2021 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Diesel
Common Problems
Ranked from 420 federal NHTSA complaints. Every problem links to the complaint IDs behind it.
21 Common Problems
Ordered by how often owners reported each one to NHTSA. The bar shows how common a problem is relative to the most-reported on this vehicle. Expand any problem to see the federal complaint IDs.
- 1
Death Wobble
209complaintsSafety riskSteeringThe vehicle shakes violently at highway speeds, making it difficult to control and increasing the risk of accidents.
- 2
Death Wobble at Highway Speeds
128complaintsSafety riskSteeringThe vehicle experiences violent shaking and loss of control at highway speeds when hitting bumps or potholes.
- 3
Recall Issues with Electrical System
68complaintsHigh severityElectricalMultiple recalls related to the electrical system have not been resolved, leading to potential vehicle fires and other hazards.
- 4
High Voltage Battery Defect
65complaintsHigh severityElectricalThe high voltage battery may fail internally, posing a risk of vehicle fire or electrical malfunction.
- 5
Loss of Power and Motive Function
12complaintsHigh severityTransmissionThe vehicle suddenly loses all power and motive function, often requiring a restart or tow, posing a safety risk.
$150–$1,200est. stalling / shutdown diagnosis + repair · 1–5 hrs laborGet local quotes - 6
Steering Wheel Shaking at High Speeds
9complaintsHigh severitySteeringThe steering wheel shakes violently at high speeds, causing loss of control and potential accidents.
- 7
Instrument Cluster Malfunction
7complaintsMedium severityElectricalThe instrument cluster displays errors, goes dark, or flashes intermittently, affecting visibility and safety.
$300–$1,000est. instrument cluster repair/replacement · 1–3 hrs laborGet local quotes - 8
Suspension Issues Causing Death Wobble
6complaintsHigh severitySuspensionSuspension problems lead to violent shaking (death wobble) at certain speeds or road conditions, posing a significant safety risk.
$150–$1,200est. suspension diagnosis + repair · 1–5 hrs laborGet local quotes - 9
Engine Performance Issues
5complaintsMedium severityEngineEngine performance issues such as loss of power and stalling, often due to unresolved recalls.
- 10
Power Train Malfunction
5complaintsMedium severityTransmissionThe vehicle loses power or stalls, often accompanied by warning lights, affecting safe operation.
- 11
Brake System Malfunctions
4complaintsMedium severityBrakesMultiple reports of brake system failures, including loss of power assist and unexpected acceleration, leading to safety concerns.
$150–$1,000est. brake system diagnosis + repair · 1–4 hrs laborGet local quotes - 12
Coolant Leaks and Inlet Tube Issues
4complaintsMedium severityFuel systemRecurring coolant leaks and issues with coolant inlet tube fasteners leading to engine contamination and potential engine failure.
$150–$1,200est. cooling-system diagnosis + repair · 1–6 hrs laborGet local quotes - 13
Electrical System Fire Hazard
4complaintsSafety riskElectricalElectrical system failure leading to fires in the vehicle, causing significant property damage and safety risks.
- 14
Engine and Powertrain Issues
4complaintsMedium severityTransmissionReports of engine misfires, power loss, and other powertrain malfunctions leading to unsafe driving conditions.
- 15
Steering Damper Failure
4complaintsMedium severitySteeringSteering dampers fail, causing violent shaking and loss of control, especially at high speeds.
- 16
Suspension Issues Leading to Violent Shaking
4complaintsSafety riskSuspensionThe suspension system causes violent shaking and loss of control at high speeds, especially when encountering bumps or potholes.
$150–$1,200est. suspension diagnosis + repair · 1–5 hrs laborGet local quotes - 17
Instrument Cluster Failures
3complaintsLow severityElectricalMultiple instances of instrument cluster malfunctions leading to loss of critical vehicle information and requiring replacement.
$300–$1,000est. instrument cluster repair/replacement · 1–3 hrs laborGet local quotes - 18
Drivetrain Instability
2complaintsMedium severityTransmissionThe vehicle experiences drivetrain instability, including high RPM flares and delayed shifting during acceleration.
$200–$2,500est. drivetrain diagnosis + repair · 1–8 hrs laborGet local quotes - 19
Engine Overheating
2complaintsHigh severityEngineThe engine temperature gauge spikes to high levels, accompanied by a high-pitched noise and an engine overheating warning.
$150–$1,200est. cooling-system diagnosis + repair · 1–6 hrs laborGet local quotes - 20
Engine Stall at Low Fuel Levels
2complaintsMedium severityEngineThe engine stalls unexpectedly when the fuel level is low and the vehicle is traveling downhill.
$150–$1,200est. stalling / shutdown diagnosis + repair · 1–5 hrs laborGet local quotes - 21
Power Loss During Driving
2complaintsHigh severityTransmissionLoss of motive power during low-speed maneuvers and highway driving, often accompanied by erratic instrument cluster behavior.
$150–$1,200est. stalling / shutdown diagnosis + repair · 1–5 hrs laborGet local quotes
Other years & sources
Data source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) owner complaints and recalls. Problems are clustered and ranked from the complaint record; occurrence counts reflect corroborating complaints, not total incidence. Vehicle image is illustrative. Repair-cost figures are typical U.S. independent-shop ranges (parts + labor) for the class of repair shown — actual quotes vary by region, engine, and diagnosis; always confirm with a local shop.