This Iconic Vehicle Is Extremely Unreliable According To Consumer Reports

World War II changed a lot about the American landscape, effectively jumpstarting the economy and pulling the country out of the great depression. In tandem with this, the war served to jettison the vehicles used on the battlefront to domestic popularity. It was these designs that carried Jeep to long-time household fame. With this being said, the iconic brand has struggled in recent years with reliability, and one of the brand's flagship designs is no exception. The Jeep Wrangler is the closest to the military vehicles that first forged the brand, but today it exists as one of the weakest on the market.

A recent article in Consumer Reports opened multiple holes in the reliability of the 2025 Wrangler. The report outlined several issues that have basically carried through the years, including an increasingly noisy interior, a leaking roof, and poor gas mileage. In addition to this, the 2024 Wrangler model, in its short life, has already been subject to 11 recalls by the National Highway Safety Administration. Most notable amongst these recalls were instances of electrical fires and tire warning lights that failed to turn on. In addition to this, the car experienced multiple complaints surrounding urban drive quality, with the body and suspension shaking while driving.

The first Wrangler came onto the American market as a replacement for the classic Jeep CJ in 1987. While Jeep as a brand has expanded from its wartime roots to include SUVs and sedans, the Wrangler has continued to sell and hold its own. This has been particularly true for those looking for off-road capabilities, as the Jeep Wrangler offers multiple 4x4 options with robust suspension.

Even with the issues, there is a wide variety of consumers who will continue to buy the Wrangler for its straightforward design and affordable price point. In comparison to other capable off-road vehicles like the Ford Bronco, the Wrangler is considerably less expensive. With that being said, those hoping to finance their Wrangler should be wary, as multiple unexpectedly predatory loans exist. The 2025 Wrangler is also available in a plug-in hybrid option, which, while still susceptible to issues, will afford owners better fuel efficiency. While this model is not eligible for federal tax incentives, it may still be a savvy option.