2021 Jeep Wrangler Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
Model data compiled from public NHTSA records; may be incomplete, inaccurate, or out of date. General information, not professional advice — see Terms.
One honest thing before you start
We're car-data nerds, not mechanics. This checklist is general information — not professional advice — built from real recall records and thousands of owner complaints to make you a sharper shopper. Think of it as triage, not a diagnosis.
Before any money moves, get an independent inspection from a qualified mechanic (typically $100–$250). Our data comes from public sources and may be incomplete, inaccurate, or out of date — no checklist catches everything.
So here's the deal: use this to decide whether a car is worth that inspection. You're evaluating and buying the car entirely at your own risk — we're not liable for anything this checklist misses, anything it gets wrong, or any loss resulting from your purchase decision. Fair?
Known issues for the 2021 Wrangler
5
Electrical System complaints Red flag
Test all electronics — lights, windows, infotainment, and driver aids — and confirm no warning lights stay on. (303 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 303 NHTSA complaints
Steering complaints Red flag
Check for looseness, pulling, or unusual noise in the steering at low and highway speeds. (250 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 250 NHTSA complaints
Engine complaints Red flag
Watch the temperature gauge and warning lights on a long test drive, and look for leaks under the engine. (215 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 215 NHTSA complaints
Suspension complaints Red flag
Listen for clunks over bumps and look for uneven tire wear. (180 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 180 NHTSA complaints
Power Train complaints Red flag
Note any hesitation, harsh shifting, or slipping during city and highway driving. (143 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 143 NHTSA complaints
Verify on NHTSA → · How we get our data →
48 additional complaints were filed without a specific component.
Open recalls
15
Power Train Red flag
Overheated clutch components may increase the risk of a fire.
Back Over Prevention Check
A rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
Seat Belts Red flag
A seat belt with pretensioner failure may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Engine Check
An engine shutdown can cause a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
Power Train Red flag
Overheated clutch components may increase the risk of a fire.
Structure Red flag
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
Fuel System, Diesel Red flag
Fuel pump failure can result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Electrical System Red flag
A vehicle fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
Visibility Check
An inoperative windshield defrosting and defogging system may decrease the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Electrical System Red flag
An instrument panel that fails to display critical safety information, such as the speedometer or warning lights, can increase the risk of a crash.
Back Over Prevention Check
A rearview camera image that does not display decreases the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
The 31-point checklist
31
0 / 31 checked · 0 red flags ·
Before you go
We may earn a commission — it keeps the checklist free.
Check the VIN history on EpicVIN
Check it on CarFax (we don't earn from this)
Get an OBD2 scanner DEMO
Paperwork & history
Exterior & wheels
Interior & electronics
Under the hood
Test drive (15+ min, city + highway)
This tells you whether the car deserves a pro inspection (typically $100–$250) — it's not the inspection.
2021 Wrangler–specific issues
Your verdict
Keep inspecting — you're under halfway. The red-flag items matter most.
No red flags? Nice. A pro's eyes on it before your money moves is still the play.
Two red flags just saved you the inspection fee. Plenty more cars out there.
We may earn a commission — it keeps the checklist free.
Frequently asked questions
How many recalls does the 2021 Jeep Wrangler have?
NHTSA lists 15 recalls for the 2021 Wrangler. The most serious involve Power Train (21V028000) and Seat Belts (22V766000). Ask the seller for proof each recall was completed.
What are the most common complaints about the 2021 Wrangler?
The top complaint areas are Electrical System (303 complaints) and Steering (250 complaints), out of 934 total complaints.
What should I check before buying a used 2021 Wrangler?
Run through the full inspection checklist below, verify any open recalls were completed, and get an independent pre-purchase inspection. Pay special attention to Electrical System, which drew 303 complaints for this model-year.