MotorDeets

2004 Jeep Wrangler: Recalls, Problems & MPG

Here are the deets on the 2004 Jeep Wrangler: 1 recall, 192 owner complaints and up to 17 mpg combined.

1vehicle recalls
192owner complaints
17mention a crash
17best combined mpg
2004 Jeep Wrangler
Photo: GPS 56 from New Zealand · CC BY 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons. Representative photo of this generation; trim may differ.

Recalls

1 vehicle recall from the manufacturer, plus 2 equipment/tire recalls that can apply. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.

Equipment Vehicle recall #04V048000 · 2004 · 96 vehicles

What's wrong: On certain sport utility vehicles, due to a recent software programming error, the tire, wheel, and inflation pressure information was inadvertently omitted from the vehicle certification label.

Why it matters: The vehicle owner would not be aware of the tire, wheel, and inflation pressure information for their vehicle.

The fix: Owners will be provided with a corrected tire certification label. Owner notification began on March 1, 2004. Owners should contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403.

2 aftermarket equipment / tire recalls replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
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.

Most-reported problems

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 7 mention a fire, 12 injuries and 1 deaths were reported.

Steering67
Suspension59
Transmission & drivetrain26
Brakes (hydraulic)16
Body & structure13
Electrical12
Seat belts10
Engine & cooling9

What owners describe

The 2004 Jeep Wrangler has 192 owner complaints, ranking #26 of 37 Wrangler model years for complaints (well below the 428 average). Complaints peaked in 2011 (22 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 6 years old, at a median of 46,192 miles. Neighboring years: 2003 (98 complaints, 0 recalls), 2005 (650 complaints, 1 recalls).

Engines & fuel economy (EPA)

EngineTransmissionDriveCityHwyComb.Fuel
2.4 L 4-cylAutomatic 4-spd4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive161917Regular
2.4 L 4-cylManual 5-spd4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive161917Regular
4.0 L 6-cylAutomatic 4-spd4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive141916Regular
4.0 L 6-cylManual 5-spd4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive141816Regular

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 2004 Jeep Wrangler.

eManualOnline Download (PDF), keep forever

Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.

Most $25–$78, one-time
Check 2004 Jeep Wrangler manual
Mitchell 1 DIY Online access, factory-level data

Pro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.

From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yr
Check 2004 Jeep Wrangler manual
ALLDATAdiy Online access, factory OEM info

OEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.

From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yr
Check 2004 Jeep Wrangler manual
Haynes Print book or AllAccess online

Step-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.

Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/mo
Check 2004 Jeep Wrangler manual

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FAQ

Does the 2004 Jeep Wrangler have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 1 vehicle recall for the 2004 Jeep Wrangler, plus 2 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 2004 Jeep Wrangler problems?

Owners have filed 192 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are steering (67), suspension (59), transmission & drivetrain (26).

What gas mileage does the 2004 Jeep Wrangler get?

EPA ratings run up to 17 mpg combined (2.4 L, Automatic 4-spd), across 4 engine and transmission combos.

Where can I get a 2004 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.

Other Wrangler years

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