The Jeep Wrangler is certainly on the list of the world’s iconic vehicles which ensures amazing on-road and off-road driving experiences with low maintenance costs. There are multiple models of the Jeep Wrangler in the market, in which almost all are amazing and unstoppable for featuring all unique characteristics.
Nevertheless, it’s worth mentioning that some Jeep Wranglers get recorded for having significant problems over the years. When you look for such a model, 2012 comes first on the list, making the world disappoint with its never-ending issues. But it’s not the last model to ignore, has many more years in this extensive list.
So, if you are planning to have a Jeep Wrangler, it will be highly better to have a clear knowledge of the worst Jeep Wrangler years to avoid at all costs. Here is everything you need to know about these models, why you should avoid them, and the best alternates that you can choose from.
Top 5 Jeep Wrangler Years To Avoid At All Costs
Before moving to the detailing part, let’s walk through a quick table, highlighting five Jeep Wranglers to avoid and five ones to buy used:
| Years To Avoid | Best Years |
| 2007 (3rd Generation) | 1997 (2nd Generation) |
| 2008 (3rd Generation) | 2003 (2nd Generation) |
| 2012 (3rd Generation) | 2010 (3rd Generation) |
| 2013 (3rd Generation) | 2011 (3rd Generation) |
| 2014 (3rd Generation) | 2018 (4th Generation) |
2007 Jeep Wrangler
The 2007 Jeep Wrangler is listed as the worst year for experiencing several major issues on multiple points. The model has proved quite good for on-road driving but disappoints users in the case of off-road driving.
Drivers had a bad experience with several essential components that start from engine problems, and fuel systems to braking and steering incompatibilities.
Let’s take a short glimpse at the leading problems with the 2007 Jeep Wranglers:
Engine Failure
The jeepers 2007 Jeep first reported the failing engine system of the vehicle. They claimed that the engine is prone to burn oil, leak, fail, or make a knocking noise at the time of driving. Owners need to replace the engine around 40,000 miles.
Dreaded Death Wobble
Jeep Wrangler users complain that they need to struggle with the dreaded death wobble. CarComplaints.com reported that it creates shuttering and shaking around 50,000 miles. They have to pay about $880 to repair the death wobble.
Steering & airbag issues
Users on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration or NHTSA’s site noted plenty of steering issues up to 10 recalls for this model in which the airbag issue is the major recall.
TIPM failing
Users also report TIPM failure when driving that stalls the engine, leading to electrical issues. Then replacing would be the one solution.
2008 Jeep Wrangler
2008 Jeep Wrangler is a great model for off-road driving but there are never-ending issues with several components of the vehicle. Though owners experienced fewer recalls compared to 2007, found thousands of problems in the system. Here are the key ones;
Airbags Issues
Unlike in 2007, there was a major problem with the airbag and reported as hardly deployed or at times never at all. Then the user has to encounter an extra cost for replacement.
Electrical Problem
Sometimes owner finds the horn and headlight are randomly functioning properly. Even the engine gets stalled while the ignition key is ON.
Death Wobble
According to CarComplaints.com, bad death wobble is a significant issue in the 2008 model. Most users need to repair it at about $800.
Quality of the interior materials
Users claim the too bad quality of the Jeep interior. There’s no backseat, air conditioning, or power steering though all are the standard features. Even the NHTSA reported fuel system problems that led to excessive engine oil consumption.
2012 Jeep Wrangler
The 2012 Jeep Wrangler is the worst-rated model of all years. It has numerous problems that have been reported by owners. As with the older models, it has issues with the airbags, fuel system, shift gearing, or poor visibility. That’s not the end. Go through the below key reasons to avoid this model:
Failed TIPM
Unlike the 2007 & 2008, users experienced TIPM failure due to the electrical problem on the 2012 model as well. They need to repair it at the cost of about $1,300.
Faulty Engine System
Owners noted significant issues with the engine system like misfiring, leaking, overheating, making rattling noises, or at times not functioning at all.
Not only that, the oil pan on the transmission also tends to rot out, caused by leakage from the air conditioning.
Other Electrical Glitch
The 2012 Jeep Wrangler re-calls for major defects in the internal components like the Jeep’s AC/heater core, blend door actuator, radiator, and so on.
2013 Jeep Wrangler
In the list of the third generation Jeep Wrangler, the 2013 model is the worst year after 2012. It is encountered not only lacking standard functions but also several defections making it a completely disappointing piece. Wondering why?
Take a look at the below-pointed key issues of this model.
Faulty fuel tank
The 2013 model has plenty of faults in various parts, especially in the fuel tank. Engines have misfiring cylinder issues or problems in the gear shifting. The owner has to replace the failed gear which costs $600.
Water pump, TIPM, and Death Wobble failures
Another major issue of the 2013 model is the failure of the water pump. This problem leads to the Jeep engine overheating.
Along with this, the owner noted TIPM and Death Wobble’s inability to drive. Also, the company has a great number of recalls on its vehicles of which airbag problem is the major one.
2014 Jeep Wrangler
Like 2012 & 2013, the 2014 Jeep Wrangler was one of the worst years for this iconic vehicle company. Every source claims it has a lot of serious issues, and even more serious ones compared to the other ones.
Leaking issues
All the complaints from the official and unofficial forums are related to the oil leaking through the engine. It had been fixed through recalls though it’s not the last recall. The major recall involved air bad issues.
Safety Problem
Several cases of safety problems are present in the 2014 model like brake failure or it has failed to lock up. It is the most common scenario for users.
Miscellaneous problems
Along with the other problems, users experience water leakage from the roof, especially while the vehicle was parked. Also, several owners reported that the hood was unlatched while driving.
What Makes A Jeep Wrangler One To Avoid? [6 Top Reported Issues To Know!]
There are a few major reasons that diminish the efficiency of the Jeep Wrangler and make it completely avoidable for use. Let’s know some potential issues of the Jeep found in several generations:
Oil leaking
Oil leaking between the engine and transmission is the most common problem that users have to deal with. The Jeep is comprised of many parts, many of which are prone to leaks.
For that reason, the fluid used in the Jeep creates issues when it is combined with the leaked oil. Plus, the engine oil turns brown or black and the owner experiences a bad odor.
Transmission problems
Various transmission issues like noise, bad odor, or erratic gear shifting occur based on the worst year of the Jeep Wrangler. Many of them are so severe that lead to recalls.
Axle problems
At times, owners have to deal with axle problems caused by lower arm control. This recall issue enhances the likelihood of a collision.
Draining battery
Most of the worst Jeep have severe battery drainage issues. If the battery is discharged, the ignition company fails to operate well. Most importantly, most of the components won’t be able to receive electricity.
Airbag problem
In the worst year of the Jeep Wrangler, owners noticed major issues with the airbag’s circuits that were caused by the excess dust inside the clock spring. It leads to the airbag not deploying at the time of the accident which caused a significant risk of injury in a collision.
Faulty On-road or off-road capabilities
This issue is most common with earlier models and hardly has modern variants. many off-roaders reported that Jeep gets stuck when driving on loose terrain. They also experience popped or damaged tiers, undercarriage, misalignment due to uneven terrain, body damage, and so on.
The Best Years of the Jeep Wrangler
Apart from the worst Jeep Wranglers, there are plenty of Jeep models that have proved blissful years in history. Have a short glimpse at all of them:
1997 Jeep Wrangler
The Jeep Wrangler released in 1997 has so many advanced features, making it an incredible piece for on-off roading. Starting from the enhanced braking system, and dual airbags, overflowing with character to updated safety systems all are packed in this model.
2003 Jeep Wrangler
The 2003 Jeep Wrangler is lined up in the most upgrade version from the company, boasting major off-road suspension, and a super powerful six-cylinder engine. Also, the featured four-speed automatic transmission in the model eliminated all the cons of the outdated three-speed automatic with the improved fuel efficiency.
Related Article: Jeep Wrangler Automatic Transmission Shifting Problems
2010 Jeep Wrangler
When most of the models of the 3rd generation proved the worst Jeep, the 2010 comes as blissful to the world. It has a more dependable drivetrain with an advanced engine system. Other standard features include a quick removable soft top, foglamps, more stability control, tow hooks, and a compass system.
2011 Jeep Wrangler
Unlike in 2010, the company released another advanced Jeep Wrangler in 2011. Some notable features that astonished the world include standard four-wheel drive, soft top, V-6, removable hardtop, soft top, rugged styling, quick washable interior, and server more.
Related soft top: how to install soft top Jeep Wrangler
2018 Jeep Wrangler
Due to increased capability in on-off roading compared to the old model, it’s worth listing 2018 as the best year. The Jeep variants feature an extensive customization option, highly maintained rugged characters, and astonishing build design, all are enough to prove a modernized feel.
FAQs
1. What is the best year for the Jeep Wrangler?
2022 is the most reliable year for the Jeep Wrangler company. It has more high-reliability ratings, a sturdy structure, superior off-road capabilities, available Wi-Fi, emergency assistance, and many more fantastic features that astonished everyone
2. Can I avoid the problems if I have A Jeep from the worst year?
Yes! You can effectively minimize the appeared problem with regular maintenance. Like the death wobble issue can be fixed by maintaining proper tire pressure or head to the dealer or technician if there’s an oil leaking problem.
In Bottom!
Despite Jeep’s excellence regarding performance, many of the years have failed to perform better and several issues, make them separate from the best list. Among the vast variants of the Wranglers, it is quite challenging for new buyers to find less efficient Jeep models.
That’s the point, we’ve categorized the worst years of the Jeep Wrangler to aware the buyer along of the best model list as the best alternatives.
Well! That’s all from us here. Hope that there should be no confusion left over about the worst Jeep Wrangler years to avoid. Thanks for your patience!
Hello there, this is Thomas Byrd. I am a professional car mechanic who leads a team of junior mechanics in a repair and restoration shop. In the beginning, I used to work for a jeep service center as a basic worker. From there I keep learning, changed my job 2 times and now I am a professional who leads a group of mechanics. Though a have expertise in the jeep, I know very well about all types of cars. To share my knowledge and skills with others I have created this blog website. Whenever I get free time from work I give my time to my blog.
