The Jeep Wrangler is a compact SUV. It is a no-nonsense off-road vehicle. The base trim starts at a price of $ 22,045 going all the way up to $ 34,120 for the four-door top trim. Even though the Jeep Wrangler is a capable offroader, the ownership experience has not been satisfying. Over the year, a total of 434 complaints have been registered and 11 recalls have been initiated by the NHTSA. Out of these complaints, 30% of it is airbags related and 20% are related to gasoline overspilling while refueling. The Jeep Wrangler doesn't have a direct competitor but the closest rivals would be the Toyota 4Runner, and the Nissan Xterra.
2011 Jeep Wrangler User Complaints and Problems
Safety Complaints
- Airbag Indicator lights turn on intermittently: Many users have complained about the airbag indicator turning on and off intermittently. This could result in the airbag not deploying in the event of a crash.
- Gasoline overspilling while refueling: Many users have reported that gasoline overspills while refueling. This is mainly because the stock fuel filler neck doesn't have a check valve. This issue can be resolved by changing the fuel filler neck to an aftermarket one with a check valve.
- Seat buckle may separate from seat frame: Many users have also reported the seat belt buckle detaching, not locking, and other issues with the seat belt.
Engine and Mechanical Complaints
- Leakage of fuel through the plastic fuel line: Many users have reported that the car catches fire. It has been identified that the plastic fuel line is prone to leakage, causing fuel to drip into the catalytic converter and resulting in fire.
Exterior
- Deteriorating quality of the hood latches: Many users have also complained about the below-average quality of the latches due to which the hood shudders rapidly while driving.
- Water Leak: Many users have also complained about water leaking and soaking the inside. This is primarily because the rubber seal is secured only to the door and not the body. Fixing an aftermarket rubber seal to the body can solve this issue.
Electrical Complaints
- Clock spring failure: Many users have reported the clock spring malfunction leading to the horn not working, airbag indicator staying on, and the wipers not working among other issues.
- TIPM Malfunction: Many users have also complained about the Total Integrated Power Module malfunction. The TIPM controls all the electrical systems of a car, a malfunction that can cause a host of electrical problems.
- Electronic Stability Control malfunction: Many users have also reported the malfunctioning of electronic stability control.
2011 Jeep Wrangler Recalls
|
S. No |
Date |
NHTSA ID |
Issues Noticed |
Additional Remarks |
Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1. |
26th September 2019 |
19V680000 |
Seatbelt buckle may separate from the seat frame. |
The driver's seat belt buckle mounting strap may fracture and separate from the seat frame. |
FCA US will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's seat belt buckle, free of charge. |
|
2. |
15th January 2019 |
19V018000 |
Passenger frontal airbag inflator may explode. |
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the frontal airbag, the inflator may explode causing serious injury. |
Dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. |
|
3. |
9th January 2018 |
18V021000 |
Passenger frontal airbag inflator may explode. |
The frontal passenger airbag inflator may explode. This is particularly due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, and temperature cycling. |
Dealers will replace the passenger frontal airbag inflator, free of charge. |
|
4. |
24th May 2016 |
16V352000 |
Passenger frontal airbag inflator may explode. |
The frontal passenger airbag inflator may explode. This is particularly due to propellant degradation. |
Dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. |
|
5. |
11th May 2016 |
16V288000 |
Clock assemble may be contaminated. |
The clockspring assembly may become contaminated with dust and cause the airbag circuit to fail. |
Dealers will replace the clockspring, wheel back cover, and column shroud, free of charge. |
|
6. |
8th October 2014 |
14V631000 |
Potential for fire in the heated exterior mirror. |
Corrosion in the exterior heated power mirror electrical connector may result in an electrical short. |
Dealers will move the exterior mirror power feed to a separate connector, free of charge. |
|
7. |
7th May 2013 |
13V176000 |
Airbag clock spring assembly may fail. |
The affected vehicles have airbag clockspring assemblies that could experience broken airbag circuits resulting in non-deployment of airbags in an event of a crash. |
Dealers will replace the clockspring and add a steering wheel dust shield, free of charge. |
|
8. |
25th February 2013 |
13E010000 |
Floor liner tearing may lead to pedal entrapment. |
The anchor point for the affected floor liners may tear during use, particularly when exposed to high temperatures. The tearing may allow the floor liner to shift forward, impeding the operation of the accelerator pedal. |
Quadratec will notify owners and either exchange the liners or provide them with a hook guard kit to help secure the driver-side mat, free of charge. |
|
9. |
2nd November 2011 |
11V528000 |
Airbag clock spring assemblies. |
A broke electrical circuit in the airbag clock spring assembly can lead to non-deployment of airbags in the event of a crash. |
Dealers will replace the clockspring free of charge. |
|
10. |
8th June 2011 |
11V315000 |
Steering column. |
Some of the vehicles may have been built with a missing or incorrectly installed steering column pivot rivet. |
Dealers will inspect the steering column rivet and repair the steering column rivet as required, free of charge. |
|
11. |
1st March 2011 |
11V145000 |
JK chassis Axle. |
Some vehicles may experience a degradation of fastener torque for various front and rear axles attachments to the chassis module. |
Dealers will re-torque all nineteen fasteners to the maximum residual torque values. The service will be performed free of charge. |
Should you buy the 2011 Jeep Wrangler?
The 2011 Jeep Wrangler has its own share of build quality problems with over 434 complaints and 11 recalls registered. Unfortunately, the sad truth is that there is no other off-road capable vehicle available in the segment which can compete against the 2011 Wrangler. It offers a host of highly customizable options and multiple powertrain alternatives. We would recommend the 2011 Jeep wrangler if you are a hardcore off-roader or if the terrain where you stay requires a compliant vehicle. However, if you are looking for an SUV with reasonable off-road performance and better-build quality you can consider the 2011 Toyota 4Runner.
