If you’re in the market for a new jeep wrangler, it’s important to know which ones are reliable and which ones might not be the best choice for you. This blog has compiled a list of the most reliable Jeep Wranglers and the worst Jeep Wranglers year by year.
Keep in mind that this is not an exhaustive list and that your mileage may vary. However, this post will help you make an informed decision about which jeep wrangler is right for you. So if you’re looking for a reliable off-road vehicle, read on!
Before you continue reading, You can explore more about Jeep Wrangler, including the list of the best and the worst Jeep Wrangler, the issues, etc, in this article: Best Year for Jeep Wrangler – Everything You Need To Know
The Most Reliable Jeep Wrangler: The 2021 Jeep Wrangler
The 2021 Jeep Wrangler is the most dependable year, with a high-reliability rating and a 350,000-mile life expectancy.
This car should last 20 years with regular maintenance. There haven’t been many problems with the handling and drivetrain of the 2021 Wrangler.
The Jeep Wrangler 2021 only has a few problems. The Wrangler 2021 model has had the fewest complaints when compared to other models since the car’s introduction.
The Worst Jeep Wrangler Years
Worst Overall: 2012 Jeep Wrangler
The 2012 Jeep Wrangler is the poorest model and is extremely unreliable for good reasons while receiving brutal off-road reviews.
The 2012 Jeep Wrangler has ten recalls, and the drive to push the envelope with premium modifications is the main cause of this model’s unreliability.
Despite having a Hemi V8 and a plug-in hybrid, the 2021 Jeep Wrangler suffers the following serious flaws.
Worst Off-Road Experience: 2007 Jeep Wrangler
The 2007 Jeep Wrangler has a potent 3.8-liter, 202-horsepower V6 engine, more soundproofing, and less wind noise. Despite being an improved engine over the previous generation, the car weighs around 4300 pounds.
It boasts low-range four-wheel drive, departure angles, and a 10.2 ground clearance. The improvements are meant to make this model more comfortable and suitable for rocky terrain.
Ten recalls on the 2007 Jeep Wrangler have many owners affected. It has numerous issues, from issues with the fuel system to issues with the steering wheel. The steering wheel is this model’s main problem, according to NHTSA.
Additionally, stories of an airbag issue and fatal wobble exist (vibrations caused by steering wheel shaking during a bump climb). The most common issue with the 2007 Wrangler is the fatal wobble, which can be fixed for roughly $800.
Worst Stability: 1987 Jeep Wrangler
Due to its high center of gravity, Jeep Wranglers used to be well known for rolling over. Some of the poorest stability ratings ever recorded were for the 1987 model.
Both on and off the road, it was rough, making it uncomfortable for everyone. However, the fact that it resembled the iconic 1986 Wrangler was more than worth the compromise to several drivers.
1987 Jeep Wranglers are frequently found for more than $10,000 due to their vintage appearance. Instead of usability, comfort, and performance, they are valued for their retro vibe. You’ll receive quite a few compliments for a town car.
Given how retro the 1987 Wrangler is, it’s tough to criticize it. In addition to the ’86, it set trends. Its performance value, which is far inferior to other SUVs of the era, is what makes it unusable.
Worst Physical Appearance: 1988 Jeep Wrangler
Jeep tried to update the Wrangler’s appearance in 1988 by changing a handful of its characteristics. However, the resulting boxed cab and extended hood gave it a shoe-like appearance rather than a car. Unfortunately, it didn’t resemble the class of ’86 Wrangler design enough to justify the cost. Additionally, the cover frequently leaked.
The 1988 Wrangler featured a shaky ride and a dubious amount of stability, similar to previous Wranglers at the time. Thankfully, Jeep has enhanced the Wrangler’s exterior while maintaining the iconic boxy design.
Worst for Loud Driving: 2008 Jeep Wrangler
The 2008 Wrangler was a little too loud, even though Jeep Wranglers aren’t known for their whisper-quiet driving. Road noise was terrible, and when traveling on the freeway it was significantly worse. The 2008 was as loud as it could be, from the bouncy suspension to the underside’s lack of insulation. If you aren’t bothered by noise, you could be by the off-road problems.
There was a lot of road noise, and the handling was rough. It was said that the 2008 Wrangler was awkward and uncomfortable. It experienced numerous mechanical issues, making it one of the worst years for this well-known model. Again, in recent years, Jeep identified the problems and addressed them.
Conclusion
So, which Jeep Wrangler is the most reliable? Unfortunately, the answer to this question is not easy to come by. That’s because there are a lot of off-road jeeps on the market, and each one has its own set of strengths and weaknesses. That said, the Jeep Wrangler in 2012, 2007, 1987 and 1988 was found to be the worst overall in terms of reliability. If you’re looking for a reliable jeep for off-roading or driving in a noisy environment, you should avoid these four models.
