KnownCarProblems2003 Jeep Wrangler Problems and Recalls
Owners filed 98 complaints with NHTSA about the 2003 Jeep Wrangler, most often about the transmission (22% of complaints, typically around 17,000 miles). It is 25th of 27 Wrangler model years by number of complaints.
Most common 2003 Jeep Wrangler problems
Transmission
22 complaints · 22%Half of these problems showed up before 17,000 miles. Parts named most often: manual transmission, automatic transmission, clutch assembly, driveline.
The gear shifter mechanism has a cable that connects to the ignition. When this mechanism fails and locks up vehicle stalls immediately. When this occurs the shifter sticks in the gear. This destroys the ignition. Dealership replaced the cable twice, but the problem recurred.
The consumer is experiencing problems with the brakes. When the consumer applied the brakes and stepped on the clutch, the vehicle started to accelerate going up to 8 or 9000 RPM's. Provide further details.
Suspension
18 complaints · 18%Half of these problems showed up before 50,000 miles. Parts named most often: front.
"death wobble". On an inconsistent basis the front end begins to shake and wobble uncontrollably at speeds over 50 MPH. It feels as though one of the front tires is about to fall off the vehicle. The only way to get it to stop shaking is to pull off highway and slow down below 30 MPH. Dealer replaced steering damper…
The Wrangler "death wobble". Violent shaking after reaching speeds of approximately 50 MPH. Must slow down and almost come to a stop to stop the shaking. First occurred a year ago. Took it our repair shop. They replaced the steering stabilization shock, which seemed to repair the problem. It then started to re-occur…
Steering
14 complaints · 14%Half of these problems showed up before 47,500 miles. Parts named most often: gear box, column, linkages.
The contact owns a 2003 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that while driving 60 MPH, the vehicle started jerking violently. The contact mentioned that the vehicle was extremely hard to maintain control over. The vehicle was towed to the dealer who diagnosed that the track bar and steering dampener needed to be…
The Wrangler "death wobble". Violent shaking after reaching speeds of approximately 50 MPH. Must slow down and almost come to a stop to stop the shaking. First occurred a year ago. Took it our repair shop. They replaced the steering stabilization shock, which seemed to repair the problem. It then started to re-occur…
Fuel system
11 complaints · 11%Half of these problems showed up before 20,000 miles. Parts named most often: storage, delivery.
The vehicle fuel tank overflows when filling. This is causing fuel to spray out onto myself, onto the painted surfaces of the vehicle, and spill onto the ground. This has been an ongoing issue since the vehicle was purchased.
I stopped at a red light behind a ford expedition. When the light turned green, I lightly depressed the gas pedal and the car immediately accelerated out of control. This had never occurred before. I hit the car in front of me and was able to aggressively hit the brakes to slow down enough to slow the car and shift…
Brakes
10 complaints · 10%Half of these problems showed up before 14,500 miles. Parts named most often: foundation components, pedals and linkages, antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip.
According to internal sales brochures and advertisements the 2003 Jeep Wrangler rubicon is supposed to be the most capable off road Jeep ever. My Jeep has been nothing but problems, which consists of 2 broken axles, faulty brakes, faulty parking brake, faulty u-joint clips, faulty wheel bearing. After paying the…
The consumer is experiencing problems with the brakes. When the consumer applied the brakes and stepped on the clutch, the vehicle started to accelerate going up to 8 or 9000 RPM's. Provide further details.
Electrical
9 complaints · 9%Half of these problems showed up before 34,000 miles. Parts named most often: wiring, alternator/generator/regulator.
The contact owns a 2003 Jeep Wrangler. When the contact removed the key from the ignition, the radio and instrument panel lighting did not turn off. The dealer stated that the ignition switch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The…
The contact owns a 2003 Jeep Wrangler. When attempting to start the vehicle, it would hesitate to start. Several attempts had to be made in order to start the vehicle. Once the vehicle was able to start, the radio would fail. When the brakes were applied, the vehicle would stall without warning. The check engine…
Air bags
7 complaints · 7%Half of these problems showed up before 72,500 miles. Parts named most often: frontal.
My 2003 Jeep Wrangler has a airbag warning light that stays on. Along with this the horn does not work. From what I have read and checked out it is a clockspring failure located in the steering column.
Airbag light started coming on intermittently leading to an expensive repair. Vehicle warranty for these items is only 3 year/30,000 mile. Safety equipment such as airbags and seatbelts should be a longer warranty for a longer period of time if their performance can be affected by normal wear and tear on the vehicle…
Engine
7 complaints · 7%Half of these problems showed up before 24,000 miles. Parts named most often: exhaust system, engine, cooling system.
Tl contact owns a 2003 Jeep Wrangler. While driving 55 MPH, the crankshaft position sensor failed and the check engine light continued to illuminate. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer and they confirmed that the sensor malfunctioned. He discovered a recall for the same exact failure with the 2004 Jeep…
The contact owns a 2003 Jeep Wrangler. When attempting to start the vehicle, it would hesitate to start. Several attempts had to be made in order to start the vehicle. Once the vehicle was able to start, the radio would fail. When the brakes were applied, the vehicle would stall without warning. The check engine…
Complaints are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
2003 Jeep Wrangler recalls
NHTSA lists no recalls for this model year.
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 2003 Jeep Wrangler
- What are the most common problems with the 2003 Jeep Wrangler?
- By NHTSA owner complaints: transmission (22 complaints, typically around 17,000 miles); suspension (18 complaints, typically around 50,000 miles); steering (14 complaints, typically around 47,500 miles).
- How many recalls does the 2003 Jeep Wrangler have?
- NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2003 Jeep Wrangler. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls in case one is issued later.
- Is the 2003 a bad year for the Jeep Wrangler?
- It is 25th of 27 Wrangler model years by number of complaints, with 98 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.