1997 Jeep Wrangler Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 109about this part
- Share
- 27%of 401 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 73,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 109 complaints about the engine cooling of the 1997 Jeep Wrangler, 27% of the 401 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 73,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 5 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“My vehicle has run rough, idling rough, bucking , losing coolant and dripping from the tailpipe about a week after the extended warranty expired. I have had major valve train problems and had to have the camshaft replaced along with the gasket, cylinder head, core return, radiator and now the latest is oil pressure gauge sending unit. Oil pressure still showing zero even after replacing sending unit!”
NHTSA complaint #10060716, filed 2004-03, 73,000 miles“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 reading, the intake and exhaust manifold need to be replaced and now the steering linkage or stabilizer bars are faulty.”
NHTSA complaint #10070478, filed 2004-01, 74,000 miles“1997 Jeep Wrangler sport 4.0 liter exhaust manifold crack noted at approximately 60,000 miles. Mechanic stated it appeared to be welded, no one had previously welded exhaust manifold. My understanding is that the exhaust manifold in this year tends to crack. Is there a recall by the Jeep dealership? If so, I have not been notified. Also the throttle control sensor as well as o2 sensor effected at this time. Vehicle now has 81,000 miles runs poorly has visual crack at the exhaust manifold in two different areas. …”
NHTSA complaint #10047217, filed 2003-11, 60,000 miles“I am in the process of replacing the exhaust manifold on my 1997 Jeep Wrangler for the second time. The first one failed at approx 55k miles (out of warranty) and chrysler Jeep customer service denied existence of a problem with the exhaust system, in spite of numerous reports of manifold failure on many internet automotive sites. The replacement part was supposedly redesigned to prevent recurrence of the problem, but it has now failed (mileage is now 110k, so these are 55k parts!) and must also be replaced. The mechanic stated that the replacement parts just crack in a new spot . …”
NHTSA complaint #10131459, filed 2005-08, 55,000 miles“I bought my 1997 Jeep Wrangler in june, 2002 from a used car dealer in baltimore, md with an as-is warranty and was told the vehicle had passed inspection and was in good condition. It had 64,000 miles on it and appeared to be good. Since then I have had nothing but problems with this Jeep. First the wiring harness, then the transmission, now a diagnosis to replace the intake and exhaust manifold, replaced fuel pump and has a faulty fuel gauge, and possibly the stabilizer bar or steering components. This Jeep is costing me more in repairs than the actual value of it. …”
NHTSA complaint #10023888, filed 2003-06, 74,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10191460Feb 26, 2016Valve Body. These may cause over drive cycling.
- 10020666Aug 1, 2006Reprogram pcm and inspect catalytic converter.
Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1 | 1% |
| 2023 | 2 | 1% |
| 2022 | 2 | 0% |
| 2021 | 4 | 0% |
| 2020 | 6 | 1% |
| 2019 | 5 | 1% |
| 2018 | 4 | 0% |
| 2017 | 1 | 0% |
| 2016 | 6 | 1% |
| 2015 | 4 | 1% |
| 2014 | 9 | 1% |
| 2013 | 4 | 1% |
| 2012 | 7 | 1% |
| 2011 | 6 | 1% |
| 2010 | 15 | 2% |
| 2009 | 5 | 1% |
| 2008 | 11 | 1% |
| 2007 | 28 | 5% |
| 2006 | 20 | 3% |
| 2005 | 22 | 3% |
| 2004 | 9 | 5% |
| 2003 | 6 | 6% |
| 2002 | 4 | 4% |
| 2001 | 21 | 12% |
| 2000 | 15 | 6% |
| 1999 | 50 | 23% |
| 1998 | 53 | 20% |
| 1997 | 109 | 27% |
| 1995 | 32 | 16% |
| 1994 | 25 | 17% |
| 1993 | 18 | 17% |
| 1992 | 7 | 9% |
| 1991 | 12 | 16% |
| 1990 | 7 | 9% |
| 1989 | 10 | 16% |
| 1988 | 7 | 14% |
| 1987 | 5 | 13% |
Other parts of the 1997 Jeep Wrangler
58 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
53 complaintsAir bags
46 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 27, 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