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 1997 Jeep Wrangler owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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!!!! …
1997 Jeep Wrangler sport 4.0 liter exhaust manifold crack noted at approximately 60,000 miles. Mechanic stated it appeared to be welded, no one had previously welded exhaust manifold. My understanding is that the exhaust manifold in this year tends to crack. Is there a recall by the Jeep dealership? If so, I have not been notified. Also the throttle control sensor as well as o2 sensor effected at this time. Vehicle now has 81,000 miles runs poorly has visual crack at the exhaust manifold in two different areas. The only recall I have read about is the air bag but I have never received a notice from Jeep Eagle or the Chrysler company. Can you help me? Who do I contact, and if the exhaust manifold is commonly known to crack - without cause why wasn't I or possibly others notified? Who can I contact? The exhaust manifold according to others is more prominent than the air bag recall.
I am in the process of replacing the exhaust manifold on my 1997 Jeep Wrangler for the second time. The first one failed at approx 55K miles (out of warranty) and Chrysler Jeep customer service denied existence of a problem with the exhaust system, in spite of numerous reports of manifold failure on many internet automotive sites. The replacement part was supposedly redesigned to prevent recurrence of the problem, but it has now failed (mileage is now 110K, so these are 55K parts!) and must also be replaced. The mechanic stated that the replacement parts just crack in a "new spot". Chrysler Jeep has been totally unresponsive to what is obviously an engineering flaw in their product, and sticking their customers with the bill and any resulting safety issues! Not a great way to build your customer base!
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.
In the morning the vehicle would backfire andwhen the vehicle is driven after it sits for 20 minutes. Now the dealer has replaced a exhaust manifold /catalytic converter/tps sensor/air intake housing,a broken stud in the exhaust manifold to head assembly, this has been going on for the past year and I get the same reply I can't find the problem or it's in the computer. This was all taken care off, but the problem still exsists. I've talked ato a lawyer and he couldn't help me. Maybe you can as this does cause a flame to come out of the intake. And now it's getting worse now it's when I'm driving down the road a 25 - 30 MPH. What can I do? Please help, scared to drive it might explode the engine while I'm driving with my son or girlfriend.
I have a 97 Jeep Wrangler. I have a problem everytime I start my Jeep after it sits for 20 min. It sounds like it wants to shut down and after pressing the gas to the floor it finally kicks in and takes off. I lose power alot and it backfires . I have had the exhaust manifold /catalytic converter replaced and a broken stud in the exhaust manifold to head assembly. This has been going on for 3 years and I have taken it to several differnt Jeep service department. All the service departments can tell me is that they can't find the problem but they always seem to find something else for me to pay for . I'm still having this problem and now it's getting worse . What can I do? Please help.
Same as everyone else....cracked exhaust manifold on 4.0 l 6 cyl. Jeep has redesigned part. I formerly worked with a 4x4 repair shop, and almost everyone that came in with a 1997-2000 (or so) Jeep had same cracks. Leading 4x4 magazines state "it's not if it cracks, it's when". Given this many complaints, Jeep should be paying to fix their flaw, not consumers. Will replace with aftermarket component, not Jeep's.
There was an exhaust smell entering the compartment of the vehicle and there was a loud noise coming from the engine compartment. The owner took the vehicle to a dealership and they indicated that there was a crack in the manifold. The manufacturer was contacted but state that there was nothing they could do because the vehicle was out of warranty. The consumer believes this component should be recalled.
I bought this 1997 Jeep Wrangler from a used car dealer in June 2002 with a limited warranty and was told the vehicle pased inspection and had no problems. Since then I have had to have the wiring harness repaired, the fuel pump replaced, the transmission replaced, it has a faulty fuel gauge reading, the intake and exhaust manifold need to be replaced and now the steering linkage or stabilizer bars are faulty.
Engine complaints in other Wrangler years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 1997 Jeep Wrangler?
NHTSA has 111 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 1997 Jeep Wrangler, 28% of the model year's 401 complaints. The component named most often is exhaust system › manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe (42 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1997 Jeep Wrangler engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling 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 engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 74,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 5 fires and 2 injuries and 3 deaths 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.