The Lemon Index2023 Jeep Wrangler.
The 2023 Jeep Wrangler is so far worse than average by owner complaints: 376 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 186, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about electrical, it has 14 recalls, and it gets 14 to 25 mpg combined. The best Jeep Wrangler year is 2015.
Early read
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 376 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Jeep Wrangler year. 2023 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 3K to 21K miles on the car (40 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
- electrical complaints mostly came at 4K–31K miles
Recalls 14
- steering 2026
The electric hydraulic power steering pump wiring may overheat and cause a vehicle fire, even when the vehicle is parked with the ignition in the "Off" position.
- electrical 2025
The high voltage battery may fail internally and lead to a vehicle fire while parked or driving.
- back over prevention 2024
The wiring harness for the rearview camera and the center brake light may short circuit, which can disable the rearview camera image and center brake light.
Show all 14 recalls
- electrical 2024
The instrument panel cluster may experience an internal short circuit and fail.
- airbags 2024
The steering column control module may not be welded properly, which can prevent the driver's air bag from deploying in a crash.
- visibility 2024
A hybrid control processor (HCP) software error may cause the defrosting and defogging system to be inoperative.
- electrical 2023
The high voltage battery may fail internally and lead to a vehicle fire while parked or driving.
- transmission & drivetrain 2023
The rearview camera may fail to display the rearview image and the reverse lights may not illuminate when the vehicle is placed in reverse.
- lights 2023
The spare tire may obstruct the view of the center high-mount brake light.
- electrical 2023
The high voltage (HV) battery pack assembly was built with incorrect fasteners to secure the 200-amp fuse, which can generate excessive heat.
- fuel system, diesel 2023
The high pressure fuel pump (HPFP) may fail.
- transmission & drivetrain 2023
The clutch pressure plate may overheat and fracture.
- engine 2022
A loss of communication may cause an engine shutdown.
- electrical 2022
The high voltage (HV) battery pack assembly was built with incorrect fasteners to secure the 200-amp fuse, which can generate excessive heat.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems Jeep told dealers about
Jeep sent dealers 498 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- No Start, Stop Start Inoperative, Battery or Check Engine Light (CEL) Illuminated
- Avoid Failure Of High Voltage Battery Pack When Performing Flashes
- FILTER KIT, Transmission Oil For leak concerns that have been isolated to a transmission pan…
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Government investigations
- OpenLoss of motive power2024
- ClosedUnderhood fires2024–2026
NHTSA looks into a problem when enough owners report it. Many end in a recall.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jeep Wrangler SUV 4WD | not rated | ★★★★☆ | not rated | ★★★☆☆ |
| Jeep Wrangler Unlimited SUV 4WD | not rated | ★★★★☆ | not rated | ★★★☆☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $2800–5700 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 2.0L 4-cyl, 3.0L 6-cyl, 3.6L 6-cyl, 6.4L 8-cyl.
In owners' words
Vehicle completely shut off on highway 70mph. Service charging system, D selector was flashing Pulled to a stop and had to restart ignition.
2023 Jeep Wrangler owner · NHTSA complaint 11505421
More owner reports
Shutting off when I make stops have to put in park start over
NHTSA complaint 11714770
No incident. However, the battery has a recall that is unresolved and there is a risk of fire. I am unable to use the hybrid mode due to the battery risk.
NHTSA complaint 11626709
Quick answers
Is the 2023 Jeep Wrangler reliable?
It's too early to be sure. So far it has drawn 1.9× the average car's complaints per car sold, against other 2023 cars after the same time on the road (early Lemon Index 186; 100 is average). The best Jeep Wrangler year by this measure is 2015.
What are the most common 2023 Jeep Wrangler problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are electrical (53%), engine (29%) and fuel or ev drive system (17%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2023 Jeep Wrangler have?
14 safety recalls (latest: steering). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2023 Jeep Wrangler get?
14 to 25 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
At what mileage do 2023 Jeep Wrangler problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 3,500 and 21,800 miles. The middle report was at 13,200 miles, from 40 complaints.
Does the 2023 Jeep Wrangler have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 14% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2023 Jeep Wrangler cost in fuel a year?
About $2800 to $5700 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2023 Jeep Wrangler have?
2.0L 4-cyl, 3.0L 6-cyl, 3.6L 6-cyl, 6.4L 8-cyl.
What Jeep Wrangler year is better than the 2023?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2015, 2017 and 2011.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works