My jeep was making grinding sounds when I shifted gears. At first it was just a quick grind (metal against metal). Then it got progressively worse as this last week went by. It became almost impossible to shift into reverse and it would pop out of gear unexpectedly while going down the road.luckily I didn't drive it much. I took it to my mechanic and he said I was lucky- my transmission(?) was tilted and sitting on something and that was causing the noise (the luck was that the transmission didn't fall all the way down). The description of the problem from prestige hi-tech is "check for noise/ grinding in drivetrain. Frame badly rusted out, cross member under transfer case, bolts pulled out of rusted frame." I was then told it was unsafe to drive. Visually it is in great condition without rust on the body. Prestige said both sides of the frame are rusted through because of poor design. There were no holes for trapped water to escape through.
2001 Jeep Wrangler body problems
38 complaints (22% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 100,000. 3 crashes reported.
- owner complaints
- 38
- of this car's complaints
- 22%
- typical mileage
- 100,000
- crashes
- 3
- recalls
- 0
Which part fails
- Body24
- Frame and members: underbody shields4
- Frame and members4
- Body: door: hinge and attachments1
- Body: door1
At what mileage
Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.
Jeep Wrangler body problems in other years
Related recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
What 2001 Jeep Wrangler owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 jeep wrangler. Upon inspecting the vehicle, the contact noticed that the frame of the vehicle was completely rusted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who confirmed that the vehicle's frame was rusted. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer informed the contact that the frame was no longer being manufactured. The failure mileage was 107,000.
My jeep frame rusted out, forcing us to purchase a new vehicle in 2015. I am the original owner, female, never went off-road with it and it was garage kept. Less than 90,000 miles on it today. Upset that I cannot drive it because of the frame and cannot find frame to replace it. I still own it and still waiting to find a frame for it. Now sitting in my driveway. Excellent condition, except for the frame! See photo as proof.
Entire frame is rusted causing the transmission to fall out. Almost made my son crash into a tree after losing control of the vehicle.
Frame is completely rusted only 90k miles. The transmission dropped because the structure holding it up was bolted to the frame and because the entire frame is completely rusted it cant be fixed. Its so bad a no body shop will fix it, rust kit is no help with how bad this frame is rusted. This is completely ridicules that a frame is this badly rusted at 90k miles.
This 2001 jeep wrangler tj failed ny state safety inspection due to frame rust. Purchased new on 06/01/2001 from a jeep dealership in lindenhurst, ny and only has 116,097 miles on a 4.0 engine. This tubular frame rust is premature due to lack of "weep holes" that allows water to exit the frame, thereby promoting rust from the inside, out and is costly to repair (see attachment). Note... Toyota has had similar "rusty frame" issues, but toyota has done the "right thing". See write-up and video here: http://autoweek.com/article/recalls/toyota-frame-settlement-could-cost-company-34-billion ... I love my wrangler, but if jeep refuses to help with this (wide spread) rusty frame issue, I may very well make a toyota my next purchase! This is not just a customer service issue, this is a big safety issue!!!
Complete corrosion through the frame just behind the rear upper and lower trailing arms mount locations. Two large holes approximately 1" in diameter. Stress concentrations due to corroded metal and cyclical fatigue has caused crack propagation and connection of the two holes with one another.
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 jeep wrangler. The contact stated that there was extensive rust and corrosion to the frame. The dealer and the manufacturer had been notified of the failure and provided no recommended solution to prevent the condition the vehicle was to be inspected and diagnosed by an independent mechanic and a dealer. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000. Updated 06/13/17*lj
Frame rusted completely
I have a 2001 jeep wrangler with only 89,000 miles. The entire frame and undercarriage is rusted out and the transfer case has fallen off. I'm unable to drive it is so unsafe!! I can not believe that a vehicle only 15 years old would be in this condition!! I will be getting an attorney!! Apparently there is not proper holes for drainage in the frame and it has caused the water to pool and rust out the frame. I still owe $6000 on this vehicle! I will never buy a jeep again! I called chrysler and because it's so far out of warranty and no recalls they are unwilling to do anything for me...ugh
Questions about the 2001 Jeep Wrangler body
Does the 2001 Jeep Wrangler have body problems?
Owners have filed 38 complaints about the body of the 2001 Jeep Wrangler, 22% of all its complaints, more than any other problem.
At what mileage do 2001 Jeep Wrangler body problems start?
The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 100,000 miles.
Was there a recall on the 2001 Jeep Wrangler body?
There is no recall for this problem on this model year.
What year does the Jeep Wrangler have the most body problems?
The Jeep Wrangler model years with the most body complaints are 2018 (97 complaints), 2000 (56 complaints) and 2001 (38 complaints).
Other 2001 Jeep Wrangler problems
Electrical 37Engine 23Transmission 23Suspension 21Airbags 20Visibility 13Steering 10Fuel system 7Brakes 5Locks 2Seat belts 2Tires 2Wheels 2Acceleration 1Driver assistance 1Lights 1
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