YearToAvoid

2006 Jeep Wrangler Problems, Recalls & Reliability

Verdict

Best

Complaint Index

20/100

#17 most-complained of 21 Wrangler years

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

The 2006 Jeep Wrangler has 730 owner complaints and 3 safety recalls on file with NHTSA. Its Complaint Index is 20 out of 100 — #17 highest of 21 Wrangler model years (verdict: Best). The most reported problem area is fuel system (479 complaints, 66% of the total). Complaints report 7 crashes, 7 fires, and 24 injuries.

Complaints
730
Recalls
3
Crashes / fires
7 / 7
Injuries / deaths
24 / 0
NHTSA overall rating
Not rated
EPA combined MPG
—

Top 2006 Jeep Wrangler problems

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

  1. Fuel System479 (66%)
  2. Steering86 (12%)
  3. Suspension, Wheels & Tires83 (11%)
  4. Transmission & Powertrain57 (8%)
  5. Engine30 (4%)
  6. Electrical System26 (4%)
  7. Brakes24 (3%)
  8. Structure & Body15 (2%)
  9. Other13 (2%)
  10. Visibility & Wipers5 (1%)
2006 Jeep Wrangler complaints: complaints filed per quarter722006 Q12008 Q12010 Q12012 Q12014 Q12016 Q12018 Q12020 Q1
827 complaints filed with NHTSA from 2006 Q1 to 2025 Q4; peak 2010 Q1 (72).

2006 Jeep Wrangler recalls

3 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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

Complaint Index by model year (0 = fewest issues, 100 = most)0255075100’05’06’07’08’09’10’11’12’13’14’15’16’17’18’19’20’21’22’23’24’25
Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best
YearVerdictIndexComplaintsRecallsMPG
2005Best56501—
2006Best207303—
2007Best155578 !16.5
2008Caution558737 !17

All Jeep Wrangler years: best and worst →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2006 Jeep Wrangler a reliable year?
Judged by NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2006 Jeep Wrangler ranks #17 of 21 among Wrangler model years (Complaint Index 20/100, verdict: Best). It has 730 complaints and 3 recalls on file. This reflects reported safety-related problems, not an overall reliability rating.
What are the most common problems with the 2006 Jeep Wrangler?
The most reported problem areas are fuel system (479 complaints), steering (86 complaints), and suspension, wheels & tires (83 complaints). The median mileage at the time of failure in complaints that report it is 36,000 miles.
Does the 2006 Jeep Wrangler have any recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for the 2006 Jeep Wrangler, most recently reported 2015, covering transmission & powertrain.

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.