NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2003 Jeep Wrangler/TJ 4WD; the most frequently affected component is exterior lighting. Owners filed 102 complaints, most often about steering. Among the 4 model years of this model in the database, 2003 ranks #1 for number of recalls.
Problem: Certain pro-a motors corner lamps, turn signals, and headlights sold as replacement lamps for use on certain passenger vehicles listed above. Some combination lamps that are not equipped with amber side reflectors fail to conform to federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment.
Risk: Without the amber reflectors, the vehicle will be poorly illuminated, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash without warning.
Remedy: Pro-a motors will notify owners and offer to repurchase the lamps. The recall began on april 3, 2006. Owners may contact pro-a motors at 323-838-2988.
Service brakes, hydraulicCampaign 06E022000 · 13 Mar 2006
Problem: Certain aftermarket brake hydraulic master cylinders sold as replacement brake cylinders for certain ford, daimlerchrysler, and jeep passenger vehicles. These brake cylinders were sold under the brand names of napa, raybestos, aimco, ac delco, carquest, bendix, and wagner. Only products that were manufactured from july 27, 2005 through january 17, 2006 (date codes 0529 through 0602) are subject to this recall. When subject to very cold temperatures, an internal seal in the master cylinder could lose flexibility and may cause brake fluid to leak.
Risk: Loss of brake fluid can lead to a decrease in brake line pressure and an increase in stopping distance, which can result in a vehicle crash.
Remedy: Affinia (brake parts, inc.) will replace the subject brake hydraulic master cylinders free of charge. The recall began on march 20, 2006. Owners can contact affina group customer service at 1-800-323-0354.
Problem: Certain aftermarket airtex electric fuel pumps installed for use as replacement equipment for certain 1997-2004 jeep wrangler; 1997-2001 jeep cherokee; 1997-2004 jeep grand cherokee; and 2000-2003 dodge dakota vehicles. The plastic electrical grommet connectors at the top of the fuel pump module are not compatible with automotive fuels and may degrade causing a potential leak path for fuel.
Risk: In the presence of an ignition source, a fuel leak could result in a fire.
Remedy: Airtex will notify its customers and will replace the affected fuel pumps free of charge. The recall began on january 25, 2006. Owners may contact airtex customer service department at 1-800-880-3056.
EquipmentCampaign 04E041000 · 07 Jun 2004
Problem: Bestop aftermarket rear shell roof racks,manufactured between april 27 and may 20, 2004, designed for use with the bestop hardtop made for the 1986-1995 and 1997-2003 jeep wrangler. The cockpit cover may not stay latched to the roof rack because the latch bracket mispositions the rotary latch to the cockpit cover. As a result, the cockpit cover may not stay latched to the roof rack and could separate from the roof rack. This recall only pertains to aftermarket rear shell roof racks and has no relation to any original equipment installed on jeep wrangler vehicles by daimlerchrysler.
Risk: Should this occur, the cockpit could cause injury by striking persons outside the vehicle or could become a distraction or an obstacle to other drivers, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash.
Remedy: Bestop will notify its customers and provide a repair kit and installation instructions free of charge. Owner notification began june 16, 2004. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact bestop customer service department at (800) 845-3567.
What owners complain about
Share of the 39 most recent complaints stored for this model year, by component. Owners can list more than one component.
Steering10 · 26%
Suspension10 · 26%
Fuel system6 · 15%
Gasoline6 · 15%
Electrical system6 · 15%
Seat belts4 · 10%
Air bags4 · 10%
Engine and engine cooling2 · 5%
When complaints were filed
20082
20093
20106
20116
20122
20132
20143
20154
20163
20171
20211
20222
20232
20251
20261
From owner complaints
I have noticed that the driver side seatbelt will disengage while driving down the road. To remedy the problem i have paid extra attention when buckling in to make sure that it is latched properly. However, the seatbelt sometime still releases on it's own. This concerns me because i fear that when i do need the…
There is no low, med or high fan settings on my heater fan. Replaced heater resistor, and wiring harness due to melted harness. Still no heater fan. So as the local jeep dealership parts department had advised that there was an on going issue the heater fan switch. Replaced the switch, fan worked for about 2 hours…
We are experiencing the "death wobble". Have been to the repair shop several times but the wobble returns shortly after we get the jeep back on the road. Help.... *tr
Traveling at 60-65mph vehicle cut off without warning. No lights on dash came on. Pulled out of way of other traffic and came to a complete stop. Tried starting and started right up. Mileage 77,200. *tr
Recall and complaint records from the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). A recall listed here may not apply to every vehicle of this model year — always check your VIN with NHTSA or a dealer.