Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (struts, shocks, control arms, ball joints, springs).
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).
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.
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.
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.
My frame is rotting from the inside out. The rear trailing arm mounts are welded to the frame and the frame rotted through from the inside out. The vehicle will not pass the required saftey inspection. I started looking for a way to repair/replace the frame and found that this is a common problem. The cost of repair will exceed the value of the vehicle. The date I have entered is the date the problem was found.
While driving 55 MPH vehicle suddenly lost steering control. Consumer had to slam on brakes to regain steering control. Vehicle was taken to a repair shop, and mechanic determined that the link on the stabilizer bar broke. The dealer was not notified. The consumer feels that the connecting link is not sturdy enough and is weak due to it's size.
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.
Driveability problems vibrations start at 40 MPH and entire front end shakes violently , actually bouncing front end off of road making it nearly impossible to retain control. Problem is being referred to among owners as "death wobble". All components checked, replaced and/or repaired without any improvement. Major problem for Jeep owners should be a safety recall. Could cause loss of control at any speed above 40 mhp.
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.
Noticed oil leaking. Had the vehicle serviced at the dealer who put a new seal on. After a second seal was put on, took it to the dealer to have the torque turning checked on the rear pinion gear. Was told that the bearings were all bad and needed to be replaced. Also, they had to rebuilt the rear end.
The frame is rotting away, the frame rot clearly started many years ago. The rust is quite bad and will not stop. In an accident, the body could possibly fly off the frame possibly being fatal. The frame is rusting from control arm brackets to body mounts all of which can lead to very dangerous situations.
Suspension complaints in other Wrangler years
Frequently asked questions
How common are suspension problems on the 1997 Jeep Wrangler?
NHTSA has 27 complaints about the suspension of the 1997 Jeep Wrangler, 7% of the model year's 401 complaints. The component named most often is front (4 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1997 Jeep Wrangler suspension problems?
No. NHTSA lists no suspension 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 suspension problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 133,000 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.