2017 Jeep Wrangler Safety Report

The 2017 Jeep Wrangler presents a mixed safety picture, with a notable number of complaints despite limited official crash test ratings. With 296 total complaints, including 18 crashes, 21 fires, and 21 injuries, there are clear areas of concern. The vehicle received a 'N/A' for Overall, Frontal, and Side crash tests from NHTSA, but a 3-star rating for Rollover, indicating a moderate risk in this specific scenario. A significant pattern of complaints revolves around braking systems, particularly ABS module failures, which can disable critical safety features like ABS and traction control, leading to dangerous driving conditions. Engine-related issues, including loss of power and misfires, also contribute to the safety concerns, with 40 complaints. Recall history for the 2017 model year includes five distinct campaigns addressing critical safety components. These recalls cover issues such as fracturing seat belt buckle mounting straps, potentially leading to inoperable seat belts; brake switch malfunctions that could keep brake lights illuminated or allow shifting out of park without the brake pedal pressed; cracked fuel tanks increasing fire risk; and front impact sensor wiring issues that could prevent airbag deployment in a crash. These recalls highlight manufacturing defects that could severely compromise occupant safety. The high number of complaints related to components like the ABS module, which is not directly covered by a recall for this specific failure mode, suggests ongoing issues beyond the scope of current recall actions. The combination of numerous owner complaints, particularly concerning braking and engine performance, alongside critical safety recalls, indicates that potential buyers should exercise caution and thoroughly inspect any used 2017 Jeep Wrangler.

Our recommendation: Given the high volume of safety complaints, critical recalls, and prevalent issues like ABS module failures, a thorough pre-purchase inspection and verification of all recall completions are essential for any prospective buyer of a 2017 Jeep Wrangler.