Are Jeep Wranglers Reliable? Pros & Cons

Jeep Wranglers have been around for decades and are one of the most popular SUVs in the United States and overseas. They’re known for their ability to track through rugged terrain and tough weather conditions. Their classic cube-based shape is easily recognizable.

It simply doesn’t get more rugged than the Jeep Wrangler. These vehicles were actually made for military purposes. But what about reliability? Are Jeep Wranglers reliable? How do they compare to other SUVs in the same class?

In this post, we’re going to discuss the most common repair issues with Jeep Wranglers according to consumers and car experts.

The 5 Cons of Owning a Jeep

1. Wobbly Wheels

Sometimes referred to as the “death wobble”, this uncomfortable wobbliness is something that’s unfortunately too common in many older Jeeps. It’s also common amongst even some of the most prominent Jeep models.

Many automotive experts believe that it’s due to the suspension and location of the axle within certain Jeep models. This mechanical glitch makes the wheelbase particularly prone to developing issues.

On top of that, add in poor tire alignment, and your Jeep can quickly become a wobbly mess that’s uncomfortable to ride in. Not only can it make the vehicle hard to control but it can make for compromising drivability as well.

So, if you purchase a Jeep and you notice that the steering wheel is vibrating, it’s best to take it to the repair shop as soon as possible.

2. Welding Issues

There have also been noted welding issues with the Jeep Wrangler model. In fact, over 16,000 Wranglers were recalled in 2018 through 2019 due to bad welding within the suspension of the vehicle.

As a result, the entire suspension may break off from the bottom of the carriage causing steering issues and other problems. As you can imagine, this recall severely hurt the image of Jeep Wranglers as a reliable brand and caused purchases to slow down significantly thereafter. However, since then, the brand has been working steadily to improve its track record with reliability and quality control.

3. Exhaust Leaks

Some Grand Cherokee Jeep models have had issues with exhaust leaks. For example, in the late 80s through the early part of 2006, both the Cherokee and the Wrangler have experienced issues with the exhaust manifold cracking and causing leaks within the vehicle’s cabinet.

4. Recalls and Quality Control

Every car manufacturer has to implement quality control to ensure reliable vehicles. Not only can poor quality control lead to hazardous driving conditions for consumers, but it doesn’t help the brand when it comes to marketing and brand trustworthiness.

Unfortunately for Jeeps, this has been known to be a bit of an issue over the years. For example, the Jeep Cherokee specifically has been recalled numerous times over the past 10-20 years. One of the most notable recalls was in 2016 when every single Cherokee manufactured within a period of a few months was recalled due to issues with the right wheel axle.

5. Water Leaks

There have been Jeep Cherokee and Wrangler models that have shown to have issues with water leaks. The leaks usually surrounded the doors and the windows, and it’s likely due to an issue with the seal or convertibility of the SUV (for the Wrangler). The good thing is that this is a fairly easy issue to fix, and replacement parts won’t be as expensive as you may think.

The 5 Pros of Owning a Jeep

1. Versatility

Jeeps are great for taking outdoor excursions. They’re rugged and durable, and their horsepower and four-wheel-drive features can get you through a number of different scenarios. Bad snow or heavy flooding? No problem.

Going up steep mountains? Don’t worry. A Jeep is one of the best vehicles you can have on these occasions. Even if you just want a Jeep as your main everyday car–that’s great too! Jeeps are the perfect general-purpose vehicles.

2. Easy and Affordable Maintenance/Parts

Jeeps are one of the most affordable available in their class. Their parts and accessories are also easily found online or at local resellers. Another great thing about Jeep parts is that they often can fit into multiple Jeep models. Jeep engines are fairly simple to maintain, and on average you’ll pay about $600-$700 per year.

3. They’re Accommodating

One of the best things about owning a Jeep is its space. A Jeep offers plenty of space for tall people or those who need to haul a lot of stuff. Jeep Wranglers and Cherokees average about 80 cubic feet of space. You can store plenty of luggage, boxes, and cargo when the seats are folded down. They have tons of legroom and storage space.

4. Towing Capacity

Are you looking to transport more gear and equipment than you can fit in your Jeep’s storage? You don’t have to buy a trailer; you can just tow it behind your Jeep. The Wrangler can haul up to 3,500 pounds. The Grand Cherokee can tow up to 6,200 pounds and the Gladiator Jeep, up to 4,000 pounds.

Wrapping Things Up

So, are Jeeps reliable? Many proud Jeep owners would argue that they are, while many car experts will say that it’s still up for debate. However, do Jeeps may struggle to keep up with their peers regarding reliability, you can’t beat the fact that they’re still great all-terrain vehicles, easy to maintain, and affordable for everyday consumers.

So, if you’re looking for an SUV that can have the versatility of an everyday vehicle and the durability of an all-terrain vehicle, they’re still a great option.

Featured Image Credit: Kenny Eliason, Unsplash