Complaints
548
Crashes
46
Fires
10
Injuries
39
Fatalities
9
Recalls
0
Worst 1997 Jeep Wrangler Problems
Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.
#142 complaints
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE
Avg mileage:60,939 mi
Crash-related:1
Fires:3
#224 complaints
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM
Avg mileage:64,000 mi
#323 complaints
AIR BAGS
Avg mileage:113,544 mi
Crash-related:4
Considering a 1997 Jeep Wrangler?
Check the actual VIN — every car is different.
This page shows the model year's reputation. The VIN tells you about this specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer rollbacks. Full report just $4.99 (vs. Carfax $44.99).
All Problems by Category
Every NHTSA complaint category for the 1997 Jeep Wrangler.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE | 42 | 1 | 3 | 60,939 mi | |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM | 24 | — | — | 64,000 mi | |
| AIR BAGS | 23 | 4 | — | 113,544 mi | |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE | 23 | 1 | 2 | — | |
| AIR BAGS:FRONTAL | 22 | 14 | — | 91,039 mi | |
| POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION | 15 | — | — | 74,000 mi | |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 15 | 1 | — | 129,410 mi | |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CATALYTIC CONVERTOR | 13 | 1 | 1 | 92,500 mi | |
| SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR | 13 | 1 | — | — | |
| SUSPENSION | 12 | — | — | 126,356 mi | |
| POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION | 11 | — | — | 50,707 mi | |
| SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE | 11 | 3 | — | — | |
| STRUCTURE:BODY | 10 | — | — | 87,167 mi | |
| FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY | 9 | — | — | — | |
| FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:STORAGE:FUEL GAUGE SYSTEM | 9 | — | — | 72,210 mi | |
| STEERING | 9 | 3 | — | 73,877 mi | |
| FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE | 8 | — | 1 | 50,633 mi | |
| FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP | 8 | — | — | 54,500 mi | |
| FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER | 8 | — | — | 50,000 mi | |
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP | 8 | 1 | — | — | |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | 8 | 2 | 1 | — | |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE | 7 | — | 1 | 73,000 mi | |
| STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR | 7 | — | — | — | |
| STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR | 7 | — | — | — | |
| VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD | 7 | — | — | — | |
| FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY | 6 | 1 | — | 60,000 mi | |
| FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM | 6 | — | — | 69,000 mi | |
| LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCH | 6 | — | — | 85,000 mi | |
| STEERING:LINKAGES | 6 | — | — | 74,000 mi | |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:RADIATOR ASSEMBLY | 5 | — | — | 73,000 mi |
Other Jeep Wrangler Years
Wider context: See the full Jeep Wrangler reliability report with year-by-year comparison and generation analysis.
Check Your Specific 1997 Jeep Wrangler
Real owner complaints tell you about the model. The VIN tells you about your specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer fraud.
Check Any VIN — $4.99