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2021 Jeep Wrangler

Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 2021 Wrangler.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler carries a 5.0-quart oil capacity and calls for 5W-30 or 0W-30 viscosity, maintenance specifications that sit alongside a reliability record of 15 recalls and 889 owner complaints led most often by the electrical system. Within the model’s 1990–2023 complaint history—a range that peaked at 1,793 reports in 2018 and hit a low of 5 in 1996—the 2021 model lands well below that ceiling. That positioning marks a comparatively moderate chapter in the Wrangler’s long-term record, offering researchers a data point removed from the nameplate’s most heavily reported years.

Model year202620252024202320222021202019941993

Quick specs

Fluid capacities, tune-up values and fuel economy at a glance.

Engine oil capacity5.0 qtOEM · verified
Engine oil type5W-30 / 0W-30OEM · verified
Lug nut torque130 ft-lbsOEM · verified

Fitment & sizes

Replacement part sizes and factory part numbers — battery, bulbs, filters and belts.

From the factory this vehicle uses a BCI 48 · 600 CCA battery, OE oil filter 04892339BE. Each part links to every other vehicle that shares it, so a part you already stock may fit more of your fleet than you'd expect.

Battery groupBCI 48 · 600 CCAOEM · verified
High beam bulbAOEM · verified
Tire size255/70R18 113TOEM · verified
Wheel / rim7.5 inOEM · verified

OE service part numbers OEM · verified

Engine oil filter04892339BE alt 68191349AC
Engine air filter68257030AA alt 68293164AC
Fuel filter68436631AA
Spark plugSP225755AB alt 68292346AA
BatteryBBH6A001AA alt BBH6F001AA
Front wiper blades68383600AB
Thermostat52028898AJ alt 68212516AA
Cabin air filter68535621AA alt 68364653AA

Full specifications

Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.

Dimensions & weight NHTSA vPIC

Overall length181.9 in
Overall width74 in
Overall height73.6 in
Wheelbase118.5 in
Curb weight5000 lb
Track (front / rear)63 / 63 in
Weight distribution (front / rear)52/48

Performance & power Independent road tests

0–60 mph, quarter-mile, horsepower and torque from independent road tests.

Independent road tests for the Wrangler of this era, listed by trim and engine — this page spans more than one engine, so no single horsepower figure is shown.

4.0–7.5 sec0–60 mph (tested)quickest 4.00 sec — 2021 Unlimited Rubicon 392 4-door
YearTrim / engine0–60¼ mileHPDrivetrain
2021Unlimited Rubicon 392 4-door 6.4L V84.00 sec12.90 sec470 hp4x4
2021Unlimited Rubicon 392 4-door 6.4L V84.20 sec12.90 sec470 hp4x4
2021Unlimited Rubicon 4xe PHEV 4-door 2.0L Turbo I-4 + Elec 17.3-kWh5.50 sec14.10 sec375 hp4x4
2021Unlimited Sport 4-door 2.0L Turbo I-45.80 sec14.60 sec270 hp4x4
2021Unlimited Sahara 4xe PHEV 4-door 2.0L Turbo I-4 + Elec 17.3-kWh6.00 sec15.00 sec375 hp4x4
2021Unlimited Sport 4-door 2.0L Turbo I-46.60 sec15.00 sec270 hp4x4
2021Unlimited Rubicon 4xe PHEV 4-door 2.0L Turbo I-4 + Elec 17.3-kWh6.80 sec15.20 sec375 hp4x4
2021Unlimited Rubicon 4xe PHEV 4-door 2.0L Turbo I-4 + Elec 17.3-kWh7.46 sec15.88 sec375 hp4x4

Service quick specs OEM factory data

Capacities, torques and tune-up values from the factory service manual.

This engine holds 5.0 qt of 5W-30 / 0W-30 engine oil, Rear: 200 RBI in the differential, DOT 3 · SAE J1703 · DOT 4 · DOT 3 brake fluid. Torque lug nuts to 130 ft-lbs. The firing order is 1-4-2-5-3-6.

Lubricants & capacities

Automatic Transmission FluidATF
Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity9.5 qt
Brake FluidDOT 3 · DOT 4 · DOT 3
Brake FluidDOT 3 · SAE J1703 · DOT 4 · DOT 3
Brake FluidDOT 3 · SAE J1703 · DOT 4 · DOT 3
Brake FluidDOT 3 · SAE J1703 · DOT 4 · DOT 3
Clutch FluidDot 3 · Dot 4 · Dot 3
Differential Gear OilRear: 200 RBI

Engine torques

Crankshaft Position (CKP) Sensor Bolt(s)9.0 ft-lbs
Camshaft Position (CMP) Sensor Bolt(s)6.67 ft-lbs
Crankshaft Position (CKP) Sensor Bolt(s)7.14 ft-lbs
Camshaft Position (CMP) Sensor Bolt(s)Intake: 7.14 ft-lbs, Exhaust: 6.67 ft-lbs
Crankshaft Position (CKP) Sensor Bolt(s)7.14 ft-lbs
Camshaft Position (CMP) Sensor Bolt(s)Intake: 7.14 ft-lbs, Exhaust: 6.67 ft-lbs
Crankshaft Position (CKP) Sensor Bolt(s)7.14 ft-lbs
Camshaft Position (CMP) Sensor Bolt(s)Intake: 7.14 ft-lbs, Exhaust: 6.67 ft-lbs

Chassis torques

Differential Fill Plug25.0 ft-lbs
Differential drain Plug25.0 ft-lbs
Differential Fill Plug25.0 ft-lbs
Differential drain Plug25.0 ft-lbs
Differential Fill Plug25.0 ft-lbs
Differential drain Plug25.0 ft-lbs
Lug Nuts130 ft-lbs
Transfer Case Fill Plug21.0 ft-lbs

Ignition

Cylinder Firing Order1-3-4-2
Cylinder Firing Order1-2-3-4-5-6
Cylinder Firing Order1-4-2-5-3-6
Spark Plug ManufacturerMopar
Spark Plug Gap0.024-0.026 in
Spark Plug Torque15.0 ft-lbs
Spark Plug ManufacturerMopar
Spark Plug Gap0.043 in

Battery & A/C

RefrigerantR1234yf
Refrigerant Capacity1.06 lbs.; Refer to underwood AC specification label. If R-134-a is specified
Oil TypeFD46XG
Oil Capacity5.0 oz
Refrigerant CapacityR-1234yf
Oil GroupPAG
Oil Type46YF
Oil Capacity5.0 oz

Service checks

RPMLow Side Running: 70.4-80.4 psi @ idle rpm
Injector Primary Resistance11.4-12.6 @ 68 degreesF ohms
Injector Primary Resistance11.4-12.6 @ 68 degreesF ohms
Engine Compression170.0-225.0 psi
Engine Oil Pressure15.9 psi @ Idle psi
Engine Oil Pressure RPM58.0 psi @ 3600 rpms rpm

Brakes

Brake Caliper Bolt to Carrier Torque27.0 ft-lbs
Brake Caliper Carrier to Hub Bolt TorqueFront: 148.0 ft-lbs; Rear: 92.0 ft-lbs
ABS Sensor Torque6.8
Vented Rotor Minimum Thickness after RefinishFront: 1.039; Rear: .488; Front: .882; Rear: .409
Maximum Rotor RunoutMeasured with

Multi-step torque procedures OEM · verified

Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages
115 ft. lbs., Step 2: 9015 ft. lbs
Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
174.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: 125°74 ft. lbs
Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
130.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: 105°30 ft. lbs
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 1 stages
122.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: 33.0 ft. lbs., Step 3: 33.0 ft. lbs., Step 4: 125° do not use a torque wrench for this step., Step 5: Loosen all fasteners in reverse order., Step 6: 22.0 ft. lbs., Step 7: 33.0 ft. lbs., Step 8: 33.0 ft. lbs., Step 9: 130° do not use a torque wrench for this step. **Step 4 can be completed in 2 steps. Step 1: 35°, Step 2: 90° ** Step 9 can be completed in 2 steps. Step 1: 40°, Step 2: 90°22 ft. lbs
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 1 stages
1Bolts 1-1015 ft. lbs
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 1 stages
122.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: 75°, Step 3: 75°, Step 4: 75°22 ft. lbs
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 1 stages
122.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: 33.0 ft. lbs., Step 3: 33.0 ft. lbs., Step 4: 125° without using a torque wrench. Step 5: Loosen all fasteners. Step 6: 22.0 ft. lbs., Step 7: 33.0 ft. lbs., Step 8: 33.0 ft. lbs., Step 8: 130° without using a torque wrench.22 ft. lbs
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 1 stages
1Bolts 1-1025 ft. lbs
Engine Flywheel Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
122 ft. lbs., Step 2: 5122 ft. lbs
Engine Flywheel Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
137 ft. lbs., Step 2: 92 ft. lbs., Step 3: 3037 ft. lbs
Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
111.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: 30.011 ft. lbs
Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
111.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: 30.011 ft. lbs
Main Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages

Prep Bolts stamped with the letter B or the number 6 use the following torque procedure.

111 ft. lbs., Step 2: 20 ft. lbs., Step 3: 45 degrees; Bolts that are not stamped with the letter B or the number 6 use the following torque procedure.11 ft. lbs
111 ft. lbs., Step 2: 33 ft. lbs., Step 3: 45 degrees11 ft. lbs

Factory maintenance schedule OEM · verified

Normal service, condensed from the factory interval matrix.

Under the factory schedule, replace the engine oil and filter every 8,000 mi.

Every 8,000 miEngine Oil (drain & refill) · Engine Oil Filter (replace)
Every 10,000 miBattery (inspect) · Body Latches, Locks & Hinges (inspect) · Brake System (inspect) · CV Joint Boot (inspect) · Diesel Emissions Fluid (fill) · Driveshaft U-Joint (inspect)
Every 16,000 miFuel Filter (replace)
At 20,000 miDifferential (inspect fluid level)
Every 20,000 miBrake Linings (inspect) · Cabin Air Filter (replace) · Differential (inspect fluid level) · Parking Brake System (adjust) · Suspension System (inspect) · Tie Rod (inspect)
At 30,000 miTransfer Case Assembly (inspect fluid level)
Every 30,000 miEngine Air Filter Element (replace)
Every 40,000 miDifferential (inspect fluid level)
Every 60,000 miTransfer Case Assembly (inspect fluid level)

Owner how-tos

Condensed service procedures for routine maintenance. Procedures that require dealer diagnostic equipment are identified and summarized only.

Common procedures

Key fob — remote (RKE) programming programming new fob buttons Dealer tool OEM · verified
Tool requiredDRBIII scan tool (dealer / locksmith)
WhyTransmitter codes are written into the receiver in the passenger door module
Anti-theft (SKIS) — module initialization after immobilizer module replacement Dealer tool OEM · verified
When neededAfter Sentry Key Immobilizer Module (SKIM) replacement
Tool requiredDRBIII scan tool
Also requiredThe vehicle's four-digit PIN code

Reliability & federal safety record

Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler sits within the fourth generation (JL, 2018–present), a period marked by elevated complaint volumes relative to prior generations, peaking in 2018 with 1,793 reports before declining to 889 in 2021. Recalls remained consistently high—15 in 2021, matching 2020 and 2022—suggesting persistent but actively addressed safety or compliance concerns rather than a single-year anomaly. Electrical system complaints (123) dominate the 2021 data, aligning with the broader trend of increasing electronic complexity in this generation, while fire-related complaints (25) and crash reports (19) reflect ongoing scrutiny of powertrain and structural integrity. Compared to 2020’s 593 complaints and 2022’s 371, the 2021 model year appears as a mid-cycle high point in reported issues, though recall volume indicates proactive manufacturer response. The data implies that while 2021 is not the most problematic year in this generation, buyers should prioritize a thorough pre-purchase inspection, particularly of electrical systems and powertrain components. Given the recall history, a 2021 Wrangler with documented service campaigns addressed is a reasonable choice, but avoid examples with unresolved electrical or fire-related complaints.

15
Open recalls
NHTSA campaigns
1027
Service bulletins
Manufacturer communications
3
ODI investigations
Office of Defects Investigation
889
Owner complaints
19 involved a crash · 25 a fire
NHTSA crash-test rating federal NCAP · out of 5 stars
Frontal★★★★★
Rollover★★★★★
Owner complaints by model year NHTSA · this generation & adjacent
’90’91’92’93’94’95’96’97’98’99’00’01’02’03’04’05’06’07’08’09’10’11’12’13’14’15’16’17’18’19’20’21’22’23

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component

All 889 complaints on record, top 8 components.

Electrical System123
Steering87
Steering,Suspension71
Power Train57
Suspension53
Unknown Or Other47
Engine36
Electrical System,Engine28

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.

Recalls NHTSA · verified

Showing 2 of 15 campaigns on record for this vehicle.

21V028000Power Train:Clutch AssemblyReported 28/01/2021

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2018-2021 Jeep Wrangler and 2020-2021 Jeep Gladiator vehicles equipped with manual transmissions. The clutch pressure plate may overheat and fracture. Remedy: FCA US LLC will notify owners, and dealers will add software to reduce engine torque capability when clutch assembly temperatures rise to a level that may damage the inner…

22V638000Back Over Prevention:Display FunctionReported 25/08/2022

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Jeep Wrangler, RAM 1500 and 2021 Jeep Gladiator vehicles. A radio software error may prevent the rearview image from displaying. As such, these vehicles fail to… Remedy: Dealers will update the radio software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 6, 2022. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403…

Technical service bulletins NHTSA · verified

Showing 5 of 1027 bulletins on record with NHTSA.

BulletinDateComponentSummary
1126402026-06-30EngineTHROTTLE BODY – NONE
1126392026-06-30EngineTHROTTLE BODY – NONE
1128632026-06-23Electrical SystemMOTOR - BLOWER WITH WHEEL
1128622026-06-23Electrical SystemMOTOR - BLOWER WITH WHEEL
1128422026-06-18EngineBOLT - HEX FLANGE HEAD

Common OBD-II trouble codes

The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.

P0420
Catalyst system efficiency below threshold — Bank 1
P0300
Random / multiple cylinder misfire detected
P0171
System too lean — Bank 1
P0455
Evaporative emission system leak detected — large leak
P0128
Coolant thermostat below regulating temperature
P0442
Evaporative emission system leak detected — small leak

VIN tools

Decode factory build data for a specific vehicle by VIN.

VIN
Decode a VIN to confirm the transmission and build data for a specific Wrangler. OEM
Build data
Plant, GVWR class, engine and body data for any 17-character VIN.
Recalls
Check open recall campaigns against a specific vehicle by VIN.

Vehicles with shared specs

Find every vehicle that shares this one's battery, bulbs, oil capacity, platform or parts.

Group 48 batteryVehicles taking 5.0 qtEngine oil filter 04892339BEEngine air filter 68257030AAFuel filter 68436631AASpark plug SP225755AB

Reference guides

Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.

Vehicle recalls & TSBsOBD-II trouble codesTorque specificationsMaintenance schedulesFluid capacities & specs

Frequently asked

How much oil does the 2021 Wrangler take?

5.0 qt of Mopar 5W-30 Full Synthetic is preferred. If Mopar 5W-30 is not available 0W-30 Synthetic may be used until the next oil change., per the factory manual.

Does the 2021 Wrangler have open recalls?

NHTSA lists 15 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.