Jeep Wrangler Structure Problems
Owners have filed 623 complaints with NHTSA about structure problems on the Jeep Wrangler across 30 model years. The 2018 model year has the most (97). The words owners use most often: “frame rusted” (5% of reports).
- 623structure complaints
- —median miles at failure
- 20mention a crash
- 20mention an injury
- 3related recalls
- $3,950typical repair cost reported by owners
- 54%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.
- Frame rusted: mentioned in 32 of 623 complaints (5%)
How much does it cost to fix?
Owners who wrote down what they paid or were quoted put the typical structure repair on the Jeep Wrangler at $3,950, and half of them between $1,650 and $8,950.
Based on 12 NHTSA complaints about this problem alone that state a repair bill or quote (2004–2026), converted to 2026 dollars with the U.S. consumer price index. These are owners' own figures, not a quote: they include dealer quotes, and owners who file complaints often faced larger repairs, so they can run higher than typical shop prices. Prices vary by shop, region and warranty coverage. How we calculate this.
At what mileage do structure problems happen?
Based on 408 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 623 complaints, 20 mention a crash, 47 a fire, 20 an injury.
Jeep Wrangler structure complaints by model year
| Model year | Structure complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 Wrangler | 1 | 1% | — |
| 2024 Wrangler | 1 | 0% | — |
| 2023 Wrangler | 7 | 2% | 400 |
| 2022 Wrangler | 5 | 1% | 80,000 |
| 2021 Wrangler | 18 | 2% | 14,900 |
| 2020 Wrangler | 17 | 3% | 3,375 |
| 2019 Wrangler | 22 | 3% | 6,750 |
| 2018 Wrangler | 97 | 5% | 4,000 |
| 2017 Wrangler | 19 | 6% | 12,841 |
| 2016 Wrangler | 18 | 4% | 18,750 |
| 2015 Wrangler | 22 | 5% | 20,286 |
| 2014 Wrangler | 20 | 3% | 19,850 |
| 2013 Wrangler | 20 | 3% | 10,595 |
| 2012 Wrangler | 30 | 4% | 35,500 |
| 2011 Wrangler | 28 | 6% | 7,750 |
| 2010 Wrangler | 15 | 2% | 41,000 |
| 2009 Wrangler | 8 | 2% | 65,000 |
| 2008 Wrangler | 16 | 2% | 66,500 |
| 2007 Wrangler | 17 | 3% | 41,500 |
| 2006 Wrangler | 12 | 2% | 32,000 |
| 2005 Wrangler | 9 | 1% | 52,000 |
| 2004 Wrangler | 13 | 7% | 49,000 |
| 2003 Wrangler | 3 | 3% | 37,000 |
| 2002 Wrangler | 26 | 24% | 92,000 |
| 2001 Wrangler | 38 | 22% | 94,000 |
| 2000 Wrangler | 56 | 22% | 133,400 |
| 1999 Wrangler | 21 | 10% | 107,000 |
| 1998 Wrangler | 25 | 9% | 103,066 |
| 1997 Wrangler | 29 | 7% | 95,500 |
| 1995 Wrangler | 10 | 5% | 47,954 |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (3)
Structure:frame and members
Model years: 2020, 2021, 2022
Problem: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. A stud on the frame assembly may puncture the fuel tank in a crash, which can result in a fuel leak.
Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
Fix: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, remove the frame stud and apply paint, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 6, 2023. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 28A.
Structure:frame and members
Model years: 2018, 2019
Problem: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. The front track bar brackets may be improperly welded, which can cause the bracket to separate from the frame, reducing steering capability.
Risk: An unexpected reduction in steering ability, can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and repair the track bar bracket welds, as necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin November 17, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is UA5.
Seats:mid/rear assembly; structure:frame and members
Model years: 2018
Problem: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. The rear under body ladder rail may corrode, possibly reducing the strength of the rear floor pan and causing the left rear seat mount to become loose.
Risk: If the floor pan strength is reduced and/or the rear seat mount becomes loose, the rear seat may detach in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, as necessary, coat the interior and exterior of the driver's side rear underbody ladder rail with three-part rust protection. The recall began September 11, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U27.
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
3 out of 4 door pins broke
I'm reaching out to complain about the corrosion issue on Jeep Wrangler JLs. I own a 2021 Wrangler JLU Sport with 56,000 miles and recently discovered the corrosion on my vehicle. I brought it in to my local dealer, who looked at the vehicle, explained the large issue they're seeing, and submitted…
I'm reaching out to complain about the corrosion issue on Jeep Wrangler JLs. I own a 2021 Wrangler JLU Sport with 56,000 miles and recently discovered the corrosion on my vehicle. I brought it in to my local dealer, who looked at the vehicle, explained the large issue they're seeing, and submitted…
At highway speed, vehicle repeatedly started shaking and vibrating violently after hitting any bump or uneven portion of the roadway. Steering became extremely difficult to control and was completely useless for a period of time. A vehicle that loses the ability to steer at highway speeds puts…
At approximately 58,000 miles I discovered that the rear upper coil spring mounts on my 2020 Jeep Wrangler JL Unlimited Rubicon are separating from the frame. The factory welds attaching the upper coil perches to the frame rails have cracked and torn, and the mounts are no longer securely attached…
Frequently asked questions
Do all Jeep Wranglers have structure problems?
No. NHTSA has 623 owner complaints about structure for the Jeep Wrangler. Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.
Was there a recall on the Jeep Wrangler structure?
Yes: 3 safety recalls list structure. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.
How much does it cost to fix structure problems on the Jeep Wrangler?
Owners report a typical cost of $3,950 (half paid between $1,650 and $8,950), from 12 complaints that state a repair bill or quote, in 2026 dollars.
What do owners say about structure problems on the Jeep Wrangler?
The most frequent phrase is “frame rusted”, in 32 of 623 complaints.
Other Jeep Wrangler problems
- Steering problems (3,541)
- Electrical System problems (2,983)
- Engine problems (2,187)
- Power Train problems (2,179)
- Suspension problems (1,586)
- Air Bags problems (1,482)
- Fuel/propulsion System problems (1,312)
- Fuel System, Gasoline problems (1,085)
See all Jeep Wrangler problems.