmonic balancer pulley to be damaged, the mat issue did occur and documentation from other sources state one can cause the other. Replacement cost was substantial for a low mileage vehicle. Documented issues with the oil cooler failing on Jeep Wrangler JL, specifically the 3.6 L engine is easily obtainable. The dealership admitted replacing a lot of them. This is a manufacturer defect that should be resolved.”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wrangler 4dr EcoDiesel 4WD Auto 8-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Diesel, Turbo · 4-Wheel Drive | 22 | 29 | 25 | $3,750 | 411 |
| Wrangler 2dr 4WD Auto 8-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo, SIDI · 4-Wheel Drive | 22 | 24 | 23 | $2,800 | 388 |
| Wrangler Rubic 4dr EcoDiesel 4WD Auto 8-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Diesel, Turbo · 4-Wheel Drive | 21 | 26 | 23 | $4,100 | 442 |
| Wrangler 4dr 4WD Auto 8-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo, SIDI · 4-Wheel Drive | 21 | 24 | 22 | $2,900 | 404 |
| Wrangler 2dr 4WD Auto 8-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L, Mild Hybrid · 4-Wheel Drive | 20 | 24 | 21 | $3,050 | 416 |
| Wrangler 4dr 4WD Auto 8-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L, Mild Hybrid · 4-Wheel Drive | 19 | 24 | 21 | $3,050 | 421 |
| Wrangler 2dr 4WD Auto 8-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L · 4-Wheel Drive | 18 | 23 | 20 | $3,200 | 440 |
| Wrangler 2dr 4WD Man 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L · 4-Wheel Drive | 17 | 25 | 20 | $3,200 | 446 |
| Wrangler 4dr 4WD Auto 8-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L · 4-Wheel Drive | 18 | 22 | 20 | $3,200 | 451 |
| Wrangler 4dr 4xe Auto 8-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo · 4-Wheel Drive | 20 | 20 | 20 | $3,200 | 230 |
| Wrangler 4dr 4WD Man 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L · 4-Wheel Drive | 17 | 23 | 19 | $3,400 | 459 |
| Wrangler 4dr 4WD Auto 8-spd, 8 cyl, 6.4 L · 4-Wheel Drive | 13 | 17 | 14 | $5,700 | 623 |
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
15 safety recalls as of Nov 2, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
Owners filed 958 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are electrical system (308), steering (255), engine (223). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2021 Jeep Wrangler at 14–25 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (12 versions rated).