1997 Jeep Wrangler power train problems
53 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the power train on the 1997 Jeep Wrangler — 13% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“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…”
filed May 12, 2015
“I bought this 1997 jeep wrangler from a used car dealer in june 2002 with a limited warranty and was told the vehicle pased inspection and had no problems. Since then I have had to have the wiring harness repaired, the fuel pump replaced, the transmission replaced, it has a faulty fuel gauge…”
filed Apr 22, 2004
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Power Train problems in other Wrangler years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 Wrangler | 11 | 17% |
| 2024 Wrangler | 175 | 24% |
| 2023 Wrangler | 50 | 14% |
| 2022 Wrangler | 63 | 16% |
| 2021 Wrangler | 139 | 15% |
| 2020 Wrangler | 47 | 8% |
| 2019 Wrangler | 78 | 11% |
| 2018 Wrangler | 174 | 10% |
| 2017 Wrangler | 50 | 16% |
| 2016 Wrangler | 74 | 16% |
| 2015 Wrangler | 51 | 11% |
| 2014 Wrangler | 88 | 13% |
Other reported problem areas on the 1997 Jeep Wrangler
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.