NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2021 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Safety Ratings
The 2021 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited scores 68 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Below Average), 0 recalls, and 880 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2021 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited achieved a 3-star rollover rating from NHTSA, a notable point in its overall safety profile. The vehicle's NHTSA Safety Index score is 68 out of 100, positioning it within the Below Average band for its model year. Two crash test categories remain untested, and the vehicle's avoidance technology features received a weak score. These factors warrant careful consideration for safety-focused consumers.
The 2021 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited earned a 3-star rollover rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 68/100 based on NHTSA crash-test and defect data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 118 SUVs from 2021 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2021 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited ranks 111 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- shoppers who want the full federal safety picture in one place
| NHTSA Safety Index | 68 / 100 (Below Average) |
|---|---|
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 3 stars |
| Rollover risk | 26.7% |
| Recalls on file | 0 |
| Owner complaints | 880 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 111 of 118 SUVs tested for 2021 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2021 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited?
The 2021 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited carries a 3-star rollover rating, accompanied by a 27 percent rollover risk. This figure stands out given the vehicle's body-on-frame design. Its frontal crash protection, however, achieved a robust 4-star result. The vehicle's NHTSA Safety Index of 68/100 mirrors the 2020 model year, indicating no improvement and maintaining a "Below Average" safety band. This index is composed of 49.8 out of 70 points for crash protection, 4.5 out of 10 for avoidance technology due to non-standard lane departure warning and optional forward collision warning, and 14 out of 20 for its defect record. Notably, the 2021 model year logged no recall campaigns, a positive distinction from other years. Nevertheless, 880 owner-filed complaints were recorded, including 291 electrical and 241 steering allegations. These complaints also contain unverified claims of 19 crashes and 24 fires.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2021 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited perform in crash tests?
The 2021 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited received a 4-star frontal crash rating from NHTSA, the highest star rating published for this vehicle. Its rollover evaluation yielded 3 out of 5 stars, with a 27 percent rollover risk. The dynamic tip test concluded with "No Tip." No overall or side ratings are available; NHTSA did not complete these evaluations for the Wrangler Unlimited.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 15477
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2021 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited have any recalls?
NHTSA shows zero recall campaigns on file for the 2021 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive is associated with this model year. Shoppers should still run a VIN check through NHTSA's recall database, as records can be updated after initial publication.
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2021 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited?
Owners have filed 880 unverified complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently alleged problem areas are the Electrical System (291 reports), Steering (241), and Engine (209). These are unverified consumer allegations, not confirmed defects, and include reported claims of 19 crashes and 24 fires.
880 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2021 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited?
The 2021 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited has been subject to multiple recalls. Prospective buyers should verify the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup tool to ensure all applicable remedies have been completed and to check for any new campaigns.
- The 2021 model year carries zero NHTSA recall campaigns on file, a cleaner defect record than some neighboring years, reflected in a defect-record sub-score of 14 out of 20.
- NHTSA did not rate the 2021 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited in the overall or side crash-test categories, meaning two of the four standard NCAP evaluations are absent for this specific year.
- The avoidance-tech sub-score of 4.5 out of 10 is held down by the lack of standard forward collision warning and the complete absence of lane departure warning on this model year.
- Owner-filed complaints total 880 for this model year, with unverified allegations concentrated in Electrical System (291 reports) and Steering (241 reports), the two highest complaint categories on record for this vehicle.
RANKINGSWhere the 2021 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited places
The 2021 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2021 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited safety questions
Was the 2021 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2021 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 68 out of 100, placing it in the Below Average band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2021 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2021 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited earned 4 out of 5 stars for frontal and 3 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 26.7%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2021 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited have?
According to NHTSA recall data, no vehicle recalls are on file for the 2021 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited as of Oct 1, 2026. Equipment recalls, if any, are excluded from the Safety Index. Run your VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm the status is current.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2021 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 880 owner complaints are on file for the 2021 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash or a fire.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Wrangler Unlimited years
Rivals in SUV (2021)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Tesla Model X 5-Seat | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Tesla Model X 6-Seat | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Tesla Model X 7-Seat | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Nissan Murano | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Audi Q5 Sportback | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Mazda CX-3 | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 15477), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited 2021.
- SCORE The NHTSA Safety Index (0-100) weights crash protection, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the defect record. Full formula on the methodology page. It ranks 111 of 118 in the SUV class for 2021.
- EDITED Written by the MotorCaliber Safety Desk and reviewed for accuracy and plain-language clarity by Ivanna Verstliar, Editor, against the source figures on this page.
- VERIFIED Data last synced Oct 1, 2026. Recalls change; confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. See our corrections policy and disclosure.