Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power steering, steering column, rack and pinion).
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).
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.
The vehicle used as personal auto, non recreational vehicle, in mormal city driveing conditions. Speed 50 to 55 MPH, I passed over a seam in the pavement, an undamped oscelation was initated in the front suspension, the car became uncontrolable at all speeds. I was alble to safely pull the vehicle to the side of the rode and stop without further incednet. Investitagion of the steering components identifed exceve wear on front end tie rods and stearing damper. The car is a 97 Jeep tj with 35000 miles .
Ron Ford reports that the steering makes a loud noise and vehicle goes straight ahead when trying to make a turn, vehicle would not turn. Dealer contacted, and no attempts made to remedy the problem. Accident occurred while vehicle was trying to make a turn, hit a boulder, at 35-40 MPH, air bag did not deploy upon impact. No repairs have been made. Problems still exist. Provided further information.
While driving my Jeep on a public road going about 45, the vehicle began to shake uncontrollably. I had to pull over and stop the vehicle in order for the shaking to stop. It was incredibly dangerous, and I was lucky that I wasn't involved in an accident.
While driving at 35 MPH on the highway this vehicle swerved and lost control, went into a ditch front first and flipped over. Upon impact, the air bags did not deploy. The vehicle has been declared totaled. Dealer has not been contacted.
Dealer said no warrenty coverage for manifold due to mileage and age. Called Chrysler help line and told maybe cold water or rain got on it and agreed I should have bought extended warrenty. Why isn't the manifold covered under the emission control warrenty. What is more important then getting the exhaust gas to the converter? Instead it goes to the air and creates a safety problem if it gets in the passenger compartment. I see your data bank has other manifold failures alredy and service notices of head bolt maifold issues. Looks like a mfg. Defect since these vehicles are so young. The fuel pump was fixed under warrenty, the car would't start right. The power steering unit continues to leak slowly and the dealer suggest a seal leaking but I have to pay to fix. Great car!
After tolerating both problems for some time (poor starting and leaking power steering fluid), I took it in for repair estimates. My mechanic told me what the problems were and, that in his opinion, neither should be happening at the low miles I have on the vehicle. I am currently trying to get Chrysler to put more than a minimal portion into the repairs.no safety defect listed.
Violent wobbling of front of Jeep , it comes and goes at different speeds and you must come to a sudden stop to avoid loosing control of vehicle . I don't know what is causing this as there is no apparent damage to repair. In my opinion it is a factory defect and the vehicle is unsafe for use on public roads and highways.
Power steering pump/pully fell off taking out the water pump and serpentine belt. Unable to drive, was able to get off the road without incident. Never heard of a power steering pump falling off. Estimate to repair $767.00. Had vehicle maintained at dealer a couple of months ago. Vehicle has never been taken off road.
Vehicle exhibits undamped shimmy of front suspension after hitting pavement irregularities at ~40-45 MPH. Shimmy continues until spped is reduced below that range. Condition appears to be worsening. Mileage at 37,000 now. Dealer replaced sterring damper and pitman arm shaft seal which had little affect.
Steering complaints in other Wrangler years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 1997 Jeep Wrangler?
NHTSA has 31 complaints about the steering of the 1997 Jeep Wrangler, 8% of the model year's 401 complaints. The component named most often is steering wheel/handle bar (7 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1997 Jeep Wrangler steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering 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 steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 74,000 miles, and 25% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 5 crashes, 0 fires and 4 injuries to steering 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.