2018 Jeep Wrangler
2018 model shown · Photo: Kevauto, CC BY-SA 4.0

Midsize SUVs · JL generation

2021 Jeep Wrangler: reliability, problems and cost to own

Think twice Well below average

It scores 5 out of 100 for reliability compared with other midsize SUVs. Over the next 5 years we expect it to cost about $20,141 to own, including $6,484 in repairs.

Early estimate: this rating uses our own sales estimate for the Jeep Wrangler.

Reliability

5/100

Well below average

Repairs, 5 years

$6,484

at 12,000 mi a year

Fuel, 5 years

$8,870

23 mpg, $3.40/gal

Price today

$21,267

$18,715 – $23,819, estimate

Recalls

15

on record

Owner complaints

957

filed with NHTSA

These are estimates, not guarantees. They come from public NHTSA complaint and recall data and EPA fuel economy, assuming 5 years of ownership and 12,000 miles a year. Change the assumptions or see how it works.

Where repair money is likely to go

Engine & cooling$2,960
Transmission & drivetrain$1,738
Electrical system$555
Steering$370
Suspension$244
Driver-assist & stability$233

Expected over 5 years, by area of the car.

Recalls

Check whether a specific car still has open recalls with its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Before you buy

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Other years of the Jeep Wrangler

Of the years we rate, the 2017 scores best (78/100) and the 2024 worst (0/100).

YearReliability
2027Not rated yet
2026Not rated yet
2025Not rated yet
20240/100
202312/100
202221/100
20215/100
202046/100
201945/100
201819/100
201778/100
201670/100
201571/100

Questions people ask

Is the 2021 Jeep Wrangler a year to avoid?

Yes. It scores 5 out of 100, among the least reliable midsize SUVs of 2015–2024. The 2015, 2016 and 2017 Wrangler scored much better.

Is the 2021 Jeep Wrangler reliable?

It scores 5 out of 100 against other midsize SUVs from 2015 to 2024, which is well below average. Based on 957 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, we expect about $6,484 in repairs over the next 5 years at 12,000 miles a year.

How much does a 2021 Jeep Wrangler cost to own?

About $20,141 over 5 years: $4,787 in lost value, $6,484 in repairs and $8,870 in fuel at $3.40 a gallon. A typical one sells for about $21,267 today.

What are the best years of the Jeep Wrangler?

Of the years we rate, the 2017 scores best (78/100) and the 2024 worst (0/100).

How many recalls does the 2021 Jeep Wrangler have?

15 recalls on record with NHTSA.