Jeep Wrangler YJ Problems by Model Year
NHTSA recorded 15 consumer complaints across the 2 model years of the Jeep Wrangler YJ (1997–2000) that have at least 5 complaints. 1997 has the most, with 10. Across all years, the part named most often is engine cooling (4 mentions). Pick a model year below to see its parts, mileage, recalls and service bulletins.
All Wrangler YJ model years
Years with fewer than 5 complaints are not listed. The score compares years of the same model, allowing for the era and for how long each year has collected complaints: 50 is a typical year, lower means fewer complaints. It is not adjusted for sales volume.
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | TSBs | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2000 | 5 | 110,598 | 0 | 14 | — | Not enough data |
| 1997 | 10 | 150,000 | 0 | 10 | — | Not enough data |
Parts named most often, all years
Counts add up complaint mentions across the listed years. A complaint can name several parts.
- Engine cooling4 21%
- Body and structure3 16%
- Transmission and drivetrain2 11%
- Fuel system2 11%
- Equipment2 11%
- Electrical system2 11%
- Brakes2 11%
- Air bags2 11%
Example complaints
One per model year, chosen for length and detail. Personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
2000: “The PCM/ecu (cars computer or brain), that controls everything in the vehicle, sensors, emissions, fuel etc.has gone out for the second time causing a crank no start issue. Took vehicle to my local Jeep dealer (hemet, ca.) for them to charge me $1450.00!!! For a new PCM! And not a new part, but a rebuilt one! I can find factory replacement PCM's online for $520.00 new not rebuilt! Have read numerous owner co mplaints about this very same part and wondered, why no recall or TSB ? Thank you for any help.”
NHTSA complaint #10863701, filed 2016-05, 110,598 miles1997: “Nhtsa 14720-02-v-041-000 parking brake: on certain sport utility vehicles equipped with manual transmissions, the parking brake can release without warning: consumer states about having problem on april 4, 1997. Vehicle rolled backward while parked on a hill while parked with the emergency brake engaged. Manufacturer was notified that they did not find nothing wrong. Five years later consumer received a recall letter on the emergency brake. Please provide further information. Ts”
NHTSA complaint #10001778, filed 2002-12, 150,000 milesOther Jeep models
29,154 complaintsJeep Wrangler
16,066 complaintsJeep Cherokee
14,894 complaintsJeep Liberty
8,882 complaintsJeep Compass
3,729 complaintsJeep Patriot
2,788 complaintsJeep Commander
2,748 complaintsJeep Renegade
2,212 complaints
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Methodology