Showing the 2021 Wrangler Unlimited Sahara 4XE. We haven't verified this trim's engine; the numbers below cover every version of this model year. Every version
Owner complaints, recalls, fuel economy and safety ratings from public NHTSA and EPA data, updated Oct 17, 2026.
About every 2021 Wrangler
The 2021 Jeep Wrangler has 957 owner complaints, most often about the electrical system (312). Versions use gasoline, plug-in hybrid and diesel, with 14 to 25 mpg combined on gasoline and a 5-year fuel cost of $14,120 to $28,750 at U.S. average prices. It has 17 recall campaigns covering steering, electrical system, backup camera, and others; 3 were replaced by later campaigns. Recall campaigns may apply to this car.
Written by AI from public EPA and NHTSA data. Not a review.
Fuel economy
14–25 mpgcombined; city 13–22, highway 17–29; every version of this model year; plug-in hybrid versions on gasoline, 49 MPGe on electricity
Five years of fuel
$14,120–$28,750U.S. average; Ohio $12,620–$27,080 at local prices; every version of this model year; fuel only, not other costs of owning it; 15,000 miles a year, at EIA fuel prices for the week of Oct 12, 2026. Plug-in hybrid versions: $16,750, EPA's own estimate for plug-in hybrids: its national gasoline and electricity prices and the share of miles it expects on electricity; not priced for any state
NHTSA overall safety rating
Not ratedlowest across the versions NHTSA tested
Recall campaigns
17over its history, 3 replaced by later ones; check a VIN for open onesRepaired under campaign 24V720000? NHTSA's record says it still needs the newer remedy of campaign 25V741000.Repaired under campaign 21V028000? NHTSA's record says it still needs the newer remedy of campaign 23V116000.
Owner complaints
957filed with NHTSA; not adjusted for sales
Trims
NHTSA's VIN data lists these trims for the 2021 Wrangler. A trim's engine and numbers are shown as its own only where EPA names versions after the trim and no other version could be it; "seen with" means a source shows that engine on the trim, not that it was the only one. Recalls and complaints cover the whole model year: whether a recall applies to a car depends on its VIN, on NHTSA's recall lookup.
Owners have filed 957 complaints with NHTSA about the 2021 Wrangler. These are unverified owner reports, counted by the part of the car they name; one complaint can name several parts. Counts aren't adjusted for how many were sold, so they don't show how reliable a car is.
Complaints by part of the car
Part
Complaints
Crashes
Fires
Injuries
Electrical system
312
7
12
2
Steering
254
0
2
1
Engine
222
3
10
0
Suspension
180
1
0
0
Power train
148
4
5
1
Unknown or other
131
3
6
3
Fuel/propulsion system
115
1
5
0
Vehicle speed control
46
4
1
0
Service brakes
24
5
0
0
Fuel system, gasoline
23
0
0
0
Wheels
23
0
1
0
Structure
18
1
1
0
19 more parts
Forward collision avoidance
17
0
0
0
Visibility/wiper
15
0
0
0
Air bags
10
8
0
10
Exterior lighting
6
0
0
0
Lane departure
6
0
0
0
Seats
5
0
0
0
Visibility
5
0
0
0
Engine and engine cooling
4
0
1
0
Seat belts
4
2
0
1
Tires
4
0
0
0
Fuel system, diesel
3
0
0
0
Back over prevention
2
0
0
0
Hybrid propulsion system
2
0
0
0
Service brakes, air
2
1
0
0
Service brakes, hydraulic
2
0
0
0
Child seat
1
0
0
0
Equipment
1
0
1
0
Firerelated
1
0
1
0
Latches/locks/linkages
1
0
0
0
Complaints by model year
Newer years have had less time to collect complaints, and counts aren't adjusted for sales, so a shorter bar doesn't mean a more reliable year.
NHTSA lists 17 recall campaigns for the 2021 Wrangler over its history, 3 replaced by later ones. A replaced campaign is listed at the end as history, not as a separate repair. Campaigns are matched by model and year, so each one may apply to a given car, and its repair may already be done: check a VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup for the open recalls on that exact car.
Repaired under campaign 24V720000? NHTSA's record says it still needs the newer remedy of campaign 25V741000. A repair under the earlier campaign doesn't complete the later one: check the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup.
Repaired under campaign 21V028000? NHTSA's record says it still needs the newer remedy of campaign 23V116000. A repair under the earlier campaign doesn't complete the later one: check the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup.
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021-2025 Jeep Wrangler, Wrangler 4XE, and Jeep Gladiator vehicles. The electric hydraulic power steering pump wiring may overheat and cause a vehicle fire, even when the vehicle is parked with the ignition in the "Off" position.
Risk: A vehicle fire increases the risk of injury.
Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures, until their vehicle is repaired. Dealers will inspect and replace the wiring and electric hydraulic power steering pump, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed July 9, 2026. Owners may contact FCA US LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US LLC's number for this recall is 21D. The Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will become searchable on NHTSA.gov on June 11, 2026.
Needed even on cars repaired under 24V720000Park outside
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2020-2025 Jeep Wrangler 4Xe and 2022-2026 Grand Cherokee 4Xe vehicles. The high voltage battery may fail internally and lead to a vehicle fire while parked or driving.
Risk: A vehicle fire can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures and not to charge their vehicles until the remedy is completed. Dealers will update the high voltage battery software, and replace the high voltage battery, as necessary, free of charge. Some owner notification letters were mailed beginning December 17, 2025. The remaining owner notification letters will be mailed at a later date. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is 68C. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning November 6, 2025. Vehicles that were previously recalled for the same issue under NHTSA Recalls 24V720 and 23V787 will need to have the new remedy performed.
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2018-2024 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. The wiring harness for the rearview camera and the center brake light may short circuit, which can disable the rearview camera image and center brake light. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard numbers 111, "Rear Visibility" and 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Risk: 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.
Remedy: Dealers replaced the harness for the center brake light and rearview camera and/or the spare tire carrier/harness assembly, as necessary, free of charge. All vehicles were repaired by January 15, 2024. Owner notification letters were mailed September 26, 2024. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 77B.
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2020-2024 Jeep Gladiator and 2018-2024 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. The instrument panel cluster may experience an internal short circuit and fail. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 101, "Controls and Displays."
Risk: An instrument panel that fails to display critical safety information, such as the speedometer or warning lights, can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the instrument panel cluster, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed between October 3, 2024, and January 23, 2025. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is 30B.
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021 Jeep Wrangler and Jeep Gladiator vehicles that were previously remedied under NHTSA recall number 23V-116. The software for the powertrain control module may cause an engine stall, which can result in a loss of drive power.
Risk: A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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 2021-2024 Jeep Wrangler and 2022-2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles. A hybrid control processor (HCP) software error may cause the defrosting and defogging system to be inoperative. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 103, "Windshield Defrosting and Defogging Systems."
Risk: An inoperative windshield defrosting and defogging system may decrease the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the HCP software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 29, 2024. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is 04B.
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Jeep Wrangler, Gladiator, and 2022-2023 Ram 1500 vehicles equipped with a 3.0L diesel engine. The high pressure fuel pump (HPFP) may fail.
Risk: Fuel pump failure can result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the HPFP and replace additional fuel system components, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 17, 2023. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 01A.
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. A stud on the frame assembly may puncture the fuel tank in a crash, which can result in a fuel leak.
Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, remove the frame stud and apply paint, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 6, 2023. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 28A.
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2018-2023 Jeep Wrangler, and 2020-2023 Jeep Gladiator vehicles equipped with manual transmissions. The clutch pressure plate may overheat and fracture.
Risk: 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.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the clutch assembly and update the software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed from November 16, 2023 through July 25, 2024. Owners may contact (FCA US, LLC) customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US LLC's number for this recall is 19A. This recall expands and replaces previous recall 21V-028. Vehicles previously repaired under recall 21V-028 will need to have the new remedy completed.
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Jeep Wrangler 4xe vehicles equipped with 2.0L Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle engines. A loss of communication may cause an engine shutdown.
Risk: An engine shutdown can cause a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: There is more than one involved component and calibration software. Updating the calibration software in the Transmission Control Module, Hybrid Control Processor and Auxiliary Hybrid Control Processor that changes fail safe from shut down to limp home. Dealers will update the transmission control module software, Hybrid Control Processor and Auxiliary Hybrid Control Processor, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 22, 2022. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall ZB7.
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2022 Ram 1500, Jeep Gladiator, and 2021 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. The front seat belt retractors may have an improperly welded micro gas generator, which can result in seat belt pretensioner failure.
Risk: A seat belt with pretensioner failure may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the front seat belt retractors. free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 8, 2022. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is Z95.
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Jeep Wrangler, Ram 1500, and 2021-2022 Jeep Gladiator vehicles equipped with 3.0L diesel engines. The high pressure fuel pump (HPFP) may fail, causing an engine stall.
Risk: An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the HPFP and inspect and replace additional fuel system components, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 17, 2023. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is Z96.
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Jeep Wrangler, RAM 1500 and 2021 Jeep Gladiator vehicles. A radio software error may prevent the rearview image from displaying. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Risk: A rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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 2021 Jeep Wrangler Plug-In Hybrid Electric (PHEV) vehicles. After reaching 13,342 miles, the odometer will no longer display vehicle mileage. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 101, "Control and Displays."
Risk: A missing odometer reading could lead to an unintended delay in critical safety-related maintenance, potentially impairing the safe operation of the vehicle and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the instrument panel cluster (IPC) software on vehicles with less than 13,342 miles, and replace the IPC on vehicles in which the mileage is not displayed, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 28, 2021. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is Y94.
Replaced by campaign 25V741000, as NHTSA's record says: history, not a separate repair. Cars repaired under this campaign still need the newer remedy.
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2020-2024 Jeep Wrangler 4XE and 2022-2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4XE vehicles. The high voltage battery may fail internally and lead to a vehicle fire while parked or driving.
Risk: A vehicle fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: This recall is replaced by NHTSA recall number 25V741. Vehicles already repaired under this recall will need to have the new remedy completed. Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures, and not to recharge their vehicles until they are repaired. Dealers will update the high voltage battery pack software and replace the battery pack assembly, if necessary, free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed October 11, 2024. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning December 2024. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is 95B. Vehicles in this recall that were previously recalled for the same issue under NHTSA Recall 23V-787 will need to have the new remedy performed.
Replaced by campaign 24V720000, as NHTSA's record says: history, not a separate repair.
Park outside
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Jeep Wrangler Plug-In Hybrid Electric (PHEV) vehicles. The high voltage battery may fail internally and lead to a vehicle fire while parked or driving.
Risk: A vehicle fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: Owners are advised not to recharge their vehicles, and to park outside and away from structures, until they are repaired. Dealers will update the high voltage battery pack software and replace the battery pack assembly if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 7, 2024. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 89A. This recall is superseded by NHTSA Recall 24V-720.
Replaced by campaign 23V116000, as NHTSA's record says: history, not a separate repair. Cars repaired under this campaign still need the newer remedy.
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2018-2021 Jeep Wrangler and 2020-2021 Jeep Gladiator vehicles equipped with manual transmissions. The clutch pressure plate may overheat and fracture.
Risk: 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.
Remedy: 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.
Carmakers sent NHTSA 1,063 service bulletins and notices that cover the 2021 Wrangler, the latest on Oct 10, 2026. They tell dealers how to fix known issues.
The parts they mention most: electrical system (362), equipment (176), power train (140), engine and engine cooling (121), structure (87).
NHTSA defect investigations
Opening an investigation isn't a finding of a defect. Outcomes are as NHTSA's summary states them. A recall is shown as an investigation's outcome only where NHTSA's summary names it; other recalls NHTSA's file lists with it are marked as listed, not caused.
The owner's manual gives the oil and how often to change it. We show oil facts only once we've checked them against the manual, and we haven't yet for the 2021 Wrangler.
These are searches on those sites; we don't copy or check their listings. Your ZIP is used for these links and never kept.
Specs
EPA class: small sport utility vehicle. EPA greenhouse gas score: 1–8 out of 10. Each version EPA tested:
Swipe the table sideways for more columns.
Version
Engine
Transmission
Fuel
City / hwy / comb
Wrangler 4-Wheel Drive
2.0 L, 4 cyl, turbo
Automatic 8-spd
Regular Gasoline
22 / 24 / 23
Wrangler 4-Wheel Drive
2.0 L, 4 cyl, turbo
Automatic 8-spd
Regular Gasoline
21 / 24 / 22
Wrangler 4-Wheel Drive
3.6 L, 6 cyl
Automatic 8-spd
Regular Gasoline
20 / 24 / 21
Wrangler 4-Wheel Drive
3.6 L, 6 cyl
Manual 6-spd
Regular Gasoline
17 / 25 / 20
Wrangler 4-Wheel Drive
3.6 L, 6 cyl
Automatic 8-spd
Regular Gasoline
18 / 23 / 20
Wrangler 4-Wheel Drive
3.6 L, 6 cyl
Manual 6-spd
Regular Gasoline
17 / 23 / 19
Wrangler 4-Wheel Drive
6.4 L, 8 cyl
Automatic 8-spd
Premium Gasoline
13 / 17 / 14
Wrangler 4xe 4-Wheel Drive
2.0 L, 4 cyl, turbo
Automatic 8-spd
Regular Gasoline or Electricity 22 miles on electricity, 370 miles in all
20 / 20 / 20 on gasoline 49 MPGe on electricity
Wrangler EcoDiesel 4-Wheel Drive
3.0 L, 6 cyl, turbo
Automatic 8-spd
Diesel
22 / 29 / 25
Wrangler Rubic EcoDiesel 4-Wheel Drive
3.0 L, 6 cyl, turbo
Automatic 8-spd
Diesel
21 / 26 / 23
Sources and dates
U.S. EPA fuel economy data, file of Sep 29, 2026
NHTSA owner complaints, file of Oct 17, 2026
NHTSA recalls, file of Oct 17, 2026
NHTSA manufacturer communications, file of Oct 17, 2026
NHTSA defect investigations, file of Oct 17, 2026
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, file of Aug 7, 2026
U.S. Energy Information Administration, file of Oct 12, 2026
Fuel cost: EPA mpg with fuel prices for the week of Oct 12, 2026 and electricity prices for Jul 2026. Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration (Oct 2026). Complaints are unverified reports owners filed with NHTSA. About the data