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ProblemsByVin File / 2013-JEEP-WRANGLER NHTSA data synced 7 hours ago
2013 · Jeep

Jeep Wrangler problems

1 critical safety recall on file — the kind NHTSA opens when crashes, fires, or injuries are documented. 645 owner complaints alongside. Read those first.

0 5 10
Reliability score
5.8 / 10

Average for the segment. Some recurring trouble spots worth knowing about.

1
Critical
3
Severe
0
Moderate
Should you avoid this 2013 Wrangler?
Avoid — the electrical system

The data says walk unless this exact vehicle has documented proof the electrical system was repaired or replaced.

Our read of the federal NHTSA complaint and recall record for this exact year and model — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. How we score.

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Top trouble spots 8 categories with 3+ complaints

steering
166 reports · fails ~39,197 mi · avg $700
moderate
powertrain
101 reports · fails ~42,739 mi · avg $2,500
severe
electrical
83 reports · fails ~54,994 mi · avg $850
critical
engine
75 reports · fails ~69,932 mi · avg $3,100
moderate
airbags
53 reports · fails ~61,379 mi · avg $1,100
severe
brakes
42 reports · fails ~49,387 mi · avg $450
severe
visibility
15 reports · fails ~39,967 mi · avg $350
moderate
body
14 reports · fails ~30,252 mi · avg $1,500
moderate
Buyer's checklist
Going to look at one? Use the pre-purchase inspection list.
Generated from this 2013 Wrangler's actual NHTSA complaint history — every item points at a documented failure pattern on this exact vehicle, not generic walkaround filler.
See the checklist ->
Honest Calculator
Should you buy an extended warranty on this 2013 Wrangler?
We pulled the math: risk-weighted exposure, typical contract cost, and our verdict on whether coverage pencils out for this specific vehicle.
See the calculator ->

What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim

2013 Wrangler · steering
When you hit a bump or even a rock on the highway or any road, something happens the front end it starts shaking like crazy its as if you had a blow out. Normally around 35 to 50 miles an hour. This is happening to many Jeep owners they call it the "Jeep death wobble." it is a…
12/31/2017 · at 50,000 mi · NHTSA ODI #11057757.0 · see steering pattern →
2013 Wrangler · seatbelts
The contact owns a 2013 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated the driver’s side front seat belt failed to latch securely. The contact stated that the air bag and ABS warning lights were illuminated. The local dealer was contacted, and the contact was informed that the vehicle was…
12/30/2022 · at 220,000 mi · NHTSA ODI #11499575.0 · see seatbelts pattern →
2013 Wrangler · airbags
Vehicle has compromised airbag circuit resulting in an airbag lamp illumination, which indicates that the airbag may not deploy in the event of a frontal crash. Clockspring (08015001) fp number 68193280-ab has open circuit b1b02 as diagnosed by service tech believe…
12/30/2014 · at 46,802 mi · NHTSA ODI #10669051.0 · see airbags pattern →
2013 Wrangler · steering
Tl* the contact owns a 2013 Jeep wrangler. The contact received a notification of NHTSA campaign number: 13v234000 (power train, steering) however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the…
View all 645 owner complaints →
Had a problem with your 2013 Jeep Wrangler? File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free and official — owner filings are what build the federal safety record behind this page.

Estimate your repair exposure

Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.

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Active recalls showing 3 of 4

critical NHTSA 18V021000 January 9, 2018

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Jeep Wrangler, Chrysler 300, Dodge Challenger and Dodge Charger vehicles, and 2009-2011 Dodge Dakota vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U

An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Fix: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the recall repair is complete. Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began February 28, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U03.
severe NHTSA 13E010000 February 25, 2013

Quadratec, Inc

If the liner shifts forward it may impede the operation of the accelerator and possibly lead to unintended acceleration, which may increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: Quadratec will notify owners and either exchange the liners or provide them with a hook guard kit to help secure the driver-side mat, free of charge. The recall began on April 4, 2013. Owners may contact Quadratec at 1-800-463-2998 or info@quadratec.com.
severe NHTSA 14V631000 October 8, 2014

Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2011-2013 Jeep Wrangler vehicles manufactured February 16, 2010, to July 19, 2013

An electrical short increases the risk of a fire.

Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will move the exterior mirror power feed to a separate connector, free of charge. Chrysler issued an interim notification to owners on December 8, 2014. The recall began on March 3, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is P61.
View all 4 recalls →

Under investigation 1 open at NHTSA

EA Air Bags › Frontal · opened September 2021

NHTSA has an open defect investigation covering this vehicle — the step that can precede a recall, not a finding of fault. EA21002 on NHTSA →

How NHTSA investigations work, and what's open now →

Common questions

Is the 2013 Jeep Wrangler reliable?

It's got known weak points. With a reliability score of 5.8 out of 10 based on 645 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2013 Jeep Wrangler has a higher-than-average rate of reported issues. The areas to watch are listed above. Whether it's worth owning depends on price, condition, and how much repair exposure you can absorb.

Should you avoid the 2013 Jeep Wrangler?

On the NHTSA data, the 2013 Jeep Wrangler is one to avoid unless a specific vehicle proves otherwise. The data says walk unless this exact vehicle has documented proof the electrical system was repaired or replaced. The record behind that call: 1 fatality report and 7 fire-related complaints on the electrical system; Powertrain: 101 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 10,000–65,000 mi; Reliability score 5.8/10 — around the segment average; 4 recall campaigns on file. This is our read of the federal complaint and recall data — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection.

What's the most common problem on the 2013 Jeep Wrangler?

Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is steering, with 166 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 39,197 miles. Average repair cost runs about $700 at an independent shop.

What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?

The electrical is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $850 at an independent shop. Typical failure occurs around 54,994 miles. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.

How do I check if my Jeep Wrangler has open recalls?

Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.

Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2013 Jeep Wrangler?

Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 645 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $850, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans are not always better value.

Related

Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database, last synced 7 hours ago. Verify the raw federal record at nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2013/Jeep/Wrangler. Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics. We are not affiliated with Jeep. Some links on this page are affiliate links and we may earn a commission if you complete a quote or purchase.
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