Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (doors, hood, frame, rust, paint and trim).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1999 Jeep Wrangler owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 1999 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the rear subframe fractured near the axle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the subframe was corroded and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 145,000.
I started hearing a banging/clanging noise under the rear of this vehicle upon starting/stopping or reversing. The noise is best described as a sharp metallic clang. Undercar inspection revealed the frame has corroded to the point the upper control arm mounts have pulled away from the frame and the track bar that locates the axle side-to-side has separated from the rear axle housing along with the upper control arm mount separating from the axle housing. Repair of this vehicle requires replacement of the frame along with replacement of the complete rear suspension and axle housing. This same vehicle was reported to you 03 November 2016 for the same issue involving the center section of the frame rusting through causing the transfer case mount/skid plate to drop. Safety caps were installed on the frame at this time and the vehicle was placed back into service.
Jeep Wrangler (tj body) 1999 frame rust I was driving the vehicle at interstate (68-72mph) speeds when a severe vibration started suddenly and the manual transmission shift lever dropped to a lower than normal position. I pulled off in a safe area and inspected first for a flat tire and then looked under the vehicle. I noted the right frame rail had rusted through from the inside and the transmission-transfer case mount/skid plate ass'y had separated from the right (passenger side frame rail and dropped approx. 2-3 inches. This caused severe driveline vibration and erratic vehicle control.
The frame on my 1999 Jeep Wrangler tj is rotting through in several places. A vehicle only 15 years old normally has problems, but it should not be a frame rusting though. I am asking you to urge Chrysler to do the right thing for me and many Jeep owners who are also experiencing this problem and recall and replace the frames. Other automobile manufacturers have done this as it is a safety issue and the right thing to do. Thank you.
Frame rotted from rust where the rear suspension attaches to the frame. Too much rust to repair. Remaining vehicle is in good shape considering only 107K miles. Suspension broke free from the frame during normal road operation. I am told that the problem is epidemic with Jeep tj frames. Apparently so because there is noting available on the used parts market. Lots of tj bodies and parts available but no frames to go along with them.
Tl* the contact owns a 1999 Jeep Wrangler. While changing the rear driver side tire, it was discovered that the spare tire hub was extremely corroded. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The local dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not included in any open recalls. No further assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 25,001.
Tl* the contact owns a 1999 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that the temperature control lever melted without warning. The failure occurred on multiple occasions. The contact attempted to remedy the failure, but was unsuccessful. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The approximate failure mileage was 115,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 1999 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that the undercarriage and frame were corroded. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The VIN was not available. The approximate failure mileage was 110,000.
Jeep is a 5 speed transmission. Couldn't shift correctly, heard a rattle. Engine had fallen due to rusting frame. Frame so rusted, engine fell. Only 90,000 miles on vehicle. Not driven daily. Was in motion.
1999 Jeep Wrangler had multiple rear differential failures before 70K miles. *** no answer required*** the original drive train was rebuilt using original mopar parts. The drive train failed for the second time at 69000 mile after only 11000 miles of use. This time the dealer refuses to provide any financial assistance. The vehicle had other failures which include water leaks, drive train seals failure, electrical failures, multiple ABS failures, air bag and seat belt problems, and the paint was peeling off the vehicle.
Body complaints in other Wrangler years
Frequently asked questions
How common are body problems on the 1999 Jeep Wrangler?
NHTSA has 21 complaints about the body & structure of the 1999 Jeep Wrangler, 10% of the model year's 213 complaints. The component named most often is body (9 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1999 Jeep Wrangler body problems?
No. NHTSA lists no body & structure recall for the 1999 Jeep Wrangler, though it has 1 recall 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 1999 Jeep Wrangler body problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 107,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 1 fire and 0 injuries to body & structure 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.