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2001 Jeep Wrangler Problems and Recalls

Owners filed 170 complaints with NHTSA about the 2001 Jeep Wrangler, most often about the body and structure (22% of complaints, typically around 94,000 miles). It is 23rd of 27 Wrangler model years by number of complaints and has 3 recalls.

Complaints170
Recalls3
Crashes reported17
Fires reported16
Injuries reported19

Most common 2001 Jeep Wrangler problems

  1. Body and structure

    38 complaints · 22%

    Half of these problems showed up before 94,000 miles. Parts named most often: body, frame and members.

    (*note: I live in ct, USA. I park my Jeep in the garage when it snows, and in the driveway the rest of the time.) while retrieving something out of the back seat, I stepped up on the running board (aka. Side step) and as I leaned in, it ripped right out of the frame. Within a month of this, my skid plate rotted out of…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2015, at 94,000 miles
    All Jeep wranglers from 1987-2006 have a major problem with the frames rusting out cause them to be unsafe for driving on public road unless the frame is repaired or replaced, my frame on my 2001 Jeep rusted out with only 92000 miles on it. This is caused by the frame not being preped, painted, and designed properly…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2014, at 92,000 miles
  2. Electrical

    37 complaints · 22%

    Half of these problems showed up before 105,000 miles. Parts named most often: wiring, ignition, horn.

    The blower motor switch ground, connected to the mode selector has melted in my Jeep. This is the second time this has happened. Back in july 2013 the connection to the mode selector melted. I replaced the HVAC AC A/C & heater control with blower motor switch only to have it melt again one year later.
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2014, at 105,000 miles
    The dash blower control was not working. When the mechanic check it and the system, it was discovered that the blower had over heated the pigtail connectors and melted them. The blower control was visibly melted and multiple signs of overheating were apparent. The blower control, all pigtail connectors and the blower…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2012, at 113,882 miles
  3. Transmission

    23 complaints · 14%

    Half of these problems showed up before 90,000 miles. Parts named most often: manual transmission, automatic transmission, clutch assembly, axle assembly.

    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…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2014, at 90,000 miles
    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…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2016, at 89,000 miles
  4. Engine

    23 complaints · 14%

    Half of these problems showed up before 82,000 miles. Parts named most often: engine, exhaust system, cooling system.

    Needed to replace radiator after just 60,000 miles. Then still had problems with radiator fluid leaking without being able to find where it is leaking. Eventually the cylinder head cracked at 80,000 miles. Now it needs a new engine costing me $5,000.
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2008, at 82,000 miles
    I have an 01 Jeep tj Wrangler, I have recently noticed a drop in performance along with slowly vanishing coolant. Several days ago while in traffic, the oil pressure dropped low enough to set off the check engine light. As soon as I began driving again the oil pressure raised high enough to to clear the light. However…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2011, at 83,000 miles
  5. Suspension

    21 complaints · 12%

    Half of these problems showed up before 120,000 miles. Parts named most often: front, rear, multiple axle.

    Driving over a railroad tracks, heard a pop. Discovered the frame by the trailer arm, on right hand side became completely detached, as it had rusted through.
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2014, at 120,000 miles
    Takata recall my vehicle was in motion traveling about 50 MPH when it lost control on a wet road. The car slid across the road, over a small ditch, and head on into a tree. The car bounced from the tree and swiped the drivers side with another tree and finally bouncing back towards the road. The road was slightly…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2016, at 120,000 miles
  6. Air bags

    20 complaints · 12%

    Half of these problems showed up before 55,000 miles. Parts named most often: frontal.

    While driving at 35 MPH air bags did not deploy after hitting a phone pole. Scares were left on driver's face as a result of this incident.
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2003, at 55,000 miles
    1. I was making a sharp turn when the steering wheel became stuck, then with a little force applied there was a snap and the clock spring broke. This resulted in the horn, cruise control, and air bag ceasing to work. 3. I have this scheduled to be fixed by the dealer.
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2005, at 55,000 miles
  7. Visibility and wipers

    13 complaints · 8%

    Half of these problems showed up before 44,500 miles. Parts named most often: defroster/defogger/hvac system, windshield wiper/washer, windshield.

    There is a serious product defect in the fan motor-switch-resister assembly in my 2001 Jeep Wrangler. This condition has been repaired seven times, six times unsuccessfully (the first time was in 2004, the year I bought my Jeep from a dealership) and the last one accomplished august 20, 2009 and who knows how long…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2009, at 44,203 miles
    Jeep Wrangler se, 2001. The front windshield glass cracked three times in the same location (near the drivers side windshield wiper). I think the stress crack is due to a defect in the front windshield structure of possiblyall 2001 Jeep Wrangler se models.
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2011, at 45,000 miles
  8. Other or unspecified

    12 complaints · 7%

    Half of these problems showed up before 116,000 miles.

    This 2001 Jeep Wrangler tj failed ny state safety inspection due to frame rust. Purchased new on 06/01/2001 from a Jeep dealership in lindenhurst, ny and only has 116,097 miles on a 4.0 engine. This tubular frame rust is premature due to lack of "weep holes" that allows water to exit the frame, thereby promoting rust…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2017, at 116,000 miles
    Takata recall my vehicle was in motion traveling about 50 MPH when it lost control on a wet road. The car slid across the road, over a small ditch, and head on into a tree. The car bounced from the tree and swiped the drivers side with another tree and finally bouncing back towards the road. The road was slightly…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2016, at 120,000 miles

Complaints are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.

2001 Jeep Wrangler recalls

  1. Fuel system: injectors

    NHTSA 02V104000 · April 8, 2002 · 1,115,322 vehicles

    Risk: This could result in a vehicle fire.

    Fix: 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.

    Full defect summary

    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.

  2. Electrical: switch

    NHTSA 02V075000 · March 8, 2002 · 95,000 vehicles

    Risk: This could result in a vehicle fire.

    Fix: 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.

    Full defect summary

    On certain sport utility vehicles, water and impurities can enter into the ignition switch, causing a short circuit.

  3. Child Seat

    NHTSA 00V366000 · November 9, 2000 · 1,211,756 vehicles

    Risk: In the event of a crash, the child seat may not be properly attached increasing the risk of injury to the child.

    Fix: Owners will be provided with an addendum to the owner's manuals.

    Full defect summary

    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.

Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which recalls are still open on your car.

Questions about the 2001 Jeep Wrangler

What are the most common problems with the 2001 Jeep Wrangler?
By NHTSA owner complaints: body and structure (38 complaints, typically around 94,000 miles); electrical (37 complaints, typically around 105,000 miles); transmission (23 complaints, typically around 90,000 miles).
How many recalls does the 2001 Jeep Wrangler have?
3 recalls listed by NHTSA, the latest from April 8, 2002 (fuel system). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which ones are still open on your car.
Is the 2001 a bad year for the Jeep Wrangler?
It is 23rd of 27 Wrangler model years by number of complaints, with 170 complaints. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular years collect more of them, and the newest years have had less time to.

Other Jeep Wrangler years

Jeep Wrangler problems by year