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ProblemsByVinFile / 2013-JEEP-WRANGLERNHTSA data synced 4 days ago
Jeep
2013 Jeep Wrangler problems
The 2013 Jeep Wrangler has 1 critical safety recall on file — the kind NHTSA opens when crashes, fires, or injuries are documented. 648 owner complaints alongside. Read those first.
The 2013 Jeep Wrangler has 648 NHTSA owner complaints and 4 recalls on file (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). The most-reported system is steering at 166 complaints, typically surfacing around 39,197 miles (~$700 to repair). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.
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.
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
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.
NHTSA crash-test safety ratings
Rollover★★★★★3/5
Driver-assist features on the tested model:
Electronic stability control: Standard · Forward collision warning: No · Lane departure warning: No
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program — tested configuration: 2013 Jeep Wrangler SUV 4WD. Stars rate crash protection in NHTSA's tests, not overall reliability — see the owner-complaint data below for what actually goes wrong.
Buying a used 2013 Jeep Wrangler? Check these first
Here's what this model is known to do — so you can inspect for it, price it in, or
make the seller fix it before you sign.
What to inspect on this specific car
steering — 166 owner reports
· tends to show around 39,197 mi · ~$700 to fix
powertrain — 101 owner reports
· tends to show around 42,739 mi · ~$2,500 to fix
electrical — 83 owner reports
· tends to show around 54,994 mi · ~$850 to fix
engine — 75 owner reports
· tends to show around 69,932 mi · ~$3,100 to fix
⚠ The one to take seriously: powertrain is flagged
severe on this model
, showing up around 42,739 mi.
Inspect it closely on a test drive.
Recalls to confirm are done
Run the VIN from the listing — 4 active recalls on this model. Recall repairs are always free.
Verdict for buyers: 5.8/10 model. The priciest documented failure is
engine (~$3,100) — get the
seller's service records for it or inspect closely. Otherwise an average-risk used buy at a fair price.
We tell you what this model is known for and what to inspect — a vehicle-history report
tells you what this exact car has been through. Smart buyers get both.
A noise, a warning light, a repair quote, "should I buy this?" — get an answer grounded in
this vehicle's actual NHTSA record, not generic advice.
Dash light, leak, worn part — snap it and we'll read it against this car's record.
Photo attached — type a question or just hit Ask.
Answers use this vehicle's NHTSA complaint & recall record — owner-reported and unverified, not a diagnosis. Verify anything safety-critical with a mechanic.
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When owners report each system failing, in actual miles — so you can see what's likely behind you,
what's due around now, and what to budget for next. Enter your mileage to mark where you are.
"Typical" = median owner-reported failure mileage from the NHTSA complaint record for this exact
year and model. Not a maintenance schedule — a heads-up on where this model's failures cluster.
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…
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…
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…
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…
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.
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.
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.
Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 Jeep Wrangler vehicles equipped with a 3
A loss of transmission fluid may result in a loss of transmission function which may increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the power steering return tube assembly, free of charge. The recall began on September 23, 2013. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. Chrysler's recall campaign number is N28.
It's got known weak points. With a reliability score of 5.8 out of 10 based on 648 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 should I check before buying a used 2013 Jeep Wrangler?
Inspect the steering first — it's the most-reported issue on this model, with 166 owner complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 39,197 miles. Average repair cost runs about $700 at an independent shop. Also confirm any open recalls have been completed by running the VIN, and ask for service records covering the problem areas listed above.
Is the 2013 Jeep Wrangler a good used car to buy?
It scores 5.8 out of 10 on our NHTSA-based read of 648 owner complaints. The main thing to watch is steering. Typical failure occurs around 39,197 miles. Priced fairly and clean on inspection, it's a reasonable used buy. Our data covers what this model is known for — pair it with a vehicle-history report on the VIN to see what that specific car has been through.
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 648 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.
Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database, last synced 4 days 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.
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