Best and Worst Years for Jeep Wrangler

When we think of a Jeep, most of us envision the Wrangler. The iconic SUV, Jeep’s Wrangler began life as a military vehicle meant to be assembled in minutes by hand. Now built for everyday driving, the spirit of the earliest Wranglers lives on. From its square body to its incredible ground clearance, the Wrangler is immediately identifiable and endlessly unique.

Though its overall style has stood the test of time, not all model years have been great for the Jeep Wrangler. Jeep, as a brand, has had several owners over the years, each with unique takes on how a Jeep - and the Jeep Wrangler - should be manufactured. Here, we’ll go over the best and worst model years for the Jeep Wrangler so you know which to snap up, and which to avoid altogether.

• 1997

• 2005

• 2006

• 2007

• 2008

• 2009

• 2010

• 2012

• 2013

• 2014

• 2018

• 2019

• 1997: This model year is reported to have a leaky steering box requiring many fluid top-offs, and its axle seals are also leaky.

• 2005: This model year has faulty CV joints that are prone to failure.

• 2007: The famed “death wobble” is pronounced in this model year, and the airbag warning lights tend to go in and out.

• 2008: The temperature sensor for the transmission fluid was just plain missing on many new 2008 Wranglers.

• 2012: Engine failures abound in 2012, and there was a huge airbag recall this year as well

• 2018: Steering in this model year tends to wander.

• 2019: Shaky steering is a big issue for the 2019 Jeep Wrangler.

• 1990

• 1991

• 1992

• 1998

• 1999

• 2000

• 2001

• 2002

• 2003

• 2004

• 2006

• 2015

• 2016

• 2017

• 2020

• 2021

• 2022

• 2023

This isn’t the earliest we’ve seen the Wrangler, but it’s the first post-AMC Jeep Wrangler generation widely accepted by fans. This was when Chrysler owned Jeep, and sought to refine the rough and ready Wrangler for everyday driving. Unfortunately, Chrysler also introduced square headlights, a move that saw the Wrangler sharing parts with other Chrysler models, like the Le Baron. 

The re-introduction of round headlights reinvigorated the Wrangler nameplate. Fans rejoiced, and pundits had good reason to cover the Wrangler again. This generation also introduced coil-spring suspension, and new trail-ready off-road packages straight from the dealership.

The Wrangler got bigger in the JK generation, and it was no joke. The first four-door Wrangler saw the light of day, the Wrangler’s first lengthening since the AMC days when the CJ5 welcomed it slightly larger CJ7 sibling. Here, more trim levels were also brought under the Wrangler name.

More tech, an electric Wrangler, and improved open-air driving dynamics help keep the Wrangler top of mind in the modern era.

Throughout the aughts, the Wrangler had a V6 Pentastar engine under the hood, which caused headaches. Particularly in model years 2012 and 2014, the 3.6-liter engine was a menace, with reports of oil contamination, valve opening failures, misfires, and rough idling abound. Some report metal shavings in the oil reservoir, which could have been ruinous to the engine. 

Almost as if the ghost of Jeep Wrangler past was trying to tell us the Wrangler didn’t need airbags, 2007-2010 and 2016-2017 Wranglers had significant sensor failures with several recalls. These aren’t the only model years that had airbag issues, though; we see airbag problems pop up continuously through the life of the modern Wrangler.

In many 2007 and 2008 Wranglers, drivers were unable to shift their transmission into “Park.” Eventually, Jeep recalled the gearbox for many Wranglers, and dealerships installed brackets to ensure the transmission was anchored properly in all drive modes. When drivers were able to shift into park (before the recall), the Wrangler would creep forward. These model years also had faulty transmission fluid temperature warnings, which can cause a fire if the fluid boils over.

Wranglers are prone to the “death wobble,” an issue many off-road vehicles face. When off-roading, the suspension and steering components can get jostled out of alignment, which can introduce severe shaking that ‘s felt into the steering wheel when you’re back on pavement. At speeds, this can cause drivers to lose control of the vehicle. Routine alignment checks and suspension inspections are a must when you’re taking your Wrangler off-road.

The Jeep Wrangler is generally reliable. You should avoid the model years listed above if possible.

The Wrangler can tow lighter items, like a jet ski or light fishing boat, but isn’t suitable for towing a fifth-wheel or large items.

Always get a CarFax report and have the Wrangler inspected by an independent mechanic. With so many issues throughout the life of the Wrangler, be sure the vehicle you’re interested in is issue-free before you buy it.