2017 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited
Common Problems
Ranked from 92 federal NHTSA complaints. Every problem links to the complaint IDs behind it.
32 Common Problems
Ordered by how often owners reported each one to NHTSA. The bar shows how common a problem is relative to the most-reported on this vehicle. Expand any problem to see the federal complaint IDs.
- 1
Engine oil filter housing cracking leading to oil leaks
9complaintsHigh severityEngineThe engine oil filter housing cracks and leaks oil without warning.
$200–$1,600est. oil-leak repair · 1–8 hrs laborGet local quotes - 2
ABS Control Module Failure
8complaintsSafety riskBrakesThe ABS control module frequently fails, leading to the loss of anti-lock braking system functionality and other safety features.
- 3
Brake Caliper Issues
8complaintsMedium severityBrakesMultiple instances of brake calipers seizing or moving away from the rotor, causing grinding and potential loss of braking power.
$250–$700est. brake caliper replacement · 1–2.5 hrs laborGet local quotes - 4
Engine oil cooler failure causing massive leaks
5complaintsHigh severityEngineThe engine oil cooler cracks and causes significant oil leakage.
- 5
Engine Oil Cooler Leaks
5complaintsHigh severityEngineOil cooler leaks cause oil to run down the engine and exhaust system, posing a fire hazard and creating oil puddles on the ground.
- 6
Hood fluttering and lifting at highway speeds
5complaintsMedium severityOtherThe hood lifts up and flutters violently at highway speeds, especially when passing large vehicles or in strong winds.
- 7
Transmission Issues
5complaintsHigh severityTransmissionTransmission malfunctions include shifting out of gear and clutch issues, leading to loss of power and potential accidents.
$200–$2,500est. drivetrain diagnosis + repair · 1–8 hrs laborGet local quotes - 8
Brake Caliper Failure
4complaintsHigh severityBrakesFront and rear brake calipers seize up, causing loss of braking power and potential accidents.
$250–$700est. brake caliper replacement · 1–2.5 hrs laborGet local quotes - 9
Brake Caliper Sticking
4complaintsMedium severityBrakesCalipers stick and cause the brakes to lock up or seize, leading to unpredictable stopping behavior.
$250–$700est. brake caliper replacement · 1–2.5 hrs laborGet local quotes - 10
Brake Hose Collapses
4complaintsMedium severityBrakesBrake hoses repeatedly collapse, leading to brake fluid loss and brake system failures, posing a safety risk.
$150–$1,000est. brake system diagnosis + repair · 1–4 hrs laborGet local quotes - 11
Oil Filter Housing Failure
4complaintsHigh severityEngineThe oil filter housing cracks and leaks oil, leading to engine failure and potential fire.
- 12
Death Wobble
3complaintsMedium severitySteeringSevere steering wobble at highway speeds, making it difficult to control the vehicle.
- 13
Engine Misfire and Cylinder Failure
3complaintsMedium severityEngineEngine misfires and cylinders fail, leading to intermittent engine performance issues and potential loss of power.
$200–$900est. ignition service (coils/plugs) · 1–4 hrs laborGet local quotes - 14
Fuel Tank Control Valve Failures
3complaintsHigh severityFuel systemFuel tank control valve failures cause overfilling, fuel leaks, and unexpected fuel vapor emissions, posing a fire risk.
$300–$1,200est. fuel line/tank repair · 2–6 hrs laborGet local quotes - 15
Intermittent stalling in reverse, especially in cold weather
3complaintsMedium severityTransmissionThe vehicle stalls intermittently in reverse, particularly in cold weather conditions.
$150–$1,200est. stalling / shutdown diagnosis + repair · 1–5 hrs laborGet local quotes - 16
Steering and Suspension Death Wobble
3complaintsMedium severitySteeringDeath wobble occurs at lower speeds, causing violent vibrations and loss of control, especially on uneven surfaces.
$150–$1,200est. suspension diagnosis + repair · 1–5 hrs laborGet local quotes - 17
Airbags failing to deploy in collision
2complaintsSafety riskElectricalThe airbags fail to deploy in a collision, increasing the risk of injury to the occupants.
- 18
Airbag System Malfunction
2complaintsMedium severityElectricalAirbags fail to deploy during collisions, increasing the risk of injury.
- 19
Battery Terminal Issues
2complaintsLow severityElectricalBattery terminals stop tightening properly, causing the vehicle to die while driving and requiring a jump start.
- 20
Brakes failing to provide adequate stopping power
2complaintsHigh severityBrakesThe brakes become increasingly ineffective over time, leading to decreased stopping ability and potential loss of control.
$150–$1,000est. brake system diagnosis + repair · 1–4 hrs laborGet local quotes - 21
Electrical system causing fires under the front passenger seat
2complaintsHigh severityElectricalElectrical issues cause fires under the front passenger seat, potentially leading to serious injury or damage.
- 22
Electrical system issues causing dashboard lights to fail
2complaintsMedium severityElectricalDashboard lights and radio fail intermittently, requiring multiple repairs.
- 23
Engine overheating and internal failure
2complaintsMedium severityEngineThe engine overheats and is prone to internal failures, requiring frequent repairs.
$150–$1,200est. cooling-system diagnosis + repair · 1–6 hrs laborGet local quotes - 24
Engine overheating due to radiator issues
2complaintsHigh severityFuel systemThe radiator starts overheating, leading to smoke and fire from the hood.
$400–$1,000est. radiator replacement · 2–4 hrs laborGet local quotes - 25
Engine stalling or losing power during extended highway driving
2complaintsHigh severityEngineThe engine suddenly loses power and stalls on extended highway trips, requiring multiple attempts to restart the vehicle.
$150–$1,200est. stalling / shutdown diagnosis + repair · 1–5 hrs laborGet local quotes - 26
Service brake issues including calipers locking up
2complaintsHigh severityBrakesCalipers lock up for no reason, causing safety issues and damaging brake pads and rotors.
$250–$700est. brake caliper replacement · 1–2.5 hrs laborGet local quotes - 27
Service brakes failing to hold vehicle on incline
2complaintsHigh severityBrakesThe service brakes fail to hold the vehicle on inclines, leading to loss of control.
$150–$1,000est. brake system diagnosis + repair · 1–4 hrs laborGet local quotes - 28
Structural issues leading to vehicle flooding during storms
2complaintsMedium severityOtherThe vehicle floods in the driveway during heavy rainstorms, indicating structural integrity issues.
- 29
Transmission failure leading to gear shifting issues
2complaintsHigh severityTransmissionThe transmission frequently stalls or jumps out of gear while driving, requiring manual intervention to keep it in gear.
$2,500–$5,500est. transmission rebuild/replacement · 8–16 hrs laborGet local quotes - 30
Transmission popping out of reverse and grinding
2complaintsMedium severityTransmissionThe transmission frequently pops out of reverse and grinds, causing difficulty in reversing.
$200–$2,500est. drivetrain diagnosis + repair · 1–8 hrs laborGet local quotes - 31
Vehicle catching fire while in motion
2complaintsHigh severityOtherThe vehicle catches fire while in motion, often resulting in significant damage and potential injury.
- 32
Vehicle speed control malfunction causing uncontrolled acceleration
2complaintsHigh severityOtherThe vehicle accelerates uncontrollably without touching the gas pedal, posing a serious safety risk.
Other years & sources
Data source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) owner complaints and recalls. Problems are clustered and ranked from the complaint record; occurrence counts reflect corroborating complaints, not total incidence. Vehicle image is illustrative. Repair-cost figures are typical U.S. independent-shop ranges (parts + labor) for the class of repair shown — actual quotes vary by region, engine, and diagnosis; always confirm with a local shop.