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1999 Jeep Wrangler problems

The most common problem on the 1999 Jeep Wrangler is electrical system, typically around 80,985 miles. It has fewer complaints than a typical Wrangler model year.

Typical yearClose to a typical year
Owner complaints
213
Recalls
1
Service bulletins
65
Worst area
Electrical
Fuel economy
15-17mpg

The worst 1999 Jeep Wrangler problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

Specific symptoms reported on the 1999 Jeep Wrangler

Airbag light 18Check engine light 8Headlights 8Knocking 6

Recalls 1

Unknown or otherReported May 6, 1999 · 1,989 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Vehicle description: sport utility vehicles. The left side and right side instrument panel wiring ground attachment screws could loosen over time.
Risk
If the left side screw loosens, the instrument panel gauges may not function when the headlamps are turned on. If the right side screw loosens, the defroster blower motor may not function.
Remedy
Dealers will remove the ground screws, drill a new pilot hole adjacent to the original hole, and the screws will be reinstalled in the new holes.

Recall number 99V117000 · Recall details

See all 1 recalls for the 1999 Jeep Wrangler

Defect investigations

Instrument panel ground screwOpened June 1, 1999, closed May 30, 2000

The instrument panel wiring ground attachment screws can loosen

RQ99011

Technical service bulletins for the 1999 Jeep Wrangler 65

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 65 bulletins for the 1999 Jeep Wrangler

1999 Jeep Wrangler fuel economy

Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
2.5L 4‑cyl4WD14-1617-1815-17
4.0L 6‑cyl4WD13-1417-1815-16

What 1999 Jeep Wrangler owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Mar 22, 2022 · Body · 145,000 miles · FL

The contact owns a 1999 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the rear subframe fractured near the axle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the subframe was corroded and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 145,000.

Filed Nov 7, 2019 · Body · 197,000 miles · KY

I started hearing a banging/clanging noise under the rear of this vehicle upon starting/stopping or reversing. The noise is best described as a sharp metallic clang. Undercar inspection revealed the frame has corroded to the point the upper control arm mounts have pulled away from the frame and the track bar that locates the axle side-to-side has separated from the rear axle housing along with the upper control arm mount separating from the axle housing. Repair of this vehicle requires replacement of the frame along with replacement of the complete rear suspension and axle housing. This same vehicle was reported to you 03 november 2016 for the same issue involving the center section of the frame rusting through causing the transfer case mount/skid plate to drop. Safety caps were installed on the frame at this time and the vehicle was placed back into service.

Filed Oct 9, 2019 · Body · 107,000 miles · MI

Frame rotted from rust where the rear suspension attaches to the frame. Too much rust to repair. Remaining vehicle is in good shape considering only 107k miles. Suspension broke free from the frame during normal road operation. I am told that the problem is epidemic with jeep tj frames. Apparently so because there is noting available on the used parts market. Lots of tj bodies and parts available but no frames to go along with them.

Filed Mar 30, 2019 · Body · 90,000 miles · WI

Jeep is a 5 speed transmission. Couldn't shift correctly, heard a rattle. Engine had fallen due to rusting frame. Frame so rusted, engine fell. Only 90,000 miles on vehicle. Not driven daily. Was in motion.

Filed Oct 23, 2017 · Body, Wheels · 25,001 miles · FL

Tl* the contact owns a 1999 jeep wrangler. While changing the rear driver side tire, it was discovered that the spare tire hub was extremely corroded. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The local dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not included in any open recalls. No further assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 25,001.

Filed Aug 17, 2017 · Electrical, Fuel system · 126,000 miles · CA

Fuel- jeep hard to fill with fuel or must fill fuel at very slow rate. Nozzle does not lock or fill properly. (stationary) electrical- hazard lights(in rear) randomly turn on by themselves while driving. (any MPH, city streets and highways)

Filed Dec 15, 2016 · Electrical, Visibility · 150,000 miles · VA

Tl* the contact owns a 1999 jeep wrangler. While driving approximately 50 MPH over a bump in the road, the blower motor failed to function. The instrument panel warning indicators illuminated intermittently. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 150,000.

Filed Nov 3, 2016 · Body · 176,000 miles · KY

Jeep wrangler (tj body) 1999 frame rust I was driving the vehicle at interstate (68-72mph) speeds when a severe vibration started suddenly and the manual transmission shift lever dropped to a lower than normal position. I pulled off in a safe area and inspected first for a flat tire and then looked under the vehicle. I noted the right frame rail had rusted through from the inside and the transmission-transfer case mount/skid plate ass'y had separated from the right (passenger side frame rail and dropped approx. 2-3 inches. This caused severe driveline vibration and erratic vehicle control.

Filed May 11, 2016 · Electrical · 175,000 miles · VA

Tl* the contact owns a 1999 jeep wrangler. While driving various speeds, the odometer back light seized without warning. The contact stated that the failure occurred previously. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The VIN was not included in the federal safety agency campaign number: 99v117000 (unknown or other). The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 175,000.

Filed Apr 2, 2016 · Suspension · 118,000 miles · NY

I have owned vehicle 6 years and have 118000 miles and found frame is rotting away make an unsafe vehicle

Used buying checklistWhat to check on a 1999 Jeep Wrangler before you buy

Compare the 1999 Jeep Wrangler

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Other model years

1990199119921993199419951996199719981999200020012002200320042005200620072008200920102011201220132014201520162017201820192020202120222023202420252026

Questions about the 1999 Jeep Wrangler

Is the 1999 Jeep Wrangler reliable?

Owners have filed 213 complaints about the 1999 Jeep Wrangler, fewer than a typical Wrangler model year.

What is the most common problem with the 1999 Jeep Wrangler?

Electrical system, with 53 complaints, typically around 80,985 miles. Next is engine (51).

How many recalls does the 1999 Jeep Wrangler have?

1 recall, covering unknown or other.

What year does the Jeep Wrangler have the most electrical problems?

The Jeep Wrangler model years with the most electrical complaints are 2024 (428 complaints), 2021 (310 complaints) and 2018 (269 complaints).

What gas mileage does the 1999 Jeep Wrangler get?

Official estimates for the 1999 Jeep Wrangler range from 15 to 17 mpg combined. The most efficient version (2.5L 4-cyl, 4WD) gets 14-16 city and 17-18 highway.

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