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ProblemsByVinFile / 2021-JEEP-WRANGLERNHTSA data synced 4 days ago
Jeep
2021 Jeep Wrangler problems
The 2021 Jeep Wrangler has 893 NHTSA owner complaints on file — not a small number. 3 active recall campaigns.
The 2021 Jeep Wrangler has 893 NHTSA owner complaints and 3 recalls on file (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). The most-reported system is steering at 245 complaints, typically surfacing around 21,867 miles (~$700 to repair). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.
Average for the segment. Some recurring trouble spots worth knowing about.
0
Critical
3
Severe
0
Moderate
Should you avoid this 2021 Wrangler?
Avoid — the electrical system
The data says walk unless this exact vehicle has documented proof the electrical system was repaired or replaced.
10 fire-related complaints and 4 crash-related complaints on the electrical system
Powertrain: 125 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 4,800–31,000 mi
Reliability score 6.2/10 — around the segment average
3 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
Frontal crash★★★★★4/5
Rollover★★★★★3/5
Driver-assist features on the tested model:
Electronic stability control: Standard · Forward collision warning: Optional · Lane departure warning: No
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program — tested configuration: 2021 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 2021 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 — 245 owner reports
· tends to show around 21,867 mi · ~$700 to fix
electrical — 239 owner reports
· tends to show around 29,966 mi · ~$850 to fix
powertrain — 125 owner reports
· tends to show around 20,064 mi · ~$2,500 to fix
suspension — 60 owner reports
· tends to show around 25,939 mi · ~$900 to fix
⚠ The one to take seriously: electrical is flagged
severe on this model
, showing up around 29,966 mi.
Inspect it closely on a test drive.
Recalls to confirm are done
Run the VIN from the listing — 3 active recalls on this model. Recall repairs are always free.
Verdict for buyers: 6.2/10 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
2021 Wrangler· steering
There have been absolutely no modifications to my 21 Jeep Wrangler JL sport it has never been off road it has the stock tires at the proper tire pressures and I experienced it unbearable wobble at high speeds when I hit a bump AKA death wobble I cannot believe that jeep is still…
The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated while driving at approximately 75 MPH, the vehicle shuddered. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the steering damper needed to be replaced. Upon…
I own a 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe – VIN: [XXX] . I previously brought the vehicle in for a recall related to the high-voltage battery. Months later, I received another safety notice instructing me not to charge the vehicle and to park it outdoors away from structures due to fire…
The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled with the output control and collision warning lights illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to the dealer on numerous occasions; however, the mechanic was…
Had a problem with your 2021 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 2021 Jeep Wrangler and Jeep Gladiator vehicles that were previously remedied under NHTSA recall number 23V-116
A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will update the powertrain control module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 15, 2024. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US LLC's number for this recall is 92B. Vehicles previously repaired under recall 23V-116 will need to have the new remedy completed.
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Jeep Wrangler, RAM 1500 and 2021 Jeep Gladiator vehicles
A rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will update the radio software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 6, 2022. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA, LLC's number for this recall is Z86.
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2018-2021 Jeep Wrangler and 2020-2021 Jeep Gladiator vehicles equipped with manual transmissions
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.
Fix: FCA US LLC will notify owners, and dealers will add software to reduce engine torque capability when clutch assembly temperatures rise to a level that may damage the inner pressure plate, free of charge." FCA has ordered a stop sale for the affected vehicles as of February 25, 2021. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 4, 2021.
Under investigation
3 open at NHTSA
PESteering › Hydraulic Power Assist · opened September 2024
NHTSA has an open defect investigation covering this vehicle — the step that can precede a recall, not a finding of fault. PE24024 on NHTSA →
RQElectrical System · opened July 2024
NHTSA has an open defect investigation covering this vehicle — the step that can precede a recall, not a finding of fault. RQ24012 on NHTSA →
EAFuel System, Diesel › Delivery · opened March 2023
NHTSA has an open defect investigation covering this vehicle — the step that can precede a recall, not a finding of fault. EA23001 on NHTSA →
It's got known weak points. With a reliability score of 6.2 out of 10 based on 893 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2021 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 2021 Jeep Wrangler?
On the NHTSA data, the 2021 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: 10 fire-related complaints and 4 crash-related complaints on the electrical system; Powertrain: 125 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 4,800–31,000 mi; Reliability score 6.2/10 — around the segment average; 3 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 2021 Jeep Wrangler?
Inspect the steering first — it's the most-reported issue on this model, with 245 owner complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 21,867 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 2021 Jeep Wrangler a good used car to buy?
It scores 6.2 out of 10 on our NHTSA-based read of 893 owner complaints. The main thing to watch is steering. Typical failure occurs around 21,867 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 2021 Jeep Wrangler?
Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is steering, with 245 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 21,867 miles. Average repair cost runs about $700 at an independent shop.
What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?
The steering is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $700 at an independent shop. Typical failure occurs around 21,867 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 2021 Jeep Wrangler?
Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 893 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $700, 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/2021/Jeep/Wrangler.
Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics.
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