While Jeeps are popular vehicles, they are not exactly perfect. Take a look at common complaints about Jeeps and much more.
When you’re a new car owner or potential buyer, one of the most worrisome things is your first car issue. Will it be engine problems or trouble with the transmission, you never really know.
It is important to go through lists and guides to regular issues with that brand or model, to prepare yourself for anything and everything. We will be discussing issues with Jeeps, some of their causes and symptoms. Read on for more on common complaints about Jeeps.
Exhaust leaks
The exhaust on vehicles guides gases and fumes away from your car parts into the atmosphere. It is an entire system that has different components each contributing to the proper function of the system.
When a component develops an issue, or inhibits proper functioning of the exhaust system, then poisonous gases may travel into the cabin and put you and passengers at risk. Some Jeep engines have the tendency to develop leaks and some specific models are even know for this particular issue.
Cracks in the exhaust manifold develop after endless cycles of heating and cooling. The cracks are created from the thermal stress on the exhaust manifold gasket every time the engine starts.
You might notice a ticking sound from your engine bay or a reduction in your regular gas mileage. The best way to deal with an exhaust leak is a replacement.
Clogged fuel injectors
Fuel injectors are responsible for spraying the correct amount of fuel into the cylinders prior to combustion. Issues with the fuel injectors cause overall decline in performance given the inhibition in fuel dispersion.
Hydrocarbons sediments and other fuel elements are responsible for this clogging. Some Jeep models have issues with build up in the fuel injectors that actively interfere with their functioning. Do not confuse clogged injectors for dirty ones.
Apart from inhibited flow of fuel, other symptoms of clogged injectors include poor fuel economy, bad emissions, an engine that will not make sufficient power, and multiple engine cylinders will not fire. A simple way to remedy this issue is including fuel injector cleaners that efficiently loosens debris and saves you the symptoms that come with clogging.
Signs that you are experiencing clogged fuel injectors
Clogged fuel injectors can manifest in different ways on your Jeep. Here are some common symptoms of this issue.
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Loss of power
You might notice your Jeep developing trouble climbing up hills or powering trough terrains and obstacles that were previously easy to overcome. This power loss is often caused by issues with fuel injectors, meaning fuel isn’t getting to your cylinders.
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Check engine light
Some Jeep models are made to trigger the check engine lights that come on when you have issues with the injectors. These lights stem from a Diagnostic Test Code system that uses the computer system in your vehicle to monitor your vehicle and assign codes to indicate a specific issue. If you do not know how to read or interpret these codes, you can have your mechanic or a professional check them and determine whether or not the indicator light was triggered by the clogging in your fuel injectors.
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Leaks
If you smell fuel in the engine compartment then it might be a sign for worry. Damaged or loosely attached injectors may leak gas, a serious occurrence that requires immediate attention.
TIPS: While many drivers swear by using fuel injector cleaners, you bear the risk of reclogging the pumping the loosened debris back to the injectors. The best way to unclog fuel injectors is by ultrasonic cleaning.
Deathwobble
This is no doubt one of the more common issues with all Jeeps. If you’ve driven a Jeep for a considerable amount of time, then you have most likely been victim to the intense shaking and well, wobbling that is the deathwobble.
Simply put, the Jeep deathwobble is when your steering begins to rapidly oscillate and the result is a side to side movement in some of your car parts. It may seem that it is your typical shaking or vibrating parts, but the wobble is a more violent force. So much so that you may find it difficult to get your car back in control.
When will you experience it?
Typically, the deathwobble comes about when driving above 45mph and the vehicle is triggered when you hit a bump or a porthole. While anyone with suspension upgrades done is most likely to experience the deathwobble, this issue plagues Jeeps across the board: stock or lifted.
What causes the Deathwobble
Damage and looseness in your steering components is likely to cause this intense wobbles. You might also fall victim to the deathwobble if your steering and suspension components are incorrectly installed. You are advised to check your steering components for wear or tear. Usually, bent or damaged parts have a hand in causing these intense wobbles. This check should concentrate on the steering knuckles and stabilizers, suspension bushings, lower and upper control arms, drag link or tie rod ends, ball joints and front track bar.
Tire issues and deathwobbling
It is important to always have your Jeep tires balanced and aligned. Otherwise, issues with your tires including misaligned or unbalanced tires will greatly contribute to both general shaking and several other issues with your vehicle.
Water leaks and noises
Many Jeep models suffer the issue of leaking into the cabin. This happens especially around the doors and windows. Loosened seals on the doors may be cause for these leaks.
In addition to water leaks in the cabin, wind noises also occur due to the problematic seals. The easiest way to fix these leaks and noises is to have your seals replaced. If it isn’t the seals, then the fasteners might possibly be worn out and are leaving small gaps that let in the water and create these noises.
Fuel efficiency
While it isn’t something many people want to hear but Jeeps are not the most fuel efficient vehicles out there. The combination of the weight size and aerodynamic design of these vehicles put them on the lower end of the fuel efficiency spectrum.
Other driving factors come to play when you try to determine the fuel efficiency. It may not be the most serious problems with the Jeep, but it is one of the more common issues
Apart from poor fuel economy, there are issues with fuel overflow. There are reports that once the tank is filled, instead of turning off, it keeps pumping has out until it overflows out the filler neck. In some cases, the fuel will shoot back at you. Usually, the fuel system is non respondent to the shut off mechanism.
Transmission
The transmission is the component that ensures the right amount of power gets to your wheels. Jeep has models equipped will all sorts of transmission types both manual and transmissions.
There is therefore a variety of transmission issues commonly: rough shifting problems, disconnected linkages between gear packs and gear selector. Manual Jeep transmissions have issues with cracked clutch plates and loose gear selector levers.
Some major customer complaints include loud noises when driving and or shifting. Issues with your transmission create dangerous driving situations. Issues especially with shifting put you and other drivers at risk.
Tail light socket corrosion
While not as common as the dreaded deathwobble, tail light corrosion is common among some Jeep models. Corrosion on the tail light circuit boards might be somewhat misleading. You might think that the light is out but even after replacing it, the tail light is still dead. Other parts such as the tailgate hinges are similarly prone to corrosion on jeeps.
While corrosion on the tailgate hinges doesn’t immediately raise driving safety issues, these corroded parts aren’t exactly great to look at. You can easily get read of the unsightly corrosion. Leaving the tailgate in this state for too long will however make it hard to open and eventually, it will be closed shut until the hinges are replaced.
Some other problems most drivers ignore
There are other common issues seemingly less severe than the ones we have already discussed. These problems are common among Jeep owners but tend to be ignored.
More leaking
Apart from the leaks in the cabin, there are other leaks that most Jeep owners simply ignore. One of the more serious leaks might be leaking from the main engine seal. Replacements are often in order when these sorts of leaks occur. However many owners often top off and monitor
Other leaks include power steering leaks, transfer case leaks and leaking from your radiator. These leaks aren’t alarming and are often ignored by many jeep drivers.
Build ups
Overtime, you can expect build up on any vehicle. However, Jeeps are victim to carbon buildups in the throttle body, or sludge build up in the oil cap. While a small build ups in the throttle body isn’t a bad thing, when the buildups become excess they cause issues with regular function.
Sludge on the oil cap is usually a result of condensation or coolant leaking into the engine. The later is often troublesome and could lead to expensive engine repairs or work.
AC issues on Jeeps
The AC is an essential component of your car, especially in hot weather. While some Jeep owners prefer to take out the doors and windows or their rides, and avoid using the AC system all together, other owners are reliant on the AC for cool air on hot days.
Air conditioning issues on Jeeps range from system failures to leaks. Many owners across the board have reported issues with Jeep AC systems. AC affiliated issues like water leaks from clogged AC drains are also common but not as serious as failed AC system in Jeep.
Technical service bulletins
If you do not go through TSBs for your vehicle, it might be time to start. Technical service bulletins are manufacturer recommended procedures to repairing your vehicle. They are basically diagnosis sheets from the manufacturer for anticipated problems. Drivers must learn to access and use these bulletins to their advantage.
Reliability
With all the issues we’ve discussed, are Jeeps really reliable vehicles? If you do not know what car reliability is, don’t worry, you are not alone. Reliability is measured using the car reliability index and it is basically the result of calculating how often your vehicle needs repair and how much these repairs cost.
With this index in mind, we answer the question, are Jeeps reliable?
Honestly, no. Many sites put Jeeps at a low 28th rank out of 39 for dependability with a 170 reliability index score. That isn’t great news considering the reliability index is way below the industry average. The reasons for such low scores is mostly attributed to not only the minor issues with Jeep cars but also the poor handling and limited comfort that take away from the satisfaction of owning a Jeep.
Why do people keep buying Jeeps?
You don’t need me to tell you that Jeep cars are among the more popular vehicle models across the USA. So who is buying all these Jeeps and why? Jeeps are sturdily built vehicles that can be quite versatile especially for the off road adventurers.
These cars have their shortcomings but they are modeled to deliver power on all sorts of terrains against all types of weather. One of the biggest perks of Jeeps is their slow depreciation rates. This is great news especially if you plan on selling your car later on or buying a used Jeep. They maintain their value well and
Final words
All cars have their own flaws. Even the beloved Jeep has several issues that many drivers complain about, some severe others dismissible. Either way, whether you’re a new owner or prospective Jeep buyer, it is essential that you go through these issues and understand the implications they will have on your ownership experience.
Overall, Jeep has several issues with leaking, corrosion, transmission issues among others, some of which have warranted recalls. However, none of these problems are so serious that they should put you off Jeeps. In fact, Jeeps are well built cars that deserve all the hype they have been getting over the years.
