2003 Jeep Wrangler
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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These records cover every 2003 Jeep Wrangler. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
4 recalls name the 2003 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.
Owner complaints
98 complaints8 involved a crash3 involved a fire5 injuries1 deaths
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Suspension
The factory weld on the front end driver's side stabilizer was bad and it came apart on the highway while driving , from the severe shaking it caused, and it could've killed us. The weld was not hot enough to penetrate the steel. I am a mechanic so I can attest , and be a witness , to claim it was a certifiably bad weld in the factory, and this should warrant a recall.
- Structure › Body
2003 TJ frame rust all tjs have frame rust.
- Unknown or other
Frames on all these tj’s(97-06) rust and become a huge safety risk for everyone on the road.
- Service brakes
The contact owns a 2003 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that while her daughter was attempting to park the vehicle, the brake pedal was extremely difficult to depress, and the vehicle did not immediately stop. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were not yet notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 217,000.
- Steering
The contact owns a 2003 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated while driving 30-40 MPH, the vehicle hit a bump in the roadway and the steering wheel started shaking significantly and the vehicle seemed to be at risk of a rollover. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact veered to the side of…
The contact owns a 2003 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated while driving 30-40 MPH, the vehicle hit a bump in the roadway and the steering wheel started shaking significantly and the vehicle seemed to be at risk of a rollover. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact veered to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the steering column needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred while driving. The dealer was notified of the failure and advised the contact to take the vehicle to be repaired. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 141,999.
- Power train
05 & 06 wrangler has recall for the exact problem my 03 has. Parking pawl slides out of the brackets and then vehicle won't go into park allowing it to roll into danger and possibly kill someone. I have watched several videos on this issue and the 03 is the same as a 05 and 06. This is just as dangerous on the 03 as it is a 05 and 06 and potentially cause an accident and kill individuals.
- Steering
Violent shaking after hitting holes in the road during acceleration-less tan 30 MPH. My vehicle has been inspected by my mechanic, who has knowledge of the “Death Wobble”. Safety was at risk due to front end shaking violently and almost losing control of the vehicle. The problem has been confirmed by mechanic. They started to manifest about 8 months ago.
- Engine and engine cooling · Power train
2013 jeep wrangler. consumer writes in regards to intermittent engine problems, while driving up hills acceleration speeds decrease. *smd the consumer stated upon driving up hills, the check engine light illuminated. the consumer stated after doing some research online, it appeared that another…
2013 jeep wrangler. consumer writes in regards to intermittent engine problems, while driving up hills acceleration speeds decrease. *smd the consumer stated upon driving up hills, the check engine light illuminated. the consumer stated after doing some research online, it appeared that another model was recalled for the same problem. Owners indicated the cam shaft sensors and dynamic sensor control needed a tcm update. *jb
- Air bags
My jeep wrangler has have the passenger safety airbag alarming since about a year ago. I contact the manufacturer and I was told that because there IS not a recall for my car model, they cannot repair it and that I have to pay out of my pocket. this IS an issue out of the manufacturer. Jeep must correct these safety concerns from the owners!
- Electrical system · Engine
TL* the contact owns a 2003 jeep wrangler. When attempting to start the vehicle, it would hesitate to start. Several attempts had to be made in order to start the vehicle. Once the vehicle was able to start, the radio would fail. When the brakes were applied, the vehicle would stall without…
TL* the contact owns a 2003 jeep wrangler. When attempting to start the vehicle, it would hesitate to start. Several attempts had to be made in order to start the vehicle. Once the vehicle was able to start, the radio would fail. When the brakes were applied, the vehicle would stall without warning. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the failure only occurred when operating the vehicle in the rain. The contact had not notified a dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 38,425.
- Air bags · Service brakes
Airbag cover plastic on steering wheel was breaking down. The plastic became very sticky, as if someone poured a soda on it. It would not clean off with cleaners or plastic preservers. I was not confident it would work as designed if airbag deployed so I bought new airbag unit for the steering…
Airbag cover plastic on steering wheel was breaking down. The plastic became very sticky, as if someone poured a soda on it. It would not clean off with cleaners or plastic preservers. I was not confident it would work as designed if airbag deployed so I bought new airbag unit for the steering wheel. parking brake will not hold vehicle on minor grade. It always worked until the last 2-3 years. I have had it adjusted, the cables replaced, and the brake pads replaced. It does not matter whether my brake pads are new or old. If I do not park the vehicle with the manual transmission in gear, it will move on its own, or if it does not roll backwards, it will, if any light force IS applied to it. I had to install install a hydraulic brake line lock on the rear brakes to make sure my vehicle will not move on a grade I know it IS an 'old' vehicle, but I like it a lot, it IS well maintained and looks new. It IS mechanically simple to and inexpensive to maintain. However I should not be having to buy things like airbags who's plastic degrades. I and my mechanic have no idea why the parking brake stopped working as it had before. He IS a master mechanic and an expert machinist.
- Air bags
The jeep was involved in a wreck - hit a power pole at around 50 mph knocked it down and the flipped the air bags never deployed - the police officer who worked the wreck said the airbags should have deployed after the type of hit the jeep took
- Suspension
At 55 mph the jeep shakes violently, from side to side, until vehicle IS slowed to 35mph.
- Steering · Suspension · Unknown or other
Terrible wobble at 45-55 mph. Tires and front end wobble until I stop or slow below 40 mph. It causes driver to slow at highway speed causing near rear end collisions when other drivers are following. At times wobbles so violently have to exit freeway in order to get it to stop.
- Steering · Suspension
The wrangler "death wobble". Violent shaking after reaching speeds of approximately 50 mph. must slow down and almost come to a stop to stop the shaking. First occurred a year ago. took it our repair shop. they replaced the steering stabilization shock, which seemed to repair the problem. it then started to re-occur approximately 6 months later. now it IS doing it all the time, even at low speeds. *tr
- Electrical system
There IS no low, med or high fan settings on my heater fan. Replaced heater resistor, and wiring harness due to melted harness. Still no heater fan. So as the local jeep dealership parts department had advised that there was an on going issue the heater fan switch. Replaced the switch, fan worked…
There IS no low, med or high fan settings on my heater fan. Replaced heater resistor, and wiring harness due to melted harness. Still no heater fan. So as the local jeep dealership parts department had advised that there was an on going issue the heater fan switch. Replaced the switch, fan worked for about 2 hours during my mail route... After the over whelming smell of burning wires coming from inside the dash the fan quit working. So I continued to freeze the rest of my route and hoping that the jeep was not going to catch fire. I had contacted jeep's customer service line to voice my concerns, the lady told me that there was not much they could do for me where my vehicle was out of warranty. I have done some research online and there seems to be quite an issue... I believe that jeep should address the issue even though some jeeps are out of the "factory warranty". this IS a huge safety problem, as to all of the wires are factory installed and should be changed and addressed quickly. *tr
- Electrical system
TL* the contact owns a 2003 jeep wrangler. When the contact removed the key from the ignition, the radio and instrument panel lighting did not turn off. The dealer stated that the ignition switch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 30,000. updated 10/02/14*lj
- Electrical system
About 5 years ago I took my jeep in because when I hit bumps my radio would go off and on, when I would shake the ignition keys the radio goes on and off. took it to the shop once they said they fixed it, did it again and I took it a second time, they charge me for new ignition switch and said my…
About 5 years ago I took my jeep in because when I hit bumps my radio would go off and on, when I would shake the ignition keys the radio goes on and off. took it to the shop once they said they fixed it, did it again and I took it a second time, they charge me for new ignition switch and said my keys were to heavy causing wear tear. a few days later it was happening again and I gave up with my dealer in chicago 60660. when I heard of the recent recalls I e-mailed my local dealer and told them the issue and that now I can turn off my jeep take out the keys and radio will not shut off and I fear my safety of the ignition turning off while I am on the highway, at 70 mph. I was told I could bring it in but not covered in recall. I can not afford to pay more money to chrysler for this on going issue and will take a chance of possible death should it stall. *tr
- Steering · Suspension
While driving at 55mph - 60 mph on the highway and hitting a bridge joint, pot hole, or other road surface bump, the vehicle starts to violently shake and become uncontrollable. The only way to stop the shaking IS to slow the vehicle to less than 30mph. *tr
- Steering · Suspension · Wheels
When I was driving around 50 mph I hit a pothole and the vehicle start shaking violently. I had to hold the steering wheel so hard it almost went to the other side of the road. this happened already 5 times, I am so scared to take it on the highway, because I might get into a wreck. I have to come to a complete stop for it to stop shaking. *tr
- Steering · Suspension
When the jeep IS in the 40 to 50 mph range, a "death wobble" happens. sometimes by itself and sometimes when I hit a pothole or street patch. I have had auto professionals look at the car and they cannot figure out what the problem IS. most of the time the solution IS to fix a symptom but not…
When the jeep IS in the 40 to 50 mph range, a "death wobble" happens. sometimes by itself and sometimes when I hit a pothole or street patch. I have had auto professionals look at the car and they cannot figure out what the problem IS. most of the time the solution IS to fix a symptom but not the actual cause. when this happens the brakes must immediately applied hard which has cause near rear end collisions. if auto professionals cannot find the cause then this IS not a maintenance issue. this IS a design flaw. this IS not a remote issue. if you google death wobble wrangler it will return over 110,000 hits! *tr
- Steering
TL* the contact owns a 2003 jeep wrangler. The contact stated that while driving 60 mph, the vehicle started jerking violently. The contact mentioned that the vehicle was extremely hard to maintain control over. The vehicle was towed to the dealer who diagnosed that the track bar and steering…
TL* the contact owns a 2003 jeep wrangler. The contact stated that while driving 60 mph, the vehicle started jerking violently. The contact mentioned that the vehicle was extremely hard to maintain control over. The vehicle was towed to the dealer who diagnosed that the track bar and steering dampener needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and the current mileage was 45,370.
- Fuel system, gasoline
Fuel tank over flows at every fill up. *tr
- Steering · Suspension
We are experiencing the "death wobble". have been to the repair shop several times but the wobble returns shortly after we get the jeep back on the road. help.... *tr
- Suspension › Front
I have been getting the famous jeep wrangler "death wobble" when I bring our 03 wrangler to 55 mph on the highway. today, was very severe and almost caused a serious accident. dealer claimed to have fixed the problem, but it has reappeared. *tr
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.
- 11010205Plate - Planetary
- 10229877Part Description: wheel hub cap Issue Description: This hubcap is installed directly to the wheel using screws; PN 00154236. This part is not currently listed in the catalog
- 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.
- 10229181Part Description: 5.7L Long Block Issue Description: This 5.7L Long Block Assembly is compatible with both EGR and Non-EGR applications. An EGR Block-Off Plate (53032739AA) must be ordered when installing this Long Block Assembly in a Non-EGR application. Unless, the EGR Block-Off Plate is being transferred from the old engine.
- 10223602Part Description: 5.7L Long Block Issue Description: This 5.7L Long Block Assembly is compatible with both EGR and Non-EGR applications. An EGR Block-Off Plate (53032739AA) must be ordered when installing this Long Block Assembly in a Non-EGR application. Unless, the EGR Block-Off Plate is being transferred from the old engine.
- 10223525Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) Illumination. Diagnostic Trouble Codes P0407 ? EGR Sensor B Circuit Low, or P0408 ? EGR Sensor B Circuit High Set
- 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.
- 10220995Part Description: Insulator on Lever Assy Manual Valve - Valve Body - RWD Transmission Issue Description: The manual valve insulator, attaching rivet and instruction sheet are now available as a kit. If the insulator requires replacement please order kit 68253161AA. Insulator only used on Auto-RWD transmission Note: The color of the insulator is not relevant for service.
- 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.
- 10175743Disinfectant Solution Recommended for COVID-19
- 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.
- 1012900882212076, 82203694 - Fabric Cleaner This "fabric cleaner" is not intended for sale in California, the otc states (Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Washington dc), and some ladco states (Illinois, Michigan, and Ohio). Mopar offers an alternative product (82213192) which is a water based product approved for sale in the aforementioned states.~ ~ Please inform the customer & your prep dept that spraying excessive amounts of the fabric protector on load floors will result in the breaking down of the adhesive (glue) that is used to create the bond between the fabric (carpet) and the load floor. This will apply to any vehicles equipped with rear load floors such as WK, WD, PM, MK, KA, KK. The carpet will appear to be loose, wrinkly, or bunch up~
- 10020334Steering shimmy.
- 10019535Primary door weatherstrip water leak at a-pillar belt line.
- 10016603Air conditioning (a/c) cooling coil odor.
- 10015064Spark knock or powertrain rattle-like sound from transfer case shifter area.
- 10013991After installing the transmission apply rtv to the adapter slot.
- 10013731Powertrain control module initialization.
- 10013708Mil (malfunction indicator lamp) illumination for dtc's (diagnostic trouble codes) p0750, p0755, p0760, p0765, p0846, p0871 or p0841. 2004-2005 jeep cherokee and 2005 chrysler 300/magnum
- 10012343Transmission delay engagement.
- 10009243Dowel pin has been added to the nv241 output shaft to mate with a notch added to the vehicle speed sensor tone wheel. Service information tuneups.
- 10008383Malfunction indicator lamp (mil) illumination -diagnostic trouble code (dtc) p1776 solenoid switch valve latched in lr position. This bulletin replaces 21-008-04 dated june 1, 2004.
- 10007592New spark plug for 2.4L engine.
- 10007314Soft top zipper cleaner and lubricant - for difficult to operate window zippers.
- 10006455Irregular engine snapping sound.
- 10006452Dirt and debris accumulation at rear main seal.
- 10006446Nv-241 transfer case fluid seepage from area of rear output shaft retainer.
- 100039864.0L rough engine idle after restart following a hot soak.
- 10003983Clutch pedal position switch makes click-like sound when clutch pedal IS depressed.
- 10003550Delayed or temporary loss of transmission engagement after initial start up on various models including the 2004 pacifica, sebring convertible, sebring sedan, intrepid and 2003 SX2.0.
- 100035384.0L multiple cylinder misfire.
- 10003535Clutch slipping. 2004 cherokee included.
- 10003527Hvac drive water leaks under passenger side front carpet.
Every Jeep Wrangler model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.