1997 Jeep Wrangler tj from North America - Comments

I am very happy with my jeep and hope to have it around forever. There are many classic problems with them.

The paint peels off the mirriors, The plastic panel on the inside of door will develop a crack especially in cold climates. With all jeeps the radiators are made of plastic and will maybe make it to 40,000 miles. The stock headers are made of iron and cracked around 70,000 miles so if you notice a sound similar to your muffler falling off that's it. The gas tank recall never gave me any problems. The rear wiper died early on. It seemed like every 30,000 miles the power steering box would blow a seal. I had the box replaced and no problems since.

The biggest problem didn't hit until I had 90,000 miles. The intake manifold will eventually develop a leak. A freind of mine who works for a chrysler dealer took my intake manifold off and milled it down. After a while they warp. This happens to wranglers and cherokees.

I have replaced lots more parts mostly due to preventive maintanence. I would never by another wrangler just to go through all the problems again.

There was an unofficial "recall" for 97 Jeeps, substandard bolts were used for securing the exhaust manifold. The extended warranty (that's that they called it) ran until 8 years or 80K miles. If you're under that and have the receipt for your exhaust repairs, you may be eligible for a refund or free repairs.