JEEP Wrangler Reliability by YearBest & worst years, problems & recalls — NHTSA data
Comparing used JEEP Wrangler options? We analyzed 10 model years (2017–2026) using real NHTSA complaint and recall data so you can spot stronger years, avoid riskier ones, and know what to inspect before buying.
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Model-year trends show patterns — they can't tell you whether this car was crashed, flooded, or rolled back. A VIN check can.
- Accident & damage history
- Odometer rollback records
- Open recalls & title brands
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the JEEP Wrangler has 7,929 owner complaints and 102 safety recalls across model years 2017–2026. The most reported issue area is ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. 2024 drew the most complaints; 2025 drew the fewest.
- Make
- JEEP
- Model
- Wrangler
- Model years analyzed
- 2017–2026 (10 years)
- Total NHTSA complaints
- 7,929
- Safety recall campaigns
- 102
- Crash-related complaints
- 163
- Fire-related complaints
- 148
- Worst model year (by complaints)
- 2024 (2,485 complaints)
- Best model year (fewest complaints)
- 2025 (225 complaints)
- Top reported issue area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Reliability signal
- Poor
By model year
JEEP Wrangler: which years to avoid & which to buy
Based on total NHTSA owner complaints per model year. Higher complaint counts indicate a riskier year to buy used — lower counts suggest a cleaner reliability record.
These years have the most owner complaints. Inspect carefully and always run a VIN check.
These years have the fewest owner complaints on record — lower risk starting points.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA NCAP crash test ratings
New Car Assessment ProgramNCAP crash tests measure how well a vehicle protects occupants in controlled frontal crash, side crash, and rollover scenarios. Stars are awarded per category (5 = safest). These laboratory results are independent of owner complaints and are performed by NHTSA engineers on new production vehicles.
NCAP crash test ratings for this model are not yet loaded or this vehicle was not tested in the years analyzed. NHTSA tests a subset of new vehicles each year. Check nhtsa.gov/ratings directly for the latest results.
What the complaint data suggests
PoorThe JEEP WRANGLER has 7,929 NHTSA complaints and 102 recalls on record. 163 complaints involve crash-related incidents. This data reflects owner-reported issues submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
- 7,929 total complaints filed with NHTSA
- 102 federal recall campaigns
- 163 crash-related complaints on record
- Review NHTSA complaint history for the most-reported components
- Check recall completion status at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Verify service records for frequently complained components
Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with elevated complaint rates.
Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with fewer reported issues.
- Run a VIN check on the specific vehicle you are considering
- Verify all open recalls are completed at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Request service records for the most-reported complaint components
- Have a certified mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase
Problems by model year (best vs. worst)
Source: NHTSA public complaints database. Updated: Oct 2026
Safety recalls
NHTSA safety recalls
102 recalls foundSafety recalls are mandatory repair campaigns ordered by NHTSA when a vehicle defect poses an unreasonable risk to safety. Manufacturers are required to fix recalled vehicles free of charge. Always verify open recalls before buying a used car.
CHILD SEAT:VEHICLE TETHER ANCHOR
STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:PUMP
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH
WHEELS
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
TIRES:PRESSURE MONITORING AND REGULATING SYSTEMS
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:TRACTION BATTERY
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE-INACTIVE
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:TRACTION BATTERY
ENGINE
POWER TRAIN:CLUTCH ASSEMBLY
FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:TRACTION BATTERY
POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:TRACTION BATTERY
Source: NHTSA Recalls Database. Data covers model years 2017–2026. Always run a VIN-specific check below for the most up-to-date open recall status.
Common problems
What goes wrong most often
The vehicle systems owners complain about most, ranked from all 7,929 NHTSA complaints — these are the areas to inspect first on a used car.
Owner complaints
NHTSA complaint reports
7,929 totalThese are consumer-submitted safety complaints filed directly with NHTSA. Each complaint describes a real owner's experience. Complaints flagged as crash-related or fire-related are highlighted.
Front window stress fracture from bottom center semicircular to left about 12 inches back to bottom edge. Spontaneous fissure. Smooth edges.
Vehicle has a bad stumble/misfire under light load around 19 mph and 40 mph the vehicle lunges forward.After being at the dealership for over a month, They say it is normal operation that all their vehicles 3.6L.Being a mechanic for 30 years this is not normal operating conditions. I have researched this online as many Jeep owners complain about the same problem.
The contact owns a 2026 Jeep Wrangler equipped with Nexen Tires, Tire Line: Roadian HTX2, Tire Size: 245/75/R17, DOT Number: (N/A). The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked in the driveway, the contact became aware of a rock stuck in the tread of the front driver's-side tire. When removing the rock, the contact became aware of cracks in the tire. The contact became aware that the other three tires had similar cracks. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the tires were replaced with the same brand of tires. The contact stated that after driving less than 20 miles on the new tires, there were similar cracks found on two of the new replacement tires at approximately 3,000 miles. The contact owned more than one vehicle equipped with the same tires and ten of the tires had similar cracks. The manufacturer was informed of the failures and opened a case. The failure mileage was approximately 1,000.
On Friday, July 10 at about 5 PM I was parking in front of one of my favorite restaurants in my new Jeep Wrangler. When shifting going to complete.the park job the gear shift locked the engine began revving and the vehicle lurched forward. I applied the brakes got push back the tevving increased the vehicle lurched forward again. I re applied the brakes the revving increased the shift was locked and I lurched forward impacting the rear of the car in front of me parked. The throttle then released I was able to shift to park the revving stopped.
On 06/20/2026, the same day I leased this new 2026 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon, at 29 miles it displayed a "Power Steering System Hot - Performance May Be Limited" warning followed by an "Electric Power Steering Fail" warning. The Jeep mobile app and an email from Jeep Service both logged an Electric Power Steering failure that day and stated continued operation with reduced steering assist could pose a safety risk and to contact a dealer as soon as possible. The failed system is the electric power steering; the vehicle is available for inspection on request. On 06/23/2026 the selling dealer confirmed the problem by factory scan, recording stored fault codes in the electric power steering module (C2129-16) and related steering/cluster modules (B11C1-13 and U1464-00), plus numerous low/under-voltage codes, with system voltage as low as ~7.4V. The dealer characterized it only as "low battery voltage," reported no problem found, and performed no repair; their only action was to charge the 12V battery by driving, and the power steering connector was not inspected or replaced. The same "Power Steering System Hot" warning reappeared within about 10 minutes of leaving the dealer after that visit, which I documented on video, confirming the problem was not resolved. The manufacturer has not yet inspected the vehicle. These symptoms match Recall 26V363 and NHTSA investigation PE24024 concerning the electric hydraulic power steering pump connector overheating and causing fires, including while parked and off. This vehicle is a 2026, which appears to fall outside the currently published recall years (2021-2025); I am reporting it so a model-year 2026 incident is on record. The safety risks are loss of steering assist while driving and potential fire, including while parked and off. I park in a shared garage. No crash, fire, or injury has occurred... yet.
Jeep purchased new on 28 January 2026. Fuel gauge only goes to 7/8 full after tank is full. Took it to dealer, they replaced gas tank, then 2 weeks later fuel pump twice, and fuel sensor unit. This solved the problem for 32 days now it’s doing the same thing. Took it back to dealership, they stated there was nothing they could do and engineering is aware and working on a fix. Called another Jeep service they said they weren’t aware of any updates or recalls.
Read 14 more owner reports
Noticed Drivers seat back does not move forward to allow back seat egress in the event of a collision. The problem was confirmed by a salesman at the dealership. It has not been inspected by any others. There were no electrical warnings or symptoms only the mechanical failure of the drivers seat back to move forward when trying to gain access to or from the back seat. Only the front passenger seat allows egress from the back seat. This is a safety hazard if the passenger side is blocked in a collision.
Airbag/SOS System failure - stated resistance on airbag was “above 8 ohms” This happened - and [XXX] emailed me THREE times in the first 30 days of ownership. Replaced Steering Column Control Module - but this may not resolve the issue. Am looking to have this lemon replaced - been having trouble with ANY real contact from Jeep/Stellantis/FCA INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Driving safety concern. Important My new vehicle (Jeep Wrangler Rubicon X) 2026 abruptly shut down as I was driving and veering the steering wheel to the left. All the vehicle power was suddenly gone (electrical, engine, etc) without notice and the vehicle made an aggressive total stop immediately . The steering wheel was hard and the brakes blocked after it lose power and shut down. This has happened twice now. Fortunately I was driving at low speeds and there where no vehicles behind me. However I don’t want to drive the car anymore as this can lead to a serious accident. The first time this happened was two week ago. I took the vehicle to the dealership where I bought it and after 2 weeks of checking the vehicle they returned it to me saying that they couldn’t find anything. 5 days after I got the vehicle back from the dealership this happened again today. The problem persists and it’s a very concerning.
While attempting to make a right turn, the accelerator would not move. This happened again when attempting to merge on the highway. This almost caused a car to run into my side when turning, and a car had to avoid me on the highway when merging. I was trying to press the gas pedal, and it would not move. This is not a mechanical issue. It is a design flaw. The gas pedal allows you to depress on the pivot point, which does not move the throttle cable. I have this video recorded and can demonstrate to any FCA/Stellantis OEM Product Safety Officer or ODI Representative.
Front window stress fracture from bottom center semicircular to left about 12 inches back to bottom edge. Spontaneous fissure. Smooth edges.
Vehicle has a bad stumble/misfire under light load around 19 mph and 40 mph the vehicle lunges forward.After being at the dealership for over a month, They say it is normal operation that all their vehicles 3.6L.Being a mechanic for 30 years this is not normal operating conditions. I have researched this online as many Jeep owners complain about the same problem.
The contact owns a 2026 Jeep Wrangler equipped with Nexen Tires, Tire Line: Roadian HTX2, Tire Size: 245/75/R17, DOT Number: (N/A). The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked in the driveway, the contact became aware of a rock stuck in the tread of the front driver's-side tire. When removing the rock, the contact became aware of cracks in the tire. The contact became aware that the other three tires had similar cracks. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the tires were replaced with the same brand of tires. The contact stated that after driving less than 20 miles on the new tires, there were similar cracks found on two of the new replacement tires at approximately 3,000 miles. The contact owned more than one vehicle equipped with the same tires and ten of the tires had similar cracks. The manufacturer was informed of the failures and opened a case. The failure mileage was approximately 1,000.
On Friday, July 10 at about 5 PM I was parking in front of one of my favorite restaurants in my new Jeep Wrangler. When shifting going to complete.the park job the gear shift locked the engine began revving and the vehicle lurched forward. I applied the brakes got push back the tevving increased the vehicle lurched forward again. I re applied the brakes the revving increased the shift was locked and I lurched forward impacting the rear of the car in front of me parked. The throttle then released I was able to shift to park the revving stopped.
On 06/20/2026, the same day I leased this new 2026 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon, at 29 miles it displayed a "Power Steering System Hot - Performance May Be Limited" warning followed by an "Electric Power Steering Fail" warning. The Jeep mobile app and an email from Jeep Service both logged an Electric Power Steering failure that day and stated continued operation with reduced steering assist could pose a safety risk and to contact a dealer as soon as possible. The failed system is the electric power steering; the vehicle is available for inspection on request. On 06/23/2026 the selling dealer confirmed the problem by factory scan, recording stored fault codes in the electric power steering module (C2129-16) and related steering/cluster modules (B11C1-13 and U1464-00), plus numerous low/under-voltage codes, with system voltage as low as ~7.4V. The dealer characterized it only as "low battery voltage," reported no problem found, and performed no repair; their only action was to charge the 12V battery by driving, and the power steering connector was not inspected or replaced. The same "Power Steering System Hot" warning reappeared within about 10 minutes of leaving the dealer after that visit, which I documented on video, confirming the problem was not resolved. The manufacturer has not yet inspected the vehicle. These symptoms match Recall 26V363 and NHTSA investigation PE24024 concerning the electric hydraulic power steering pump connector overheating and causing fires, including while parked and off. This vehicle is a 2026, which appears to fall outside the currently published recall years (2021-2025); I am reporting it so a model-year 2026 incident is on record. The safety risks are loss of steering assist while driving and potential fire, including while parked and off. I park in a shared garage. No crash, fire, or injury has occurred... yet.
Jeep purchased new on 28 January 2026. Fuel gauge only goes to 7/8 full after tank is full. Took it to dealer, they replaced gas tank, then 2 weeks later fuel pump twice, and fuel sensor unit. This solved the problem for 32 days now it’s doing the same thing. Took it back to dealership, they stated there was nothing they could do and engineering is aware and working on a fix. Called another Jeep service they said they weren’t aware of any updates or recalls.
Noticed Drivers seat back does not move forward to allow back seat egress in the event of a collision. The problem was confirmed by a salesman at the dealership. It has not been inspected by any others. There were no electrical warnings or symptoms only the mechanical failure of the drivers seat back to move forward when trying to gain access to or from the back seat. Only the front passenger seat allows egress from the back seat. This is a safety hazard if the passenger side is blocked in a collision.
Airbag/SOS System failure - stated resistance on airbag was “above 8 ohms” This happened - and [XXX] emailed me THREE times in the first 30 days of ownership. Replaced Steering Column Control Module - but this may not resolve the issue. Am looking to have this lemon replaced - been having trouble with ANY real contact from Jeep/Stellantis/FCA INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Driving safety concern. Important My new vehicle (Jeep Wrangler Rubicon X) 2026 abruptly shut down as I was driving and veering the steering wheel to the left. All the vehicle power was suddenly gone (electrical, engine, etc) without notice and the vehicle made an aggressive total stop immediately . The steering wheel was hard and the brakes blocked after it lose power and shut down. This has happened twice now. Fortunately I was driving at low speeds and there where no vehicles behind me. However I don’t want to drive the car anymore as this can lead to a serious accident. The first time this happened was two week ago. I took the vehicle to the dealership where I bought it and after 2 weeks of checking the vehicle they returned it to me saying that they couldn’t find anything. 5 days after I got the vehicle back from the dealership this happened again today. The problem persists and it’s a very concerning.
While attempting to make a right turn, the accelerator would not move. This happened again when attempting to merge on the highway. This almost caused a car to run into my side when turning, and a car had to avoid me on the highway when merging. I was trying to press the gas pedal, and it would not move. This is not a mechanical issue. It is a design flaw. The gas pedal allows you to depress on the pivot point, which does not move the throttle cable. I have this video recorded and can demonstrate to any FCA/Stellantis OEM Product Safety Officer or ODI Representative.
Showing 20 of 7,929 total NHTSA complaints. Source: NHTSA Complaints Database
Check the exact car
Before you buy, check the exact JEEP Wrangler
These pages show model-year patterns across 10 years. Enter a VIN to verify the exact vehicle's accident history, title brands, odometer records, and open recall status before purchase.
The basics
How to read this data
Complaints, recalls, investigations — here’s what each number actually tells you about a used JEEP Wrangler, in plain English.
What is an NHTSA Complaint?
An NHTSA safety complaint is a report filed directly by a vehicle owner or driver describing a safety-related issue. Anyone can submit a complaint at NHTSA.gov. The number of complaints is a signal of how common a problem is — but complaints per model-year matter more than raw totals, since popular vehicles naturally receive more reports. The JEEP Wrangler has 7,929 complaints on record across 10 model years.
What is a Safety Recall?
A safety recall is a mandatory campaign issued by NHTSA when a vehicle component poses an unreasonable risk to safety or does not comply with federal motor vehicle safety standards. Unlike complaints (which are owner-reported), recalls are formally investigated and confirmed by regulators. Manufacturers must fix recalled vehicles free of charge. The JEEP Wrangler has 102 recall campaigns in the NHTSA database.
What Are Crash Complaints?
Crash complaints are NHTSA filings where the owner indicates a crash occurred as part of the incident. 163 of the JEEP Wrangler's 7,929 complaints involved a crash. This metric is particularly important because it indicates how often defects resulted in actual collisions — a key safety signal beyond general reliability.
How Is the Reliability Verdict Calculated?
The reliability verdict (Poor) is generated by analyzing the vehicle's total complaints, recall history, crash complaint ratio, fire complaint ratio, and top component failures relative to class averages. This verdict gives buyers a quick interpretation before they review year-level details and VIN-level history. It should be treated as one decision input, not a substitute for a VIN-specific report.
Why Do Newer Years Have Fewer Complaints?
Newer model years appear to have fewer complaints because there has been less time for owners to file them. Complaints accumulate over years of ownership. A 2020 model year vehicle will typically show fewer complaints than a 2015 model year even if it is less reliable — simply because fewer owners have had time to report issues. Focus on complaints per year of market presence when comparing across model years.
Fleet Data vs. Individual VIN
Everything on this page reflects aggregated data across all JEEP Wrangler vehicles on the road — not any specific car. Two JEEP Wrangler vehicles of the same year can have very different histories: one may have been in three accidents and have an open recall; another may be clean. A VIN check gives you the individual car's history: accidents, title brands, odometer records, service history, and real-time recall status.
What Are NHTSA Investigations?
When NHTSA receives a pattern of related safety complaints, it opens a formal investigation. A Preliminary Evaluation (PE) is the first stage — NHTSA determines if a safety defect may exist. If evidence is strong, it escalates to an Engineering Analysis (EA), which can result in a mandatory recall. The JEEP Wrangler has 0 investigations on record (0 active). Investigations listed above may have already led to the recalls shown on this page.
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JEEP Wrangler reliability — frequently asked questions
Is the JEEP Wrangler reliable?
Poor. The JEEP Wrangler has 7,929 NHTSA owner complaints and 102 recall campaigns across model years. A commonly reported issue area is ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Use year-level data as a pattern guide, then verify the exact car with a VIN check before purchase.
Which JEEP Wrangler years to avoid?
Years with the most NHTSA complaints: 2024 (2,485 complaints), 2018 (1,823 complaints), 2021 (943 complaints). Use these years as a shortlist for deeper inspection, and always run a VIN check on the exact vehicle before purchase.
What are the most common JEEP Wrangler problems?
Top reported issues: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (2,850 complaints); STEERING (2,455 complaints); ENGINE (2,155 complaints).
Does the JEEP Wrangler have recalls?
Yes — 102 NHTSA recall campaigns have been issued for the JEEP Wrangler. Check nhtsa.gov/recalls or run a VIN check to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.