2006 Jeep Wrangler Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Good The 2006 Jeep Wrangler has a complaint index of 20, ranking 17th worst out of 21 model years, and carries a Good verdict, though that verdict is capped due to incomplete records for 2005-2009. NHTSA lists 730 complaints, 3 recalls, and 7 fires, with Fuel System the top problem area.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 20/100
- #17 of 21 Wrangler years
- Verdict
- Good
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 730
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 3
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 7
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 7
- Injuries
- 24
- Top issue
- Fuel System
Top 2006 Jeep Wrangler problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Fuel System479 (66%)
- Steering86 (12%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires83 (11%)
- Transmission & Powertrain57 (8%)
- Engine30 (4%)
- Electrical System26 (4%)
- Brakes24 (3%)
- Structure & Body15 (2%)
- Other13 (2%)
- Visibility & Wipers5 (1%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Owners report the front end shaking violently at highway speeds, sometimes leading to loss of control and rollover crashes.
- Some describe transmissions overheating and leaking fluid onto the exhaust manifold, resulting in engine-bay fires.
- Several report the vehicle rolling away unexpectedly after being parked, even after shifting out of gear.
- Owners describe electrical shorts that melt wiring and heating-control components, in one case after high mileage.
- Some report brake malfunctions combined with vehicle shaking that led to crashes into ditches or curves.
- A few describe fires starting near the exhaust headers or engine compartment while driving off-road or in tall grass.
2006 Jeep Wrangler recalls
3 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 15V222000Apr 15, 2015Transmission & Powertrain43,939 vehicles
Power train:clutch assembly:pedal/hand lever(motorcycle)
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2006 Dodge Viper and Jeep Wrangler and Liberty vehicles manufactured July 1, 2005, to July 31, 2006. In the affected vehicles, the springs within the clutch pedal position switch that prevents the vehicle from starting unless the clutch pedal is pushed down may break. As a result, the vehicle may not be started when the clutch pedal is pushed down or the engine may crank and start without the clutch pedal being pushed down causing the vehicle to unexpectedly lurch.
Risk: If the vehicle unexpectedly moves there is an increased risk of a crash.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the clutch ignition interlock switch, free of charge. The recall began on August 31, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R13.
- NHTSA 06V147000May 3, 2006Transmission & Powertrain6,876 vehicles
Power train:clutch assembly
On certain sport utility vehicles equipped with 6 speed manual transmissions, the hydraulic clutch master cylinder linkage rod may break. This may not allow disengagement of the clutch when the pedal is depressed.
Risk: Unintentional vehicle movement, increased stopping distance, and engine stalling could occur which could result in a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the clutch master cylinder linkage rod free of charge. The recall began on august 7, 2006. Owners may contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
- NHTSA 05V460000Oct 6, 2005Transmission & Powertrain256,409 vehicles
Power train:automatic transmission
On certain pickup trucks, sport utility and passenger vehicles equipped with 42rle automatic transmissions, the cup plug that retains the park pawl anchor shaft may be improperly installed. If the shaft moves out of position, the vehicle may not be able to achieve 'park' position.
Risk: If this occurs and the parking brake is not applied, the vehicle may roll away and cause a crash without warning.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the transmissions and install a bracket to ensure the park pawl anchor shaft is retained in the proper position. The recall began on november 28, 2005. Owners may contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
2006 compared with other Wrangler years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2006 Jeep Wrangler reliable?
- Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2006 model ranks 17th worst out of 21 Wrangler years, with a complaint index of 20, one of the lower scores in the lineup.
- What is the top problem area for the 2006 Jeep Wrangler?
- Fuel System complaints make up 66% of all complaints for this year, with 479 reports and a median failure mileage of 39,277 miles.
- Does the 2006 Jeep Wrangler have a Good verdict?
- Yes, but the verdict is capped to Good rather than higher because NHTSA complaint records for 2005-2009 Wrangler model years are considered less complete.
- How many recalls affect the 2006 Jeep Wrangler?
- NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2006 Wrangler, all involving Transmission & Powertrain components, including clutch interlock switches and clutch master cylinder linkage rods.
- How does the 2006 Wrangler compare to other years?
- With a complaint index of 20 and 730 complaints, the 2006 Wrangler scores better than years like 2012, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2024, which all carry Avoid verdicts.