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TL;DR
- Two Wrangler generations matter to most owners: the JK (IIHS groups it as 2007–2017 plus the 2018 Wrangler JK) and the JL, which Jeep introduced in fall 2017 as a 2018 model.
- JL 4x4 hardware splits three ways: Command-Trac (part-time, 2.72:1 low range), Selec-Trac (full-time with a 4WD Auto mode, 2.72:1) and Rock-Trac on Rubicon (4.0:1 low range, Tru-Lok front and rear lockers, electronic sway-bar disconnect).
- Towing is 2,000 lb for a two-door and 3,500 lb for most four-doors; only the four-door Rubicon with the 2.0L turbo and automatic is rated at 5,000 lb.
- NHTSA's frame-weld investigation (PE19-012) closed in October 2023 without a new recall; the track-bar bracket weld recall (18V-675, 18,055 trucks) was the fix for the steering-related weld defect.
- Two open fire-risk campaigns carry "park outside" advice: 26V363 (power-steering pump wiring, 1,076,999 Wrangler, Wrangler 4xe and Gladiator) and 25V741 (4xe high-voltage battery, 320,068 vehicles).
At a Glance
| If your JL is a… | What its 4WD does | Good fit for |
|---|---|---|
| Sport or Sahara with Command-Trac | Part-time 4WD, low range, open differentials | Dirt roads, snow, moderate trails |
| Sport or Sahara with Selec-Trac | Full-time case with a 4WD Auto mode, plus low range | Winter daily driving plus trails |
| Willys | Factory Tru-Lok rear locker and 33-inch tires | Muddy and rutted trails on a budget |
| Rubicon | 4:1 low range, front and rear lockers, sway-bar disconnect | Rock crawling and the hardest trails |
Generations and Model Years
IIHS applies its older Wrangler ratings to 2007–2017 models and the 2018 Wrangler JK, and it rated both a two-door and a four-door body from 2007. Jeep's 2025 specifications give the JL's introduction as "Fall 2017 as a 2018 model," so 2018 is the one model year in which both the JK and the JL were sold new. The JL is built at the Toledo Supplier Park in Toledo, Ohio, on a ladder-type frame with an open steel and aluminum body.
The Wrangler 4xe plug-in hybrid joined the JL line for the 2021 model year. Jeep rates it at 375 hp and 470 lb-ft from a 2.0L turbo four, two electric motors and an eight-speed automatic, with a 17-kWh, 400-volt battery and an EPA-rated 21 miles of electric range (2025 figures). For 2025, Jeep lists seven gas trims (Sport, Sport S, Willys, Sahara, Rubicon, Rubicon X and the four-door-only Rubicon 392) and six 4xe trims, all four-door.
4WD Systems and Axles (JL)
Every JL is four-wheel drive with a two-speed transfer case and solid Dana axles front and rear. Jeep's 2025 specification sheet lists four transfer cases:
| Transfer case | Type and modes | Low range | Where it's fitted |
|---|---|---|---|
| NV241 Command-Trac | Part-time: 2WD High, 4WD High, Neutral, 4WD Low | 2.72:1 | Standard on Sport and Sahara |
| MP3022 Selec-Trac | Full-time: adds 4WD Auto | 2.72:1 | Optional on Sport and Sahara; standard on Rubicon 392 |
| NV241OR Rock-Trac | Part-time | 4.0:1 | Standard on Rubicon |
| MP3022OR Rock-Trac | Full-time: adds 4WD Auto | 4.0:1 | Optional on Rubicon |
Sport and Sahara run open differentials. Rubicon models get Tru-Lok electronic lockers front and rear, an electronic front sway-bar disconnect and, from the 2024 model year, a Dana 44 heavy-duty full-float rear axle; the Willys got a standard Tru-Lok rear locker and 33-inch tires for 2024. Rubicon also offers a factory 8,000-lb Warn winch. Axle ratios are 3.45 on most trims, 4.10 on Rubicon and Willys, 4.56 with the Xtreme 35 Package or the 392, and an optional 4.88 on a manual Rubicon. Jeep quotes crawl ratios of up to 100:1 on gas models (Rubicon, manual, 4.88 axle) and up to 77.2:1 on the 4xe.
The JK used the same two families: Sport and Sahara had a Dana 30 front and Dana 44 rear with the Command-Trac NV241 (2.72:1) and an optional Trac-Lok limited-slip rear, while Rubicon had Dana 44 axles at both ends, the Rock-Trac NV241 (4.0:1), front and rear electric lockers and a disconnecting front sway bar.
Engines, Towing and Payload (2025)
| Engine | Output | Transmission | Max trailer |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.6L Pentastar V6 | 285 hp, 260 lb-ft | Six-speed manual only | 2,000 lb (2-door), 3,500 lb (4-door) |
| 2.0L turbo I4 | 270 hp, 295 lb-ft | Eight-speed automatic | 2,000 lb (2-door), 3,500 lb (4-door), 5,000 lb (4-door Rubicon, 4.10 axle) |
| 6.4L V8 (Rubicon 392) | 470 hp, 470 lb-ft | Eight-speed automatic | 3,500 lb |
| 2.0L 4xe plug-in hybrid | 375 hp, 470 lb-ft | Eight-speed automatic | Not in the gas-model sheet |
Four-door payload in Jeep's 2025 towing tables runs from 1,088 lb (Rubicon 392) to 1,328 lb (manual Rubicon); a manual Sport four-door is rated at 1,218 lb. The 392 needs premium fuel, while the 2.0L runs on 87 octane with 91 recommended.
Two-Door vs Four-Door and Tire Size: What Changes for Fitment
| Spec (2025) | Two-door | Four-door |
|---|---|---|
| Wheelbase | 96.8 in | 118.4 in |
| Fuel tank | 17.5 gal | 21.5 gal |
| Turning circle | 32.7 ft | 38.8 ft |
| Rubicon breakover (33-in tires) | 27.8° | 22.6° |
| Rubicon RTI, sway bar disconnected | 890 | 770 |
Track width is 62.9 inches on most trims, 64.4 inches on Rubicon and 66.9 inches with the Xtreme 35 Package or on the 392, which also widen the body to 79.3 inches. Factory tires step from 245/75R17 (Sport) and 255/70R18 (Sahara) to LT285/70R17 on Rubicon and Willys and LT315/70R17 (35-inch) on the Xtreme 35 Package and 392. Ground clearance follows: 9.7 in, 10.0 in, 10.8 in and 12.9 in (four-door on 35s). Water fording is 30 in on Sport and Sahara, 31.5 in on Rubicon and 34 in on 35-inch tires. Tops, doors, roof racks and interior parts are specific to the door count, and JK parts are listed separately from JL parts.
The Frame-Weld Investigation, Explained
After a citizen petition, NHTSA opened Preliminary Evaluation PE19-012 in September 2019 into frame-weld quality and related steering complaints on 2018–2019 JL Wranglers, starting with an estimated 270,000 vehicles. It closed in October 2023 with the population counted at 355,088. NHTSA found the loss-of-steering weld defect had been handled by recall 18V-675 (front track-bar bracket welds, 18,055 trucks), and that other weld complaints were cosmetic or out-of-scope separations with no crashes, injuries or loss of control. It traced the steering complaints to other causes that FCA addressed outside a recall: steering-box looseness (TSB 08-003-21), damper-related shimmy (Customer Satisfaction Notification V41, June 2019) and cold-weather power-steering "stiction" (CSN Y95, December 2021). Closing a probe is not a finding that no defect exists.
Recall History (NHTSA)
As of September 2026, NHTSA's recall database returns 47 vehicle campaigns that include a 2018–2026 JL (counting the separately listed Wrangler 4xe) and 26 that include a 2007–2017 JK; many are shared with other Stellantis models. The largest and most consequential:
| Campaign | Filed | Model years | Problem | Units |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 26V363 | Jun 2026 | 2021–2025 Wrangler, 4xe, Gladiator | Electro-hydraulic power-steering pump wiring can overheat and start a fire, even when parked; park outside until repaired | 1,076,999 |
| 25V741 | Oct 2025 | 2020–2025 Wrangler 4xe, 2022–2026 Grand Cherokee 4xe | High-voltage battery can fail internally and catch fire; park outside, don't charge; replaces 24V720 | 320,068 |
| 25V766 | Nov 2025 | 2024–2025 Wrangler 4xe, 2023–2025 Grand Cherokee 4xe | Debris inside the engine can cause engine failure, loss of drive power or fire | 117,904 |
| 23V116 | Feb 2023 | 2018–2023 Wrangler, 2020–2023 Gladiator (manual) | Clutch pressure plate can overheat and fracture; replaces 20V124 and 21V028 | 69,201 |
| 23V191 | Mar 2023 | 2020–2022 | A frame stud can puncture the fuel tank in a crash | 35,829 |
| 18V675 | Sep 2018 | 2018–2019 | Front track-bar bracket welds can separate from the frame | 18,055 |
| 16V352 / 19V018 | 2016 / 2019 | 2007–2016 (JK) | Passenger air bag inflator can rupture; "do not drive" advisory | Multi-model |
Wrangler Owner Pages
- How to put jeep wrangler in 4wd
- Problems & Maintenance
- Mod Priorities
- Best Lift Kits
- Best Seat Covers
- Best Roof Racks
- Best Front Bumpers
- Best Floor Mats
- How Many Miles Will It Last?
- 5-Year Maintenance Cost
- Jeep accessory fitment hub
Check for Open Recalls
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Data from NHTSA's public recall API — this lookup is not the official record and 4x4 & Overlanding is not affiliated with NHTSA. Always confirm current recall status at nhtsa.gov/recalls using your vehicle's VIN before assuming a vehicle has no open recalls.
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Sources
- Stellantis — 2025 Jeep Wrangler Specifications — JL introduction (fall 2017 as a 2018 model), Toledo assembly, engines and outputs, transmissions, the four transfer cases and low-range ratios, axles and Tru-Lok lockers, axle ratios, sway-bar disconnect, wheelbase, track, tires, ground clearance, angles, RTI, water fording, fuel tanks, turning circle, payload and towing tables.
- Stellantis — What's New for 2025: Jeep Wrangler / Wrangler 4xe — 2025 trim lineup, 4xe output, battery and electric range, Willys rear locker, crawl ratios (100:1 gas, 77.2:1 4xe).
- Stellantis — Jeep Brand Introduces New 2024 Wrangler — Dana 44 HD full-float rear axle on Rubicon for 2024, factory 8,000-lb Warn winch, Willys standard Tru-Lok rear locker and 33-inch tires.
- Stellantis — 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe press kit — Wrangler 4xe plug-in hybrid introduced for the 2021 model year.
- Stellantis — 2018 Jeep Wrangler JK Fact Sheet — JK axles (Dana 30/Dana 44, Dana 44 front and rear on Rubicon), Command-Trac and Rock-Trac NV241 cases and ratios, Trac-Lok option, Rubicon lockers and sway-bar disconnect.
- IIHS — 2017 Jeep Wrangler 4-door SUV ratings — Ratings apply to 2007–2017 Wrangler and the 2018 Wrangler JK.
- NHTSA ODI — PE19-012 opening resume — Petition DP18-004, investigation opened September 2019 on 2018–2019 JL frame welds and steering complaints, estimated 270,000 population.
- NHTSA ODI — PE19-012 closing resume — Closed October 2023, population 355,088, findings on recall 18V-675, no crashes or injuries from out-of-scope weld failures, TSB 08-003-21, CSN V41 and CSN Y95.
- NHTSA — Recall 26V363 — 2021–2025 Wrangler, Wrangler 4xe and Gladiator power-steering pump wiring fire risk, park-outside advice, 1,076,999 units.
- NHTSA — Recall 25V741 — Wrangler 4xe and Grand Cherokee 4xe high-voltage battery fire risk, park outside and don't charge, replaces 24V720, 320,068 units.
- NHTSA — Recall 24V720 — Earlier 4xe battery campaign replaced by 25V741.
- NHTSA — Recall 25V766 — 4xe engine debris campaign, 117,904 units.
- NHTSA — Recall 23V116 — Manual-transmission clutch pressure plate campaign replacing 20V124 and 21V028, 69,201 units.
- NHTSA — Recall 23V191 — 2020–2022 frame stud can puncture the fuel tank, 35,829 units.
- NHTSA — Recall 18V675 — 2018–2019 front track-bar bracket weld recall, 18,055 units.
- NHTSA — Recall 16V352 — 2007–2012 Wrangler passenger air bag inflator campaign with do-not-drive advisory.
- NHTSA — Recall 19V018 — 2010–2016 Wrangler air bag inflator campaign with do-not-drive advisory.
- NHTSA — Datasets and APIs (Recalls API) — Campaign counts by model and model year and potentially affected unit totals, pulled September 28, 2026.
- NHTSA — Recalls lookup by VIN — Where owners check a specific vehicle's open recalls.