Which Jeep Wrangler years should I avoid?

NHTSA data points to 2012, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2024 as the years with the highest complaint indexes, topping out at a complaint index of 100 for 2024.

Which Acura MDX years should I avoid?

NHTSA data flags 2016, 2017, 2020, 2022 and 2025, with 2025 and 2016 posting complaint indexes of 100 and 95 respectively.

Is the Jeep Wrangler or Acura MDX more reliable overall?

The Wrangler has 13,387 total complaints over 21 model years (637 per year) and 68 recall campaigns, while the MDX has 2,466 total complaints over 20 model years (123 per year) and 34 recall campaigns. These totals are not normalized for how many of each were sold, so they cannot be compared as a straight reliability ranking.

Which model gets better fuel economy?

The Acura MDX averages 19.8 mpg combined across its years versus 18.5 mpg combined for the Jeep Wrangler.

What are the top problem areas for each model?

Wrangler owners most often report Steering (25%), Electrical System (21%), Engine (20%) and Fuel System (17%) issues. MDX owners most often report Engine (35%), Transmission & Powertrain (22%), Electrical System (21%) and Brakes (9%) issues.

Jeep Wrangler vs Acura MDX: Which Years to Avoid

Jeep Wrangler owners should avoid 2012, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2024, with 2017 the best year. Acura MDX owners should avoid 2016, 2017, 2020, 2022 and 2025, with 2012 and 2013 best. The Wrangler logs 13,387 total complaints across 21 model years versus 2,466 for the MDX across 20 years, but these totals are not sales-adjusted.

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: —

Acura MDX

Model years: 2005–2025 (20)
NHTSA complaints: 2,466
Per model year: 123
Recall campaigns: 34
Years to avoid: 2016, 2017, 2020, 2022, 2025
Best years: 2012, 2013
Top problem area: Engine
Avg. EPA combined MPG: 19.8
Avg. NHTSA overall rating: 4.9 ★

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				MDX
Year	Verdict	Complaints	Recalls	MPG	Verdict	Complaints	Recalls	MPG
2005	Good	650	1	—	Caution	180	11	17
2006	Good	730	3	—	Caution	87	9	17
2007	Caution	557	8	16.5	Good	99	0	17
2008	Caution	873	7	17	Good	49	0	17
2009	Caution	372	6	17	Good	52	0	17
2010	Caution	686	10	17	Good	45	1	18
2011	Caution	485	10	17	Good	70	0	18
2012	Avoid	834	9	18	Best	76	1	18
2013	Caution	650	6	18	Best	29	1	18
2014	Caution	654	4	18	Caution	170	8	22
2015	Caution	472	3	18	Caution	71	8	22
2016	Caution	460	5	18	Avoid	374	7	22
2017	Best	309	5	18	Avoid	255	8	22
2018	Avoid	1,820	14	18	Caution	165	10	22
2019	Avoid	741	9	20	Caution	188	9	22.5
2020	Avoid	609	12	20.5	Avoid	221	8	22.5
2021	Avoid	934	15	20.5	—	—	—	—
2022	Caution	396	15	20.5	Avoid	152	2	21
2023	Caution	364	14	20.5	Good	39	2	21
2024	Avoid	725	11	19.5	Caution	39	2	21
2025	Caution	66	4	20	Avoid	105	3	21

Complaint Index by year

Frequently asked questions

Which Jeep Wrangler years should I avoid?: NHTSA data points to 2012, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2024 as the years with the highest complaint indexes, topping out at a complaint index of 100 for 2024.
Which Acura MDX years should I avoid?: NHTSA data flags 2016, 2017, 2020, 2022 and 2025, with 2025 and 2016 posting complaint indexes of 100 and 95 respectively.
Is the Jeep Wrangler or Acura MDX more reliable overall?: The Wrangler has 13,387 total complaints over 21 model years (637 per year) and 68 recall campaigns, while the MDX has 2,466 total complaints over 20 model years (123 per year) and 34 recall campaigns. These totals are not normalized for how many of each were sold, so they cannot be compared as a straight reliability ranking.
Which model gets better fuel economy?: The Acura MDX averages 19.8 mpg combined across its years versus 18.5 mpg combined for the Jeep Wrangler.
What are the top problem areas for each model?: Wrangler owners most often report Steering (25%), Electrical System (21%), Engine (20%) and Fuel System (17%) issues. MDX owners most often report Engine (35%), Transmission & Powertrain (22%), Electrical System (21%) and Brakes (9%) issues.