Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (buckles, retractors, anchors and pretensioners).
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).
Vehicle was driven directly into a small concrete post. Bumber was forced back causing engine and frame damage. Driver head struck windshield of vehicle. Driver (complainant) was operating vehicle in a parking lot and had not placed seat belt on at time of crash. Face went into windshield breaking windshield and compl. Nose. It was opinion of police, dealership personnel, and others that the airbag should have deployed with such a severe front end crash. Daimlerchrysler was written to and a subject met comp at dealership and took computer readings of vehicle. No analysis was given to compl except for written correspondance from daimler Chrysler (a.l. Gilbert -special investigator) that the vehicle did not strike the appropriate "crush" and "crunch" zones to operate airbag. …
While leaving work still in parking lotand driving towards an exit, anothe rvehicle pulled out in front and consumer rearended the vehicle. Consumer's chest hit steering wheel, but shoulder belt did not retract, which did not protect the occupant in accident.
Whtile driving over an overpass a vehicle made a left hand turn in front of consumer causing a collision, air bags did not deploy and the shoulder strap did not hold, vehicle was totaled and two people were injured.
I have only included the one date I can remember that Jeep was in the repair shop. But, to this date, after Jeep warms up and then is shut off for approx 20 minutes, it hesitates on acceleration. Dealer said couldnt duplicate problem. Oil gauge dropped to zero, then engine knocked & I shut off. Dealer said oil pressure OK, could not duplicate prob. It still drops below 20 sometimes, but not zero again. I have had manifold bolts replaced twice and catalytic converter replaced once. Water leaks on passenger side & drivers seat belt gets caught in door latch.
The problem is with both driver's and front passenger's seat belts. They do not retract properly and therefore become caught in the door latch. This has caused multiple nicks and abrasions in the belt. I had spoken to the dealer about this and they replaced one of the belts while the vehicle was under warrantee. My concern is that the belt will fail in an accident. I have not followed up with the manufacturer or dealer since. I would like you to investigate and, if this is a real danger, encourage the manufacturer to correct. Thank you.
Drivers seat belt comes undone at any speed every time you drive it - a few times each time you drive it, rear center mounted tail light does not work, tailgate hinges are extrremely difficult to shut causing the tailgate to not be closed properly all the time, front turn signal sometimes does not work, especially if it is wet out- dealer notified and was told that they cannot replace the socket (not a stock item), the bulbs are fine in the brake light and turn signal.
4-wheel drive inoperable. In addition, driver's seat belt will not retract/gas gauge failed, shows tank 1/4-1/2 full when it is actually out of gas/passenger's side door handle very tight and squeaky/ABS brakes squeal loudly/automatic transmission has trouble shifting and sticks prior to releasing to next gear, and seat belt warning system buzzer sounds at times uneven and loud with a squeaking noise.
The rear differential was cracked, as was the exhaust manifold. Also the crank sensor harness and the tps were melted against the manifold. The dash leaked water and the brake shoes/lining and rack and pinion set needed replacing. The drivers side seatbelt would never retract and the dash lead water extensively causing the resstr-blower to go out. The radio was also broken for a couple of months
Seat belts in the front to not retract fully most times. This causes the seat belt to get caught between the door and the latch, thus visibly weakening the seat belt. Concern is that this weakened seat belt will not be as effective in preventing my gorgeous body from flying through the windshield.
Seat belt catches on driver's door latch 9 out 0f 10 times. Seat belt is getting a hole in it. Leak has been fixed 15 times and it still leaks on passenger's feet. Damage is occurring to interior of Jeep and anything left on the floor gets wet. I was told( dot number: ? Tire size: 22ss/75r15 )
Seat Belt complaints in other Wrangler years
Frequently asked questions
How common are seat belt problems on the 1997 Jeep Wrangler?
NHTSA has 35 complaints about the seat belts of the 1997 Jeep Wrangler, 9% of the model year's 401 complaints. The component named most often is front › retractor (13 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1997 Jeep Wrangler seat belt problems?
No. NHTSA lists no seat belts 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 seat belt problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 56,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 4 crashes, 0 fires and 3 injuries to seat belts 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.