2021 Jeep Wrangler: What to check before buying
Owners have filed 826 complaints with NHTSA about this car, most about the steering, electrical, and transmission. The 11 checks below target those problems, in the order you would do them at the car.
2021- Owner complaints
- 826
- Recalls
- 16
- 2 urgent
- Crashes reported
- 19
- 12 injuries
Two recalls on this model year told owners to park outside until the repair was done.
Do not buy until you have dealer paperwork or a recall lookup showing they were completed for this VIN.
Your inspection sheet
Tick items off on your phone at the car, or print it. Ticks stay on this device.
0/11 checked
2021 Jeep Wrangler: inspection sheet
Paperwork and questions
Before you go, or before you touch the car0/7
Cold start, engine bay, and underside
Ask the seller not to warm the car up first0/2
Test drive
At least 20 minutes, with some highway0/2
These checks are specific to this model year. For tires, body panels, fluids, and the other basics every used car needs, use the general inspection guide.
Which Wrangler is it?
EPA figures for each version of the 2021 Jeep Wrangler. Use them to confirm you are looking at the version that was advertised, and as a yardstick on the test drive.
| Version | Drive | EPA rating |
|---|---|---|
| 2.0L 4-cylGas | 4WD | 23 mpg |
| 3.6L 6-cylGas | 4WD | 20 mpg |
| 6.4L 8-cylGas | 4WD | 14 mpg |
| 3.0L 6-cylDiesel | 4WD | 25 mpg |
| 3.6L 6-cylHybrid | 4WD | 21 mpg |
| 2.0L 4-cylPlug-in hybrid | 4WD | 370 mi range |
- The 2021 Jeep Wrangler was sold in six versions. Confirm which one this is from the window sticker, the engine cover, or the VIN report before you compare prices.
- On the hybrid, watch for the car moving off on electric power at low speed and for any hybrid system warning on the dash.
- Reset the trip computer at the start of the drive. A Wrangler that averages well under the EPA 14 mpg combined on a mixed route may have an engine or tire problem.
Check the odometer against these mileages
Owners report these failures starting around the mileages below. A car inside one of these ranges deserves a closer look at that part, or records showing it was already fixed.
Early misfire and rough running
200–500 miles
Manual clutch failure
500–12,000 miles
Death wobble at highway speed
20,000–48,600 miles
Brake pedal sinks to floor
28,000–30,000 miles
Why these checks: what owners reported
NHTSA complaints for the 2021 Jeep Wrangler, grouped by the part owners named. Open a row to read what goes wrong.
Steering228No crashes
Violent front-end shaking, the so-called death wobble, dominates these reports. It usually starts when the Jeep hits a bump, seam, or crack at 60 to 75 mph, and it stops only when the driver slows sharply. Stock Jeeps that have never gone off-road are affected, often between 20,000 and 47,800 miles. Dealers replace the steering stabilizer, damper, tie rods, or drag link, but the shaking often comes back. Some owners past warranty are asked to pay for diagnosis. A smaller group reports a sudden loss of power steering assist with no warning.
Electrical2174 crashes
Fires lead this category, with 7 fire-related reports. Several involve the 4xe plug-in hybrid burning while driving, parked, or charging, and owners tie them to high-voltage battery recalls such as 68C. Owners are told not to charge the car and to park it outdoors while repair parts are months away. Other reports describe sudden shutdowns at highway speed that cut power steering, ABS, and lighting at once. There are 4 crash-related cases. Smaller complaints cover batteries that drain within days, key fobs that disconnect, and heated steering wheel wiring that melts.
Transmission1162 crashes
Manual-transmission clutches overheat and fail, sometimes within the first few thousand miles. Owners smell burning, feel slipping, or lose the pedal entirely, and several clutch pressure plates come apart and start fires. Some failures happen after the clutch recall repair. On the 4xe, the hybrid system cuts power without warning, at times at highway speed, and some losses come shortly after recall 95B. The reports include 5 fires, 2 crashes, and 1 injury. A few owners also describe a blown engine traced to missing coolant tube fasteners.
Suspension561 crash
Front-end shaking at highway speed makes up nearly all of these reports. A bump, expansion joint, or pavement seam at roughly 55 to 75 mph sets off a wobble that ends only after hard braking. In one crash-related report, the shaking pushed the Jeep into a guardrail. Several owners say cold weather makes it worse. Onset clusters between 20,000 and 48,600 miles on unmodified vehicles. Steering stabilizer replacements help only for a while, dealers sometimes cannot reproduce the problem, and repairs past the 3-yr/36,000 mile warranty are often denied.
Engine47No crashes
Coolant leaks are the most practical concern. The 2.0L turbo loses coolant when fasteners on the coolant inlet tube or thermostat housing back out, or when a hose bursts, and overheating follows quickly. Owners link this to recall CSN ZD8, though some VINs fall outside it. Four fire-related reports describe engine compartment fires, some blamed on a fuel leak near the intake. Brand-new Jeeps also show flashing check engine lights and rough running before 500 miles, and some 4xe models stall at highway speed.
Fuel system41No crashes
Most of these complaints are about an open recall, not an actual failure. Owners receive notice of campaign 22V767000, but dealers have no parts, and many say the wait has gone on far too long. A minority report the engine losing power on hills, dropping into limp mode, or refusing to go above 30 mph, with the check engine light on. One owner reports a diesel fuel leak from a faulty fuel filter housing at 46,000 miles.
The high-pressure fuel pump covered by recall 22V-767 is the main complaint. Owners wait more than a year for parts. When the pump fails, the engine shuts off while driving and can send metal debris through the fuel system. Others say the fuel gauge or range display is wrong, and they run out of gas while it still shows miles left. On the 4xe, owners report repeated battery and hybrid faults, warnings not to park in a garage, and electric mode cutting out. One report describes a fire while parked.
Brakes102 crashes
The brake pedal sinks to the floor with little or no stopping power, often with ABS and stability control warnings lit. Reports cluster around 28,000 to 30,000 miles. Repeated dealer repairs to the ABS, master cylinder, or vacuum pump do not always fix it. Two crash-related reports describe the Jeep lurching forward or backward while the driver held the brake or tried to park. One owner reports a front brake hose on long backorder.
Airbags98 crashes
Airbags fail to deploy in crashes, according to 8 of the 9 reports, which together list 10 injuries. The collisions include a 55 mph side impact, a rollover, a guardrail strike, and a multi-car pileup. In some cases the seatbelt also fails to lock, and occupants hit the steering wheel. One owner gets an airbag failure alert in the Jeep app after a crash. The remaining report is an airbag service warning at startup.
In owners' own words
Excerpts from complaints Wrangler owners filed with NHTSA, as written. Listen for the same symptoms on your test drive.
Jeep has a seriously dangerous issue when you hit a bump on the highway, other online call it a “death wobble”, extremely dangerous, started happened around 21000 miles on ours. Only way to get it to stop shaken is to stop the vehicle. I have several videos of this occurring and would be happy to send them, this app won’t allow videos to be uploaded. I called the dealer to have the issue looked at, no recall has been issued yet according to our dealer.
Filed with NHTSA, January 2023
The steering is loose and has a lot of play. I can be driving 25 miles per hour or 65 miles per hour and I constantly have to adjust the steering wheel to the point that my right arm actually gets tired from over correcting the steering. If I go over a bump, I have to correct the steering even more. I took it to a dealer to have it checked. The dealer confirmed there is a lawsuit regarding the steering but they are not allowed to fix it.
Filed with NHTSA, February 2023
Could not start my 2021 jeep only 900 miles on it and said charging fault and then started an hour later but then later on that day Was driving with my child and dead stop in middle of turnpike just shut off. Thank god it turned he Ck on and made it home. Now dealership is saying they can look at it within two to four weeks. This is a terrible.
Filed with NHTSA, February 2022
It's over heating while drive at has 12000 miles on it and getting over 250 degrees derating and dash lights came on flashing red saying over heating to hot air shut off going 60 miles an hour. Had to pull off road because it had no gas pedal with cars behind me almost getting hit.
Filed with NHTSA, June 2021
Jeep clutch started slipping. Startig smelling a burning smell. Took it to the dealership. Service tech took it down the road to see for himself. While he was driving it he noticed debris on the road in the rearview and realized it was coming from the jeep. He pulled over and the hood was red hot. The jeep then caught on fire and burnt up! Total loss. The jeep only had 28000 miles on it and still under warranty.
Filed with NHTSA, June 2023
At 10,400 miles a safety recall was performed on clutch for manual transmission. The dealership replaced clutch bearing, clutch press kit, and other clutch components. After 800 miles were driven (11,200 total miles on vehicle) and after the recall service, the clutch went out again while driving. Dealership is telling me the slave cylinder went out and will need to be replaced.
Filed with NHTSA, March 2025
Beginning in January 2023 with approximately 20,000 miles our leased 2021 Jeep Wrangler began to shake uncontrollably while driving on the highway at speeds over 60 mph. The shaking was so significant that while trying to safely guide the car off the highway my husband was shaken into the guardrail causing damage to the right front bumper. We are horrified that Jeep has had this problem for so long and there's NO public notification of the problem.
Filed with NHTSA, March 2023
1. Track bar and tie rod front suspension. 2. It causes high speed death wobble. Steering wheel and whole front end of 2021 Jeep wrangler shakes violently and unable to control jeep without slowing way down while on interstate. 3. No. I called the dealership and they said tuff luck, no warranty. I have 50K miles on Jeep wrangler. 4. No. 5. No. First appeared with 50k miles on Jeep and driving on interstate.
Filed with NHTSA, February 2024
How the 2021 compares with other Wrangler years
Complaints for this year next to the average for the other model years, area by area.
The 2021 ranks second for owner complaints among 8 Wrangler years, about 1.3 times the average of the others. Newer years have had less time to collect complaints, so compare like with like.
- Steering228275
- Electrical217131
- Transmission11665
- Suspension5618
- Engine4724
- Fuel system416
Where the 2021 fits in the Wrangler's history
Redesigns and mid-cycle updates change what can go wrong.
The 2021 is the fourth model year of the Wrangler's fourth generation (2018–2023).
Recalls to confirm (16)
Recall repairs are free at any Jeep dealer, but the seller may never have had them done. Check each campaign number against the VIN.
25V741000ElectricalPark outsideOct 2025
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.
Fix: 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. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning December 17, 2025. 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.
23V787000ElectricalPark outsideNov 2023
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.
Fix: 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.
24V720000ElectricalSep 2024
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2020-2024 Jeep Wrangler 4XE and 2022-2024 Jeep 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 while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
Fix: This recall is replaced by NHTSA recall number 25V741. Vehicles already repaired under this recall will need to have the new remedy completed. Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures, and not to recharge their vehicles until they are repaired. Dealers will update the high voltage battery pack software and replace the battery pack assembly, if necessary, free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed October 11, 2024. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning December 2024. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is 95B. Vehicles in this recall that were previously recalled for the same issue under NHTSA Recall 23V-787 will need to have the new remedy performed.
24V676000Backup cameraSep 2024
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.
Fix: 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.
24V652000ElectricalSep 2024
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.
Fix: 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.
24V572000TransmissionAug 2024
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.
Fix: 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.
24V111000Wipers and visibilityFeb 2024
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.
Fix: 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.
23V263000Fuel systemApr 2023
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.
Fix: 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.
23V191000Body and structureMar 2023
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.
Fix: 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.
23V116000TransmissionFeb 2023
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.
Fix: 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.
22V865000EngineNov 2022
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.
Fix: 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.
22V766000Seat beltsOct 2022
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.
Fix: 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.
22V767000Fuel systemOct 2022
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.
Fix: 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.
22V638000Backup cameraAug 2022
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.
Fix: 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.
21V949000ElectricalDec 2021
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021 Jeep Wrangler Plug-In Hybrid Electric (PHEV) vehicles. After reaching 13,342 miles, the odometer will no longer display vehicle mileage. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 101, "Control and Displays.".
Risk: A missing odometer reading could lead to an unintended delay in critical safety-related maintenance, potentially impairing the safe operation of the vehicle and increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will update the instrument panel cluster (IPC) software on vehicles with less than 13,342 miles, and replace the IPC on vehicles in which the mileage is not displayed, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 28, 2021. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is Y94.
21V028000TransmissionJan 2021
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.
Fix: 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.
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