2021 Jeep Wrangler Power Train Problems
Owners have filed 146 complaints with NHTSA about power train problems on the 2021 Jeep Wrangler, 15% of all complaints for this model year. Half of the reports with a mileage happened before 15,000 miles. The words owners use most often: “electric mode” (7% of reports).
- 146power train complaints
- 15,000median miles at failure
- 4mention a crash
- 1mention an injury
- 3related recalls
- 61%of reports with a speed happened at 50+ mph
What owners describe
Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.
- Electric mode: mentioned in 10 of 146 complaints (7%)
- Power train contacted: mentioned in 8 of 146 complaints (5%)
At what mileage do power train problems happen?
Based on 17 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 146 complaints, 4 mention a crash, 5 a fire, 1 an injury.
Jeep Wrangler power train complaints by model year
| Model year | Power Train complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Wrangler | 1 | 9% | — |
| 2025 Wrangler | 12 | 17% | — |
| 2024 Wrangler | 177 | 24% | 12,500 |
| 2023 Wrangler | 51 | 14% | 21,000 |
| 2022 Wrangler | 65 | 16% | 17,000 |
| 2021 Wrangler | 146 | 15% | 15,000 |
| 2020 Wrangler | 47 | 8% | 3,750 |
| 2019 Wrangler | 79 | 11% | 37,250 |
| 2018 Wrangler | 177 | 10% | 27,294 |
| 2017 Wrangler | 50 | 16% | 19,000 |
| 2016 Wrangler | 74 | 16% | 31,000 |
| 2015 Wrangler | 51 | 11% | 33,000 |
| 2014 Wrangler | 88 | 13% | 44,000 |
| 2013 Wrangler | 230 | 35% | 23,161 |
| 2012 Wrangler | 282 | 34% | 18,250 |
| 2011 Wrangler | 40 | 8% | 35,000 |
| 2010 Wrangler | 68 | 10% | 25,250 |
| 2009 Wrangler | 34 | 9% | 41,750 |
| 2008 Wrangler | 67 | 8% | 59,500 |
| 2007 Wrangler | 46 | 8% | 64,000 |
| 2006 Wrangler | 57 | 8% | 24,000 |
| 2005 Wrangler | 41 | 6% | 58,000 |
| 2004 Wrangler | 26 | 14% | 32,500 |
| 2003 Wrangler | 22 | 22% | 17,000 |
| 2002 Wrangler | 14 | 13% | 20,000 |
| 2001 Wrangler | 23 | 14% | 90,000 |
| 2000 Wrangler | 70 | 28% | 35,400 |
| 1999 Wrangler | 20 | 9% | 52,000 |
| 1998 Wrangler | 33 | 12% | 95,000 |
| 1997 Wrangler | 53 | 13% | 73,815 |
| 1995 Wrangler | 32 | 16% | 74,000 |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (3)
Power train:manual transmission:control module:software
Problem: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021 Jeep Wrangler and Jeep Gladiator vehicles that were previously remedied under NHTSA recall number 23V-116. The software for the powertrain control module may cause an engine stall, which can result in a loss of drive power.
Risk: A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will update the powertrain control module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 15, 2024. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US LLC's number for this recall is 92B. Vehicles previously repaired under recall 23V-116 will need to have the new remedy completed.
Power train:clutch assembly
Problem: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2018-2023 Jeep Wrangler, and 2020-2023 Jeep Gladiator vehicles equipped with manual transmissions. The clutch pressure plate may overheat and fracture.
Risk: Overheated clutch components may increase the risk of a fire. Additionally, damage to other nearby components can result in debris falling onto the road or a loss of drive, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the clutch assembly and update the software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed from November 16, 2023 through July 25, 2024. Owners may contact (FCA US, LLC) customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US LLC's number for this recall is 19A. This recall expands and replaces previous recall 21V-028. Vehicles previously repaired under recall 21V-028 will need to have the new remedy completed.
Power train:clutch assembly
Problem: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2018-2021 Jeep Wrangler and 2020-2021 Jeep Gladiator vehicles equipped with manual transmissions. The clutch pressure plate may overheat and fracture.
Risk: Overheated clutch components may increase the risk of a fire. Additionally, damage to other nearby components can result in debris falling onto the road or a loss of drive, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: FCA US LLC will notify owners, and dealers will add software to reduce engine torque capability when clutch assembly temperatures rise to a level that may damage the inner pressure plate, free of charge." FCA has ordered a stop sale for the affected vehicles as of February 25, 2021. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 4, 2021.
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
I purchased my 2021 used with 29k miles in April 2024. Since then I have had to deal with three recalls but one of particular concern- 68c, meant to reduce the incidence of fire caused by the battery cell separators. Since then I have experienced a very noticeable change in how the Jeep drives…
In electric mode vehicle loses battery power (at 25% power draw)and several seconds later starts the gas engine to compensate. It does this at least once within every full charge (about 28 miles)-usually when the remaining charge is between10-20%, but on occasion it happens at around 50% and at…
After application of the most recent battery recall/Software update, 68C, the vehicle operates differently than it previously did. In fact, it now nearly stalls while climbing a hill to my home when the battery charge indicated is less than about 35%. Vehicle speed drops from 25 to nearly 5mph…
Frequently asked questions
Do all 2021 Jeep Wranglers have power train problems?
No. NHTSA has 146 owner complaints about power train for the 2021 Jeep Wrangler (15% of the 949 complaints for this model year). Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.
Was there a recall on the 2021 Jeep Wrangler power train?
Yes: 3 safety recalls list power train. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.
At what mileage do power train problems start?
The median reported mileage is 15,000 miles: half of the reports with a mileage came before that.
What do owners say about power train problems on the 2021 Jeep Wrangler?
The most frequent phrase is “electric mode”, in 10 of 146 complaints, followed by “power train contacted” (8).
Other 2021 Jeep Wrangler problems
- Electrical System problems (307)
- Steering problems (254)
- Engine problems (217)
- Suspension problems (180)
- Fuel/propulsion System problems (113)
See all 2021 Jeep Wrangler problems or power train problems across all Wrangler years.