2021 Jeep Wrangler Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 222about this part
- Share
- 23%of 957 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 26,200miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 222 complaints about the engine of the 2021 Jeep Wrangler, 23% of the 957 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 26,200 miles. 4 of these say a crash was involved and 10 a fire, according to the filers. 2 recall campaigns on record are filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Less than 200 miles on car check engine light starts blinking car also shaking took it to dealer they replaced a spark plug the next day same thing they then replaced all the spark plugs and told me 2021 wranglers would have a recall on this but I don't notice same problem anywhere”
NHTSA complaint #11395491, filed 2021-02, 200 miles“While towing the manual transmission Jeep Wrangler rubicon (transfer case in neutral and transmission in 1st gear) 4 wheels down there was an explosion under the Jeep with a ball of fire. The vehicle was incapacitated. There was not any smoke, noise or indications of an issue before and up to the explosion. This happened on a straight smooth 4 lane road at 40 MPH.”
NHTSA complaint #11405482, filed 2021-03, 5,600 miles“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 with less than 500 miles on the odometer.”
NHTSA complaint #11366230, filed 2020-10, 300 miles“The contract owns a 2021 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that the vehicle was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V787000 (Electrical System), where the high voltage battery pack software and other updates were updated. The contact stated that after receiving the repair the vehicle started to run rough while driving at various speeds. The contact stated that the charging indicator was fluctuating, the RPM was fluctuating, and the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle also ran rough while attempting to accelerate. …”
NHTSA complaint #11586769, filed 2024-05, 34,000 miles“In June 2025, I brought my vehicle to the dealership (Hendricks Chrysler Dodge Birmingham, AL) for a full diagnostic inspection, and at that time I was told everything was fine. There were no warnings, no notes about electrical issues, airbags, coolant leaks, engine leaks, or any of the major concerns now being reported. …”
NHTSA complaint #11702988, filed 2025-12Related recalls
- 22V865000Nov 23, 2022Chrysler (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…Covers: Jeep Wrangler 2021–2023
- 22V767000Oct 13, 2022Chrysler (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…Covers: Jeep Wrangler 2020–2022, Ram 1500 2020–2022, Jeep Gladiator 2021–2022
Related service bulletins
- 11036762Aug 26, 2026Turbocharger Kit Please note that many turbo components are serviceable separately and full turbo replacement may not be required. If the turbo is being inspected for…
- 11035078Jul 7, 2026CORE – HEATER
- 11035077Jul 7, 2026CORE – HEATER
- 11034912Jun 30, 2026Throttle body – none
- 11034911Jun 30, 2026Throttle body – none
- 11034335Jun 18, 2026Bolt - hex flange head
- 11034345Jun 15, 2026Check Engine Light (CEL) Illuminated with Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) P0106 Manifold Absolute Pressure Sensor Performance Setting In The Powertrain Control Module (PCM)
- 11030229Mar 21, 2026Flash: Powertrain Control Module (PCM) Updates Customers must experience a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illumination and the vehicle must SYMPTOM: exhibit/set one or more of…
- 11029673Feb 17, 2026Flash: Powertrain Control Module (PCM) Updates Customers must experience a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illumination and the vehicle must SYMPTOM: exhibit/set one or more of…
- 11027837Jan 21, 2026Water Pump & Chain Case Cover
Engine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 8% |
| 2025 | 29 | 40% |
| 2024 | 417 | 56% |
| 2023 | 108 | 29% |
| 2022 | 93 | 23% |
| 2021 | 222 | 23% |
| 2020 | 56 | 9% |
| 2019 | 45 | 6% |
| 2018 | 99 | 5% |
| 2017 | 62 | 20% |
| 2016 | 88 | 19% |
| 2015 | 128 | 27% |
| 2014 | 322 | 49% |
| 2013 | 140 | 21% |
| 2012 | 172 | 21% |
| 2011 | 36 | 7% |
| 2010 | 38 | 6% |
| 2009 | 18 | 5% |
| 2008 | 37 | 4% |
| 2007 | 33 | 6% |
| 2006 | 9 | 1% |
| 2005 | 19 | 3% |
| 2004 | 4 | 2% |
| 2003 | 1 | 1% |
| 2002 | 4 | 4% |
| 2001 | 2 | 1% |
| 2000 | 9 | 4% |
| 1999 | 1 | 0% |
| 1997 | 2 | 1% |
| 1990 | 1 | 1% |
Other parts of the 2021 Jeep Wrangler
308 complaintsSteering
255 complaintsSuspension
181 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
149 complaintsFuel system
142 complaintsOther or unknown
134 complaintsVehicle speed control
48 complaintsBrakes
27 complaintsWheels
23 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
20 complaintsBody and structure
18 complaintsForward collision avoidance
16 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2021 Jeep Wrangler
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology