RoadVitals

1991 Jeep Wrangler

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
76
Latest Jan 2, 2024
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
8
Latest Mar 23, 2006
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
4
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
7

Overview

Our database contains 76 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 1991 Jeep Wrangler, most frequently naming the brakes, fuel system and engine categories. 8 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; 4 NHTSA investigations name it; and 10 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

8 campaigns cover this model year

View all 8

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov
06E026000

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Mar 23, 2006
61,944 units potentially affected
The defect: CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
The risk: WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
The remedy: PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.
PRO-A MOTORS, INC.View on NHTSA.gov
04E041000

EQUIPMENT

Jun 7, 2004
80 units potentially affected
The defect: BESTOP AFTERMARKET REAR SHELL ROOF RACKS,MANUFACTURED BETWEEN APRIL 27 AND MAY 20, 2004, DESIGNED FOR USE WITH THE BESTOP HARDTOP MADE FOR THE 1986-1995 AND 1997-2003 JEEP WRANGLER. THE COCKPIT COVER MAY NOT STAY LATCHED TO THE ROOF RACK BECAUSE THE LATCH BRACKET MISPOSITIONS THE ROTARY LATCH TO THE COCKPIT COVER. AS A RESULT, THE COCKPIT COVER MAY NOT STAY LATCHED TO THE ROOF RACK AND COULD SEPARATE FROM THE ROOF RACK. THIS RECALL ONLY PERTAINS TO AFTERMARKET REAR SHELL ROOF RACKS AND HAS NO RELATION TO ANY ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT INSTALLED ON JEEP WRANGLER VEHICLES BY DAIMLERCHRYSLER.
The risk: SHOULD THIS OCCUR, THE COCKPIT COULD CAUSE INJURY BY STRIKING PERSONS OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE OR COULD BECOME A DISTRACTION OR AN OBSTACLE TO OTHER DRIVERS, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
The remedy: BESTOP WILL NOTIFY ITS CUSTOMERS AND PROVIDE A REPAIR KIT AND INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS FREE OF CHARGE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JUNE 16, 2004. OWNERS WHO DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT BESTOP CUSTOMER SERVICE DEPARTMENT AT (800) 845-3567.
BESTOP, INC.View on NHTSA.gov
02V041000

PARKING BRAKE:CONVENTIONAL

Feb 7, 2002
316,148 units potentially affected
The defect: ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH MANUAL TRANSMISSIONS, THE PARKING BRAKE CAN SELF-RELEASE WITHOUT WARNING.
The risk: THIS COULD ALLOW THE VEHICLE TO ROLL AWAY, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
The remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A PARKING BRAKE ASSEMBLY WITH A STRONGER PAWL RETURN SPRING. OWNER NOTIFICATON BEGAN SEPTEMBER 30, 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.
DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATIONManufacturer number B03View on NHTSA.gov

Safety investigations

NHTSA inquiries naming this vehicle. An investigation is not a finding of a defect.

RQ97016ClosedRecall Query

FUEL LEAKAGE

Opened Oct 27, 1997
Closed Jun 30, 1998

ODI HAS RECEIVED 6 REPORTS ON FUEL LEAKAGE AND 3 REPORTS ON ALLEGED REMEDY FAILURE REPORTS

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMPLed to recall 94V106000
PE95049ClosedPreliminary Evaluation

REAR AXLE SHAFT SEPARATION

Opened Aug 17, 1995
Closed Jan 26, 1996

THIS INVESTIGATION WAS OPENED TO EXAMINE THE FAILURE MODE AND THE RISK TO MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY POSED BY ALLEGATIONS OF REAR AXLE SEPARATIONS.THE REAR AXLE SHAFT AND HOUSING DESIGN IS TYPICAL OF THOSE IN WHICH THE WEIGHT OF THE VEHICLE IS CARRIED ON THE AXLE HOUSING.THE LEFT AND RIGHT AXLE SHAFTS, SUPPORTED BY ROLLER BEARINGS, ARE SITUATED INSIDE THE AXLE HOUSING.THE INBOARD SPLINED END OF THE AXLE SHAFT RECEIVES POWER TRANSMITTED FROM THE DIFFERENTIAL ASSEMBLY, PROVIDING TORQUE TO THE REAR WHEELS.THE ALLEGATIONS ARE THAT THE AXLE SHAFT FAILS, RESULTING IN THE SEPARATION OF A WHEEL AND AXLE HUB ASSEMBLY OR THE ENTIRE AXLE SHAFT AND WHEEL ASSEMBLY, DEPENDING ON THE LOCATION OF THE AXLE SHAFT FAILURE.AS IDENTIFIED BY CHRYSLER, THE SUBJECT REAR AXLES ARE DANA 35C AND 35CM MODELS, WHICH HAVE BEEN USED ON THE SUBJECT VEHICLES SINCE THE 1990 MODEL YEAR.A SAFETY DEFECT TREND WITH RESPECT TO THE SUBJECT AXLE SHAFTS HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED.SEE HARD COPY RESUME FOR FULL TEXT OF SUMMARY.

SUSPENSION
EA93031ClosedEngineering Analysis

SENDING UNIT GASKET FAILS

Opened Dec 15, 1993
Closed Jun 17, 1994

There is no summary currently available

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:LINKAGESLed to recall 94V106000
EA93025ClosedEngineering Analysis

DRIVESHAFT/UNIV.JOINT FAIL

Opened Oct 29, 1993
Closed Nov 25, 1994

There is no summary currently available

POWER TRAIN

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

View all 76
BrakesFuel system
Filed Jan 2, 2024

The contact owns a 1991 Jeep Wrangler. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 02V041000 (Parking Brake), 94V106000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the part to do the recall repair was not available at the contacts local dealer. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and directed her to another dealer where the parts were not available. The contact had experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts available. Failure Mileage was 115,000.

NHTSA ID
11563019
Incident
Oct 15, 2023
Mileage
115,000 mi
Tires & wheels
Filed Oct 7, 2016

I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AT 55 MPH AND MY LEFT REAR TIRE EXPERIENCED A SUDDEN LOSS OF AIR PRESSURE AND THE SIDEWALL BLOW OUT. THERE IS NO VISIBLE HOLES IN TREAD. TREAD RECENTLY PASSED STATE INSPECTION. I HAVE A SPECIAL ORDER TIRE 35X12.5 15LT. THESE ARE BF ALL TERRAN T/A TIRES.

NHTSA ID
10914407
Incident
Oct 5, 2016
Mileage
214,000 mi
Fuel system
Filed May 29, 2015

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1991 JEEP WRANGLER. WHILE REFUELING THE VEHICLE, FUEL LEAKED FROM THE BOTTOM OF THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES. THE FUEL TANK WAS REPLACED; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000.

NHTSA ID
10722232
Incident
May 29, 2015
Mileage
70,000 mi
Fuel system
Filed Oct 14, 2010

JEEP WRANGLER YJ OVERFILLS THE TANK WHEN PUMPING GAS AND CAUSES FUEL TO SPILL OUT OF THE HOLE AND CAUSES HAZARDOUS CONDITIONS. *TR

NHTSA ID
10360401
Incident
Oct 13, 2010
Fuel system
Filed Apr 7, 2010

GAS TANK DOES NOT REGISTER PROPER AMOUNT. *TR

NHTSA ID
10324158
Incident
Mar 27, 2010
Fuel system
Filed Jan 27, 2007

I'M THE ORIGINAL OWNER OF A STOCK 1991 JEEP WRANGLER WITH 2.5 LITER ENGINE AT 106,000 MILES. THE FUEL RAIL HAS FAILED AND IS LEAKING AT FACTORY INSTALLED PLUGGED END OF THE RAIL AT THE OPPOSITE END FROM THE FUEL PRESSURE REGULAR. THE LEAK IS BETWEEN THE PLUG AND THE RAIL. THIS SHOULD HAVE BEEN A BRAZED SEALED END OR A THREADED PLUG INSTEAD OF A COMPRESSION FITTING OF A PLUG. THE LEAK PRODUCES A SPRAY OF GASOLINE NEAR THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD WHICH COULD LEAD TO A FIRE. BASED ON MY RESEARCH BY CONTACTING 3 DEALERSHIPS IN THE WASHINGTON, DC AREA, JEEP HAS STOPPED PRODUCING THIS PART AND THERE ARE NO STOCK AFTERMARKETS FUEL RAILS AVAILABLE. I'M LOOKING INTO JUNKYARD PARTS BUT QUESTION WHETHER IF THEY COULD BE DEFECTED, TOO. ALSO, AT JEEPFORUM.COM THERE WAS ALSO FAILURE ON A 1994 JEEP WRANGLER. PLEASE REVIEW THIS SUBJECT AND SEE IF THERE'S A JUSTIFICATION FOR RECALL. *JB

NHTSA ID
10180888
Incident
Nov 1, 2006
Mileage
106,000 mi
Seat belts
Filed Dec 12, 2005

DRIVERS FEMALE SEAT BELT END RELEASES ON ITS OWN OR DOES NOT LATCH AT ALL. I STILL HAVE THE OLD PART. *NM

NHTSA ID
10145044
Incident
Dec 12, 2005
Fuel system
Filed Aug 9, 2005

DT: 1991 JEEP WRANGLER. THE CONSUMER STATED THAT GAS POURED OUT OF THE PLASTIC TANK. IT CRACKED ON THE RIGHT LOWER CORNER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP. THE CONSUMER DID REPAIRS BY HIMSELF HIMSELF. BUT WHEN HE PUT MORE GAS IN THE VEHICLE IT BEGAN TO LEAK AGAIN. THE MANUFACTURER HAS NOT BEEN NOTIFIED. *AK

NHTSA ID
10132095
Incident
Aug 7, 2005

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

D-20-02 Rev. A

EQUIPMENT

DIPAP Requirements - Addition of Jeep Wrangler (JL/JK) and Jeep Gladiator (JT) Hard Top and Targa Top Panel Replacements - All Dealers (Rev. A)

0800600REV

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

SUBJECT REGARDING WIRE SPLICE REPAIRS. *SB

080600

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING

THIS BULLETIN PROVIDES A REVISED WIRE SPLICE PROCEDURE AND RELATED PARTS. *TT

110798

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE

OUTER EXHAUST MANIFOLD STUDS MAY FATIGUE/BREAK. *AK

110798

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE

THE OUTER EXHAUST MANIFOLD STUDS MAY FATIGUE AND BREAK. *YC

081698

EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.

INFORMATION ON INSTALLATION OF RADIO TRANSMITTING EQUIPMENT. *AK

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Jeep Wrangler by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2027000—
2026820—
2025604060.8
202466611167.5
202333714265.9
202237615468.9
202190115365.6
202059912266.1
20197299259.8
20181,79914562.0
20173085370.1
20164555369.8
20154643369.3
20146514465.2
20136497461.6
201283110663.1
201148311663.7
201068511663.4
20093687459.6
20088739859.7
2007555101062.7
20067303152.8
20056492046.6
20041923051.7
2003984052.7
20021086055.2
20011707057.2
20002515160.9
19992135156.7
19982656054.6
19974017053.4
1996210—
19952023362.9
19941514563.0
19931085563.0
1992776661.1
1991Viewing768460.6
19907971066.7
1989627970.4
1988506970.5
19873881074.2
1986111—
1985001—
1984001—

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.