Top Jeep Wrangler Problems | Avoid These Year Models

By Max Anthony •  Updated: 04/30/21 •  13 min read

The Jeep Wrangler is a four-wheel-drive car that was first introduced in the 1940s. Its rugged, off-road capabilities make it popular for activities like camping and hiking. The Wrangler is a very popular Jeep model, but it’s not without its problems. Like any car, the Jeep Wrangler had problems and some models were better than others. Let us discuss the main Jeep Wrangler problems and model years to avoid.

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Jeep Wrangler Problems Year By Year

Problems With 2005 Jeep Wrangler 

Did you know that the 2005 Jeep Wrangler had some serious transmission problems? For example, drivers reported issues with their car popping out of gear within 30,000 miles.

 The repairs were expensive and ranged from $2-4k+. This was an issue due to a design flaw in which many people complained about according to NHTSA.

Jeep Wrangler Problems
2005 Jeep Wrangler | wikimedia

The 2005 Jeep Wrangler was notorious for spilling gas if you filled it up. Drivers complained that they had no idea when the tank would overflow, and even at different stations, there wasn’t any way to predict whether or not this problem could happen again.

Your 2005 Jeep Wrangler may have been recalled because of a plug cup in the transmission. If this fails when your vehicle is not on an incline, you could be at risk for rolling away and causing an accident.

2006 Jeep Wrangler Issues

The 2006 model year of the Jeep Wrangler had the same problem as the overloaded fuel tank that had the 2005 model. This is one of the top three complaints about this model year.

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Another issue that often came up was the issue of suspension. Specifically, what people called the Death Wobble was a problem in 2006.

Jeep Wrangler Problems
2006 Jeep Wrangler | wikimedia

Among the 2006 Jeep Wrangler problems is“Death Wobble”. It is a very dangerous phenomenon affecting cars with loose trees and aging shock. When driving at 40-60 mph, even the slightest change in gradient or bumps can make it uncontrollable.

It’s extremely important to slow down immediately if you experience this wobbling motion as any accidents will likely be severe due to the lack of control over vehicle movement.

To be safe, it is always best to check your car for recalls. In 2006 alone two different recalls applied to the 2005 model year and one was related to a broken spring in the clutch ignition lock which could cause an accident if not dealt with promptly.

2007 Jeep Wrangler Problems

The 2007 Jeep Wrangler has a problem with the oil filter. There are problems with the engine’s timing chain. The fuel pump may fail and cause the vehicle to stall.

 Some models of this year have had issues with their headlights, taillights, or brake lights not working properly. Other problems include leaks in the power steering system and air conditioning unit.

 In some cases, owners have reported that they were unable to start their car due to a faulty starter solenoid.

2008 Jeep Wrangler Issues

The 2008 Jeep Wrangler is a great vehicle for off-road driving. It’s not the best in terms of gas mileage. 2008 Jeep Wrangler problems include issues with the transmission and engine that can be fixed by a mechanic.

The interior is spacious but there’s no backseat, so it might not be ideal if you have kids or pets. It has plenty of storage space for groceries, camping gear, etc., but it doesn’t come with any standard features like air conditioning or power windows.

There are many recalls for the 2008 Jeep Wrangler. It’s hard to find replacement parts for this model year. Many people have complained about the quality of the interior materials used on this vehicle. This car does not have air conditioning or power steering as standard features.

2009 Jeep Wrangler Issues

The 2009 Jeep Wrangler has a lot of problems. One problem is that the engine can seize up and stop working. Another problem is that the fuel pump can fail, which will cause your car to stall out on you. There are also problems with the brakes and tires on this model year vehicle. 

 Some people have had trouble with their transmissions as well. Other people have complained about how difficult it is to get in and out of the car, especially if you’re short or elderly.

Some people say they don’t like how low-to-the ground it sits because they feel like they can’t see as well when driving at night. In general, there are many issues with this particular model year of Jeep Wranglers.

Problems With 2010 Jeep Wrangler

One of the most common 2010 Jeep Wrangler problems is that it has poor gas mileage. Another problem with the 2010 Jeep Wrangler is that there are not enough cup holders in the back seat.

Jeep Wrangler Problems
Jeep Wrangler 2.8 CRD Sport 2010 | wikimedia

Other problems include faulty brakes and air conditioning systems. The other major complaint about this vehicle is that its interior design leaves something to be desired.

There are also reports of engine issues and transmission problems with this vehicle as well as steering wheel vibrations at high speeds.

2011 Jeep Wrangler Issues

The 2011 Jeep Wrangler has a history of transmission problems. It is prone to overheating. The 2011 Jeep Wrangler has been known to have electrical issues. It also has an issue with the fuel tank and gas gauge that needs to be addressed immediately.

 There are many other common problems with the vehicle, including faulty brakes, airbag malfunctions, and more. 

The 2011 Jeep Wrangler has been recalled for several reasons, including faulty fuel tanks and airbags. In total, there have been 18 recalls on the 2011 Jeep Wrangler.

If you own a 2011 Jeep Wrangler, it is important to check your vehicle’s recall status with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Also, the 2011 Jeep Wrangler has been recalled for a faulty fuel tank. This recall is due to the potential of the gas tank being punctured by an outside object. 

If this happens, there is a chance that gasoline could leak into the vehicle’s engine compartment and cause a fire. Luckily, there have been no reports of injuries or accidents related to this issue so far.

2012 Jeep Wrangler Problems

The 2012 Jeep Wrangler has many problems that have been reported by owners. Among the 2012 Jeep Wrangler problems is the faulty fuel gauge, which can cause drivers to run out of gas unexpectedly.

Another issue is with the air conditioning system, which has been known to leak and blow hot air into the cabin. There are also issues with excessive engine noise from the 3.6-liter V6 engine.

Jeep Wrangler Problems
2012 Jeep Wrangler | Flickr

Other complaints include difficulty in shifting gears and poor visibility due to small windows. Some people have had their doors fall off or their tailgate break off while driving down the highway. 

A few other common complaints are about rattling noises coming from undercarriage components and an inability for passengers in back seats to see out of the rear window. 

Finally, there are some concerns about rusting on body panels after just one year of ownership. These problems may be fixed by taking your vehicle into a dealership for service or buying extended warranties when you purchase your car new.

The 2012 Jeep Wrangler has been recalled for a defect in the steering column. The recall was issued on September 30, 2014, and is expected to be completed by October 31, 2014. If you own a 2012 Jeep Wrangler, contact your local dealership for more information about the recall.

Affected models include all 2012 Jeep Wranglers manufactured between March 8th and April 12th of this year. There have been no accidents reported as a result of this defect yet.

2013 Jeep Wrangler Issues

In 2013, engine problems continued to be a problem. The most common issue was that the engine would stop or die completely while driving; there are also ongoing problems with failing TIPM and Death Wobble problems as well as the inability of cool air to generate any heat through the holes.

Jeep Wrangler Problems
2013 Jeep Wrangler | wikimedia

The 2013 Jeep Wrangler has been recalled for a faulty fuel tank. There are also recalls for the 2013 Jeep Wrangler’s airbag and seatbelt. The recall is due to defective parts that can cause fires or injuries in crashes.

This is not the first time the company has had to issue a recall on its vehicles, but it does show how important safety is when it comes to automobiles. If you own a 2013 Jeep Wrangler, contact your local dealer immediately if you have any concerns about your vehicle’s safety.

2014 Jeep Wrangler Issues

The 2014 Jeep Wrangler had a lot of issues. Carcomplaints listed it as one to avoid because the serious problems continued in this model year, and even more serious ones cropped up. 

The engine was plagued by oil leaks from the engine that were fixed through recalls but some other major recall involving an airbag inflator persisted at the end of last year.

The 2014 Jeep Wrangler has been recalled for a defect in the fuel tank. This recall affects about 1,500 vehicles that were manufactured between March 16 and April 10 of this year.

2015 Jeep Wrangler Problems

The 2015 Wrangler was a much more reliable car than the previous model years. Some of the problems we had included a heater that did not work, a switch, and a radiator leak.

The 2015 Jeep Wrangler has been recalled for a faulty fuel tank. The recall is due to the potential of the fuel tank being punctured by an outside object. This could lead to a fire or explosion, which would be hazardous.

2016 Jeep Wrangler Issues

The 2016 Wrangler Jeep model is a mixed bag. The engine was very troubled by the problems, but not by the high prices.

The most common complaint is that it can just die while driving! On top of this transfer, failure was also a problem for some owners with an annual design.

The 2016 model has been recalled due to the risk of fire in the engine compartment. This recall affects over 11,000 vehicles. 

If you own one of these vehicles, contact your local dealer for more information about how to get it fixed and what compensation may be available to you as a result of this recall. 

2017 Jeep Wrangler Problems

One of the most common problems with the 2017 Jeep Wrangler is that there are too many blind spots. Another problem with the 2017 Jeep Wrangler is that it’s not as fuel-efficient as other vehicles on the market.

Jeep Wrangler Problems
2017 Jeep Wrangler|wikimedia

The third major issue with the 2017 Jeep Wrangler is that there have been some complaints about how uncomfortable it can be to drive for long periods because of poor back support and lack of legroom in front seats.

Finally, another complaint from owners who purchased a new 2017 Jeep Wranglers was that they had to replace their tires after only 10,000 miles due to wear and tear caused by off-road driving.

Overall, while there are some issues with this car model, it remains one of our favorites!

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued a recall for the 2017 Jeep Wrangler. This is due to an issue with the fuel tank that could cause it to leak and lead to fires.

Affected models include all Jeep Wranglers from the model year 2017, manufactured between November 16, 2016, and December 29, 2016.

If you own one of these vehicles, contact your local dealer immediately for more information about how they will fix this problem.

2018 Jeep Wrangler Issues

The 2018 Jeep Wrangler’s engine is underpowered. The Wrangler has a lot of blind spots. Also, it is expensive to maintain. There are too many recalls on the 2018 Jeep Wrangler.

The seats in the 2018 Jeep Wrangler are uncomfortable. There’s not enough storage space in the back of the car for luggage or groceries.

Jeep Wrangler Problems
2018 Jeep Wrangler JK Edition CRD Automatic 2.8 |wikimedia

The 2018 Jeep Wrangler has been recalled for a faulty fuel tank. Affected vehicles are the 2-door and 4-door models of the 2018 Jeep Wrangler.

 Dealers will replace the fuel tank at no cost to customers who have already purchased their vehicle or those who purchase it before November 3rd, 2018.

If you own one of these Jeeps, contact your dealer immediately to schedule an appointment with them. This is not a safety issue but rather an inconvenience that dealerships will take care of free of charge.

2019 Jeep Wrangler Issues

The year of the 2019 Jeep Wrangler model was different. However, there are still a few issues that arise from time to time in this latest generation car.

 The biggest problem has steering problems: loose driving wheels or loss of power after the first incident was reported by drivers and could be dangerous to any vehicle! Except for these major events, nothing major was noted.

The 2019 Jeep Wrangler has been recalled for a faulty fuel pump that could cause the vehicle to stall. Affected vehicles have been manufactured between May 14, 2018, and July 12, 2018. Dealerships will replace the fuel pump at no cost to the customer.

2020 Jeep Wrangler Problems

The 2020 Jeep Wrangler is a great car, but there are some problems. One of the most common complaints about the 2020 Jeep Wrangler is that it doesn’t have enough power and torque. Another problem with the 2020 Jeep Wrangler is that it’s too expensive for what you get.

Jeep Wrangler Problems
2020 Jeep Wrangler EcoDiesel | FCA

There are also reports of transmission issues in the 2020 Jeep Wrangler. Some people say they don’t like how high up from the ground you sit when driving this vehicle. Other people say they don’t like how hard it is to see out of all four windows while driving this vehicle.

The 2020 Jeep Wrangler has been recalled for a faulty fuel tank. This recall is due to the risk of fire from the leaking gas. There are currently no injuries or accidents reported with this issue. The fix will be free and includes a new fuel tank, as well as an inspection of all other parts that could cause leakage.

Jeep Wrangler Years To Avoid

If you are in the market for a car, then the Jeep Wrangler is a popular choice among SUV lovers, but there are three years to avoid in particular. 2007, 2008, and 2012 models had the worst trouble-spots of all time for this vehicle.

These models are the most problematic out of all years because they experience more problems than usual.

These years have been known to be riddled with problems that range from minor inconveniences like sensors breaking down and no longer working properly or major issues such as transmissions failing.

Are Jeeps Wranglers Reliable?

The 2019 Jeep Wrangler has a 12/100 reliability rating. It’s also been ranked as the third most unreliable vehicle of 2019, according to Consumer Reports and their website. 

Customers say it performs well off-road but struggle on pavement due to its lack of power in comparison with others at that price range.

The Jeep Wrangler is undeniably tough, but owners have been reporting that it’s still not the best at handling thanks to terrible steering.

Car and Driver pointed out how weirdly truck-like this SUV drives; many were also frustrated with wind noise inside at high speeds which gets very loud when driving around.

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Max Anthony

Max is a gizmo-savvy guy, who has a tendency to get pulled into the nitty gritty details of technology and cars. He attended UT Austin, where he studied Information Science. He’s married and has three kids, one dog and a GMC truck and a Porsche 911. With a large family, he still finds time to share tips and tricks on cars, trucks and more.