2004 Jeep Wrangler
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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These records cover every 2004 Jeep Wrangler. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
3 recalls name the 2004 Jeep Wrangler. Newest first.
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.
On certain sport utility vehicles, due to a recent software programming error, the tire, wheel, and inflation pressure information was inadvertently omitted from the vehicle certification label.
Risk and remedy
Risk
The vehicle owner would not be aware of the tire, wheel, and inflation pressure information for their vehicle.
Remedy
Owners will be provided with a corrected tire certification label. owner notification began on march 1, 2004. owners should contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
Owner complaints
192 complaints17 involved a crash7 involved a fire12 injuries1 deaths
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Structure › Body
My Jeep's frame is rusted. There are holes and cracks in the frame from the rust. The Jeep will not pass my states safety inspection because of the rust. Parts of the suspension that are attached to the frame are about to fall off.
- Structure › Body
The frame has been compromised due to rust. The frame rusted from the inside out because the frame was not properly engineered from the factory. There are no weep holes at the lowest point on the frame. This causes water to sit in the frame and rust from the inside out. The rust appears without…
The frame has been compromised due to rust. The frame rusted from the inside out because the frame was not properly engineered from the factory. There are no weep holes at the lowest point on the frame. This causes water to sit in the frame and rust from the inside out. The rust appears without warning. This is an extremely dangerous because the frame can break without warning and cause loss of control. My vehicle is available to be inspected upon request.
- Structure › Body
The frame on the Jeep TJ is prone to rot. Mine is so rusted that body shops refuse to repair it, claiming their insurance won't cover them. My Jeep has 123,233 miles and is otherwise in very good condition, but the frame has rust severe enough to make driving the vehicle unsafe. The Jeep Forum…
The frame on the Jeep TJ is prone to rot. Mine is so rusted that body shops refuse to repair it, claiming their insurance won't cover them. My Jeep has 123,233 miles and is otherwise in very good condition, but the frame has rust severe enough to make driving the vehicle unsafe. The Jeep Forum on the Internet is full of similar stories, so Chrysler has known about this problem for many years. You should make them recall the Jeeps and repair or replace the frame. A few years ago Toyota did a similar recall on their small pickup trucks.
- Electrical system
Driving while dark, had smoke smell from inside cab. driving in daylight later, and saw smoke coming from behind steering colomn. smoke got much worse, endangered driving, and column started to get hot. pulled over, and noticed the fog lights were still on despite the switch, and key being off.…
Driving while dark, had smoke smell from inside cab. driving in daylight later, and saw smoke coming from behind steering colomn. smoke got much worse, endangered driving, and column started to get hot. pulled over, and noticed the fog lights were still on despite the switch, and key being off. pulled the fuse, and relay, then problem stopped. I removed the turn signal switch assembly, which also houses the head lights and fog light switches, and found the connector overheated, and shorted internally. while waiting for a replacement switch, the turn signals and flashers quit working. I tried a new flasher relay, but can only assume the connector IS the main fault, as it was partially melted and now brittle from the fire. after trouble shooting and multiple times installing and removing the connector, it has begun to crack and fall apart, further disabling other switches. I'm currently replacing the connector once I am able to locate one. my main concern IS this could have caused a major distraction and possible crash while driving, and even more so, that a fire could occur while the vehicle IS parked, like in my garage while I sleep! every thing on the jeep IS stock, and the fog lights are a oem option installed by the dealer when I bought it new, from the factory. I've done no maintenance except to replace the turn signal switch when the fog light switch failed 40K miles ago. the connector was fine then, and it was only a switch failure at that time. the jeep has 135K miles on it currently. the current turn signal switch was not at fault since I now know the connector was what was burning. I've read of several incidences on jeep forums where something similar has happened, with either the connector, or the turn signal switch. I feel this IS a multiple safety hazard, not only while driving, but also when parked.
- Steering · Suspension
Hit a regular bump in the road, at 35 miles per hour on a strait stretch of road and the attachment point for the front suspension pulled away from the frame and I lost control of the jeep, upon further inspection I discovered that the entire center section of the frame IS rusted from the inside…
Hit a regular bump in the road, at 35 miles per hour on a strait stretch of road and the attachment point for the front suspension pulled away from the frame and I lost control of the jeep, upon further inspection I discovered that the entire center section of the frame IS rusted from the inside out on both sides, the frame should be the last thing to fail on any vehicle, this jeep has only 65,000 miles on it and has never been off roaded or abused. For a vehicle that IS known to last 200K miles plus to have frame failure at 65K miles IS not only negligent on chryslers behalf but it also poses a real safety hazard to the general public, imagine how many people are driving these jeeps down the road at 70-80 miles per hour with a frame that could fail at anytime. This IS a known problem with these jeeps and chrysler needs to be forced to do something about it before more lives are lost, in 10 years many of these vehicles will still be on the road and the problem will only get worse. Please help
- Tires
On march 8, 2020 while driving at 75 mph on interstate 75, the right rear (rr) tire on my 2004 jeep wrangler blew out. the tires were purchased at sam's club in may 2018. the vehicle had a matching set of tires all purchased at the same time (may 18) - bf goodrich all terrain ta KO2. size 31…
On march 8, 2020 while driving at 75 mph on interstate 75, the right rear (rr) tire on my 2004 jeep wrangler blew out. the tires were purchased at sam's club in may 2018. the vehicle had a matching set of tires all purchased at the same time (may 18) - bf goodrich all terrain ta KO2. size 31 x 10.5 R15. the mileage on the tire at time of blow out was only 16,386 miles. it IS very clear from photographs that rear tire tread separated from the sidewall. weather conditions at time of tire failure were excellent - clear, sunny, 57 deg f. roads were clear and dry. tire pressure for remaining 3 tires was checked immediately after blow out of rr, and all 3 tires were found to be same pressure (35 psi). the tire was marked dot bf60_at11_1118. I am an automotive engineer with +30 years of experience in automotive driveline. the way the tread separated cleanly for full 360 deg from sidewall on front of tire clearly leaves me believing there IS a manufacturing or design defect in these tires. I am concerned about the safety of this bf goodrich all terrain ta KO2 tire on the road.
- Seat belts · Steering
I have a right hand drive 2004 jeep wrangler. The right seat belt latch IS always sticking causing my seat belt to come loose. The steering wheel starts shaking violently when reaching speeds above 50 mph,if you hit a bump, or if it's windy or an 18 wheeler passes you on highway, the jeep will rock side to side like it's going to turn over. It's very hard to control the vehicle. I have children to haul around.
- Seat belts
Passenger front seat belt jammed in 2004 jeep rubicon.
- Service brakes · Steering
TL* the contact owned a 2004 jeep wrangler. The contact stated that while exiting her driveway carport going 10 mph, without warning the vehicle accelerated and the contact could not control the steering wheel which seized. The contact attempted to depress the brakes which failed causing, the…
TL* the contact owned a 2004 jeep wrangler. The contact stated that while exiting her driveway carport going 10 mph, without warning the vehicle accelerated and the contact could not control the steering wheel which seized. The contact attempted to depress the brakes which failed causing, the contact to crash into the carports pole allowing the vehicle to come to a complete stop. No emergency brake was applied. No injuries, no police report filed, no medical attention, no damage's to the vehicle, the dealer was not contacted, and no diagnostic test was performed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 130,000.
- Steering · Suspension
When the wrangler reaches approximately 55 mph, it begins to violently (and terrifyingly) shake uncontrollably. it makes it difficult to maintain any control of the vehicle, and we have had several near misses, barely avoiding accidents. we have reported this for *years* to our auto repair and…
When the wrangler reaches approximately 55 mph, it begins to violently (and terrifyingly) shake uncontrollably. it makes it difficult to maintain any control of the vehicle, and we have had several near misses, barely avoiding accidents. we have reported this for *years* to our auto repair and tire companies, had several things done in a desperate attempt to remedy it, including 2 sets of tires, with no success. with reports of the "death wobble" now becoming widely known, we instantly knew that we were not alone, and that this IS a widespread issue that jeep needs to address. this IS a huge safety issue.
- Electrical system
Vehicle shifts hard from gear to gear for first 5 minutes or so of driving. randomly throws 02 or cps codes. had all parts replaced more than once. Pcm replaced twice. two mechanics confirmed it was a faulty pcm. shifting etc, IS better when negative battery cable disconnected overnight. after…
Vehicle shifts hard from gear to gear for first 5 minutes or so of driving. randomly throws 02 or cps codes. had all parts replaced more than once. Pcm replaced twice. two mechanics confirmed it was a faulty pcm. shifting etc, IS better when negative battery cable disconnected overnight. after a few cycles, the issues return. pcms are defective from the factory. My mechanic currently has two 2006 jeeps with the sam problem. long involved post with multiple examples documenting issues here:http://www.wranglerforum.com/f210/1st-to-2nd-hard-shifts-when-cold-2006-lj-1755777.html. vehicle IS unpredictable upon initial acceleration as it may be in 2ND gear while stopped. almost had multiple accidents.
- Unknown or other
Mounting bracket for rear trailing arm became detached from the frame. Due too corrosion from the inside out. Cause vehicle to be unsafe and unable to drive. Contacted jeep dealer and insurance company was told that there was no coverage or assistance in regards to repair. Vehicle IS only 13 years…
Mounting bracket for rear trailing arm became detached from the frame. Due too corrosion from the inside out. Cause vehicle to be unsafe and unable to drive. Contacted jeep dealer and insurance company was told that there was no coverage or assistance in regards to repair. Vehicle IS only 13 years old can't believe jeep/nhtsa would not have a recall on failure such as this. It renders my vehicle worthless, unsafe, and unable to drive.
- Power train
TL* the contact owns a 2004 jeep wrangler. While driving 30 mph and attempting to shift from first to second gear, the vehicle jerked forward without warning. The failure recurred intermittently. Additionally, while downshifting, the vehicle shifted roughly and jerked forward. The vehicle…
TL* the contact owns a 2004 jeep wrangler. While driving 30 mph and attempting to shift from first to second gear, the vehicle jerked forward without warning. The failure recurred intermittently. Additionally, while downshifting, the vehicle shifted roughly and jerked forward. The vehicle downshifted independently while stopped. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the transmission failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to the independent mechanic again who diagnosed that the transmission failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The contact spoke to lake elsinore chrysler dodge jeep RAM (31400 auto center dr, lake elsinore, ca 92530) who scheduled an appointment, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and escalated the case in an attempt to find a solution. The approximate failure mileage was 277,407.
- Unknown or other
Excessive frame rust, from the inside out. You don't notice until the holes show up.
- Steering
Traveling on the highway at approximately 60 mph when without any warning the front wheels began to wobble uncontrollably. I could not get the vehicle under control until I slowed down to around 20 miles an hour. once the vehicle was under control I was able to cautiously accelerate back to speed…
Traveling on the highway at approximately 60 mph when without any warning the front wheels began to wobble uncontrollably. I could not get the vehicle under control until I slowed down to around 20 miles an hour. once the vehicle was under control I was able to cautiously accelerate back to speed and did not experience any further trouble. the initial problem started in heavy traffic and I was afraid of being rear ended because of my quick deceleration to bring the vehicle under control. this IS the second time that I have experienced this problem both times at about 60 mph and straight and level roadways. both times the extreme wobbling was sudden and unexpected.
- Structure
Dashboard covering over passenger side airbag IS extremely sticky. My concern IS not just for appearance, but for protection of the airbag itself and the need to continually clean the passenger side windshield due to a slight film produced from the decaying vinyl dashboard. This vehicle IS housed in a garage in florida. *tr
- Steering · Structure › Body · Suspension
The driver's side lower control arm mount on our 2004 jeep wrangler broke off from the frame while driving. While accelerating on a city street, there was a loud bang noise from underneath the vehicle, and the jeep became extremely difficult to control and started wandering all over the road.…
The driver's side lower control arm mount on our 2004 jeep wrangler broke off from the frame while driving. While accelerating on a city street, there was a loud bang noise from underneath the vehicle, and the jeep became extremely difficult to control and started wandering all over the road. upon pulling over and looking underneath the vehicle we found that there were extreme amounts of rust and corrosion inside the frame that was visible from the outside. This rust caused the entire lower control arm mount to break off from the frame. another rot hole was found further up the frame near the transmission skidplate/cross-member assembly as well.
- Air bags
Clockspring defective causing non airbag deployment and non functioning warning horn.
- Steering
Death wobble
- Electrical system · Steering
TL* the contact owns a 2004 jeep wrangler. While driving 60 mph over bumps in the road, the vehicle bounced all over the road, the front end shook violently, and the steering wheel became difficult to control. The contact stated that the brake pedal had to be applied to regain control of the…
TL* the contact owns a 2004 jeep wrangler. While driving 60 mph over bumps in the road, the vehicle bounced all over the road, the front end shook violently, and the steering wheel became difficult to control. The contact stated that the brake pedal had to be applied to regain control of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the front steering damper needed to be replaced. The repairs were performed, but the failure recurred several times. The vehicle was taken to a dealer a couple more times and repaired, but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was made aware of the failures. The failure mileage was 48,000.
- Electrical system · Engine · Power train
At 91,500 miles the pcm failed for a second time. I am not certain when the first failure occurred, but it was shown to have been flashed previously. this issue surfaced in the form of a stall out at a light. when attempting to accelerate from an idle position the engine stalled. after parking…
At 91,500 miles the pcm failed for a second time. I am not certain when the first failure occurred, but it was shown to have been flashed previously. this issue surfaced in the form of a stall out at a light. when attempting to accelerate from an idle position the engine stalled. after parking the vehicle, turning over the engine while simultaneously giving it gas, the vehicle turned over. according to three different mechanics this IS a common issue among '04 jeep wranglers that they have encountered recently (12 years after market and 2 years completely out of warranty). no one can find a replacement pcm because they are no longer manufactured, and it was chrysler's recommendation that customers experiencing this issue go to a scrap yard to find a replacement (likely to have the same issue). as a customer I am appalled that we are aware of this issue and there have been no recalls. driving down the highway my battery charged to 20 volts and could have exploded.
- Power train
TL* the contact owns a 2004 jeep wrangler. The contact stated that when the vehicle was taken in for routine maintenance, the technician stated that the rear passenger side hub bearing and axle seal needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The failure recurred and was repaired at 41,846, 46,297, 52,000 and 55,600 miles. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 39,000.
- Steering · Suspension · Wheels
While moving down highways 40 to 65mph ive noticed that whenever I hit pot holes or bumps my car imediately goes into a major wobble like I have a flat tire, however as soon as I tap my brake it stops. My friend told me this IS a death wobble factory recall but jeep dealers tell me my car vin isnt included. Why not since it has the problem?!
- Unknown or other
Jeep has never been off road. Husband noticed while changing oil, frame rot was visible in front of vehicle. Later took to local autobody shop that confirmed frame IS rotted from inside out. recommends new frame and to not drive it due to safety concerns. he stated this IS very common in jeeps and that I should file a vehicle safety complaint.
- Suspension
Jeep "death wobble" between 50-60 mph. I've corrected issue 3X over the years.
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
- 10230298Security Module Lock Out After Entering the PIN to Unlock The Wireless Control Module (WCM)
- 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.
- 10223762Security Module Lock Out After Entering the PIN to Unlock The Wireless Control Module (WCM)
- 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.
- 10221045Part 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
- 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.
- 10189392MIL Illumination - DTC P1776 Solenoid Switch Valve Latched in LR Position
- 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.
- 10139875Part 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
- 10139596Part 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.
- 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.
- 10013774Cylinder head bolt re-torque procedure. Gpop - issue review system.
- 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
- 10011958Power steering fluid contamination.
- 10011493Original minute mount wiring and e-force isolation module wiring conversions. Fisher. Various models including all gm/chevrolet and ford. 2002 & prior.
- 10010489Accessory drive belt chirp due to power steering pump pulley alignment.
- 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.
- 1000657442Rle slow or harsh gear engagement after initial cold start.
- 10006455Irregular engine snapping sound.
Every Jeep Wrangler model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.