2003 Jeep Wrangler

Fatalities reported

Owners filed 98 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the transmission. It has been recalled 4 times.

Not among the Jeep Wrangler years to avoid. Which Jeep Wrangler years to avoid →

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
26,900 milesMedian miles at failure

78 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 0–10,000 miles.

Most common 2003 Jeep Wrangler problems

18 of the 98 complaints (18%) are about the transmission.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Suspension8
101
Steering8
000
Fuel System, Gasoline · fuel system7
100
Suspension › Front6
000
Seat Belts5
000
Electrical System5
010
Air Bags · airbags5
101
Power Train › Manual Transmission · transmission4
000
Unknown or Other3
000
Power Train › Clutch Assembly · transmission3
000

4 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Exterior Lighting06E026000
Filed Mar 23, 200661,944 vehiclesPro-A Motors, Inc.

Defect. CERTAIN 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 TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.

Risk. WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

Remedy. PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic06E022000
Filed Mar 13, 20067,440 vehiclesBrake Parts, Inc.

Defect. CERTAIN 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, RAYBESTOS, AIMCO, AC DELCO, CARQUEST, BENDIX, AND WAGNER. ONLY PRODUCTS THAT WERE MANUFACTURED FROM JULY 27, 2005 THROUGH JANUARY 17, 2006 (DATE CODES 0529 THROUGH 0602) ARE SUBJECT TO THIS RECALL. WHEN SUBJECT TO VERY COLD TEMPERATURES, AN INTERNAL SEAL IN THE MASTER CYLINDER COULD LOSE FLEXIBILITY AND MAY CAUSE BRAKE FLUID TO LEAK.

Risk. LOSS OF BRAKE FLUID CAN LEAD TO A DECREASE IN BRAKE LINE PRESSURE AND AN INCREASE IN STOPPING DISTANCE, WHICH CAN RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy. AFFINIA (BRAKE PARTS, INC.) WILL REPLACE THE SUBJECT BRAKE HYDRAULIC MASTER CYLINDERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 20, 2006. OWNERS CAN CONTACT AFFINA GROUP CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-323-0354.

Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump06E011000
Filed Feb 1, 20067,291 vehiclesAirtex Products

Defect. CERTAIN 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. THE PLASTIC ELECTRICAL GROMMET CONNECTORS AT THE TOP OF THE FUEL PUMP MODULE ARE NOT COMPATIBLE WITH AUTOMOTIVE FUELS AND MAY DEGRADE CAUSING A POTENTIAL LEAK PATH FOR FUEL.

Risk. IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FUEL LEAK COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.

Remedy. AIRTEX WILL NOTIFY ITS CUSTOMERS AND WILL REPLACE THE AFFECTED FUEL PUMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 25, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT AIRTEX CUSTOMER SERVICE DEPARTMENT AT 1-800-880-3056.

Equipment04E041000
Filed Jun 7, 200480 vehiclesBestop, Inc.

Defect. BESTOP 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 TO THE ROOF RACK BECAUSE THE LATCH BRACKET MISPOSITIONS THE ROTARY LATCH TO THE COCKPIT COVER. AS A RESULT, THE COCKPIT COVER MAY NOT STAY LATCHED TO THE ROOF RACK AND COULD SEPARATE FROM THE ROOF RACK. THIS RECALL ONLY PERTAINS TO AFTERMARKET REAR SHELL ROOF RACKS AND HAS NO RELATION TO ANY ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT INSTALLED ON JEEP WRANGLER VEHICLES BY DAIMLERCHRYSLER.

Risk. SHOULD THIS OCCUR, THE COCKPIT COULD CAUSE INJURY BY STRIKING PERSONS OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE OR COULD BECOME A DISTRACTION OR AN OBSTACLE TO OTHER DRIVERS, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy. BESTOP WILL NOTIFY ITS CUSTOMERS AND PROVIDE A REPAIR KIT AND INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS FREE OF CHARGE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JUNE 16, 2004. OWNERS WHO DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT BESTOP CUSTOMER SERVICE DEPARTMENT AT (800) 845-3567.

All 4 campaigns on file, newest first.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Suspension
Filed Feb 25, 2026ND

The factory weld on the front end driver's side stabilizer was bad and it came apart on the highway while driving , from the severe shaking it caused, and it could've killed us. The weld was not hot enough to penetrate the steel. I am a mechanic so I can attest , and be a witness , to claim it was a certifiably bad weld in the factory, and this should warrant a recall.

Structure › Body
Filed Mar 1, 2025AZ

2003 TJ frame rust all tjs have frame rust.

Unknown or Other
Filed May 20, 2023IL

Frames on all these tj’s(97-06) rust and become a huge safety risk for everyone on the road.

Service Brakes
Filed Mar 23, 2023217,000 milesOK

The contact owns a 2003 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that while her daughter was attempting to park the vehicle, the brake pedal was extremely difficult to depress, and the vehicle did not immediately stop. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were not yet notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 217,000.

Steering
Filed Jun 9, 2022141,999 milesNY

The contact owns a 2003 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated while driving 30-40 MPH, the vehicle hit a bump in the roadway and the steering wheel started shaking significantly and the vehicle seemed to be at risk of a rollover. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact veered to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the steering column needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred while driving. The dealer was notified of the failure and advised the contact to take the vehicle to be repaired. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 141,999.

Power Train
Filed Feb 6, 2022WI

05 & 06 wrangler has recall for the exact problem my 03 has. Parking pawl slides out of the brackets and then vehicle won't go into park allowing it to roll into danger and possibly kill someone. I have watched several videos on this issue and the 03 is the same as a 05 and 06. This is just as dangerous on the 03 as it is a 05 and 06 and potentially cause an accident and kill individuals.

Steering
Filed Oct 5, 2021IL

Violent shaking after hitting holes in the road during acceleration-less tan 30 MPH. My vehicle has been inspected by my mechanic, who has knowledge of the “Death Wobble”. Safety was at risk due to front end shaking violently and almost losing control of the vehicle. The problem has been confirmed by mechanic. They started to manifest about 8 months ago.

Power Train
Filed Jan 24, 2017TX

2013 JEEP WRANGLER. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO INTERMITTENT ENGINE PROBLEMS, WHILE DRIVING UP HILLS ACCELERATION SPEEDS DECREASE. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED UPON DRIVING UP HILLS, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONSUMER STATED AFTER DOING SOME RESEARCH ONLINE, IT APPEARED THAT ANOTHER MODEL WAS RECALLED FOR THE SAME PROBLEM. OWNERS INDICATED THE CAM SHAFT SENSORS AND DYNAMIC SENSOR CONTROL NEEDED A TCM UPDATE. *JB

Air Bags
Filed Oct 10, 2016115,000 milesCA

MY JEEP WRANGLER HAS HAVE THE PASSENGER SAFETY AIRBAG ALARMING SINCE ABOUT A YEAR AGO. I CONTACT THE MANUFACTURER AND I WAS TOLD THAT BECAUSE THERE IS NOT A RECALL FOR MY CAR MODEL, THEY CANNOT REPAIR IT AND THAT I HAVE TO PAY OUT OF MY POCKET. THIS IS AN ISSUE OUT OF THE MANUFACTURER. JEEP MUST CORRECT THESE SAFETY CONCERNS FROM THE OWNERS!

Electrical System
Filed Jan 12, 201638,425 milesWA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 JEEP WRANGLER. WHEN ATTEMPTING TO START THE VEHICLE, IT WOULD HESITATE TO START. SEVERAL ATTEMPTS HAD TO BE MADE IN ORDER TO START THE VEHICLE. ONCE THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO START, THE RADIO WOULD FAIL. WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED, THE VEHICLE WOULD STALL WITHOUT WARNING. THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE ONLY OCCURRED WHEN OPERATING THE VEHICLE IN THE RAIN. THE CONTACT HAD NOT NOTIFIED A DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 38,425.

Air Bags
Filed Jan 10, 2016130,000 milesLA

AIRBAG COVER PLASTIC ON STEERING WHEEL WAS BREAKING DOWN. THE PLASTIC BECAME VERY STICKY, AS IF SOMEONE POURED A SODA ON IT. IT WOULD NOT CLEAN OFF WITH CLEANERS OR PLASTIC PRESERVERS. I WAS NOT CONFIDENT IT WOULD WORK AS DESIGNED IF AIRBAG DEPLOYED SO I BOUGHT NEW AIRBAG UNIT FOR THE STEERING WHEEL. PARKING BRAKE WILL NOT HOLD VEHICLE ON MINOR GRADE. IT ALWAYS WORKED UNTIL THE LAST 2-3 YEARS. I HAVE HAD IT ADJUSTED, THE CABLES REPLACED, AND THE BRAKE PADS REPLACED. IT DOES NOT MATTER WHETHER MY BRAKE PADS ARE NEW OR OLD. IF I DO NOT PARK THE VEHICLE WITH THE MANUAL TRANSMISSION IN GEAR, IT WILL MOVE ON ITS OWN, OR IF IT DOES NOT ROLL BACKWARDS, IT WILL, IF ANY LIGHT FORCE IS APPLIED TO IT. I HAD TO INSTALL INSTALL A HYDRAULIC BRAKE LINE LOCK ON THE REAR BRAKES TO MAKE SURE MY VEHICLE WILL NOT MOVE ON A GRADE I KNOW IT IS AN 'OLD' VEHICLE, BUT I LIKE IT A LOT, IT IS WELL MAINTAINED AND LOOKS NEW. IT IS MECHANICALLY SIMPLE TO AND INEXPENSIVE TO MAINTAIN. HOWEVER I SHOULD NOT BE HAVING TO BUY THINGS LIKE AIRBAGS WHO'S PLASTIC DEGRADES. I AND MY MECHANIC HAVE NO IDEA WHY THE PARKING BRAKE STOPPED WORKING AS IT HAD BEFORE. HE IS A MASTER MECHANIC AND AN EXPERT MACHINIST.

Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed Nov 3, 2015120,000 milesGA

THE JEEP WAS INVOLVED IN A WRECK - HIT A POWER POLE AT AROUND 50 MPH KNOCKED IT DOWN AND THE FLIPPED THE AIR BAGS NEVER DEPLOYED - THE POLICE OFFICER WHO WORKED THE WRECK SAID THE AIRBAGS SHOULD HAVE DEPLOYED AFTER THE TYPE OF HIT THE JEEP TOOK

Suspension
Filed Aug 18, 201595,000 milesMS

AT 55 MPH THE JEEP SHAKES VIOLENTLY, FROM SIDE TO SIDE, UNTIL VEHICLE IS SLOWED TO 35MPH.

Unknown or Other
Filed Aug 8, 2015112,000 milesWV

TERRIBLE WOBBLE AT 45-55 MPH. TIRES AND FRONT END WOBBLE UNTIL I STOP OR SLOW BELOW 40 MPH. IT CAUSES DRIVER TO SLOW AT HIGHWAY SPEED CAUSING NEAR REAR END COLLISIONS WHEN OTHER DRIVERS ARE FOLLOWING. AT TIMES WOBBLES SO VIOLENTLY HAVE TO EXIT FREEWAY IN ORDER TO GET IT TO STOP.

Suspension
Filed Mar 17, 201550,000 milesVA

THE WRANGLER "DEATH WOBBLE". VIOLENT SHAKING AFTER REACHING SPEEDS OF APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH. MUST SLOW DOWN AND ALMOST COME TO A STOP TO STOP THE SHAKING. FIRST OCCURRED A YEAR AGO. TOOK IT OUR REPAIR SHOP. THEY REPLACED THE STEERING STABILIZATION SHOCK, WHICH SEEMED TO REPAIR THE PROBLEM. IT THEN STARTED TO RE-OCCUR APPROXIMATELY 6 MONTHS LATER. NOW IT IS DOING IT ALL THE TIME, EVEN AT LOW SPEEDS. *TR

Electrical System
Filed Nov 18, 2014141,255 milesME

THERE IS NO LOW, MED OR HIGH FAN SETTINGS ON MY HEATER FAN. REPLACED HEATER RESISTOR, AND WIRING HARNESS DUE TO MELTED HARNESS. STILL NO HEATER FAN. SO AS THE LOCAL JEEP DEALERSHIP PARTS DEPARTMENT HAD ADVISED THAT THERE WAS AN ON GOING ISSUE THE HEATER FAN SWITCH. REPLACED THE SWITCH, FAN WORKED FOR ABOUT 2 HOURS DURING MY MAIL ROUTE... AFTER THE OVER WHELMING SMELL OF BURNING WIRES COMING FROM INSIDE THE DASH THE FAN QUIT WORKING. SO I CONTINUED TO FREEZE THE REST OF MY ROUTE AND HOPING THAT THE JEEP WAS NOT GOING TO CATCH FIRE. I HAD CONTACTED JEEP'S CUSTOMER SERVICE LINE TO VOICE MY CONCERNS, THE LADY TOLD ME THAT THERE WAS NOT MUCH THEY COULD DO FOR ME WHERE MY VEHICLE WAS OUT OF WARRANTY. I HAVE DONE SOME RESEARCH ONLINE AND THERE SEEMS TO BE QUITE AN ISSUE... I BELIEVE THAT JEEP SHOULD ADDRESS THE ISSUE EVEN THOUGH SOME JEEPS ARE OUT OF THE "FACTORY WARRANTY". THIS IS A HUGE SAFETY PROBLEM, AS TO ALL OF THE WIRES ARE FACTORY INSTALLED AND SHOULD BE CHANGED AND ADDRESSED QUICKLY. *TR

Electrical System
Filed Aug 19, 201430,000 milesIL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 JEEP WRANGLER. WHEN THE CONTACT REMOVED THE KEY FROM THE IGNITION, THE RADIO AND INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTING DID NOT TURN OFF. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 30,000. UPDATED 10/02/14*LJ

Electrical System
Filed May 21, 201495,000 milesIL

ABOUT 5 YEARS AGO I TOOK MY JEEP IN BECAUSE WHEN I HIT BUMPS MY RADIO WOULD GO OFF AND ON, WHEN I WOULD SHAKE THE IGNITION KEYS THE RADIO GOES ON AND OFF. TOOK IT TO THE SHOP ONCE THEY SAID THEY FIXED IT, DID IT AGAIN AND I TOOK IT A SECOND TIME, THEY CHARGE ME FOR NEW IGNITION SWITCH AND SAID MY KEYS WERE TO HEAVY CAUSING WEAR TEAR. A FEW DAYS LATER IT WAS HAPPENING AGAIN AND I GAVE UP WITH MY DEALER IN CHICAGO 60660. WHEN I HEARD OF THE RECENT RECALLS I E-MAILED MY LOCAL DEALER AND TOLD THEM THE ISSUE AND THAT NOW I CAN TURN OFF MY JEEP TAKE OUT THE KEYS AND RADIO WILL NOT SHUT OFF AND I FEAR MY SAFETY OF THE IGNITION TURNING OFF WHILE I AM ON THE HIGHWAY, AT 70 MPH. I WAS TOLD I COULD BRING IT IN BUT NOT COVERED IN RECALL. I CAN NOT AFFORD TO PAY MORE MONEY TO CHRYSLER FOR THIS ON GOING ISSUE AND WILL TAKE A CHANCE OF POSSIBLE DEATH SHOULD IT STALL. *TR

Steering
Filed Nov 14, 201396,000 milesCA

WHILE DRIVING AT 55MPH - 60 MPH ON THE HIGHWAY AND HITTING A BRIDGE JOINT, POT HOLE, OR OTHER ROAD SURFACE BUMP, THE VEHICLE STARTS TO VIOLENTLY SHAKE AND BECOME UNCONTROLLABLE. THE ONLY WAY TO STOP THE SHAKING IS TO SLOW THE VEHICLE TO LESS THAN 30MPH. *TR

Steering
Filed Aug 14, 201379,732 milesNM

WHEN I WAS DRIVING AROUND 50 MPH I HIT A POTHOLE AND THE VEHICLE START SHAKING VIOLENTLY. I HAD TO HOLD THE STEERING WHEEL SO HARD IT ALMOST WENT TO THE OTHER SIDE OF THE ROAD. THIS HAPPENED ALREADY 5 TIMES, I AM SO SCARED TO TAKE IT ON THE HIGHWAY, BECAUSE I MIGHT GET INTO A WRECK. I HAVE TO COME TO A COMPLETE STOP FOR IT TO STOP SHAKING. *TR

Steering
Filed Aug 1, 2012110,000 milesAL

WHEN THE JEEP IS IN THE 40 TO 50 MPH RANGE, A "DEATH WOBBLE" HAPPENS. SOMETIMES BY ITSELF AND SOMETIMES WHEN I HIT A POTHOLE OR STREET PATCH. I HAVE HAD AUTO PROFESSIONALS LOOK AT THE CAR AND THEY CANNOT FIGURE OUT WHAT THE PROBLEM IS. MOST OF THE TIME THE SOLUTION IS TO FIX A SYMPTOM BUT NOT THE ACTUAL CAUSE. WHEN THIS HAPPENS THE BRAKES MUST IMMEDIATELY APPLIED HARD WHICH HAS CAUSE NEAR REAR END COLLISIONS. IF AUTO PROFESSIONALS CANNOT FIND THE CAUSE THEN THIS IS NOT A MAINTENANCE ISSUE. THIS IS A DESIGN FLAW. THIS IS NOT A REMOTE ISSUE. IF YOU GOOGLE DEATH WOBBLE WRANGLER IT WILL RETURN OVER 110,000 HITS! *TR

Steering
Filed Mar 23, 201245,370 milesND

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 JEEP WRANGLER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE STARTED JERKING VIOLENTLY. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS EXTREMELY HARD TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OVER. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRACK BAR AND STEERING DAMPENER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 45,370.

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Dec 26, 201116 milesNJ

FUEL TANK OVER FLOWS AT EVERY FILL UP. *TR

Suspension
Filed Nov 16, 2011MD

WE ARE EXPERIENCING THE "DEATH WOBBLE". HAVE BEEN TO THE REPAIR SHOP SEVERAL TIMES BUT THE WOBBLE RETURNS SHORTLY AFTER WE GET THE JEEP BACK ON THE ROAD. HELP.... *TR

Suspension › Front
Filed Jul 31, 201162,000 milesTX

I HAVE BEEN GETTING THE FAMOUS JEEP WRANGLER "DEATH WOBBLE" WHEN I BRING OUR 03 WRANGLER TO 55 MPH ON THE HIGHWAY. TODAY, WAS VERY SEVERE AND ALMOST CAUSED A SERIOUS ACCIDENT. DEALER CLAIMED TO HAVE FIXED THE PROBLEM, BUT IT HAS REAPPEARED. *TR

Electrical SystemFire
Filed Jul 8, 2011DE

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 JEEP WRANGLER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MULTI-FUNCTION SWITCH WAS REPLACED TWICE WITHIN THE LAST TWO YEARS. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT WHEN THE FAILURE OCCURRED, THE HEADLIGHTS, TURN SIGNALS, FOG LIGHTS AND INSTRUMENT PANEL FAIL TO ILLUMINATE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THIS WAS MANUFACTURERS DEFECT BECAUSE THE WIRING TO THE SWITCH BURNED AND MELTED THE CONNECTIONS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 165,088.

Exterior Lighting
Filed Jun 2, 2011140,000 milesMI

2003 JEEP WRANGLER RUBICON. THE FACTORY FOG LAMPS SUDDENLY CAME ON WHILE THE SWITCH WAS IN THE OFF POSITION. PROBLEM PERSISTED EVEN AFTER NUMEROUS ATTEMPTS TO GET THEM TO GO OFF. THE ONLY WAY FOUND WAS TO DISCONNECT THE WIRING HARNESS UNDER THE FRONT FENDERS. THE DASH INDICATOR LAMP REMAINS LIT. *TR

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Mar 6, 201189,700 milesMI

GAS TANK OVERFLOW ON JEEP WRANGER. *TR

Seat Belts
Filed Dec 25, 201068,000 milesCO

I HAVE NOTICED THAT THE DRIVER SIDE SEATBELT WILL DISENGAGE WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD. TO REMEDY THE PROBLEM I HAVE PAID EXTRA ATTENTION WHEN BUCKLING IN TO MAKE SURE THAT IT IS LATCHED PROPERLY. HOWEVER, THE SEATBELT SOMETIME STILL RELEASES ON IT'S OWN. THIS CONCERNS ME BECAUSE I FEAR THAT WHEN I DO NEED THE SEATBELT IN THE COURSE OF AN ACCIDENT IT WILL NOT PERFORM AS INTENDED. *TR

Exterior Lighting
Filed Aug 18, 201020,300 milesTX

TURN SIGNALS WILL NOT WORK. *TR

Fuel System, GasolineCrash
Filed Jun 14, 201020,000 milesCA

I STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT BEHIND A FORD EXPEDITION. WHEN THE LIGHT TURNED GREEN, I LIGHTLY DEPRESSED THE GAS PEDAL AND THE CAR IMMEDIATELY ACCELERATED OUT OF CONTROL. THIS HAD NEVER OCCURRED BEFORE. I HIT THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME AND WAS ABLE TO AGGRESSIVELY HIT THE BRAKES TO SLOW DOWN ENOUGH TO SLOW THE CAR AND SHIFT INTO NEUTRAL. THE CAR WAS TAKEN TO A JEEP DEALERSHIP AND THEY KEPT THE CAR FOR A NUMBER OF DAYS. THEY STATED THEY COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG AND THEY BLAMED THE INCIDENT ON AN AFTER MARKET FLOOR MAT. THIS WOULD MAKE SENSE TO ME IF THE ACCELERATOR WAS JUS STUCK AT THE CURRENT SPEED, BUT THE ENGINE KEPT SPEEDING UP AND THE TIRES WERE SPINNING WHEN I WAS DEPRESSING THE BRAKES. THE CAR ACTED LIKE I HAD THE GAS PEDAL FULLY DEPRESSED. *TR

Suspension
Filed May 19, 201019,000 milesNJ

INCIDENTS WITH STOCK 2003 JEEP WRANGLER X 35,000 MILES . VEHICLE WILL SHAKE VIOLENTLY OUT OF CONTROL WHEN DRIVING OVER 40 MPH. INCIDENT IS KNOWN AS THE DEATH WOBBLE AND IS VERY DANGEROUS. HAS OCCURRED TO MY VEHICLE ON MANY OCCASIONS. IT IS VERY HARD TO JEEP THE JEEP ON THE ROAD WHEN THIS DEATH WOBBLE HAPPENS. *TR

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Apr 11, 201020,000 milesSC

THE VEHICLE FUEL TANK OVERFLOWS WHEN FILLING. THIS IS CAUSING FUEL TO SPRAY OUT ONTO MYSELF, ONTO THE PAINTED SURFACES OF THE VEHICLE, AND SPILL ONTO THE GROUND. THIS HAS BEEN AN ONGOING ISSUE SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED. *TR

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Mar 23, 201076,000 milesCT

WHEN FILLING MY GAS TANK, I FILLED THE TANK TO THE BRIM. NOT ON PURPOSE, GAS CAME GUSHING OUT OF MY JEEP WRANGLERS GAS TANK, ALMOST A QUARTER OF A GALLON. NOT LIFE THREATENING, BUT COST ME ABOUT 2 DOLLARS IN GAS.

Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System
Filed Nov 16, 200977,200 milesTX

TRAVELING AT 60-65MPH VEHICLE CUT OFF WITHOUT WARNING. NO LIGHTS ON DASH CAME ON. PULLED OUT OF WAY OF OTHER TRAFFIC AND CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP. TRIED STARTING AND STARTED RIGHT UP. MILEAGE 77,200. *TR

Air Bags
Filed Oct 30, 200972,320 milesCA

MY 2003 JEEP WRANGLER HAS A AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT THAT STAYS ON. ALONG WITH THIS THE HORN DOES NOT WORK. FROM WHAT I HAVE READ AND CHECKED OUT IT IS A CLOCKSPRING FAILURE LOCATED IN THE STEERING COLUMN. *TR

Seat Belts
Filed Jan 12, 200957,000 milesIN

RESEARCHING THE INTERNET, I SEEN SEVERAL OTHERS HAVE HAD SIMILAR COMPLAINS ON THE 2003 JEEP WRANGLER SEAT BELT SYSTEM. MY JEEP SEAT BELT, AS I WAS UN-BUCKLING A FEW WEEKS BACK, CAME APART, THE SPRING AND ORANGE PUSH BUTTON CAME FLYING OUT AND I CAN NOT GET IT BACK TOGETHER. I WENT TO DEALERSHIP AND IT WILL COST ME $150 FOR A REPLACEMENT PART ALONE ON SOMETHING THAT WAS NO FAULT OF MY OWN. THE OTHER ISSUE IS THE LACK OF RETRACTION IN THE SEAT BELT CAUSING IT TO GET CAUGHT IN THE DOOR SOMETIMES AND THIS CAN CAUSE SAFETY ISSUES. SINCE IT IS A LAW TO WEAR YOUR SEAT BELT AND ITS IN THE SAFE INTEREST OF THE PUBLIC TO WEAR ONE, THIS POSSES A PROBLEM AND SHOULD BE INVESTIGATED AND FIXED IMMEDIATELY.. *TR

Seat Belts
Filed Nov 11, 20089,000 milesIL

SEAT BELTS DO NOT RETRACT PROPERLY CAUSING THEM TO GET CAUGHT IN DOORS. THIS RESULTS IN FRAYING AND ABRASIONS THAT WEAKEN SEAT BELT. THE BELTS WILL NEED REPLACED SOON DUE TO THIS. *TR

Seat Belts
Filed Oct 27, 2008146,343 milesWV

THE LATCH PLATE ON MY 2003 JEEP WRANGLER SNAPPED IN HALF, RENDERING ME WITH NO SEATBELT IN A VEHICLE THAT IS RATED AT A VERY HIGH ROLLOVER RATE. WHEN I PULLED THE LATCH PLATE OUT TO EXAMINE IT, I SAW THAT THE METAL USED TO ATTACH THE LATCH WAS MADE OF VERY THIN METAL, NOT MUCH THICKER THAN A KNIFE, AND THAT THE METAL APPEARED TO BE MADE OF CAST MATERIAL. IN ADDITION TO THIS PROBLEM, I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE SEAT BELT TWICE ON MY VEHICLE, AND WILL HAVE TO REPLACE IT A THIRD TIME DUE TO THE SEATBELT NOT RETRACTING AS IT SHOULD. THIS ALLOWS THE SEATBELT TO GET CAUGHT IN MY DOOR, WHICH HAS SEVERELY CUT AND FRAYED THE SEAT BELT ALMOST IN HALF. *TR

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Jun 10, 200824,000 milesMI

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 JEEP WRANGLER. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR FAILED AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CONTINUED TO ILLUMINATE. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND THEY CONFIRMED THAT THE SENSOR MALFUNCTIONED. HE DISCOVERED A RECALL FOR THE SAME EXACT FAILURE WITH THE 2004 JEEP WRANGLER. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS NOT UNDER WARRANTY AND WOULD NOT BE COVERED, ALTHOUGH HE HAD A CURRENT 7-YEAR POWERTRAIN WARRANTY. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 24,000.

Suspension › Front
Filed Jun 9, 2008118 milesOH

DRIVER SIDE FRONT BALL JOINT CAME APART. *TR

Power Train › Clutch Assembly
Filed May 22, 200849,000 milesPA

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 JEEP WRANGLER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN HE DEPRESSED THE CLUTCH PEDAL, HIS FOOT WOULD STRIKE THE CLUTCH PIN AND KNOCK IT LOOSE. THIS CAUSED CLUTCH FAILURE AND PREVENTED HIM FROM SHIFTING GEARS. HE WOULD HAVE TO EXIT THE VEHICLE TO PUT THE PIN BACK IN PLACE. THE FAILURE ONLY OCCURRED WHEN HIS FOOT STRUCK THE CLUTCH PIN. THE CONTACT HAD NOT TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER; HOWEVER, THE DEALER STATED THAT THEY WOULD INSPECT THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT FURTHER STATED THAT THE HYDRAULIC CLUTCH PEDAL BIN WOULD FALL STRAIGHT DOWN AS IF HIS FOOT SLIPPED OFF THE PEDAL. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 57,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 49,000.

Steering
Filed Apr 7, 200823,500 milesVA

STEERING WHEEL SHIMMY ON 2003 JEEP WRANGLER...100% STOCK EQUIPMENT...SHIMMY FIRST NOTICED SUMMER 2007...HAD WHEEL ALIGNMENT DONE WITH NO EFFECT...HAD FRONT TIRES REBALANCED WITH NO EFFECT...PERFORMED TSB 19-003-06...WHILE A SIGNIFICANT IMPROVEMENT THE SHIMMY IS NOT GONE AND AT TIMES THE VEHICLE FEELS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. *TR

Air Bags
Filed Feb 18, 200865,000 milesTX

AIRBAG LIGHT STARTED COMING ON INTERMITTENTLY LEADING TO AN EXPENSIVE REPAIR. VEHICLE WARRANTY FOR THESE ITEMS IS ONLY 3 YEAR/30,000 MILE. SAFETY EQUIPMENT SUCH AS AIRBAGS AND SEATBELTS SHOULD BE A LONGER WARRANTY FOR A LONGER PERIOD OF TIME IF THEIR PERFORMANCE CAN BE AFFECTED BY NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR ON THE VEHICLE, I.E. ELECTRONIC FAILURES. *TR

Electrical System › Wiring › Rear Compartment/TrunkFire
Filed Oct 24, 200764,270 milesMD

2003 JEEP WRANGLER TJ, THE CONTACT POINTS FOR THE 3RD BRAKE LIGHT ARE OPEN TO THE CARGO COMPARTMENT. HAD A HOCKEY STICK BLADE (MADE OF FIBERGLASS) TOUCH THESE CONTACTS AND CATCH THE STICK AND THE CARPET ON FIRE WHILE DRIVING. NOTICED BURNING SMELL WHEN SITTING AT A STOP LIGHT, THOUGHT IT WAS FROM ANOTHER VEHICLE, PULLED AWAY FROM INTERSECTION, LOOKED IN BACK AND THERE WAS A FIRE INSIDE THE RIGHT REAR CORNER. *TR

Fuel System, Other › Delivery › Fuel Pump
Filed Sep 12, 200745,000 milesPA

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 JEEP WRANGLER. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO DECELERATE AS IF IT WERE LOSING POWER AND ABOUT TO STALL. THE VEHICLE THEN STALLED AND WAS TOWED TO THE NEAREST MECHANIC. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT NOTHING WAS WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE RECURRED A SECOND TIME AND THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT RESTART. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER AND DIAGNOSED AS NEEDING A NEW FUEL PUMP. THE REPAIR WOULD COST $400. THE PURCHASE DATE WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 45,000.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › Rotor
Filed May 18, 2007IL

WARPED ROTORS ON 2003 JEEP WRANGLER WITH 23,000 MILES. WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED THE STEERING WHEEL SHOOK, CAUSING STEERING PROBLEMS. PLUS, THE VEHICLE DID NOT STOP AS FAST AS IT SHOULD BECAUSE THE BRAKE PADS DID NOT APPLY EVEN PRESSURE ON WARPED ROTORS. IF NOT FIXED MAY RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT. ROTORS AND BRAKE PAD WILL HAVE TO BE REPLACED AT A COST OF APPROXIMATELY $375.00. *AK

Steering
Filed May 14, 200735,600 milesIL

STEERING SHIMMIED AT 45 MPH UNABLE TO CONTROL VEHICLE THE SAME EXACT SCENARIO AS IN ALL THE OTHER COMPLAINTS LISTED HERE ABOUT THE STEERING SHIMMY. *AK

Suspension › Front
Filed Apr 19, 200748,000 milesNC

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 JEEP WRANGLER. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE FRONTEND OF THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO VIBRATE. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WHEN THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL WHILE TRAVELING DOWNHILL. THE FAILURE CONTINUES TO PERSIST UNTIL THE VEHICLE DECELERATES TO APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH. THE DEALER INSTALLED A HEAVY DUTY STEERING DAMPENER ON THE VEHICLE. THERE HAVE BEEN NO OTHER FAILURES SINCE THE REPLACEMENT. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 48,000.

Latches/Locks/Linkages › Tailgate › Latch
Filed Apr 5, 200729,000 milesIN

REAR WINDOW POPS OPEN WHEN THE FORWARD DOORS ARE CLOSED. ALSO POPS OPEN WHEN DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD. LETS THE RAIN IN AND RATTLES. POOR ENGINEERING AND DESIGN. *JB

Complaints 1-50 of 98, newest first, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2018
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
202612300Routine
202573420Routine
20247531180Above average
20233741470Above average
202241215110Above average
202195815270High concern
202061812120Above average
20197479110Above average
20181,82714250High concern
20173125210High concern
20164625150Do not drive
20154793270Do not drive
20146584240Do not drive
20136577161Do not drive
201283610192Do not drive
201148511200Do not drive
201068611350Do not drive
20093727140Do not drive
20088739250Do not drive
200755810250Do not drive
2006730370Above average
2005650292Fatalities reported
2004192371Fatalities reported
2003 — this page98431Fatalities reported
2002108651Fatalities reported
20011707160Routine
20002515200High concern
1999213560Above average
1998265691Fatalities reported
1997401756Fatalities reported
19962100Routine
1995202361Fatalities reported
1994151461Fatalities reported
1993108541Fatalities reported
199277621Fatalities reported
199176830Routine
199079751Fatalities reported

Compare every Wrangler year →

Reading this record

1 death reported in complaints filed with NHTSA.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Mar 23, 2006. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.