10 Jeep Wrangler Model Years to Avoid

Intro

Starting with the 1987 model year Jeep has been making the Wrangler. It is now one of the most iconic vehicles ever made. As far as name recognition goes, the Wrangler is right up there with the Mustang and the Corvette. Everyone knows what a Jeep Wrangler is. And everyone should own at least one of them at some point in their life. Perhaps you are looking for your first one right now. If so, there are some things you want to know. Chief among them are the model years that are the most problematic. The website carcomplaints.com collects data on reported problems for just about every vehicle, including the Jeep Wrangler. Their data for the Wrangler goes back as far as the 1988 model year, so essentially it covers the entire Wrangler history.

Using this data, we put together a list of the ten Wrangler model years with the most reported problems. We listed them in order from the least to the most problematic. If you are in the market for a used Wrangler, you may want to reference this list so you can see what you should look out for. Fans of the JK generation Wranglers might want to look away. The data isn’t pretty. We aren’t saying that the JK isn’t great or that you shouldn’t buy it. And this one data source is not the be-all and end-all of information. However, we think the data is interesting and can help you make an informed buying decision.

As a reminder, a recall is an official recall issued by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). A TSB is an official communication between the manufacturer and its dealers regarding a specific issue and how to fix it. An investigation is when NHTSA investigates serious safety problems which may or may not lead to a recall.

10. 2016 Jeep Wrangler Problems: 56

The 2016 Jeep Wrangler lands on our top ten list of Wranglers to avoid thanks to 56 reported problems. The vast majority of problems reported were engine-related. Blown head gaskets, engines dying while driving and check engine lights coming on were common complaints. The second biggest trouble area was the transmission with several reports of transmission failures being logged. 2016 was not the worst year for the Wrangler, but it wasn’t the best.

• Recalls – 5
• TSBs – 249
• Investigations – 3

9. 2009 Jeep Wrangler Problems: 107

The next Wrangler on our list is the 2009 model year and with 107 reported problems it has nearly twice as many as the Wrangler in the number ten spot. The vast majority of complaints were centered around the suspension and the fuel system. On the suspension side, the overwhelming majority of complaints were due to the infamous ‘death wobble’ that can plague these vehicles. On the fuel system side of things, the biggest complaint was that gas would overflow when filling the tank. On top of these issues, the 2009 Wrangler was part of 7 different recalls. This was enough to land this Wrangler on our list of those to avoid.

• Recalls – 7
• TSBs – 120
• Investigations – 4

8. 2015 Jeep Wrangler Problems: 107

The 2015 Wrangler has the same overall number of problems as the 2009 model. But we decided to rank it a bit higher because the most reported problems for this model were around the engine and transmission. These can be far more costly to repair and make the Jeep undrivable. Oil leaks and a check engine light were the most common engine-related faults. Transmissions not shifting properly or getting stuck in first gear were the biggest transmission complaints.

• Recalls – 3
• TSBs – 275
• Investigations – 3

7. 2010 Jeep Wrangler Problems: 128

The 2010 Wrangler was plagued by complaints about its electrical systems. Most of the issues were surrounding failures of the Jeep Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM). However, there were also quite a few complaints about the fuel system. Similar to the 2009 models, the 2010 models also spill fuel while refueling. The 2010 Wrangler was also subjected to 11 different recall campaigns. And one investigation is still pending, so that could end up being recall number 12.

• Recalls – 11
• TSBs – 149
• Investigations – 6

6. 2011 Jeep Wrangler Problems: 151

Things were bad for the 2010 Wranglers, but they got a little worse the next year. The 2011 Wrangler has 151 problems logged against it. And it also has been subjected to 11 recalls. The interesting thing about the 2011 model is that electrical system and fuel system complaints decreased from the prior year. Unfortunately, they were replaced by a substantial number of suspension, interior, and engine problems. The ‘death wobble’ was back as a complaint, but more concerning is the large number of blown engines being reported. Interior complaints ranged from radios that didn’t work and cruise control failures. The TIPM is still an issue as is fuel leaking during fill-ups.

• Recalls – 11
• TSBs – 229
• Investigations – 6

5. 2013 Jeep Wrangler Problems: 157

The 2013 Wrangler makes it to the top five thanks to 157 reported problems. Engine complaints skyrocketed compared to the Wranglers that we mentioned previously. There is a high number of complaints about the engine dying while driving, the check engine light coming on, and ticking sounds coming from the engine. The one issue you want to avoid in any vehicle is a bad engine, and this Jeep puts you at risk. On top of that the TIPM is still a major issue.

• Recalls – 7
• TSBs – 248
• Investigations – 4

4. 2012 Jeep Wrangler Problems: 209

The numbers are starting to get ugly now. The 2012 Wrangler has 209 reported problems. There are a ton of TIPM failures reported for the 2012 models. There are also a lot of complaints that the engine needed a new head. There are also many complaints about the heater not working. Combined with 10 recalls, the 2012 Wrangler is one of the most problematic, but it still doesn’t crack the top three.             

• Recalls – 10
• TSBs – 343
• Investigations – 6

3. 2014 Jeep Wrangler Problems: 216

The number of recalls and investigations is down for the 2014 model year. But engine problems are way up. There are a slew of complaints about oil leaks and the engine stalling while driving. There are complaints about engine knocking and ticking sounds as well as the need for a new head. There are a number of complaints logged in the electrical category but even most of those seem to be engine related as the number one complaint is the engine not starting. Not a good year for the Wrangler, but unfortunately, things are about to get worse.   

• Recalls – 4
• TSBs – 278
• Investigations – 4

2. 2007 Jeep Wrangler Problems: 230

The 2007 Wrangler has a slew of ‘death wobble’ complaints logged against it. And once again there are myriad complaints about the engine. TIPM is an issue, fuel spilling out while refueling is an issue, and the transmission popping out of first gear is an issue. All these ingredients add up to a Wrangler that you might be better off avoiding. The 2007 model year was the first year for the new JK so a higher number of problems can be expected. But even giving it a bit of grace because it is the first year of a new generation, the 2007 Wrangler has a lot of problems. Amazingly, it is not the worst.

• Recalls – 10
• TSBs – 126
• Investigations – 10

1. 2008 Jeep Wrangler Problems: 398

Nearly 400 reported problems. Close to double the 2007 model year Wrangler that is number two on our list. If this data is to be believed, the 2008 Wrangler is the one model year you would be better off not getting yourself into. 2008 has a lot of reports of failed TIPM units combined with a large number of engine failures. There are also quite a few ‘death wobble’ reports and the same leaking fuel issue mentioned in several other Wrangler model year complaints. There are also a number of complaints about the air conditioner not working. There is a solid number of transmission failures reported, and the airbag light coming on. There are not many areas that don’t have complaints logged against them for the 2008 Wrangler. We love the Wrangler as much as anyone, but if you are looking at a 2008 model, make sure you give it a complete inspection before driving away.

• Recalls – 9
• TSBs – 122
• Investigations – 8

Images: Stellantis