The 1997 Jeep Wrangler has 455 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 7 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are engine and engine cooling and fuel system. Owners most often flag poor on-road handling and ride quality: vehicle wanders, requires constant steering input, rides rough. frequency: very frequent.
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 1997 Jeep Wrangler vehicles (US, public record).
Across the 13 Wrangler model years we track, complaint volume runs from 102 (2003) to 2,656 (2021). With 455 complaints, the 1997 Wrangler sits belowthe model's median of 962.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
service brakes, hydraulic
Campaign 06E022000CERTAIN AFTERMARKET BRAKE HYDRAULIC MASTER CYLINDERS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT BRAKE CYLINDERS FOR CERTAIN FORD, DAIMLERCHRYSLER, AND JEEP PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE BRAKE CYLINDERS WERE SOLD UNDER THE BRAND NAMES OF NAPA, RAYB…
exterior lighting
Campaign 06E026000CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL T…
fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pump
Campaign 06E011000CERTAIN AFTERMARKET AIRTEX ELECTRIC FUEL PUMPS INSTALLED FOR USE AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR CERTAIN 1997-2004 JEEP WRANGLER; 1997-2001 JEEP CHEROKEE; 1997-2004 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE; AND 2000-2003 DODGE DAKOTA VEHICLES. …
equipment
Campaign 04E041000BESTOP AFTERMARKET REAR SHELL ROOF RACKS,MANUFACTURED BETWEEN APRIL 27 AND MAY 20, 2004, DESIGNED FOR USE WITH THE BESTOP HARDTOP MADE FOR THE 1986-1995 AND 1997-2003 JEEP WRANGLER. THE COCKPIT COVER MAY NOT STAY LATCHED…
Mixed sentiment with a clear division based on intended use. The vehicle is universally praised for its exceptional off-road capability, iconic styling, the ability to remove the top and doors, and a strong, supportive owner community.
Owner insights cover all generations of the Wrangler. See the full Wrangler owner picture and every model year.
Used Wrangler listings typically run $34,596–$45,351 across 2024 to 2026 model years.
Compare every Wrangler year side by side to see how 1997 ranks against the rest.