1997 Jeep Wrangler
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Jeep › Wrangler › 1997
These records cover every 1997 Jeep Wrangler. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
7 recalls name the 1997 Jeep Wrangler. Newest first.
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 and remedy
Risk
Without the amber reflectors, the vehicle will be poorly illuminated, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash without warning.
Remedy
Pro-a motors will notify owners and offer to repurchase the lamps. the recall began on april 3, 2006. owners may contact pro-a motors at 323-838-2988.
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…
Risk and remedy
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.
Remedy
Affinia (brake parts, inc.) will replace the subject brake hydraulic master cylinders free of charge. the recall began on march 20, 2006. owners can contact affina group customer service at 1-800-323-0354.
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…
Risk and remedy
Risk
In the presence of an ignition source, a fuel leak could result in a fire.
Remedy
Airtex will notify its customers and will replace the affected fuel pumps free of charge. the recall began on january 25, 2006. owners may contact airtex customer service department at 1-800-880-3056.
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…
Risk and remedy
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.
Remedy
Bestop will notify its customers and provide a repair kit and installation instructions free of charge. owner notification began june 16, 2004. owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact bestop customer service department at (800) 845-3567.
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 and remedy
Risk
In the event of a vehicle crash, the air bag may not deploy increasing the risk of serious injury to the occupant.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the clock spring in these air bags.
The electrical circuit design allows the potential for an inadvertent air bag deployment upon vehicle ignition shut down.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Unexpected air bag deployment can result in occupant injury.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the air bag electronic control module with a newly designed module.
The air bag electronic control module (aecm) software contains an error which can delay the air bag deployment in certain crash situations.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Delayed deployment can cause increased injury to front seat vehicle occupants in a collision.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the air bag electronic control module on these vehicles.
Owner complaints
401 complaints32 involved a crash5 involved a fire25 injuries6 deaths
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- 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…
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.
- 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.
- 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!
- Suspension
After hitting bumps in the road the steering seems like it wobbles entire vehicle.
- Electrical system · Electronic stability control (esc) · 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…
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.
- 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…
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.
- Structure › Body · 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…
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.
- 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…
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.
- Fuel/propulsion system
The fuel tank skid plate IS rotted out and the tank IS in danger of falling.
- 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…
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.
- 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 ??
- 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…
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.
- 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.
- Suspension · 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Engine · Fuel/propulsion system · 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…
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.
- Structure › Body
Frame rusting through in front of rear control arms. Frame rusted through where skid plate bolts to the bottom.
- Power train · Suspension · Unknown or other
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…
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.
- Service brakes · Suspension
Driving down the road the rear upper control arm brackets separated from the frame as a result of the frame corroding from the inside out. this caused the rear brake line to brake draining the master cylinder. *tr
- Service brakes · Steering · Suspension
Frame was rotted through from control arm towards the back of the vehicle. The vehicle braking ability became difficult and hard to steer. *tr
- Air bags
1997 jeep wrangler consumer IS asking for help with a recall on clockspring assembly. Vin IS not listed on recall but same problem exist *cn
- Steering · Suspension
While driving my jeep on a public road going about 45, the vehicle began to shake uncontrollably. I had to pull over and stop the vehicle in order for the shaking to stop. It was incredibly dangerous, and I was lucky that I wasn't involved in an accident. *tr
- Structure › Frame and members › Underbody shields · Suspension
The frame IS rotting away, the frame rot clearly started many years ago. The rust IS quite bad and will not stop. In an accident, the body could possibly fly off the frame possibly being fatal. The frame IS rusting from control arm brackets to body mounts all of which can lead to very dangerous situations. *tr
- Structure › Body
TL* the contact owns a 1997 jeep wrangler. The contact stated that the frame was rusted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted about the failure. The failure mileage and vin was not available.
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10220101Use of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts.
- 10220099Use of Salvage/Recycled Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of recycled or salvage parts.
- 10220097Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.
- 10191460Valve Body. These may cause over drive cycling.
- 10175735Charging System, Battery Diagnostic Tools and Warranty This information only bulletin discusses using the correct test equipment for testing batteries and charging systems, and also warranty reimbursement when battery replacements are necessary.
- 10175510DIPAP Requirements - Addition of Jeep Wrangler (JL/JK) and Jeep Gladiator (JT) Hard Top and Targa Top Panel Replacements - All Dealers (Rev. A)
- 10169249Use of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts.
- 10169247Use of Salvage/Recycled Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of recycled or salvage parts.
- 10169245Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.
- 10020666Reprogram pcm and inspect catalytic converter.
- 10020334Steering shimmy.
- 10019535Primary door weatherstrip water leak at a-pillar belt line.
- 10016603Air conditioning (a/c) cooling coil odor.
- 10007314Soft top zipper cleaner and lubricant - for difficult to operate window zippers.
- 10006452Dirt and debris accumulation at rear main seal.
- 10003527Hvac drive water leaks under passenger side front carpet.
- 10003524Automatic transmission diagnostic teardown procedure. Various models including the 2004 RAM truck, durango, sebring convertible, cherokee, vision, neon, and voyager.
- 6092435Subject regarding safety recall -- fuel tank sending unit.
- 6092304Subject regarding non-deployed airbag handling procedures.
- 6089800Daimlerchrysler corporation IS now offerinb airbag on / off switches for selected vehicles.
- 6089311Concerns with a/c evaporator odor. *Nlm
- 6089145Conditions on obd II misfire monitor. *Nlm
- 6089136This bulletin involves water leaking from the heater a/c housing. *Nlm
- 6089130Information on a/c refrigerant leaks. *Nlm
- 6089088Consumer may complain of door latch binding. *Nlm
- 6089068Information on windshield stress cracks. *Nlm
- 6089038Information on tire and wheel runout. *Nlm
- 6088886Concerns with erroneous mil illumination. Drivability improvement. *Nlm
- 6088884Information on poor drivability with high di (drivability index) fuel. *Nlm
- 6088876Information on fuel pump diagnosis. *Nlm
- 6088871This bulletin involves fuel gauge accuracy. *Nlm
- 6088834Information regarding nhtsa authorized airbag deactivation for medical necessity. *Nlm
- 6088805Concerns with odometer led's flash when emergency flashers are activated. *Nlm
- 6088799Information regarding fuel gauge accuracy. *Nlm
- 6088786Concerns with engine coolant usage. *Nlm
- 634272Flash programming failure recovery. *Slc
- 625588Soft top zipper cleaner and lubricant - for difficult to operate window zippers.
- 625576Customers may complain that the hvac drain water leaks under passenger side carpet.
- 621898Automatic transmission fluid usage ATF+4.
- 620066Subject regarding generic scan tool (gst), publication no. 81-170-00008 provided with this technical service bulletin to provide reference information when using generic scan tool on obdii vehicles.
Every Jeep Wrangler model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.