Buying A Jeep Wrangler? These Are The Model Years To Aim For (2024)

The Jeep Wrangler has been with us for many, many years as a mainstay of the off-road SUV segment. From its roots as a military vehicle to today’s Wrangler JL, it has been one of the ultimate go-anywhere vehicles with rock-solid underpinnings and endearing styling. If you’re in the market for a Jeep Wrangler, we’ve put together a guide for the best model years to buy and the ones to avoid based primarily on the number of customer complaints through the years. After all, the last thing you want is to be left stranded in some of the desolate places the Wrangler will have no trouble reaching.

2024 Jeep Wrangler

7.9/10

What is Buzzscore?

Make

Jeep

Base MSRP

$31,995

Engine

3.6L V6 Gas

Horsepower

285 hp

Exterior Design

10 / 10

Performance

9 / 10

Fuel Efficiency

6 / 10

Interior & Cargo

8 / 10

Infotainment & Features

9 / 10

Reliability

7 / 10

Safety

7 / 10

Value For Money

7 / 10

Separating The Best From The Worst

We used data from Car Complaints, JD Power, the National Highway Safety Administration (NHTSA), and even consumer feedback on Jeep forums to determine which Wranglers are best. We focused primarily on later YJ, TJ, JK, and early JL models. Most YJs are now well over 30 years old, so it’s more about luck of the draw and finding one of the few well-kept examples still around. If you want the best and likely most dependable Wrangler you can get, you can simply buy a new JL, but it takes a few years for accurate reliability data to start being available, which is why we’re more interested in the early years of the JL.

Jeep Wrangler History

The history of the Jeep Wrangler can be traced back to the Willys MB used in World War II, before the CJ series saw huge success from the mid-1940s to the mid-1980s. The first Wrangler-badged Jeep was the YJ, which was introduced in 1986 for the 1987 model year. It demonstrated that a daily driver and a capable off-roader could co-exist in one package.

The TJ followed in 1996, and with it came the classic rounded headlamps that we can still see in today’s Jeeps. A coil-spring suspension replaced the leaf springs used previously, further enhancing on-road comfort. The third-gen JK was introduced a decade after the TJ and was a more revolutionary design with a new frame, body, and suspension. A four-door Unlimited model made the Wrangler more practical, and the vehicle became substantially wider than before. This gen also introduced stability control and a slew of interior conveniences, such as navigation.

For the current JL generation, introduced in 2017, the Wrangler’s body grew larger once more, but its weight went down. Its styling remained instantly familiar, and a range of powertrains includes a turbocharged four-cylinder, the trusty Pentastar V6, and a Hemi V8.

The Best Jeep Wrangler Model Years

According to Car Complaints, the fourth-gen Wrangler JL has accumulated a low number of complaints overall, even as far back as the first model year (2018). For the third-gen JK, the 2009 model is the safest bet, while there appears to be less data for the first two generations.

Some of this information correlates with the NHTSA’s data, which is more comprehensive. As expected, there are fewer complaints for the newest Wrangler model years, but even 2024 models have recalls.

It must be said that, as a brand, Jeep isn’t associated with exceptional reliability. For instance, in its 2024 survey of best car brands, Consumer Reports rated Jeep dead last. However, the Wrangler is one of the brand’s tougher models, and if you choose wisely, you can drive off in one with a reasonable reliability history.

2001 - 2004 Jeep Wrangler

The first three Wrangler generations were all on sale for at least eight years, giving Jeep enough time to work out any kinks. This is reflected in the 2001 to 2004 model years of the Wrangler, which fall into the second half of the second-generation TJ’s production run. These Wranglers are no longer new, but they registered a comparatively low number of complaints on the NHTSA’s site. For the 2001 model year, the TJ received several updates, such as a new soft top, new center console designs, and an improved ABS system. Two years later, the Wrangler received an improved four-speed automatic transmission and the new Rubicon trim, while the 2004 model year introduced the more practical Wrangler Unlimited with its stretched body.

The 4.0-liter inline-six engine in some TJs is known to be able to cover hundreds of thousands of miles, while the TJ’s reintroduction of the classic rounded headlights has been retained until today.

These TJs are now 20 years or older, so you’ll need to spend some time searching for ones that are in good condition.

2015 Jeep Wrangler

Part of the third-gen JK series, the 2015 Wrangler has a superior reliability record to most of the model years it preceded. 308 complaints and three recalls are listed on the NHTSA; by comparison, the 2018 model has five times as many complaints and four times as many recalls. The 2015 Wrangler had the best quality and reliability rating for the nameplate for over five years until the 2021 model arrived, according to J.D. Power.

Although still far from refined, the 2015 model’s fuss-free powertrain - with the trusty 3.6-liter V6 - and rugged underpinnings make it a great off-roader. Three safety-related recalls involved faulty airbags or seatbelts, but it was not recalled for any mechanical issue.

The 2016 and 2017 Wrangler JKs are not far behind, with fewer complaints than earlier JLs, so these are also worth considering as fairly modern 4x4s.

Jeep Wrangler JL

The current Wrangler JL went into production in 2017 and still offers the legendary off-roading abilities of all previous Wranglers but with superior technology. We recommend the 2020 model, as the ones before that registered far more complaints. 2022 to 2024 models have the fewest complaints of all, but they haven’t been around for long enough to accumulate accurate reliability data. The JL is larger yet lighter than the JK, and engine choices include a mighty 6.4-liter V8 introduced later in its life cycle.

We advise you to check recalls for the JL, though. Despite not being around for that long, the 2022 model has already racked up 11 recalls.

What Makes The Jeep Wrangler So Good?

There are many reasons the Wrangler has been so popular through the decades, including:

• Iconic styling and versatile body
• Class-leading off-roading capabilities
• Large selection of trims and options
• Powerful and dependable six-cylinder engines

Jeep Wrangler Model Years To Avoid

Reliability hasn’t always been in the Wrangler’s favor, and there are a few model years you should definitely avoid. Some of the main issues affecting the Wrangler include:

• Shaking steering, known as the ‘death wobble’ - something unavoidable given the mechanical design of the Wrangler's steering
• Electrical issues
• Suspension problems

2018 Jeep Wrangler

With 1,561 customer complaints logged on the NHTSA’s website, no other Wrangler has had so many complaints. Coupled with 12 recalls, it’s obvious that the 2018 Wrangler represented a dodgy start for the JL. Most of the complaints were about the steering system, which can shake alarmingly when hitting a bump or at higher speeds. This issue has become known as the ‘death wobble’ and has also affected other generations of the Wrangler, an inherent flaw caused by the steering mechanism's robust but simple design aimed for off-roading.

Recalls for this model year of the Wrangler included a front track bar bracket that could separate from the frame, causing a loss of steering ability. There were also recalls for the cruise control system and a clutch pressure plate that could overheat.

Overall, the 2018 Wrangler represented an inauspicious start to the fourth-gen Wrangler’’s production run, and is one of the SUV’s model years you should steer clear of.

2007-2008 Jeep Wrangler

These were the early years of the JK Wrangler’s run, and there is a lot to be concerned about. Combined, there are almost 3,000 complaints for these Wranglers on the NHTSA, along with 19 recalls between them (10 for the 2007 model and nine for the 2008 model). According to Car Complaints, the 2007 Wrangler has the most-reported complaint of all, also for the death wobble that affected the 2018 version.

The NHTSA lists the fuel system, the steering, the suspension, and the electronics as the areas causing 2007 and 2008 Wrangler owners the most headaches. One owner experienced the death wobble with their Wrangler having covered under 48,000 miles, while another reported “violent shaking” of their Wrangler that occurred four times across a 25-mile highway stretch. Many people also experienced issues with the Telematics Integration Module (TIPM) that controls the audio and climate control systems.

Electrical issues cost owners around $920 to sort out on 2008 Wranglers, according to Car Complaints, and a similar amount was required to tend to death wobble problems.

Both these model years have ongoing open investigations for the Takata airbag saga, whereby airbag inflators could lead to serious injuries or fatalities when the airbags are deployed.

2012 Jeep Wrangler

Cars Complaints lists the 2012 Wrangler as the worst model year of all due to higher repair costs and more issues at low mileages. Electrical problems accounted for the most complaints, and the TIPM was also an issue here, necessitating repair bills of over $1,300.

The NHTSA lists 794 complaints and 10 recalls for the 2012 Wrangler - both are on the high side. The powertrain, steering, and electrics accounted for most of those complaints. Unsurprisingly, the steering wheel shimmy/death wobble also left many customers shaken when it occurred.

At 69 out of 100, J.D. Power’s quality and reliability rating of the 2012 Wrangler falls well short of other tough SUVs of the period, including the Toyota FJ Cruiser and Nissan Xterra.

Safety: Not That Grand

If you are looking for a rugged SUV that prioritizes high safety standards, the Jeep Wrangler shouldn’t be at the top of your list. Besides the well-documented death wobble, the Wrangler has a poor reputation for crash safety. Even the current generation is poor in this area: the 2022 Wrangler Unlimited returned a Poor rating for the moderate overlap front crash test and Marginal ratings for the small overlap front driver’s-side and updated side tests. These were all conducted by the IIHS. Older models are even worse, unfortunately.

Summary: Brilliant Off-Roader, Patchy Reliability Record

The Jeep Wrangler’s rugged demeanor is at odds with its sometimes frail mechanical and electrical components. According to RepairPal, the chances of a Wrangler repair being severe are higher than the average for all vehicles, so if you buy one, you must be prepared to keep up with potentially high maintenance costs. Add to that below-average crash-safety ratings, and it’s not the kind of vehicle cautious shoppers will get giddy about.

All that being said, many enthusiasts will drive nothing else. The Wrangler is the ultimate go-anywhere SUV, has timeless looks, and can be kitted out with loads of cool accessories. Features like removable doors make it a joy for outdoor junkies, and the V6 engine that’s been around for many years is capable of lasting for many thousands of miles.

Despite its flaws, the enduring Wrangler is hard not to love.