The Jeep Wrangler is well-regarded worldwide for its off-road capability and ruggedness. However, as it turns out, while it may stand the test of nature, it might not be able to stand the test of time, at least not reliably. Assessing the reliability of the Jeep Wrangler by its model year showcases a litany of problems, and in particular, the 2007 and 2012 model years.
Both of these model years experienced plenty of recalls for issues and were plagued by systemic problems, as documented by their owners. They’re not the only ones, of course, but if you want to buy a used Jeep Wrangler, avoid these two model years. And, if you’re looking for a more reliable model year, the 2018 Jeep Wrangler could be worth considering.
With that in mind, here are some of the worst and most unreliable model years of the Jeep Wrangler… Having assessed the Jeep Wrangler and its reliability by model year, and specifically, focusing a bit more on the 2007 and 2012 model years…
2007 Jeep Wrangler
The 2007 Jeep Wrangler had 10 recalls to its name, affecting owners with countless issues. These include fuel system problems to steering issues – the latter is the #1 fault with the 2007 Wrangler, according to the NHTSA. Additionally, there were reports of faults with the airbags, as well as the ‘death wobble’, aka harsh vibrations and shaking.
According to some owners who’ve had this issue repaired, the death wobble, on average, costs $800 to repair. On top of that, engine failure is another significant problem. Owners complained about total engine failure, and the cost of repairing or replacing the engine was around $4,400. Additionally, the 2007 Wrangler had problems with its brakes, too.
2012 Jeep Wrangler
While the 2007 Jeep Wrangler might’ve been bad, the 2012 model year was worse in terms of reliability. Many critics and owners rate it as the worst and most unreliable model year, with 10 more recalls added to its name. Common faults include airbag failure, the death wobble (better than 2007, at least), TIPM systems failure, and more engine problems.
The latter of which often required owners to rebuild or replace the engine entirely, to a tune of $4,400 or more. Aside from that, other faults with the 2012 Jeep Wrangler included woes with the heater and miscellaneous drivetrain faults. You might experience problems like stalling and hard starting. Therefore, it’s wise to avoid the 2012 Wrangler at all costs.
2008 Jeep Wrangler
Since we’ve already covered the 2007 and 2012 Jeep Wranglers – the worst in terms of reliability by model year – it’s a good idea to cover some of the other unreliable model years, too. Just like the 2007 model, the 2008 Jeep Wrangler didn’t fix much. The most systemic issue was a complete failure of the Wrangler’s TIPM (Totally Integrated Power Module).
A failure of the TIPM would result in further issues, such as stalling and poor performance. Although, repairing the TIPM isn’t cheap, likely costing you around $800 to $1,000. Moreover, the 2008 Wrangler was plagued with other problems, such as excessive oil consumption, fuel system issues, steering problems, and drivetrain faults. None are cheap to fix.
2010 Jeep Wrangler
The 2010 Jeep Wrangler model year did notice some improvements compared to its predecessors. Alas, it still had issues of its own, such as engine problems. In particular, the oil-burning issue from earlier reared its ugly head, causing your car to consume excessive amounts of motor oil. It could even lead to severe engine failures and require costly repairs.
There were also concerns related to the 2010 Wrangler’s electrical system, causing further issues with its ignition and intermittent starting. If that isn’t bad enough, the accessories on the 2010 Wrangler are problematic, too. This encompassed faulty window regulators, broken door handles, and defects with the interior trim that upset many owners.
2013 Jeep Wrangler
There were hopes that following the problem-prone 2012 model year, the 2013 Wrangler would fix most of the aforementioned issues. It did see a decrease in the frequency of overall issues, but it wasn’t immune to faults. The most prominent point of failure was the TIPM system once more, which could lead to unexpected stalling while you’re driving.
In addition, there were airbag-related issues, where they may not deploy during collisions. The cooling system was flawed too, and many owners noted that their 2013 Wranglers constantly overheated. This is particularly bad for folks who regularly use their Jeep Wranglers off-road or for extended road trips. Repairing this could cost you upward of $1,000.
2015 Jeep Wrangler
There were huge expectations that the 2015 Wrangler might help improve its reliability overall. But, it did come with its own set of problems. Most notably, the transmission was prone to gear slippage, and in some cases, complete transmission failure. Given how complex a Wrangler’s transmission is, fixing these issues could cost owners $2,000 or more.
Owners of the 2015 Jeep Wrangler also expressed disappointment with the fuel system. Owing to a fuel pump issue, the Wranglers of this era sometimes found themselves struggling to start. Plus, the 2015 model year wasn’t exempt from the infamous death wobble, as mentioned earlier, leaving drivers uneasy about their vehicle’s ride quality.
What Model Year Of The Jeep Wrangler Is The Most Reliable?
As we noted earlier, the 2018 Jeep Wrangler is often considered to be the best and most reliable model year that you can find on the used market today. Not only is it reliable, but as a package, critics reviewed it positively, too. It had good fuel economy (for a Wrangler), and performance from the 3.6-liter V6 engine was widely praised.
This also made it ideal for off-roading over steep terrains, mud pits, and rocky trails. With 25mpg in the city and 27mph on the highway, it’d be a great daily driver, too. Granted, the 2018 model wasn’t immune to problems, as it still has its fair share of issues. These include loose steering, structural problems, bad welding, and faults with its electronics.
