2021 Jeep Wrangler engine problems
Updated from NHTSA data · How we count
219 owners have reported engine problems with the 2021 Jeep Wrangler, 23% of all complaints about this model year. The typical problem appeared around 26,200 mi.
- Engine complaints
- 219
- Crashes
- 3
- Fires
- 11
- Injuries
- 0
- Related recalls
- 2
- Median mileage
- 26,200 mi
Specific components reported
Engine covers: stalling, loss of power, oil consumption, overheating.
| Component | Complaints |
|---|---|
| Engine | 216 |
| Engine and engine cooling | 4 |
Engine complaints across Jeep Wrangler years
Mileage when the problem appeared
Related recalls
- ENGINE
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Jeep Wrangler 4xe vehicles equipped with 2.0L Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle engines. A loss of communication may cause an engine shutdown.
Risk: An engine shutdown can cause a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: There is more than one involved component and calibration software. Updating the calibration software in the Transmission Control Module, Hybrid Control Processor and Auxiliary Hybrid Control Processor that changes fail safe from shut down to limp home. Dealers will update the transmission control module software, Hybrid Control Processor and Auxiliary Hybrid Control Processor, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 22, 2022. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall ZB7.
- ENGINE · FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Jeep Wrangler, Ram 1500, and 2021-2022 Jeep Gladiator vehicles equipped with 3.0L diesel engines. The high pressure fuel pump (HPFP) may fail, causing an engine stall.
Risk: An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the HPFP and inspect and replace additional fuel system components, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 17, 2023. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is Z96.
What owners say
- Filed Sep 26, 2026COElectrical SystemEngineAcceleration & Cruise Control
Since the 68C recall, my 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe has not behaved normally and has become increasingly unpredictable. Even with a mostly or nearly full battery, it frequently will not operate in pure electric mode at lower speeds, particularly on even slight inclines. The gas engine can suddenly start when I am expecting electric operation, sometimes accompanied by hesitation, lurching, or an abrupt change in power delivery. I have genuine safety concerns with the vehicle…
NHTSA complaint #11767197 · source - Filed Sep 14, 2026SCEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionAcceleration & Cruise Control
After the safety recall 68C, the vehicle no longer operates as designed. In electric only mode, the gas engine engages, which is bad for the engine. This fails to give the engine time to prepare for short sudden use. When driving, the high voltage battery will lag or not produce power as it did prior. This can cause an accident (which it almost did already for myself). The acceleration lags before engaging. This vehicle performed properly prior to this software (1/1/2026)…
NHTSA complaint #11763990 · source - Filed Aug 20, 202656,700 miWAElectrical SystemEngine
The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the engine overheated, and the vehicle was driving sluggishly with the temperature gauge indicating that the engine was overheating. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who determined that the coolant reservoir was cracked and was leaking coolant. The coolant reservoir was replaced, and the vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to immediately…
NHTSA complaint #11758236 · source - Filed Aug 19, 2026COElectrical SystemEngineTransmission & Drivetrain
When using electric mode, repeatedly and consistently, when I try to accelerate (for example to get onto a highway) despite having the acceleration fully depressed, the car does not accelerate. After some time, the gas powered engine will rev, the RPM will shoot up and then the car will start to accelerate. If I slow down the electric engine will take back over, but then if I try to accelerate again the same thing will occur. I have videos of the dashboard confirming…
NHTSA complaint #11758009 · source - Filed Aug 5, 2026KYEngine
The harmonic balancer on the motor failed and flew off the motor causing catastrophic damage to the radiator. The failure resulted in immediate disabling of the vehicle, which could have happened at high speeds or on a highway with limited access. The part that flew off the motor was also a large piece of solid metal that luckily landed in the bumper cavity, but if it would have left the engine compartment, would most certainly be a fatal projectile. Once taking it to the…
NHTSA complaint #11754997 · source - Filed Jul 24, 2026131,000 miCAEngine
The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the temperature gauge rose significantly, indicating that the engine was overheating. The coolant temperature warning light remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer to be diagnosed, and the contact was informed that there were metal shavings inside the engine cylinders, and that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer…
NHTSA complaint #11752654 · source - Filed Jul 2, 2026NVEngine
My 2021 Jeep Wrangler 3.0L EcoDiesel experienced a failure of the engine oil cooler that allowed engine oil and engine coolant to cross contaminate. The oil cooler on this engine sits between the oil and coolant passages, so an internal failure of that component mixes the two systems. The failure first occurred in September 2025 while the vehicle was in use, and coolant intrusion into the oil system has recurred in 2026. This condition is a safety concern because it can…
NHTSA complaint #11747870 · source - Filed Jun 28, 2026VAElectrical SystemEngineOther / Unknown
I went to start my Wrangler 4XE today and had a "Service Charging System" error. The gas part of the Jeep was running, so I proceeded to drive it. I noticed when I came to a stop, the car would not accelerate, then when it did it was violent and bucking. At a stop light it sounded like it was going to stall so I turned it off and then it would not turn back on at all. I finally got it to turn back on and drove it a little further, at one point I went to accelerate and had…
NHTSA complaint #11747065 · source - Filed Jun 26, 2026FLElectrical SystemEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
I took my car to the dealership to complete the 04b recall. When I got my car back from this recall: 1. The car says driving in electric mode but it uses gas. 2. The car while driving on the highway will hesitate for a split second.. very dangerous. 3. When going on a small hill(example: bridge on turnpike over griffon road) will all of a sudden hesitates and will not get any more power. 4. Multiple times when getting off the turnpike the car slowed to 20mph and would not go…
NHTSA complaint #11746682 · source - Filed Jun 26, 2026VAElectrical SystemEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
Since the 68C recall from Jeep, my vehicle has not been functioning properly. The 68C recall was issued because the high-voltage battery cells have a defect that causes them to short-circuit and catch fire. To avoid replacing hundreds of thousands of expensive batteries all at once, Jeep implemented a "fix" via a software flash. The new software "fix" heavily restricts how much power can be drawn from the high-voltage battery to keep it from getting warm. If you push the…
NHTSA complaint #11746609 · source - Filed Jun 24, 2026TXElectrical SystemEngineTransmission & Drivetrain
1. The vehicle caught fire during normal operation. It is a 2021 Jeep Wrangler (VIN [XXX]) subject to FCA US Recall 21D / NHTSA Campaign 26V363000, which identifies the electric hydraulic power steering (EHPS) pump and its wiring as a fire source that can overheat and ignite. The exact failed component has not yet been confirmed by diagnostic, but the fire is consistent with the defect described in that recall. The vehicle is intact and available for inspection — it was…
NHTSA complaint #11746110 · source - Filed Jun 9, 2026SDElectrical SystemEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
When accelerating the vehicle will not go or it will start to move then essentially stop, seconds later it starts moving. There is a delay and it’s extremely dangerous when there is oncoming traffic and/or the drivers behind you don’t realize what is happening. My jeep is a 4xe and this does happen frequently since the last “fix” for the recalls
NHTSA complaint #11743025 · source
Other 2021 Jeep Wrangler problem areas
- Electrical System (306)
- Steering (254)
- Suspension (180)
- Transmission & Drivetrain (145)
- Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion (140)
- Other / Unknown (133)
- Acceleration & Cruise Control (46)
- Wheels & Tires (27)
- Brakes (27)
- Driver Assistance & Safety Tech (21)
- Visibility & Wipers (20)
- Body & Structure (18)
- Airbags (10)
- Seats & Seat Belts (9)
- Lighting (6)
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology