1997 Jeep Wrangler Body and structure Problems
- Complaints
- 29about this part
- Share
- 7%of 401 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 95,500miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 29 complaints about the body and structure of the 1997 Jeep Wrangler, 7% of the 401 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 95,500 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Frame is rusting through at the upward bend towards the rear tires on both sides. Issue is constantly reported online, in forums, with endless numbers of pictures. This is a serious safety concern as it compromises frame integrity. This issue is usually noticeable from the outside but in my case it is rusting from the inside out so if I hadn't caught it I would be in danger.”
NHTSA complaint #10898923, filed 2016-08, 135,000 miles“I have owned this vehicle since it was brand new. It has been garage kept for approx. 20 of its 21yrs. The rear frame where the trailing arms are attached to the brackets rusted out. The driver side trailing arms were almost ready to separate from the frame due to the frame rusting from the inside out. I had to cut out the section and replace it with a safe t cap patch. Cutting open the frame showed extensive rust on the inside of the frame. …”
NHTSA complaint #11084993, filed 2018-04, 85,000 miles“For the past 15 years we have been proud owners of a 1997 Jeep Wrangler. In1998, we retired to cape cod, ma. Over the time we have owned our Jeep, it has been kept in immaculate condition; the vehicle has been garage kept, hand washed weekly, and never taken off-road. The finish is near perfect and all regular service has been performed. Currently the mileage is 91,000 miles. At our last service appointment we learned of a major issue with the vehicle's frame. It had rusted through in multiple locations from the inside out. …”
NHTSA complaint #10508898, filed 2013-04, 91,000 miles“Water leaks onto floor of passenger side of vehicle. This is a known problem, I have heard this one several times, yet haven't seen Jeep do anything about it. There was nothing that happened to my truck to cause this, it rains and my passenger side floor gets soaked.”
NHTSA complaint #10104823, filed 2004-12“The contact owns a 1997 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that while performing routine maintenance on the vehicle he noticed that the frame was severely rusted. The vehicle was taken to a private mechanic where it was confirmed that the frame was rusted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 140,000 and the current mileage was 141,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10477113, filed 2012-09, 140,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10220101Nov 20, 2019Use of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts.
- 10220099Nov 20, 2019Use of Salvage/Recycled Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of recycled or salvage…
- 10220097Nov 20, 2019Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.
- 10169249Nov 20, 2019Use of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts.
- 10169245Nov 20, 2019Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.
- 10019535Feb 15, 2006Primary door weatherstrip water leak at a-pillar belt line.
Body and structure: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1 | 1% |
| 2024 | 1 | 0% |
| 2023 | 7 | 2% |
| 2022 | 5 | 1% |
| 2021 | 18 | 2% |
| 2020 | 17 | 3% |
| 2019 | 22 | 3% |
| 2018 | 97 | 5% |
| 2017 | 19 | 6% |
| 2016 | 18 | 4% |
| 2015 | 22 | 5% |
| 2014 | 20 | 3% |
| 2013 | 20 | 3% |
| 2012 | 30 | 4% |
| 2011 | 28 | 6% |
| 2010 | 15 | 2% |
| 2009 | 8 | 2% |
| 2008 | 16 | 2% |
| 2007 | 17 | 3% |
| 2006 | 12 | 2% |
| 2005 | 9 | 1% |
| 2004 | 13 | 7% |
| 2003 | 3 | 3% |
| 2002 | 26 | 24% |
| 2001 | 38 | 22% |
| 2000 | 56 | 22% |
| 1999 | 21 | 10% |
| 1998 | 25 | 9% |
| 1997 | 29 | 7% |
| 1995 | 10 | 5% |
| 1994 | 6 | 4% |
| 1993 | 5 | 5% |
| 1992 | 5 | 6% |
| 1991 | 1 | 1% |
| 1990 | 2 | 3% |
| 1989 | 1 | 2% |
| 1987 | 1 | 3% |
Other parts of the 1997 Jeep Wrangler
109 complaintsFuel system
58 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
53 complaintsAir bags
46 complaintsSeat belts
35 complaintsSteering
31 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