2017 Jeep Wrangler Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2017 Jeep Wrangler, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Brakes7619.8%
- Engine6216.1%
- Powertrain (other)4912.8%
- Electrical4511.7%
- Driver assistance266.8%
- Airbags266.8%
- Body & structure194.9%
- Steering194.9%
- Fuel system153.9%
- Visibility92.3%
- Other / unspecified82.1%
- Seat belts82.1%
- Suspension82.1%
- Interior & seats82.1%
- Exterior lighting51.3%
- Transmission10.3%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
ABS system module has failed and the manufacturer has it on indefinite backorder. I read reports of some customer waiting over 400 days for this part. It compromises the effectiveness of the antilock braking system. How do they get away with this?
My ABS module is confirmed faulty resulting in an unsafe car to drive. The ABS module is extremely hard to come by, on an indefinite backorder, and I cannot get the part anywhere. Maybe people waiting over a year for the part. This is resulting in aftermarket or refurbished parts, which are risky and unsafe. I am out of a vehicle because I cannot get the part and no one wants to buy a faulty car.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
Oil cooler split due to warming up and cooling down in winter and being made of plastic All brake calipers needed to be replaced on it too
Oil plug in engine gets brittle and fails by cracking. This cause a complete engine failure with only 36k miles on it. Mechanic says this is a known issue. I could not operate the vehichle and broke down without warning. I have a reciept for the nrand new engine.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2017 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30-45 MPH, the vehicle lost power. On another occasion, while driving at 20 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power. While shifting into gear, the vehicle failed to respond as intended. The check engine warning light illuminated after the failure. The driver was able to pull over safely. The vehicle was running, and the heat was functioning. The vehicle was towed to a AAA Service Center, where the filter and oil were changed; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was towed to AAA again, but no assistance was provided. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed, and it was determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
I bought my 2017 jeep with 29,000 miles on it. I had an issue with the rear driverside brake locking up around 40,000 miles. I feel this is a safety issue due to how hot the brakes got and at times would be smoking. It being the weekend and my only vehicle, repaired myself for approximately $280. I have had to replace several coil packs around $50,000 miles. My main complaint today, at 66,000 miles it seems to be leaking oil. I took to mechanic this morning and was told this is a common problem with jeeps. The oil cooler housing is cracked and leaking. This part is made out of plastic. The repair for this is going to cost $1200 to $1500. I have read complaints regarding this issue and do not understand why this hasn't been recalled. This is a major safety concern and could possibly cause a fire. I have owned jeeps my whole life and as of today, I will never purchase another. The jeep brand has declined in reliability and has proved to be a huge financial mistake.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
My ABS module is confirmed faulty resulting in an unsafe car to drive. The ABS module is extremely hard to come by, on an indefinite backorder, and I cannot get the part anywhere. Maybe people waiting over a year for the part. This is resulting in aftermarket or refurbished parts, which are risky and unsafe. I am out of a vehicle because I cannot get the part and no one wants to buy a faulty car.
The battery terminals will stop tightening, which made me think it was fully tightened. I wiggled them from side-to-side and they didn't move. As I was driving, the vehicle died, which almost caused an accident because the steering wheel locked. I was able to get the vehicle to a safe stop and hook up a jump pack to it. I then discovered that my negative battery terminal wasn't even on the battery post. It slipped off when lifted UP but didn't move AT ALL when wiggled side-to-side. I am unable to find the proper OEM replacement battery terminals at this time.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
ABS MODULE HAS FAILED VIN [XXX] No ABS and no cruise control The ABS module is on back order and cannot be purchased by OEM. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Recent ABS module failure w C2200 code. Took to Chrysler/Jeep dealer for repair and was told replacement module part is unavailable with up to and more, a year backorder. Was advised there was nothing they could do to repair. Researched other dealers and suppliers with same results. This is certainly a safety concern as this ABS module failure appears to be a common failure in Jeeps of this and adjacent model years and there is nothing a dealer or any other service firm can repair due to part availability.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2017 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that while traveling at 60 MPH, the vehicle struck a deer. The airbags failed to deploy upon impact. No injuries were reported. No police report was filed. The vehicle remained operable and was driven to the residence. Two days later, the airbag warning light illuminated. The manufacturer was notified and confirmed there were no open recalls or active warranties for the vehicle. The contact was then referred to the NHTSA Hotline to file a report. The vehicle had not been repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.
The clock spring has failed. There is a current recall for the clock spring mechanisms in the 2011-2016 Jeep Wranglers. The vehicle has been inspected by a mechanic who informed me of the recall to begin with. The fuse for the clock spring (along with all the other fuses) are working as normal. There was no warning lights prior to the clock spring failure (however, I've been told that it's normal). The issue arose on 08/07/25. The 'step' button, 'reset' button, channel change paddle, volume change paddle, and the horn don't work. The airbag also might not work (haven't tested it out frankly). The cruise control buttons seem to work however I don't use cruise control in this vehicle. The vehicle is a 2017 RHD Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Sport.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
Windshield has cracked from cold to hot transition upon vehicle startup without previous cracks or chips affecting said crack line. Available for inspection. Fear of possible windshield failure/full breakage at any given point. Continued cracking during vehicle start up/cold to hot transition happened 4 more times in last 30 days. No dealer, independent service center, manufacturer, police, insurance representatives, or others inspection. No warning lamps or messages.
Driving at 65 mph on the highway the hood latches failed and the hood blew back into the windshield, shattered the windshield, and made driving a safety issue. The safety latch also failed. Not able to see out the windshield due to the hood. Spoke with jeep cares and they said the hood latches were not a warranty item. The dealer said it happens frequently that the latches break. I have pictures of the defective latches and filing an insurance claim this week. This is a factory defect that could cause serious injury or death if not fixed.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
My jeep has just started this problem going lower speeds and hitting a bump in the road. All of the sudden my jeep will start to shake violently and will not stop until I slow way down almost to a stop. It is happening approx. 8 to 15 times every day now. I no longer can go even one day without this happening. I believe it is called the death wobble. the shaking is so bad that it has steered me into oncoming traffic twice. I don't even want to drive it anymore and I love my jeep. I am frustrated because i have a 2017 jeep wrangler with a 09/2017 manufacture date and Jeep offered a recall on 2018 and 2019 Jeeps but not mine.
Driving on Highway multiple times 60-65 mph hit a bump or groove on highway jeep start wobble so bad couldn't hardly control it. July 08, 2024 driving on highway 60-65 mph crossing bridge with grooves or small bump jeep went into wobble, steering wheel flipped upside down I grab tight as it is wobbling to left turning trying not to hit truck as i had no steering control hit another bump thank god and it push to the right and I was able to got to side off highway.. As I am trying to figure whats wrong I look underneath jeep and bar bolted to frame broke frame of 2017 jeep rubicon unlimited.. I had looked at and told that it was very lucky and need to take to jeep dealership frame so weak it can be bent by hand. So please I am thankful it was just me in the vehicle and thankful for the second bump that steered me to the right and i did not hit the truck next to me with kids in it. .
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
The oil filter housing is made of plastic but holds hot oil, over time it cracks since plastic is not made to handle hot (oil) and cold (weather) cycles
Fuel tank valve control valve leak has small crack where fuel vapors are leaking affecting my fuel efficiency and causing a evap system ECL.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
The motor of the wiper stop working.
May 14, 2025 Dear NHTSA, I am submitting this complaint regarding my 2017 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Sahara, which has only 60,000 miles and has already required several major repairs that raise serious safety concerns. To date, I have had to replace three brake calipers and the emergency brake, at a cost of over $2,500. The calipers were seizing, and the emergency brake would not release properly, both of which posed clear risks while driving. I understand through forums and peer discussions that other owners have faced similar issues. In addition, my vehicle now has an oil leak that will cost over $700 to repair, and the windshield washer fluid hose burst, requiring another replacement. These repeated failures on a relatively low-mileage vehicle suggest underlying quality and reliability issues. I believe these concerns warrant review, particularly the safety-related brake defects. I respectfully ask NHTSA to investigate whether these failures are part of a broader pattern that may justify further scrutiny or a formal recall. Thank you for your attention.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
During a routine maintenance visit, a pre-purchase/general inspection was performed on my 2017 Jeep Wrangler, which documented the front axle and differential housing as intact and in one piece. Subsequent to that inspection, while the vehicle was undergoing service, it was discovered that the front axle housing bracket on the driver’s side had fractured and separated from the frame mount. Upon inspection of the fractured surface, the break exhibits oxidation (rust) at the fracture point itself, indicating the crack had been forming and propagating over time rather than resulting from a single acute impact or event. This suggests a pre-existing metal fatigue or corrosion-related structural weakness in the front axle housing bracket assembly that was not visually detectable during a standard inspection prior to full separation. Given that this is a structural component connecting the front axle/differential to the vehicle frame, a full separation of this type could result in loss of vehicle control, particularly under steering or load stress, and poses a significant safety risk. The vehicle is approximately 9 years old with 90,000 miles, and this type of structural failure at this age/mileage is a concern for other owners of similar model year Wranglers. I am filing this report to make NHTSA aware of this failure mode in case it represents a broader pattern in 2017 (and potentially adjacent model year) Jeep Wranglers.
ABS and Traction Control lights are on. Sometimes Emergency Brake light comes on causing it to go into “limp mode”. This is dangerous for me bc this is my Mail Jeep. I’m driving on roads where the speed limits are sometimes posted at 55mph. Mechanic replaced the rear wheel sensors because the computer indicated that was the problem. Did not fix the problem. The ABS Module has to be replaced and they’re on back order. Forums online have many different people stating they’re having the same problem with JEEP. JEEP parts department stating it could be a year or more before the part comes in and is available.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
While folding and folding rear seats the middle seat belt snapped at the anchor.
My seat belt is always loose and i have to jam it back in place all the time. I noticed an oil spot on the floor of my garage and it looks like it's the oil cooler housing that is bad. Both of these items are recalled but my vin shows It's not.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
My jeep has just started this problem going lower speeds and hitting a bump in the road. All of the sudden my jeep will start to shake violently and will not stop until I slow way down almost to a stop. It is happening approx. 8 to 15 times every day now. I no longer can go even one day without this happening. I believe it is called the death wobble. the shaking is so bad that it has steered me into oncoming traffic twice. I don't even want to drive it anymore and I love my jeep. I am frustrated because i have a 2017 jeep wrangler with a 09/2017 manufacture date and Jeep offered a recall on 2018 and 2019 Jeeps but not mine.
Driving on Highway multiple times 60-65 mph hit a bump or groove on highway jeep start wobble so bad couldn't hardly control it. July 08, 2024 driving on highway 60-65 mph crossing bridge with grooves or small bump jeep went into wobble, steering wheel flipped upside down I grab tight as it is wobbling to left turning trying not to hit truck as i had no steering control hit another bump thank god and it push to the right and I was able to got to side off highway.. As I am trying to figure whats wrong I look underneath jeep and bar bolted to frame broke frame of 2017 jeep rubicon unlimited.. I had looked at and told that it was very lucky and need to take to jeep dealership frame so weak it can be bent by hand. So please I am thankful it was just me in the vehicle and thankful for the second bump that steered me to the right and i did not hit the truck next to me with kids in it. .
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
Driver seatbelt will not lock into buckle. Major oil leak from OFA
The contact called on behalf of the owner of a 2017 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated while the driver was driving approximately 70 MPH, the rubber hood latches on the engine snapped and the hood smashed into the windshield. The entire windshield was damaged. There were no warning lights. The contact was informed that the hood latches needed to be replaced. The latches were replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 80,000.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
While driving all dashboard warning lights came on and the headlights and directional lights stopped functioning causing a dangerous driving condition in the dark. I immediately pulled over the 2017 wrangler and attempted to turn off the vehicle to reset the computer system. The Jeep would not turn off with ignition turned off and the key removed. The Jeep began overheating. I disconnected the battery terminals and the Jeep still would not shut off. Finally I was able to find a large fuse to remove which shut off the Jeep.
ALL THE DASH BOARD LIGHTS GO OUT & THE RADIO. MANY ATTEMPTS TO FIX THE PROBLEM. IT'S NOT GETTING FIX THE PROBLEM.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2017 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that on two occasions while driving approximately 10 MPH, there was an abnormal burning odor inside the cabin of the vehicle. The vehicle was steered to the side of the road and turned off. The vehicle was restarted, and when the gear shifter was shifted into the desired position, the vehicle failed to move. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the clutch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure reoccurred 5 years later. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 2,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
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.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .