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2001 Jeep Wrangler

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2001 Jeep Wrangler do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 265.

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

103 reports with mileage · 67 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Structure. Review the 38 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 37 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Power Train. Review the 23 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

17 crash reports16 fire reports16 injury reports

Power Train complaints

23 reports
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89,000 miles · Sep 1, 2016
Power TrainStructure

I HAVE A 2001 JEEP WRANGLER WITH ONLY 89,000 MILES. THE ENTIRE FRAME AND UNDERCARRIAGE IS RUSTED OUT AND THE TRANSFER CASE HAS FALLEN OFF. I'M UNABLE TO DRIVE IT IS SO UNSAFE!! I CAN NOT BELIEVE THAT A VEHICLE ONLY 15 YEARS OLD WOULD BE IN THIS CONDITION!! I WILL BE GETTING AN ATTORNEY!! APPARENTLY THERE IS NOT PROPER HOLES …

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I HAVE A 2001 JEEP WRANGLER WITH ONLY 89,000 MILES. THE ENTIRE FRAME AND UNDERCARRIAGE IS RUSTED OUT AND THE TRANSFER CASE HAS FALLEN OFF. I'M UNABLE TO DRIVE IT IS SO UNSAFE!! I CAN NOT BELIEVE THAT A VEHICLE ONLY 15 YEARS OLD WOULD BE IN THIS CONDITION!! I WILL BE GETTING AN ATTORNEY!! APPARENTLY THERE IS NOT PROPER HOLES FOR DRAINAGE IN THE FRAME AND IT HAS CAUSED THE WATER TO POOL AND RUST OUT THE FRAME. I STILL OWE $6000 ON THIS VEHICLE! I WILL NEVER BUY A JEEP AGAIN! I CALLED CHRYSLER AND BECAUSE IT'S SO FAR OUT OF WARRANTY AND NO RECALLS THEY ARE UNWILLING TO DO ANYTHING FOR ME...UGH

NHTSA ODI #10903089

110,000 miles · Mar 11, 2016
Power Train

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 JEEP WRANGLER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS PLACED IN THE PARK POSITION, THE VEHICLE ROLLED BACKWARDS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO BE DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 110,000.

NHTSA ODI #10846132

159,221 miles · Sep 2, 2015
Power TrainSuspension

WAS TRAVELING DOWN DIRT ROAD AT AT 20 TO 25 MPH, THEN HEARD DIFFERENT NOISE LIKE METAL SCRAPING. SHIFTING SEEMED A LITTLE HARDER BUT WAS STILL WORKING. AFTER RETURNING HOME I LOOKED UNDER THE JEEP AND FOUND THE TRANSMISSION SKID PLATE HAD RUSTED AWAY FROM THE FRAME AND ONLY 3 BOLTS ON THE DRIVERS SIDE HOLDING THE TRANSMISSI…

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WAS TRAVELING DOWN DIRT ROAD AT AT 20 TO 25 MPH, THEN HEARD DIFFERENT NOISE LIKE METAL SCRAPING. SHIFTING SEEMED A LITTLE HARDER BUT WAS STILL WORKING. AFTER RETURNING HOME I LOOKED UNDER THE JEEP AND FOUND THE TRANSMISSION SKID PLATE HAD RUSTED AWAY FROM THE FRAME AND ONLY 3 BOLTS ON THE DRIVERS SIDE HOLDING THE TRANSMISSION IN PLACE. IF TRAVELING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS AND IF BOTH SIDES BROKE LOOSE THIS WOULD HAVE BEEN A DIFFERENT STORY. I'VE DONE SOME CHECKING AFTER THIS HAPPENS AND LEARNED THIS IS A COMMON ISSUE AS WELL AS RUSTING OUT IN OTHER PLACES WITH JEEPS AND THINK THE MANUFACTURER HAS AND LEAST SOME LIABILITY WITH THIS ONGOING ISSUE.

NHTSA ODI #10760948

220,000 miles · Apr 8, 2015
Power Train

MY FRAME RUSTED OUT. THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM ON JEEP WRANGLERS. I WAS LUCKY ENOUGH TO BE IN THE PROCESS OF CHANGING MY TRANSMISSION FLUID WHEN I FOUND THE ISSUE. THE PART OF THE FRAME WHERE THE TRANSMISSION MOUNT ATTACHES TO COMPLETELY RUSTED THROUGH AND NOTHING WAS HOLDING THE TRANSMISSION/REAR ENGINE MOUNT TO THE FRAME. *…

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MY FRAME RUSTED OUT. THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM ON JEEP WRANGLERS. I WAS LUCKY ENOUGH TO BE IN THE PROCESS OF CHANGING MY TRANSMISSION FLUID WHEN I FOUND THE ISSUE. THE PART OF THE FRAME WHERE THE TRANSMISSION MOUNT ATTACHES TO COMPLETELY RUSTED THROUGH AND NOTHING WAS HOLDING THE TRANSMISSION/REAR ENGINE MOUNT TO THE FRAME. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10704494

214,506 miles · Mar 21, 2015
Electrical SystemPower TrainSuspension

I HAVE A JEEP THAT HAS A FRAME THAT IS RUSTED IN THE REAR TRAILING ARMS AND WERE THE TRANSMISSION IS HELD. NO INCIDENT HAS HAPPENED YET BUT IF THIS WERE TO BREAK ON THE ROAD COULD CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. I WORK FOR HYUNDAI WHO HAS A RECALL ON QUITE A FEW CARS AND SUVS FOR THE FRAME ROTTING OUT ON CARS AS OLD AS 2000 I ALSO NO TOYOTA …

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I HAVE A JEEP THAT HAS A FRAME THAT IS RUSTED IN THE REAR TRAILING ARMS AND WERE THE TRANSMISSION IS HELD. NO INCIDENT HAS HAPPENED YET BUT IF THIS WERE TO BREAK ON THE ROAD COULD CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. I WORK FOR HYUNDAI WHO HAS A RECALL ON QUITE A FEW CARS AND SUVS FOR THE FRAME ROTTING OUT ON CARS AS OLD AS 2000 I ALSO NO TOYOTA AND NISSAN AND OTHER MANUFACTURES HAVE RECALLS ON FRAMES WHY NOT JEEP I REALIZE IT MAY BE SPECIFIC TO SALT BELT AREAS BUT THOSE OTHER COMPANIES ARE FIXING THE PROBLEM. ALSO THE CLIMATE CONTROL MELTED COULD HAVE CAUSED A FIRE I KNOW THIS IS ALSO A COMMON PROBLEM. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10700852

134,000 miles · Feb 11, 2015
Power TrainSuspension

SKID PLATE THAT HOLDS TRANSMISSION FELL FROM RUSTED FRAME. IF I WAS GOING ON FREEWAY AT 55 OR PLUS THIS WOULD HAVE BEEN A VERY BAD SITUATION....LOOKING INTO FRAME I SEE THAT THIS IS COMMON WITH WRANGLERS FROM LIKE 1997 TO 2002 AND IT IS A FACTORY DEFECT....YOU HAVE RECALLED MAZDAS, TOYOTAS AND OTHER 2000ISH VEHICLES DUE TO RUSTE…

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SKID PLATE THAT HOLDS TRANSMISSION FELL FROM RUSTED FRAME. IF I WAS GOING ON FREEWAY AT 55 OR PLUS THIS WOULD HAVE BEEN A VERY BAD SITUATION....LOOKING INTO FRAME I SEE THAT THIS IS COMMON WITH WRANGLERS FROM LIKE 1997 TO 2002 AND IT IS A FACTORY DEFECT....YOU HAVE RECALLED MAZDAS, TOYOTAS AND OTHER 2000ISH VEHICLES DUE TO RUSTED FRAMES...THESE SHOULD BE RECALLED AND FRAMES REPLACED BEFORE MORE FATAL THINGS HAPPEN....I AM LOOKING IN GETTING MINE REPLACED...BUT IF I DO AND THEN IT IS RECALLED DO I GET JEEP TO PAY ME BACK FOR MY REPAIRS??? *TR

NHTSA ODI #10682834

150,000 miles · Jan 6, 2015
Power TrainSuspension

FRAME RUSTED ON BOTH DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE AT BRUSH GUARD/TRANS SUPPORT, AND TRANSMISSION DROPPED WHILE DRIVING. BOTTOM OF FRAME UNDER DRIVER/PASSENGER SEAT WERE BRUSH GUARD ATTACHES IS COMPLETELY RUSTED AWAY AND THE FRAME HAS STARTED TO CRACK UP THE SIDES. I WOULD THINK THIS WOULD BE A CRASH SAFETY ISSUE. I HAVE NEVER SEEN …

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FRAME RUSTED ON BOTH DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE AT BRUSH GUARD/TRANS SUPPORT, AND TRANSMISSION DROPPED WHILE DRIVING. BOTTOM OF FRAME UNDER DRIVER/PASSENGER SEAT WERE BRUSH GUARD ATTACHES IS COMPLETELY RUSTED AWAY AND THE FRAME HAS STARTED TO CRACK UP THE SIDES. I WOULD THINK THIS WOULD BE A CRASH SAFETY ISSUE. I HAVE NEVER SEEN A FRAME COMPLETELY RUST AWAY ON A 14 YEAR OLD CAR.

NHTSA ODI #10670534

90,000 miles · Apr 18, 2014
Power TrainStructure

REMOVED TRANSMISSION CROSS MEMBER TO REPLACE CLUTCH. FOUND COMPLETE BOTTOM OF FRAME RUSTED FROM INSIDE SO AS TO MAKE UNSAFE TO DRIVE. SINCE HAVE FOUND THAT NEW FRAME IS NOT AVAILABLE AND IF A USED FRAME IS FOUND IT TO IS RUSTED AS TO BE DANGEROUS. HAVE CHECKED ONLINE AND FOUND THIS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM. I WORK IN COLLISION REP…

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REMOVED TRANSMISSION CROSS MEMBER TO REPLACE CLUTCH. FOUND COMPLETE BOTTOM OF FRAME RUSTED FROM INSIDE SO AS TO MAKE UNSAFE TO DRIVE. SINCE HAVE FOUND THAT NEW FRAME IS NOT AVAILABLE AND IF A USED FRAME IS FOUND IT TO IS RUSTED AS TO BE DANGEROUS. HAVE CHECKED ONLINE AND FOUND THIS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM. I WORK IN COLLISION REPAIR AND FIND THIS TO BE A SERIOUS FAULT. THIS NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED QUICKLY BEFORE A DEATH OCCURS. MY SON'S JEEP WOULD KILL HIM IN AN ACCIDENT. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10583590

2,000 miles · Sep 1, 2005
Latches/locks/linkagesPower TrainSeat BeltsCrash

I BELIEVE THE JEEP WRANGLER BUILT BY DAIMLER CHRYSLER HAS SAFETY DEFECTS THAT CONSTITUTE A SERIES OF SAFETY HAZARDS. 1. AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SHIFTS AND ENGINE RPM ACCELERATING ON BREAKING. ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS MY JEEP ENGINE RPMS RACED AND THE VEHICLE LEAPED FORWARD WHILE BREAKING AND COMING TO A STOP. SINCE THE PROBLEM DOES…

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I BELIEVE THE JEEP WRANGLER BUILT BY DAIMLER CHRYSLER HAS SAFETY DEFECTS THAT CONSTITUTE A SERIES OF SAFETY HAZARDS. 1. AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SHIFTS AND ENGINE RPM ACCELERATING ON BREAKING. ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS MY JEEP ENGINE RPMS RACED AND THE VEHICLE LEAPED FORWARD WHILE BREAKING AND COMING TO A STOP. SINCE THE PROBLEM DOES NOT HAPPEN WITH REGULARITY THE DEALERSHIPS CAN FIND NOTHING WRONG. 2. FRONT SEAT BELTS. THE FRONT SEAT BELTS DO NOT RETRACT SMOOTHLY, QUICKLY AND WITHOUT GETTING CAUGHT IN THE DOOR LOCKING MECHANISM. 3. FULL SIZE DOORS. THEY DO NOT CLOSE AND SECURE FULLY AS THE DOOR IS AJAR UNTIL YOU RE-CLOSE THE DOOR WITH FORCE. 4. BREAK NOISE. I GET A CONSISTENT CLACK NOISE WHEN APPLYING THE BREAKS. I HAVE HAD THE DEALERSHIP WORK ON THIS PROBLEM ON FIVE OCCASIONS TO INCLUDE A COMPLETE BREAK SERVICE. THE PROBLEM IS STILL THERE. 4. BUILD QUALITY. SINCE I BOUGHT THE WRANGLER I HAVE HAD THE RADIATOR REPLACED (IT LEAKED), ALL THE SPARK PLUGS REPLACED (ROUGH IDLE), INSIDE RIGHT DOOR HANDLE ASSIST AND SNAP ON FRONT FLOOR MAT REPLACED, THE COMPUTER REPROGRAMMED (THEY SAID THE FACTORY DID NOT DO IT RIGHT), FUEL PUMP REPLACED (GAS LEAK), SEALS AROUND GAS TANK AND GAS CAP (VAPOR LEAK), AND THE REAR SEALS (WHICH WERE NOT COVERED UNDER MY CHRYSLER EXTENDED WARRANTY). 5. CHRYSLER EXTENDED WARRANTY. NEITHER THE DEALERSHIP NOR CHRYSLER WANTED TO ADDRESS THE BREAK PROBLEM WITHOUT ME PAYING FOR A BREAK SERVICE. *NM

NHTSA ODI #10135068

7,000 miles · Mar 16, 2004
Power Train

THE TRANSMISSION MAKES A RATTLE/CHATTERING SOUND WHILE IN NEUTRAL (CLUTCH MUST BE LEFT OUT TOO). IT ONLY DOES THIS AS THE ENGINE GETS WARM. VEHICLE HAS BEEN LOOKED AT ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS AT VARIOUS DEALERSHIPS. I HAVE EXPRESSED MY CONCERN THAT THE TRANSMISSION MAY FAIL ONCE OUT OF WARRANTY IF THIS IS NOT REMEDIED. DEALERS ALL…

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THE TRANSMISSION MAKES A RATTLE/CHATTERING SOUND WHILE IN NEUTRAL (CLUTCH MUST BE LEFT OUT TOO). IT ONLY DOES THIS AS THE ENGINE GETS WARM. VEHICLE HAS BEEN LOOKED AT ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS AT VARIOUS DEALERSHIPS. I HAVE EXPRESSED MY CONCERN THAT THE TRANSMISSION MAY FAIL ONCE OUT OF WARRANTY IF THIS IS NOT REMEDIED. DEALERS ALL SAY THIS IS NORMAL, BUT NEW VENTURE GEAR (TRANSMISSION MANUFACTURER) WHEN CONTACTED SAYS IT WAS NOT DESIGNED TO MAKE THIS NOISE. ONLY SOME VEHICLES WITH THIS TRANSMISSION HAVE THIS PROBLEM, WHICH LEADS ME TO BELIEVE THERE WERE A SERIES OF FAULTY TRANSMISSIONS MADE. THIS IS A POTENTIALLY EXPENSIVE REPAIR AND I DON'T WANT MY WARRANTY TO EXPIRE BEFORE IT FINALLY BREAKS. I FEEL THAT OTHER OWNERS AND I ARE BEING GIVEN THE RUN AROUND DUE TO THE HIGH COST TO DEALERSHIPS IF THEY ADMIT THIS IS A PROBLEM.*AK. IT ALSO HAS POPPED OUT OF REVERSE WHEN PARKED CAUSING THE JEEP TO ROLL. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10062306

Official recalls

3

02V104000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:fuel Injection System:injectors

Apr 8, 2002

ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A 4.0L ENGINE ONLY, THE DESIGN OF THE INTAKE AND EXHAUST MANIFOLDS COULD ALLOW DEBRIS TO ACCUMULATE AT THE #3 CYLINDER LOCATION.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: THIS COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE FIRE.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A MANIFOLD SHIELD TO MODIFY THE AIR FLOW CHARACTERISTICS AND TO PREVENT THE ACCUMULATION OF DEBRIS IN THE AREA OF THE #3 CYLINDER. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MAY 13, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

02V075000 · Electrical System:ignition:switch

Mar 8, 2002

ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, WATER AND IMPURITIES CAN ENTER INTO THE IGNITION SWITCH, CAUSING A SHORT CIRCUIT.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: THIS COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE FIRE.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE IGNITION SWITCH WITH A REDESIGNED SWITCH. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN APRIL 8, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

00V366000 · Child Seat

Nov 9, 2000

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, PICKUP TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 225, "CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHORAGE SYSTEMS." SOME OF THE OWNER'S MANUALS FOR THESE VEHICLES ARE MISSING INSTRUCTIONS THAT PROVIDE A STEP-BY-STEP PROCEDURE, INCLUDING DIAGRAMS, FOR PROPERLY ATTACHING A CHILD RESTRAINT SYSTEM'S TETHER STRAP TO THE TETHER ANCHORAGE.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE CHILD SEAT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY ATTACHED INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY TO THE CHILD.

Remedy: OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH AN ADDENDUM TO THE OWNER'S MANUALS.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

0

No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.

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