Jeep Wrangler Reliability: How Long Will It Last?

S.D. Grady

Feb 28, 2022

The rugged Jeep Wrangler has been reported to reach 200,000 miles or more by owners that actively maintain their 4X4 machines. Expect to continue to address minor and major repairs for the electrical, suspension, and engine to keep yours on the road.

Key Points

A well-maintained Jeep Wrangler should be able to last up to 200,000 miles, even though it may not have the highest reliability rating in the compact or midsize SUV segment.
A key part of its longevity is the 3.6L V6 Pentastar engine that has been standard equipment on the 2012 to 2021 Jeep Wrangler.
Maintaining your Jeep Wrangler is crucial in reaching those high-mileage marks, but that may also include replacing worn timing chains, suspension, brake lines, and other parts.
Due to its popularity as an off-road vehicle, a used Jeep Wrangler may not always be a good candidate for a long life based on its prior usage.

Owners of the Best-selling Jeep Wrangler Often Report Mileage Topping 200,000, Even Though the SUV is not Always Seen as Reliable

Once again, the 2021 Jeep Wrangler ranked as one of the top five bestselling SUVs by Newsweek. One reason that Americans continue to invest in the popular off-road vehicle is that it is known for its durability, often lasting past the 200,000-mile marker.

Enthusiastic owners love to share their victory stories in the Wrangler Forum, noting the age and longevity of their four-wheel-drive rides. They even swap tales of Jeeps built in the ’70s and ’80s still rolling around town, complete with faded paint jobs and torn soft tops.

At the same time, year after yearthe model scores only an average rating for reliability by J.D. Power. You will spend an above-average $694 on annual maintenance.

However, a high resale value indicates that the SUV still makes it a good candidate as a long-lasting vehicle.

Jeep Wrangler’s 3.6L Pentastar Engine Supports the Longevity of the SUV with a Sterling Reputation and Long Oil-change Intervals

One key ingredient that contributed to the durable reputation of the Jeep Wrangler SUVs over the past decade is the standard 3.6L V6 Pentastar engine found under most hoods.

Added to the Jeep Wrangler in 2012, the engine produces 285 horsepower and 260 lb.-ft. of torque. Which is all the muscle needed to take the ride off-road without hesitation.

The Pentastar engine proved so dependable that by 2019, Auto123 reported that more than 10 million were installed in nearly half of new Chrysler, Dodge, and Jeep vehicles—a clear indication that the motor is designed to survive a mix of terrains, climates, and driving styles.

One Pentastar even stole the headlines after running for over 626,000 miles before it finally suffered parts failure.

Of course, every engine demands careful maintenance to stay on the road past the manufacturer’s warranty. Completing an oil change every 6,000 to 10,000 miles on your Jeep Wrangler will help to keep it purring.

Jeep’s oil life monitor reminds you when to head to the garage. It accurately calculates when a fluid and filter change is due based on your driving habits and the road conditions.

Continued Diligence by the Manufacturer and Jeep Wrangler Owners Address New Maintenance Issues, Like a Rusting Oil Pan and Reprogramming the Powertrain Control Module

Of course, an SUV capable of achieving high mileage depends on more than just a great engine. If you want your Wrangler to last, you should expect to replace more than the oil and actively troubleshoot new problems as they arise.

While the 2012 Jeep Wrangler gathered the most initial complaints at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration over the past 10 years, some issues only came to light as the vehicle aged.

Drivers are now experiencing engine lights, sputtering, and poor acceleration. And repair shops are finding that rusting oil pans are affecting engine performance beyond the loss of oil. However, installing a new oil pan is a quick fix and not something that will cut short the life of the vehicle.

Once you roll past 120,000 miles, it may be time to replace the timing chain. Jeep uses a plastic timing chain cover that wears away over time. Replacing the cover at the same time as the timing chain protects the crank and camshaft from dirt and debris.

Older Jeep Wranglers will Also Continue to Roll-on for a Long Time with Proper Maintenance, and Maybe the Replacement of Key Suspension Parts

As an SUV built for rural roads and rugged trails, an older Jeep Wrangler will likely need to have key suspension parts replaced due to wear and tear.

Put your ride on a lift and inspect the ball joints, springs, shocks, and even the sway bar. Replacing parts as needed ensures your 4X4 can look forward to more years on the road.

The manufacturer also works to keep older rides rolling. A 2019 service campaign applied to the 2010 to 2015 Jeep Wrangler called for reprogramming the powertrain control module. The PCM stored error codes even after problems were fixed resulting in older vehicles failing smog inspections. The quick reflash ensured that more Wranglers could skip a trip to the junkyard.

Though Mileage may Vary, not Every Jeep Wrangler Avoids Rough Roads, and so, Longevity Mostly Depends on how the Jeep is Used in its Daily Drives

If you are considering adding a Jeep Wrangler to your garage, choosing one solely based on its ability to reach 200,000 miles or more is not a wise approach.

Since it is a 4X4 SUV designed to climb mountains, splash through creeks, and power over snowdrifts, the durability of any Wrangler will depend largely on how it is used.

Instead of focusing on mileage, take a close look at its maintenance and repair history and ask what type of terrain it tackled. One that spent years commuting to the office is more likely to pass that quarter-million-mile mark compared to one abused every weekend at the off-road park.

Photos: Stellantis

Owner Reviews

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Garry. Fritz on March 6, 2022

1999 to 2006. Tj

1999 to 2006 TJ‘s with 4.0 engines, replaced three motors due to piston failure complete front and replacement twice the third motor replaced with a remanufactured motor from Acura engines in Granville mi don’t do business with them after replacing the remanufactured motor low pressure was told by the service manager they had a Loaner vehicle to use while Motor was being replaced was told four times would call me when the loaner vehicle came in after a year still hadloaner vehicle to use while Motor was being replaced was told four times would call me when the loaner vehicle came in after a year still had no loaner vehicle they told me that I had to bring it to them which I felt they should come and get it is there a motor is bad good luck to anyone that owns a Wrangler always wanted a wrangler now I have a 2019 JL With electrical problems in the instrument cluster

Billy Mitchell, Valley Mills, Texas on December 2, 2023

2019 Jeep Wrangler Sport

Jeep Wrangler Reliability: How Long Will It Last? - VehicleHistory (2024)