Is the 2021 Jeep WRANGLER reliable?

The 2021 Jeep WRANGLER has 1461 complaints filed with NHTSA (1.7x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: avoid. Most common issue: ELECTRICAL problems.

What are common problems with the 2021 Jeep WRANGLER?

Top problems: ELECTRICAL (284 complaints, avg repair $500); STEERING (240 complaints, avg repair $500); ENGINE (208 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2021 Jeep WRANGLER?

Yes, there are 15 recall(s): POWER TRAIN:CLUTCH ASSEMBLY, BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION, SEAT BELTS:PRETENSIONER, FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP, ENGINE, POWER TRAIN:CLUTCH ASSEMBLY, STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS, FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:TRACTION BATTERY, VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM, POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL, BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:TRACTION BATTERY, STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:PUMP. Contact any Jeep dealer to verify if recalls have been completed on your specific vehicle.

How much does it cost to fuel a 2021 Jeep WRANGLER?

The 2021 Jeep WRANGLER gets 19 MPG combined. At current US average gas prices, driving 12,000 miles per year costs roughly $2526. See the interactive fuel cost calculator on this page for state-specific pricing.

How much does it cost to insure a 2021 Jeep WRANGLER?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2021 Jeep WRANGLER is approximately $1,846/year (suv-midsize class). Actual quotes vary heavily by state, driver age, driving record, and credit — see the interactive insurance estimator on this page for state-specific pricing.

2021 Jeep WRANGLER

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Avoid This Year

Quick Summary

The 2021 Jeep WRANGLER has 1461 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 1.7x the segment average of 844. The most common issue is electrical problems (19% of all complaints), specifically: brand new 2021 jeep wrangler backup camera isn't working the day i purchased it. just got a black screen when i put the vehicle in reverse from a parked position. i've restarted the vehicle multiple times thinking it'd reset the screen but still no luck.. There are 15 recalls issued for this model year. ⚠️ 39 fire reports filed.

39 fire reports 22 crash reports 4 injuries

1461

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

—/5

Safety Stars

1.7x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

ELECTRICAL

284 complaints

19%

• BRAND NEW 2021 JEEP WRANGLER BACKUP CAMERA ISN'T WORKING THE DAY I PURCHASED IT. JUST GOT A BLACK SCREEN WHEN I PUT THE VEHICLE IN REVERSE FROM A PARKED POSITION. I'VE RESTARTED THE VEHICLE MULTIPLE TIMES THINKING IT'D RESET THE SCREEN BUT STILL NO LUCK.
• OUR 2021 JEEP STARTED SMOKING IN THE ENGINE AND WITHIN 10 MINUTES BURST INTO FLAMES. THE ENTIRE FRONT END WAS DAMAGED BEYOND REPAIR / BURNED AND FIRE STATIONS HAD TO PUT OUT THE FIRE. MY DAUGHTER, DOGS AND I WERE ABLE TO MAKE IT OUT OF THE CAR BUT VERY SCARY.
• MY 2021 JEEP WRANGLER UNLIMITED SAHARA'S BACK UP CAMERA FAILED WITHIN 3 WEEKS OF MY PURCHASE OF THE VEHICLE BRAND NEW. IT WAS IN THE SHOP FOR TWO WEEKS AS THEY COULDNT RECREATE THE PROBLEM AS THE BACK UP CAMERA WORKS INTERMITTENTLY. I PROVED PICTURES OF THE BLANK SCREEN WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN REVE

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500🔥 11 fire reports💥 6 crashes

“BRAND NEW 2021 JEEP WRANGLER BACKUP CAMERA ISN'T WORKING THE DAY I PURCHASED IT. JUST GOT A BLACK SCREEN WHEN I PUT THE VEHICLE IN REVERSE FROM A PARKED POSITION. I'VE RESTARTED THE VEHICLE MULTIPLE TIMES THINKING IT'D RESET THE SCREEN BUT STILL NO LUCK.”

— NHTSA complaint filing

When Problems Appear on the 2021 Jeep WRANGLER

Based on 147 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 19K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 0-30K miles range.

Overall complaint distribution by mileage

0-30K

104

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

ELECTRICAL

In line with typicalmedian 22K mi · 28 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

ENGINE

In line with typicalmedian 24K mi · 25 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

STEERING

In line with typicalmedian 17K mi · 23 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

TRANSMISSION

In line with typicalmedian 15K mi · 17 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

SUSPENSION

In line with typicalmedian 19K mi · 16 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

VISIBILITY

In line with typicalmedian 12K mi · 6 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

Mileage figures are self-reported by owners in NHTSA complaint filings. Peak bucket = the mileage range with the most complaints for that component; it reflects when owners noticed and reported problems, not necessarily when the fault first occurred.

Recalls (15)

POWER TRAIN:CLUTCH ASSEMBLY28/01/2021

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.

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.

Fuel Cost Calculator for 2021 Jeep WRANGLER

Live EIA prices

Annual miles driven: 12,000

Your state (affects local gasoline price)

Per year

$2,527

Per month

$211

Per mile

21.1¢

MPG

City driving (worst-case MPG)

$3,693/yr

Highway driving (best-case MPG)

$2,001/yr

Based on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.

5-Year Gas Price History

EIA weekly retail data · 2021 → today

Show:

Current

$4.00

5-year low

$2.78

5-year high

$5.01

Since 2021

+27%

Source: US Energy Information Administration weekly retail gasoline prices.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2021 Jeep WRANGLER

Estimate only, not a quote. Modeled from NAIC + HLDI averages for a hypothetical 35-year-old driver with clean record + full coverage. Your actual quote depends heavily on your age, driving history, credit, ZIP code, and insurer.

Your state (affects local premium average)

Full coverage / year

$1,846

Full coverage / month

$154

Liability only / year

$639

vs US avg

+10%

How this estimate is calculated

US base full-coverage premium$1674

× state (US)1.00x

× vehicle class (suv-midsize)1.05x

× theft risk1.00x

× safety rating1.00x

× vehicle age1.05x

= Full coverage estimate$1846

Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.

Maintenance & Warranty

Recommended Jeep WRANGLER Service Intervals

Oil change

8K mi / 12 mo

Tire rotation

8K mi

Brake fluid

36 months

Transmission fluid

60K mi

Engine coolant

100K mi

Spark plugs

100K mi

Cabin air filter

24K mi

Engine air filter

30K mi

Differential (AWD/4WD)

20K mi

4WD Wrangler/Gladiator have shorter transfer case + differential intervals if off-roaded frequently.

"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.

Jeep New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage

Bumper-to-bumper (basic)

3 yr / 36K mi

Powertrain

5 yr / 60K mi

Hybrid/EV battery

8 yr / 100K mi

Corrosion (rust perforation)

5 yr / unlimited mi

Roadside assistance

5 yr / 60K mi

These are the terms for a new Jeep. If you're buying a used 2021 WRANGLER, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Jeep dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.

Estimated Repair Costs

ELECTRICAL(~50K mi)

$500

STEERING(~50K mi)

$500

ENGINE(~50K mi)

$500

SUSPENSION(~50K mi)

$500

TRANSMISSION(~50K mi)

$500

Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 1461 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
ELECTRICAL: BRAND NEW 2021 JEEP WRANGLER BACKUP CAMERA ISN'T WORKING THE DAY I PURCHASED IT. JUST GOT A BLACK SCREEN WHEN I PUT THE VEHICLE IN REVERSE FROM A PARKED POSITION. I'VE RESTARTED THE VEHICLE MULTIPLE TIMES THINKING IT'D RESET THE SCREEN BUT STILL NO LUCK.
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
STEERING: WANDERING STEERING ABOVE 30 MPH WON'T TRACK STRAIGHT, EXCESSIVE PLAY IN THE WHEEL. ORDERED FROM DEALER WENT TO THE SHOP FOR STEERING ISSUES AT 52 MILES AND BACK AGAIN 2 WEEKS LATER, JUST PICKED IT UP FROM THE DEALER AND STEERING IS WORSE, I FEEL IT IS UNSAFE FOR MY 17 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER TO DRIVE.
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
ENGINE: VEHICLE IS BRAND NEW AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON ONLY AFTER 300 MILES. DEALER DIAGOSED THE PROBLEM WITH O2 SENSOR FAILURE AND VALVE COVER DEFECT. THE VEHICLE RAN VERY ROUGH AND FELT LIKE IT WAS ABOUT TO STALL. SEARCH ON JLWRANGLERFORUMS SHOWS THERE ARE OTHERS EXPERIENCING SIMILAR PROBLEMS
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
SUSPENSION: I PURCHASED THIS 2021 JEEP WRANGLER UNLIMITED ON SEPTEMBER 9, 2020. IT IS A TOTALLY STOCK VEHICLE WITH NO MODIFICATIONS OF ANY SORT. IT HAS NOT BEEN DRIVEN OFF ROAD AT ALL, AND ONLY ON CITY STREETS, HIGHWAYS, AND INTERSTATES, NO ACCIDENTS. WHILE DRIVING ON A NEARBY INTERSTATE IN JANUARY OF 202
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
RECALLS: Verify all 15 recalls have been completed — free at any Jeep dealer
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)