Most common 1997 Jeep Wrangler problems
Share of the 401 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Jeep Wrangler complaints by model year
Best Wrangler years: 2017, 2015. Years to avoid: 2024, 2018, 2021, 2023, 2019. Compare all years →
1997 Jeep Wrangler recalls (3)
Air bags › Frontal
Vehicle description: multi-purpose passenger vehicle. The driver's side air bag 'clock spring' wiring harness can break when turned to the 'full lock' turn position.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the clock spring in these air bags.
Air bags › Frontal › Sensor/control module-inactive
The electrical circuit design allows the potential for an inadvertent air bag deployment upon vehicle ignition shut down.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the air bag electronic control module with a newly designed module.
Air bags
The air bag electronic control module (aecm) software contains an error which can delay the air bag deployment in certain crash situations.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the air bag electronic control module on these vehicles.
What 1997 Jeep Wrangler owners say
Engine & cooling all 111 →
When cold, Jeep starts and runs fine. After engine warms up, oil pressure would drop and Jeep would almost die. If I shut it off and try to restart while still warm, Jeep would have a hard time starting and if it did start, it would idle extremely rough and barely accelerate. Once I got speed up, it ran fine until I stopped at a red light and it would act like it was going to die and the oil pressure gauge would bottom out. Dealer put manual gauges on it and determined it was the oil sending unit. Oil pressure now holds at 20 when at idle. The issue with the rough idle and loss of power still persists after the engine warms up. After reading all of the complaints, this seems to be a recurring issue with this model. Really don't want to waste money trying to guess at what is the issue. …
Right after I bought the Jeep I started having problems but when I called the owner he said its a buy as is, no warranty, he didn't offer to help with anything and being disabled I had no other choice but to get engine fixed, transmission, clutch, the entire electric system, no ac, no heat or defrost either all these things I fixed but now again in 2020 I still have no heat, no defrost, Jeep is in yard not running and I still owe right at 900 on the Jeep, the owner has been very rude, made threats, and now not taking my final 3 pymts on Jeep, never been late, ever!!!! …
Fuel & propulsion system all 58 →
I experienced sudden acceleration when at a complete stop with foot on break. Throttle went very high and propelled car forwarded even when pushing the breaks penal down as hard as I could. There is no way I pushed down on the wrong pedal. The breaks could not hold the car stopped. This is extremely dangerous!
When cold, Jeep starts and runs fine. After engine warms up, oil pressure would drop and Jeep would almost die. If I shut it off and try to restart while still warm, Jeep would have a hard time starting and if it did start, it would idle extremely rough and barely accelerate. Once I got speed up, it ran fine until I stopped at a red light and it would act like it was going to die and the oil pressure gauge would bottom out. Dealer put manual gauges on it and determined it was the oil sending unit. Oil pressure now holds at 20 when at idle. The issue with the rough idle and loss of power still persists after the engine warms up. After reading all of the complaints, this seems to be a recurring issue with this model. Really don't want to waste money trying to guess at what is the issue. …
Transmission & drivetrain all 53 →
Noticed wobble underneath while driving. Inspected underneath and noticed light showing between transfer case skid plate and frame (should be tight) and bolt hanging down. Took into shop and lower mid frame on both sides is completely rusted through allowing skid plate bolts to fall out with nuts still attached. Skid plate also serves as transfer case mount and when it drops the driveshaft wobbles. Ultimately if it had completely let go on the highway the rear driveshaft would have locked up and locked the rear wheels causing uncontrolled skid, or the driveshaft would break causing danger to the passengers.
I bought my 1997 Jeep Wrangler in June, 2002 from a used car dealer in baltimore, md with an as-is warranty and was told the vehicle had passed inspection and was in good condition. It had 64,000 miles on it and appeared to be good. Since then I have had nothing but problems with this Jeep. First the wiring harness, then the transmission, now a diagnosis to replace the intake and exhaust manifold, replaced fuel pump and has a faulty fuel gauge, and possibly the stabilizer bar or steering components. This Jeep is costing me more in repairs than the actual value of it. I fear that it is unsafe and that I m facing more expenses if I keep it, but I am still making payments on it. Do I have any recourse as far as lemon law protection, recalls, help!!! I don't know what to do with it.
1997 Jeep Wrangler engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 4WD | 17 / 19 / 18 |
| 2.5L 4-cyl | 3-speed automatic | 4WD | 15 / 18 / 16 |
| 4.0L 6-cyl | 5-speed manual | 4WD | 15 / 18 / 16 |
| 4.0L 6-cyl | 3-speed automatic | 4WD | 13 / 16 / 15 |
EPA ratings. Class: Small SUV.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 1997 Jeep Wrangler a good car?
Based on 401 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 1997 Wrangler rates average: about as many complaints as a typical year of the Wrangler at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 1997 Jeep Wrangler?
The engine & cooling — 111 complaints, 28% of all complaints for this model year, most often about exhaust system › manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe. Next are the fuel & propulsion system (58) and transmission & drivetrain (53).
How many recalls does the 1997 Jeep Wrangler have?
There are 3 recalls for the 1997 Jeep Wrangler, the most recent from March 10, 1998 (frontal). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Jeep Wrangler?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2017 and 2015. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2024, 2018, 2021, 2023 and 2019. See the full Jeep Wrangler years comparison.
At what mileage do 1997 Jeep Wrangler problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 80,000 miles; 15% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
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.