1997 Jeep Wrangler Air bags Problems
- Complaints
- 46about this part
- Share
- 11%of 401 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 99,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 46 complaints about the air bags of the 1997 Jeep Wrangler, 11% of the 401 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 99,000 miles. 18 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers. 3 recall campaigns on record are filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Bought a Jeep Wrangler and found two outstanding recalls #97v-808 and 974-194.the later one they found parts for . The airbag module they say the part is discontinued and they can't address the recall due to part unavailable. Mopar says there are parts available ??”
NHTSA complaint #11063569, filed 2018-01, 139,728 miles“The consumer was having the same problems as recall#98v046000 regarding the clockspring; the horn failed. The dealership would not repair free of charge, because the VIN was not included in the recall. Please provide more information.”
NHTSA complaint #10112941, filed 2005-02, 89,000 miles“Dt: the airbag light illuminated, and the consumer assumed that the airbag was not working. The consumer found recall information pertaining to a similar issue involving the airbag; NHTSA recall 98v046000. However, this vehicle was not included due to VIN. The vehicle has not been to a dealer for repairs. No corrections have been made. The consumer talked with a dealer who said he would need the clockspring replaced, but no repairs at this time. There were no previous problems or incidents. .”
NHTSA complaint #10138549, filed 2005-10, 110,000 miles“The contact owns a 1997 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that while reversing into a parking spot and turning the steering wheel to the left, the air bag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 98v046000 (air bags). The manufacturer was contacted and informed the contact that the VIN was not part of the recall and did not offer further assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 105,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11015127, filed 2017-08, 105,000 miles“The contact owns a 1997 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated the air bag warning light continuously illuminated and the horn was inoperable. The vehicle was not repaired nor was the failure diagnosed. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and did not offer any assistance since the vehicle was not included in NHTSA recall campaign id number: 98v046000 (air bags: frontal). The approximate failure mileage was 97,000 and the approximate current mileage was 107,000. The VIN was unavailable.”
NHTSA complaint #10534216, filed 2013-08, 97,000 milesRelated recalls
- 98V046000Mar 10, 1998Vehicle description: multi-purpose passenger vehicle. The driver's side air bag 'clock spring' wiring harness can break when turned to the 'full lock' turn…Covers: Jeep Wrangler 1997
- 97V080000May 16, 1997The electrical circuit design allows the potential for an inadvertent air bag deployment upon vehicle ignition shut down.Covers: Jeep Wrangler 1997, Grand Cherokee 1997, Dodge Dakota 1997 +3 more
- 96V060000Apr 8, 1996The air bag electronic control module (aecm) software contains an error which can delay the air bag deployment in certain crash situations.Covers: Jeep Wrangler 1997
Air bags: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 8% |
| 2024 | 4 | 1% |
| 2023 | 3 | 1% |
| 2022 | 7 | 2% |
| 2021 | 10 | 1% |
| 2020 | 6 | 1% |
| 2019 | 4 | 1% |
| 2018 | 13 | 1% |
| 2017 | 26 | 8% |
| 2016 | 77 | 17% |
| 2015 | 74 | 15% |
| 2014 | 71 | 11% |
| 2013 | 72 | 11% |
| 2012 | 128 | 15% |
| 2011 | 145 | 30% |
| 2010 | 158 | 23% |
| 2009 | 104 | 28% |
| 2008 | 309 | 35% |
| 2007 | 89 | 16% |
| 2006 | 3 | 0% |
| 2005 | 4 | 1% |
| 2004 | 5 | 3% |
| 2003 | 7 | 7% |
| 2002 | 13 | 12% |
| 2001 | 20 | 12% |
| 2000 | 16 | 6% |
| 1999 | 22 | 10% |
| 1998 | 46 | 17% |
| 1997 | 46 | 11% |
| 1994 | 2 | 1% |
Other parts of the 1997 Jeep Wrangler
109 complaintsFuel system
58 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
53 complaintsSeat belts
35 complaintsSteering
31 complaintsBody and structure
29 complaintsBrakes
27 complaintsSuspension
27 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
21 complaintsOther or unknown
15 complaintsElectrical system
14 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
9 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1997 Jeep Wrangler
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology