Few names can hold themselves against the reputation of the Jeep Wrangler as a rugged off-road vehicle. Originally, the Wangler was intended to aid the United States Military in World War II. But since it was a massive success, it soon found its feet as an adventure-oriented civilian car.
Buying a Jeep can be an exciting experience, but it can also be tricky. If you’re in the market for a used Wangler, there are model years that you should skip. Without further ado, let’s take a look at the Jeep Wangler’s worst years, its longevity, and everything else you need to know before buying one on the used market.
2008, 2012, and 2014 Are Among The Jeep Wrangler’s Worst Model Years Due To Expensive Overhauls
According to the Car Complaints website, the 2008 model has the most overall owner complaints. From the 400 registered complaints, more than 150 pertain to electrical problems. Owners have complained about the Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM) failing, leading to the windows, wipers, locks, and the horn randomly engaging. On average, it costs over $900 to replace the module with a new one.
Another common problem with the 2008 Jeep Wangler is “death wobble.” Many owners have complained about the suspension wobbling uncontrollably at highway speeds. “The first death wobble happened at 40k, replaced tires and got a super heavy stabilizer. About every 10k, the wobble returns, and nothing solves the problem completely. I've replaced all recommended parts at least once or twice. It is un-fixable,” quoted one owner in October 2016.
The TIPM failure is also a widespread issue with the 2012 Wrangler, with 50 owner complaints registered to Car Complaints. However, the average mileage for this model year sits at 52,200 miles, and the repair cost is above $1,300.
Several owners have complained about expensive engine overhauls in their 2012 Jeep Wrangler. According to the data, owners have had to change the engine heads well below the 100,000-mile mark. The symptoms of faulty heads are engine overheating, loss of power, and excessive oil burn. If a flawed engine head isn’t taken care of, it can quickly damage the entire powertrain.
The most common problem with the 2014 Jeep Wrangler is oil leaking from the housing. The issue mainly concerns models equipped with the 3.6L V6 engine. The oil housing cracks prematurely and leaks oil all over the engine. The average cost for parts and labor to fix the issue sits at $710.
Lastly, 2014 Wangler owners have quoted dealing with electrical problems, especially regarding starting the engine. “Started noticing issues when starting the jeep up. It would hesitate, then turn over. Then, when I drove 30 minutes away from home, it wouldn't crank over. After a few tries, it started. That's when I realized I couldn't trust to drive it far,” posted one owner in November 2021.
Take Care Of Your Wrangler, And It Will Provide 200,000 Miles Of Reliable Service
Based on various reputable auto sources, the Jeep Wrangler can boast 200,000 miles on the odometer. That translates to over 15 years of service driving 13,000 miles in a year.
Though it differs from one model year to another, owners can typically avoid expensive transmission and engine overhauls by following the manufacturer’s suggested maintenance routine.
Some of the critical services include:
- Every 20,000 miles: replace the air conditioning filter, inspect the transfer case fluid, inspect the brake lining, and check the CV and Universal joints.
- Every 40,000 miles: change front and rear axle fluid, especially if you use your Wrangler for towing or off-roading.
- Every 60,000 miles: change your transfer case fluid and transmission fluid.
- Every 100,000 miles: check the belts and replace the PCV valves.
According to the RepairPal website, a Jeep Wrangler would cost $694 to maintain in a year, about $150 more than the average for compact SUVs. But mostly, that’s because Jeeps are put through abuse and extreme conditions much more than Toyota RAV4s or Subaru Foresters.
Avoid Problematic Model Years To Ensure You’re Reducing The Risk Of Buying A Lemon
A Jeep can be the start of many adventures. If you’re in the market for a used Wrangler, it would be a safer bet to avoid the 2008, 2012, and 2014 model years due to their widespread problems at relatively low mileages.
Other than that, ask a trusted mechanic to inspect the car before finalizing your purchase. Since Jeeps are typically used for off-roading, some vital parts to check are the rear and front axles, the transmission system, and the engine.