2004 Jeep Wrangler Problems

Below Average Complaints

Real NHTSA owner complaints for the 2004 Jeep Wrangler. Part of Generation 2 (TJ) — 1997–2006.

20032005
Complaints
281
Crashes
27
Fires
9
Injuries
27
Fatalities
2
Recalls
0

Worst 2004 Jeep Wrangler Problems

Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.

#166 complaints

Steering Defects

Avg mileage:66,516 mi
Crash-related:4
#250 complaints

Suspension Failures

Avg mileage:51,604 mi
Crash-related:1
#310 complaints

Electrical Faults

Avg mileage:80,415 mi
Fires:3
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All Problems by Category

Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2004 Jeep Wrangler.

Steering Defects
66
complaints
Crashes
4
Fires
—
Avg Miles
66,516
Suspension Failures
50
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
—
Avg Miles
51,604
Electrical Faults
10
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
3
Avg Miles
80,415
Automatic Transmission
8
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
—
Avg Miles
29,033
Suspension:Front
8
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
42,574
Gasoline Fuel System
6
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
63,606
Transmission / Drivetrain
6
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
105,878
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components:Disc:Rotor
6
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
32,725
Body Structure
6
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
102,250
Tire Defects
6
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
28,310
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine
5
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
1,500
Seat Belts:Front:Retractor
5
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
11,778
Engine Problems
4
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
1
Avg Miles
—
Manual Transmission
4
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Seat Belt Issues
4
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Hydraulic Brakes
4
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Structural Problems
4
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Wheel Issues
4
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Air Bags:Frontal
3
complaints
Crashes
3
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Fuel System
3
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Power Train:Axle Assembly:Axle Shaft:Seal
3
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Visibility:Windshield
3
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Airbags
2
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Engine & Cooling
2
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Headlight/Taillight Failures
2
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Power Train:Axle Assembly
2
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Seat Belts:Front
2
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Brakes
2
complaints
Crashes
2
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip
2
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—

Search Owner Complaints

Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2004 Jeep Wrangler. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.

Other Jeep Wrangler Years

19861987198819891990199119921993199419951996199719981999200020012002200320042005200620072008200920102011201220132014201520162017201820192020202120222023202420252026

2004 Jeep Wrangler — FAQ

Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.

Is the 2004 Jeep Wrangler reliable?
Verdict: Below Average Complaints. The 2004 Jeep Wrangler has 281 NHTSA complaints, 27 crash-related, and 0 recall campaigns. The most common issue is Steering Defects with 66 complaints. Source: NHTSA via VinItel.
What are common problems with the 2004 Jeep Wrangler?
Top reported problems: Steering Defects (66 complaints, avg 66,516 mi); Suspension Failures (50 complaints, avg 51,604 mi); Electrical Faults (10 complaints, avg 80,415 mi). Every complaint is filed by an owner with NHTSA — this is raw reported data, not editorial opinion.
At what mileage do problems start on the 2004 Jeep Wrangler?
The weighted average mileage at time of complaint is about 57,199 miles. Some components fail earlier, some later — check the "All Problems by Category" table above for per-issue averages.
How safe is the 2004 Jeep Wrangler?
NHTSA complaints for the 2004 Jeep Wrangler include 27 crash-related reports, 9 fire reports, 27 injuries, and 2 fatalities. These are owner-reported incidents, not official crash-test ratings — a complaint being filed doesn't confirm a defect, but clusters around specific components are worth investigating.
Does the 2004 Jeep Wrangler have any recalls?
No NHTSA recall campaigns have been issued for the 2004 Jeep Wrangler as of the latest data sync. Verify by VIN for the most current status — new recalls can be issued years after a model year ships.
Should I buy a 2004 Jeep Wrangler?
Fewer complaints than typical for this model. That's a good sign, but every individual car is different — the VIN still tells you what happened to this specific one.

Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinItel.

Wider context: See the full Jeep Wrangler reliability report with year-by-year comparison and generation analysis.

Check Your Specific 2004 Jeep Wrangler

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