1997 Jeep Laredo problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
One of the years to avoid
With 62 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 1.9 times the median Laredo year — the 1997 model ranks #7 of 18 Laredo years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.
No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across fuel system (12), engine (9), and electrical system (8), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.
62
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
0
Investigations
5
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
2
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 1997 compare to other Laredo years?
What are the most common 1997 Jeep Laredo problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fuel System | 12 | 19% | ▲ up |
| Engine | 9 | 15% | ▲ up |
| Brakes | 8 | 13% | — flat |
| Electrical System | 8 | 13% | ▲ up |
| Body & Structure | 8 | 13% | — flat |
| Transmission | 5 | 8% | ▼ down |
| Visibility & Wipers | 2 | 3% | ▲ up |
| Tires & Wheels | 2 | 3% | ▲ up |
| Latches & Locks | 2 | 3% | new |
| Seats | 1 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Other | 1 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Airbags | 1 | 2% | — flat |
| Speed Control | 1 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Steering | 1 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Suspension | 1 | 2% | ▼ down |
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 JEEP LAREDO. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V252000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE, STRUCTURE) AND STATED THAT THE PARTS THAT WERE NEEDED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO PROVIDE AN EXPECTED DATE FOR WHEN THE PART…”
“STALLING OUT ISSUE. WENT FROM INTERMITTENT TO FREQUENT. STALLS OUT WHILE DRIVING AND WHILE COMING TO A STOP OR LEAVING A STOP. HAVE REPLACED 3 PCM'S, 1/2 WIRING HARNESS, TOO MANY SENSORS TO COUNT, FUEL PUMP, ETC. HAVE SPENT THOUSANDS & THE MECHANIC CANNOT FIGURE IT OUT. NO CODES EITHER. TEMPERATURE…”
“THE ABS BRAKES DO NOT WORK; WHEN DRIVING PAST 20MPH AND HAVING TO MAKE A SUDDEN STOP, BRAKES DID NOT WORK. WIFE RAN INTO HOUSE BECAUSE OF THE BRAKE FAILURE, TOOK VEHICLE FOR REPAIR AND IT HAS BEEN TESTED ON THE COMPUTER AND IT SHOWS NO PROBLEM BUT WHEN DRIVING BRAKES MALFUNCTION. *AK”
“I HAVE PURCHASED SEVERAL JEEP GRAND CHEROKEES THREW THE YEARS ALL BEING AROUND THE 1997 MODEL WITH THE V8. EVERY SINGLE ONE IVE HAD HAD A A TRANSMISSION PROBLEM AND RECENTLY IM HAVING TRANSFER CASE PROBLEMS WHERE IT WILL NOT SHIFT IN 4 WHEEL DRIVE AS THE OTHER 2 I HAD SOMETHING MUST BE WRONG AND IT…”
“THE JEEP WAS SHAKING UNCONTROLLABLE AT 45 MPH. THE CHASE CONNECTED TO THE TRACK BAR MOUNT BROKE DUE TO METAL FATIGUE. THE PROBLEM HAS YET TO BE FIXED.. AFTER TALKING WITH A BODY SHOP 3/8'' STEEL PLATE WELDED TO THE CHASE WOULD FIX THE PROBLEM. WARNING IT COMES FROM METAL FATIGUE!!!! THE MAIN…”
1997 Jeep Laredo — common questions
Is the 1997 Jeep Laredo reliable?
NHTSA data argues against it: 62 complaints put the 1997 model at #7 of 18 Laredo years. It is one of the Laredo years to avoid.
What are the most common 1997 Laredo problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are fuel system (12 complaints), engine (9 complaints), electrical system (8 complaints).
Does the 1997 Jeep Laredo have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 1997 Jeep Laredo.
Which Jeep Laredo years should you avoid?
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Laredo years to avoid are 2000, 2002, 2001, 1999, 1996, 2003, 1997. The cleanest record among Laredo years belongs to 1986.
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.