1997 Jeep Wrangler Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) Problems
- Complaints
- 21about this part
- Share
- 5%of 401 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 34,800miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 21 complaints about the visibility of the 1997 Jeep Wrangler, 5% of the 401 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 34,800 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I'm the original owner and sole driver of a 1997 Jeep Wrangler with 34,000 miles. I noticed the windshield defroster wasn't working when I drove home in a snow storm last week. Fortunately, the drive was a short distance. I easily determined that a plastic bell crank broke off its shaft that goes into the heater housing. I activated the defroster control to confirm that this part is the defroster bell crank. Nothing has fallen down the defroster duct to jam the door and cause the break. The door moves freely when turning the shaft by hand. …”
NHTSA complaint #10098685, filed 2004-11, 33,600 miles“The 1997 Jeep Wrangler has a problem with the HVAC dampers literally falling apart and becoming unusable. The plastic ends break off and the actuators will not operate them. The part has been upgraded by chrysler so they now this exists. It is a fairly expensive repair (over $700). My is done. The dealer did just fine but I have ask chrysler to make this a safety recall. The defrosters are virtually non usable when this occurs. This is a dangerour situation, driving with no defrosters. This problems has occurred on many wrangers and as my dealer said cherekee as well.”
NHTSA complaint #10007990, filed 2003-02, 36,000 miles“The rear differential was cracked, as was the exhaust manifold. Also the crank sensor harness and the tps were melted against the manifold. The dash leaked water and the brake shoes/lining and rack and pinion set needed replacing. The drivers side seatbelt would never retract and the dash lead water extensively causing the resstr-blower to go out. The radio was also broken for a couple of months”
NHTSA complaint #712504, filed 1999-09“Heater blower failed to blow on front windshield. Dealer was notified, and unwilling to assist because vehicle was out of its warranty, and not covered under a manufacturer's recall. Provide any further information .”
NHTSA complaint #891268, filed 2001-06“The windshield had developed a stress crack. It obstructed the driver's view. Had it replaced. The problem reappeared. When the vehicle was parked & was raining, the cracks were noticed at the top & in the middle on the passenger's/driver's sides.”
NHTSA complaint #835478, filed 1999-03Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors): other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 8% |
| 2025 | 4 | 5% |
| 2024 | 6 | 1% |
| 2023 | 9 | 2% |
| 2022 | 7 | 2% |
| 2021 | 20 | 2% |
| 2020 | 33 | 5% |
| 2019 | 30 | 4% |
| 2018 | 43 | 2% |
| 2017 | 9 | 3% |
| 2016 | 6 | 1% |
| 2015 | 3 | 1% |
| 2014 | 13 | 2% |
| 2013 | 39 | 6% |
| 2012 | 41 | 5% |
| 2011 | 14 | 3% |
| 2010 | 13 | 2% |
| 2009 | 8 | 2% |
| 2008 | 24 | 3% |
| 2007 | 15 | 3% |
| 2006 | 7 | 1% |
| 2005 | 5 | 1% |
| 2004 | 9 | 5% |
| 2003 | 2 | 2% |
| 2002 | 3 | 3% |
| 2001 | 13 | 8% |
| 2000 | 6 | 2% |
| 1999 | 13 | 6% |
| 1998 | 16 | 6% |
| 1997 | 21 | 5% |
| 1995 | 9 | 4% |
| 1994 | 6 | 4% |
| 1993 | 6 | 6% |
| 1992 | 2 | 3% |
| 1991 | 1 | 1% |
| 1990 | 3 | 4% |
| 1989 | 4 | 6% |
| 1988 | 3 | 6% |
| 1987 | 3 | 8% |
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 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