Jeep Wrangler owners filed 6,869 complaints with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for model years 2015–2025 (see the Car Problem Index for all 60 models), and NHTSA lists 47 recall campaigns for the same years. The 2018 Jeep Wrangler drew the most complaints (1,817); across all years, owners complain most about steering (34% of complaints).
Key findings
- Worst model year: 2018, with 1,817 complaints, led by steering (1,115) and 14 recalls.
- Complaints vs recalls: Steering drew 2,328 complaints and 3 recalls.
- Stop-driving recalls: 4 recalls told owners to stop driving until repaired (26V363000, 25V741000, 23V787000, 19V018000).
- Over-the-air fixes: recall 20V191000 can be repaired by a software update, without a dealer visit (1 of 47).
- Spike years, compared with a typical model year: 2018 (3.9 times as many complaints), 2019 (1.6 times as many complaints), 2021 (2.0 times as many complaints), 2024 (1.5 times as many complaints).
- Earliest-failing area: steering complaints came at a median 5k mi.
- Fire and crash reports: 163 complaints mention a fire and 166 a crash, with 134 injuries reported.
Jeep Wrangler complaints and recalls by model year
| Model year | Complaints | Top problem areas |
|---|---|---|
| 2015 3 recalls | 470 | Engine (128), Brakes (115), Electrical system (80) median 38k mi · 15 crashes · 27 fires |
| 2016 5 recalls | 460 | Brakes (119), Engine (88), Air bags (77) median 40k mi · 28 crashes · 15 fires |
| 2017 5 recalls | 309 | Brakes (75), Engine (62), Transmission / powertrain (50) median 24k mi · 19 crashes · 21 fires |
| 2018 14 recalls | 1,817 | Steering (1,115), Suspension (342), Electrical system (266) median 6k mi · 22 crashes · 25 fires |
| 2019 9 recalls | 739 | Steering (445), Electrical system (150), Suspension (132) median 5k mi · 9 crashes · 10 fires |
| 2020 12 recalls | 609 | Steering (238), Electrical system (178), Engine (54) median 3k mi · 16 crashes · 12 fires |
| 2021 15 recalls | 927 | Electrical system (302), Steering (249), Engine (215) median 20k mi · 20 crashes · 27 fires |
| 2022 15 recalls | 394 | Electrical system (165), Engine (90), Steering (81) median 18k mi · 13 crashes · 11 fires |
| 2023 14 recalls | 359 | Electrical system (190), Engine (103), Fuel system (57) median 13k mi · 11 crashes · 6 fires |
| 2024 11 recalls | 719 | Electrical system (411), Engine (409), Fuel system (177) median 15k mi · 10 crashes · 7 fires |
| 2025 4 recalls | 66 | Electrical system (36), Engine (26), Fuel system (21) 3 crashes · 2 fires |
One recall campaign often covers several model years, so the recall column adds up to 107, more than the 47 separate campaigns. Newer years have had less time to collect reports.
Most-reported Jeep Wrangler problems, and what they cost to fix
| Problem area | Complaints | Share | Recalls | Median mileage | Estimate the repair |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Steering | 2,328 | 34% | 3 | 5k mi | Power steering repair cost |
| Electrical system | 1,879 | 27% | 8 | 25k mi | Alternator / electrical repair cost |
| Engine | 1,318 | 19% | 1 | 33k mi | Engine overhaul cost |
| Transmission / powertrain | 912 | 13% | 6 | 25k mi | Transmission repair cost |
| Suspension | 845 | 12% | 1 | 9k mi | Shock / strut replacement cost |
| Fuel system | 519 | 8% | 4 | 20k mi | Fuel pump repair cost |
| Brakes | 467 | 7% | 0 | 26k mi | Brake repair cost |
| Speed control / acceleration | 296 | 4% | 0 | 24k mi | — |
Top problem areas only; one complaint can count twice.
What Jeep Wrangler owners report
Owners’ own words; dollar figures are what they reported.
Steering
My Jeep has 42,000 miles on it and the entire steering assembly has to be replaced. This is directly related to poor quality parts including ball joints that failed early resulting in excess vibration in the steering system and ultimately complete wearing out of all component. Total cost of repair (excluding tires) is in excess of $3,500.
2021 model-year owner, NHTSA complaint 11573747
Significant play in the steering. Very noticeable at highway speeds, vehicle tended to wander and need a lot of steering input to track straight. Took it to the dealer, the replicated the problem. There is a bulletin # 08-003-21 rev a. The repair cost $1300. Seems like it should be a recall and covered by the manufacturer.
2019 model-year owner, NHTSA complaint 11541073
Related recalls: 26V363000 (2021–2025): A vehicle fire increases the risk of injury. 19V201000 (2019): If the steering wheel detaches from the steering column, the driver may lose control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of crash. 18V343000 (2018): If the weld seam splits, the steering wheel may lose center positioning causing a loss of steering responsiveness and increasing the risk of a crash.
2,328 owners reported steering problems; the power steering repair cost calculator shows what the fix costs where you live.
Electrical system
The instrument panel cluster went totally dark, I only have 53,000 miles on this vehicle. I can't see any warning lights, digital speed, and most dangerously how much gas I have in the vehicle. The dealer wants $2000.00 to replace it but this seems to be a common issue with jeeps and the 7.0 cluster should be recalled along with the 3.5 cluster. I have the 7.0 that has not been recalled yet.
2020 model-year owner, NHTSA complaint 11715517
I've had the electric coolant heater module (ech) replaced three times in under three months, and had to pay $853 the last time for a wiring harness connector that the dealership & Jeep said was not covered under the warranty.
2023 model-year owner, NHTSA complaint 11674411
Related recalls: 25V741000 (2020–2025): A vehicle fire can increase the risk of injury. 24V652000 (2018–2024): An instrument panel that fails to display critical safety information, such as the speedometer or warning lights, can increase the risk of a crash. 23V787000 (2021–2023): A vehicle fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
1,879 owners reported electrical system problems; the alternator / electrical repair cost calculator shows what the fix costs where you live.
Engine
At 134,000 miles the engine developed a loud ticking. My garage reported that rocker arms, cam shafts and heads needed rrplacement. They recommended that Jeep dealer should be performing the work so that I might have a parts warranty. The dealer reported back that the work would be extensive and recommended engine replacement with a $13,000 estimate.
2015 model-year owner, NHTSA complaint 11565958
The 3.6L pentastar engine has a know engine problem with the cam, valves, lifters. I am a lucky enough to have the same ticking issues as millions of other unsuspecting customers. They was just quoted $6,000 dollars for the repair at our local Dodge dealer for a know defect on this particular engine. This issue should be brought up to US consumer protection and be covered by the manufacturer.
2018 model-year owner, NHTSA complaint 11669742
Related recalls: 22V865000 (2021–2023): An engine shutdown can cause a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
1,318 owners reported engine problems; the engine overhaul cost calculator shows what the fix costs where you live.
Jeep Wrangler recalls
Check these first: 26V363000 (2021–2025, steering: park outside); 25V741000 (2020–2025, electrical system: park outside); 23V787000 (2021–2023, electrical system: park outside); 19V018000 (2015–2016, air bags: do not drive).
Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls for your car’s open recalls.
| Campaign | Announced | Model years | System | Risk (NHTSA's wording) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 26V363000 | 2026-06-04 | 2021–2025 | Steering | A vehicle fire increases the risk of injury. |
| 26V327000 | 2026-05-21 | 2024–2025 | Backup camera / rear sensors | A rearview image that does not display reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 25V741000 | 2025-10-30 | 2020–2025 | Electrical system | A vehicle fire can increase the risk of injury. |
| 25V527000 | 2025-08-14 | 2024–2025 | Tires | A TPMS warning light that fails to notify the driver of a problem increases the risk of a crash. |
| 24V871000 | 2024-11-19 | 2024 | Electrical system | Trailer lights that fail to illuminate can reduce the vehicle's visibility to other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 24V676000 | 2024-09-12 | 2018–2024 | Backup camera / rear sensors | 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. |
| 24V652000 | 2024-09-05 | 2018–2024 | Electrical system | An instrument panel that fails to display critical safety information, such as the speedometer or warning lights, can increase the risk of a crash. |
| 24V585000 | 2024-08-08 | 2024 | Exterior lights | Obstructed tail lights can reduce the vehicle's visibility to other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 24V572000 | 2024-08-01 | 2021 | Transmission / powertrain | A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash. |
| 24V414000 | 2024-06-06 | 2024 | Exterior lights | Trailer taillights and turn signal lights that do not illuminate as intended can increase the risk of a crash. |
| 24V196000 | 2024-03-14 | 2016 | Air bags | An air bag that does not deploy in a crash can increase the risk of injury. |
| 24V199000 | 2024-03-14 | 2023–2024 | Air bags | An air bag that does not deploy in a crash can increase the risk of injury. |
| 24V111000 | 2024-02-15 | 2021–2024 | Visibility (windows, mirrors, wipers) | An inoperative windshield defrosting and defogging system may decrease the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 23V787000 | 2023-11-22 | 2021–2023 | Electrical system | A vehicle fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury. |
| 23V641000 | 2023-09-18 | 2022–2023 | Transmission / powertrain | A disabled rearview image can decrease the driver's visibility of the rear view, and disabled reverse lights may not alert others that the vehicle is reversing, increasing the risk of injury or crash. |
| 23V565000 | 2023-08-10 | 2023 | Exterior lights | A brake light that is obstructed may not be visible to other drivers to indicate the intention to slow or stop, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 23V303000 | 2023-04-27 | 2022–2023 | Electrical system | Excessive heat may cause the fuse to fail and result in a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 23V263000 | 2023-04-13 | 2021–2023 | Fuel System, Diesel | Fuel pump failure can result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 23V191000 | 2023-03-23 | 2020–2022 | Body structure | A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire. |
| 23V116000 | 2023-02-23 | 2018–2023 | Transmission / powertrain | 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. |
| 22V865000 | 2022-11-23 | 2021–2023 | Engine | An engine shutdown can cause a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 22V767000 | 2022-10-13 | 2020–2022 | Fuel System, Gasoline | An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash. |
| 22V766000 | 2022-10-13 | 2021 | Seat belts | A seat belt with pretensioner failure may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury. |
| 22V768000 | 2022-10-13 | 2022–2023 | Electrical system | Excessive heat may cause the fuse to fail and result in a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 22V638000 | 2022-08-25 | 2020–2021 | Backup camera / rear sensors | A rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 22V326000 | 2022-05-12 | 2022 | Exterior lights | Nonfunctional side marker lights may reduce vehicle visibility to other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 21V665000 | 2021-08-26 | 2020 | Fuel System, Gasoline | A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of fire. |
| 21V028000 | 2021-01-28 | 2018–2021 | Transmission / powertrain | 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. |
| 20V580000 | 2020-09-24 | 2019 | Seat belts | In the event of a crash, if the front seat belts fail to lock, there is an increased risk of injury. |
| 20V191000 (OTA) | 2020-09-10 | 2019–2020 | Backup camera / rear sensors | The lingering rearview image can distract the driver, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 20V124000 | 2020-03-03 | 2018–2020 | Transmission / powertrain | The 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. |
| 20V042000 | 2020-01-24 | 2020 | Suspension | The improper weld may allow the lower control arm to separate from the axle which can increase the risk of a crash. |
| 19V680000 | 2019-09-26 | 2015–2018 | Seat belts | A separated or severed seat belt buckle strap will result in an inoperable seat belt, increasing the risk of injury in the event of a crash. |
| 19V320000 | 2019-04-23 | 2018 | Equipment / accessories | If the roof top tent cover detaches from the vehicle while moving, it can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 19V201000 | 2019-03-14 | 2019 | Steering | If the steering wheel detaches from the steering column, the driver may lose control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of crash. |
| 19V018000 | 2019-01-15 | 2015–2016 | Air bags | In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag, the inflator could explode with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death. |
| 18V786000 | 2018-11-08 | 2018 | Latches and locks | If the right rear passenger door opens unexpectedly, it can increase the risk of injury. |
| 18V675000 | 2018-09-28 | 2018–2019 | Body structure | An unexpected reduction in steering ability, can increase the risk of a crash. |
| 18V524000 | 2018-08-09 | 2017–2018 | Electrical system | A vehicle stall can increase the risk of a crash. |
| 18V343000 | 2018-05-25 | 2018 | Steering | If the weld seam splits, the steering wheel may lose center positioning causing a loss of steering responsiveness and increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 18V332000 | 2018-05-17 | 2018 | Electrical system | If the vehicle maintains its speed or accelerates despite attempts to deactivate the cruise control, there would be an increased risk of a crash. |
| 18V280000 | 2018-05-01 | 2018 | Transmission / powertrain | If the incorrect park lock rod is installed, the transmission may not shift into 'PARK' and keep the vehicle from moving, increasing the risk of unintended vehicle movement and the risk of a crash. |
| 18V231000 | 2018-04-12 | 2018 | Body structure | If the floor pan strength is reduced and/or the rear seat mount becomes loose, the rear seat may detach in a crash, increasing the risk of injury. |
| 18V098000 | 2018-02-08 | 2017 | Exterior lights | Having the brake lamps continuously illuminated or being able to shift the vehicle out of PARK when the brake pedal is not pressed (and the ignition is in the RUN mode) can increase the risk of a crash. |
| 16V849000 | 2016-11-23 | 2017 | Fuel System, Gasoline | A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire. |
| 16V734000 | 2016-10-13 | 2016–2017 | Air bags | If the ORC module does not receive a signal from the front impact sensor, both frontal air bags and the seat belt pretensioners will not deploy in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury. |
| 16V288000 | 2016-05-11 | 2015–2016 | Air bags | Failure of the air bag circuit may prevent the driver's frontal air bag from deploying in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury. |
What this data can and can't tell you
6,869 unverified owner reports, not adjusted for sales. Method.
Other Jeep models in the index
- Jeep Cherokee (7,347)
- Jeep Grand Cherokee (4,849)
- Jeep Compass (2,469)
- Jeep Renegade (2,200)
Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation consumer complaint files (nhtsa.gov), retrieved 2026-09-25; NHTSA recalls database (nhtsa.gov/recalls), retrieved 2026-09-23. Model years 2015–2025. Free to cite with a link to this page.