1999 Jeep Wrangler
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
Have the VIN?
Vehicles › Jeep › Wrangler › 1999
These records cover every 1999 Jeep Wrangler. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
5 recalls name the 1999 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: sport utility vehicles. the left side and right side instrument panel wiring ground attachment screws could loosen over time.
Risk and remedy
Risk
If the left side screw loosens, the instrument panel gauges may not function when the headlamps are turned on. if the right side screw loosens, the defroster blower motor may not function.
Remedy
Dealers will remove the ground screws, drill a new pilot hole adjacent to the original hole, and the screws will be reinstalled in the new holes.
Owner complaints
213 complaints15 involved a crash6 involved a fire10 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Structure
The contact owns a 1999 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the rear subframe fractured near the axle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the subframe was corroded and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 145,000.
- Structure › Body
I started hearing a banging/clanging noise under the rear of this vehicle upon starting/stopping or reversing. the noise IS best described as a sharp metallic clang. undercar inspection revealed the frame has corroded to the point the upper control arm mounts have pulled away from the frame and…
I started hearing a banging/clanging noise under the rear of this vehicle upon starting/stopping or reversing. the noise IS best described as a sharp metallic clang. undercar inspection revealed the frame has corroded to the point the upper control arm mounts have pulled away from the frame and the track bar that locates the axle side-to-side has separated from the rear axle housing along with the upper control arm mount separating from the axle housing. repair of this vehicle requires replacement of the frame along with replacement of the complete rear suspension and axle housing. this same vehicle was reported to you 03 november 2016 for the same issue involving the center section of the frame rusting through causing the transfer case mount/skid plate to drop. safety caps were installed on the frame at this time and the vehicle was placed back into service.
- Structure › Body
Frame rotted from rust where the rear suspension attaches to the frame. too much rust to repair. remaining vehicle IS in good shape considering only 107K miles. suspension broke free from the frame during normal road operation. I am told that the problem IS epidemic with jeep tj frames.…
Frame rotted from rust where the rear suspension attaches to the frame. too much rust to repair. remaining vehicle IS in good shape considering only 107K miles. suspension broke free from the frame during normal road operation. I am told that the problem IS epidemic with jeep tj frames. apparently so because there IS noting available on the used parts market. lots of tj bodies and parts available but no frames to go along with them.
- Structure › Body
Jeep IS a 5 speed transmission. couldn't shift correctly, heard a rattle. Engine had fallen due to rusting frame. Frame so rusted, engine fell. only 90,000 miles on vehicle. not driven daily. was in motion.
- Structure › Body · Wheels
TL* the contact owns a 1999 jeep wrangler. While changing the rear driver side tire, it was discovered that the spare tire hub was extremely corroded. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The local dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact…
TL* the contact owns a 1999 jeep wrangler. While changing the rear driver side tire, it was discovered that the spare tire hub was extremely corroded. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The local dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not included in any open recalls. No further assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 25,001.
- Electrical system · Fuel/propulsion system
Fuel- jeep hard to fill with fuel or must fill fuel at very slow rate. Nozzle does not lock or fill properly. (Stationary) electrical- hazard lights(in rear) randomly turn on by themselves while driving. (Any mph, city streets and highways)
- Electrical system · Visibility › Defroster/defogger/hvac system › Fan/motor
TL* the contact owns a 1999 jeep wrangler. While driving approximately 50 mph over a bump in the road, the blower motor failed to function. The instrument panel warning indicators illuminated intermittently. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 150,000.
- Structure › Body
Jeep wrangler (tj body) 1999 frame rust I was driving the vehicle at interstate (68-72mph) speeds when a severe vibration started suddenly and the manual transmission shift lever dropped to a lower than normal position. I pulled off in a safe area and inspected first for a flat tire and then…
Jeep wrangler (tj body) 1999 frame rust I was driving the vehicle at interstate (68-72mph) speeds when a severe vibration started suddenly and the manual transmission shift lever dropped to a lower than normal position. I pulled off in a safe area and inspected first for a flat tire and then looked under the vehicle. I noted the right frame rail had rusted through from the inside and the transmission-transfer case mount/skid plate ass'y had separated from the right (passenger side frame rail and dropped approx. 2-3 inches. this caused severe driveline vibration and erratic vehicle control. *tr
- Electrical system · Unknown or other
TL* the contact owns a 1999 jeep wrangler. While driving various speeds, the odometer back light seized without warning. The contact stated that the failure occurred previously. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The vin was not included in nhtsa campaign number: 99v117000 (unknown or other). The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 175,000.
- Suspension
I have owned vehicle 6 years and have 118000 miles and found frame IS rotting away make an unsafe vehicle
- Electrical system
TL* the contact owns a 1999 jeep wrangler. While driving over a bump at 35 mph, the instrument cluster failed to function. The contact had to hit the console before the cluster illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. the failure recurred on numerous occasions. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 85,000.
- Engine · Vehicle speed control
TL* the contact owns a 1999 jeep wrangler. While driving approximately 40 mph, the speedometer failed and the engine warning indicators illuminated. The contact stated that this was a recurring failure. The vehicle was not taken in for diagnostic testing. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The approximate failure mileage was 146,000.
- Structure › Frame and members › Underbody shields
TL* the contact owns a 1999 jeep wrangler. The contact stated that the undercarriage and frame were corroded. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vin was not available. The approximate failure mileage was 110,000.
- Structure › Frame and members › Underbody shields
The frame on my 1999 jeep wrangler tj IS rotting through in several places. a vehicle only 15 years old normally has problems, but it should not be a frame rusting though. I am asking you to urge chrysler to do the right thing for me and many jeep owners who are also experiencing this problem and…
The frame on my 1999 jeep wrangler tj IS rotting through in several places. a vehicle only 15 years old normally has problems, but it should not be a frame rusting though. I am asking you to urge chrysler to do the right thing for me and many jeep owners who are also experiencing this problem and recall and replace the frames. other automobile manufacturers have done this as it IS a safety issue and the right thing to do. thank you. *tr
- Structure
TL* the contact owns a 1999 jeep wrangler. The contact stated that the temperature control lever melted without warning. The failure occurred on multiple occasions. The contact attempted to remedy the failure, but was unsuccessful. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The approximate failure mileage was 115,000.
- Structure › Frame and members
TL ' the contact owns a 1999 jeep wrangler. while the vehicle was being serviced for an unrelated repair, the mechanic noticed that the front passenger's side frame was severely rusted. the front driver's side frame contained a hole and a crack. the vehicle was not repaired and the manufacturer was not notified. the approximate failure mileage was 68,000. jcc
- Power train · Steering
I have a 1999 jeep wrangler sahara V.6. 5 speed manual transmission. My jeep IS in great shape however I started having steering problems. I noticed around the apex on both sides the frame had rusted away. I had it a new piece welded in place and it was working great. then I noticed my…
I have a 1999 jeep wrangler sahara V.6. 5 speed manual transmission. My jeep IS in great shape however I started having steering problems. I noticed around the apex on both sides the frame had rusted away. I had it a new piece welded in place and it was working great. then I noticed my transmission was having issues. I thought I was going to have to buy another transmission when it was discovered the plate that lies below the transmission was rusted from the frame and not supporting the transmission. I had that welded too. I looked the other day and noticed a hole between the size of a baseball and golf ball. I took it again to my welder and he said the whole bottom of my frame IS rusted away. I was told by my body shop that because of jeeps design water was able to get and not out causing it to rust. the body of my jeep IS in great condition as well as my motor and transmission. IS there anything being done about this issue. if no once catches it I could have lost my front wheels and or transmission. I think its dangerous. I'm looking at $3000.00 to replace my frame. *tr
- Electrical system
TL* the contact owns a 1999 jeep wrangler. The contact stated that upon initial start-up, the instrument panel failed and would not illuminate. The failure was recurring. The contact would turn the engine off and once restarted, the failure would sporadically reset. additionally, the vehicle…
TL* the contact owns a 1999 jeep wrangler. The contact stated that upon initial start-up, the instrument panel failed and would not illuminate. The failure was recurring. The contact would turn the engine off and once restarted, the failure would sporadically reset. additionally, the vehicle stalled more than five times without warning. The vehicle was not diagnosed by an authorized dealer. The vehicle was not included in nhtsa campaign ID number: 99v117000 (instrument panel screws) but had experienced the failure multiple times. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 60,000.
- Structure › Body
TL* the contact owns a 1999 jeep wrangler. The contact stated that the instrumental panel and gauge failed to illuminate due to the loose screws that are located on the bottom of the instrument structure. The contact was unable to read the gauge on the instrument panel and the electrical blower…
TL* the contact owns a 1999 jeep wrangler. The contact stated that the instrumental panel and gauge failed to illuminate due to the loose screws that are located on the bottom of the instrument structure. The contact was unable to read the gauge on the instrument panel and the electrical blower motor failed. The manufacturer stated the vehicle was not included in nhtsa campaign number 99v117000 (unknown or other). The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 30,000 and the current mileage was 191,000.
- Service brakes
I was backing out of my driveway when the brakes totally failed. The brakes were factory installed and not after market. I put the emergency brake on and pushed the vehicle back into the driveway where it has remained. *tr
- Air bags · Electrical system · Vehicle speed control
I was driving an old washed out and bumpy mountain road. Due to the bumps, I could not go much faster than 15mph. The road/ground was wet and slippery so I was in 4HI. After going down the road for about 30 minutes and going around a turn, the airbag light came on. As I turned the wheel in the…
I was driving an old washed out and bumpy mountain road. Due to the bumps, I could not go much faster than 15mph. The road/ground was wet and slippery so I was in 4HI. After going down the road for about 30 minutes and going around a turn, the airbag light came on. As I turned the wheel in the opposite direction, to go around a large downed tree, it momentarily shut off, then returned to on. I immediately turned the jeep off and checked the airbag fuses. Both are good. Puzzled and rather nervous that the airbag might go off in my face, I turned around to go back to the main road. After nervously driving a few miles down the road, I returned the jeep to the speed limit and attempted to engage my cruise control but, the light wouldn't turn on. I tried all the cruise control buttons to no avail. Pulled over and checked the fusebox again for the cruise control fuse but, I couldn't find one anywhere. After driving another 100 miles home, I let my sister's fiance, who's a mechanic, check it with his scan tool. According to his scan tool, the clockspring has malfunctioned. After doing a few google searches, it's apparent that the cost to have this fixed IS very high. The part itself IS over $200 and needs to be replaced by a mechanic! Labor IS going to be at least another $200 based on how much time it will take and the fact that it will more than likely have to be done at a dealership. Shouldn't this be a lifetime part? Why should I have to pay to have this fixed if it's a major safety issue? Any response would be greatly appreciated as I don't have the money to have this fixed and I'm rather nervous to drive it now. What are the odds of the airbag going off?[xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(B)(6). *tr
- Electrical system · Electrical system › Instrument cluster/panel
Ever since I purchased the jeep, it has been a reliable vehicle. the other day, I went to start it and the instrument cluster was unresponsive and the airbag light was on. I tried replacing the fuse and found it to be good, receiving power. I started to check websites for similar problems and…
Ever since I purchased the jeep, it has been a reliable vehicle. the other day, I went to start it and the instrument cluster was unresponsive and the airbag light was on. I tried replacing the fuse and found it to be good, receiving power. I started to check websites for similar problems and found a recall for the exact problem I was having. this recall described exactly what was happening to my jeep. the recall IS found here recall 99v117000: instrument panel ground screws loose the left side and right side instrument panel wiring ground attachment screws could loosen over time. If the left side screw loosens, the instrument panel gauges may not function when the headlamps are turned on. If the right side screw loosens, the defroster blower motor may not function. well, I took a copy of the recall to my local jeep dealership, bluebonnet jeep in new braunfels, texas. as soon as I walked through the door, I started telling them about the problem with the jeep and how similar it was to the recall. I showed them a copy of the recall and continued telling them how it was behaving. the dealer asked me if I purchased the jeep from them and I told them no. they were very concerned about me not buying the jeep from them, they went out and copied the vin number down. the attendant stated they could not help me because it was not showing up as being a recall issue. I told them it was giving me all the same problems as this recall and they said they did not care, if the number does not show up on their computer, they will not help. I believe the original recall effects more models of jeep than originally stated and respectfully request this to be investigated. thanks. *tr
- Power train
Driving my 1999 jeep wrangler sport 4.0 L6 5-speed manual at appx. 65 mph a slight vibration came from the gas pedal. I pulled over, after crawling under the vehicle I found the front drive shaft loose at the joint connecting to my stock np231j transfer case. Figuring it was just a worn u-joint I…
Driving my 1999 jeep wrangler sport 4.0 L6 5-speed manual at appx. 65 mph a slight vibration came from the gas pedal. I pulled over, after crawling under the vehicle I found the front drive shaft loose at the joint connecting to my stock np231j transfer case. Figuring it was just a worn u-joint I continued on my way at a much slower speed appx. 35 mph for about 300 yards there was a loud pop along with metal and dirt flying from under the jeep which made me pull over once again this time out of control and ending up in the ditch. Where I found the np231j shattered in 5 pieces, many more were thrown onto the road way.
- Electrical system
My jeep lost all power to the console/dash during night driving and I could not measure my speed, rpms, fuel or any other gauges. this included both the analog (needle) and digital (led) gauges. my 5-speed drove fine though, no sweat. so there I was, driving down the road, and I had no way…
My jeep lost all power to the console/dash during night driving and I could not measure my speed, rpms, fuel or any other gauges. this included both the analog (needle) and digital (led) gauges. my 5-speed drove fine though, no sweat. so there I was, driving down the road, and I had no way to ascertain my velocity. there was no way to tell if I was going 20 mph or 120 mph. it was just me, my jeep and my gut instincts. so, I pulled a fonzie and smacked the dash, and gave it my best "heyyyyyyyy" and you guessed it - after that all was well. the lights came back and I was doing a cool 60. because I can't drive 55. after a little internet wizardry on my favorite search engine, apparently this IS simply a loose connection from the dash ground. being a jeep owner, I simply replaced the faulty screw and didn't waste my time taking it to a dealer or whining about it online. oh wait... I'm actually only reporting this problem because I wanted to validate the nhtsa complaint process. looks like it IS working. hey v! *tr
- Engine and engine cooling
1999 jeep wrangler. Consumer writes in regards to vehicle being a lemon *tgw the consumer stated she was told the vehicle was new. But, in fact it was defective and had to be repaired several times. The consumer was involved in an accident where she suffered a neck injury. *jb
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Instrument panel ground screw
The instrument panel wiring ground attachment screws can loosen
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.
- 10229256KEY, Master If replacing the key/FOBIK on a WJ, KJ, TJ, or PT Cruiser, use the "AC" NIC level part number. The "AB" NIC level will not program to these platforms. For all other platforms, if the "AB" NIC level will not program to the vehicle, use the "AC" NIC level part and submit a part warranty.
- 10221686KEY, Master If replacing the key/FOBIK on a WJ, KJ, TJ, or PT Cruiser, use the "AC" NIC level part number. The "AB" NIC level will not program to these platforms. For all other platforms, if the "AB" NIC level will not program to the vehicle, use the "AC" NIC level part and submit a part warranty.
- 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.
- 10020334Steering shimmy.
- 10019535Primary door weatherstrip water leak at a-pillar belt line.
- 10016603Air conditioning (a/c) cooling coil odor.
- 10013731Powertrain control module initialization.
- 10007314Soft top zipper cleaner and lubricant - for difficult to operate window zippers.
- 10006452Dirt and debris accumulation at rear main seal.
- 100035384.0L multiple cylinder misfire.
- 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.
- 6092304Subject regarding non-deployed airbag handling procedures.
- 6089800Daimlerchrysler corporation IS now offerinb airbag on / off switches for selected vehicles.
- 6089780Information on erroneous engine miss while performing diagnostics with the diagnostic scan tool (drb III).
- 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.
- 620071Subject regarding additional diagnostic for diagnostic trouble codes caused by an evaporative system leak.
- 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.
- 620059Subject regarding airbag / clock spring service for various models including 2002 model year jeep liberty.
- 618049Subject regarding wire splice repairs.
- 612190Vehicles may experience water dripping from the bottom of the evaporator drain tube and enter the passenger compartment causing wet carpet or water on the passenger compartment floor. *Mjs
- 612179Information regarding the improved door weather strip. *Mjs
- 612177Subject on vehicles experiencing solft top windows which appear foggy or hazy. *Mjs
- 609995This bulletin provides a revised wire splice procedure and related parts.
- 609988Subject regarding misdiagnosed leak detection pump systems with diagnostic trouble codes p1494, p0442 p0455, or p0456.
- 607616This bulletin pertains to front end alignment - adjustable / offset ball joints.
- 607298This bulletin explains the operation and application of the leak detection pump (ldp) monitor test.
- 606347Conditions with vehicle start and stall or vehicle no-start.
- 606058Some vehicles may exhibit an erratic, intermittent cluster operation / intermittent air bag warning light.
Every Jeep Wrangler model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.