Problems owners report
Complaints filed with NHTSA about the 2004 Jeep Wrangler, by the system named in each complaint. One complaint can name several.
- Steering67
- Suspension59
- Power train26
- Service brakes, hydraulic16
- Structure13
- Electrical system12
- Seat belts10
- Visibility9
- Engine and engine cooling9
- Fuel system, gasoline8
NHTSA ODI complaints (public domain) · updated 23 Oct 2026 · 12 injuries and 1 deaths reported
Compared with other years
NHTSA ODI complaints by model year
Fatal crashes in the US
From 2020 to 2023, 38 2004 Wrangler vehicles were involved in crashes on US public roads in which someone died; 29 people died inside them, and 19 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 2004 Jeep Wrangler failed the safety check 1.71% of the time — 23% less often than the average 2004 passenger car (2.21%). Median odometer at inspection: 127,747 miles.
NY DMV Vehicle Inspections (vezn-fmmk), initial inspections since Aug 2021 · how we count
In the Netherlands
58 first registered in 2004 are on Dutch roads; 62% arrived later as imports. Median list price when new: €21,337.
Most common APK defects
- Bandenspanning niet op juiste waarde47
- Stuur- of fuseekogel met slijtage kleiner of gelijk 1,0 mm20
- Remverschil op 1 as te groot14
- Dimlicht onjuist afgesteld10
- Overmatige vloeistoflekkage overige vloeistoffen8
- Mistachterlicht werkt niet (goed)8
- Remlicht werkt niet (goed)7
- Ruitenwisserinstallatie geeft onvoldoende zicht6
Colours
RDW Open Data: registered vehicles and APK defects (CC0) · defect descriptions in the RDW's Dutch wording
In the United Kingdom
122 cars built in 2004 were licensed for the road at the end of 2025, and 43 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, 123 of these cars first registered in 2004 took their annual MOT test. 73% passed first time; among all cars first registered in 2004 the figure was 56%.
| Failed on | These cars | All cars from 2004 |
|---|---|---|
| Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment | 19.5% | 21.8% |
| Suspension | 8.1% | 17.2% |
| Brakes | 5.7% | 13.8% |
| Body, chassis, structure | 4.9% | 9.1% |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 3.3% | 7.5% |
| Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems | 3.3% | 3.2% |
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
67 2004 cars are on the New Zealand register; 19% arrived as used imports, 75% were sold new in New Zealand.
NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi, Motor Vehicle Register (March 2026) · CC BY 4.0
Recalls
ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, DUE TO A RECENT SOFTWARE PROGRAMMING ERROR, THE TIRE, WHEEL, AND INFLATION PRESSURE INFORMATION WAS INADVERTENTLY OMITTED FROM THE VEHICLE CERTIFICATION LABEL.
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 2004 Jeep Wrangler: known faults, fixes and updates.
| Bulletin | Summary |
|---|---|
| 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 |
| 10230298 | Security Module Lock Out After Entering the PIN to Unlock The Wireless Control Module (WCM) |
| 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. |
| 10223762 | Security Module Lock Out After Entering the PIN to Unlock The Wireless Control Module (WCM) |
| 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. |
| 10221045 | 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 |
| 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. |
| 10189392 | MIL Illumination - DTC P1776 Solenoid Switch Valve Latched in LR Position |
| 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. |
| 10139875 | 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 |
| 10139596 | 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. |
NHTSA manufacturer communications (public domain)