1997 Jeep Wrangler Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 31about this part
- Share
- 8%of 401 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 72,798miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 31 complaints about the steering of the 1997 Jeep Wrangler, 8% of the 401 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 72,798 miles. 5 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“While driving my Jeep on a public road going about 45, the vehicle began to shake uncontrollably. I had to pull over and stop the vehicle in order for the shaking to stop. It was incredibly dangerous, and I was lucky that I wasn't involved in an accident.”
NHTSA complaint #10618040, filed 2014-07, 150,000 miles“The vehicle used as personal auto, non recreational vehicle, in mormal city driveing conditions. Speed 50 to 55 MPH, I passed over a seam in the pavement, an undamped oscelation was initated in the front suspension, the car became uncontrolable at all speeds. I was alble to safely pull the vehicle to the side of the rode and stop without further incednet. Investitagion of the steering components identifed exceve wear on front end tie rods and stearing damper. The car is a 97 Jeep tj with 35000 miles .”
NHTSA complaint #10082993, filed 2004-07, 35 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 miles“After tolerating both problems for some time (poor starting and leaking power steering fluid), I took it in for repair estimates. My mechanic told me what the problems were and, that in his opinion, neither should be happening at the low miles I have on the vehicle. I am currently trying to get chrysler to put more than a minimal portion into the repairs.no safety defect listed.”
NHTSA complaint #745411, filed 2001-05“Dealer said no warrenty coverage for manifold due to mileage and age. Called chrysler help line and told maybe cold water or rain got on it and agreed I should have bought extended warrenty. Why isn't the manifold covered under the emission control warrenty. What is more important then getting the exhaust gas to the converter? Instead it goes to the air and creates a safety problem if it gets in the passenger compartment. I see your data bank has other manifold failures alredy and service notices of head bolt maifold issues. Looks like a mfg. Defect since these vehicles are so young. …”
NHTSA complaint #713896, filed 1999-10Related service bulletins
- 10020334Aug 30, 2006Steering shimmy.
Steering: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 2 | 17% |
| 2025 | 3 | 4% |
| 2024 | 72 | 10% |
| 2023 | 57 | 15% |
| 2022 | 86 | 21% |
| 2021 | 255 | 27% |
| 2020 | 239 | 39% |
| 2019 | 447 | 60% |
| 2018 | 1,117 | 61% |
| 2017 | 19 | 6% |
| 2016 | 28 | 6% |
| 2015 | 29 | 6% |
| 2014 | 26 | 4% |
| 2013 | 167 | 25% |
| 2012 | 204 | 24% |
| 2011 | 58 | 12% |
| 2010 | 66 | 10% |
| 2009 | 65 | 17% |
| 2008 | 156 | 18% |
| 2007 | 138 | 25% |
| 2006 | 86 | 12% |
| 2005 | 58 | 9% |
| 2004 | 67 | 35% |
| 2003 | 14 | 14% |
| 2002 | 10 | 9% |
| 2001 | 10 | 6% |
| 2000 | 11 | 4% |
| 1999 | 3 | 1% |
| 1998 | 16 | 6% |
| 1997 | 31 | 8% |
| 1995 | 6 | 3% |
| 1994 | 5 | 3% |
| 1993 | 2 | 2% |
| 1992 | 3 | 4% |
| 1991 | 1 | 1% |
| 1990 | 2 | 3% |
| 1987 | 1 | 3% |
Other parts of the 1997 Jeep Wrangler
109 complaintsFuel system
58 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
53 complaintsAir bags
46 complaintsSeat belts
35 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 29, 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