Owners have filed 548 complaints
about the 1997 Jeep Wrangler with NHTSA between 1996 and 2023.
The largest single group is the engine & cooling.
Across this model's run it ranks 20 of 33 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 40
Against the median year of the Jeep Wrangler. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 86
16.6% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 14
8% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Manifold/Header/Muffler/Tail Pipe
4225.8%
Exhaust System
2414.7%
Gasoline
2314.1%
Frontal
2213.5%
Automatic Transmission
159.2%
Catalytic Convertor
138.0%
Retractor
138.0%
Anchorage
116.7%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
44.1%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
11.0%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
77.1%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
3939.8%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
1919.4%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
1818.4%
150,000+ miles
1010.2%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Apr 1996peak 19Jul 2023
Recalls on the 1997 Jeep Wrangler
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
06E026000
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
Risk: WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
06E022000
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
CERTAIN AFTERMARKET BRAKE HYDRAULIC MASTER CYLINDERS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT BRAKE CYLINDERS FOR CERTAIN FORD, DAIMLERCHRYSLER, AND JEEP PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE BRAKE CYLINDERS WERE SOLD UNDER THE BRAND NAMES OF NAPA, RAYBESTOS, AIMCO, AC DELCO, CARQUEST, BENDIX, AND WAGNER. ONLY PRODUCTS THAT WERE MANUFACTURED FROM JULY 27, 2005 THROUGH JANUARY 17, 2006 (DATE CODES 0529 THROUGH 0602) ARE SUBJECT TO THIS RECALL. WHEN SUBJECT TO VERY COLD TEMPERATURES, AN INTERNAL SEAL IN THE MASTER CYLINDER COULD LOSE FLEXIBILITY AND MAY CAUSE BRAKE FLUID TO LEAK.
Risk: LOSS OF BRAKE FLUID CAN LEAD TO A DECREASE IN BRAKE LINE PRESSURE AND AN INCREASE IN STOPPING DISTANCE, WHICH CAN RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
06E011000
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
CERTAIN AFTERMARKET AIRTEX ELECTRIC FUEL PUMPS INSTALLED FOR USE AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR CERTAIN 1997-2004 JEEP WRANGLER; 1997-2001 JEEP CHEROKEE; 1997-2004 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE; AND 2000-2003 DODGE DAKOTA VEHICLES. THE PLASTIC ELECTRICAL GROMMET CONNECTORS AT THE TOP OF THE FUEL PUMP MODULE ARE NOT COMPATIBLE WITH AUTOMOTIVE FUELS AND MAY DEGRADE CAUSING A POTENTIAL LEAK PATH FOR FUEL.
Risk: IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FUEL LEAK COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
04E041000
EQUIPMENT
BESTOP AFTERMARKET REAR SHELL ROOF RACKS,MANUFACTURED BETWEEN APRIL 27 AND MAY 20, 2004, DESIGNED FOR USE WITH THE BESTOP HARDTOP MADE FOR THE 1986-1995 AND 1997-2003 JEEP WRANGLER. THE COCKPIT COVER MAY NOT STAY LATCHED TO THE ROOF RACK BECAUSE THE LATCH BRACKET MISPOSITIONS THE ROTARY LATCH TO THE COCKPIT COVER. AS A RESULT, THE COCKPIT COVER MAY NOT STAY LATCHED TO THE ROOF RACK AND COULD SEPARATE FROM THE ROOF RACK. THIS RECALL ONLY PERTAINS TO AFTERMARKET REAR SHELL ROOF RACKS AND HAS NO RELATION TO ANY ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT INSTALLED ON JEEP WRANGLER VEHICLES BY DAIMLERCHRYSLER.
Risk: SHOULD THIS OCCUR, THE COCKPIT COULD CAUSE INJURY BY STRIKING PERSONS OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE OR COULD BECOME A DISTRACTION OR AN OBSTACLE TO OTHER DRIVERS, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
98V046000
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MULTI-PURPOSE PASSENGER VEHICLE. THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG 'CLOCK SPRING' WIRING HARNESS CAN BREAK WHEN TURNED TO THE 'FULL LOCK' TURN POSITION.
Risk: IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, THE AIR BAG MAY NOT DEPLOY INCREASING THE RISK OF SERIOUS INJURY TO THE OCCUPANT.
97V080000
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE-INACTIVE
THE ELECTRICAL CIRCUIT DESIGN ALLOWS THE POTENTIAL FOR AN INADVERTENT AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT UPON VEHICLE IGNITION SHUT DOWN.
Risk: UNEXPECTED AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT CAN RESULT IN OCCUPANT INJURY.
96V060000
AIR BAGS
THE AIR BAG ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE (AECM) SOFTWARE CONTAINS AN ERROR WHICH CAN DELAY THE AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT IN CERTAIN CRASH SITUATIONS.
Risk: DELAYED DEPLOYMENT CAN CAUSE INCREASED INJURY TO FRONT SEAT VEHICLE OCCUPANTS IN A COLLISION.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 190,000 milesSAN Ramon, CACrash
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I EXPERIENCED SUDDEN ACCELERATION WHEN AT A COMPLETE STOP WITH FOOT ON BREAK. THROTTLE WENT VERY HIGH AND PROPELLED CAR FORWARDED EVEN WHEN PUSHING THE BREAKS PENAL DOWN AS HARD AS I COULD. THERE IS NO WAY I PUSHED DOWN ON THE WRONG PEDAL. THE BREAKS COULD NOT HOLD THE CAR STOPPED. THIS IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS!
NHTSA complaint #11375015 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Savannah, GACrash1 injured
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER
MY HUSBAND WAS REAR-ENDED WHILE DRIVING THE 1997 JEEP WRANGLER. HIS SEAT COLLAPSED BACKWARD DURING THE IMPACT RESULTING IN HITTING HIS HEAD ON THE ROLL BAR AND AN EXAGGERATED FLEXION-EXTENSION OF HIS NECK AND BACK AS HIS THE SUPPORT (THE SEAT) BASICALLY DISAPPEARED.
NHTSA complaint #10161031 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 1 milesPhoenix, AZCrash
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC
DT: WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS AND ROAD CONDITIONS THE FRONT BRAKES LOCKED. WHEN THE BRAKES LOCK THE WHEELS SKIDDED EITHER TO THE RIGHT OR LEFT, BUT MORE OFTEN TO THE RIGHT. HAD BEEN TO THE DEALER NUMEROUS TIMES. NO REPAIRS WERE DONE BECAUSE DEALER DETERMINED NOTHING WAS WRONG. CALLED CHRYSLER, AND TRIED TO SPEAK TO AN ENGINEER AND THEY DID NOT WISH TO TALK TO CONSUMER. VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN SEVERAL CRASHES.
NHTSA complaint #10132464 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 139,000 milesNorth Easton, MACrash
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DRUM:SHOES/LININGS
JEEP SKIDDED ON WET SURFACE. ON REMOVING REAR DRUM I FOUND THE BRAKE ADJUSTMENT CABLE BROKEN. BRAKE SHOES WERE OK. IN MY OPINION THE BRAKE ADJUSTMENT CABLE WAS DEFECTIVE.
NHTSA complaint #10090826 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 139,000 milesNorth Easton, MACrash
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DRUM
WHILE DRIVING ON ROUTE 93 IN BOSTON, MA ON A RAINY DAY AT 6 AM. I BRAKED AND SWERVED TO AVOID A CAR AND THE BACK BRAKES ON 97 JEEP WRANGLER LOCKED AND THE BACK END CAME AROUND AND I IT THE ZIPPER LANE BARRIER. I ENDED UP FACING TRAFFICE IN THE WRONG DIRECTION IN THE HIGH SPEED LANE.
NHTSA complaint #10088918 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 97,000 milesBarstow, CACrash
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE
ON A MAINTAINED DIRT COUNTY ROAD THE BRAKES ON MY 1997 JEEP WRANGLER FAILED TO STOP MY CAR CAUSING A REAR END COLLISION WITH ANOTHER CAR.I COULD FEEL THE PULSING OF THE ABS BRAKES BUT THE CAR REFUSED TO SLOW DOWN,IT PULLED ME INTO THE CAR INFRONT OF ME.
NHTSA complaint #10055102 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Mililani, HI
TIRES:VALVE
There have been 2 instances of the stem leaking air seemingly out of nowhere on 2 of the 5 tires within a year of installation. Both leaks were noticed after I had finished a drive. The service center we purchased the tires from has repaired 1 of them a few months ago and is currently repairing the second one. They told me that this is a somewhat common problem with this new tire design. 4wheelparts in Waipahu Hawaii can confirm that these repairs were necessary.
NHTSA complaint #11532165 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 180,000 milesSAN Diego, CA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
FUEL GUACHE GOVEA INACCURATE READING AND DROPS TO EMPTY WHEN THE TANK IS HALF FULL. CONTACTED THE LOCAL JEEP DEALER TWICE ON HAVING THIS PART REPLACED AND EACH TIME THEY TELL ME THEY WILL CALL ME BACK BUT THEY HAVE NOT.
NHTSA complaint #11399440 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 190,000 milesSAN Ramon, CACrash
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I EXPERIENCED SUDDEN ACCELERATION WHEN AT A COMPLETE STOP WITH FOOT ON BREAK. THROTTLE WENT VERY HIGH AND PROPELLED CAR FORWARDED EVEN WHEN PUSHING THE BREAKS PENAL DOWN AS HARD AS I COULD. THERE IS NO WAY I PUSHED DOWN ON THE WRONG PEDAL. THE BREAKS COULD NOT HOLD THE CAR STOPPED. THIS IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS!
NHTSA complaint #11375015 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 98,900 milesAmboy, IL
SUSPENSION
AFTER HITTING BUMPS IN THE ROAD THE STEERING SEEMS LIKE IT WOBBLES ENTIRE VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #11351889 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Jacksonville, FL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
RIGHT AFTER I BOUGHT THE JEEP I STARTED HAVING PROBLEMS BUT WHEN I CALLED THE OWNER HE SAID ITS A BUY AS IS, NO WARRANTY, HE DIDN'T OFFER TO HELP WITH ANYTHING AND BEING DISABLED I HAD NO OTHER CHOICE BUT TO GET ENGINE FIXED, TRANSMISSION, CLUTCH, THE ENTIRE ELECTRIC SYSTEM, NO AC, NO HEAT OR DEFROST EITHER ALL THESE THINGS I FIXED BUT NOW AGAIN IN 2020 I STILL HAVE NO HEAT, NO DEFROST, JEEP IS IN YARD NOT RUNNING AND I STILL OWE RIGHT AT 900 ON THE JEEP, THE OWNER HAS BEEN VERY RUDE, MADE THREATS, AND NOW NOT TAKING MY FINAL 3 PYMTS ON JEEP, NEVER BEEN LATE, EVER!!!! HE RUNS A SHADY BUY HERE PAY HERE LOT AND I HAVE A TOP MECHANIC THAT LEFT HIS BUSINESS TO VOUCH FOR THE ODOMETER TAMPERING AS WELL AS HAVING THE MECHANIC TO FIX ALL THE LIGHTS ON PANEL THAT SHOWED ENGINE RUNNING HOT, HE TOLD THE MECHANIC TO FIX IT OR HE WAS NOT GETTING HIS PAY CHECK, I HAVE THE MECHANICS STATEMENT AND HE WILL TESTIFY IN PERSON. I HAVE SEVERAL EMPLOYEES THAT HAVE SINCE QUITE TO VOUCH HE SOLD LEMONS, AND SALVAGED CARS. HE LOST HIS DMV LICENSE BUT STILL CONTINUES TO FRAUD PEOPLE.
NHTSA complaint #11301864 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Jacksonville, FL
ENGINE
RIGHT AFTER I BOUGHT THE JEEP I STARTED HAVING PROBLEMS BUT WHEN I CALLED THE OWNER HE SAID ITS A BUY AS IS, NO WARRANTY, HE DIDN'T OFFER TO HELP WITH ANYTHING AND BEING DISABLED I HAD NO OTHER CHOICE BUT TO GET ENGINE FIXED, TRANSMISSION, CLUTCH, THE ENTIRE ELECTRIC SYSTEM, NO AC, NO HEAT OR DEFROST EITHER ALL THESE THINGS I FIXED BUT NOW AGAIN IN 2020 I STILL HAVE NO HEAT, NO DEFROST, JEEP IS IN YARD NOT RUNNING AND I STILL OWE RIGHT AT 900 ON THE JEEP, THE OWNER HAS BEEN VERY RUDE, MADE THREATS, AND NOW NOT TAKING MY FINAL 3 PYMTS ON JEEP, NEVER BEEN LATE, EVER!!!! HE RUNS A SHADY BUY HERE PAY HERE LOT AND I HAVE A TOP MECHANIC THAT LEFT HIS BUSINESS TO VOUCH FOR THE ODOMETER TAMPERING AS WELL AS HAVING THE MECHANIC TO FIX ALL THE LIGHTS ON PANEL THAT SHOWED ENGINE RUNNING HOT, HE TOLD THE MECHANIC TO FIX IT OR HE WAS NOT GETTING HIS PAY CHECK, I HAVE THE MECHANICS STATEMENT AND HE WILL TESTIFY IN PERSON. I HAVE SEVERAL EMPLOYEES THAT HAVE SINCE QUITE TO VOUCH HE SOLD LEMONS, AND SALVAGED CARS. HE LOST HIS DMV LICENSE BUT STILL CONTINUES TO FRAUD PEOPLE.
NHTSA complaint #11301864 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Jacksonville, FL
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
RIGHT AFTER I BOUGHT THE JEEP I STARTED HAVING PROBLEMS BUT WHEN I CALLED THE OWNER HE SAID ITS A BUY AS IS, NO WARRANTY, HE DIDN'T OFFER TO HELP WITH ANYTHING AND BEING DISABLED I HAD NO OTHER CHOICE BUT TO GET ENGINE FIXED, TRANSMISSION, CLUTCH, THE ENTIRE ELECTRIC SYSTEM, NO AC, NO HEAT OR DEFROST EITHER ALL THESE THINGS I FIXED BUT NOW AGAIN IN 2020 I STILL HAVE NO HEAT, NO DEFROST, JEEP IS IN YARD NOT RUNNING AND I STILL OWE RIGHT AT 900 ON THE JEEP, THE OWNER HAS BEEN VERY RUDE, MADE THREATS, AND NOW NOT TAKING MY FINAL 3 PYMTS ON JEEP, NEVER BEEN LATE, EVER!!!! HE RUNS A SHADY BUY HERE PAY HERE LOT AND I HAVE A TOP MECHANIC THAT LEFT HIS BUSINESS TO VOUCH FOR THE ODOMETER TAMPERING AS WELL AS HAVING THE MECHANIC TO FIX ALL THE LIGHTS ON PANEL THAT SHOWED ENGINE RUNNING HOT, HE TOLD THE MECHANIC TO FIX IT OR HE WAS NOT GETTING HIS PAY CHECK, I HAVE THE MECHANICS STATEMENT AND HE WILL TESTIFY IN PERSON. I HAVE SEVERAL EMPLOYEES THAT HAVE SINCE QUITE TO VOUCH HE SOLD LEMONS, AND SALVAGED CARS. HE LOST HIS DMV LICENSE BUT STILL CONTINUES TO FRAUD PEOPLE.
NHTSA complaint #11301864 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 196,000 milesMentor, OH
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 JEEP WRANGLER. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 97V080000 (AIR BAGS). THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED THAT THE AIR BAG MIGHT DEPLOY WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO GANLEY VILLAGE CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP RAM FIAT (2115 MENTOR AVE, PAINESVILLE, OH 44077, (440) 354-4358) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED, BUT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE REPAIR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 196,000. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
NHTSA complaint #11281599 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 63,000 milesFroket River, NJ
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 JEEP WRANGLER. WHILE INSPECTING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE WHEEL WELL WAS VISIBLY CORRODED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO MANAHAWKIN CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP RAM (500 NEW JERSEY 72 WEST, MANAHAWKIN, NJ 08050) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FRAME WAS RUSTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE CONTACT WOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE REPAIR COST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 63,000.
NHTSA complaint #11093330 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 63,000 milesFroket River, NJ
STRUCTURE:BODY
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 JEEP WRANGLER. WHILE INSPECTING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE WHEEL WELL WAS VISIBLY CORRODED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO MANAHAWKIN CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP RAM (500 NEW JERSEY 72 WEST, MANAHAWKIN, NJ 08050) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FRAME WAS RUSTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE CONTACT WOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE REPAIR COST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 63,000.
NHTSA complaint #11093330 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 85,000 milesPeoria Heights, IL
STRUCTURE:BODY
I HAVE OWNED THIS VEHICLE SINCE IT WAS BRAND NEW. IT HAS BEEN GARAGE KEPT FOR APPROX. 20 OF ITS 21YRS. THE REAR FRAME WHERE THE TRAILING ARMS ARE ATTACHED TO THE BRACKETS RUSTED OUT. THE DRIVER SIDE TRAILING ARMS WERE ALMOST READY TO SEPARATE FROM THE FRAME DUE TO THE FRAME RUSTING FROM THE INSIDE OUT. I HAD TO CUT OUT THE SECTION AND REPLACE IT WITH A SAFE T CAP PATCH. CUTTING OPEN THE FRAME SHOWED EXTENSIVE RUST ON THE INSIDE OF THE FRAME. I CHECKED MY PASSENGER SIDE LUCKILY NOT AS BAD AS THE DRIVER SIDE BUT WILL HAVE TO BE REPLACED BECAUSE IT DOES HAVE SIGNS OF RUSTING FROM THE INSIDE OUT IN THE EXACT SAME PLACE. AFTER DOING SOME RESEARCH IT APPEARS THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM FOR THE JEEP TJ'S. JEEP CUT SEVERAL HOLES IN THE SIDES OF THE FRAME THAT ALLOWED WATER AND DEBRIS ACCESS TO THE INSIDE OF THE FRAME RAIL BUT DID NOT PUT ANT DRAIN HOLES IN THE BOTTOM OF THE FRAME TO ALLOW THE WATER/DEBRIS TO ESCAPE.
NHTSA complaint #11084993 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 130,000 milesRochester, NY
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
THE FUEL TANK SKID PLATE IS ROTTED OUT AND THE TANK IS IN DANGER OF FALLING.
NHTSA complaint #11076468 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 140,000 milesNEW Castle, NH
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I HAVE TAKEN CARE OF THIS JEEP COVERING EVERY SPECK OF RUST AS SOON AS I SEEN IT AND TODAY WHILE CLEANING THE UNDERSIDE OF THE JEEP I FOUND A RUST HOLE IN THE FRAME. FROM THE OUTSIDE IT LOOKS BRAND NEW. AFTER EXAMINATION I FOUND THE ENTIRE FRAME HAS RUSTED OUT FORM THE INSIDE OUT AND WAS FULL OF CHUNKS OF METAL. I BELIEVE THIS TO BE A MASSIVE SAFETY HAZARD THAT JEEP DESIGNED A FRAME THAT HOLDS WATER AND SALT AND WILL RUST OUT WITHOUT THE OWNER EVEN KNOWING HOW DANGEROUS IT IS TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #11065553 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 139,728 milesLittle River, SC
AIR BAGS
BOUGHT A JEEP WRANGLER AND FOUND TWO OUTSTANDING RECALLS #97V-808 AND 974-194.THE LATER ONE THEY FOUND PARTS FOR . THE AIRBAG MODULE THEY SAY THE PART IS DISCONTINUED AND THEY CAN'T ADDRESS THE RECALL DUE TO PART UNAVAILABLE. MOPAR SAYS THERE ARE PARTS AVAILABLE ??
NHTSA complaint #11063569 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 105,000 milesTrail Creek, IN
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 JEEP WRANGLER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE REVERSING INTO A PARKING SPOT AND TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL TO THE LEFT, THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 98V046000 (AIR BAGS). THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VIN WAS NOT PART OF THE RECALL AND DID NOT OFFER FURTHER ASSISTANCE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 105,000.
NHTSA complaint #11015127 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 240,000 milesStaunton, VA
SUSPENSION
THE REAR OF THE FRAME CAN RUST THROUGH DUE TO LACK OF DRAIN HOLES TO LET WATER AND DEBRIS OUT CAUSING THE REAR CONTROL ARMS TO SEPARATE FROM THE FRAME.
NHTSA complaint #10950359 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
West Lawn, PA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
MY FRAME IS ROTTING FROM THE INSIDE OUT. THE REAR TRAILING ARM MOUNTS ARE WELDED TO THE FRAME AND THE FRAME ROTTED THROUGH FROM THE INSIDE OUT. THE VEHICLE WILL NOT PASS THE REQUIRED SAFTEY INSPECTION. I STARTED LOOKING FOR A WAY TO REPAIR/REPLACE THE FRAME AND FOUND THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM. THE COST OF REPAIR WILL EXCEED THE VALUE OF THE VEHICLE. THE DATE I HAVE ENTERED IS THE DATE THE PROBLEM WAS FOUND.
NHTSA complaint #10917836 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
West Lawn, PA
SUSPENSION
MY FRAME IS ROTTING FROM THE INSIDE OUT. THE REAR TRAILING ARM MOUNTS ARE WELDED TO THE FRAME AND THE FRAME ROTTED THROUGH FROM THE INSIDE OUT. THE VEHICLE WILL NOT PASS THE REQUIRED SAFTEY INSPECTION. I STARTED LOOKING FOR A WAY TO REPAIR/REPLACE THE FRAME AND FOUND THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM. THE COST OF REPAIR WILL EXCEED THE VALUE OF THE VEHICLE. THE DATE I HAVE ENTERED IS THE DATE THE PROBLEM WAS FOUND.
NHTSA complaint #10917836 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 135,000 milesKingsville, MD
STRUCTURE:BODY
FRAME IS RUSTING THROUGH AT THE UPWARD BEND TOWARDS THE REAR TIRES ON BOTH SIDES. ISSUE IS CONSTANTLY REPORTED ONLINE, IN FORUMS, WITH ENDLESS NUMBERS OF PICTURES. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY CONCERN AS IT COMPROMISES FRAME INTEGRITY. THIS ISSUE IS USUALLY NOTICEABLE FROM THE OUTSIDE BUT IN MY CASE IT IS RUSTING FROM THE INSIDE OUT SO IF I HADN'T CAUGHT IT I WOULD BE IN DANGER.
NHTSA complaint #10898923 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 230,000 milesStaunton, VA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
THE FRAME IS RUSTING AROUND THE REAR CONTROL ARM MOUNTS , I HAVE SEEN OTHERS RUST IN THE SAME PLACE IN PERSON AND ON THE INTERNET. THERE ARE EVEN COMPANIES THAT MAKE REPAIRS FOR THIS PROBLEM LIKE SAFE-T-CAP. THE RUST ON MINE IS BAD ENOUGH THAT IT WILL NOT PASS STATE INSPECTION WITHOUT BEING REPAIRED.
NHTSA complaint #10855305 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 135,000 milesMarion, AR
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
WHEN COLD, JEEP STARTS AND RUNS FINE. AFTER ENGINE WARMS UP, OIL PRESSURE WOULD DROP AND JEEP WOULD ALMOST DIE. IF I SHUT IT OFF AND TRY TO RESTART WHILE STILL WARM, JEEP WOULD HAVE A HARD TIME STARTING AND IF IT DID START, IT WOULD IDLE EXTREMELY ROUGH AND BARELY ACCELERATE. ONCE I GOT SPEED UP, IT RAN FINE UNTIL I STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT AND IT WOULD ACT LIKE IT WAS GOING TO DIE AND THE OIL PRESSURE GAUGE WOULD BOTTOM OUT. DEALER PUT MANUAL GAUGES ON IT AND DETERMINED IT WAS THE OIL SENDING UNIT. OIL PRESSURE NOW HOLDS AT 20 WHEN AT IDLE. THE ISSUE WITH THE ROUGH IDLE AND LOSS OF POWER STILL PERSISTS AFTER THE ENGINE WARMS UP. AFTER READING ALL OF THE COMPLAINTS, THIS SEEMS TO BE A RECURRING ISSUE WITH THIS MODEL. REALLY DON'T WANT TO WASTE MONEY TRYING TO GUESS AT WHAT IS THE ISSUE. AS MANY PEOPLE THAT THERE ARE HAVING SIMILAR ISSUES, JEEP SHOULD STAND BEHIND THEIR PRODUCT AND ISSUE A RECALL. VERY DISAPPOINTED.
NHTSA complaint #10760112 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 135,000 milesMarion, AR
ENGINE
WHEN COLD, JEEP STARTS AND RUNS FINE. AFTER ENGINE WARMS UP, OIL PRESSURE WOULD DROP AND JEEP WOULD ALMOST DIE. IF I SHUT IT OFF AND TRY TO RESTART WHILE STILL WARM, JEEP WOULD HAVE A HARD TIME STARTING AND IF IT DID START, IT WOULD IDLE EXTREMELY ROUGH AND BARELY ACCELERATE. ONCE I GOT SPEED UP, IT RAN FINE UNTIL I STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT AND IT WOULD ACT LIKE IT WAS GOING TO DIE AND THE OIL PRESSURE GAUGE WOULD BOTTOM OUT. DEALER PUT MANUAL GAUGES ON IT AND DETERMINED IT WAS THE OIL SENDING UNIT. OIL PRESSURE NOW HOLDS AT 20 WHEN AT IDLE. THE ISSUE WITH THE ROUGH IDLE AND LOSS OF POWER STILL PERSISTS AFTER THE ENGINE WARMS UP. AFTER READING ALL OF THE COMPLAINTS, THIS SEEMS TO BE A RECURRING ISSUE WITH THIS MODEL. REALLY DON'T WANT TO WASTE MONEY TRYING TO GUESS AT WHAT IS THE ISSUE. AS MANY PEOPLE THAT THERE ARE HAVING SIMILAR ISSUES, JEEP SHOULD STAND BEHIND THEIR PRODUCT AND ISSUE A RECALL. VERY DISAPPOINTED.
NHTSA complaint #10760112 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 135,000 milesMarion, AR
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
WHEN COLD, JEEP STARTS AND RUNS FINE. AFTER ENGINE WARMS UP, OIL PRESSURE WOULD DROP AND JEEP WOULD ALMOST DIE. IF I SHUT IT OFF AND TRY TO RESTART WHILE STILL WARM, JEEP WOULD HAVE A HARD TIME STARTING AND IF IT DID START, IT WOULD IDLE EXTREMELY ROUGH AND BARELY ACCELERATE. ONCE I GOT SPEED UP, IT RAN FINE UNTIL I STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT AND IT WOULD ACT LIKE IT WAS GOING TO DIE AND THE OIL PRESSURE GAUGE WOULD BOTTOM OUT. DEALER PUT MANUAL GAUGES ON IT AND DETERMINED IT WAS THE OIL SENDING UNIT. OIL PRESSURE NOW HOLDS AT 20 WHEN AT IDLE. THE ISSUE WITH THE ROUGH IDLE AND LOSS OF POWER STILL PERSISTS AFTER THE ENGINE WARMS UP. AFTER READING ALL OF THE COMPLAINTS, THIS SEEMS TO BE A RECURRING ISSUE WITH THIS MODEL. REALLY DON'T WANT TO WASTE MONEY TRYING TO GUESS AT WHAT IS THE ISSUE. AS MANY PEOPLE THAT THERE ARE HAVING SIMILAR ISSUES, JEEP SHOULD STAND BEHIND THEIR PRODUCT AND ISSUE A RECALL. VERY DISAPPOINTED.
NHTSA complaint #10760112 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesPine Island, MN
STRUCTURE:BODY
FRAME RUSTING THROUGH IN FRONT OF REAR CONTROL ARMS. FRAME RUSTED THROUGH WHERE SKID PLATE BOLTS TO THE BOTTOM.
NHTSA complaint #10716342 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 95,440 milesLone Tree, CO
POWER TRAIN
NOTICED WOBBLE UNDERNEATH WHILE DRIVING. INSPECTED UNDERNEATH AND NOTICED LIGHT SHOWING BETWEEN TRANSFER CASE SKID PLATE AND FRAME (SHOULD BE TIGHT) AND BOLT HANGING DOWN. TOOK INTO SHOP AND LOWER MID FRAME ON BOTH SIDES IS COMPLETELY RUSTED THROUGH ALLOWING SKID PLATE BOLTS TO FALL OUT WITH NUTS STILL ATTACHED. SKID PLATE ALSO SERVES AS TRANSFER CASE MOUNT AND WHEN IT DROPS THE DRIVESHAFT WOBBLES. ULTIMATELY IF IT HAD COMPLETELY LET GO ON THE HIGHWAY THE REAR DRIVESHAFT WOULD HAVE LOCKED UP AND LOCKED THE REAR WHEELS CAUSING UNCONTROLLED SKID, OR THE DRIVESHAFT WOULD BREAK CAUSING DANGER TO THE PASSENGERS.
NHTSA complaint #10716094 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.