2021 Jeep Wrangler problems
What owners report to NHTSA, grouped by component, with the recalls that cover them.
NHTSA has 938 owner complaints on file for the 2021 Jeep Wrangler, filed between 2020-10-20 and 2026-09-24. The most common problem areas are the electrical system (307, 33%), steering (250, 27%) and engine (217, 23%). Owners reported 20 crashes, 27 fires and 14 injuries in these complaints. NHTSA lists 15 recalls for this model year.
Last updated: · Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls databases
2021 Jeep Wrangler complaints by component
| Component | Complaints | Share | Crashes | Fires | Injuries |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical system | 307 | 33% | 7 | 12 | 2 |
| Steering | 250 | 27% | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| Engine | 217 | 23% | 3 | 10 | 0 |
| Suspension | 180 | 19% | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Power train | 143 | 15% | 4 | 5 | 1 |
| Unknown or other | 131 | 14% | 3 | 6 | 3 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 107 | 11% | 1 | 5 | 0 |
| Vehicle speed control | 44 | 5% | 4 | 1 | 0 |
| Fuel system, gasoline | 23 | 2% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 23 | 2% | 5 | 0 | 0 |
| Wheels | 23 | 2% | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Structure | 18 | 2% | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Forward collision avoidance | 17 | 2% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Visibility/wiper | 15 | 2% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Air bags | 10 | 1% | 8 | 0 | 10 |
A complaint can name several components, so shares can add up to more than 100%. Crashes, fires and injuries are as reported by owners.
The top problem areas, in plain English
Each summary is built from the complaint counts and NHTSA recall notices, not from individual owner stories.
Electrical system: 307 complaints
- 307 complaints of 938 (33%) name the electrical system — wiring, battery and charging, fuses, control modules and in-car electronics.
- 103 of them also name the engine; owners reported 7 crashes, 12 fires and 2 injuries in these complaints.
- 3 NHTSA recalls cover this system on the 2021 Jeep Wrangler; the latest, campaign 25V741000, says: “The high voltage battery may fail internally and lead to a vehicle fire while parked or driving.”
Steering: 250 complaints
- 250 complaints of 938 (27%) name the steering — the steering wheel, column, gear and power-steering assist.
- 117 of them also name the suspension; owners reported 2 fires in these complaints.
- One NHTSA recall covers this system on the 2021 Jeep Wrangler; the recall, campaign 26V363000, says: “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.”
Engine: 217 complaints
- 217 complaints of 938 (23%) name the engine.
- 103 of them also name the electrical system; owners reported 3 crashes and 10 fires in these complaints.
- One NHTSA recall covers this system on the 2021 Jeep Wrangler; the recall, campaign 22V865000, says: “A loss of communication may cause an engine shutdown.”
Suspension: 180 complaints
- 180 complaints of 938 (19%) name the suspension — springs, shocks and struts, control arms and ball joints.
- 117 of them also name the steering; owners reported 1 crash in these complaints.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2021 Jeep Wrangler covers this system.
Power train: 143 complaints
- 143 complaints of 938 (15%) name the power train — the transmission, transfer case, driveshafts and axles.
- 40 of them also name the engine; owners reported 4 crashes, 5 fires and 1 injury in these complaints.
- 3 NHTSA recalls cover this system on the 2021 Jeep Wrangler; the latest, campaign 24V572000, says: “The software for the powertrain control module may cause an engine stall, which can result in a loss of drive power.”
Fuel/propulsion system: 107 complaints
- 107 complaints of 938 (11%) name the fuel/propulsion system — the fuel tank, pump, lines, injectors and fuel-system controls.
- 48 of them also name the engine; owners reported 1 crash and 5 fires in these complaints.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2021 Jeep Wrangler covers this system.
When the complaints were filed
| Year filed | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2020 | 6 |
| 2021 | 100 |
| 2022 | 106 |
| 2023 | 220 |
| 2024 | 231 |
| 2025 | 147 |
| 2026 | 128 |
What is counted
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the model names WRANGLER, WRANGLER UNLIMITED, WRANGLER UNLIMITED 392, WRANGLER UNLIMITED DIESEL, WRANGLER UNLIMITED PHEV, WRANGLER UNLIMITED RHD, model year 2021. Complaints are unverified owner reports; a recall is NHTSA's confirmed safety defect. See the 2021 Jeep Wrangler recalls.
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Jeep Wrangler?
By NHTSA owner complaints, the 2021 Jeep Wrangler's most common problem areas are the electrical system (307 of 938 complaints), steering (250 of 938 complaints) and engine (217 of 938 complaints).
How many complaints does the 2021 Jeep Wrangler have?
NHTSA has 938 owner complaints on file for the 2021 Jeep Wrangler, including 20 reported crashes and 27 reported fires.
Is there a recall for the 2021 Jeep Wrangler's problems?
NHTSA lists 15 recalls for the 2021 Jeep Wrangler; 4 of the top 6 complaint areas have a matching recall. Recall repairs are free at a dealer; check your VIN for open recalls.