YearToAvoid

2021 Jeep Wrangler 4XE Problems, Recalls & Reliability

Verdict

No verdict

Complaint Index

40/100

#4 most-complained of 6 Wrangler 4XE years

Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4XE has a Complaint Index of 40, ranking 4th out of 6 model years, with 4 complaints and 3 recalls. Electrical system issues account for 100% of complaints, with a median failure mileage of 50,000 miles.

Complaints
4
Recalls
3
Crashes / fires
0 / 0
Injuries / deaths
0 / 0
NHTSA overall rating
Not rated
EPA combined MPG
—

Top 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4XE problems

NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.

  1. Electrical System4 (100%)
  2. Engine2 (50%)
  3. Collision Avoidance & Cameras1 (25%)
  4. Lane Departure1 (25%)

What owners report

  • Windshield wipers and heater unexpectedly turn on by themselves after startup, accompanied by multiple unknown warning lights.
  • The vehicle sometimes cannot be turned off, forcing owners to wait until the battery drains before it powers down.
  • Check engine light illuminates while driving, followed by hesitation and jerking when the accelerator is pressed, even though dealers could not always duplicate the issue.
  • One owner reported the engine was replaced after a check engine light and drivability problem.
  • A recall-related repair for the electrical system was pending because a required part was not yet available, while a check engine light stayed on.
2021 Jeep Wrangler 4XE complaints: complaints filed per month3Jul 2025Nov 2025Dec 2025Feb 2026
8 complaints filed with NHTSA from Jul 2025 to Feb 2026; peak Feb 2026 (3).

2021 Jeep Wrangler 4XE recalls

3 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.

  1. NHTSA 26V363000Jun 4, 2026Steering1,076,999 vehiclesPark Outside

    Steering:hydraulic power assist:pump

    Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021-2025 Jeep Wrangler, Wrangler 4XE, and Jeep Gladiator vehicles. 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.

    Risk: A vehicle fire increases the risk of injury.

    Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures, until their vehicle is repaired. Dealers will inspect and replace the wiring and electric hydraulic power steering pump, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed July 9, 2026. Owners may contact FCA US LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US LLC's number for this recall is 21D. The Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will become searchable on NHTSA.gov on June 11, 2026.

  2. NHTSA 24V720000Sep 27, 2024Electrical System154,032 vehicles

    Electrical system:propulsion system:traction battery

    Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2020-2024 Jeep Wrangler 4XE and 2022-2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4XE vehicles. The high voltage battery may fail internally and lead to a vehicle fire while parked or driving.

    Risk: A vehicle fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.

    Remedy: This recall is replaced by NHTSA recall number 25V741. Vehicles already repaired under this recall will need to have the new remedy completed. Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures, and not to recharge their vehicles until they are repaired. Dealers will update the high voltage battery pack software and replace the battery pack assembly, if necessary, free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed October 11, 2024. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning December 2024. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is 95B. Vehicles in this recall that were previously recalled for the same issue under NHTSA Recall 23V-787 will need to have the new remedy performed.

  3. NHTSA 21V949000Dec 9, 2021Electrical System2,903 vehicles

    Electrical system: instrument cluster/panel

    Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021 Jeep Wrangler Plug-In Hybrid Electric (PHEV) vehicles. After reaching 13,342 miles, the odometer will no longer display vehicle mileage. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 101, "Control and Displays."

    Risk: A missing odometer reading could lead to an unintended delay in critical safety-related maintenance, potentially impairing the safe operation of the vehicle and increasing the risk of a crash.

    Remedy: Dealers will update the instrument panel cluster (IPC) software on vehicles with less than 13,342 miles, and replace the IPC on vehicles in which the mileage is not displayed, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 28, 2021. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is Y94.

2021 compared with other Wrangler 4XE years

Complaint Index by model year (0 = fewest issues, 100 = most)0255075100202020212022202320242025
Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best
YearVerdictIndexComplaintsRecallsMPG
2020No verdict001—
2021No verdict4043—
2022No verdict2032—
2023No verdict6043—

All Jeep Wrangler 4XE years: best and worst →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4XE reliable?
NHTSA data shows the 2021 Wrangler 4XE has a Complaint Index of 40, ranking 4th worst out of 6 model years covered. It has fewer complaints (4) than the 2024 (216) and 2025 (9) model years.
What problems does the 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4XE have?
All 4 complaints on file involve the electrical system, including unintended activation of wipers and heater, inability to shut off the vehicle, and warning light issues. Engine hesitation and jerking was also reported, with a median failure mileage of 50,000 miles.
Does the 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4XE have any recalls?
Yes, NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2021 Wrangler 4XE covering steering, high-voltage battery fire risk, and an odometer display failure in the plug-in hybrid system.
How does the 2021 Wrangler 4XE compare to other years?
Its Complaint Index of 40 is lower than the 2023 (60), 2024 (100, rated Avoid), and 2025 (80, rated Avoid) model years, but higher than 2020 (0) and 2022 (20).

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.