Jeep Wrangler is one of the most popular vehicles in the United States. It’s loved for its off-road capabilities and stylish design. However, not all Jeep Wranglers are created equal. You should avoid certain years if you want to buy a used Jeep Wrangler.
The 2012 model year is one to avoid. This model was voted the worst Jeep Wrangler ever made by Jeep enthusiasts. It had 10 recalls which made it very unreliable. Another model to avoid is the 2007 Jeep Wrangler. This model had a lot of issues with the electrical system. The 2008 model had 9 recalls, while the 2007 one had 9 recalls.
In this blog post, I will discuss the Jeep Wrangler years to avoid and why.
Jeep Wrangler Years to Avoid
If you are in the market for a used Jeep Wrangler, there are certain years you should avoid. These include:
The 2012 Model Year
The 2012 model year is one to avoid for several reasons. Among the issues that led to it being voted the worst Jeep Wrangler ever made were:
Airbag Issues
The 2012 Jeep Wrangler was recalled multiple times for airbags that would deploy without warning. This could have led to serious injuries or even death.
Electrical Issues
There were also multiple recalls for electrical issues on the 2012 model. These included problems with the starter, battery, and headlights.
Heater Issues
Another serious issue with the 2012 model was that the heater could fail, leaving drivers and passengers in cold conditions.
Engine Problems
The 2012 model also had issues with the engine, including fires.
Other Problems
Other problems that plagued the 2012 Jeep Wrangler included transmission and suspension issues.
The 2007 Model Year
Another model year to avoid is the 2007 Jeep Wrangler. This model had a lot of electrical system issues, including:
Steering Problems
A steering problem on the 2007 Jeep Wrangler could cause the vehicle to veer off course. This could lead to a serious accident. There were loose steering bolts that could cause the problem.
Fuel System Problems
There were also fuel system issues on the 2007 model. This could cause the vehicle to stall or even catch fire.
Starter Issues
The 2007 Jeep Wrangler had problems with the starter, which could cause it to fail.
Battery Issues
There were also issues with the battery, which could cause it to die without warning.
The 2008 Model Year
The 2008 model year is another one to avoid when looking for a used Jeep Wrangler. This model had nine recalls, including:
Transmission Problems
The 2008 Jeep Wrangler had multiple transmission problems that could cause it to stall or fail.
Engine Problems
There were also engine problems on the 2008 model. These included fires, oil leaks, and stalling.
Suspension Problems
The suspension was also an issue on the 2008 Jeep Wrangler. This could cause the vehicle to handle poorly or even break down.
Tire Pressure Monitor Issues
The tire pressure monitor system was also faulty on the 2008 model. This could cause the vehicle to have incorrect tire pressure, which could lead to a blowout.
Common Problems with the 1997-2004 Models
Owners of Jeep Wranglers who intend to purchase one of these vehicles should be informed that models made from 1997 to 2002 are infamous for having several issues that might reduce their lifespan and necessitate costly maintenance.
- There have been instances where these vehicles’ seals have leaked as a result of faulty bolts utilized in the axle housing assembly.
- A defective high-pressure fuel pump seal has frequently caused problems with the engine air intake system fuel pump.
- There have been far too many reports of issues with the gauge cluster. This happens when a poor design fault exposes the electrical harness in the steering column to intense heat.
- There have been a lot of reports of fuel tank problems, which cause fuel to leak from the gas tank, typically from a crack in the gas tank or an exterior leak caused by a seam or seal being damaged. There have been incidents when gas has entered the Jeep Wrangler’s engine air intake system, causing fuel pump failures, property damage, and injuries.
A possible axle seal leak has been discovered in some cars between 1997 and 2006. If this particular leaking issue doesn’t arise again, there usually aren’t any noticeable leaks.
On automobiles with automatic transmissions, there have been reports of oil leaks from the transfer case or the rear differential pinion seal.
Last but not least, allegations of an issue with the primary wire harness have surfaced. This wiring problem results in gauges reading inaccurate values and frequently causes excessive vibration and/or shuddering in the car.
Conclusion
The Jeep is a great vehicle, but it’s not perfect. There have been some years where the Jeep Wrangler has had more problems than others. If you’re looking for a used Jeep Wrangler, you should avoid the 2007 and 2008 model years.
You should also be aware of common problems with the 1997-2004 models. With that said, the Jeep Wrangler is still a great vehicle and can provide years of fun and adventure.
Sources
The Most Common Jeep Wrangler Complaints You Should Know About
https://www.carsguide.com.au/jeep/wrangler/problems
