Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1995 Jeep Wrangler owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
I purchased a 1995 Jeep Wrangler rio grande edition jan 2003. It had 103,000 miles on it and is in great condition. After about 6 months I started to hear a cold engine knocking in the 2.5l engine. I had mechanicls check the lower end and all looked good. I also replaced the oil pump, lifters, pushrods and rocker arms and the noise is still there until the engine warms up. I have researched this problem and have found that there was a problem with the 2.5l, and 4.0l engines that dc produced from 1991 - 1995 which is piston slap when the engines get over 70,000 miles on them. I also found a class action suite against dc concerning this problem and the consumers won with the options of a new engine, good trade in on another car or great discounts on dealer items. I called dc and also wrote a letter about my problem and this law suite. …
I am the second owner of a 1995 Wrangler. Through warranty, the catalytic converter was replaced in September 1999. Less than 15K miles later, I am told the converter must be replaced again. The dealer referred me to Chrysler who have offered no assistance whatsoever. If I purchase a catalytic converter, I receive a one year warranty. Chrysler provides an 8 year warranty on it from the date of "in service" of the vehicle (1995). The replacement due to no failure or misuse on my part makes no provision for any extension of the warranty and I am told no one has any discretionary authority on this matter. Apparently, the OEM catalytic converter isn't worth the endorsement. Guess I won't get that second Jeep - can't afford to keep up the catalytic converter purchases it requires, especially with the worthless warranty issues!
While driving the lights were dimming on and off just before the engine shut down in the road. The engine began shifting, the battery partially melted, and the battery cable burned. Also the brake lines were all bent back due to the engine shifting approximately 4-6 inches. Consumer has called al. Miss. Az. Il. (52059100r) is the part number, ny. Says there are 243 consumers waiting for parts due to same defect. Chrysler says they cannot find a manufacturer for the parts. Also the oil filter was broken, and the oil casing is dented. This is the second time this has happened, the vehicle was modified by a Chrysler dealership the first time to remedy the problem. Chrysler has a 243 customer back order and more to order.
While parked the vehicle emergency brake failed which caused the vehicle to roll backwards and hit a van. The vehicles fuel sensor, oxygen sensor, tp sensor and exhaust manifold studs failed. The catalytic converter also rattled.
While driving, consumer heard a snapping noise from the right front of the vehicle. Consumer had vehicle serviced by a mechanic who indicated that the engine mount stand bolt had broken off, and this is a common problem with these make/model vehicle. Ph
The catalytic converter was making a loud rattling noise like a tin can a couple of weeks ago then I noticed it had stopped making the noise 2-3 days ago.then just yesterday 8-3-99 when I went to drive the vehicle it hardly had any power at all & would not accelerate but to 40 MPH.it would take about 1 mile to reach that speed.everything had been OK with the vehicle up till then.the dealer told me there was no converter recalls on this Jeep after running the VIN number,but after I investigated further on the internet & talking with lots of people both owners & muffler shops in my area I think this problem is a factory defect.several of the muffler shops commented that they replace on average of 6 to 7 catalytic converters a week on Jeep wranglers alone & some with low mileage.again ,this vehicle ran like new until the noise in the converter came & went.also this Jeep has never been off …
I own a 1995 Jeep Wrangler, sahara model, and the question I have is that the exhaust manifold is cracked. The dealer found it and said it should be fixed or replaced for a nominal fee ($750). I elected not to have it done at that time. This was about a year ago. After further discussion with the serviceman about this he stated to me that it is a design problem and that they have repaired or replaced many of them. My question is if it is a design problem and the manufacturer is aware of it, then they should replace or repair it free of charge. What can be done to correct this problem? Am I entitled to a free replacement of the part? Please let me know if you have received any other complaints about this? I am not sure of the date but had to put something in the incident date field. Thank you for your help. Regards, darl m. Dodson, e-mail [email].
I originally didn't consider filing a complaint until I had the third major complication occurred. I've since talked to other Jeep owners with the 4.0 and have found motor mount and transmission failures are more prevalent than they should be. After the third problem (tranny), I began my search on the internet and found this site. It confirmed my suspicions about the substandard materials that dc is using in major components. I tried to reason with a service rep at dc by explaining that I'm a died in wool Jeep fanatic (5 Jeep jams) but she basically told me that motor mounts and tranny problems at these early miles is part of the vehicle ownership package. That May be true at dc, but not at other car makers like Toyota and Ford. This is definitely my last dc product. I'm glad I found this site; I know where to go in the future.
This is the third cat I have had to place on this automobile. The dealership replaced the first two, all failing at about the time 50,000 miles comes around. The dealership stated that there was a problem with these, and replaced the first two free of charge. Now another dealership states they know nothing about a problem with these. The inside of the cat comes loose, blocking the exhaust, hindering performance. Also noted by a noisy metal rattling noise while at idle or under acceleration. Mr
Have had intermittent stalling problem car just loses all power very intermittrently takes5-30 minutes to start again, dealiship attempted to fix but couldn't diagnose. Ultimately car stalled and when started back up engine was knocking, needs new engine now.
Engine complaints in other Wrangler years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 1995 Jeep Wrangler?
NHTSA has 32 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 1995 Jeep Wrangler, 16% of the model year's 202 complaints. The component named most often is engine (12 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1995 Jeep Wrangler engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 1995 Jeep Wrangler, though it has 1 recall for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 1995 Jeep Wrangler engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 103,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 1 fire and 0 injuries to engine & cooling problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.