2021 Jeep Wrangler engine problems
213 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the engine on the 2021 Jeep Wrangler — 24% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“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…”
filed Aug 5, 2026
“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…”
filed Jul 24, 2026
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Related recalls
- A loss of communication may cause an engine shutdownCampaign 22V865000 · Nov 23, 2022
- High pressure fuel pump (HPFP) may fail, causing an engine stallCampaign 22V767000 · Oct 13, 2022
Related service bulletins
CORE – HEATER
113271 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jul 7, 2026CORE – HEATER
113270 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jul 7, 2026THROTTLE BODY – NONE
112639 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jun 30, 2026THROTTLE BODY – NONE
112640 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jun 30, 2026BOLT - HEX FLANGE HEAD
112842 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jun 18, 2026
Engine problems in other Wrangler years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 Wrangler | 23 | 39% |
| 2024 Wrangler | 390 | 59% |
| 2023 Wrangler | 95 | 28% |
| 2022 Wrangler | 85 | 23% |
| 2020 Wrangler | 50 | 8% |
| 2019 Wrangler | 42 | 6% |
| 2018 Wrangler | 98 | 5% |
| 2017 Wrangler | 61 | 20% |
| 2016 Wrangler | 88 | 19% |
| 2015 Wrangler | 125 | 27% |
| 2014 Wrangler | 322 | 50% |
| 2013 Wrangler | 140 | 22% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2021 Jeep Wrangler
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.