Problems owners report
Complaints filed with NHTSA about the 2003 Jeep Wrangler, by the system named in each complaint. One complaint can name several.
- Power train22
- Suspension18
- Steering14
- Electrical system9
- Fuel system, gasoline9
- Service brakes, hydraulic7
- Air bags7
- Seat belts6
- Engine and engine cooling6
- Unknown or other4
NHTSA ODI complaints (public domain) · updated 23 Oct 2026 · 5 injuries and 1 deaths reported
Compared with other years
NHTSA ODI complaints by model year
Fatal crashes in the US
From 2020 to 2023, 24 2003 Wrangler vehicles were involved in crashes on US public roads in which someone died; 15 people died inside them, and 9 of the vehicles rolled over. This is a count, not a crash rate: it grows with the number of cars on the road.
NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS), crash years 2020–2023 (public domain)
New York safety inspections
At its first New York inspection the 2003 Jeep Wrangler failed the safety check 1.71% of the time — 19% less often than the average 2003 passenger car (2.11%). Median odometer at inspection: 127,173 miles.
NY DMV Vehicle Inspections (vezn-fmmk), initial inspections since Aug 2021 · how we count
Engines
The most common engines in 2003 Jeep Wrangler cars on Dutch roads are the 4.0 petrol (130 kW, 174 hp) and 2.4 petrol (105 kW, 141 hp).
| Engine | Power | Cars |
|---|---|---|
| 4.0 petrol | 130 kW 174 hp | 31 |
| 2.4 petrol | 105 kW 141 hp | 22 |
RDW Open Data (CC0): registered passenger cars and their fuel data · engine size rounded to 0.1 litre, net maximum power · versions with at least 20 cars
In the Netherlands
60 first registered in 2003 are on Dutch roads; 52% arrived later as imports.
Most common APK defects
- Bandenspanning niet op juiste waarde59
- Stuur- of fuseekogel met slijtage kleiner of gelijk 1,0 mm19
- Dimlicht onjuist afgesteld17
- Remverschil op 1 as te groot16
- Kentekenplaatverlichting werkt niet (goed) / ontbreekt15
- Ruitenwisserinstallatie geeft onvoldoende zicht13
- Wiel of band niet goed afgeschermd12
- Remlicht werkt niet (goed)12
Colours
RDW Open Data: registered vehicles and APK defects (CC0) · defect descriptions in the RDW's Dutch wording
In the United Kingdom
121 cars built in 2003 were licensed for the road at the end of 2025, and 60 more were declared off the road (SORN).
Department for Transport and DVLA, vehicle licensing statistics (table VEH0124, year of manufacture) · Open Government Licence v3.0
MOT test results in Great Britain
In 2023, 120 of these cars first registered in 2003 took their annual MOT test. 70% passed first time; among all cars first registered in 2003 the figure was 57%.
| Failed on | These cars | All cars from 2003 |
|---|---|---|
| Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment | 16.7% | 21.6% |
| Visibility | 8.3% | 7.7% |
| Brakes | 7.5% | 13.9% |
| Suspension | 5.0% | 16.4% |
| Body, chassis, structure | 3.3% | 9.4% |
| Identification of the vehicle | 2.5% | 0.8% |
DVSA anonymised MOT tests and results, 2023 (Department for Transport) · Open Government Licence v3.0 · first tests only; a fix made at the test station within the hour still counts as a fail
In New Zealand
73 2003 cars are on the New Zealand register; 23% arrived as used imports, 68% were sold new in New Zealand.
NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi, Motor Vehicle Register (March 2026) · CC BY 4.0
Recalls
No recall campaigns cover the 2003 Jeep Wrangler.
Whether a recall was fixed on a particular car is known only to the manufacturer: check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
NHTSA recalls · summaries in NHTSA's own words
Service bulletins
What Jeep told its dealers about the 2003 Jeep Wrangler: known faults, fixes and updates.
| Bulletin | Summary |
|---|---|
| 635703 | THIS RAPID RESPONSE STATES THAT 403 SUSPECT VEHICLES MAY HAVE TWO ENGINE ELECTRICAL HARNESS FUEL INJECTOR CONNECTORS THAT MAY BE CONNECTED TO THE WRONG INJECTOR. *TT |
| 634272 | FLASH PROGRAMMING FAILURE RECOVERY. *SLC |
| 633476 | SPECIAL BALL JOINT, ALLOWS ADJUSTMENT TO CASTER AND CAMBER ANGLES. *SLC THIS BULLETIN REPLACES 02-001-02 DATED 06/10/02. ALSO TO INCLUDE 2005 JEEP WRANGLER. *TT |
| 11010205 | Plate - Planetary |
| 10229877 | Part Description: wheel hub cap Issue Description: This hubcap is installed directly to the wheel using screws; PN 00154236. This part is not currently listed in the catalog |
| 10229256 | KEY, Master If replacing the key/FOBIK on a WJ, KJ, TJ, or PT Cruiser, use the "AC" NIC level part number. The "AB" NIC level will not program to these platforms. For all other platforms, if the "AB" NIC level will not program to the vehicle, use the "AC" NIC level part and submit a part warranty. |
| 10229181 | Part Description: 5.7L Long Block Issue Description: This 5.7L Long Block Assembly is compatible with both EGR and Non-EGR applications. An EGR Block-Off Plate (53032739AA) must be ordered when installing this Long Block Assembly in a Non-EGR application. Unless, the EGR Block-Off Plate is being transferred from the old engine. |
| 10223602 | Part Description: 5.7L Long Block Issue Description: This 5.7L Long Block Assembly is compatible with both EGR and Non-EGR applications. An EGR Block-Off Plate (53032739AA) must be ordered when installing this Long Block Assembly in a Non-EGR application. Unless, the EGR Block-Off Plate is being transferred from the old engine. |
| 10223525 | Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) Illumination. Diagnostic Trouble Codes P0407 ? EGR Sensor B Circuit Low, or P0408 ? EGR Sensor B Circuit High Set |
| 10221686 | KEY, Master If replacing the key/FOBIK on a WJ, KJ, TJ, or PT Cruiser, use the "AC" NIC level part number. The "AB" NIC level will not program to these platforms. For all other platforms, if the "AB" NIC level will not program to the vehicle, use the "AC" NIC level part and submit a part warranty. |
| 10220995 | Part Description: Insulator on Lever Assy Manual Valve - Valve Body - RWD Transmission Issue Description: The manual valve insulator, attaching rivet and instruction sheet are now available as a kit. If the insulator requires replacement please order kit 68253161AA. Insulator only used on Auto-RWD transmission Note: The color of the insulator is not relevant for service. |
| 10220101 | Use of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts. |
| 10220099 | Use of Salvage/Recycled Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of recycled or salvage parts. |
| 10220097 | Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage. |
| 10191460 | Valve Body. These may cause over drive cycling. |
| 10175743 | Disinfectant Solution Recommended for COVID-19 |
| 10175735 | Charging System, Battery Diagnostic Tools and Warranty This information only bulletin discusses using the correct test equipment for testing batteries and charging systems, and also warranty reimbursement when battery replacements are necessary. |
| 10175510 | DIPAP Requirements - Addition of Jeep Wrangler (JL/JK) and Jeep Gladiator (JT) Hard Top and Targa Top Panel Replacements - All Dealers (Rev. A) |
| 10169249 | Use of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts. |
| 10169247 | Use of Salvage/Recycled Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of recycled or salvage parts. |
| 10169245 | Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage. |
| 10129008 | 82212076, 82203694 - Fabric Cleaner This "fabric cleaner" is not intended for sale in California, the otc states (Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Washington dc), and some ladco states (Illinois, Michigan, and Ohio). Mopar offers an alternative product (82213192) which is a water based product approved for sale in the aforementioned states.~ ~ Please inform the customer & your prep dept that spraying excessive amounts of the fabric protector on load floors will result in the breaking down of the adhesive (glu |
| 10020334 | STEERING SHIMMY. *TT |
| 10019535 | PRIMARY DOOR WEATHERSTRIP WATER LEAK AT A-PILLAR BELT LINE. *TT |
| 10016603 | AIR CONDITIONING (A/C) COOLING COIL ODOR. *TT |
NHTSA manufacturer communications (public domain)