Which Jeep Wrangler years should I avoid?

NHTSA data flags 2012, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2024 as Avoid years for the Wrangler, with 2024 carrying the highest complaint index of 100 and 2018 showing 1,820 complaints tied to 14 recall campaigns.

Which Ford Escape years should I avoid?

The Escape's Avoid years are 2009, 2010, 2013, 2014, 2017 and 2020. The 2017 model has the highest complaint index at 100, and 2013 recorded 2,749 complaints alongside 18 recalls and 90 reported fires.

Which model has more complaints, the Wrangler or the Escape?

The Escape has more total complaints, 24,261 versus 13,387 for the Wrangler, and a higher per-model-year average of 1,155 compared to 637. NHTSA does not publish sales figures, so these totals are not adjusted for how many of each were sold.

Which is more fuel efficient, the Wrangler or the Escape?

The Ford Escape averages 26 mpg combined across its lineup, well above the Jeep Wrangler's 18.5 mpg average. Escape's best years, like 2020-2023, reach 35 mpg combined, while Wrangler tops out around 20.5 mpg.

Does either model have a year with no Good or Best verdict issue?

Both models do have Best years: 2017 for the Wrangler and 2024 for the Escape. Several other years in both lineups are capped to Caution due to recall campaigns rather than high complaint volume alone.

Jeep Wrangler vs Ford Escape: Which Years to Avoid

Jeep Wrangler owners filed 13,387 NHTSA complaints across 2005-2025 (637 per model year, 68 recalls); avoid years are 2012, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2024. Ford Escape logged 24,261 complaints (1,155 per model year, 82 recalls); avoid years are 2009, 2010, 2013, 2014, 2017 and 2020. Escape averages 26 mpg combined versus 18.5 mpg for Wrangler.

Head to head

Jeep Wrangler

Model years: 2005–2025 (21)
NHTSA complaints: 13,387
Per model year: 637
Recall campaigns: 68
Years to avoid: 2012, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2024
Best years: 2017
Top problem area: Steering
Avg. EPA combined MPG: 18.5
Avg. NHTSA overall rating: —

Ford Escape

Model years: 2005–2025 (21)
NHTSA complaints: 24,261
Per model year: 1,155
Recall campaigns: 82
Years to avoid: 2009, 2010, 2013, 2014, 2017, 2020
Best years: 2024
Top problem area: Engine
Avg. EPA combined MPG: 26.0
Avg. NHTSA overall rating: 4.4 ★

Year by year

Complaint Index is relative within each model (0 = that model’s best year, 100 = its worst). Complaints and recalls are raw counts.

Year	Wrangler				Escape
Year	Verdict	Complaints	Recalls	MPG	Verdict	Complaints	Recalls	MPG
2005	Good	650	1	—	Good	1,394	4	20
2006	Good	730	3	—	Good	464	3	20.5
2007	Caution	557	8	16.5	Good	254	2	20.5
2008	Caution	873	7	17	Caution	1,974	3	21
2009	Caution	372	6	17	Avoid	1,693	1	21
2010	Caution	686	10	17	Avoid	2,069	3	22
2011	Caution	485	10	17	Caution	1,316	2	22
2012	Avoid	834	9	18	Good	599	1	23
2013	Caution	650	6	18	Avoid	2,749	18	25
2014	Caution	654	4	18	Avoid	2,084	16	25
2015	Caution	472	3	18	Caution	1,100	9	25
2016	Caution	460	5	18	Caution	1,123	4	25
2017	Best	309	5	18	Avoid	2,684	4	24
2018	Avoid	1,820	14	18	Caution	1,797	4	24
2019	Avoid	741	9	20	Good	587	3	24
2020	Avoid	609	12	20.5	Avoid	1,599	23	35
2021	Avoid	934	15	20.5	Caution	346	19	35
2022	Caution	396	15	20.5	Caution	231	19	35
2023	Caution	364	14	20.5	Caution	98	11	34.5
2024	Avoid	725	11	19.5	Best	76	8	30
2025	Caution	66	4	20	Caution	24	9	34.5

Complaint Index by year

Frequently asked questions

Which Jeep Wrangler years should I avoid?: NHTSA data flags 2012, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2024 as Avoid years for the Wrangler, with 2024 carrying the highest complaint index of 100 and 2018 showing 1,820 complaints tied to 14 recall campaigns.
Which Ford Escape years should I avoid?: The Escape's Avoid years are 2009, 2010, 2013, 2014, 2017 and 2020. The 2017 model has the highest complaint index at 100, and 2013 recorded 2,749 complaints alongside 18 recalls and 90 reported fires.
Which model has more complaints, the Wrangler or the Escape?: The Escape has more total complaints, 24,261 versus 13,387 for the Wrangler, and a higher per-model-year average of 1,155 compared to 637. NHTSA does not publish sales figures, so these totals are not adjusted for how many of each were sold.
Which is more fuel efficient, the Wrangler or the Escape?: The Ford Escape averages 26 mpg combined across its lineup, well above the Jeep Wrangler's 18.5 mpg average. Escape's best years, like 2020-2023, reach 35 mpg combined, while Wrangler tops out around 20.5 mpg.
Does either model have a year with no Good or Best verdict issue?: Both models do have Best years: 2017 for the Wrangler and 2024 for the Escape. Several other years in both lineups are capped to Caution due to recall campaigns rather than high complaint volume alone.