Jeep Wrangler years to avoid and best years
Newer Jeep Wrangler years have more owner complaints per year than the older ones. 2018 has the most complaints per year, at 384 (1,820 complaints). Among years old enough to compare, the fewest complaints per year are 2015 at 29 (from 472 complaints), 2016 at 32 (from 460 complaints), and 2017 at 34 (from 309 complaints). The Jeep Wrangler 2025 and 2026 model years are too early to compare: none has had 3 full years on the road yet. On the 2018 Jeep Wrangler, 672 of 1,820 complaints name Steering.
Data as of .
2015
2016
2017
2025–26
Jeep Wrangler reliability by year
Each year is complaints filed in that year’s first 3 years on the road, divided by however many of those years have passed. A model year younger than 3 years is too early to compare, so it is left out of the years named as having the fewest or the most complaints. Recalls are a separate count. The numbers are for the US-market Jeep Wrangler. How we count.
By model year
| Year | Per year on the road | Complaints | Recalls | Most-filed complaint | Avg. combined MPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Too early | 0 | 0 | 3 | — | 19.1 |
| 2025 Too early | 0 | 0 | 4 | — | 19.1 |
| 2024 → | 0 | 0 | 11 | — | 18.9 |
| 2023 → | 89 | 364 | 14 | Electrical system | 20.7 |
| 2022 → | 73 | 396 | 15 | Electrical system | 20.7 |
| 2021 → | 144 | 934 | 15 | Electrical system | 20.7 |
| 2020 → | 81 | 609 | 12 | Steering | 21 |
| 2019 → | 135 | 741 | 9 | Steering | 20.8 |
| 2018 → Most | 384 | 1,820 | 14 | Steering | 18 |
| 2017 → Fewest | 34 | 309 | 5 | Engine | 18 |
| 2016 → Fewest | 32 | 460 | 5 | Service brakes | 18 |
| 2015 → Fewest | 29 | 472 | 3 | Engine | 18 |
| 2014 → | 44 | 654 | 4 | Engine | 18 |
| 2013 → | 96 | 650 | 7 | Steering, Powertrain | 18 |
| 2012 → | 122 | 833 | 10 | Steering, Powertrain | 18 |
Years with a → link have a full model-year page.
What owners file about
Generations
- Body styles
- SUV
- Oil
- 5W-20 (3.6L Pentastar); 5W-30 (3.8L V6) · 6 qt capacity
- Tire size
- 225/75R16 to 255/75R17 (trim dependent)
Known issues for this generation
Safety recall 19V-018 (Chrysler V01) covers certain 2010-2016 Jeep Wrangler vehicles among other FCA models: upon frontal air-bag deployment, excessive internal pressure may cause the passenger frontal inflator to explode, and metal fragments can strike occupants. Chrysler advises owners not to drive until the repair is complete; dealers replace the passenger frontal air-bag inflator free of charge. The campaign's published population also includes certain Ram, Dakota, Challenger, and Chrysler 300 vehicles under the same number.
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- Body styles
- SUV
- Oil
- 0W-20 (2.0L turbo and 3.6L Pentastar) · 6 qt capacity
- Tire size
- 245/75R17 to 255/70R18 (trim dependent)
Known issues for this generation
Owner complaints for early JL years concentrate on steering. Safety recall 18V-343 (Chrysler U48) covers certain 2018 Jeep Wrangler vehicles whose intermediate steering shaft may not have been properly welded, so a split at the external spline can cause loss of steering-wheel center positioning and reduced steering responsiveness; dealers inspect and replace the shaft as needed. Safety recall 18V-675 (Chrysler UA5) covers certain 2018-2019 Wranglers whose front track-bar brackets may be improperly welded and separate from the frame, reducing steering capability; dealers inspect and repair the welds. Safety recall 20V-191 covers certain 2019-2020 Wranglers (among other FCA models) with 8.4" or 12" radios where software can leave the rearview camera image on after shifting out of reverse, failing FMVSS 111; dealers update radio software, with an optional OTA update.
Frequently asked questions
Which Jeep Wrangler years have fewer owner complaints?
Among years old enough to compare, the fewest complaints per year are 2015 at 29 (from 472 complaints), 2016 at 32 (from 460 complaints), and 2017 at 34 (from 309 complaints).
Which Jeep Wrangler year has the most owner complaints?
2018 has the most complaints per year, at 384 (1,820 complaints). On the 2018 Jeep Wrangler, 672 of 1,820 complaints name Steering.
How do Jeep Wrangler owner complaints compare by year?
Newer Jeep Wrangler years have more owner complaints per year than the older ones.
Which Jeep Wrangler years are too early to compare?
The Jeep Wrangler 2025 and 2026 model years are too early to compare: none has had 3 full years on the road yet.
What oil does a Wrangler take?
5W-20 (3.6L Pentastar); 5W-30 (3.8L V6)
What does NHTSA recall 19V-018 cover on the Jeep Wrangler?
Safety recall 19V-018 (Chrysler V01) covers certain 2010-2016 Jeep Wrangler vehicles among other FCA models: upon frontal air-bag deployment, excessive internal pressure may cause the passenger frontal inflator to explode, and metal fragments can strike occupants.
What generation is the 2013 Jeep Wrangler?
JK generation (2012-2017).