1997 Jeep Wrangler: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 1997 Jeep Wrangler: 3 recalls, 401 owner complaints and up to 18 mpg combined.
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Recalls
3 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer, plus 4 equipment/tire recalls that can apply. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Airbags Vehicle recall #96V060000 · 1996 · 700 vehicles
What's wrong: The air bag electronic control module (aecm) software contains an error which can delay the air bag deployment in certain crash situations.
Why it matters: Delayed deployment can cause increased injury to front seat vehicle occupants in a collision.
The fix: Dealers will replace the air bag electronic control module on these vehicles.
Airbags Vehicle recall #97V080000 · 1997 · 125,000 vehicles
What's wrong: The electrical circuit design allows the potential for an inadvertent air bag deployment upon vehicle ignition shut down.
Why it matters: Unexpected air bag deployment can result in occupant injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the air bag electronic control module with a newly designed module.
Airbags Vehicle recall #98V046000 · 1998 · 1,600 vehicles
What's wrong: The driver's side air bag 'clock spring' wiring harness can break when turned to the 'full lock' turn position.
Why it matters: In the event of a vehicle crash, the air bag May not deploy increasing the risk of serious injury to the occupant.
The fix: Dealers will replace the clock spring in these air bags.
4 aftermarket equipment / tire recalls replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
Equipment Equipment recall #04E041000 · 2004 · 80 vehicles
What's wrong: Bestop aftermarket rear shell roof racks,manufactured between April 27 and May 20, 2004, designed for use with the bestop hardtop made for the 1986-1995 and 1997-2003 Jeep wrangler. The cockpit cover May not stay latched to the roof rack because the latch bracket mispositions the rotary latch to the cockpit cover. As a result, the cockpit cover May not stay latched to the roof rack and could separate from the roof…
Why it matters: Should this occur, the cockpit could cause injury by striking persons outside the vehicle or could become a distraction or an obstacle to other drivers, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash.
The fix: Bestop will notify its customers and provide a repair kit and installation instructions free of charge. Owner notification began June 16, 2004. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact bestop customer service department at (800) 845-3567.
Fuel system Equipment recall #06E011000 · 2006 · 7,291 vehicles
What's wrong: Certain aftermarket airtex electric fuel pumps installed for use as replacement equipment for certain 1997-2004 Jeep wrangler; 1997-2001 Jeep cherokee; 1997-2004 Jeep grand cherokee; and 2000-2003 Dodge dakota vehicles. The plastic electrical grommet connectors at the top of the fuel pump module are not compatible with automotive fuels and May degrade causing a potential leak path for fuel.
Why it matters: In the presence of an ignition source, a fuel leak could result in a fire.
The fix: Airtex will notify its customers and will replace the affected fuel pumps free of charge. The recall began on January 25, 2006.
Brakes (hydraulic) Equipment recall #06E022000 · 2006 · 7,440 vehicles
What's wrong: Certain aftermarket brake hydraulic master cylinders sold as replacement brake cylinders for certain Ford, daimlerchrysler, and Jeep passenger vehicles. These brake cylinders were sold under the brand names of napa, raybestos, aimco, ac delco, carquest, bendix, and wagner. Only products that were manufactured from July 27, 2005 through January 17, 2006 (date codes 0529 through 0602) are subject to this recall. When…
Why it matters: Loss of brake fluid can lead to a decrease in brake line pressure and an increase in stopping distance, which can result in a vehicle crash.
The fix: Affinia (brake parts, Inc.) will replace the subject brake hydraulic master cylinders free of charge. The recall began on March 20, 2006. Owners can contact affina group customer service at 1-800-323-0354.
Exterior lights Equipment recall #06E026000 · 2006 · 61,944 vehicles
What's wrong: Certain pro-a motors corner lamps, turn signals, and headlights sold as replacement lamps for use on certain passenger vehicles listed above. Some combination lamps that are not equipped with amber side reflectors fail to conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard no. 108, lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment.
Why it matters: Without the amber reflectors, the vehicle will be poorly illuminated, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash without warning.
The fix: Pro-a motors will notify owners and offer to repurchase the lamps. The recall began on April 3, 2006.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 5 mention a fire, 25 injuries and 6 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Engine & cooling (109): the most common themes are leaks (17), noise or vibration (16), stalls / loses power (11).
- Transmission & drivetrain (53): the most common themes are hard / delayed shifting (23), leaks (6).
- Airbags (46): the most common themes are fails to deploy (11), warning light on (11).
- Fuel system (39): the most common themes are leaks (9), stalls / loses power (4).
The 1997 Jeep Wrangler has 401 owner complaints, ranking #17 of 37 Wrangler model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 428). Complaints peaked in 1999 (80 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 3 years old, at a median of 80,000 miles. Neighboring years: 1996 (2 complaints, 0 recalls), 1998 (265 complaints, 2 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5 L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 17 | 19 | 18 | Regular |
| 2.5 L 4-cyl | Automatic (L3) | 4-Wheel Drive | 15 | 18 | 16 | Regular |
| 4.0 L 6-cyl | Manual 5-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 15 | 18 | 16 | Regular |
| 4.0 L 6-cyl | Automatic (L3) | 4-Wheel Drive | 13 | 16 | 15 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 1997 Jeep Wrangler.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
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FAQ
Does the 1997 Jeep Wrangler have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 3 vehicle recalls for the 1997 Jeep Wrangler, plus 4 equipment or tire recalls that can apply. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 1997 Jeep Wrangler problems?
Owners have filed 401 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are engine & cooling (109), transmission & drivetrain (53), airbags (46).
What gas mileage does the 1997 Jeep Wrangler get?
EPA ratings run up to 18 mpg combined (2.5 L, Manual 5-spd), across 4 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 1997 Jeep Wrangler repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.