JL Reliability Opinions/Thoughts

[Blu bi Kong]

Nice pic

I had a factory defective heater core that had my 2019 in the shop for 22 days at 1200 miles, but I've since done around 10k mostly trail and driving-to-trail miles here and no issues. FCA took care of me during the downtime. Steering never an issue either, straight as an arrow even at 80mph.

Everything's gonna have a certain percentage failure rate and as it goes with forums, you're gonna see a disproportionate number of failures on here because most people come here for help with issues and tons of happy owners don't ever find the forums. The JL has been the most fun I've ever had on four wheels.

It is a great picture. Was that you Jesse or Chris on the camera

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[Blu bi Kong]

Totally agree sir.

just a regular guy. Sirs scare me a little!

 

[ThirtyOne]

Yeah I'm definitely trying to keep that in perspective. From the 2018 posts it seems like some concerns regarding steering rack, leaks whether it be water or noise. Fortunately haven't seen any major electric or mechanical things...

As I literally just told the sales guy i'm working with. I love the idea of the jeep, but no one can argue the long term reliability of a toyota. While i don't expect this to be a toyota, I just want to avoid unnecessary head ache/money pit problems.

Most 2018s didn't have steering issues either. A vocal minority. And I understand why they are vocal because it isn't easily fixed. But this narrative that 2018s had bad steering is not really accurate.

Why do you want a Wrangler? Frankly buying a Wrangler doesn't really make sense. Trying to make it make sense is the wrong approach. You either go for it, or you get something else.

 

[Jeepney Johnny]

Everything's gonna have a certain percentage failure rate and as it goes with forums, you're gonna see a disproportionate number of failures on here because most people come here for help with issues and tons of happy owners don't ever find the forums. The JL has been the most fun I've ever had on four wheels.

Absolutely, you'll never find a harsher group than owners. I was looking around the engine compartment after the W12 clutch recall to see what was done, and we can be honest, the JL sucks - there's way too much plastic that's going to get brittle and break...but that's EVERY new vehicle these days.

Difference is, with "enthusiast" vehicles like the Wrangler, you'll likely be able to find parts more easily or aftermarket replacement parts that're better quality than OEM. I bought a Wrangler expecting to modify it a little and fix it myself when I can, and sometimes get some help, which there's plenty of online and at 4x4 shops.

I'm curious, what else are you cross-shopping with the Wrangler? For me, it was the Bronco, and I just couldn't wait for it, any more. To be honest, I'd rather own a Ford than a Fiat, but giving the bird with your hand, is worth two bushels of...eh, whatever.

 

[flharleycop]

18K miles in 12 months, Zero issues.

What color is that?

 

[Bryce]

What color is that?

Sting Gray. Seems to change a bit under different light.

 

[stylett9]

Why do you want a Wrangler? Frankly buying a Wrangler doesn't really make sense. Trying to make it make sense is the wrong approach. You either go for it, or you get something else.

Love the look and feel of the wrangler. Want something that can easily explore the outdoors and take out with a few friends who do light off roading. Looking for an SUV with reasonable space in the back for a child seat.

Maybe I didn't articulate well enough in my original post but I'll try to clarify. I'm not trying to convince myself to get it. I like the wrangler and it fits many of my needs. I am, a little skeptical about long term reliability, and am continuing due diligence in an attempt to make a wise choice.

 

[stylett9]

I'm curious, what else are you cross-shopping with the Wrangler? For me, it was the Bronco, and I just couldn't wait for it, any more. To be honest, I'd rather own a Ford than a Fiat, but giving the bird with your hand, is worth two bushels of...eh, whatever.

This is a long story, but the condensed version is I currently have a deposit and holding out for a 2020 Tacoma TRD Pro. I really like the TRD Pro and the Rubicon Wrangler. I've got pros and cons for both, but right now the ship may be steering towards the wrangler purely based on back seat interior space, and unique feel factor. The fiance likes the jeep, but she "supports" the Taco. It's a sizable purchase for us and ownership interest is definitely long term, hence trying to get a deeper feel for what current owners think about reliability.

 

[Nomad]

I never had the steering issue. I did have a stop/start issue, the clutch pedal sensor, that took the dealer 4 tries to fix because they could never duplicate the code. Then I had the steering stabilizer recall, and the radiator leakage recall, and the clutch recall. Okay I'm not very happy about having that many issues but I did buy a first year model, and they are being fixed. I love the Jeep and don't want to get a different more boring vehicle.

 

[ThirtyOne]

Love the look and feel of the wrangler. Want something that can easily explore the outdoors and take out with a few friends who do light off roading. Looking for an SUV with reasonable space in the back for a child seat.

Maybe I didn't articulate well enough in my original post but I'll try to clarify. I'm not trying to convince myself to get it. I like the wrangler and it fits many of my needs. I am, a little skeptical about long term reliability, and am continuing due diligence in an attempt to make a wise choice.

Wrangler is never the wise choice. It’s loud. It has a rough ride. It’s overpriced. It’s not particularly reliable. It has terrible crash ratings! You will dump more cash into it than any other vehicle. All these things are better in a JL than previous generations but still worse than comparable vehicles. If you want to make a wise choice, don’t get the Wrangler. If you want a Wrangler, then get it.

 

[Will_Jeep]

I've got a 2018 2.0T, and the only issue that I have had with it, since I got it, was the USB port in the center console doesn't work. When I got it, I traded a a JKU, and the difference in drive was night and day, driving the stock JLU was like driving an SUV (compared to the JK). When I added bigger All Terrain tires (and new wheels), I seriously thought about putting the stock ones back on, the ride changed, but I soon got used to it.
My wife drove it once, and mentioned how loose the steering was, I didn't even notice it. I got the steering damper recall, and driving out of the dealership, I immediately noticed the improvement, and keep in mind I didn't think that there was anything wrong before I got it done!
I have done over 8,000 miles, in about 15 months of ownership, and I've had no problems. Keep in mind that I did once, accidentally, go on an unpaved parking lot, so that put extra stress of mall crawling pavement queen!

 

[JeepersCreepers2]

I have a 2018 and never had any steering issues. I did have to have the rear axle replaced at 11K miles which seems ridiculous. That being said, the dealer diagnosed it and fixed quickly so good experience. I was also debating between a Jeep and a Sierra and man am I glad I got the Jeep. This is my first Wrangler and all I can say is having one now makes me rethink every other vehicle I ever bought. The joy it brings is worth it, now go get a Wrangler

 

[Amaruq]

Nice pic

I had a factory defective heater core that had my 2019 in the shop for 22 days at 1200 miles, but I've since done around 10k mostly trail and driving-to-trail miles here and no issues. FCA took care of me during the downtime. Steering never an issue either, straight as an arrow even at 80mph.

Everything's gonna have a certain percentage failure rate and as it goes with forums, you're gonna see a disproportionate number of failures on here because most people come here for help with issues and tons of happy owners don't ever find the forums. The JL has been the most fun I've ever had on four wheels.

Dope shot, man!

 

[SamUSA]

Almost nine months with no issues what so ever!

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