CarBrief

NHTSA has 12 owner complaints on file for the 2026 Wrangler[1] and three recalls[2][3][4]. The complaint file is small, so it says little about reliability. Fuel economy varies a lot by engine[5][6].

12owner complaints[1]
3recalls[7]
14–21MPG combined (EPA)[5]

Reported problems

NHTSA lists 12 owner complaints for this model year[1]. One mentions a crash. None mention a fire, an injury or a death[1]. These are unverified owner reports. One complaint can name more than one part, so the groups below add up to more than the total[1].

Component group Complaints
Electrical system[8] 3
Unknown or other[9] 3
Fuel/propulsion system[10] 3
Brakes[11] 2
Steering[12] 2
Speed control[13] 1
Engine[14] 1
Air bags[15] 1

The one crash complaint is in the fuel/propulsion group[10].

We read the complaint texts for four named groups: electrical, brakes, steering and fuel/propulsion. In the sample we read, owners describe these things:

This is a very small sample, so it shows what a few owners reported. It does not tell you how often any of these happen.

Recalls

NHTSA lists three recalls for the 2026 Wrangler, newest first. Each one has a free fix described in the recall notice.

If you are shopping, ask for the VIN and check it on NHTSA.gov to see whether a recall applies to that exact vehicle[2][3][4].

Fuel economy

EPA ratings depend a lot on the engine. The estimated yearly fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the car was new.

Version Engine and transmission City / Hwy / Combined MPG Yearly fuel cost
2-door[5] 2.0L turbo 4-cyl, Automatic 8-spd 20 / 23 / 21 $3,200
2-door[16] 3.6L 6-cyl, Manual 6-spd 17 / 23 / 19 $3,550
4-door[17] 2.0L turbo 4-cyl, Automatic 8-spd 20 / 22 / 21 $3,200
4-door[18] 3.6L 6-cyl, Automatic 8-spd 18 / 23 / 20 $3,350
4-door[19] 3.6L 6-cyl, Manual 6-spd 16 / 22 / 19 $3,550
4-door[6] 6.4L 8-cyl, Automatic 8-spd, premium fuel 13 / 16 / 14 $5,850

The 4-door 4xe with the 2.0L turbo 4-cyl uses regular gas and electricity. EPA rates it at 20 MPGe combined with 370 miles of range[20]. EPA rates it at 20 MPGe combined with 370 miles of range[20]. EPA lists it in MPGe, not MPG.

The gap between the best and worst rows is large. The 6.4L is rated 14 combined MPG and $5,850 a year, against 21 combined MPG and $3,200 for the 2.0L turbo[6][5].

Engine and size

EPA lists 270 hp for the 2026 Wrangler with the 2.0L 4-cylinder[21] and 470 hp for the 6.4L 8-cylinder[22].

Dimensions below are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models. Width and height are 74 in for every version listed[23][24][25][26][27][28].

Version Length Wheelbase Curb weight
2.0L Sport 2-door[27] 160 in 97 in 3,948 lb
2.0L Rubicon 2-door[24] 160 in 97 in 4,222 lb
2.0L Sport 4-door[28] 182 in 119 in 4,195 lb
2.0L Sahara 4-door[26] 182 in 119 in 4,407 lb
2.0L Rubicon 4-door[25] 182 in 119 in 4,478 lb
4xe Sahara 4-door[23] 182 in 119 in 5,000 lb

How 2026 compares with other years

1995: 202 complaints, 1 recalls19951997: 411 complaints, 3 recalls1998: 265 complaints, 2 recalls1999: 217 complaints, 1 recalls19992000: 256 complaints, 1 recalls2001: 170 complaints, 3 recalls2002: 108 complaints, 2 recalls20022007: 1,639 complaints, 8 recalls2008: 1,828 complaints, 7 recalls2009: 621 complaints, 7 recalls20092010: 686 complaints, 10 recalls2011: 485 complaints, 10 recalls2012: 835 complaints, 9 recalls20122013: 654 complaints, 6 recalls2014: 657 complaints, 4 recalls2015: 478 complaints, 3 recalls20152016: 462 complaints, 5 recalls2017: 311 complaints, 5 recalls2018: 1,827 complaints, 14 recalls20182019: 746 complaints, 9 recalls2020: 616 complaints, 13 recalls2021: 958 complaints, 17 recalls20212022: 409 complaints, 16 recalls2023: 376 complaints, 16 recalls2024: 962 complaints, 14 recalls20242025: 80 complaints, 6 recalls2026: 12 complaints, 3 recalls122026
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for each Wrangler model year. The 2026 is highlighted[7].
Show the numbers
Model yearComplaintsRecalls
19952021
19974113
19982652
19992171
20002561
20011703
20021082
20071,6398
20081,8287
20096217
201068610
201148510
20128359
20136546
20146574
20154783
20164625
20173115
20181,82714
20197469
202061613
202195817
202240916
202337616
202496214
2025806
2026123

NHTSA shows 12 complaints and 3 recalls for the 2026 model year[7]. The 2025 model year has 80 complaints and 6 recalls, and 2027 has none of either[7]. Every earlier year with data has more complaints than 2026, from 108 in 2002 to 1,828 in 2008[7].

Recalls are a different story. Three is not the lowest count on the list. The 1995, 1999 and 2000 model years have 1 recall each, and 2002 has 2[7]. Complaint counts are not adjusted for sales, so treat these numbers as a rough guide only.

Should you buy a used 2026 Wrangler?

The complaint file is small at 12 reports[1], so it cannot say much about long-term reliability. What it does show is a few owners reporting power loss, steering warnings and fuel system trouble in the sample we read[8][12][10]. Those are individual reports, not proof of a pattern.

Before buying, check the VIN for the three recalls and confirm the fixes were done[2][3][4]. Pick the engine with your fuel budget in mind, because the EPA yearly fuel cost runs from $3,200 to $5,850[5][6].

Frequently asked questions

What are the common problems with the 2026 Jeep Wrangler?
NHTSA has 12 complaints[1]. The electrical, unknown/other and fuel/propulsion groups have 3 each[1][8][9][10]. The sample is small, so it does not show a pattern.
Does the 2026 Jeep Wrangler have recalls?
Yes, three: a rearview camera recall (26V531), a steel wheel recall (26V456) and a child seat tether recall (26V224)[2][3][4].
What is the gas mileage of the 2026 Jeep Wrangler?
EPA combined ratings range from 14 MPG for the 6.4L 8-cylinder to 21 MPG for the 2.0L turbo[6][5][17]. The 4xe is rated 20 MPGe combined[20].
How much horsepower does the 2026 Wrangler have?
EPA lists 270 hp for the 2.0L 4-cylinder and 470 hp for the 6.4L 8-cylinder[21][22].

Facts and sources

  1. NHTSA has 12 owner complaints on file for the 2026 Jeep Wrangler (1 mention a crash, 0 a fire, 0 injuries, 0 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
  2. Recall 26V531, filed August 13, 2026: Back Over Prevention › Sensing System › Camera. NHTSA recall database
  3. Recall 26V456, filed July 16, 2026: Wheels. NHTSA recall database
  4. Recall 26V224, filed April 9, 2026: Child Seat › Vehicle Tether Anchor. NHTSA recall database
  5. EPA rating for Wrangler 2dr 4WD, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic 8-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel Drive: 20 city / 23 highway / 21 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,200. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  6. EPA rating for Wrangler 4dr 4WD, 6.4L 8-cyl, Automatic 8-spd, Premium, 4-Wheel Drive: 13 city / 16 highway / 14 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $5,850. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  7. Owner complaints and recalls for every Jeep Wrangler model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
  8. 3 complaints name the electrical system component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  9. 3 complaints name the unknown or other component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  10. 3 complaints name the fuel/propulsion system component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  11. 2 complaints name the brakes component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  12. 2 complaints name the steering component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  13. 1 complaints name the speed control component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  14. 1 complaints name the engine component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  15. 1 complaints name the air bags component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  16. EPA rating for Wrangler 2dr 4WD, 3.6L 6-cyl, Manual 6-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel Drive: 17 city / 23 highway / 19 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,550. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  17. EPA rating for Wrangler 4dr 4WD, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic 8-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel Drive: 20 city / 22 highway / 21 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,200. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  18. EPA rating for Wrangler 4dr 4WD, 3.6L 6-cyl, Automatic 8-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel Drive: 18 city / 23 highway / 20 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,350. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  19. EPA rating for Wrangler 4dr 4WD, 3.6L 6-cyl, Manual 6-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel Drive: 16 city / 22 highway / 19 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,550. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  20. EPA rating for Wrangler 4dr 4xe, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic 8-spd, Regular Gas and Electricity: 20 MPGe combined, 370 miles of range. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  21. EPA Test Car List, 2026 Jeep Wrangler with 2.0L 4-cylinder: rated 270 hp. www.epa.gov
  22. EPA Test Car List, 2026 Jeep Wrangler with 6.4L 8-cylinder: rated 470 hp. www.epa.gov
  23. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, WRANGLER 4xe / SAHARA 4xe 4DR SUV: length 182 in, width 74 in, height 74 in, wheelbase 119 in, curb weight 5,000 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  24. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, WRANGLER JL 2.0L RUBICON 2DR SUV: length 160 in, width 74 in, height 74 in, wheelbase 97 in, curb weight 4,222 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  25. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, WRANGLER JL 2.0L RUBICON 4DR SUV: length 182 in, width 74 in, height 74 in, wheelbase 119 in, curb weight 4,478 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  26. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, WRANGLER JL 2.0L SAHARA 4DR SUV: length 182 in, width 74 in, height 74 in, wheelbase 119 in, curb weight 4,407 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  27. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, WRANGLER JL 2.0L SPORT 2DR SUV: length 160 in, width 74 in, height 74 in, wheelbase 97 in, curb weight 3,948 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  28. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, WRANGLER JL 2.0L SPORT 4DR SUV: length 182 in, width 74 in, height 74 in, wheelbase 119 in, curb weight 4,195 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov

Complaints submitted to NHTSA by owners; unverified reports, one complaint can name several components. Complaint counts are not normalized by sales; compare years of the same model, not different models. EPA annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the car was new. Horsepower is the rating listed for EPA test vehicles. Dimensions are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models.