Jeep Wrangler / 1997
1997 Jeep Wrangler problems
Owners have filed 548 complaints about the 1997 Jeep Wrangler with NHTSA. Engine and engine cooling accounts for 21.9% of them — the clear leader, ahead of power train at 10.4%.
Complaints548
Crashes46
Fires10
Injuries39
Deaths9
What owners report breaking
Engine and engine cooling 21.9% · 120
Power train 10.4% · 57
Air bags 8.8% · 48
Fuel system, gasoline 7.5% · 41
Seat belts 6.6% · 36
Steering 5.8% · 32
Structure 5.8% · 32
Suspension 5.3% · 29
Severity
Of those complaints, 46 describe a crash, 10 describe a fire, 39 report an injury and 9 report a death.
Reading the numbers
Across the 35 model years of the Jeep Wrangler in this data, 1997 sits 19th by complaint volume. 2018 draws the most.
Filings have fallen off, 7 in the last three years against 9 in the three before. That is normal as a generation leaves the road.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 74,000 miles.
In owners' own words
There was an exhaust smell entering the compartment of the vehicle and there was a loud noise coming from the engine compartment. The owner took the vehicle to a dealership and they indicated that there was a crack in the manifold. *Ak the manufacturer was contacted but state that there was nothing they could do because the vehicle was out of warranty. The consumer believes this component should be recalled. *Nlm Engine and engine cooling · reported at 31,452 miles
Oil pressure guage drops to zero, warning buzzer sounds. Hazardous to pull over to shoulder in traffic, stop engine. Dealer reports oil pressure is fine, sender unit at fault. It's been repaired 3 times, still happens. I still feel it necessary to immediately reduce speed or stop until pressure guage reads normal to protect engine. This has caused some traffic safety issues for myself and other motorists. Engine and engine cooling
My vehicle has run rough, idling rough, "bucking", losing coolant and dripping from the tailpipe about a week after the extended warranty expired. I have had major valve train problems and had to have the camshaft replaced along with the gasket, cylinder head, core return, radiator and now the latest is oil pressure gauge sending unit. Oil pressure still showing zero even after replacing sending unit! Engine and engine cooling · reported at 73,000 miles
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…