Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1997 Jeep Wrangler owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Dt: while driving at various speeds and road conditions the front brakes locked. When the brakes lock the wheels skidded either to the right or left, but more often to the right. Had been to the dealer numerous times. No repairs were done because dealer determined nothing was wrong. Called Chrysler, and tried to speak to an engineer and they did not wish to talk to consumer. Vehicle was involved in several crashes.
While driving on route 93 in boston, ma on a rainy day at 6 am. I braked and swerved to avoid a car and the back brakes on 97 Jeep Wrangler locked and the back end came around and I it the zipper lane barrier. I ended up facing traffice in the wrong direction in the high speed lane.
On a maintained dirt county road the brakes on my 1997 Jeep Wrangler failed to stop my car causing a rear end collision with another car.I could feel the pulsing of the ABS brakes but the car refused to slow down,it pulled me into the car infront of me.
Driving down the road the rear upper control arm brackets separated from the frame as a result of the frame corroding from the inside out. This caused the rear brake line to brake draining the master cylinder.
Dt*: the contact stated while traveling 40 MPH under normal road and braking conditions, the hydraulic brakes failed without warning, almost causing an accident. The brake petal was applied to avert an accident and went to the floor. The brake lines burst causing brake fluid to leak from beneath the vehicle. The nature of failure was permanent. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic shop, who determined that the cause of the problem was due to rust on the brake line. There were no prior warnings of failure. The manufacturer was contacted and expressed they had no obligation to report this problem to the public. The vehicle was currently at the shop for further evaluation.
Vehicle was involved in a crash. To avoid a head on collision, driver applied brakes and Jeep veered to the left, making head-on impact with a bridge. After flipping several times ended up over guard rail on river bank beside a tree. Driver sustained massive severe injuries and permanent disabilities. No recalls were issued until after vehicle was totaled and destroyed. Airbag team was called at time of incident and stated to look at vehicle would only be a waste of their time and our money. I was shocked to find there were defects in the SRS, I thank god I was not killed in this crash because of obvious defects.
Because the brake pedal and the gas pedal are within one inch of each other, when depressing the brake pedal, the brake pedal passes the gas pedal and causes consumers foot to catch the side of the gas pedal which overrides the brake. This condition caused a crash in July of 97. Dealer stated that there was not a problem with the Jeep. Problem has been reported to the manufacturer.
Hard brake line leading to the rear axle burst with a loss of braking. Brake line, as it passed over the frame near the front wheel well was severely rusted and crumbling. When removing the line for replacement the line also broke in half at one of the clips mounted on the frame.
Front brakes lock up on slick roads and then no control. I have taken it back several times. Took back the other dy and the shop foreman almost went in a ditch. I dont let my wife drive as it is dangerous. It has antilock brakes on front. The shop man said that I need to get someone from factory to look at. I cannot get any satisfaction from company. I took it to another dealer the other day and he said that there was no way to stop this Jeep on a slick road. I would like for some factpry person to look at it. As it is very dangerpus. I do not drive it on snowy roads as you cant stop it in 2-wheel drive. I woulappreciate your help on this matter.
I have e-mailed you several times and no answer. Front brakes on my Jeep lock up on slick road and you have no control, almost wrecked several times. Anti lock brakes do not work on front. Vehicle has anti-lock brakes on all four wheels. I cannot get any satisfaction from company. Servioce manager drove it and almost wrecked. Another mechanic drove it and said the only way that you could stop it on slick road was 4-wheel. I paid $23,900.00 for it and should be able to drive it on sllick roads.
Brake complaints in other Wrangler years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 1997 Jeep Wrangler?
NHTSA has 27 complaints about the brakes of the 1997 Jeep Wrangler, 7% of the model year's 401 complaints. The component named most often is antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (8 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1997 Jeep Wrangler brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes recall for the 1997 Jeep Wrangler, though it has 3 recalls 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 1997 Jeep Wrangler brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 85,000 miles, and 11% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 7 crashes, 0 fires and 3 injuries to brakes 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.