Dealer visit checklist
2021 Jeep Wrangler checklist
Print it or keep it on your phone. Tick each item as you go so nothing gets missed.
This is a year to avoid
- • 6.4x more owner complaints than other 2021 SUVs
Inspect the car
- Check every panel gap and look for mismatched paint (signs of past accident repair)
- Look at the tires: even wear, matching brands, at least 4/32" tread
- Check under the car and engine bay for oil, coolant or other leaks
- Start the engine cold; listen for knocks, ticks or squeals and watch for smoke
- Test every window, lock, seat, light, the A/C, heat and infotainment
- Test drive on city streets and highway: straight braking, smooth shifts, no pulling
- Ask for the service records and a vehicle history report
- Have an independent mechanic do a pre-purchase inspection (about $100–$200)
Known 2021 Jeep Wrangler problems to check
- Death wobble — a violent front-end shimmy at highway speeds caused by worn track bars, tie rods, or steering stabilizers, affecting some builds
- Soft-top and hardtop water leaks or wind noise, especially around door seals and the rear window
- Eight-speed automatic transmission (8HP75) hesitation or rough shifts, particularly noted in early 2021 production months
- Rust on the undercarriage and frame components accelerated by open-air design and off-road use in wet or salted conditions
- Mild hybrid eTorque system (on V6 models) occasionally triggers check-engine lights related to the 48V belt starter generator
Ask: have these recalls been fixed?
- POWER TRAIN:CLUTCH ASSEMBLY: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2018-2021 Jeep Wrangler and 2020-2021 Jeep Gladiator vehicles equipped with manual transmissions.
- BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Jeep Wrangler, RAM 1500 and 2021 Jeep Gladiator vehicles.
- SEAT BELTS:PRETENSIONER: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2022 Ram 1500, Jeep Gladiator, and 2021 Jeep Wrangler vehicles.
- FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Jeep Wrangler, Ram 1500, and 2021-2022 Jeep Gladiator vehicles equipped with 3.0L diesel engines.
- ENGINE: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Jeep Wrangler 4xe vehicles equipped with 2.0L Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle engines.
- POWER TRAIN:CLUTCH ASSEMBLY: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2018-2023 Jeep Wrangler, and 2020-2023 Jeep Gladiator vehicles equipped with manual transmissions.
- STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Jeep Wrangler vehicles.
- FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Jeep Wrangler, Gladiator, and 2022-2023 Ram 1500 vehicles equipped with a 3.0L diesel engine.
Negotiate the price
- Know the typical price: about $28,000 for this model year
- Negotiate the out-the-door price, not the monthly payment
- Get the full price with every fee listed in writing before you sign
- Bring your own loan pre-approval so the dealer has a rate to beat
- Say no to add-ons you didn't ask for (paint protection, VIN etching, nitrogen tires)
- Negotiate your trade-in separately, after the car's price is agreed
- Be ready to walk away; another listing is usually a click away