VehicleVerdict

1997 Jeep Grand Wagoneer problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just one complaint on file for the 1997 Jeep Grand Wagoneer — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

1

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1997 compare to other Grand Wagoneer years?

Grand Wagoneer NHTSA complaints by model year, 1997 highlighted105 complaints1979: 0 complaints1980: 0 complaints1981: 0 complaints1982: 0 complaints1983: 0 complaints1984: 2 complaints1985: 6 complaints1986: 14 complaints1987: 18 complaints1988: 3 complaints1989: 1 complaints1990: 2 complaints1991: 1 complaints1992: 1 complaints1993: 13 complaints1994: 2 complaints1995: 3 complaints1996: 0 complaints1997: 1 complaints1998: 5 complaints1999: 11 complaints2022: 105 complaints2023: 79 complaints2024: 68 complaints2025: 6 complaints2026: 0 complaints
Grand Wagoneer NHTSA complaints by model year, 1997 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Grand Wagoneer years to avoid →

What are the most common 1997 Jeep Grand Wagoneer problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Fuel System1100%

Does the 1997 Jeep Grand Wagoneer have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

02V053000TransmissionFebruary 15, 2002 · 1,620,000 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, IF A DRIVER HAS NOT PLACED THE SHIFTER LEVER FULLY INTO THE "PARK" POSITION AND LEAVES THE VEHICLE RUNNING, THE VEHICLE MAY UNEXPECTEDLY MOVE REARWARD AFTER SEEMING TO BE STABLE.

Consequence

INADVERTENT MOVEMENT OF THE VEHICLE COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSTALL A SECONDARY DETENT SYSTEM TO THE FLOOR SHIFTER ASSEMBLY. DAIMLERCHRYSLER SENT INTERIM NOTICES TO OWNERS CONCERNING THIS PROBLEM ON MARCH 22, 2002. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN SEPTEMBER 23, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

1997 Jeep Grand Wagoneer — common questions

Is the 1997 Jeep Grand Wagoneer reliable?

The record is thin — 1 NHTSA complaint — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

Does the 1997 Jeep Grand Wagoneer have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1997 Jeep Grand Wagoneer. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Jeep Grand Wagoneer years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Grand Wagoneer years to avoid are 2022, 2023, 2024. The cleanest record among Grand Wagoneer years belongs to 2026.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.