7.9

pretty bad
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
5,333 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

1997 Jeep Wrangler exhaust system problems

exhaust system problem

Find something helpful? Spread the word.
Get notified about new defects, investigations, recalls & lawsuits for the 1997 Jeep Wrangler:

Unsubscribe any time. We don't sell/share your email.

1997 Jeep Wrangler Owner Comments (Page 1 of 2)

problem #24

Sep 202004

Wrangler

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

1997 Jeep Wrangler exhaust manifold. Consistent decrease in power, stumbling, and poor gas mileage. After a wreck I noticed the manifold was cracked. Both the insurance company and the authorized Jeep dealership told me it was not due to the wreck but due to fact it was a common Wrangler problem, and it probably had started prior to the wreck I just hadn't noticed it. But since there is not a recall they would not fix the problem. I have fixed it.

- Knoxville, TN, USA

problem #23

May 152003

Wrangler

  • Automatic transmission
  • 74,000 miles
I bought this 1997 Jeep Wrangler from a used car dealer in June 2002 with a limited warranty and was told the vehicle pased inspection and had no problems. Since then I have had to have the wiring harness repaired, the fuel pump replaced, the transmission replaced, it has a faulty fuel gauge reading, the intake and exhaust manifold need to be replaced and now the steering linkage or stabilizer bars are faulty.

- Pasadena, MD, USA

problem #22

Feb 142003

Wrangler 6-cyl

  • Manual transmission
  • 54,000 miles
Exhaust manifold has completely failed due to severe cracking at 54,000 mi/ although this is apparently a defect in '97 Jeep exhaust manifolds (based on number of problems reported on internet and manifold has been redesigned) Chrysler will provide no assistance in the repair which is over $900.

- Jacksonville, FL, USA

problem #21

Sep 012002

Wrangler 4WD

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Daimler Chrysler has been unresponsive to my requests for replacement of this part under "implied warranty" or anything else, even though the car problem websites (and yours) are full of reports of exhaust manifold failure in late '90's model Wrangler. They claim to have no record of the problem, even thought the part has been redesigned. The dealer here has been great, but can't do much without manufacturer support. Here's hoping that with enough information on this part, customers can get some satisfaction!

- White Salmon, WA, USA

problem #20

Sep 122002

Wrangler 4WD

  • miles
Exhaust header cracked at 4 locations and had to be replaced. Jeep dealer said that this is a known defect and still would do nothing about it.

- Lynnwood, WA, USA

Search CarComplaints.com for these popular complaint phrases...

problem #19

Jun 122002

(reported on)

Wrangler 4WD

  • Manual transmission
  • miles
Vehicle was making noise from muffler. Took vehicle to dealership, and mechanic stated that exhaust manifold was cracked, causing exhaust leakage and needed to be replaced. Overtime, exhaust manifold cracked into three pieces causing hot exhaust fumes in engine compatments as well as drivers area.

- River Ridge, LA, USA

problem #18

Nov 251998

Wrangler 4WD

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Noticed what sounded like an exhaust leak coming from the engine compartment. I brought it to the dealer with 27K miles on it. They heard nothing. In May 2000 my mechanic mentioned a crack in the exhaust manifold. I brought it back to dealer and they said they found nothing. Oct. Of 2001 with 58K the noise was unbearable and three cracks visable. Dealer said too bad out of warranty. If so many people are having this problem why can't something be done? by the way I will never purchase another Jeep again.

- Chicago, IL, USA

problem #17

Jan 011998

Wrangler 4WD

  • miles
Exhaust manifold cracked/studs failed/parts, labor not covered/3rd party repaired.

- Alpharetta, GA, USA

problem #16

Jul 252001

Wrangler 4WD

  • miles
There seems to be a lot of complaints about this same problem. Hopw many does it take to get some action. No safety defect mentioned.

- Mohrsville, PA, USA

problem #15

May 252001

Wrangler 4WD

  • miles
About a week ago I called the dealership to report a cracked exhaust manifold.I asked if there has been any recalls of this and the service manager who was very rude told me no.today, Friday May 25th my exhaust manifold has broken in half in two (2) spots each next ta a weld.I have a friend who is a boilermaker and a union rep. As well as an expert in all aspects of welding and metals, has told me this is defective.that it should stand high temps.and a lot longer life than this! well to tell you the truth I have had several automobiles through out the years and I have never had an exhaust manifold break or even crack on me, ever! the service manager said I was out of warrenty and that I was out of luck..I have even looked at te specs. On the exhaus manifold that Jeep advertises and it even says that the exhaust manifold is a long life. Please help me !

- Dearborn, MI, USA

problem #14

May 032001

Wrangler

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Had heard a noise when vehicle was started, sounded like a hole in muffler. Exhaust was coming off engine. Problem got worse. 2 pieces of hoses became one and joined, they cracked and nearly separated. They were too close to engine. Contacted manufacturer, and informed over warranty and will not repair.

- Benton, ME, USA

problem #13

Apr 262001

Wrangler 4WD

  • miles
Exhaust manifold cracked 1/8" horizontally, vehicle not showing signs of overheating, dealership and two muffler shops contacted--all indicated this is a common problem with the '1997S starting around 60K miles.

- Eddystone, PA, USA

problem #12

Aug 012000

Wrangler

  • miles
Exhaust manifold is cracked in 4 places. Dealership indicated it is a common problem. Contacted Chrysler Corp, but did not seem concerned. I have done enough research to know that this is happening too frequently. Why won't they issue a recall"?"

- Hewitt, TX, USA

problem #11

Jun 012000

Wrangler 4WD

  • miles
Rough idle; engine check light on; stalling, bucking at speed; noisey/cracked exhaust

- Suttons Bay, MI, USA

problem #10

Feb 062000

Wrangler

  • miles
Cracks developed in the exhaust system. Patched/welded by an independent repairs shop. Less then 20,000 miles, other cracks appeared in a diffeerent location. Dealer notified, and informed consumer that they were aware of the problem. But, repairs would still be done at consumer's cost.

- Lincoln, NE, USA

problem #9

Aug 011999

Wrangler

  • miles
Exhaust manifold had to be replaced. There were several large cracks, luckily the problem was caught before it broke off. I still have the part if someone would like to examine it. I contacted Chrysler by phone numerous times and also sent a letter with photos of the failed part. They said it's not their problem. I talked with two mechanics who told me the part was probably defective since the Jeep was less than three years old at the time. I'm not sure when it actually started to fail, but a mechanic noticed it in August 1999 and that's when I had it repaired.

- Cary, NC, USA

problem #8

Jun 101999

Wrangler

  • miles
Dealer said no warrenty coverage for manifold due to mileage and age. Called Chrysler help line and told maybe cold water or rain got on it and agreed I should have bought extended warrenty. Why isn't the manifold covered under the emission control warrenty. What is more important then getting the exhaust gas to the converter? instead it goes to the air and creates a safety problem if it gets in the passenger compartment. I see your data bank has other manifold failures alredy and service notices of head bolt maifold issues. Looks like a mfg. Defect since these vehicles are so young. The fuel pump was fixed under warrenty, the car would't start right. The power steering unit continues to leak slowly and the dealer suggest a seal leaking but I have to pay to fix. Great car!

- West Lafayette, IN, USA

problem #7

Jun 231998

Wrangler 4WD

  • miles
The rear differential was cracked, as was the exhaust manifold. Also the crank sensor harness and the tps were melted against the manifold. The dash leaked water and the brake shoes/lining and rack and pinion set needed replacing. The drivers side seatbelt would never retract and the dash lead water extensively causing the resstr-blower to go out. The radio was also broken for a couple of months

- Winterville, NC, USA

problem #6

Jun 251999

Wrangler 4WD

  • miles
The exhaust manifolds bolds are made out of alluminum, which at high temp. Will break. That is what has happened in this case.

- Acworth, GA, USA

problem #5

Jun 011999

Wrangler 4WD

  • miles
The problem with the exhaust is that it is making a clicking sound at startup everytime until the engine is good and warm. After the engine is warm it will usually stop. The higher the RPM's get the faster the sound is. I have been told that it is with the manifold. The second problem is the computer. The vehicle will not hold it's idle after gas is given to the engine. It wil drop then come back up and it will sometimes almost die.

- Acworth, GA, USA

Read the next 4 complaints »

Search CarComplaints.com for these popular complaint phrases...

Not what you are looking for?