NHTSA holds 16,321 complaints about the Jeep Wrangler across the 1997 to 2026 model years, and steering leads them: the category appears on 3,677 complaints, and 1,182 complaints use the words "death wobble". The 2018 (1,823) and 2008 (1,255) have the most complaints by a wide margin, the 2018 led by steering (1,116) and the 2008 by air bags (414). NHTSA lists 82 recall campaigns for these years, from air bag clockspring failures on the 2007 to 2016 to badly welded front track bar brackets on the 2018 and 2019, and 23 defect investigations, four of them still open.
Jeep Wrangler Common Problems and Years to Avoid (NHTSA Data)
By the founder of CarWorthItPublished
Short answer
Jeep Wrangler years to avoid, going by NHTSA owner complaints: 2018 (1,823 complaints) and 2008 (1,255), each at least twice the median model year (610). The components owners report most are steering (3,677), electrical system (3,112) and power train (2,243). NHTSA lists 82 recall campaigns and 23 defect investigations for the 1997 to 2026 model years.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls and defect investigations for the 1997 to 2026 Jeep Wrangler, 16,321 complaints in all, pulled October 5, 2026.
Jeep Wrangler complaints and recalls by model year
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation and distinct recall campaigns, for every model year with records, counted on October 5, 2026. The median model year up to 2021 drew 610 complaints; a year is marked to avoid when it is one of the three highest and drew at least twice that. Years after 2021 have had less time to collect complaints, so they are judged only if they already pass the same line.
| Model year | Verdict | Complaints | Recalls | Crash / fire / injury reports | Most-reported components |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Too new to judge | 10 | 3 | 1 / 0 / 0 | Fuel/propulsion system (3), Electrical system (2), Steering (2) |
| 2025 | Too new to judge | 68 | 3 | 3 / 2 / 0 | Electrical system (36), Engine (27), Fuel/propulsion system (23) |
| 2024 | Too new to judge | 730 | 10 | 11 / 7 / 6 | Electrical system (414), Engine (412), Fuel/propulsion system (183) |
| 2023 | Too new to judge | 365 | 9 | 11 / 6 / 5 | Electrical system (192), Engine (103), Fuel/propulsion system (62) |
| 2022 | Too new to judge | 397 | 10 | 13 / 11 / 6 | Electrical system (167), Engine (91), Steering (82) |
| 2021 | Above median | 943 | 12 | 20 / 27 / 10 | Electrical system (306), Steering (252), Engine (216) |
| 2020 | Typical | 610 | 11 | 16 / 12 / 6 | Steering (238), Electrical system (179), Engine (54) |
| 2019 | Typical | 742 | 9 | 10 / 10 / 7 | Steering (446), Electrical system (150), Suspension (132) |
| 2018 | Year to avoid | 1,823 | 14 | 22 / 25 / 13 | Steering (1,116), Suspension (342), Electrical system (267) |
| 2017 | Typical | 309 | 5 | 19 / 21 / 15 | Service brakes (76), Engine (62), Power train (50) |
| 2016 | Typical | 460 | 5 | 28 / 15 / 28 | Service brakes (136), Engine (88), Air bags (77) |
| 2015 | Typical | 474 | 3 | 15 / 27 / 11 | Service brakes (131), Engine (128), Electrical system (81) |
| 2014 | Typical | 654 | 4 | 21 / 24 / 9 | Engine (322), Power train (88), Electrical system (82) |
| 2013 | Typical | 654 | 7 | 14 / 16 / 7 | Power train (230), Steering (167), Engine (140) |
| 2012 | Above median | 833 | 10 | 22 / 19 / 19 | Power train (282), Steering (204), Engine (172) |
| 2011 | Typical | 485 | 11 | 13 / 20 / 11 | Air bags (145), Fuel/propulsion system (88), Electrical system (83) |
| 2010 | Typical | 686 | 11 | 15 / 35 / 7 | Fuel/propulsion system (159), Air bags (158), Electrical system (86) |
| 2009 | Typical | 650 | 7 | 13 / 19 / 11 | Air bags (175), Steering (108), Suspension (108) |
| 2008 | Year to avoid | 1,255 | 9 | 18 / 34 / 6 | Air bags (414), Electrical system (236), Steering (200) |
| 2007 | Above median | 1,058 | 10 | 24 / 32 / 19 | Fuel system (234), Gasoline (225), Steering (203) |
| 2006 | Typical | 730 | 3 | 7 / 7 / 17 | Fuel system (361), Gasoline (355), Fuel/propulsion system (118) |
| 2005 | Typical | 650 | 2 | 10 / 9 / 10 | Fuel system (349), Gasoline (346), Fuel/propulsion system (99) |
| 2004 | Typical | 192 | 3 | 17 / 7 / 9 | Steering (67), Suspension (59), Power train (26) |
| 2003 | Typical | 102 | 4 | 8 / 3 / 5 | Power train (22), Suspension (19), Steering (15) |
| 2002 | Typical | 108 | 6 | 15 / 5 / 13 | Structure (26), Suspension (19), Power train (14) |
| 2001 | Typical | 170 | 7 | 17 / 16 / 16 | Structure (38), Electrical system (37), Power train (22) |
| 2000 | Typical | 270 | 5 | 19 / 20 / 11 | Power train (74), Structure (58), Suspension (25) |
| 1999 | Typical | 217 | 5 | 15 / 7 / 9 | Electrical system (54), Engine and engine cooling (51), Air bags (22) |
| 1998 | Typical | 265 | 6 | 23 / 9 / 13 | Electrical system (58), Engine and engine cooling (53), Air bags (45) |
| 1997 | Typical | 411 | 7 | 32 / 5 / 19 | Engine and engine cooling (108), Fuel system (53), Power train (52) |
Counts are raw totals and are not adjusted for how many of each year were sold, so a big-selling year draws more complaints than a slow one. Crash, fire and injury columns count complaints that report one, as filed by the owner.
Check the value and recall status of a specific Jeep Wrangler
Model-year counts cannot tell you about the car in front of you. Enter its 17-character VIN for the free report: the exact year, trim and engine it was built with, the safety recalls NHTSA lists for its year, make and model, its crash-test ratings and running costs. No account. Then, from $2.99, see what that Jeep Wrangler is worth at its mileage near your ZIP code, with the listings behind the number, and whether the asking price is fair. The $6.99 Full Report also checks that VIN for recalls still outstanding.
2018 to 2021: steering, the death wobble and the track bar welds
Steering is the top complaint category on the 2018 (1,116 complaints), 2019 (446) and 2020 (238). Of the 2018's 1,116 steering complaints, 301 mention a wobble (232 of them say "death wobble"), 149 describe the steering as loose and 148 say the Jeep wanders. These are raw totals, not adjusted for how many of each year were sold, and NHTSA files the 2018 under one name although Jeep sold both the outgoing JK and the new JL that year. Across all years, "death wobble" appears in 1,182 complaints, most on the 2018 (266), 2021 (152), 2007 (106) and 2008 (105). Four recalls cover the steering and suspension of these years: 18V675000 (2018 and 2019), because the front track bar brackets may be improperly welded and separate from the frame, reducing steering capability; 18V343000 (2018), because the intermediate steering shaft weld may split and the steering wheel may lose its center position; 19V201000 (2019), for steering column stub shafts that may break and let the steering wheel detach; and 20V042000 (2020), for a left lower control arm bracket weld that may let the control arm separate from the axle. NHTSA also reviewed frame weld deficiencies on the 2018 and 2019 twice, in defect petition DP18004 (closed 2019) and preliminary evaluation PE19012 (closed 2023), and neither led to a further recall.
2007 to 2016: air bag clockspring failures and warning lights
Air bags are the top category on the 2008 (414 complaints), 2009 (175) and 2011 (145). On the 2007 to 2012, 636 complaints mention the clockspring, the coiled wiring in the steering column that connects the driver's air bag, and 644 mention the air bag warning light, with the 2008 alone drawing 263 and 260. Five recalls cover clocksprings: 11V528000 and 13V176000 (2008 to 2012), 16V290000 (2007 to 2010), 16V288000 (2011 to 2016) and 24V196000 (2016), in each case because the clockspring circuit can fail and the driver's air bag may not deploy. NHTSA's recall records flag three air bag campaigns "park it", meaning do not drive the vehicle until it is repaired: 16V352000 (2007 to 2012), 18V021000 (2009 to 2013), where the passenger air bag inflator may explode due to propellant degradation, and 19V018000 (2010 to 2016), where excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to explode. NHTSA's clockspring investigations PE11019 and EA15007 led to 11V528000 and 16V288000, and its engineering analysis EA21002 into desiccated driver air bag inflator ruptures, covering the 2007 to 2018, has been open since September 2021.
2005 and 2006: fuel spraying back at the pump
Fuel system is the top category on the 2005 (349 complaints) and 2006 (361), and 658 of those 710 complaints describe fuel overflowing, spraying or spitting back out of the filler while the tank is being filled, most of them filed in 2010 and 2011. None of the 82 recall campaigns covers it, and NHTSA's preliminary evaluation PE10032 into fuel spills during refueling, which covered the 2007 and 2008, closed in 2011 without a recall.
2012 to 2014: oil filter housing leaks and transmission complaints
Engine is the top category on the 2014 (322 complaints), and complaints mentioning the oil filter housing or oil cooler peak on the 2014 (198), 2012 (71) and 2013 (62). Power train leads on the 2012 (282) and 2013 (230), which also have the most complaints mentioning the transmission (95 and 90). Recall 13V234000 covers the 2012 and 2013 because the power steering line may wear a hole in the transmission oil cooler line, leading to a loss of transmission fluid.
2021 to 2024: stalls, fires and the plug-in 4xe
From 2021 NHTSA lists the plug-in hybrid Wrangler 4xe as its own model, and this page leaves it out, along with five recall campaigns filed under the regular Wrangler name that cover only the 4xe's high-voltage battery or hybrid engine. Owners still filed 719 complaints under the regular names that mention the 4xe, a plug-in or hybrid system or a high-voltage battery, including 171 of the 2021's 943 and 293 of the 2024's 730; without them the 2021 would still be above the median. For the gasoline and diesel models, 22V767000 (2020 to 2022) and 23V263000 (2021 to 2023, diesel) cover high pressure fuel pumps that may fail and stall the engine, and 24V572000 covers powertrain control module software on the 2021 that may cause a stall. 26V363000 (2021 to 2025) carries a park-outside warning: the electric hydraulic power steering pump wiring may overheat and cause a fire, even when the Jeep is parked and switched off. That recall followed NHTSA's preliminary evaluation PE24024 into underhood fires on the 2020 to 2023, which closed in September 2026. Three investigations covering these years are still open: recall query RQ24012 into loss of motive power (2021 to 2024), engineering analysis EA23001 into diesel high pressure fuel pump failure (2020 to 2022) and preliminary evaluation PE25014 into instrument panel cluster failure (2020). Manual-transmission Wranglers from 2018 to 2023 are covered by three clutch recalls, 20V124000, 21V028000 and 23V116000, because the clutch pressure plate may overheat and fracture, increasing the risk of a fire.
1997 to 2006: frame rust on the older Wranglers
Complaints mentioning rust or rot on the frame come mostly from the oldest years: 158 on the 1997 to 2006, peaking on the 2000 (40), 2001 (37) and 2002 (26), where structure is among the top complaint categories (58, 38 and 26). None of the recalls covers frame corrosion on these years.
What to check on a used Wrangler
- Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup, which lists any recall not yet repaired on that Jeep (see what else a free VIN check shows), and on a 2007 to 2016 confirm the clockspring and air bag inflator recalls above show as completed.
- On a 2018 or 2019, confirm 18V675000 for the track bar brackets, plus 18V343000 on a 2018 and 19V201000 on a 2019. On the test drive, take it to highway speed over bumps and notice any shake in the steering wheel, wobble or wandering.
- On a manual 2018 to 2023, confirm the clutch recalls 20V124000, 21V028000 and 23V116000.
- On a 2021 to 2025, confirm 26V363000 for the power steering pump wiring, and on a 2020 to 2022 gasoline Wrangler, 22V767000 for the fuel pump.
- On a 2012 to 2014, look for oil leaking around the oil filter housing.
- On a 2005 or 2006, ask whether fuel sprays back at the pump when the tank is filled.
- On a 1997 to 2006, inspect the frame rails underneath for rust and rot.
- Before you settle on a price, check the seller's asking price against the Wranglers for sale near you with the used car price check.
Then check what a specific Wrangler is worth by VIN: the valuation, from $2.99, prices that VIN at its mileage near your ZIP code against cars for sale.
What Jeep Wrangler owners report most
NHTSA files each complaint under one or more component categories. Across all 16,321 Jeep Wrangler complaints, these are the most common:
| NHTSA component | Complaints | Share of complaints |
|---|---|---|
| Steering | 3,677 | 22.5% |
| Electrical system | 3,112 | 19.1% |
| Power train | 2,243 | 13.7% |
| Engine | 2,197 | 13.5% |
| Suspension | 1,721 | 10.5% |
| Air bags | 1,689 | 10.3% |
| Fuel system | 1,439 | 8.8% |
| Gasoline | 1,386 | 8.5% |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 1,374 | 8.4% |
| Service brakes | 1,049 | 6.4% |
The categories are broad, so the owners' own descriptions were also searched for specific symptoms. These are counts of complaints whose text mentions each one, not diagnoses, and one complaint can mention several.
| What the complaint describes | Complaints | Share | Model years with the most |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steering | 3,487 | 21.4% | 2018 (1,002), 2019 (399), 2012 (232) |
| Air bags | 1,685 | 10.3% | 2008 (392), 2009 (168), 2010 (151) |
| Brakes | 1,475 | 9.0% | 2018 (136), 2016 (106), 2007 (105) |
| Fire, smoke or a burning smell | 1,286 | 7.9% | 2024 (153), 2014 (139), 2021 (98) |
| Stalling or loss of power while driving | 995 | 6.1% | 2024 (190), 2007 (113), 2021 (99) |
| Transmission problems | 994 | 6.1% | 2012 (95), 2013 (90), 2018 (77) |
| Check-engine light | 742 | 4.5% | 2024 (158), 2021 (76), 2018 (60) |
| Electrical faults or battery drain | 696 | 4.3% | 2021 (99), 2022 (59), 2023 (55) |
| Coolant leaks or overheating | 423 | 2.6% | 2018 (53), 2021 (47), 2014 (39) |
| Ball joints, control arms or suspension | 407 | 2.5% | 2018 (66), 2007 (37), 2021 (33) |
Jeep Wrangler recalls (82 campaigns)
Every recall campaign NHTSA lists for the Jeep Wrangler, newest first, with the model years it covers and NHTSA's own description of the defect, shortened. A recall on the model is not proof a given car was affected or left unrepaired: check a specific car by entering its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or in the free CarWorthIt VIN report.
| Campaign | Reported | Model years | Component | The defect, in NHTSA's words |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 26V531000 | August 13, 2026 | 2026 | Back over prevention | The rearview camera image may fail to display when the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility." |
| 26V456000 | July 16, 2026 | 2026 | Wheels | The walls for the steel wheels may be too thin, allowing them to crack or detach, which can result in a loss of vehicle control. Loss of vehicle control increases the risk of a crash. |
| 26V363000 | June 4, 2026 | 2021 to 2025 | Steering | NHTSA park-outside warning. 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. |
| 26V327000 | May 21, 2026 | 2024 to 2025 | Back over prevention | Contamination in the central vision processing module or improper programming may cause the rearview camera image not to display. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility." |
| 26V224000 | April 9, 2026 | 2026 | Child seat | The child seat tether welds on the second-row, right-side seat frame may be insufficient, which can reduce the seat's ability to properly restrain a child during a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 225, "Child Restraint Anchorage Systems." |
| 25V527000 | August 14, 2025 | 2024 to 2025 | Tires | The remote start antenna cable may be pinched, which can cause the tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) warning light not to illuminate as intended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 138, "Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems." |
| 24V871000 | November 19, 2024 | 2024 | Electrical system | The incorrect dash wiring harness was installed, which can result in inoperative trailer lighting. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment." |
| 24V676000 | September 12, 2024 | 2018 to 2024 | Back over prevention | 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." |
| 24V652000 | September 5, 2024 | 2018 to 2024 | Electrical system | 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." |
| 24V585000 | August 8, 2024 | 2024 | Exterior lighting | The vehicles are equipped with incorrect tail lights that may be obstructed by the spare tire. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment." |
| 24V572000 | August 1, 2024 | 2021 | Power train | The software for the powertrain control module may cause an engine stall, which can result in a loss of drive power. A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash. |
| 24V414000 | June 6, 2024 | 2024 | Exterior lighting | The power distribution center may prevent the trailer turn signal lights and taillights from operating as intended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment." |
| 24V199000 | March 14, 2024 | 2023 to 2024 | Air bags | The steering column control module may not be welded properly, which can prevent the driver's air bag from deploying in a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection." |
| 24V196000 | March 14, 2024 | 2016 | Air bags | Debris contamination may cause the clockspring to fail, preventing the driver's air bag from deploying in a crash. An air bag that does not deploy in a crash can increase the risk of injury. |
| 24V111000 | February 15, 2024 | 2021 to 2024 | Visibility | 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." |
Show the other 67 Jeep Wrangler recalls
| Campaign | Reported | Model years | Component | The defect, in NHTSA's words |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 23V641000 | September 18, 2023 | 2022 to 2023 | Power train | The rearview camera may fail to display the rearview image and the reverse lights may not illuminate when the vehicle is placed in reverse. 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." |
| 23V565000 | August 10, 2023 | 2023 | Exterior lighting | The spare tire may obstruct the view of the center high-mount brake light. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment." |
| 23V263000 | April 13, 2023 | 2021 to 2023 | Fuel system, diesel | The high pressure fuel pump (HPFP) may fail. Fuel pump failure can result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 23V191000 | March 23, 2023 | 2020 to 2022 | Structure | A stud on the frame assembly may puncture the fuel tank in a crash, which can result in a fuel leak. A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire. |
| 23V116000 | February 23, 2023 | 2018 to 2023 | Power train | The clutch pressure plate may overheat and fracture. Overheated clutch components may increase the risk of a fire. |
| 22V767000 | October 13, 2022 | 2020 to 2022 | Fuel system, gasoline | The high pressure fuel pump (HPFP) may fail, causing an engine stall. An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash. |
| 22V766000 | October 13, 2022 | 2021 | Seat belts | The front seat belt retractors may have an improperly welded micro gas generator, which can result in seat belt pretensioner failure. A seat belt with pretensioner failure may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury. |
| 22V638000 | August 25, 2022 | 2020 to 2021 | Back over prevention | 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." |
| 22V326000 | May 12, 2022 | 2022 | Exterior lighting | The side marker lights may not function due to an incompatible tail light assembly wiring harness. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment." |
| 21V665000 | August 26, 2021 | 2020 | Fuel system, gasoline | A cracked fuel supply line connector may leak fuel into the engine compartment. A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of fire. |
| 21V028000 | January 28, 2021 | 2018 to 2021 | Power train | The clutch pressure plate may overheat and fracture. Overheated clutch components may increase the risk of a fire. |
| 20V580000 | September 24, 2020 | 2019 | Seat belts | In the event of a crash, a front seat belt retractor may not properly slow the occupant's forward movement after locking. In the event of a crash, if the front seat belts fail to lock, there is an increased risk of injury. |
| 20V191000 | September 10, 2020 | 2019 to 2020 | Back over prevention | A software error can cause the rearview camera image to remain displayed after the vehicle has been shifted out of reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rearview Mirrors." |
| 20V124000 | March 3, 2020 | 2018 to 2020 | Power train | The clutch pressure plate may overheat and fracture. The overheated clutch components may increase the risk of a fire. |
| 20V042000 | January 24, 2020 | 2020 | Suspension | The left side lower control arm bracket and weld may not be correctly positioned. The improper weld may allow the lower control arm to separate from the axle which can increase the risk of a crash. |
| 19V680000 | September 26, 2019 | 2011 to 2018 | Seat belts | The driver's seat belt buckle mounting strap may fracture and separate from the seat frame. A separated or severed seat belt buckle strap will result in an inoperable seat belt, increasing the risk of injury in the event of a crash. |
| 19V320000 | April 23, 2019 | 2018 | Equipment | The top cover of the roof top tent may crack or break, possibly resulting in the cover detaching from the vehicle while moving. If the roof top tent cover detaches from the vehicle while moving, it can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 19V201000 | March 14, 2019 | 2019 | Steering | These vehicles have improperly machined steering column stub shafts that may break, possibly causing the steering wheel to detach from the steering column. If the steering wheel detaches from the steering column, the driver may lose control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of crash. |
| 19V018000 | January 15, 2019 | 2010 to 2016 | Air bags | NHTSA park-it warning: do not drive until repaired. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to explode. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag, the inflator could explode with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death. |
| 18V786000 | November 8, 2018 | 2018 | Latches/locks/linkages | The right rear passenger door latch may not be in the correct location, possibly preventing the door from latching properly. If the right rear passenger door opens unexpectedly, it can increase the risk of injury. |
| 18V675000 | September 28, 2018 | 2018 to 2019 | Structure | The front track bar brackets may be improperly welded, which can cause the bracket to separate from the frame, reducing steering capability. An unexpected reduction in steering ability, can increase the risk of a crash. |
| 18V524000 | August 9, 2018 | 2017 to 2018 | Electrical system | The powertrain control module may be equipped with a voltage regulator chip in the circuit board that may fail, causing a stall or a no start condition. A vehicle stall can increase the risk of a crash. |
| 18V343000 | May 25, 2018 | 2018 | Steering | The intermediate steering shaft may not have been properly welded causing a split where the external spline is formed. If the weld seam splits, the steering wheel may lose center positioning causing a loss of steering responsiveness and increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 18V332000 | May 17, 2018 | 2018 | Electrical system | If, when using cruise control, there is a short circuit within the vehicle's wiring, the driver may not be able to shut off the cruise control either by depressing the brake pedal or manually turning the system off once it has been engaged, resulting in either the vehicle maintaining its current speed or possibly accelerating. |
| 18V280000 | May 1, 2018 | 2018 | Power train | An incorrect transmission park lock rod may have been installed in the transmission. If the incorrect park lock rod is installed, the transmission may not shift into 'PARK' and keep the vehicle from moving, increasing the risk of unintended vehicle movement and the risk of a crash. |
| 18V231000 | April 12, 2018 | 2018 | Structure | The rear under body ladder rail may corrode, possibly reducing the strength of the rear floor pan and causing the left rear seat mount to become loose. If the floor pan strength is reduced and/or the rear seat mount becomes loose, the rear seat may detach in a crash, increasing the risk of injury. |
| 18V098000 | February 8, 2018 | 2017 | Exterior lighting | The brake switches on these vehicles may malfunction, keeping the brake lights illuminated and/or allowing the vehicle to be shifted out of the PARK position without the brake pedal being pushed. |
| 18V021000 | January 9, 2018 | 2009 to 2013 | Air bags | NHTSA park-it warning: do not drive until repaired. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these passenger air bag inflator may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling. |
| 16V849000 | November 23, 2016 | 2017 | Fuel system, gasoline | The affected vehicles may have a fuel tank that has a cracked or broken control valve, possibly resulting in a fuel leak in a rollover event, debris in the fuel tank and/or the potential of over fueling the vehicle. |
| 16V734000 | October 13, 2016 | 2016 to 2017 | Air bags | In certain crash conditions, the front impact sensor wiring may be pulled until it detaches before a signal can be received by the Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC). |
| 16V352000 | May 24, 2016 | 2007 to 2012 | Air bags | NHTSA park-it warning: do not drive until repaired. Chrysler (FCA US LLC) expanded the affected population to include 73,712 2005-2009 RAM 2500 trucks produced at the St. Louis North Assembly Plant. With this change, Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2004-2008 RAM 1500, 2005-2009 RAM 2500, 2006-2009 RAM 3500, 2007-2010 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, 2008-2010 RAM 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis, 2004-2009 Dodge Durango, 2007-2009 Chrysler Aspen, 2007-2012 Jeep Wrangler, 2008-... |
| 16V290000 | May 11, 2016 | 2007 to 2010 | Air bags | The clockspring assembly may become contaminated with dust and cause the air bag circuit to fail. Failure of the air bag circuit may prevent the driver's frontal air bag from deploying in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury. |
| 16V288000 | May 11, 2016 | 2011 to 2016 | Air bags | The clockspring assembly may become contaminated with dust and cause the air bag circuit to fail. Failure of the air bag circuit may prevent the driver's frontal air bag from deploying in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury. |
| 15V222000 | April 15, 2015 | 2006 | Power train | In the affected vehicles, the springs within the clutch pedal position switch that prevents the vehicle from starting unless the clutch pedal is pushed down may break. As a result, the vehicle may not be started when the clutch pedal is pushed down or the engine may crank and start without the clutch pedal being pushed down causing the vehicle to unexpectedly lurch. |
| 14V632000 | October 8, 2014 | 2014 | Tires | Due to a software error, the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) may fail to learn the locations of the individual sensors while the vehicle is being driven. As a result, the low tire pressure warning light will illuminate, despite the the tire pressures being within specification. |
| 14V631000 | October 8, 2014 | 2011 to 2013 | Electrical system | Corrosion in the exterior heated power mirror electrical connector may result in an electrical short. An electrical short increases the risk of a fire. |
| 13V234000 | June 4, 2013 | 2012 to 2013 | Steering | The power steering line may contact and wear a hole in the transmission oil cooler line resulting in a loss of transmission fluid. A loss of transmission fluid may result in a loss of transmission function which may increase the risk of a crash. |
| 13V176000 | May 7, 2013 | 2008 to 2012 | Air bags | The affected vehicles have airbag clockspring assemblies that could experience broken airbag circuits. In the event of a crash necessitating airbag deployment, a broken electrical circuit in the airbag clockspring wiring assembly can lead to non-deployment of the driver-side frontal airbag and will not be able to properly protect the driver, increasing the risk of injuries. |
| 13E010000 | February 25, 2013 | 2007 to 2013 | Equipment | The liners are for use in 2007-2013 Jeep Wranglers. The anchor point for the affected floor liners may tear during use, particularly when exposed to high temperatures. |
| 12V216000 | May 16, 2012 | 2010 | Power train | The transmission skid plate, which is close to the catalytic converter, can collect debris. If this occurs, the debris can ignite without warning, resulting in a vehicle fire. |
| 11V528000 | November 2, 2011 | 2008 to 2012 | Air bags | Some vehicles may be equipped with driver's airbag clockspring assemblies that could experience a compromised airbag circuit resulting in an airbag lamp illumination, which indicates that the airbag may not deploy. |
| 11V315000 | June 8, 2011 | 2011 | Steering | Some of these vehicles may have been built with a missing or incorrectly installed steering column pivot rivet. A missing or incorrectly installed rivet could compromise the ability of the steering column to support the occupant loads in the event of a frontal crash, decreasing the effectiveness of the frontal impact safety system. |
| 11V145000 | March 1, 2011 | 2010 to 2011 | Power train | Some vehicles may experience a degradation of fastener torque for various front and rear axle attachments to the chassis module. This could result in noise, or ultimately, degradation in steering and handling characteristics which could lead to loss of directional control of the vehicle increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 10V315000 | July 7, 2010 | 2010 | Service brakes, hydraulic | These vehicles may have been built with an improperly formed master cylinder to hydraulic control unit (hcu) brake tube assembly end flare. This could lead to loss of brake fluid and reduced braking performance increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 10V236000 | June 3, 2010 | 2007 to 2010 | Service brakes, hydraulic | There may be contact between the right and left front inner fender liners and the right front and left rear brake tubes which could cause wear of the tubes causing a brake fluid leak. |
| 09V436000 | November 5, 2009 | 2007 to 2008 | Power train | These vehicles were not equipped with a transmission fluid temperature warning system. Fluid could boil over and may come into contact with a hot engine or exhaust component and cause a fire. |
| 09E044000 | July 9, 2009 | 2007 to 2008 | Trailer hitches | The tow bar can fail under certain driving conditions. |
| 08V202000 | May 6, 2008 | 2007 to 2008 | Service brakes, hydraulic | Some vehicles may have insufficient clearance between the steering intermediate shaft and rear brake tubes. Prolonged brake tube contact could wear a hole in the tube and cause a partial brake system loss. |
| 07V434000 | September 14, 2007 | 2007 | Service brakes, hydraulic | On certain sport utility vehicles, the software programmed into the ABS electronic control module may allow a momentary delay in braking when coasting up a hill during certain conditions. |
| 07V291000 | July 3, 2007 | 2007 | Electrical system | On certain vehicles, the totally integrated power module (tipm) was programmed with software that may allow the engine to stall under certain operating conditions. |
| 06V493000 | December 29, 2006 | 2007 | Service brakes, hydraulic | On certain vehicles, the antilock brake system (ABS) control module software may cause the rear brakes to lock up during certain braking conditions. This could result in a loss of vehicle control and cause a crash without warning. |
| 06V147000 | May 3, 2006 | 2006 | Power train | On certain sport utility vehicles equipped with 6 speed manual transmissions, the hydraulic clutch master cylinder linkage rod may break. This may not allow disengagement of the clutch when the pedal is depressed. |
| 06E026000 | March 23, 2006 | 1997 to 2003 | Exterior lighting | Certain pro-a motors corner lamps, turn signals, and headlights sold as replacement lamps for use on certain passenger vehicles listed above. Some combination lamps that are not equipped with amber side reflectors fail to conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard no. 108, lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment. |
| 06E022000 | March 13, 2006 | 1997 to 2005 | Service brakes, hydraulic | Certain aftermarket brake hydraulic master cylinders sold as replacement brake cylinders for certain ford, daimlerchrysler, and jeep passenger vehicles. These brake cylinders were sold under the brand names of napa, raybestos, aimco, ac delco, carquest, bendix, and wagner. |
| 06E011000 | February 1, 2006 | 1997 to 2004 | Fuel system, gasoline | Certain aftermarket airtex electric fuel pumps installed for use as replacement equipment for certain 1997-2004 jeep wrangler; 1997-2001 jeep cherokee; 1997-2004 jeep grand cherokee; and 2000-2003 dodge dakota vehicles. The plastic electrical grommet connectors at the top of the fuel pump module are not compatible with automotive fuels and may degrade causing a potential leak path for fuel. |
| 05V460000 | October 6, 2005 | 2005 to 2006 | Power train | On certain pickup trucks, sport utility and passenger vehicles equipped with 42rle automatic transmissions, the cup plug that retains the park pawl anchor shaft may be improperly installed. If the shaft moves out of position, the vehicle may not be able to achieve 'Park' position. |
| 04E041000 | June 7, 2004 | 1997 to 2003 | Equipment | Bestop aftermarket rear shell roof racks,manufactured between April 27 and may 20, 2004, designed for use with the bestop hardtop made for the 1986-1995 and 1997-2003 jeep wrangler. The cockpit cover may not stay latched to the roof rack because the latch bracket mispositions the rotary latch to the cockpit cover. |
| 04V048000 | February 3, 2004 | 2004 | Equipment | On certain sport utility vehicles, due to a recent software programming error, the tire, wheel, and inflation pressure information was inadvertently omitted from the vehicle certification label. |
| 02V104000 | April 8, 2002 | 2000 to 2002 | Fuel system, gasoline | On certain sport utility vehicles equipped with a 4.0l engine only, the design of the intake and exhaust manifolds could allow debris to accumulate at the #3 cylinder location. |
| 02V075000 | March 8, 2002 | 2001 to 2002 | Electrical system | On certain sport utility vehicles, water and impurities can enter into the ignition switch, causing a short circuit. This could result in a vehicle fire. |
| 00V366000 | November 9, 2000 | 2001 | Child seat | Vehicle description: certain passenger vehicles, pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of FMVSS no. 225, "Child Restraint Anchorage Systems." Some of the owner's manuals for these vehicles are missing instructions that provide a step-by-step procedure, including diagrams, for properly attaching a child restraint system's tether strap to the tether anchorage. |
| 99V117000 | May 6, 1999 | 1999 | Unknown or other | Vehicle description: sport utility vehicles. The left side and right side instrument panel wiring ground attachment screws could loosen over time. If the left side screw loosens, the instrument panel gauges may not function when the headlamps are turned on. |
| 98V048000 | March 12, 1998 | 1998 | Seat belts | Vehicle description: multi-purpose passenger vehicle. The front seat belt shoulder turning loop anchors were not properly heat treated and are not properly hardened. |
| 98V046000 | March 10, 1998 | 1997 | Air bags | Vehicle description: multi-purpose passenger vehicle. The driver's Side air bag 'clock spring' wiring harness can break when turned to the 'Full Lock' turn position. |
| 98V023000 | February 10, 1998 | 1998 | Service brakes, hydraulic | Vehicle description: multi-purpose passenger vehicles. The power brake booster vacuum reservoir diaphragm can split or tear. This can cause an increase in engine idle speed and a loss of power assist during brake application without prior warning. |
| 97V080000 | May 16, 1997 | 1997 | Air bags | The electrical circuit design allows the potential for an inadvertent air bag deployment upon vehicle ignition shut down. Unexpected air bag deployment can result in occupant injury. |
| 96V060000 | April 8, 1996 | 1997 | Air bags | The air bag electronic control module (aecm) software contains an error which can delay the air bag deployment in certain crash situations. Delayed deployment can cause increased injury to front seat vehicle occupants in a collision. |
NHTSA defect investigations
Investigations are opened when NHTSA sees a possible safety defect, often from complaints like the ones above. PE is a preliminary evaluation, EA an engineering analysis, RQ a recall query into whether an earlier recall went far enough, DP a defect petition and AQ an audit query.
| Number | Opened | Status | Jeep Wrangler years | Subject | Recall campaign linked |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PE25014 | October 23, 2025 | Open | 2020 | Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) Failure | No |
| PE24024 | September 6, 2024 | Closed September 24, 2026 | 2020 to 2023 | Underhood fires | 26V363 |
| RQ24012 | July 5, 2024 | Open | 2021 to 2024 | Loss of Motive Power | No |
| EA23001 | March 17, 2023 | Open | 2020 to 2022 | High pressure fuel pump failure | 24V957 |
| DP22005 | January 27, 2023 | Closed August 7, 2023 | 2022 | Pedestrian alert sounds | 22V063000 |
| EA21002 | September 17, 2021 | Open | 2007 to 2018 | Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture | No |
| PE19012 | September 16, 2019 | Closed October 29, 2023 | 2018 to 2019 | Frame weld deficiencies | No |
| PE19008 | July 29, 2019 | Closed December 12, 2019 | 2011 to 2018 | Seat belt buckle bracket failure | 19V680000 |
| EA19001 | April 19, 2019 | Closed September 19, 2024 | 2010 to 2018 | Electrical overstress | 20V024 |
| DP18004 | November 16, 2018 | Closed September 17, 2019 | 2018 to 2019 | Frame Weld Deficiencies | No |
| EA15007 | December 4, 2015 | Closed July 6, 2016 | 2007 to 2012 | Air Bag Clockspring Wiring Failure | 16V288000 |
| PE15025 | June 19, 2015 | Closed December 7, 2015 | 2007 to 2012 | Air Bag Clockspring Wiring Failure | No |
| DP14004 | September 25, 2014 | Closed July 24, 2015 | 2007 to 2014 | Totally Integrated Power Module Failure | No |
| PE12009 | March 28, 2012 | Closed August 7, 2012 | 2010 | Skid plate debris fires | 12V216000 |
| PE11019 | May 23, 2011 | Closed November 7, 2011 | 2007 to 2008 | Airbag Clockspring Failure | 11V528000 |
| AQ10001 | November 18, 2010 | Closed December 28, 2015 | 2007 | Fleet Vehicle Recall Completion Audit | No |
| PE10032 | August 23, 2010 | Closed February 16, 2011 | 2007 to 2008 | Fuel Spill During Refueling | No |
| PE09037 | August 12, 2009 | Closed November 17, 2009 | 2007 to 2008 | TRANSMISSION OVERHEATING / FIRE | 09V436000 |
| EQ09006 | July 22, 2009 | Closed August 19, 2009 | 2007 to 2008 | TOW BAR ASSEMBLY FAILURE | No |
| PE07027 | May 29, 2007 | Closed August 2, 2007 | 2007 | ENGINE STALLING & ELECTRIC POWER LOSS | 07V291000 |
| PE06015 | April 20, 2006 | Closed June 13, 2006 | 2006 | CLUTCH LINKAGE FAILURE | 06V147000 |
| PE00018 | April 14, 2000 | Closed October 13, 2000 | 2000 | AIR BAG MODULE DETACHMENT | No |
| RQ99011 | June 1, 1999 | Closed May 30, 2000 | 1999 | INSTRUMENT PANEL GROUND SCREW | 99V117000 |
How these numbers were counted
Complaints: NHTSA's complaints API for NHTSA model names WRANGLER, WRANGLER 2-DOOR, WRANGLER 2-DOOR ICE, WRANGLER 4-DOOR, WRANGLER 4-DOOR 392, WRANGLER 4-DOOR 392 ICE, WRANGLER 4-DOOR ICE, WRANGLER 4-DOOR RHD, WRANGLER 4-DOOR RHD ICE, WRANGLER UNLIMITED, WRANGLER UNLIMITED 392, WRANGLER UNLIMITED DIESEL, WRANGLER UNLIMITED RHD, each complaint counted once per model year; hybrid and plug-in versions, which NHTSA files separately, are not included. Recalls: distinct campaign numbers from NHTSA's recalls databasefor the same names and years. Investigations: NHTSA's defect investigation file. All pulled October 5, 2026. These are counts of reports, not failure rates, and they say nothing about any individual car. For that, check the VIN.
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Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the Jeep Wrangler?
Steering is the most cited NHTSA component category, on 3,677 of 16,321 complaints, followed by electrical system (3,112), power train (2,243) and engine (2,197). In the complaint narratives, 3,487 mention steering, 1,685 mention air bags and 1,475 mention brakes, and 1,182 use the words "death wobble".
What Jeep Wrangler years should I avoid?
The years to avoid are the 2018 (1,823 complaints) and 2008 (1,255), the only years old enough to judge with more than twice the median of 610 per model year. The 2007 (1,058), 2021 (943) and 2012 (833) are also at least a quarter above the median, and no year from 2007 to 2021 drew half the median or fewer; the 2017 comes closest with 309.
How many recalls does the Jeep Wrangler have?
NHTSA lists 82 recall campaigns for the 1997 to 2026 Wrangler, not counting five that cover only the plug-in 4xe. Five concern air bag clocksprings on the 2007 to 2016, three air bag campaigns on the 2007 to 2016 are flagged "park it", and 26V363000, for power steering pump wiring on the 2021 to 2025 that may overheat and cause a fire, carries a park-outside warning.
What problems does the 2018 Jeep Wrangler have?
Its 1,823 complaints are led by steering (1,116), suspension (342) and electrical system (267), and 266 of them use the words "death wobble". Recalls 18V675000 for the front track bar bracket welds and 18V343000 for the intermediate steering shaft weld cover the 2018, as do the clutch recalls 20V124000, 21V028000 and 23V116000 for manual models.
Is NHTSA still investigating the Jeep Wrangler?
Yes. Four of the 23 defect investigations covering the 1997 to 2026 Wrangler are open: EA21002 into desiccated driver air bag inflator ruptures on the 2007 to 2018 (opened September 2021), EA23001 into diesel high pressure fuel pump failure on the 2020 to 2022, RQ24012 into loss of motive power on the 2021 to 2024, and PE25014 into instrument panel cluster failure on the 2020.