NEW JEEP DEFECTS...SOMETHING MISSING FROM FORUM

I'm brand new to the forum...I joined because I've been considering purchasing a new ('08 or '09) Jeep Wrangler Unlimited and wanted to get REAL, UNBIASED customer comments about mechanical quality/reliability. I've never owned a Jeep, know nothing of off-roading, but I have wanted to get off-road in a Jeep for over 10 years...Now, I finally have the money to do it--I just don't want to make such an expensive purchase before researching and being CERTAIN that the quality of the newer Jeeps is above reproach. I've been reading a lot of complaints in Consumer Reports and several other forums about inherent defects in the '06, '07 and '08 models, and the folks in those forums have little good to say about Chrysler's dealer service/customer service and I see that a national investigation is looking into a stalling issue...

Where is the forum subject for me and others like me??? I am super stoked to become part of the Jeep family...but with all the complaints in other forums, I'm beginning to question my eagerness...

Repeat Complaints I've seen elsewhere are listed below:

-complete power and electrical stall-out in the middle of traffic
-horrendous "death wobble" at highway speeds (steering stabilizers)
-leaky tops (both hard top and soft top styles)
-prolonged/failing crank-over when starting engine
-crummy standard waranty (too limited, and too short a time period or too low mileage to cover inherent problems)

Again, I've been wanting a Jeep Wrangler FOREVER, and I plan to use it daily as well as off-road...

I don't need an expensive vehicle that will constantly break down (especially stalling in the middle of a busy intersection!), becoming MORE expensive AND leaving me without transportation for days at a time or longer while it's getting repaired.

SO...Administrators...can you add a topic just for the folks who AREN'T completely satisfied with their new Jeeps?  

"SO...Administrators...can you add a topic just for the folks who AREN'T completely satisfied with their new Jeeps?"

Nope.

If anybody has an issue with their Jeep there is a place to put it here. From interior to exterior, to drivetrain, to dealer issues. We don't need one forum specific to bad mouthing the vehicle that we all love.  
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So it's not a Jeep... sue me... it's still faster!

Questions? Comments? Concerns? PM Me!

the fact is we all love them, thats why we are here. just look at how many members there are here. I dont think you get the magnitude of the JEEP. I owned an 05 wrangler that i bought new. It was fantastic. the only reason some people have complaints about is because a jeep is not made to go 95. if you keep it within reason(legal speed) you are just fine. the ones that complain about the soft tops just dont take care of them like they should. as for the prolonged cranking. my 83 cj has that problem,but it does have over 400,000 miles on it. thats right 400,000! if thats not good enough for you your just to dang picky!!!! dont get me wrong, any car maker can have lemons,screw ups, and bad years all together. but,if its offroad fun you want a jeep is the best way to get there.  
It's not a money pit, it's a PROJECT!

It's a jeep. We build them up to tear them up...well stuff does break. But that's one of the things that make them a great vehicle. You can fix most things with a standard tool set, no need for fancy tools here. Mine also has the cranking issue, but it hasn't ever failed to start. If you are getting a new one or an older stock one, chances are you will not experience any death wobble. Good luck and happy jeep hunting.  
I am awesome at breaking stuff....fixing it is another story!

willygoat:
I'm brand new to the forum...I joined because I've been considering purchasing a new ('08 or '09) Jeep Wrangler Unlimited and wanted to get REAL, UNBIASED customer comments about mechanical quality/reliability. I've never owned a Jeep, know nothing of off-roading, but I have wanted to get off-road in a Jeep for over 10 years...Now, I finally have the money to do it--I just don't want to make such an expensive purchase before researching and being CERTAIN that the quality of the newer Jeeps is above reproach. I've been reading a lot of complaints in Consumer Reports and several other forums about inherent defects in the '06, '07 and '08 models, and the folks in those forums have little good to say about Chrysler's dealer service/customer service and I see that a national investigation is looking into a stalling issue...

Where is the forum subject for me and others like me??? I am super stoked to become part of the Jeep family...but with all the complaints in other forums, I'm beginning to question my eagerness...

Repeat Complaints I've seen elsewhere are listed below:

-complete power and electrical stall-out in the middle of traffic
-horrendous "death wobble" at highway speeds (steering stabilizers)
-leaky tops (both hard top and soft top styles)
-prolonged/failing crank-over when starting engine
-crummy standard waranty (too limited, and too short a time period or too low mileage to cover inherent problems)

Again, I've been wanting a Jeep Wrangler FOREVER, and I plan to use it daily as well as off-road...

I don't need an expensive vehicle that will constantly break down (especially stalling in the middle of a busy intersection!), becoming MORE expensive AND leaving me without transportation for days at a time or longer while it's getting repaired.

SO...Administrators...can you add a topic just for the folks who AREN'T completely satisfied with their new Jeeps?

Ya know, no Jeep is really perfect. They don't make good daily drivers for someone who has spent most of their life behind the wheel of a car. They are quirky, they have faults, noisy transmissions, leaks, and so on. No enthusiast Jeep ever produced (CJ, YJ, TJ,...) was ever considered plush. They are utility vehicles. The '07-present JK is the most comfortable driver-friendly version of the Wrangler/CJ line. So if that's not good enough, I don't know what to tell you...But what I will tell you is that I personally wouldn't trade any amount of capability or utility for the comforts and perfection you are looking for. Next thing you know we'd have a Wrangler with IFS for improved handling and a non-removable top to avoid leaks. No Thanks.  

what you need is a lexus... just remember tho It ain't no JEEP.  
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Ain't that the truth...  
2001 TJ Sport
- 4.0L I6
- Sport Wheels w/ 30 x 9.50
- Half Steel Doors
- Soft Top
- Daily Driver
- Standard Tranny
- 3:73 Gears

All I was saying is this: I've heard of some issues with the '06 and newer models and I'm looking for your input about those issues. I don't want a *** Lexus...I want a Jeep, and I want it for the same exact reasons you all love 'em! But when there are enough consumer complaints about a given model consistently malfunctioning in the same manner, it should cause a prospective buyer to pause and research a little more. Hence, my post.

I am fully aware of the vast numbers of Jeep enthusiasts...and I expect most of you to defend them to no end. But I'm asking you all, if you personally have experience regarding the newer model's "defects" I mentioned, to give me some unbiased info about your experiences. I'm looking for mechanics and owners who have firsthand knowledge...not misguided opinions from fanatics who would still defend a Jeep even if it DID have obvious defects and actual recall issues...

Bottom line: total electrical and engine failures (complete shut-off), drenched consoles just days off the lot (both hard AND soft tops), crappy dealership support/service...those are issues I want to avoid if I'm gonna spend $35k.

To those of you who made me feel welcome to the Jeep community...Thanks. To those who didn't even attempt to understand my post and see that I love Jeeps too (even without ever owning one!) and then took some kind of elitist attitude and told me to buy a Lexus...I'd like to drive a piece of *** Lexus up your *** a**.  

here are some good piesces of advice for you to keep from getting dooped. first of all, shop around! dont let your local dearler lead you to beleive that you are getting best deal with them, check out as many as possible. second only buy from five star dealers. they got that way for a reason, christler dosent just give that rating to anyone. realy! third dont by one that just came onto the lot. if there on the lot for a while test drivers will usualy find these problems and the dealer fixes them (if they are a good dealership). the hard top problem is usualy just and improperly installed windshiel or someting and the dashes can take quiet a bit of moisture and even soaking. the wrangler i owned got flat out poored on several times and never had a problem. and as far as all the other things go, any make or modle will have defects. they will also have "haters". if you realy want to know just look at kelly blue books vehicle ratings as they are verry helpfull in getting to know a vehicles reputation. just go to kbb.com and read the reviews. wranglers usualy have a high satisfaction rating overall. sure some people have had bad jeeps, but most love them. i hope the kbb.com site helps you find the info you are looking for.    Ps I hope you understand that these guys (including myself) sometimes say thigs out of spite if it seems like you attack our "outher wives" aka jeeps.but we are generaly good people and helpfull when we can be. if you get a jeep and want to build it up then this is the place to get sound advice, if you want an unbiased oppinion on jeeps,well,we are just to partial for that.  
It's not a money pit, it's a PROJECT!

willygoat:
All I was saying is this: I've heard of some issues with the '06 and newer models and I'm looking for your input about those issues. I don't want a *** Lexus...I want a Jeep, and I want it for the same exact reasons you all love 'em! But when there are enough consumer complaints about a given model consistently malfunctioning in the same manner, it should cause a prospective buyer to pause and research a little more. Hence, my post.

I am fully aware of the vast numbers of Jeep enthusiasts...and I expect most of you to defend them to no end. But I'm asking you all, if you personally have experience regarding the newer model's "defects" I mentioned, to give me some unbiased info about your experiences. I'm looking for mechanics and owners who have firsthand knowledge...not misguided opinions from fanatics who would still defend a Jeep even if it DID have obvious defects and actual recall issues...

Bottom line: total electrical and engine failures (complete shut-off), drenched consoles just days off the lot (both hard AND soft tops), crappy dealership support/service...those are issues I want to avoid if I'm gonna spend $35k.

To those of you who made me feel welcome to the Jeep community...Thanks. To those who didn't even attempt to understand my post and see that I love Jeeps too (even without ever owning one!) and then took some kind of elitist attitude and told me to buy a Lexus...I'd like to drive a piece of *** Lexus up your *** a**.

Mkay, I thought I was pretty clear, but I'll give you more detail.

I have personally put 120,000 miles on a 2001 TJ. It had problems but nothing out of the ordinary. Yes the top leaked a little but it kind of comes with the territory. It's a full convertible that goes off-road. There will always be alignment issues. At around 100K the radiator went south. The NV3550 made noise the whole time I had it. It's a truck transmission, they do that. The rear main seal started leaking a little oil at about 75K. The front brakes somehow lasted well over 80K. I have no idea how. The original rear brakes are still on it and it now has over 140K. The heater switches and other HVAC components went out several times. It's a bad design. I'm sure there is other stuff I am forgetting. But if you ask me would I own one again? Hell yes! No other vehicle compares so you take the good with the bad.

I have also personally put 48,000 miles on an '07 Rubicon JK 2-door. It is by far more civilized and capable than the TJ. All of the stuff you hear about stalling is exaggerated. From all the posts you would think it happens to every Wrangler. It doesn't. There are a few people having issues. Mine has never done it. But I did destroy a rear locker and my local dealer sucks. I recently broke a front locker too. As a result the power steering pump went out as well. Will this happen to every Wrangler? Not likely. I'm hard on it. I expect some stuff to go wrong.

I have also heard of people having issues with the ESP. Mine works fine, before, and after I installed a 4-inch lift and 35-inch tires.

The JK hardtop leaked from day one, the dealer put the upgraded seals in and it still leaks. Ehh, I'll live with it because again, nothing compares. What are your other options if you want a full convertible 4x4 that is extremely capable off-road? There are no other options. So, ya have to suck it up. Sorry if you don't like my answer, I'm just being honest. If you can't accept a quirky vehicle for what it is you will not enjoy owning a Wrangler and I would not recommend it. Also, take most of the web stuff you read with a grain of salt. There are always squeaky wheels that make a bigger deal of it all than they should.

If you think of your new Jeep as more of a tool and not a car, you will have an easier time of it.  

THAT'S the kind of replies I'm hoping for...honest experiential info. I understand Jeeps are rugged...I fell for them long before the comforts of the JK's, so I can live without the frills. I was really just hoping the complaints I've heard were blown out of proportion and the exception, not the norm...

I want to hear more from JK owners...but don't tell me what I want to hear (that JK's are badass despite some minor frill defects, and that those complaints are exceptions)...tell me your experience and let me choose based on facts...If the facts are that the new JK's generally function properly (mechanically), say so...If the facts are that you've experienced the same problems as others have, then say that.

Ultimately, I will own a Jeep...but I want to buy the right one. If that means waiting a couple more years 'til the JK bugs get worked out, I'll wait. If it means buying an older model, I may have to do that...but either way, I want my decision to be informed.  

I say by an older one. That way you kinda expect little bugs and they won't drive you insane. I bought my 86 CJ  little over a year ago and had few problems I couldn't fix in an hour or so. It has never broken down on me and I beat it pretty bad it's seen plenty of air time. But in the end I know it's not perfect and I don't expect it to be. Just don't set expectation to high and have a blast!!!  
That must be the engine gremlin I've heard about.

just curious: what year did Jeeps really start using computers extensively, regarding the electronics, etc...

I can probably tackle mechanical stuff but the computer issues are a different story. From what I understand, the stall-out/power-failure issues with some JK's were due to computer programming errors that cut the engine and all power, sometimes at highway speeds(~50mph)...

If I do buy an older Jeep, I might look at the ones that came before the auto industry's computer craze took hold.  

Glad to hear you want to buy a Jeep,more glad to see you're doing your homework.Of course you'll see more complaints than praise on the web,people with problems need to vent,people without problems are happily driving their jeeps with the top off in the rain! i personaly own a 07jk unltd sahara and am moderatly happy with it.i could tell you how the top leaked a little when i got it(new seals at the dealer fixed that)or how it leaked again last fall when i put the hdtop back on(my fault,the t-top screws that were tight somehow loosened,i guess cause the seals settled in?) or about how the wipers wont defrost in ice storms cuz they sit below where the heat hits the windshield,or about the poor visibilty when looking over your right shoulder(Door pillars and headrests)OR I can tell about how perfectly it has run for 19 months and 18k miles, nothing but oil changes and tire rotations.I've read this mag for afew years now and driven many jeeps(early cjs,late cjs,m-715,j-20,comanchees,cherokees)the jk is by far the nicest topless yet and if cappa hasn't killed his yet that says ALOT!Sure i'm nervous about the computers and stuff down the road especially the can-bus electrical stuff but i know others will find the problems long before mine is paid for and gets a lift and skid plates. Oh yeah the trac control is phenomenal!It's quiet and warm with the top off,it wheels just fine and when that 100lb deer jumped in front of it on the hiway at 55 my wife went right over it with minimal damage to fog lites and bumper(the deer was low in its jump instead of in the air thank you jeep karma).And i guess i'm lucky cause my dealer is great,chrysler is broke like everyone else so time will tell with them.I don't think i want tire psi monitoring so i'm glad to have the 07.There are four tjs in my family all of which have happy owners,yes there are small problems but once you take the top and doors off and drive through a puddle at speed you'll forget all about them!Check out jkowners.com for more opinons,seems to be a decent site so far,yeah there's some complaints but like i say happy jeep owners are working/wheeling their jeeps not web sites. I hope you find a jeep you like cause you'll never go look back once  you get one!Go topless,tread lightly,wear your seat belt,and carry a fire extinguisher/first aid kit and tow strap and most importantly wave to other jeeps,you got friends out there!!  

I agree.  but a tj is realy the best to use as a daily and an off roader in my oppinion. they are far more reliable for the money than yjs and cjs. i have owned all of them. i currently have a cj7. realy the only reason they are more reliable is that they havent had as much time to be beaten on. I would say if i had the money to spend,i would buy about an 04 or 05 rubicon and start building from there. they are allready the best for off road from the factory. you could have the same $$ in it as a new jk and have a much better all around jeep. but thats just what i would want to do. as far as computer issued go ,i dont know of any major problems with the tj wranglers at all. if you need four doors for kids or something and you can spend it,spring for the rubicon unlimited. it realy is out of the box pure jeep!  
It's not a money pit, it's a PROJECT!