1997 Jeep Wrangler: doors won't lock, open or latch

11 of the 401 complaints about the 1997 Jeep Wrangler describe doors won't lock, open or latch.

owner complaints: 11
of this car's complaints: 3%
recalls: 0

Is there a fix? 1 service bulletin covers this area of the car. See below

Doors won't lock, open or latch by model year

2024
1
2023
2
2022
1
2021
2
2019
3
2018
3
2017
1
2016
1
2015
4
2014
2
2013
2
2012
6
2011
5
2010
2
2008
7
2007
6
2004
2
2001
1
2000
1
1999
1
1997
11
1995
2
1994
5
1993
3
1992
3
1991
2
1990
1

What owners say

Filed Nov 7, 2003 · Locks, Seat belts · 55,000 miles · VA

Right from shoulder harness is loose and gets caught in the door latch when the door is closed causing a hole to be torn in the webbing of the harness.

Filed Nov 19, 2000 · Seat belts · CA

Seat belts on both sides fail to retract properly and continually get caught in the door lock mechanism, thus compromising the seat belt material's integrity.

Filed Oct 24, 2000 · Seat belts · FL

The problem is with both driver's and front passenger's seat belts. They do not retract properly and therefore become caught in the door latch. This has caused multiple nicks and abrasions in the belt. I had spoken to the dealer about this and they replaced one of the belts while the vehicle was under warrantee. My concern is that the belt will fail in an accident. I have not followed up with the manufacturer or dealer since. I would like you to investigate and, if this is a real danger, encourage the manufacturer to correct. Thank you.

Filed Mar 16, 2000 · Engine, Seat belts · TX

I have only included the one date I can remember that jeep was in the repair shop. But, to this date, after jeep warms up and then is shut off for approx 20 minutes, it hesitates on acceleration. Dealer said couldnt duplicate problem. Oil gauge dropped to zero, then engine knocked & I shut off. Dealer said oil pressure ok, could not duplicate prob. It still drops below 20 sometimes, but not zero again. I have had manifold bolts replaced twice and catalytic converter replaced once. Water leaks on passenger side & drivers seat belt gets caught in door latch.

Filed Oct 17, 1999 · Body, Seat belts · NJ

Seat belt catches on driver's door latch 9 out 0f 10 times. Seat belt is getting a hole in it. Leak has been fixed 15 times and it still leaks on passenger's feet. Damage is occurring to interior of jeep and anything left on the floor gets wet. I was told( dot number: ? Tire size: 22ss/75r15 )

Filed Aug 25, 1999 · Fuel system, Seat belts · NJ

The seat belt won't retract therefore the belt gets caught in the door latch. The belt becomes frayed as a result of the damage. This is the second failure. After 4 visits to the dealer, the part was replaced on 9/9/1998 at 46,889 mi.

Filed Aug 19, 1998 · Seat belts · CA

Seat belt catches on door latch, door closes on the belt and will wear a hole in the belt material. Qcaw

Filed Jun 23, 1998 · Seat belts · WA

Seat belts do not retract fully when released, allowing them to be caught in door latch. Visible damage to belts - thread separations.

Filed Dec 30, 1997 · Seat belts · MO

Right from shoulder harness is loose and gets caught in the door latch when the door is closed causing a hole to be torn in the webbing of the harness.

Filed Sep 18, 1997 · Seat belts · DE

Front seat seat belts when released rest in a position that interferes with door latches. In four out of five times when driver gets out the sea tbelt recoils to its resting position and sits halfway over the latch and door gets slammed on it.

Filed Aug 17, 1997 · Body, Brakes · TX

4-wheel drive inoperable. In addition, driver's seat belt will not retract/gas gauge failed, shows tank 1/4-1/2 full when it is actually out of gas/passenger's side door handle very tight and squeaky/ABS brakes squeal loudly/automatic transmission has trouble shifting and sticks prior to releasing to next gear, and seat belt warning system buzzer sounds at times uneven and loud with a squeaking noise.