What Is The Most Reliable Year For Jeep Wranglers? (5 Options)

If you are looking for the most reliable year for the Jeep Wrangler, then you have come to the right place. The Wrangler has been in production for over ten years, giving customers a variety of models to choose from for themselves. For those looking for the most reliable Jeep Wrangler, one year stands out above the rest.

The most reliable year for the Jeep Wrangler is the 2021 model, as it has a high-reliability rating and a life expectancy of 350,000 miles. With routine maintenance, expect 20 years of service from this vehicle. The 2021 Wrangler has experienced limited issues regarding its drivetrain and steering.

As you can see, the 2021 Wrangler is the most reliable. However, there are other reliable models as well. To learn more about reliable Jeep Wranglers, continue reading below.

2021 Jeep Wrangler 

2021 is by far the most reliable year for the Jeep Wrangler. While previous model years struggled with reliability, the 2021 Jeep Wrangler is proven to be a reliable vehicle. The 2021 Wrangler achieved a reliability rating of 4 out of 5 stars from U.S. News. This is a high score for all models and makes alike, especially for the Wrangler. Since the 2021 Wrangler includes the newest technology and safety features, customers expected a high rating. 

In addition to having a high-reliability score, the 2021 Jeep Wrangler has a limited number of issues. Comparing complaints from Wrangler owners since the vehicle was first released shows that the 2021 model has received the fewest complaints. 

While the vehicle has received few complaints, it still experiences some problems. Most of the 2021 Jeep Wrangler’s problems revolve around the drive train and steering. Both of which are fairly severe issues. 

Thus far, the 2021 Wrangler has only faced one recall. However, such a low number is unsurprising, given that the vehicle is still new. 

This recall was announced in January of 2021 regarding components in the clutch overheating. This problem put the car at an increased risk of a fire. The recall applied to nearly 43,000 vehicles. 

While problems do occur, not all 2021 Jeep Wranglers will experience them. One reason drivers flock to the 2021 Wrangler is the safety it provides.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler received 4 out of 5 stars for its overall frontal crash rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). 

The vehicle also received a 3 out of 5 stars for its rollover rating from the NHTSA. The 2021 Jeep Wrangler has yet to receive a side crash rating from the administration.

Safety features included in the 2021 Jeep Wrangler include the following: blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high-beam headlamps.

This vehicle also features a rearview backup camera and a rear park assist system.

For extra vehicle security, when the theft alarm is activated, you receive an email from the vehicle. With all these features, a 2021 Jeep Wrangler is sure to keep your family safe and secure.

To learn more about the safety features included in the 2021 Jeep Wrangler click here.

Other Reliable Years for the Jeep Wrangler 

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler is the most reliable model. However, older Wranglers are known for reliability as well. Below we will discuss some of the most reliable Jeep Wranglers.

2007 Jeep Wrangler JK

2007 was the first year the Wrangler was in production, and it was a successful one. Owners were overly satisfied with their Wrangler’s high reliability and unique appearance. Since the Wrangler was released, it has never diminished in popularity. 

The 2007 Jeep Wrangler received a 3 out of 5-star reliability rating from U.S. News. This score is generous considering how many problems it has. 

Although the reliability is high in the 2007 model, that does not mean it came without its fair share of problems. Given it was a brand new vehicle, Jeep was still figuring out what did and did not work for them. Because of this, the 2007 model did have many issues, most of which affected the suspension and engine. In addition, this model was subject to 10 different recalls, which is an alarmingly high number. 

Before purchasing a 2007 Jeep Wrangler, verify that the previous owner addressed all recalls and suspension problems.

**Note: This model uses the 3.8L engine. My personal preference is the 3.6L which started in 2012.

2011 Jeep Wrangler JK

Moving up a few years is the 2011 Jeep Wrangler. This model was another triumphant year for the Wrangler due to its high level of dependability. This model is just about a decade old, which means it still has another ten or so years of driving left in it. 

The 2011 Jeep Wrangler received a 3 out of 5-star reliability rating from U.S. News.

The 2011 model’s most common complaint pertains to the vehicle’s suspension. These complaints were commonly about the death wobble, which is characterized by the vehicle shaking intensely and seemingly without cause. Were this to occur to you, it would be cause for great concern. On average, drivers had to pay $460 to repair this issue.

**Note: This model uses the 3.8L engine. My personal preference is the 3.6L which started in 2012.

2015 Jeep Wrangler JK

If I were buying a used JK Wrangler, 2015 is the year I would buy.

The 2015 model is a noteworthy vehicle. It has very few issues and has a considerable reliability rating. This vehicle received a reliability score of 3 out of 5-stars from U.S. News. This rating is on par with other Wrangler reliability ratings. 

Although in the previous years the Wrangler had complaints about the suspension, the 2015 model’s most common complaints were about the engine. There were many reports of oil leaks and the check engine light being on unwarrantedly. The oil leeks cost owners nearly $300 to repair, and the light cost about $700 to fix. 

2020 Jeep Wrangler LJ

Last on this list is the 2020 model. This Jeep Wrangler received an impressive reliability score of 4 out of 5-stars from U.S. News. This rating is well-earned and contributes to the overall success of the Wrangler. It also shows a steady increase in Wrangler reliability ratings.

Currently, the most frequent complaint of the 2020 Wrangler is its steering. Loose steering components require drivers to replace the steering gear. This issue can vary from a slight annoyance to a severely dangerous problem.