2017 Jeep Wrangler Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
Model data compiled from public NHTSA records; may be incomplete, inaccurate, or out of date. General information, not professional advice — see Terms.
One honest thing before you start
We're car-data nerds, not mechanics. This checklist is general information — not professional advice — built from real recall records and thousands of owner complaints to make you a sharper shopper. Think of it as triage, not a diagnosis.
Before any money moves, get an independent inspection from a qualified mechanic (typically $100–$250). Our data comes from public sources and may be incomplete, inaccurate, or out of date — no checklist catches everything.
So here's the deal: use this to decide whether a car is worth that inspection. You're evaluating and buying the car entirely at your own risk — we're not liable for anything this checklist misses, anything it gets wrong, or any loss resulting from your purchase decision. Fair?
Known issues for the 2017 Wrangler
5
Service Brakes complaints Red flag
Check pedal feel and stopping distance on the test drive, and confirm no brake warning lights are on. (76 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 76 NHTSA complaints
Engine complaints Red flag
Watch the temperature gauge and warning lights on a long test drive, and look for leaks under the engine. (62 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 62 NHTSA complaints
Power Train complaints Red flag
Note any hesitation, harsh shifting, or slipping during city and highway driving. (50 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 50 NHTSA complaints
Electrical System complaints Red flag
Test all electronics — lights, windows, infotainment, and driver aids — and confirm no warning lights stay on. (45 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 45 NHTSA complaints
Air Bags complaints Red flag
Check that no airbag warning lights are on, and ask the seller for proof that any airbag recalls were completed. (26 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 26 NHTSA complaints
Verify on NHTSA → · How we get our data →
22 additional complaints were filed without a specific component.
Open recalls
5
Seat Belts Red flag
A separated or severed seat belt buckle strap will result in an inoperable seat belt, increasing the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Fuel System, Gasoline Red flag
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
Air Bags Red flag
If the ORC module does not receive a signal from the front impact sensor, both frontal air bags and the seat belt pretensioners will not deploy in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Exterior Lighting Red flag
Having the brake lamps continuously illuminated or being able to shift the vehicle out of PARK when the brake pedal is not pressed (and the ignition is in the RUN mode) can increase the risk of a crash.
The 31-point checklist
31
0 / 31 checked · 0 red flags ·
Before you go
We may earn a commission — it keeps the checklist free.
Check the VIN history on EpicVIN
Check it on CarFax (we don't earn from this)
Get an OBD2 scanner DEMO
Paperwork & history
Exterior & wheels
Interior & electronics
Under the hood
Test drive (15+ min, city + highway)
This tells you whether the car deserves a pro inspection (typically $100–$250) — it's not the inspection.
2017 Wrangler–specific issues
Your verdict
Keep inspecting — you're under halfway. The red-flag items matter most.
No red flags? Nice. A pro's eyes on it before your money moves is still the play.
Two red flags just saved you the inspection fee. Plenty more cars out there.
We may earn a commission — it keeps the checklist free.
Frequently asked questions
How many recalls does the 2017 Jeep Wrangler have?
NHTSA lists 5 recalls for the 2017 Wrangler. The most serious involve Seat Belts (19V680000) and Electrical System (18V524000). Ask the seller for proof each recall was completed.
What are the most common complaints about the 2017 Wrangler?
The top complaint areas are Service Brakes (76 complaints) and Engine (62 complaints), out of 309 total complaints.
What should I check before buying a used 2017 Wrangler?
Run through the full inspection checklist below, verify any open recalls were completed, and get an independent pre-purchase inspection. Pay special attention to Service Brakes, which drew 76 complaints for this model-year.