1997 Jeep Wrangler Latches, locks and linkages Problems
- Complaints
- 9about this part
- Share
- 2%of 401 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 75,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 9 complaints about the latches, locks and linkages of the 1997 Jeep Wrangler, 2% of the 401 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 75,000 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Dt: was driving eastbound, a tractor trailer was westbound, the turbulence behind tractor trailer caused the external hood latches to fail. The safety hook in the center of the hood also failed to keep the hood down. The hood flew up striking windshield and folded over shattering windshield. Lost visibility however maintained control of vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #10120700, filed 2005-05, 95,000 miles“Both external rubber side latches failed on 1997 Jeep Wrangler. The hood flipped up and obscured the driver's visibility. The hood was destroyed by its impact against the roof. This vehicle had been manufactured w/o the standard internal latch due to several parts changes during the manufacturing year. An internal latch could not be fitted to the mis-matched hood and grill.”
NHTSA complaint #10175295, filed 2006-12, 75,000 miles“Right from shoulder harness is loose and gets caught in the door latch when the door is closed causing a hole to be torn in the webbing of the harness.”
NHTSA complaint #10045717, filed 2003-11, 55,000 miles“Problem with both the driver and passenger side door - water seeps through and in cold weather ices up the interior latch assembly rendering the door unopenible condition persists until ice melts.”
NHTSA complaint #744725, filed 2001-04“Hood flew open at 30mph. Chrysler redesigned latch but not recalled. Original hood latch not appropriate without use of side latches, even at low speeds.”
NHTSA complaint #730328, filed 2000-09Latches, locks and linkages: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 1 | 0% |
| 2018 | 1 | 0% |
| 2017 | 2 | 1% |
| 2015 | 1 | 0% |
| 2013 | 2 | 0% |
| 2012 | 2 | 0% |
| 2011 | 2 | 0% |
| 2010 | 3 | 0% |
| 2009 | 2 | 1% |
| 2008 | 3 | 0% |
| 2006 | 2 | 0% |
| 2004 | 1 | 1% |
| 2003 | 3 | 3% |
| 2001 | 2 | 1% |
| 2000 | 1 | 0% |
| 1999 | 2 | 1% |
| 1998 | 2 | 1% |
| 1997 | 9 | 2% |
| 1995 | 8 | 4% |
| 1994 | 6 | 4% |
| 1993 | 4 | 4% |
| 1992 | 2 | 3% |
| 1991 | 2 | 3% |
Other parts of the 1997 Jeep Wrangler
109 complaintsFuel system
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 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