Which Jeep Wrangler Years to Avoid and Why? (Explained)

The Jeep Wrangler was born in 1987 and is still in production annual basis. The Jeep is now accessible for civilian usage, with a focus on farmers and individuals who want to go off the rough path.

With the decades of experience and the liability, the Wrangler has some worst years. 2012 especially, It has the most electrical problems and the 2008 Jeep Wrangler has the most complaints from the owners.

Below are the worst Jeep Wrangler years, and I’ll explain how and why they’re rated the way they are later in the post, so keep reading!

Jeep Wrangler Years to Avoid (List of Years)

Jeep Wranglers are famed for their comfort, strong yet manageable performance, and attractive design, but not all versions are the same.

Below are some of the Jeep Wranglers that didn’t quite make the grade this year:

  • 1987 Jeep Wrangler
  • 1988 Jeep Wrangler
  • 2006 Jeep Wrangler
  • 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  • 2008 Jeep Wrangler
  • 2012 Jeep Wrangler
  • 2013 Jeep Wrangler
  • 2014 Jeep Wrangler

What Makes These Jeep Wrangler Years Worth Avoiding?

I’ll walk through the problems based on years and why you should avoid these years.

1987 Jeep Wrangler problems:

The 1987 model takes the prize for being the least stable. Even off the road, this model was rough.

1988 Jeep Wrangler problems:

On the 1988 Jeep Wrangler, Jeep attempted to update the design.

However, this was a hit-or-miss strategy, as it winded up being one of the worst Jeep Wranglers ever made.

2006 Jeep Wrangler problems:

There was a lot wrong with the Jeep Wrangler model from 2006.

The most notable feature of this vehicle is its notoriously problematic engine and suspension problems. Lack of lubrication in the engine is the most typical cause of this.

The fuel system also has some problems in the 2006 Jeep Wrangler.

2007 Jeep Wrangler problems:

The Jeep Wrangler model from 2007 was widely regarded as one of the worst in regards to off-roading performance. Suspension problems are the most common issues with this year’s model.

Some units have engine problems as well. Fixing these problems will cost you very stiff.

2008 Jeep Wrangler problems:

In 2008, however, Jeep Wrangler released a variant that was a little too noisy.

By far the 2008 year of Jeep Wrangler has the most reported electrical problems among the listed. The failure of TIPM is the one.

Some owners said their units blew the horn by themselves and had trouble starting the engine.

2012 Jeep Wrangler problems:

By far the 2012 Jeep Wrangler is the worst year to buy. Electrical problems and Engine problems are the most common issues of this year’s model.

From Carcomplaints.com the most issue and the report were from the 2012 owners.

Faulty fuel systems, paint problems, and AC or heater problems are the most reported issues of this year’s model.

Fixing the engine issues will cost you around $1400.

2013 Jeep Wrangler problems:

When it comes to off-roading, the Jeep Wrangler 2013 model was a tough car. It featured excellent suspension, which provided excellent control throughout the mentioned off-roading activities.

But it has some engine and electrical problems.

Check engine lights on and engine stalls are the common problems of the 2013 Jeep Wrangler.

2014 Jeep Wrangler problems:

The 2014 Jeep Wrangler was a capable off-road SUV, much like its forerunner from the previous year.

According to carcomplaints.com, the 2014 Jeep Wrangler has 205 reported issues. Most of them are for engine problems. Oil housing leaking, oil leaking, and engine lights on are the most commonly reported problem of the 2014 Jeep Wrangler.

Most Common Problems of Jeep Wrangler:

Below are some of the most prevalent Jeep Wrangler problems:

1. Front Axle Oscillation

Jeep Wrangler owners refer to the circumstance when the front axle of the Jeep begins to vibrate violently as “the death wobble.” It gets shaky and dangerous that inside the cabin it makes a very unbearable wobble.

This appears to be a simple issue, but it isn’t since it may be produced by anything from bad alignment to uneven tires to damaged ball joints and a steering stability rod.

Fixing this issue wouldn’t be a hassle as it is just a tweak of some screw. But whenever you face a wobble you definitely should go to a mechanic to avoid further damage.

2. Overflow of Fuel When Refilling

Whenever the fuel system refuses to communicate to the device that is designed to shut it off, this problem develops. The gas spilled out, contaminating both the Jeep and the person who was refilling it. This is concerning if you think deeply.

If the fuel gets into the jeep it can damage significantly as a car engine is all about sparking. The tiniest mistake can make a huge disaster.

This is a concern that appears to exist even in recent Jeep Wrangler models, and it is something you should be cautious of.

3. TIPM Failure

Electrical problems are the most common problems of the Jeep Wrangler.

The Jeep Wrangler’s whole electrical system is kept in working order by the Integrated Power Module (TIPM).

The TIPM is in charge of the air conditioner, radio, lighting, and windshield wipers. The component must be changed to fix the problem, which normally costs roughly $1,500. When the Jeep reaches 50,000 miles, most customers report this typical issue.

Which Years are Safe to Buy Used?

The Wrangler is a wonderful alternative if you’re shopping for a secondhand Jeep but not sure which one to choose.

Let’s explore which model years of used Jeep Wrangler give the most value for the price. The following Wrangler year variants are the most dependable:

  • 1990 Jeep Wrangler
  • 1996 Jeep Wrangler
  • 2003 Jeep Wrangler
  • 2010 Jeep Wrangler
  • 2011 Jeep Wrangler
  • 2015 Jeep Wrangler
  • 2018 Jeep Wrangler
  • 2019 Jeep Wrangler

2018, 2013, and 2007 are by far the best years of the above Jeep Wranglers.

According to hotcars.com, these are the safe-to-buy years of the Jeep Wrangler.

Conclusion

Although many of their yearly versions are far from ideal, the greatest and the worst years for Jeep Wrangler are not always the manufacturers’ end-all and be-all, but they certainly create concern when done incorrectly.

Despite its excellent reputation and image, the Jeep Wrangler has had its share of issues over the years.

However, many Jeep Wrangler owners will concur with me that it is one of the finest purchases you can make.

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