1996 Jeep Wrangler
Only 2 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
Only 2 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1984 | 0 |
| 1985 | 0 |
| 1986 | 1 |
| 1987 | 38 |
| 1988 | 50 |
| 1989 | 62 |
| 1990 | 79 |
| 1991 | 76 |
| 1992 | 77 |
| 1993 | 108 |
| 1994 | 151 |
| 1995 | 202 |
| 1996 | 2 |
| 1997 | 401 |
| 1998 | 265 |
| 1999 | 213 |
| 2000 | 251 |
| 2001 | 170 |
| 2002 | 108 |
| 2003 | 98 |
| 2004 | 192 |
| 2005 | 649 |
| 2006 | 730 |
| 2007 | 555 |
| 2008 | 872 |
| 2009 | 368 |
| 2010 | 684 |
| 2011 | 481 |
| 2012 | 829 |
| 2013 | 646 |
| 2014 | 647 |
| 2015 | 453 |
| 2016 | 451 |
| 2017 | 304 |
| 2018 | 1789 |
| 2019 | 721 |
| 2020 | 592 |
| 2021 | 884 |
| 2022 | 369 |
| 2023 | 330 |
| 2024 | 638 |
| 2025 | 56 |
| 2026 | 6 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 2 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
1 of 2 total reports mentions: steering.
Show complaint excerpts
MY JEEP WRANGLER SUFFERED WHAT IS BEING DESCRIBED AS A "DEATH WOBBLE".
NHTSA ODI report, 20130805
1 of 2 total reports mentions: electrical system.
Show complaint excerpts
SPEEDOMETER FAILS... ODOMETER FAILS.... TAKEN TO DEALER SEVERAL TIMES... PARTS HAVE BE REPLACED. THE FAILURE OCCURS ALMOST EVERY TIME I DRIVE OVER 50 MILES AN HOUR AND MANY TIMES AT LOWER SPEEDS. *TR
NHTSA ODI report, 20080811
SAFETY TIMELINE
CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER S
Remedy: PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.
Campaign 06E026000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1996 Jeep Wrangler — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for steering issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 06E026000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 1996 Jeep Wrangler reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 1996 Jeep Wrangler?
The most-reported component is steering, accounting for 50% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1996 Jeep Wrangler have?
1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.