1997 Jeep Wrangler Suspension Problems
- Complaints
- 27about this part
- Share
- 7%of 401 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 115,949miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 27 complaints about the suspension of the 1997 Jeep Wrangler, 7% of the 401 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 115,949 miles.
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“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“Noticed wobble underneath while driving. Inspected underneath and noticed light showing between transfer case skid plate and frame (should be tight) and bolt hanging down. Took into shop and lower mid frame on both sides is completely rusted through allowing skid plate bolts to fall out with nuts still attached. Skid plate also serves as transfer case mount and when it drops the driveshaft wobbles. …”
NHTSA complaint #10716094, filed 2015-05, 95,440 miles“Driving down the road the rear upper control arm brackets separated from the frame as a result of the frame corroding from the inside out. This caused the rear brake line to brake draining the master cylinder.”
NHTSA complaint #10693731, filed 2015-03, 154,557 miles“The rear of the frame can rust through due to lack of drain holes to let water and debris out causing the rear control arms to separate from the frame.”
NHTSA complaint #10950359, filed 2017-02, 240,000 milesSuspension: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 13 | 2% |
| 2023 | 38 | 10% |
| 2022 | 59 | 14% |
| 2021 | 181 | 19% |
| 2020 | 51 | 8% |
| 2019 | 133 | 18% |
| 2018 | 343 | 19% |
| 2017 | 8 | 3% |
| 2016 | 8 | 2% |
| 2015 | 17 | 4% |
| 2014 | 15 | 2% |
| 2013 | 20 | 3% |
| 2012 | 20 | 2% |
| 2011 | 39 | 8% |
| 2010 | 42 | 6% |
| 2009 | 63 | 17% |
| 2008 | 108 | 12% |
| 2007 | 100 | 18% |
| 2006 | 72 | 10% |
| 2005 | 51 | 8% |
| 2004 | 59 | 31% |
| 2003 | 18 | 18% |
| 2002 | 19 | 18% |
| 2001 | 21 | 12% |
| 2000 | 25 | 10% |
| 1999 | 5 | 2% |
| 1998 | 26 | 10% |
| 1997 | 27 | 7% |
| 1995 | 7 | 3% |
| 1994 | 2 | 1% |
| 1993 | 3 | 3% |
| 1992 | 1 | 1% |
| 1991 | 2 | 3% |
| 1990 | 3 | 4% |
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 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 30, 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